Boy had that backfired on them. Myra understood that his actions were unforgivable, so they avoided discussing it and kept their distance from Edgar whenever possible.
“Okay. I've got this meeting and some things to get done before you get back, then we're still on for dinner?” he checked, really loving the fact that saying things like that had become normal. Asking when Giovanni was going to be 'home', hearing 'I miss you' and all the other things that came with being in a committed relationship.
“Yup. I'll bring it back with me,” Giovanni promised, then swore. “Sorry, baby. Looks like I'm needed. I'll see you later.”
Then he was gone.
With a smile, he ended the call and leaned his head back against the head rest. He perused the 'to do' list that Myra had sent him:
balloons – classic, monochrome
table centrepieces
room decorations
invitations
find a theme
advertisement
arrange pre-event interviews with Myra or Giovanni, to discuss the aim of the fundraiser
Most of it was easy enough to arrange. Darren nodded and knew what he'd do with his day, after this meeting. He was going shopping. The purchases were easy and something he could do alone, without the need for input on what was appropriate or not. The theme, advertisement and interviews he would leave for when he could discuss them with Myra.
After all, he didn't have the first clue where to start, but a request or purchase of interview and ad space would always sound better coming from a woman well versed in dealing with organising charity events. “Rhett, I think we're going to have a very busy day,” he said, lifting his head to smile at his friend.
Rhett smiled back and shrugged. “Nothing we're not used to,” he admitted, with a chuckle. “Do we need to stop for supplies after the meeting? Anything urgent?” he asked, on the ball and ready to delve into whatever project came next, as always.
“Not yet. Later,” he promised, unable to help but smile as he watched his friend. “You know that I'd be a mess without you, right? I swear I'd never be able to do this alone, without forgetting something or losing half my shit all over that house.”
His partner in crime laughed and signalled for a turn. “Well, I'll admit that I didn't do it all alone. I hired that guy you recommended, Eddy. He's been helping me keep on top of things.”
Darren tried not to grin in delight, to see that his nefarious plan was working. Rhett had no idea that he'd decided to set them up on purpose. Eddy had been a good friend, despite his brief infatuation with Giovanni. He'd had enough classes with Jean and Jaime, after he and Giovanni left for Italy, that he'd become part of their little group. Eddy had even flown out to the vineyard a time or two, cementing their friendship. When he'd heard Eddy talking about being ready to settle down, six months ago, he'd immediately thought about Rhett. His ex-co-worker and friend threw himself into his work and never left himself time for a love life, so he'd thought getting them to work together would be the only, and ideal, way to get them to spend time together.
It seemed his plan had paid off.
“Well, I'm glad he's working out,” he said, clearing his throat to remove the amusement from his voice. “He's very sweet and feisty. When he said he needed a job, I just knew you'd be able to work well together,” he hinted, turning to watch Rhett for his reaction.
His neck flushed a little; just enough to tell Darren that he was right. There was a spark there, even if it was only early days. Anything was better than nothing, so he lay his head back and smiled, happy to have good news to share with Giovanni when they got home.
