Ireland sat indian–style on the red sofa. “I think so. Is it okay if I invite my dad?”
“Sure. Charlie said to invite all of our friends and relatives.”
“Who are you inviting?”
“Maybe some girls from my old job. I haven’t really thought much about it.”
“What about your parents and your sister?”
“Absolutely not.”
“But—”
“Please don’t, Ireland. You know the situation between us. I don’t want to discuss it any further.”
“Okay. I understand,” Ireland said reluctantly.
“I’ll tell Charlie you can make it. Be sure to dress nice, because he’s going all out.”
Chapter Fourteen
Lindsay finished her makeup with a touch of lipgloss. She had allowed her hair to dry naturally to give it some natural wave, and scrunched in texturing cr�me. Perfect beachy hair complemented her white sundress. There was a knock at the door as she slipped on a pair of nude, wedge sandals.
Lindsay looked through the peephole and didn’t recognize the man standing there. She tiptoed into Ireland’s bedroom. “Are you expecting someone? There’s some man at the door.”
“I don’t think so, but I’ll check it out.”
Ireland looked through the peephole and opened the door. “May I help you?”
“I’m the driver. Mr. Corbin sent me. He’s awaiting your company outside in the limousine.”
“Awesome!” Ireland chimed. “Tell him we’re on our way.”
“Grab your purse, honey,” Ireland said to Lindsay. “My dad sent a limo.”
“Wow! How gracious of him.”
“Yeah, Dad likes to ride in style.” She linked her arm into Lindsay’s. “Now, let’s get this party started.”
* * *
On arrival at Charlie’s, several cars were parked out front. The pathway to the front steps was lined with tiki torches.
Charlie opened the front door with two fruity drinks in his hands, adorned with pineapple slices and umbrellas. “An island cocktail for the two ladies of honor,” he said handing the drinks to Lindsay and Ireland.
“Thank you,” Lindsay said, taking the drink from Charlie. She kissed him on the cheek and gestured toward his white button–up shirt. “You sure do look handsome—not to mention that we color coordinated.”
“Great minds think alike.” Charlie reached behind the door and lifted two Hawaiian leis from the standing coat rack. He placed one around Lindsay’s neck and the other around Ireland’s.
“What’s this all about?” Ireland asked.
“I was thinking of a way to distinguish the two guests of honor from everyone else here tonight, and that’s what I came up with. Did your dad come, Ireland?”
“Yeah, he’s smoking a cigar right now. He’ll be inside when he’s finished.”
“All right.” Charlie offered an arm to each of the girls. “Shall we?”
“Yes,” Ireland said.
“Show us the way,” Lindsay added.
Charlie ushered the girls to the back yard where he had gone all out as promised. A tiki–bar hut decorated with a grass table skirt had its very own bartender. Brightly colored paper lanterns and hand–painted flip–flop streamers bordered the brick pavers. Candles inside floating, artificial hibiscus lit the swimming pool. The song Wipe–Out played on the speakers hidden at the base of the palm trees.
“Incredible,” Lindsay said, her mouth hanging open. “It’s beautiful! Great job!”
“My pleasure,” Charlie said, giving her a rub on the shoulders.
“Yeah, Charlie, it’s awesome,” Ireland said. “Well, I better go inside to wait on Jeffrey. He’ll be here in a minute.”
“I don’t see anyone I know yet,” Lindsay said to Charlie.
“Don’t worry. I don’t know many people here myself. Must all be friends of Ireland’s. Remember, you said only to invite the girls from the mall.”
“That’s right. I’m excited to celebrate with only the people I’m closest to,” Lindsay said, wrapping her arm around Charlie’s back. They walked over to the tiki hut to order another cocktail.
After a few minutes, Ireland walked onto the deck and waved. “Hey guys, come inside. I have a surprise.”
“Uh–oh,” Charlie said. “What’s she up to?”
Lindsay shook her head. “Don’t know. Let’s see.”
Ireland stood beside something large wrapped in plastic and Jeffrey sat on the sofa.
“Jeffrey,” Charlie said, extending his hand. “Good to see you again.”
Jeffrey stood. “Good to see you too. Ireland had me stop and pick this up,” he said, referring to the package leaning against the sofa. “I have no idea what it is, but it must be important. She warned me not to show up without it.”
“Charlie,” Ireland said, “why don’t you and Lindsay go somewhere private and open the surprise. Jeffrey and I will stay here and greet the guests.”
“Okay,” Charlie said, picking up the present. “Do you have any clue as to what this is?” he said to Lindsay.
“Maybe,” Lindsay said. “We’ll just have to see.”
Ireland gave Lindsay a wink as they passed her by. They climbed to the top of the stairs where Charlie set it down. “Whatever it is, it sure is heavy. Do you want to open it, or do you want me to?”
“You go ahead,” Lindsay said.
Charlie pulled off the layers of plastic wrapping to unveil the framed photo of Lindsay printed on canvas. “Oh my,” Charlie said, catching his breath. Keeping his eyes on the photo, he said, “It’s exquisite.”
Lindsay was speechless, herself. She hadn’t envisioned the final print in black and white, but somehow it fit. It portrayed her in the manner she was hoping for: sweet, angelic, and sexy. There was a lot of skin, but with the selectively placed petals, it was tasteful.
Charlie’s gaze was still locked on the photo. “It’s perfect,” he said. He turned and took Lindsay’s hands, “You’re perfect.” The kiss that followed showed just how appreciative he was. “It’s the greatest gift anyone has ever given me. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Lindsay said. “Can you believe Ireland was the photographer?”
“You don’t say? Wow, she has a natural talent. She should look into that as a profession.”
Charlie made a point that should have occurred to her. She would mention to Ireland that she should think seriously about photography. Especially since her dad was adamant about getting her away from her current profession.
Downstairs the door had opened and closed several times in the minutes they had been upstairs. The next time the doorbell rang, Lindsay glanced down over the catwalk.
“Oh great,” Lindsay and Charlie said in unison.
Lindsay noticed Charlie was also surprised by the new arrivals. “You see Asher too?”
“No.” Charlie cringed. “I see my ex sitting on my couch, next to that man with the salt–and–pepper hair.”
“Your ex?” Lindsay said. She couldn’t tell much about her from the distance. “Why do you think she’s here?”
“I have no idea,” Charlie said, his arms crossed. She was probably driving by stalking me, and decided to invite herself in when she saw the crowd. I tell you, she’s a few cards short of a full deck.”
“You know who that is she’s sitting next to, don’t you?”
“No, I don’t believe so.”
“It’s Mr. Corbin, Ireland’s dad.”
“I see. No wonder she’s sitting so close, then. She has a radar for men with money. And that Armani suit is a dead giveaway. Is Ireland’s dad a single man?”
“He’s divorced from her mother. As far as I know, he’s not seeing anyone.”
“You should have Ireland pass on to her dad that Miranda’s a man–eater. Better get the warning out fast too.”
“Why don’t you get rid of the problem instead?” Lindsay said.
Charlie started down the stairs. “I though
t I did,” he mumbled under his breath.
At the bottom of the stairs, Lindsay grabbed Charlie’s arm. “Oh my gosh,” she whispered in his ear. “I recognize her. That’s the crazy lady I told you about—the one I gave the makeover to. Remember, I said she had a nice body but a terrible face—not to mention attitude. That’s your ex?”
Charlie pulled his collar away from his likely aching neck, and let out a heavy sigh. “Unfortunately. Recalling the story you told me, you described her precisely. I can see her behaving that way. I told you she’s crazy.”
“Clearly. How could you have been so blind?”
“She hooked me by pretending well. Her true colors showed after I was emotionally invested.”
“I have a plan,” Lindsay said. “Go introduce yourself to Mr. Corbin, and I’ll tend to her.”
Charlie raised a brow. “You sure?”
“Positive,” Lindsay said, “I owe her one, and this time what I say—or do— to her won’t jeopardize my job.”
Lindsay ambled toward Mr. Corbin. “I don’t believe you’ve met my boyfriend, Charlie Mundy,” she said, standing next to the sofa.
Mr. Corbin stood up and extended a hand to Charlie.
Lindsay was about to sit next to Miranda when Ireland approached her. “Not now, Ireland,” Lindsay said through clenched teeth.
“But it’s important.”
“Make it quick. I’ve got a situation on my hands.”
“Okay. Did you see Asher pass by? He was headed upstairs when you and Charlie were coming down. Is there any trouble he can get into up there?”
That gave Lindsay an idea. “Actually, yes there is,” she said mischievously, and nudged Ireland out of the way.
“Hello there,” Lindsay said to Miranda, standing over her. “I don’t know if you heard—I’m Charlie’s girlfriend, Lindsay.”
“Whatever you say,” Miranda said, checking her face in her compact mirror.
Lindsay folded her arms and cocked her head to one side. “And what exactly does that mean?”
“Call it what you will, honey, but he’s only capable of loving me,” Miranda snapped, arrogance seeping out of her every pore.
“Is that right?”
“Yes, it is.” She slammed the compact shut, and tossed it into her purse.
“Would you please come with me?” Lindsay said. “I have something I’d like to show you.”
“I’d love to.” Miranda followed Lindsay up the stairs.
The huge canvas print of Lindsay was turned facing the wall in the upstairs hallway. She spun it around so Miranda could see.
Lindsay wished she could photograph Miranda’s expression right then. “This will soon occupy the space over Charlie’s headboard. What do you think of that?”
A new voice answered. “I think I’m in love,” Asher said, coming out of the upstairs bathroom.
“Oh, brother,” Lindsay grumbled.
Miranda’s face lit up at the sight of Asher—his hair styled neatly, wearing navy slacks, a tan polo shirt, and half a bottle of expensive cologne.
With his back to them, Asher inspected the picture. Lindsay watched Miranda staring holes through him. That gave her another magnificent idea.
Lindsay made a come–hither motion to Miranda. “Just ignore my brother. He’s an investor, and he’s celebrating a house he recently turned for a three–hundred–thousand–dollar profit. Makes him all uppity.”
“Is he really your brother?” Miranda whispered lightheartedly, her grin spreading across her face.
“Yes. Isn’t he a cutie? Problem is … he’s wealthy. So wealthy in fact, that most girls are intimidated by him. He’s longed for love but can’t seem to find it, no matter how hard he tries.”
“Really,” Miranda said, stroking her chin.
“Uh huh.”
How gullible! If Asher were my brother why would he lustfully gawk over a half–naked picture of his own sister?
“Excuse me,” Lindsay said, nudging past Asher. She leaned to pick up the picture, pretending to struggle. “This is really heavy. If I could get some help from you two, I’d really appreciate it.”
Asher grabbed one end and Miranda the other. Lindsay opened the walk–in hall closet. “Put it down in there.” As soon as they were in the closet, she slammed the door shut, closing the slide–lock on the outside.
“Hey! Let us out!” Miranda shouted.
“I will,” Lindsay said, “when I’m good and ready. Don’t have too much fun in there.”
Lindsay returned to the living room where Charlie was still chatting with Mr. Corbin.
“Where’s Miranda?” Charlie asked.
“I got rid of her,” Lindsay said, sliding one hand across the other in a dusting motion.
“Sorry to interrupt your conversation, Mr. Corbin,” Lindsay said. “I hope you don’t mind … I locked your son in a closet.”
Mr. Corbin laughed out loud. “You’ve got yourself a live one,” he said to Charlie.
“Finally, someone put my unruly son in his place. Well done, young lady. Well done, indeed,” Mr. Corbin said, patting Lindsay on the shoulder. He excused himself and sauntered off, still chuckling.
“You really did handle things,” Charlie said.
“I told you I would.”
“Do I dare ask what you did with Miranda?”
“I locked her in there with him. They’ll fall in love.”
“Brilliant! Remind me to never underestimate your knack for vengeance.” Charlie looked past Lindsay’s shoulder. “Who’s Ireland conversing with at the door?”
Lindsay spun around and her eyes bugged–out. “This can’t be happening.”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“It’s my mom and sister. How do they know about this? You didn’t have anything to do with it, did you?”
“Oh, no.” Charlie put his hands in front of him, palms facing out. “It wasn’t me. I have no clue who invited them.”
“Then it had to have been Ireland. I know she means well, but I told her I didn’t want them to come. I think now’s a good time for a bathroom break.”
Charlie caught Lindsay on the arm as she started to escape. “It’s not a good idea to run from your problems. Maybe you should be honest and tell them how you feel.”
“I will … one day, just not tonight,” Lindsay said, and kept walking, right back to the tiki hut.
As she waited for the bartender to mix her drink, Lindsay’s associates from the mall, Janice and Becky, showed up.
“Hey, girls,” Lindsay said, hugging them both at the same time. “Thank you so much for coming.”
“We wouldn’t miss it for anything,” Janice said.
“This may be one of our last memories together,” Becky added.
“Bartender,” Lindsay shouted, “split that shot three ways.”
“Here’s to the great times we’ve had together,” Lindsay said, lifting her glass. “I will always reflect on them with a smile, even in my darkest days.”
“Cheers,” the group said in unison, and clanked their glasses together.
After another shot, one of the girls pointed out the limbo stick that was set up near the pool. Fittingly, the song “Tequila” played on the radio. “What do you say, Linds,” Janice said. “Want to try it?”
“It would make for a great laugh.” Lindsay set her drink down on the bar. “Let’s do it.”
The girls cheered each other on as they limbo’d lower, unsteady as they were. When the pole got too low, the girls linked arms and skipped over it instead, laughing the whole way.
The frolicking came to an abrupt halt when Lindsay caught a glimpse of Charlie conversing with her mom and sister. Charlie’s gaze met with Lindsay’s interrogative stare, yet he stood there, still engaging them.
“You girls, continue on. You’ll have to excuse me.”
Lindsay marched over to the wooden deck where Charlie was consorting with the opposition. “Good afternoon, Mom, Sister.”
“I hope
you don’t mind us coming,” Mrs. Martin said to Lindsay. “I ran into Ireland earlier today, and she invited us. You look beautiful.”
“Thank you. If you’ll excuse us, I need to have a word with Charlie.” Lindsay opened the back door to the house and waited for Charlie to go first.
Once inside Lindsay led Charlie upstairs to his bedroom and they closed the door. “I can’t believe they showed up here without asking me. You’re lucky you’re not the one who invited them. Boy, would you have been in the dog house.”
“Your mother and sister seem very nice,” Charlie said.
“I thought you understood my relationship with them and how much pain it’s caused me. I guess you weren’t listening at all.”
“I assure you, I’ve heard every word, but I think you need to face them once and for all, and settle this. I, for my part, don’t believe it’s your mother’s intention to purposely hurt you. In our brief exchange, she revealed that she misses you very much.”
“Did she say why she prefers me unemployed, other than to spend all my time with her as my sister does. If it’s her need for company that causes her to shoot down my goals, then she’s selfish.”
“You’re right, but maybe she doesn’t know what she’s doing. If only you would bring it to her attention, you could unburden your heart.”
“Enough! Please!” Lindsay said, more harshly than she’d intended.
She put her hands on Charlie’s upper arms and lowered her voice. “In my own time, I will. Right now, I only want to be with you. I don’t want to focus on what is wrong with my life, when for the first time, so much is right.”
“Fine. But I encourage you to have that talk sooner, rather than later. You may not see the correlation, but the tension will inevitably not only burden the relationship with your family, but ours as well.”
Charlie was a wise man—this Lindsay was sure of. And he spoke the truth, but Lindsay was way too stubborn to broach the topic tonight. These were the last moments together with her closest friends, and she refused to allow her family to ruin them. “I understand. Would you mind giving me a few minutes to myself?”
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