“Is she coming tonight?”
“No one seems to know.”
Laurel groaned. “Well, if she comes and opens her bag of tricks, I will perform a vanishing act.”
“What does this woman do that’s so bad?” Wes asked with curiosity.
Riva grimaced. “It’s hard to describe.”
“Let’s just say Kitty is used to getting her own way,” Marcus told him. “And if she’s had too much to drink, like she did last night, well, she can get even pushier.”
“That’s putting it mildly.” Laurel frowned. “She likes to be the center of attention. Particularly with eligible males. Or maybe it doesn’t matter if they’re eligible or not.”
“Fair warning,” Marcus said in a somber tone, “if she shows up, I’ll be trying to distance myself from her tonight.”
“You and me both,” Laurel added.
Windy and Fiona came out with food to put on the grill, followed by a couple of men Riva recognized from Fiona’s band last night. Introductions were made and Riva complimented them on their musical skills. She turned to Wes. “I hope you can hear them sometime. They’re so talented.”
“Fiona hinted that we might need to sing for our supper,” a man named Brad told her. “And we just so happened to bring our instruments, so if you want a little merrymaking after dinner, just ask.”
“I’ll ask right now,” Riva told him. “That’d be wonderful.”
When the seafood was grilled and Kitty still hadn’t shown up, Windy suggested they eat without her, and soon the eight of them were seated at the table. Interestingly enough, they alternated genders all the way around. So much for Marcus’s “harem.” Riva had Wes on one side of her and Brad on the other, and to her surprise, she felt relaxed and at ease. Nothing like the last time they’d gathered out here. Perhaps she really was making progress, one baby step at a time.
Chapter21
As the eight of them dined, Riva sensed Fiona’s interest in Brad was more personal than professional. So Riva focused her attention back on Wes. He was a likable fellow and a good conversationalist. In some ways, he reminded her of Paul. Not in looks since he was taller and had more hair, but something about his confidence and easy humor felt familiar.
She glanced across the table, where Laurel was chatting with Marcus about the upcoming challenges in the school year. She could tell that Laurel was in her element, but Marcus seemed unusually quiet. Perhaps he was worried, like she was, that Kitty would show up and toss a giant Kitty-shaped wrench into the works.
Eventually, dinner was over and everyone was too stuffed to enjoy the frozen dessert Windy had prepared for them. “Why don’t we wait until later,” Riva suggested.
“Yes,” Fiona agreed. “We need some music and dancing first. We can work up our appetites.” She poked Brad in the shoulder. “Feel like getting out your guitar?”
“I was just waiting to be asked,” he told her.
Riva started picking up the dishes. “I’ll clear while you musicians set up.”
“But I’m on KP tonight,” Fiona pointed out.
“Not if you’re providing music,” Riva told her. “It’s more than a fair exchange.”
“I’ll help.” Wes picked up a large salad bowl and a pitcher of iced tea, then followed Riva into the kitchen. As Riva prepared leftovers for the fridge, Wes carried dishes in, then began to rinse and load the dishwasher.
“You’re good help,” Riva told him when they finished up.
“My ex used to accuse me of being obsessive about the kitchen.” He gave the countertop one final swipe. “But after a big dinner, I never liked seeing a dirty kitchen the next morning.”
“I’m the same way.” She was curious about his story, but she didn’t want to ask. “I got very particular after we remodeled this kitchen. I loved it so much that I couldn’t bear to see it all messed up. It got so that I could keep it fairly straight even while cooking.”
“Clean up as you go. I do that too. Makes short work later.”
“I tried to teach my kids to do it.” Riva put the plastic wrap back in the drawer. “But I don’t think they appreciated the concept.” She shrugged.
“How many kids do you have?”
“Just two.” She told him about Brent and Kenzie. “Do you have children?”
