Page 53 of The Best of Friends

“Thanks.” Jayne sank into the chair opposite Elizabeth’s.

“It’s gorgonzola and walnut with a sweet curry sauce. But you’ll want to look over the menu first. How are you feeling? Is your arm better?”

The friendly questions and concern were almost unnerving, but Jayne knew Elizabeth could be charming when it suited her. She did it just enough to lull people into a false sense of relaxation, then pounced.

“I’m great,” she said.

Timothy appeared with bottled water and a menu. He listed the specials, which included the famous ravioli. Jayne refused an offer of a cocktail or wine and chose the ravioli. Elizabeth got the salmon salad, no dressing, no cheese.

When they were alone, Elizabeth leaned forward. “I’ve been thinking,” she said. “I want to plan another party for David. The brunch was a disaster. Rebecca completely stole all the attention, and he barely had a chance to talk to the young women I’d invited. So I’m thinking of a dinner.”

“Your dinner parties are always events,” Jayne said.

“Yes, and you know I prefer elegant. But to give David a chance to talk with as many people as possible, I’m considering a buffet.”

Jayne couldn’t hide her surprise.

Elizabeth chuckled, then sipped on her martini. “I know, I know. Not my style, but sacrifices must be made. He swears he’s back to settle down and get married. I need to make sure he finds the right sort of woman. If I leave him to do that on his own, disaster will follow.”

“The ladies do like him,” Jayne said, thinking how much she had enjoyed their last encounter. The man knew how to kiss. Probably from years of practice. Dinner had been amazing, too. Three hours of great conversation. In fact, she wasn’t sure which she enjoyed more—the kissing or the talking. She would need a lot more of both before she could decide.

She reached for her water, then paused. Wait a minute. If he was home to find the perfect someone and get married, what was he doing kissing her? She wasn’t his type. And even if he had a fleeting thought that she might be fun to get to know, he had to be aware that his parents wouldn’t consider her appropriate.

Issues for another time, she told herself.

“You’ll help with the party?” Elizabeth asked. “I want your thoughts on the guest list and what we should serve. It will be so much work, but worth it.”

“You can count on me,” Jayne said automatically.

The smile returned. “I knew I could. At the party itself, you can help me watch him and figure out who has caught his attention. I already spoke to David, and he’s looking forward to the dinner. We’ll pick a day and then get going on the details.”

“Does he know you’re helping him find a wife?” she asked.

“Why on earth would I mention that? He’s aware of the ultimate goal but little else. He’s a man—he’s not interested in the details. Besides, there will be a houseful of beautiful, well-connected, successful women keeping him company. That’s hardly bad for him.”

Timothy appeared with their lunches. Although the pasta smelled heavenly, Jayne found she wasn’t as hungry as she had thought. She was also very clear on the reason. Elizabeth’s description of the party had provided her with a visual of David in a sea of perfect women. Women who weren’t her.

It wasn’t that she wanted to be them, either. She was happy with herself and her life. It was just the stupid crush. Having David kiss her didn’t help with the whole getting-over-him process. Maybe she should talk to him about that. Explain her goal and remind him of his and his mother’s. Although admitting to her crush wasn’t something she would likely have the nerve to do. Which left her feeling uncomfortable and annoyed.

“Did he bring anyone to see the last house?” Elizabeth asked.

“No. It was just the real estate agent and me.”

“Good. Then he hasn’t found anyone yet. I can narrow the choices down to two or three and guide him in that direction. We’ll have him engaged before he knows what happened.”

Jayne pushed the ravioli around on her plate and wished she’d ordered wine. “Lucky us.”

Elizabeth said something else about the party, but Jayne wasn’t listening. She was already feeling crappy, so she might as well get it all over at once. “Elizabeth, I was in Dallas last week.”

“What? Why on earth would you go there?”

Jayne explained about the phone call and the job offer.

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “You can’t seriously be considering moving.”

“I’ve already accepted. I start in two months. I met with a real estate agent, and my condo is going up for sale at the end of the week.”

Color bled from Elizabeth’s face. “No. I forbid it. With David just home and getting him settled, this is the worst time imaginable. No.” She gripped her martini. “Talk about selfish! After all I’ve done for you.” She leaned over the table. “You will pick up your cell phone right now and call that place and tell them you’ve changed your mind.”

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