Page 49 of Reckless Chance
I do my own little dance to buy time as I remove the white napkin from the matching tablecloth, being careful not to disturb the tiny candles or the beautiful silverware. Slowly unfolding the fabric and rearranging it to my liking, I finally lay the napkin on my lap and reach for my water glass.
Taking a long sip, I wonder how much to share with my best friend. It’s such a strange question to be asking myself when we’ve always confided in each other. I want to tell Cassie about my temporary marriage and the fact that I love waking up next to Sean for the time being, but I can’t. I promised Sean not to tell anyone, especially if it would make it to Evan’s ears.
I say, “Consider it a lapse in judgment that will be remedied when I leave Vegas. We enjoyed being together while we were planning your party. Then when the accident happened and Sean needed help, he insisted that I was the perfect lawyer because I had firsthand knowledge of the event. I was there. It made sense. Besides, who would turn down the Athena as a client?”
My answer to Cassie was a compromise, which we lawyers are trained to do when it comes to negotiating what will work and keep us within the rules. I stuck with the truth for my best friend, albeit with a couple of omissions. That allowed me to keep my promise to Sean. I smile, proud of myself.
“Be careful. I don’t want you to get hurt. Are you sure you have this under control?”
Why couldn’t she leave it alone? Because I wouldn’t have either.
Fidgeting with my knife, I avoid her eyes. “Of course. Sean and I spend time together in the evenings. It’s nothing serious. It’s just convenient for both of us. We figured with you and Evan here, we’ll all be spending time together anyway. It works out for now. Sean and I are both on the same page—no strings.”
Well, no permanent strings.
“I’m torn between leaving this alone and wanting to make sure you’re okay. I’ve tried to convince myself you must have a good reason for what you’re doing. But if something is wrong, I’ll never forgive myself for not having your back. So, I need to ask you something. When I arrived at your room this morning, the guards wouldn’t let me in. I would have made a bigger scene and insisted on seeing you, but Sean had just arrived. I’d swear that I heard him ask where hiswifewas. Is it true? Are you two married?”
“Shit. No one is supposed to know. It was an accident. Like I said, when I leave Vegas, it will be over. We’re getting an annulment.”
“Are you saying you accidentally married Sean?”
“We were drunk.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? Did Sean tell Evan?”
“No. We were embarrassed and didn’t want anyone to know. There are also complications with the annulment.”
I explain our situation in detail, relieved to finally be talking this over with my best friend.
“Wow. I don’t know what to say, except I’m here for you if you need my help getting out of this mess. It’s an extremelyconvenientarrangement though. You work together during the day and play together during the night.” She laughs.
Changing the subject, I say, “You’re one to talk. Weren’t you completely avoiding relationships too? I knew you and Evan had a strong connection. To be honest, I assumed it would be a summer fling on an island with a prince, and the attractionwould fade after the shine of dating a prince wore off. Instead, you’re engaged. What changed your mind about giving your heart to a guy?”
“It’s hard to explain. It feels right, and I’d be crushed if he wasn’t in my life. We make each other better. I never expected to find this connection. Hopefully, it will happen for you too. Sean could be the one,” she says.
Fortunately, we’re interrupted by servers bearing small plates, and I’m saved from further discussion of me and my arrangement with Sean.
The first server says, “Chef, we have your main course tastings for you.”
“Excellent. Thank you.” Turning to me, Cassie continues, “Lowri, I’m excited for you to try these. We have three tasting portions. Let me know which one you like best.”
Placing a forkful of the short ribs and polenta into my mouth, I’m in heaven. It’s out of this world. “Yum! This is a winner. It’s delicious and comforting. What’s the red sauce? It gives it a little kick.”
“It’s a spicy red pepper puree. Do you like it?”
“Love it. What’s this next dish?”
“It’s chicken and orzo with seasonal veggies. I should’ve had you taste it before the beef because it’s a lighter dish without the spice. Your palate is overpowered at this point but try it anyway.”
We both taste it.
“It needs more lemon, don’t you think?” Cassie asks, making notes on a small pad of paper she extracts from her pocket. She’s a perfectionist.
“If you think so. It tastes fine to me.”
“Definitely more lemon. The tilapia tacos are the last savory tasting. They are going to be on our bar menu. Let me know if theCajun crust competes too much with the salsa verde or whether the sliced avocados pull it together. I can’t decide.”
“You’re the expert, but I’ll give you my opinion.”
