A wide-eyed look of dismay came before Archer’s clearing of his throat. “Can I make a suggestion?”
“What?”
“Go home and shower first, put on proper clothes—and shoes.” The Reeves trademark smile came out. “If Jessa is half the person you say she is, I doubt she’d mind, but it’s a given you should never woo a girl in your pajamas. She deserves better.”
Embarrassment took root. Again, he’d forgotten he’d rushed out without changing. “I’m not usually scatterbrained.”
“Welcome to the world of love, my brother.”
***
Jessa rummaged through her closet, searching for an outfit for tonight’s party. She’d been tempted to decline the invitation, but Rachel rarely hosted events at her house, and this was a big deal for her. She needed Jessa’s support, or so she’d said when she handed Jessa the invitation and begged her to come.
At least she didn’t have to dress up. Last year, she’d attended a black-tie gala as a representative of the chamber, and she’d made the mistake of wearing shoes she hadn’t tested out beforehand. She’d gone home that night with blisters as souvenirs.
She settled on a pair of fitted jeans, a white crisscross shirt, and a shimmery black blazer to add a touch of glitz. A pair of her black heels complemented the outfit, and she finished it by adding an extra long double strand silver necklace with an oversized black oval charm. She’d made sure to dry her hair that morning so it would be manageable to style.
Her stomach growled. She’d not eaten since her early lunch. Mrs. Addy had an entire spread of food downstairs, set out for the mini celebration she’d hold tonight. Would it be rude to grab a few bites even though she wasn’t staying? The baked brie called her name.
The heels she wore slowed her going down the steps, but she wasn’t in a hurry. She had an hour before she’d leave for Rachel’s. Her phone rang, and she withdrew it from her pocket. “Hi, Phoebe.”
“Happy New Year’s Eve,” Phoebe greeted. “You’re still going to Rachel’s party, right?”
“Yes, why?”
“Could I swing by Addy’s and borrow that dress you bought in the city last year?” Phoebe laughed, not from humor, but nerves? “I found out Mac will be there too.”
“Sure.” Jessa smiled to herself. A longtime friend of the girls, Mac had no clue that Phoebe’s feelings extended to more, and her sister was too shy to outright tell him.
“I’m on my way now. I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
“Let yourself in. I’m in the dining room grabbing a snack.” She scooped a pile of brie on her plate as she spoke.
“Thanks. I owe you one.”
Jessa disconnected and scanned the buffet for other snacks she could add to her plate. It all tempted her, but she didn’t want to fill up before Rachel’s. She chose a parmesan-dusted artichoke then sat down at the table. Where was everyone else? Too early still? She knew Dana Castille, one of the other boarders, planned to stay in, and two parties had reservations for tonight. Mrs. Addy had invited several friends too.
What if no one showed up and Mrs. Addy had put in all the effort for nothing? Jessa’s heart sank. She couldn’t leave her landlord alone. The lady was a grandmother figure to her. Was there a way to make both parties? She munched on her food as she debated.
Mrs. Addy walked in, carrying another tray. “Would you like a prosciutto-wrapped asparagus?”
“No thank you.” She cast a glance around the room devoid of people, save her and Mrs. Addy. “It’s quiet in here.”
“Won’t be for long.” Mrs. Addy grinned. “I set up a karaoke machine in the game room. Once everyone gets here, I’ll need earplugs.”
“What time is everyone supposed to come?”
Mrs. Addy raised her gaze to the vintage French clock hanging on the wall. “In an hour. For once, I’m ahead of schedule. I added more to this year’s menu and miscalculated how long the preparations would take. I might have to reheat a few items.”
“How many people do you expect?”
“Forty to fifty. Forty-three sent a rsvp, but you always have a few not show up, and then a handful show up who never responded either way.” Mrs. Addy laid the tray on the buffet and smiled. “That’s the joy of entertaining.”
“Oh wow, I didn’t realize you’d invited that many.” Relieved to know her landlord would ring in the New Year with plenty of company, Jessa didn’t think again about staying for the evening.
“The more, the merrier.” She leaned in close. “I also didn’t expect so many to say yes. Most people already have set plans for the evening.”
“Host it again next year, and I’ll be here.”
