“Smells delicious too,” Daisy agreed. “I’m sooo hungry.”
“Well, we’re just in time then,” Terri chuckled, followed by Justin, who was carrying a platter of savory goodies. “Now this is a broad selection of options, so I’ll leave you three to dig in. Then, when you’re ready, we’ll bring out some mains samples. Sound okay?”
Already Ethan’s mouth was watering, and he worried that if Vanessa did choose Gillini for the wedding, it meant there could be no avoiding Rachel forever.
While they ate, Vanessa verbally rated every morsel she put into her mouth while Ethan tuned out and wondered again how Rachel had reacted when she realized her precious ring had disappeared. He knew that he wouldn’t be able to relax properly until he found out.
He spotted Terri across the room chatting to customers at a table near the bar and, vaguely recalling the restroom facilities were situated in that area, figured this was a good opportunity to get her alone.
“Back in a moment.” Excusing himself, he stood up and tried to catch her eye as he approached. She seemed to sense his gaze and very quickly finished up and proceeded to a small alcove by the entrance to the bathrooms. He followed, conscious that while the area afforded them some privacy, it would still be all too easy for Vanessa or Daisy to spot him.
“I’m so sorry about this,” he began without preamble. “I had no idea Vanessa was going to arrange this, but thank goodness she spoke to you on the phone. I can only imagine how awkward it would’ve been if Rachel—”
“How much trouble it would’ve caused, you mean,” Terri interjected shortly. “Seriously, what the hell were you thinking coming back here?”
“I couldn’t help it. It was all arranged without my knowledge. Believe me, I had no intention of coming within a million miles of the place again, and sorry,” he added quickly. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m incredibly grateful that you helped me sort it all out before, but what about Rachel?”
“What about her?”
“Well, she isn’t here—on a Saturday. I take it that’s also your doing?”
“Of course. I couldn’t risk her seeing that ring on another woman’s finger. Rachel can be a bit innocent, but any fool would be able to put two and two together.”
He frowned. “Knowles still hasn’t told her the truth, I take it.”
“You take it right.” She shook her head. “I know I did you a favor, but really, Ethan, if I’d known how upset she’d be, I’m not so sure I’d have intervened.”
“For goodness’ sake, how is he still getting away with putting her through this?” He clenched his fists.
Terri looked at him curiously. “I thought you said it wasn’t any of your concern.”
“It isn’t, but I can’t bear to think that the guy is still stringing her along. She’s far too good for him.”
“I know, but at this stage, it’s out of our hands.”
“Greene!”
They both started at the sound of the voice and turned to see a tall, broad-chested man Ethan vaguely recognized headed toward them, a thunderous look on his face.
“Shit…speak of the devil,” Terri muttered, and to his dismay, Ethan realized that all attempts at controlling this situation had suddenly gone right out the window.
“Mr. Knowles, I presume?” As his nemesis stood in front of him, Ethan tried to remind himself that he had nothing to worry about, since Gary Knowles was and had always been in the wrong.
But when the guy had a good twenty pounds on him, this was…difficult.
“I knew it. I bloodyknewyou were behind this,” Knowles boomed, and Terri grabbed each and pulled them into a doorway out of sight of other customers.
“Gary, what the hell are you playing at?” she hissed. “This isn’t your crappy local.”
“You should have thought of that before you helped Mr. Do-Gooder here steal Rachel’s ring,” he growled.
Ethan was flabbergasted. “Rachel’s ring?” he retorted hotly. “For goodness’ sake, you know damn well that it was never Rachel’s or indeed yours!”
Knowles took a threatening step toward him. “Where is it? What did you do with it? I’m warning you, Greene. You make sure she gets it back right now or I’ll—”
“Ethan? What’s going on?” Vanessa interjected with a white-faced Daisy by her side. “Who is this man?”
Knowles remained standing there, a satisfied smirk on his face as if he realized that this was an awkward moment in more ways than one.
