DREAMING OF YOU GO PL

by Barbara Freethy

  "I've run three times this week, so I'm ready."

  "When do you have time to run?"

  "When I first wake up."

  "But it's so cold in the mornings right now."

  He laughed. "Not once you start running. You should come out sometime."

  "I might get on a bike but running is not my thing."

  "Then maybe we'll do a bike ride one day."

  She liked the sound of that, only because it involved them getting together again. No matter how many times she told herself to just say goodbye to him and mean it, she couldn't seem to actually do it.

  "Are you working on last-minute wedding prep tonight?" he asked.

  "No, tomorrow is set. I'm trying to finalize my proposal for the Hunts. They want to see three scenarios with different venues and different price points. They want me to surprise them with my amazing creativity," she added. "That's a direct quote from Mrs. Hunt. In other words, if I don't knock their socks off with some idea that they never would have thought of themselves, I probably won't get the job."

  "Do you have any amazing ideas?"

  "The problem is that what I think Candice will love, I don't think Olivia will. And I have to please both of them." She let out a sigh. "Right now, it feels fairly impossible. But I have to find a way. It's a huge job."

  "What does Candice want? It seems like pleasing her is the priority."

  "It is, but I want to make both of them happy."

  "I've known the Hunts for a long time, and rarely do Candice and her mother agree on anything."

  "That's not helpful."

  "Sorry. Tell me some of your ideas. Maybe I can help."

  "Olivia wants a hotel venue like the Fairmont, the Four Seasons, that kind of thing, but Candice is more interested in a Napa winery or an art museum."

  "They have weddings in museums?"

  "Yes, there are spaces that are rented out for weddings at a lot of places in the city that you would never imagine. I have found a couple of intriguing options. One is an artist's collective in the South of Market area. It's in an old warehouse and the space is beautiful and artsy. There's a dance floor, plenty of room for tables, a kitchen for catering, and it has a cool, hip vibe."

  "Olivia is going to hate that."

  She frowned at his words, but they echoed her own thoughts. "I know. But I think Candice would like it."

  "What else do you have?"

  "There's a mansion on Nob Hill that can be rented for weddings. It's very elegant, lovely views, but it feels too close to the environment the Hunts actually live in." She paused. "What does Olivia like? What do you know about her that I don't? Does she love books? Because the new library has a room that's available for rental."

  "I've never seen her read, but you know what she does like—gardens. A long, long time ago, before she married her husband and had kids, she studied to be a landscape designer. Her only dislike of her Sausalito home is that there isn't enough flat land for a big garden."

  At his words, a new idea began to take root in her brain. "The Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park does weddings. I wonder if that would work."

  "Maybe. Are Candice and Anthony going to have a church wedding?"

  "Olivia wants that, but Candice told me privately she'd rather not do it in a church. Maybe that's the trick—I convince Olivia to let Candice skip the church wedding and have both the ceremony and the reception at the conservatory. That will work for at least one of the three ideas I need to have. Any other great thoughts? Anything Candice particularly likes?"

  He thought for a moment as he finished eating. "She loves the cable cars. Whenever we would go to the city, she always wanted to take a ride."

  She considered his words. "Maybe I could build something around a cable car…perhaps a parade of cable cars to the wedding venue. We could rent the ones that don't run on the tracks. That would be a different idea versus just your ordinary limo. You're pretty good at this, Barrett."

  He laughed. "I'm just telling you what they like. You're taking it to another dimension."

  "Well, I appreciate the tips. I was really stumped, but if I think gardens and cable cars, creative and elegant, maybe I can figure out a way to merge it all in an amazing way."

  "I think you're up to the challenge. When does this have to happen?"

  "By Monday morning. I just have to keep thinking outside of the box."

  "What's your vision of a perfect wedding?"

  "You mean for myself?"

  "Yes. Surely you've thought about it. How could you not?"

  "I do get ideas, but then they change, and I think of something else. I go back and forth on what I'd want."

  "But it will be big, grand, crazy?"

  "I don't know about that. I honestly don't have that much family, and while I have my core group of friends, it's not like I'd be inviting a huge crowd. I guess it depends on who I marry and what they want. But no matter how big or how small, I just want it to feel romantic, tender, loving, joyful, intimate." She cut herself off, realizing she was getting carried away. "Anyway…that's probably enough wedding talk for you. I'm surprised you lasted this long."

  "You did feed me; it was the least I could do. Sorry, we didn't leave you anything for leftovers."

  "It's fine. I'm glad you enjoyed it." As their gazes met, she drew in a quick breath. "I should go upstairs and start working."

  "I should go to my office and start working." Despite his words, Barrett made no effort to get up. Instead he said, "It was nice of you to share your dinner with me."

  "It was the least I could do. I still owe you for spending the night with my grandfather and watching movies of me trying to do ballet."

  "You're gifted in a lot of areas, but I'm not sure dance is one of them."

  "Believe me, I know."

  "The ballet world's loss is the wedding world's gain."

  She laughed. "Well said. But seriously, Barrett, I do feel I owe you for what you did for my grandparents."

  "You don't owe me anything. And you just bought me dinner."

  "It's not enough. What else can I do?"

  He thought for a moment. "Well, if you really want to repay me…" He paused, then shook his head. "No, it's probably a bad idea."

  "What's the idea?"

  "It doesn't matter."

  "Just tell me."

  "My mother is having her sixty-fifth birthday party on Sunday night, and she keeps telling me about all the single daughters of her friends who will be there. If I were to bring a date, I wouldn't have to feign interest in any of them."

  "What if one of them is perfect for you?"

  "I'm not worried about that. But, like I said, it's probably not a good idea, because my mother is a wild card. She can be charming and gracious. She can be angry and vindictive. She can be your best friend or your worst enemy."

  "A real Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I'm both scared and intrigued. Would she care if you bring a date?"

  "She'd probably love it. She is dying for me to give up my single status and give her some grandchildren. I've told her to put her money on Matt for both of those events, but she doesn't give up easily. When she gets stuck on a thought in her head, she just can't let it go."

  "It's normal for parents to worry about their kids. She wants you to be happy."

  "I know, and while I normally avoid any party she throws, it is her birthday. There will be plenty of food and drink, and you might make some good contacts. As I mentioned, she has a lot of friends with daughters and sons who might be getting married in the next few years."

  "Now you're appealing to my business interests."

  "Is it working? You know what—forget I said anything. I didn't hang out with your grandfather to put you in my debt. It was just the right thing to do. He was upset. He was alone. And it wasn't a hardship for me."

  "Most people would have just dropped him off and left. I'll be your date Sunday night. I'd like to meet your mother and your brother."

  "If you're sure."
/>
  "I'm sure. Is it fancy? What should I wear?"

  "Some kind of sparkly cocktail dress."

  "I can do that." She got to her feet. "I better get to work."

  "I can clean this up," he said, as he stood up.

  "All right." She hesitated, then impulsively leaned over and gave him a quick kiss.

  He stared back at her, his green eyes darkening. "That was nice—but a little fast."

  "Because it's good night." As she turned to leave, he grabbed her wrist.

  "This is good night," he said, right before he gave her a long, passionate kiss that sent her head spinning.

  "That was better," she agreed, her nerves tingling all over.

  "Still too short."

  "Not considering we both have work to do."

  "I suppose."

  "I'll see you Sunday." It took all of her willpower to walk out of the conference room. Then she ran up the stairs, before she could change her mind.

  Chapter Twelve

  Sunday evening seemed to take forever to arrive. While Kate had been busy with the wedding on Saturday and had spent most of the morning working on the Hunts' proposal, she'd still had plenty of time—too much time—to think about Barrett, and she had to admit she was excited to see him again. She didn't know where they were going in their relationship, and she was afraid to question any of it, because she doubted she would like the answer. But for now, she just wanted to have a good time.

  When she opened the door and saw his handsome face, a shiver ran down her spine. He looked spectacularly handsome in his charcoal gray suit, his face freshly shaven, his dark hair styled but one errant wave still falling sexily over his forehead. And his eyes—so green, so penetrating, so damned compelling. It was difficult to look away.

  Barrett didn't seem to want to look away, either, his gaze traveling down her clingy dark-red cocktail dress that she really hoped was appropriate for his mother's party.

  "You're beautiful, Kate," he murmured, an appreciative gleam in his eyes that only made another shiver run down her spine.

  "You look good, too." She forced herself to breathe. "Do you want to come in or shall we just go?"

  "I'd rather come in and stay in, but…"

  "We need to get to your mom's house, because it's her birthday, and you're being a good son."

  "Unfortunately, yes."

  "Okay." She grabbed her wrap and bag from the side table. "I'm ready." She pulled the door closed behind her and locked it and then followed Barrett out to his car. "I'm a little nervous," she confessed, as she slid into the passenger seat.

  He shot her a quick look. "Really? I would think parties are your sweet spot."

  "When I'm working a party, I know exactly what I'm doing. But this is different; it's your mom's birthday party, and I'm a little worried that she won't be happy you're bringing a complete stranger."

  "Trust me, she'll be thrilled I brought a date. Nothing else will matter."

  * * *

  Barrett could not have been more wrong.

  As Kate shook hands with his mother, Pamela Carlton, a tall, attractive brunette, she was given a frosty, annoyed smile. Then Pamela turned to her son with a pointedly irritated look.

  "I didn't realize you were bringing a date, Barrett."

  "You said I should," he replied.

  "And you said you weren't even sure you were coming, much less bringing anyone."

  "Things changed. Is there a problem?"

  She hesitated, then said, "I suppose it's fine."

  Kate was a little shocked at how rude Pamela was being. She could not have made her feel more unwelcome, and she wondered why Barrett's mother had taken such an instant dislike to her. All she'd said was hello.

  As Pamela waved them into the house, a woman dressed in black slacks and a black shirt came over to take Kate's wrap and bag. She was followed by a waiter, who handed them two glasses of champagne.

  Kate was more than happy to have a little bubbly to get this party started.

  "How do you know my son, Miss Marlow?" Pamela asked as they hovered in the entry. It felt like Pamela wasn't sure she wanted them to come all the way into the party.

  "Please call me Kate," she said, putting on a polite smile. "Barrett moved his law firm into my building last week. I have the office upstairs."

  "Oh, right, the Victorian. Matt said you'd decided not to work in the tower, Barrett, although I can't imagine how this old house space could be better."

  "It suits me fine," Barrett said. "And it allowed me to meet Kate. She's a wedding planner. In fact, she's talking to Candice and Olivia about doing Candice's wedding."

  "Well, how lovely," Pamela said. "The Hunts will be here tonight. I'm sure they'll be happy to see their possible wedding planner."

  Kate inwardly winced at the thinly veiled insult. Barrett's mother had made her sound like a servant.

  "Mom," Barrett said, a warning note in his voice. "Don't make me sorry I came."

  "To your mother's birthday? How could you possibly be sorry? I'm just a little on edge, because, well, there's no easy way to say this, but Vanessa and her parents are coming."

  "What? Are you serious?" he asked. "Why on earth would you invite Vanessa?"

  Kate drew in a breath as the tension between mother and son literally crackled the air. Barrett was furious, and Pamela was defiant.

  "We are family friends," Pamela said. "I didn't think you would be bringing anyone. You should have told me."

  "Maybe I should go," she murmured softly.

  Barrett grabbed her hand and squeezed her fingers, shooting her a look that begged her not to make good on that suggestion. As much as she wanted to turn and flee, she did owe him for the kindness he'd shown her grandfather.

  "You're not going anywhere without me," he said firmly. "If my mother wants you to leave, then I'll go with you."

  "Don't be ridiculous. No one has to leave," Pamela said quickly. "I was just giving you a heads-up. There are lots of people here; I doubt you'll even have to speak to Vanessa. I just thought…well, it doesn’t matter now what I thought." She paused. "I need to check with the caterer. I'll speak to you later."

  "Barrett, I should go," she said, as his mother left. "She doesn't want me here."

  Before Barrett could respond, his name rang out.

  She turned to see another man approaching, one with brown hair, green eyes, and features very similar to both Barrett and his mother.

  "Hello, big brother," the man said, with a charming grin. "You made it."

  "Barely. Thinking about leaving."

  "Why? You just got here. And you haven't introduced me to your date."

  "This is Kate Marlow, the wedding planner from my office building—my brother Matt."

  She couldn't help noting the fact that Barrett had felt it necessary to qualify her presence, as if he didn't want Matt to get the idea that she was someone he was interested in.

  "Nice to meet you, Kate," Matt said, with none of the cool bitterness his mother had expressed.

  "You, too." She was relieved to find not everyone in Barrett's family was going to hate her on sight.

  "I'm glad you came. I'm sure Mom is thrilled you brought someone," Matt added.

  "I wouldn't call her reaction thrilled," Barrett said tightly. "She apparently invited Vanessa and her parents, and now she's realizing it might be awkward."

  "Because I'm here," Kate put in.

  "Ah," Matt said with understanding. "Well, it doesn't have to be awkward. It's a big party. You don't have to talk to Vanessa. And it's not like you broke up yesterday. It's been years."

  "I know. I don't care that Vanessa might be here; I care that Mom treated Kate poorly because of it."

  "I'm sure she was just taken aback," Kate told him, realizing he still had hold of her hand. "Don't worry about it. I'm fine. I don't offend that easily. You should hear how some mothers of the bride talk to me."

  "You're being too generous," he told her.

  She smiled at h
im. "I have champagne. It's all good. Family is family. I don't judge."

  "That's good," Matt put in. "Because our family is a little crazy."

  "I'm no stranger to family crazy," she said lightly.

  "Where's the beautiful Amy?" Barrett asked his brother. "Has she dumped you already?"

  "Surprisingly, no." Matt tipped his head to the redhead who was now talking to his mother.

  Kate was a little shocked to see Pamela smile with real pleasure at the young woman. So Pamela wasn't cold as ice with everyone, only with her.

  "That's Amy," Matt said. "She knows my mother from the tennis club. In case you were wondering why they're so friendly."

  She nodded. "That makes sense."

  "And I can shed a little light on the Vanessa invitation," Matt added. "Since Mom found out Vanessa's engagement is off, she got it in her head that maybe there's a chance Vanessa and Barrett can get back together."

  "That's ridiculous," Barrett said.

  "I told her she was out of her mind, but she doesn't listen to me," Matt replied. "Anyway, I'm going to join Amy and Mom. I'll talk you up, Kate. I've got your back."

  "You really don't have to bother."

  "It's no bother." He turned to Barrett. "Why don't you get Kate some food, mingle with our old family friends, try to look like it's a party and not an execution?"

  "I'm not sure I can do that," Barrett muttered.

  As Matt left, she squeezed Barrett's hand. "I really am okay, Barrett. And I like your brother."

  His tension eased at her words. "Matt is very likeable. Much more than me."

  "One thing I don't understand…"

  "What's that?"

  "You said your mother set you up with the woman you took to the Winter Ball. Why would she do that if she wants you back with Vanessa?"

  "She must not have known at the time that Vanessa was no longer engaged." He paused, giving her an apologetic look. "I never imagined she would treat you like that, Kate. She can be cold, but she's usually polite."

  "What's her husband like?"

  "James is a great guy. He's a little too talkative about really boring topics, but he treats my mom well, and they seem to be happy together. That's him—the balding man by the window."