He took the dessert and held open the door for her, silently cursing Gianna for selling him out for a free purse. Personally, he’d always found the purses Caroline carried around to be oversized and old-ladyish, but whatever.
Once inside, they played an awkward version of musical chairs, as everywhere Will sat down, Caroline followed, snuggling into the crook of his arm. And all the while she continued to talk about her stupid trip to Florida until he finally pushed her off and stared her down, ending her boring speech once and for all.
“Caroline, stop this. You know we would never work.”
She glanced down at her nails, pretending to study them. “I know, Will. But you don’t have to be so prickly with me. You act as if women were mosquitos to be swatted away.”
Only some women.He ignored the jibe and took up Gianna’s suggestion. “Why don’t we go get started on the salad?”
Caroline looked like she was going to continue sulking, but she stood up and followed him into the kitchen, occasionally making jokes about what he might do if their hands accidentally touched while exchanging tomatoes and carrots. Will only smirked. Caroline was a much more interesting conversationalist when she was mad at him.
Gianna returned and took in Caroline’s stiff posture and Will’s eye roll. She smiled. “Will, would you mind checking my computer while Caroline and I finish up dinner? It’s making this funny noise when I turn it on, and I’m afraid the engine thingy is wearing out.”
“I’d be happy to.” He headed into the den and closed the double doors behind him. Gianna wasn’t off the hook yet, but he couldn’t help chuckling at her specialized terminology. “Engine thingy,” he muttered. Hopefully, this was a pretend problem and not a real one. He might know more about computers than Gianna, but not by much.
He turned her desktop computer on and waited, but everything seemed fine, so he read the news until Gianna came to coax him back to the kitchen for dinner.
“Why did you tell her I was coming home?” he whispered. “I was looking forward to spending some time with you without having to entertain anyone. Oh, and your computer is all ‘fixed.’”
“Tell her you’re not interested. Why do you play these avoidance games with her?”
“I’ve told her. Repeatedly. She just insults me and then goes back to wearing me down.”
“Then tell her you have a girlfriend. And get one. What about that girl in Meryton?”
The door creaked. “What girl in Meryton?”
Will and Gianna turned back to stare at their eavesdropper. “No one,” they said in unison.
***
Elsie’s phone buzzed while she was scraping the bottom of her ice cream bowl for one last delicious bite. Jeff had already scarfed his down and was turning his napkin into an origami bird. Seeing her mom’s name on the phone screen was not the highlight of the evening. Elsie almost ignored the call, but if it had something to do with Dad, she wanted to know right away. “Hi, Mom.”
“Elsie, you must come over here immediately. Collin just showed up in a gorgeous sedan. You have to see this car. And his matching luggage set is to die for. Anyway, we were having pie, and he mentioned his financial advisor wants to see him in a steady relationship with someone sensible and humble, someone who can keep him grounded and away from gold diggers who would rob him blind. And he’s asked about you girls. Jane’s not answering her phone. I need you to find her, and the two of you must come here and meet him. Make sure you’re wearing makeup this time.”
“Mom, you should keep your voice down. What if he can hear you?”
“Oh, your father is out back with him, showing him the citrus trees. But you must come soon!”
“I can’t right now. I’m out with someone.”
Jeff leaned over and tickled her ribs. “That’s right you are.”
Elsie stifled a giggle and tried to lean out of his reach.
“What is so funny, young lady?”
Mrs. Bennet’s hysterical voice only made it harder for Elsie to keep from laughing. “Can’t I come tomorrow? I’m sure Collin’s tired from traveling.”
“He’s just fine. And I already told him you were eager to meet him and would be coming right over.”
Elsie banged her head on the table in front of her, which only made Jeff laugh harder.
“Are you there, Elsie?”
“I’m here.”
“Are you coming?”
