Page 91 of Best Laid Plans

"No," Trev protested. "Every time she does, she ends up in jail."

I giggled. "It's funny, even if it's true."

We met for dinner at the Fiddler's Crab House, where the seafood was fresh, and views of the river were awesome. We sat at a table by a large window with a picture-perfect view of the water.

It was a Friday night, so the restaurant was buzzing with activity. Diners' cheerful chatter mixed with the tinkling of silverware and glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter.

"So, tell me all about the going on the knees and crawling business," Katya grinned. "You just mentioned it over the phone and left me hangin'."

"Baby, I'm on my knees for you all the time," Trevor said suggestively.

"I don't need that image in my head," I grimaced.

"You're so good on your knees," Katya cooed.

While they bantered, I looked out of the window. The sun was beginning to set, and the water looked like it was on fire. I wondered what Anson was doing this evening. A very small part of me had wanted to invite him for dinner, but that seemed a bit too forward when I was trying to push him away.

Hard to push away a man who's living across the hall from you, Nova.

"So, what are we eating?" Katya asked, glancing at the menus laid out on the table.

"How about a seafood platter to share," Trevor suggested. "It has everything—crab legs, shrimp, oysters, and more. Plus, we get some garlic butter and hush puppies on the side."

"Sounds perfect," I replied, my mouth watering at the thought.

When the server arrived, we ordered a bottle of Sancerre, and the seafood platter. After Katya did the whole wine smelling and tasting business, the conversation naturally turned to their upcoming wedding.

"Eight months to go," Trevor shook his head. "Mom is all in with the planning, of course."

Katya rolled her eyes. "She's driving me up the wall. I swear, if she suggests one more change to the colors or the flowers, I might just drag Trev to Vegas and elope."

I laughed, knowing all too well how Trevor's mother could be. "Donna won't care. She'll still have your wedding here."

"Gah," Katya agreed. "But wouldn't it be great if we could run away, Trev? No fuss, no stress. Just us."

Trevor squeezed her hand, a loving smile on his face. "Honey, we want kids someday, so I'm not going to risk my balls that she'll ram down my throat if I don't give Mama the wedding she wants."

"Speaking of mothers…." I raised my glass at Trevor. "How did Beau's conversation with Donna go?"

"Don't know," Trevor reported. "He hasn't given me an update, and Mama hasn't said a thing, so I don't think he's told her yet. He's been crazy busy…was in DC for somethin', and then San Diego for a conference."

"You nervous about Donna?" Katya asked sympathetically.

"I don't want her hurt."

"Neither do I." Trevor put his hand on mine and squeezed. "Beau is pretty confident that he'll smooth it out. I'm gonna trust him, you should as well."

"I still can't believe how quickly he embraced me as part of the family. It means a lot," I said, feeling a surge of gratitude.

Trevor nodded. "Beau's thrilled to have you as a sister, and pissed with me for withholding…ah…as he put it…sisterly love from his life."

Katya and I laughed.

"He tells me you're resisting getting part of what Daddy's will owes you," Trevor spoke carefully. He knew I was volatile when it came to money. Growing up poor, I never wanted anyone to think that I was trying to take anything from them. So much for my efforts, because Anson had believed the worst about me.

Katya smiled warmly. "You're family, Nova. We all want you to have your share."

I felt a lump in my throat, overwhelmed by their kindness. "Thank you. Really. It's been a lot to take in, but having your support makes it easier. But…money is…I don't know, maybe it's how things turned out with Anson, but I've always felt that money, easy money that you don't have to work for corrupts."

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