Worth the Wait

by Jamie Beck

  “No idea.” Jackson skewered another chunk of beef and closed the utensil drawer David had left open. “They’ve been gone all afternoon.”

  As if on cue, the front door slammed open. Cat and Vivi spilled into the entry, laughing hysterically.

  “Sounds like the ladies already got this party started!” hollered Jackson.

  They shouted something unintelligible back and Hank chuckled. David braced himself for more of Vivi’s cool behavior, but when the girls stumbled into the living room, she smiled broadly. In fact, she glowed. Seeing her lit up made him hot all over, which completely unnerved him.

  “Looks like we missed something fun.” Jackson whistled. “Where’d you spend the day?”

  “Franco’s friend’s house, with the band . . . to practice for the birthday party.” Vivi hiccupped and dissolved into more giggles.

  Jackson, Hank, and David paused, confused by her nonsensical explanation. Thankfully, Cat filled in the gaps.

  “We met Franco and a rock band called Disordered at lunch. They’re here for a friend’s birthday party in two nights. The band’s female lead singer is a no-show. So I convinced Vivi to step up and sing a short set with them before the DJ starts. We’re all invited, by the way. From the looks of things, it’s going to be a major party!”

  “Awesome. V, I haven’t heard you sing in months,” Jackson said as he finished the final shish kebab. He held up the tray. “Voilà!”

  Vivi sang? Was her singing something new, or something she’d never shared with David before he left for Hong Kong? She didn’t keep secrets from him. At least, he didn’t think so. Disturbed by the realization he’d missed out on some part of her life, he then scowled at the thought of his sister and Vivi spending the day with complete strangers.

  “Did you two actually go to a remote location with a bunch of strange men?” Concern supplanted his dismay and sparked the beginning of a headache. “Who’s Franco?”

  “Oh, chill out, David. We’re fine.” Cat waved him off. “Franco is a beautiful Italian man with the hots for Vivi. They bonded over his fancy camera.” She shot Vivi a sultry look before both women burst into laughter again.

  Vivi’s cheeks and ears turned pink, broadcasting her pleasure at flirting with some random Italian. David wondered what happened to her interest in Hank, but he held his tongue. He turned his attention to the vegetable skewers while Hank joked with Vivi. Unlike David, Hank didn’t appear the least bit resentful of Vivi’s newfound crush. Have I entered the Twilight Zone?

  “Go shower.” Jackson opened the sliding door to go fire up the grill. “Dinner in thirty minutes.”

  “Aye aye, Captain,” Vivi teased. She and Cat spun around and marched out of the living room on wobbly legs.

  Feeling off balance, too, David handed Hank his skewers before trotting upstairs to check on Laney.

  When he and Laney came down later, Café Paris Lounge music emanated from the speakers. Vivi and Cat were setting the table and lighting candles. The combined effect of the music and lighting transformed the beach house into a chic martini bar.

  Thankfully, the shower had had a sobering effect on Vivi and Cat. Perhaps he wouldn’t be forced to suffer through more tittering over Franco and his merry band of friends. Hearing more details would only intensify the unwelcome images of Vivi flirting with some other man.

  His sister was dressed in smart linen shorts and a crisp white top. Laney wore her new Grey Poupon–colored sundress with a turquoise necklace and earrings. Vivi, on the other hand, looked like a clean but disheveled ragamuffin in low-slung drawstring shorts and a snug, lime-green tank top.

  Each time she bent over the table to light another candle, the hem of her shirt lifted, revealing a hint of her waist. Her wavy, damp hair fell in front of her face in a teasing, sensual way. David ached to touch it, as he’d done so often, but now his impulse seemed dangerous. He shifted his gaze to Cat, who was filling each glass with large pours of wine.

  “Do you two need more alcohol?” David asked as he pulled out a chair for Laney.

  His sister rolled her eyes. He sounded like a square, even to himself. Despite being in one of his favorite places on the planet with those closest to him, so far he’d found no comfort here.

  “Yes, we do.” Vivi mimicked his stance and inflection. “In fact, it seems like you could use some alcohol.” She chuckled and fled to the deck, escaping his response.

  Cat snickered while unfolding her napkin onto her lap, appearing to take great pleasure in Vivi’s new attitude. Through the window, he noticed Vivi rest her hand on Jackson’s shoulder when she leaned in to talk with him. Those two were apparently thick as thieves now. David returned his attention to Cat, suspecting she felt a measure of relief that her best friend no longer pined away for him.

  He felt no relief.

  He felt adrift.

  Vivi and Jackson carried in platters of hot food from the grill. The smoky aroma of the charred steak and chicken kicked David’s appetite into gear. Vivi plucked three skewers off one platter and filled every remaining inch of her plate with a mound of brown rice and a salad. Laney’s eyes widened at seeing Vivi’s heaping pile of food, then she leaned forward.

  “So, David tells me we’re attending a party this week where you’ll be performing with a band. I didn’t know you were a singer.”

  “I’m not a singer. I mean, I occasionally sing at small venues in my neighborhood for fun and extra money, but it’s not my profession.” Vivi licked her fingers and took another bite of chicken. The greasy marinade glistened on her lips, like thick gloss. “Oh, Jackson. So good!”

  “I’m confused.” Laney lowered her fork while staring at Vivi. “Are you joking?”

  “No,” Vivi replied. “It tastes amazing!”

  “No, about the singing. Why’d you agree to perform if you aren’t a singer?”

  “Cat suggested it and everyone else involved liked the idea, so I figured, why not?” Vivi shrugged and then speared a mushroom.

  “Vivi’s never shied away from a challenge.” David winked. His praise earned him a glimpse of Vivi’s bright smile. One step closer to normal.

  “How can you learn all the songs in three days?” Laney frowned before taking a bite of her steak. “Won’t it be embarrassing if you mess up?”

  “Yes! Hopefully it won’t happen.” She wrinkled her nose. “If it does, I don’t think the band or the birthday boy will care. At least, that’s the impression they gave me today. Besides, I’ll probably never see any of them again after the party.”

  “Oh, you’ll see Franco again,” Cat interrupted. “I’m sure of that!”

  Vivi leaned forward to look at Cat. “Let’s hope so.”

  David’s eyes squeezed shut to block out the excitement reflected in her expression. He pinched the bridge of his nose in a failed attempt to stave off another budding headache.

  “Franco?” Laney asked, having missed the previous explanation of the infamous Italian.

  “He’s a photographer. Meeting him is how this all came about,” Cat offered. “He was having lunch with the band.”

  Laney sat forward with interest. “Details!”

  David didn’t relish hearing more details and noted Vivi’s apparent discomfort as well. At least he wasn’t the only one at the table feeling awkward. He braced himself for Vivi’s reply, telling himself to be happy for her. She deserved to find someone who recognized her special gifts.

  “Well, he’s a photographer. He was born in Italy, then moved to Canada in his teens before coming to New York for college. He’s older, handsome, and sexy.” Vivi smiled to herself with her final comment, a remark that didn’t escape David’s notice. In fact, it made him feel . . . something unpleasant.

  “Pass the wine,” Jackson instructed before smiling at her. “I think it’s great. Just like old times. Always an adventure when you’re in th
e mix, Vivi.”

  “Well, I like to go all out on vacations since I can’t take many.” A wistful look passed over her eyes.

  “Oh, why not?” Laney asked. “Don’t get much time off work?”

  “Time off isn’t the problem.” Vivi giggled. “I’m an elementary school art teacher. Lots of free time—not much disposable income.”

  “Oh, sorry.” Laney shifted uncomfortably. “I didn’t realize.”

  “No need to apologize. I love my job. I wouldn’t trade the affection from my students for a bigger paycheck, plus I get plenty of time to pursue all my hobbies.”

  “That’s nice. I don’t get any love at my job, and I have to starve myself.” Cat produced a mocking frown and then she and Vivi laughed together.

  “No love, but a nice paycheck,” Vivi said. “The real trick would be finding both in one job!”

  “David and I have that, don’t we?” Laney’s hand ran along David’s back and she kissed his shoulder.

  He choked on his drink as ten eyeballs bore down on him. Hadn’t she heard what he’d said at lunch? Vivi shifted her focus back to her plate, but not before a shadow flickered across her eyes. Her reaction indicated she still cared for him, at least a little bit. For the first time all day, David’s emotions settled. Then he looked at Laney and tried to sidestep the firecracker she’d lit.

  “I think Vivi’s talking about loving the work, not a workplace relationship,” he said. Laney raised one brow and looked away. When did his life become an endless minefield for which he had no map? Forks and knives scraping against the plates were the only sounds in the room now, save for the lounge music playing like a lame movie soundtrack.

  He didn’t want to hurt Laney in front of everyone, yet he couldn’t let her pretend they were in love. Now he felt like a shithead. The kind of insensitive guy he’d never respected.

  His fucking father.

  Fortunately, Hank broke the silence.

  “I love my work.” He pushed his empty plate forward to rest his elbows on the table. “But I do envy all your free time, Vivi.”

  “It leaves room for creativity and spontaneity.” Vivi set her chin in her palm. “That’s where the good stuff of life resides.”

  Laney snorted. “Unless you can’t afford the good stuff, like vacations and travel.”

  Her derisive tone prompted David to kick her under the table. Vivi, however, seemed unaffected by the sharp remark.

  “I could afford to travel more if I gave up my music lessons, photography classes, yoga, and so forth. It’s just a matter of choices.” Vivi sat back and flashed a self-effacing smile. “I couldn’t work twelve hours each day like you all do. Then again, I was never the driven, academic type.” Vivi winked at David, apparently in deference to the many times she lamented this fact to him. “Anyway, I’m a boring topic. Let’s change the subject. Jackson, what did you guys do all day?”

  “We went kayaking.”

  “Oh, jealous.” Vivi’s soft pink lips formed a pout. “I want to go kayaking, too.”

  David licked his own lips, then froze. Quit it!

  “We’ll go again later this week.” Jackson leaned back and patted his stomach. “So tell us more about this party.”

  “Cat knows more about the details. Between rehearsing and drinking beer, I didn’t pay attention to much else.” Vivi turned toward Cat and smiled.

  “John Slater’s a Wall Street trader who has invited one hundred of his closest friends here to celebrate his thirty-fifth birthday. It’ll be a catered affair—with the band, of course, and a DJ. We’re all invited, courtesy of Vivi’s efforts.” Cat crossed her legs.

  “What’s the dress code?” Laney asked.

  “Good question. I have no idea.” Vivi laughed. “I’ll ask tomorrow when I rehearse again.”

  David’s muscles tightened. Each day she spent with Franco robbed him of opportunities to rebuild their friendship. God, why hadn’t Cat told him she planned to bring Vivi?

  “You have to rehearse again?” Jackson asked.

  “Yep. And the next day, too.”

  “What kind of music will you be performing?” Hank asked.

  “Mostly pop rock, a little indie rock. We whittled the set list down to what I knew.” She popped her shoulders up as she grinned. “Short and sweet, just like me.”

  A collective groan turned into laughter. And although she projected confidence, David noticed Vivi nibble on her bottom lip. He then immediately wished he’d quit noticing her lips, and questioned why he couldn’t stop staring at her.

  Was it the year apart? Was it her indifference? The growing suspicion that it might be much more distressed him.

  After clearing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen, everyone retired to the deck with a drink. David stood, leaning against the railing, staring out over the ocean while the wind ruffled his hair.

  He listened to the slow thrum of the ocean, willing it to settle his thoughts, to remind him he had no right to interfere with Franco and Vivi. Hell, she was barely speaking with him, anyway. At that moment, her voice caught his attention, so he turned to face the group. Apparently she’d engaged them all in another of her silly games.

  “If you were a dog, Jackson, you’d be a retriever!” Some of her wine slipped over the rim of her glass and dripped onto her lap. “Oops!”

  David tore his gaze away as the liquid dribbled along her inner thigh.

  “Why a retriever?” Jackson asked. “Big and messy?”

  “Ha! Yes. But, you’re a retriever at heart: exuberant, playful, and eager to please.” She slapped his knee with the back of her hand.

  He grinned and barked, “Woof, woof.”

  David chuckled under his breath. He then glanced at Laney, whose yawn indicated her boredom with Vivi’s games. Had she been so humorless in Hong Kong? Then again, he’d been uptight, too. No wonder he’d been having trouble reconnecting with his family.

  “Dare I ask?” Cat leaned forward curiously and speared Vivi with a warning look. “What kind of dog am I?”

  “Oh, easy.” Vivi smiled. “A Shiba Inu.”

  “I don’t even know that dog.” Cat’s narrowed eyes challenged her friend. “Should I be insulted?”

  “It’s independent, bold, headstrong . . . and vocal!” Vivi eyed Jackson, and they burst into laughter while Cat sat back wearing a pleased expression.

  The silly exchange reminded him of so many unproductive yet entertaining evenings with his family. Good times he missed and now wanted back in his life, along with Vivi.

  When they returned to New York, he’d carve time from his schedule and reach out. They could rediscover their old haunts, check out the latest exhibitions, and people watch in the park.

  “What about me?” Hank asked.

  “Hmm. I don’t know you very well, so I’d guess a Clumber spaniel: laid-back and devoted.”

  Hank smiled, apparently happy with his designation.

  Vivi sank into her chair and chugged the rest of her wine, closing her eyes. No one seemed to notice or care he and Laney had been left out of the discussion. Once again, he felt invisible. A disturbing trend.

  “What about me?” He couldn’t help himself; curiosity demanded to know how she saw him. Her eyes popped open with surprise, which made him grin. “I’ve never thought of myself as a dog, but now I must know my breed.”

  She hesitated, allowing the sudden silence on the deck to stretch out. The air crackled with electricity until she answered.

  “A Doberman. Proud, aloof, intelligent guardian with a sensitive side.”

  Her reply caused his grin to stretch across his face. At least she still knew him. He had that going for him, anyway. “I can live with that, Vivi.”

  “Well, what about me?” Laney begrudgingly asked.

  Once more, the night air vibrated with nervous energy. Jackson s
hot David what appeared to be a “good luck” glance.

  “A poodle. Smart, elegant, and politely reserved.”

  Vivi’s answer was kind and apt. When she’d first arrived, he’d fretted over the potential fallout of her meeting Laney. He wouldn’t have predicted her relaxed acceptance, or her pursuit of an Italian photographer. He wasn’t wrong often and didn’t like when it happened.

  In this case, he absolutely hated it.

  “You know, you’re very unusual, Vivi,” Laney observed dryly.

  “Thank you.” Vivi smiled and closed her eyes again before resting her head against the Adirondack chair.

  David grinned, doubting Laney intended her comment as a compliment. He glanced back to Vivi, curious. Did she still see herself as a thirteen-year-old misfit despite the years he’d spent convincing her of the remarkable person he’d always recognized her to be?

  “What kind of dog are you?” he then asked her.

  She lifted her head. Her violet eyes beheld him for several long seconds until her voice broke the mesmerizing effect of her gaze.

  “A boxer . . . fun-loving, energetic, and loyal.” Her eyes danced playfully, and he felt a hint of their old connection spring back to life. Finally.

  “Perfect!” Jackson raised his beer in salutation.

  “Thanks, Jacks.”

  At ten o’clock, Cat slunk away from the group with her phone in hand, probably planning to call that ass Justin. Although Hank and Jackson invited Vivi to join them for a night on the town, she declined. Instead, she remained outside, sipping her wine and stargazing. The look on her face hinted at some private joke she wouldn’t share. David wondered whether she was daydreaming about Franco.

  He closed his eyes, desperately wishing Laney would leave him alone with Vivi for a while. He told himself he just wanted a little private time to talk with his old friend. Time to work through the uncomfortable awareness of her he’d developed. Time to repair the damage he’d caused by neglecting her for too long.

  Deep down he suspected he told himself lies.

  Laney intertwined her fingers with his and rested her head against his shoulder. Normally he’d welcome her affection. Tonight it felt too possessive. She leaned close to his ear and whispered, “Let’s go upstairs. I’m ready for bed.”