Page 123 of Love & Other Disasters

J.P. couldn’t control his grin. They’d never gotten over each other. And they were together in their feelings. He stroked the soft skin of her thigh under the blanket, and she shivered.

“That tickles,” she giggled. “I’m trying to drink my coffee.”

“I have a better way of waking up.”

Doug Wilson and his wife, Lenora, hosted an annual fall garden party luncheon fundraiser every year at the Chicago Botanic Garden. On the twelfth green at the golf course, Doug made a comment about looking for a new consultant, and asked questions about the companies he’d helped save. At the end of the game, he’d asked J.P. to attend. When he’d told him that Violet was in town, Doug insisted they both come along.

J.P. fastened his trusty Bulova watch in his last step in getting ready and stepped back from the mirror. Violet appeared in the doorway wearing a floral print salmon colored dress that gathered at the waist then puffed out and fell to her knees. Her hair pulled up, she was gorgeous and brilliant, and he couldn’t wait to show her off at the party.

With Violet on his arm, he strolled into the party projecting all the confidence in the world. She didn’t want him to commit to a job there, but for the time being, there wasn’t a choice. The Botanic Garden was gigantic, but they followed signs to a room and patio decorated with autumn colors.

“This place is gorgeous,” Violet whispered. “I want to come back and visit the gardens.”

“There will be a walking tour.”

“Hopefully not a long one. I’m in heels.”

“Thanks for doing this.”

She squeezed his bicep. “You got this.”

After introductions with Doug and his wife and pleasantries exchanged, Doug paraded them around the party introducing him to local business owners, CEO’s, and even two politicians. He shook hands with more people than he could remember. Lenora pulled Violet off his arm and over to the gaggle of wives, citing that the men “talking business” was “dreadfully boring.” Violet plastered on a fake smile and accepted the glass of champagne.

He found Violet again at the walking tour when he broke from the men and sidled up next to her. “How are you doing? I’m sorry I didn’t know they would pull you away.”

“It’s okay. I’m buzzed at noon and apparently that’s not unusual for this crowd.”

He laughed. “How many have you had?”

“Two, but it doesn’t take much. See that one,” she nodded toward the senators’ wife, “she’s had like seven glasses of champagne, and I don’t think she’s remotely buzzed.”

The horticulturist giving the tour spoke about the conservation efforts of the Botanic Garden, and they gathered around to listen. After the tour, they all returned to lunch on gourmet food and polite small talk around the table. He and Violet ended up at the same table with Doug, Lenora, Jackson Bain, the other partner of the firm, his wife, and another couple. And it wasn’t a coincidence. After the dessert plates cleared, Doug asked to speak to Jordan privately.

“So, Jordan,” Doug said as they walked down the garden path, “are you planning to make an honest woman out of that delightful young lady in there?”

The phrasing gave him pause. She wasn’t dishonest because of their marital status. Violet would hate that question.

“She’s not dishonest now Doug,” he joked. “But yeah, I’m planning to.” Not sure when, since there was the entire thing with her always compromising for others. Could he ask her to again make a compromise that she didn’t want?

Doug laughed and slapped Jordan on the arm. “Good. You don’t let a woman like that get away. I run a team of people with integrity, and a stable personal life is a reflection. We think you’re a perfect fit for Wilson and Bain and would like you to join us as a consultant. And don’t worry about it taking up too much time from your mom. I’d like to start you out with one client. You make them happy, and we’ll go from there.”

---