Page 64 of The Estate
“Um, thanks, Jess. It was a fantastic get. Actually, your sister helped us land it.”
Clearing his throat, he continued. “It’s for the Historical Society. Their annual fundraiser. I’m told lots of local celebrities and politicians attend.”
As the three of them continued chatting about the gala, Cal couldn’t help but wonder if Jess knew about the kiss he and Rachel had shared. He wasn’t certain how close the sisters were, but that look from Jess made him think she knew.
But how was Rachel feeling about it? He desperately wanted to get some time to discuss it with her. When Jess left for the ladies’ room, he saw his chance and jumped on it.
“Are you doing anything tomorrow, Rachel?” he asked. “Shall we grab some lunch? Maybe somewhere down by the shore or there’s a new vineyard I wanted to try.” He held his breath, praying she wouldn’t turn him down. “You know I’m always looking for good local vendors, especially wine,” he added nervously when she didn’t immediately respond.
“I’m sorry Cal,” she said. “I already have plans.”
“Oh, sure,” he replied, trying to keep his disappointment from showing. “It’s pretty last minute.”
“Um,” she said, not meeting his eye. “Would you like to join me?”
“I’m sorry. What?”
“Do you want to come with me? It’s my friend Lisa’s birthday, so we’re getting together at the Blueberry Muffin.”
Cal didn’t know how to respond. He was hoping to spend more time with her, but crashing her friend’s birthday party seemed like a horrid way to go about doing that. Then again, she’d crashed his friends’ weekend, and that seemed to work out really well. But inviting himself along to a birthday party was another level entirely.
“Do you remember the wedding where we first met?” They shared a smile, both obviously thinking back to that encounter.
If anyone had told Cal he’d be enjoying time spent with the ‘cold day in hell’ woman from that wedding, he would have laughed them off the property. Things had certainly changed for the better, that was sure.
“That was my friend Alex’s wedding,” Rachel explained.
“Oh, I remember Alex. She was a lovely bride. But I remember her momzilla more,” he deadpanned, earning a laugh from Rachel.
“Well, her mom won’t be there,” Rachel smirked. “But Alex and Jason will be. Lisa, the birthday girl, of course. I’m not sure if you met Lottie at the wedding. She’s Lisa’s roommate. She’ll be there with her boyfriend Adam and a few of our other friends.”
“I wouldn’t want to impose, Rachel. I appreciate you inviting me, but I’d feel bad crashing Lisa’s birthday party.”
“It’s not like a ‘real birthday’, birthday party,” Rachel explained. “The only reason we’re having it is that while Lisa isn’t big on celebrating birthdays, she is a fan of good food. And Jake, the chef at The Blueberry Muffin, has a huge crush on her and is making all of her favorite foods.
“So it’s more of a meal with friends than a huge birthday bash,” Rachel continued. “Alex and Lottie, who are planning it, won’t mind. Lisa won’t either. There’s plenty of space, and I’m sure Jake’s gone overboard with the food, as usual.”
Cal should say no, but he didn’t want to.Maybe he’d be able to carve out some time during or after to discuss that kiss?His mind made up, he replied, “I’d love to go. Thank you for inviting me. What can I bring the birthday girl?”
Rachel burst out laughing. “Well, first, don’t call her that to her face, or you might not survive past the first ten minutes.”
Cal laughed in return. “So Lisa is a bit spicy. Understood. No birthday girl talk. Does she drink? I have some interesting alcoholic spirits that I’ve picked up on my travels.”
“She does,” Rachel replied. “And she loves trying out new cocktails, so if you have something interesting, I’m sure that she’d love it. But again, please don’t feel like you have to bringanything. She has a no gift rule,” Rachel smiled. “That Lottie and I are breaking, of course.”
“Well, I’ll bring it anyway, but I won’t make it seem like a birthday gift. More like a ‘thanks for letting me crash your casual get-together’ type of gift.”
“That sounds perfect.”
Cal glanced toward the door. Jess would be back any minute, and he just needed to know she wasn’t regretting their kiss.
“Are you okay?” he asked quietly.
Rachel glanced toward the restrooms before she looked back. Her smile faded slightly as she leaned in to respond. “I’m fine,” she replied softly. “It’s just that…”
Cal held his breath, afraid of what her next words would be.
“It’s just that when I see Jess so excited and talking passionately, it makes me sad. It’s complicated,” she demurred. “But it just reminds me of all the time she’s spent not pursuing the things that light her up like that. So much time wasted. So much lost.”
