Stuffed and feeling a little gluttonous, I looked up just as Mrs. Phillips stood and hurried into the back room, which was where the restrooms were. She looked distraught. As I stood to follow, I saw the man get up and rush after her.
Intent on pretending to have to use the facilities, I followed behind them, keeping my shoulders back and stride clear, purposefully walking to the bathroom.
I heard voices past the restrooms, in the back room where the pool tables were. Keeping to the wall, I walked down the hall, stopping right before the opening to the room and listening to the conversation.
“Steph, you’re driving me crazy,” the man said, his voice full of emotion.
I heard movement, then she replied, “I know, and I’m sorry. But, I don’t think I can do this.”
“Come on, Steph, I’ve been waiting for you for years, and now, we finally have the chance to be together.”
“But, we don’t,” she replied softly. “Because I’m not single. I’m married, and, I’m sorry, Stephen, but I love my husband.”
“If you love him so much, why are you here with me?” he asked, getting angry.
“Because I’m lonely. You don’t know what it’s like to be married to a man who has to leave you all the time. I miss my husband, and I thought you were my friend. That I could come to you for support. I’m sorry if you thought by contacting you, I wanted to have some sort of affair. That’s not what I was looking for.”
The man scoffed.
“What was I supposed to think when my ex-girlfriend calls me up and asks if I want to go out?”
“Um, that I wanted to go out to dinner with an old friend?”
“We’re not friends,” he argued. “I expected a booty call, not a dinner where I listen to you moan about missing your husband.”
“Wow, okay, well, thanks for clearing that up,” Steph said, obviously hurt by his careless words. “I’m going to go back to my parents.”
“Seriously, that’s it?” Stephen asked harshly, and I thought maybe I should break things up before they got ugly.
I strode around the corner and into the room, a large smile plastered on my face.
“Oh, hey, I didn’t know anyone else was in here. Are you guys using the table?”
They both looked at me. Stephen was scowling, but Steph looked relieved.
“No, we were just leaving,” Steph said, then looked at Stephen and said pointedly, “At least, I am.”
I stayed put while she left the room, then walked out after Stephen followed in a huff. When I saw her go out the front door and him return to the table, I went back to the bar to pay my check.
Relieved that, for once, I’d be able to report something positive to a client. I was happy to say, Mrs. Phillips was not cheating on her husband.
“OKAY, CAN I just get this out of the way so we can put it behind us and focus on Lila and finding the perfect gown?”
Everyone looked to Amy May, who’d gone to stand on the small stage in front of the mirror.
We were all sitting on the couches in the lounge area of the bridal shop, where, no kidding, they had champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries set out for us.
When Bea, Carmen, and I stopped talking and nodded, Amy May took a deep breath and said, “I’m sorry. I know I completely overreacted about you guys being in Coffee and Books, and the way I stormed in there and started yelling was not only embarrassing, but ridiculous. Then, to make matters worse, I did what I always do, and I crawled into my shell to stew and ignored all of your calls and texts. So, I want you to know that I’m sorry, and that I reacted that way partly because of everything that’s going on in my life right now, and maybe, just maybe, I was also a teensy bit jealous.”
Carmen and Bea both stood up from the couches and went to hug Amy May.
We’d already had our moment, so I stayed seated and continued to enjoy my champagne while I watched them make up.
“What’s going on that’s stressing you out, hon? Is it the new storefront?” Carmen asked as she sat back down.
“Partially,” Amy May admitted, then took her seat and said, “The rest I’ll tell you guys later. Today is about Lila.”
“Wait, the rest?” I asked, latching on to what she’d said. “What rest? Did something happen with Cynthia?”
I looked to Bea and Carmen and explained, “She already went and apologized to Cynthia, who pulled her aside to ask her something.” I turned back to Amy May and asked, “So what happened with that?”
Amy May gave me an exasperated look, probably because she wanted the focus on me instead of her, but . . . too bad.
“Her baker got hired on somewhere else, so she asked me to start making the pastries for her shop. She’ll give me full credit, let me advertise the bakery, and said she’ll let all her clients know what I offer.”
“Wow, that’s great,” Bea said, leaning back with a grin.
Amy May nodded in agreement.
“And, the extra work is stressing you out?” Carmen pushed.
“No, not really. I have Jordan helping me out, plus the new staff for the storefront, so I don’t think we’ll have any issues with a little extra production.”
“So, something else is going on . . .” I prodded.
Amy May let out a sigh and said, “You guys aren’t going to let this go, are you?”
We all shook out heads.
“Fine. I’m pregnant. That’s why I’ve been short-tempered, tired, and sick.”
My eyeballs popped out of my head.
“What?” I screeched, jumping up and tackle hugging her on the couch.
“Don’t crush her,” Bea said.
“Let me in there,” I heard Carmen say behind me.
Amy May started laughing and squealed, “Lila, get off.”
“Oh, sorry,” I said, letting her up. “I can’t believe this.”
“Neither could we,” she admitted. “Jason and I hadn’t planned on having any other kids. It just . . . happened.”
“Probably on one of your freaky role-playing nights,” I joked. “You got so caught up in being someone else, you forgot the no glove, no love rule.”
“Congratulations,” Carmen said, hugging Amy May’s shoulders, all awkward like, with her butt sticking out.
“You’re not going to hurt the baby by hugging her, you know,” I told Carmen.
Carmen blushed and shrugged.
“I haven’t been around many pregnant women.”
“Ladies, are we ready to begin?” the dress shop attendant called and I stood up.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I said, then moved to follow her.
The plan was that I’d try on dresses, then come out and show my friends, who would help me decide which one to choose by using a rating system.
Since I was already two champagne glasses in, I needed all the help I could get.
Once we were in the dressing room, I looked at the dress she had waiting and pursed my lips.
“I don’t know, that looks kind of princessy to me,” I said. “I was thinking of something a little edgier.”
“Just try it. If you don’t like it, no worries, we have plenty more for you to pick from.”
I shrugged, figuring she was the expert, even though the big flouncy dress in front of me made me a tad skeptical.
I took off my clothes, then put on the dress with the attendant’s assistance. I wasn’t supposed to look until after the girls had seen it, then I would turn in the mirror for the big reveal.
A little silly, maybe, but I was still girly enough to enjoy the production of trying on wedding dresses.
“Here’s the first one,” I called before entering the room and stepping onto the stage. “I know it’s over the top, but she said there’s edgier stuff back there.”
When no one answered, I looked up at my friends to find them all watching me, eyes wide and mouths open.
“What? Do I look like I’m going to prom?” I asked.
“Turn around,” Amy May said softly.<
br />
I spun slowly, my eyes latching first on the big flowing skirt, which almost looked like it was made of meringue, it was so sweet and delicate. The waist was fitted, as was the bodice, and was beautifully beaded. The front was heart shaped and the straps were thin like spaghetti.
“Oh my gosh,” I breathed, my eyes filling with tears.
“It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Carmen said, stepping up on my right.
“It’s perfect,” Amy May agreed from my left.
“Gorgeous,” Bea murmured, catching my eyes in the mirror.
I smiled at my friends, then looked back at my reflection and thought, Shit, Bran was right, I’m going to have to keep working on my arms.
“SO, WE’RE GOOD to meet Carmen for coffee tomorrow at nine?” I managed to ask Bran as I squeezed out another rep of curls.
“Uh, yeah, I’m pretty sure, but I’ll double check my schedule when I get in and let you know.”
I’d finished up my report for Phillips over the weekend and sent it out. It was nice to be able to offer up some good news for once, but, now that that case was closed, I found myself in the rare situation of not having any other cases lined up.
It was weird.
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been without a case.
On one hand, it was nice to have a break, especially when I was planning a wedding. On the other, the wedding was pretty much planned, and Cade was gone . . . What the hell was I supposed to do with myself?
We finished up and I promised to see Bran again the next morning, since I couldn’t use work as an excuse, and I did need to tone up my arms for my dress.
The kids were in school, my friends were at work, and I was at a loss of what to do next.
I was standing on the sidewalk in front of the gym, freshly showered, and looking up and down the street as if expecting a case to walk up and hit me, when my phone rang.
“Hello?” I answered, a little too eagerly
“Aloha kakahiaka.”
I grinned at the sound of Cade’s mom’s voice.
“Aloha, Mama,” I replied. “How’s everything going?”
“Perfect. I was just calling to make sure you have our flight information for next week.”
Holy shit, would they already be coming next week?
“Uh, yeah, of course, I saved the email Alani sent,” I assured her, panic suddenly hitting me hard as I realized that my future in-laws would be arriving next Monday and I was getting married in twelve short days. “We’ll have Cade’s cabin all ready for you guys.”
I made a mental note to stop by the cabin to ensure it was clean and habitable.
“Wonderful. We are so excited to see you again . . . I cannot believe my baby is finally getting married.”
“I know, it’s crazy,” I replied. I knew she’d started to give up hope that her thirty-nine-year-old son would ever settle down, and honestly, he’d never planned too. The whole thing was pretty unexpected.
For all of us.
“Lila, I’ve been trying to call Cade for the last few days, but he hasn’t answered or called back, is everything okay?”
“Oh, yeah,” I said, trying to keep my tone light. “Cade’s away on business, so he doesn’t have access to his phone, but he’ll see you when you arrive, and if I see him before then, I’ll be sure he calls you.”
“Thank you, sweetheart. How are my babies doing?”
When we’d gone to Hawaii, Cade’s parents had become close to Lena and Elin. Since we’d come home, the kids had written them letters, and they were excited that Cade’s family was coming for the wedding.
“Oh, you know how kids are,” I said vaguely, not wanting to get into my pre-teen issues over the phone. “They can’t wait to see you.”
“Oh, we can’t wait either. Be sure to give them a kiss from Tūtū . . . We’ll see you next week. Aloha, Lila, be well.”
“See you soon,” I replied, then hung up the phone.
I gnawed my lip as I worried about the fact that Cade had been gone a week with no word. What if he didn’t make it back by the time his family arrived? What would I tell them? Would they be worried?
I opened up the calendar on my phone and looked at it.
Today was totally blank, but I did have a dress fitting the next day after coffee with Bran and Carmen, so I added a note to stop by the cabin after the fitting. I needed to make sure it was clean, not only for Cade’s family, but to double check the lawn and see if I needed to hire anyone to clean it up before the wedding.
Once that was done, I turned my feet toward Amy May’s Bakery.
Before I’d been a full-time PI, I’d worked part-time for Amy May. Sure she’d hired more staff since then, but maybe she’d have something I could help her with.
“Morning,” I called as I walked into the bakery.
I waved at Jordan, who pointed toward the back, indicating where I’d find my friend.
I walked through the kitchen, which was bustling with staff creating delicious desserts, and down the hall to Amy May’s office.
I stuck my head inside and said, “Hey.”
My gaze shifted from the desk, where I’d expected her to be, to the loveseat, which she was currently laying down on.
“Are you okay?” I asked, concerned as I hurried over to her.
“Ugh,” Amy May moaned, her hands on her stomach.
“Are you sick?” I asked, my hand covering hers.
“Can’t keep anything down,” she replied, her face looking totally pale.
“Oh, I’m sorry, hon, is there anything I can do?” I asked.
Amy May gave a dry laugh and asked, “Can you go to the storefront and check on things, then head over to Cynthia’s and pick up the first order? Her computer died yesterday, so she can’t email it. I told her I’d stop by, but that was last night, when I didn’t feel like death.”
“Yes, I can do both.”
“Really?” she asked, her eyes widening. “Don’t you have work?”
“Nope, nothing right now. I’d be happy to help you out. You know I don’t do idle.”
“Oh my gosh, you’re the best.”
“You stay here and rest, I’ll go to the mall and Cynthia’s and be back with your order and a full report.”
“Thanks, Lila.”
“Anytime, babe, you know that,” I assured her. “You need anything while I’m out? Tea?”
“Maybe some of those ginger suckers?”
“You got it.”
I took off, sorry that my friend was feeling miserable, but happy to have something to do.
I’D MET BRAN early for our workout, then showered and left him to go on ahead to the coffee shop.
I didn’t want to arrive with either Bran or Carmen, since I was friends with both, and didn’t want it to seem like I was taking sides. Plus, I was the one pushing them to give this a second try. If it went bust, I needed to be able to hightail it outta there.
“Morning, Cynthia,” I called as I grabbed my coffee. “I’m meeting some friends, so I’m gonna grab the table in the back, okay?”
“Sure thing, Lila, let us know if you need anything,” Cynthia replied as she continued stocking books on her shelves.
I was checking my emails on my phone when Carmen came up and pulled out the chair next to me and said, “Did I beat him? I wanted to beat him. I need to be sitting down and mentally prepared when he walks in. I’ve been trying to plan out what I want to say and didn’t get any sleep last night.”
I looked up to see a frazzled-looking Carmen.
Carmen never looked frazzled. She was chic and put together, which usually made me what to kill her, just a little bit, but right then? She looked like she hadn’t slept in a week and had been wearing the same clothes for just as long.
“Are you okay?” I asked, honestly worried. “If you don’t want to do this, you can head out and I’ll let Bran know.”
Carmen shook her head, her eyes wide.
“Uh-uh. No. I
can’t go through this again. I need to get it over with.”
“Okay, well, do you want me to get you some water or something? Maybe tea?” I asked, thinking the last thing she needed was coffee.
Before she could reply, Carmen looked up and said, “Oh, God, he’s here,” then slid down in her chair.
I started at her in shock, before turning to watch Bran approach.
He was in his suit and ready for business, looking completely at ease and unfazed, unlike Carmen, who was now laying on the table shielding her head with her arms like a toddler.
What in the world?
“Carmen,” I whisper shouted as I stood to greet Bran. “Pull yourself together.”
“Hello again,” Bran said with a grin, leaning down to kiss me on the cheek, before turning his attention to Carmen and adding, “Nice to see you, Carmen.”
His voice was low and rich, and Carmen’s name slid out of his mouth like silk.
She looked up, face strained, and replied nervously, “Uh, hi, Bran.”
“Why don’t you have a seat. Can I get either of you anything?” I asked.
Carmen shook her head frantically, and I knew she didn’t want me to leave them alone.
“I’m okay right now,” Bran replied.
I took my seat and Carmen visibly relaxed.
Once we were all sitting, I looked to Carmen, who was watching Bran nervously and biting her thumb nail.
“So, Carmen, didn’t you want to say something to Bran about your date?” I asked, trying to be helpful by prompting her, but rather than taking the assist, she looked at me like I kicked her dog. “Okay, what about you, Bran?”
“Yeah, actually, I do have something to say,” Bran replied easily, and I could tell he was centered and feeling better after our talk.
And, he let it all out. He told Carmen a bit about his childhood and addictions, although not all of it . . . I was sure that would come later, if they ended up actually starting a relationship. He also told her how nervous he’d been for their date, and why he thought things went terribly wrong.
I watched Carmen as he spoke, and it was like watching a caterpillar morph into a butterfly. With each of Bran’s confessions, she sat up a little taller, the tension eased from her shoulders, and she became the Carmen I was used to.
Cupcake Explosion Page 5