“Oh, I feel so silly. You have no idea what I’ve been thinking this past while. I thought that my being in New York with you might have been a mistake, that it brought back too many painful memories of…” She shook her head. “Of course. OfcourseI’ll move in with you. I’d love to!”
Ethan exhaled with relief. He felt fantastic. He wasn’t sure where the idea had come from, but clearly it had been the right move.
Now, all was back on track, and even though she didn’t admit it fully, he knewexactlywhat Vanessa had been thinking since New York. She was obviously concerned that his sudden withdrawal was due to the fact that he was still pining for Jane.
All because of that stupid bag switch. And until he got that sorted, this was the perfect interim solution really.
He recalled Brian’s comment about taking his time and not rushing into anything. Well, this at least gave him the opportunity to buy some time, didn’t it?
Time to get that ring back from Knowles so he could move on with his life once and for all.
Chapter 22
Rachel was talking on her phone, and it was clear by her sparkling eyes that she was talking to Gary. Her eyes always looked like that when she spoke to him, and Terri could never quite figure out why.
Then, Rachel ended the call and practically danced toward her, impulsively embracing her. “Ah, life is good when you’re in love,” she gushed.
“As it should be.” But Terri’s tone must have lacked conviction, because her friend pulled away to look at her.
“What’s up? You sound…weird.”
“Ah, you know me. All this happiness and joy just pulls at my heart,” Terri said lightly, trying to inject her usual, more sardonic tone into her voice. She couldn’t help thinking about what Justin had said before.
WasGary the right man for Rachel? Yes, the engagement seemed to have come out of nowhere, but it was an engagement nonetheless. And any fool could see that Rachel was blissfully happy, so surely that counted for something?
“Oh, give over. We both know that deep down you’re a real softie.”
“Yep, that’s me.” Terri looked at her watch. “Bloody hell, it’s almost eight. The masses will be arriving soon. Tell us, where’s your knight in shining armor?”
“That was him I was just talking to. He was on his bike so I could barely hear him, but it sounded like he was asking about us having enough beer.” Rachel rolled her eyes. “You know the way those lads won’t be caught dead drinking wine.”
Terri did. Gary’s mates were as infantile as he and should be grateful enough about being fed and watered for free at this party, let alone start making demands. But Rachel didn’t seem to mind, so perhaps Terri shouldn’t let it bother her either.
Then as if on cue, five bikes zoomed past on the street outside. Rachel gave a little jump and clapped her hands together. “Here we go—party time! I’d better freshen up,” she said, scampering toward the ladies’ room.
Terri headed farther down, to where Justin was already handing out canapés to the first of their guests.
“Lover boy and his posse have just arrived,” the head chef muttered wryly.
“Yes, I witnessed the caravan.”
As if on cue, Gary and his leathered-up biker crew came through the door just as Rachel reappeared. He tossed his helmet onto a nearby chair and grabbed her around the waist, spinning her around. The handful of onlookers already present applauded, and Gary grinned while his fiancée smiled demurely. Then she handed out beers to each of his mates before pouring a glass of champagne for herself.
Terri saw Justin suspiciously eyeing the spectacle. “How come His Highness is only rolling in now? Wouldn’t you think he’d have been here earlier to lend a hand?”
“To be fair, this is our specialty, not his. Unless you wanted the kitchen extended or something.” Now that he and her friend were betrothed, Terri felt somewhat duty bound to defend Gary.
“Oh my God,” the chef continued, open-mouthed, motioning in the direction of the happy couple. “Did I just hear her ask him if he liked the dress? She had toaskif he liked that dress? NowIneed a drink.”
An hour later, thirty or so people were grazing their way through tray after tray of quiches, cheese plates, blinis, and a plethora of other Gillini specials. The DJ arrived, a friend of Justin’s who promised to play the perfect party mix through the bistro’s sound system.
Some people were dancing, but Terri was nursing her second glass of champagne when she looked over to see a woman standing tentatively in the doorway. There was something vaguely familiar about her, and when someone else came in behind her and a gust of wind caught her strawberry-blond hair, revealing more of her face, Terri knew in an instant who she was.
“Hello,” she said, greeting the woman warmly. “You must be Gary’s mother.”
“Yes,” the petite woman replied, looking pleased to be noticed. “I feel terrible for being so late, but I got a bit delayed.” Mary Knowles’s diminutive stature initially made her seem too young to be Gary’s mother, but on closer look, Terri noted the lines in her face.
“Not at all. Everything’s just getting started really. Come inside and get something to eat. Can I get you something to drink? A glass of champagne maybe? Isn’t it great news about the engagement? You must be so proud of your son.”
