Page 28 of Reuniting with Lucy

“Yep. Lookin’ good,” Adam chimed in.

“Mom, you can’t wear that,” Edward said, shooting Lizzie and Adam a dirty look.

“Why not?” Nana gave an exaggerated hair flip and raised her chin in a nod to an old coot who was checking her out.

“It’s…it’s…I don’t know…risqué. I wouldn’t let the girls wear something like that. Why would it be okay for my mother? You’re setting a terrible example.”

“Edward,” Nana said, patting her son on the arm. “I appreciate your fatherly concern, but you’re notmyfather. I’m almost seventy-five years old and perfectly capable of making these types of decisions for myself.”

Edward shook his head, defeated. “Sophie, have you seen what my mother is wearing? Put an end to my misery and shoot me now?”

“Oh, honey,” Sophie said. “She looks fantastic. I hope I look that good in a leotard in twenty years.”

“Thank you, dear,” Nana said before sashaying to the drink table. “Hello, handsome. Have we met?” A man dressed as Mr. Peanut smiled broadly at her introduction.

Jack laughed as he slid up next to Lucy. Once he’d gotten close enough to the twins, he could tell who was who. “Your grandma is hilarious.”

“We all think so, but try to convince my dad,” Lucy said with a smile. “Damn, you make that look good.”

At her suggestion, he’d dressed as Captain America. He felt all sorts of foolish but wanted to make her happy.

“Thanks. You look pretty great yourself. It’s crazy how much you and Lizzie look alike. I couldn’t tell you apart when I walked in.”

“Don’t worry. You aren’t the only one. My whole family’s been calling me Lizzie ever since I put the dark wig on.”

“Girls, can you help me with the charcuterie board?” Sophie called from the kitchen.

“Duty calls. Be right back,” Lucy said. “Make yourself at home.”

Jack helped himself to a cup of black punch and wandered over to where Adam and Dirk stood. Two other men he didn’t know were with them.

“Hey, Jack,” Adam said. “This is Sam and Javier. They’re friends of the family. Of course, who isn’t?”

They all chuckled as Jack shook hands with the two strangers.

“I hear you’re dating Lucy?” Sam said. “Tell her I want the money she owes me. It’s been two years, and I haven’t seen a penny she promised to pay me. I could do a lot with that cash.”

“Sure,” Jack said, not knowing what else to say. Had Lucy taken a loan from this guy? Was she in debt then? Just because she owned the coffee shop didn’t mean it was profitable. Lots of restaurants worked in the red. He hadn’t stopped to think about her financial situation, but because of who his family was, he probably should. Though it was tactless of Sam to bring up such a topic at a party, it was out there now, and Jack mentally filed away the information.

Commotion outside by the pool caught his attention. The French doors opened to a large patio where eight-foot-high heaters radiated warmth. A small group had gathered around Nana, and Jack headed out to see what the fuss was about.

“You stole my wallet!” a man dressed as Jack Sparrow said, pointing at Nana, who had an indignant look on her face.

“I did no such thing,” she said.

“It’s sticking out of your…cleavage,” he said, waving a circle in the vicinity of her breasts.

Sure enough, the ends of a leather billfold protruded from Nana’s bra.

“This?” Nana said, taking the wallet out of her leotard. “I found this on the couch and was just holding onto it until I could find the owner. Here.” She thrust it at him before storming off.

The perplexed pirate returned the wallet to his pocket and turned away, muttering, “I suppose that’s possible.”

Lucy came up behind Jack and slid her arm around his waist. “What was all that about?”

“The pirate accused Nana of stealing his wallet. Nana explained she found it on the couch, was holding it to find the owner, and gave it back. No harm done.”

“Oh, dear,” Lucy said. “I should probably tell my dad.”

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