Lacey gripped her stomach and turned pale. “Trust me, you don’t want to try it. It was only good at the time of my craving and now I get sick thinking about it.”
Serena finally spoke up for the first time since Monica arrived. “I have all of you beat. When I was pregnant with my daughter all I wanted to eat was shrimp po-boys wrapped in pancakes with blueberry syrup and jalapeno peppers on the side. Just the thought of it, brings back heartburn and stomach aches.”
“Someone pass me the tums,” Sara joked.
“I didn’t know you had a daughter Serena.” Lacey pulled out a chair to sit down with them. “How old is she?”
Serena’s eyes darkened so imperceptibly, Monica doubted the other two ladies noticed. “She’s twelve. Now, how about we get down to business,” she said with a smile that Monica knew was fake.
Hours of training over the years helped her to pick up on any nuance of body language, and Serena undoubtedly had secrets. She let her mind wander about what those secrets might be, something she’d rather think about than the ache she felt deep in her spirit with all the talk of pregnancies. With no warning, a terrible loneliness rolled over her, and she wished Rex was here beside her. How would she get through dinner that night?
“What do you think Monica?” Lacey’s voice brought her back to the conversation around her.
“I’m sorry Lacey, my mind must have drifted. What was the question?”
“Which of these dress colors should we choose for you, Sara, and Jenna?”
“Definitely that one,” she said, pointing to the first one that caught her eye. She couldn’t let her dear friend know she’d paid absolutely no attention to the conversation up until this point.
“Great choice. That’s what I was leaning toward but didn’t want to sway opinions.” Lacey picked up the sample of sage green satin and held it closely. “The color will look great on all of you. Which style would you both like?”
Monica trained herself to pay attention—she owed that to Lacey. Forcing her own private thoughts to the recesses of her brain, she sat discussing everything from flower colors, band versus a DJ, and every other detail relating to a wedding that could possibly be discussed.
By the time Serena declared she had enough information, Monica was surprised to discover she had enjoyed herself. Despite her initial lack of personality and hidden secrets, Serena had proven herself to be an excellent coordinator and very attentive to detail. Monica could see herself becoming friends with her. Maybe she could even hire her for her own wedding. Heat flooded to her face and she knew it was red.Please, don’t let anyone ask why.
When Serena left, Monica excused herself for a dose of fresh air. All the talk of weddings affected her senses and she needed room to breathe before Rex arrived. She walked to her car, pretending to rummage for something then returned to the house when she felt her emotions had cooled down.
“Are you feeling ok,” Lacey asked when she stepped back into the house.
She nodded. “I’ll be fine once my body adjusts to temperatures this warm in October.”
“Tom and Dustin should be here soon. I hope you don’t mind that we invited Rex, as well.”
Lacey’s blatant delight in her even more obvious matchmaking attempt amused Monica. “Give it up Lacey. We’re good friends and that’s all we’ll ever be.”
“Then you shouldn’t mind him joining us for dinner,” Lacey replied with a wink.
Biting the inside of her cheek, she followed Lacey into the kitchen and worked alongside her and Sara to prepare dinner. The last plate was set on the table when Tom walked in, greeting Lacey with a kiss. Minutes later, Sara’s husband Dustin came and greeted his wife in a similar fashion.
Monica’s stomach rolled in anticipation of Rex’s arrival. Her heart raced when he walked in wearing the outfit he knew drove her crazy, the old worn jeans, the black t-shirt with a local band’s logo and his trademark ball cap.
This would be a long night.
***
Rex hadn’t been able to resist when he’d gotten dressed for the evening. He probably should have worn dressier clothes, but he knew Monica loved this particular outfit.
The second she saw him, her eyes flashed with attraction. He flashed her a smile and stood aside, waiting to be acknowledged by their hosts.
“Thanks for coming Rex. We’ve missed you around lately.” Lacey gave him a sisterly hug. “Monica’s here. I hope you don’t mind that we invited her since she’s in town.”
“Not at all. I’m always glad to see an old friend.” He reached out to shake her hand and when she accepted it, she pulled him into her own friendly hug—a split second of contact, but he didn’t miss her quick gasp of pleasure when she inhaled. The aftershave had been a good decision.
“Challenge accepted,” she whispered as she leaned in, so softly he may have blinked wondering if he had heard her right. When she backed away, her eyes told him he most definitely had. What had he walked into?
Monica left the room, leaving him standing with the other two men. He looked at Dustin. “How’s that new position working out?”
“So far I like it. Most of the work is the same as what I did offshore, but now I get to be home every night.”
