The Wedding Deal

by Duke, Regina

  “Is she being nice to you?”

  “Pretty nice,” said Darcy, suppressing a smile, “considering how I shoved her in the pool.”

  Tony laughed heartily. “You didn’t mention that before.”

  “I was too busy with more important things, like the sound of your voice,” she said sweetly.

  “I like your priorities. Say, can I ask you a few questions? I’ve run across a few terms I don’t understand.”

  Darcy was curious. “What kind of information could I know that a world-class billionaire playboy doesn’t?”

  “I’m not a playboy.” Tony sounded offended, and Darcy hoped she hadn’t said the wrong thing. He continued, more playfully, “I’m a ski bum.”

  Darcy laughed out loud, relieved that he hadn’t been serious. “I’m so sorry,” she said. “I should have known the difference.”

  “Well, now you know. But that chapter of my life has ended. I have higher aspirations now.”

  Darcy caressed her phone. “That’s good to hear. Okay, what are these mysterious terms you’ve run across?”

  “Well, I’ve been trying to educate myself about film production.”

  “Really?” Darcy was thrilled but managed to tease him. “And why on Earth would a ski bum want to know about movie production?”

  “Oh, you never know. I may want to make home movies. Most families do, you know.”

  “Are you planning to film your brother’s new baby when it comes?”

  “Actually…I’m more interested in filming our own, when the time comes.”

  Darcy’s breath caught in her throat. “Wow, Tony, are you aware that you are leading me to believe that…you care as much for me…as I care for you?” She ended on a whisper.

  Tony’s smiled was evident in his voice. “Oh good. You passed the auditory cognition test.” Then gently, “When you left Eagle’s Toe, I felt like the lightbulb in the sun had gone out.”

  Darcy fought back tears of joy. When she could speak, she said, “I can’t wait for you to get here. Noon tomorrow?”

  “By hook or by crook. And don’t let Lysette push you around.”

  It took Darcy another ten minutes to actually end the call. She felt like the universe had glued her brain to the phone. Her fingers refused to end the call until they’d said goodnight a dozen times, and finally Tony had to say, “I have to go now. I still have some things to take care of before tomorrow.”

  “Okay. Until tomorrow.” Silence.

  “You hang up first,” teased Tony for the umpteenth time.

  Darcy laughed. “Your wish is my command. I guess I can wait another fifteen hours.” The music in her voice sang a whole different tune, but she was finally able to negotiate with her fingers to hang up.

  * * *

  Tony had been on his phone so long he had to charge it to keep talking. And it turned out he had to make dozens of calls after hanging up with Darcy.

  It had never occurred to him that he would have to prove his monetary worth to get things done. He’d assumed since childhood that the Garrison name was all that was needed to get instant credit and hurried obeisance. But now he found himself dropping names right and left, calling the personal numbers of bankers to vouch for his bank balance, and demanding to speak to the owners of several Las Vegas companies. Back in Manhattan, his father was so well known and respected that people automatically fell in line. But out west, Tony had to mention several family names and connections to set his plan in motion.

  By six a.m., he was wide awake and ready to roll. The closer it got to showtime, the more excited he became. Maybe this whole producer thing was really going to work. His head was spinning with all the details he’d arranged the night before, and he hoped and prayed that Darcy would be pleased. He knew one thing for sure—the next time he needed the services of Super Deluxe Studios in Las Vegas, they would fall over themselves to do what he asked.

  By eleven, he was in Vegas, struggling to figure out how to make the map application work on his cellphone. He found it very annoying to have the phone telling him what to do every quarter mile. He finally turned the sound off and pulled over to look at the map. Five minutes later, he was back in traffic, confident in his ability to find Lulamae’s house.

  He knew when he reached her street because it was filled with vehicles and personnel trying to stay just far enough away to keep from being seen by the occupants of the house. Big vans with Super Deluxe painted on the side were flanked by several large white SUVs running their A/C on full blast to keep the occupants cool. There was also a large motor home with Super Deluxe emblazoned on the side and an unmarked van unloading equipment.

  He stopped next to a long white limo and rolled down his window. The Vegas heat shoved him back in his seat, and he turned his A/C up another notch.

  One of the limo’s windows lowered and a male voice called out, “Are you Mister Garrison?” It was a far cry from the names he’d been called on the phone the night before. He remembered his godmother Lulamae telling him as a child that money talks. He’d never really understood what she meant until now.

  “Yes, I’m Tony Garrison. Are we ready?”

  “Ready when you are, sir.”

  “Okay,” said Tony, “let’s roll.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Darcy was so excited about Tony’s impending arrival, she felt like a kid at Christmastime. It was hard to remember that she was supposed to be working for Lulamae. After her shower, she dressed in a hurry—first, her bikini, and then faded jeans and a V-neck tee shirt—and padded barefoot to Lulamae’s room, where she listened at the door for a moment. All was quiet. She knocked lightly.

  “Come in.” Lulamae was propped up on pillows with a tray across her lap and reading glasses perched on the end of her nose. She was sipping orange juice and studying the screen of her laptop. “Good morning, cherie.”

  Darcy approached the bed. “My goodness, you are up early. May I bring you your medication?”

  “Maybe later. Technically I’m not up, you know. And frankly, I’m barely awake. Maria is brewing coffee.”

  “Dare I ask about Lysette?”

  “She didn’t wake you last night?”

  “No, ma’am. Did she need me?”

  “No. She was on the phone with her husband out in the big room until two a.m. And every other sentence, she had to come report to me about what an evil man he is. She finally went to bed, but she is not a happy camper, I guarantee.”

  “Oh dear.” Darcy sat on the tufted chair near Lulamae’s bed. Although she found Lysette to be the most unpleasant woman she’d ever met, she forced herself to ask, “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  Lulamae’s eyes sparkled. “Not a thing. She has to come to terms with the fact that her husband sold her ruby necklace and pocketed the cash, then spent a hundred dollars to have a copy made from photographs. He claims it was his to do with as he pleased since they’re married, and Lysette is furious. She must have used every French cuss word I ever learned and a dozen more that were brand new to me. Now she’ll have to come to terms with her new reality. Either file for divorce or go home to France and watch him spend the rest of her family fortune.”

  “That’s awful,” said Darcy, managing to find an ounce or two of compassion for Lysette. “Is she still asleep?”

  “She went to bed with a bottle of Jack Daniels,” said Lulamae. “I’m not sure sleeping is the right word to describe her current state.” She closed her laptop. “And how are you doing this morning? I understand we’ll be having a visitor around noon.”

  Darcy giggled and blushed. “Oh, I’m sorry. I feel like I’m in high school again, waiting for my first prom. We had the sweetest conversation last evening. I’ve never met anyone like him. He’s so different from those creepy old men in Hollywood.”

  Lulamae smiled. “Good. I was wondering when the two of you would figure out that you were falling in love.”

  Darcy’s blush deepened, and she scrambled for something to hi
de her embarrassment. “Would you like some help getting dressed?”

  Lulamae thought for a moment. “That would be nice. Y’all scoot and put your shoes on. When you get back, I’ll be ready to move.”

  Darcy paused at the door. “Do you think this is okay?” she asked, indicating her outfit. “I mean, to greet Tony in.”

  “Your beauty makes everything you wear look like designer clothing, cherie. Tony will love your outfit.”

  “Thank you. For everything.” She scampered back to her room and slipped into a pair of red flats. They looked casual enough but made her feel a little bit dressed up. She pocketed her phone and returned to Lulamae.

  Maria had been and gone. There was now a trolley with coffee and pastries on it between the tufted chair and Lulamae’s bed.

  “Mmmm, that coffee smells delicious,” said Darcy.

  “Let’s have some while it’s hot,” said Lulamae, setting her bed tray aside. “I need to wash the healthy taste of orange juice out of my mouth.”

  “You’re so funny,” said Darcy. “And you’ve been so good to me. I can’t tell you what a difference you’ve made in my life. When I arrived in Vegas, I was more depressed and discouraged than I’ve ever been. Coming to work for you has changed everything.”

  “Good. Try one of those Napoleons. They’re a bit rich for breakfast, but oh my, they are delicious. And how is your mother?”

  “She’s fine, I guess. Tony’s loan cleared up her tax problem, and she had enough left over to set up shop with the friend she’s been clerking for during the summers. Hopefully, I’ll get that money paid back before she needs another loan.”

  “I have a feeling Tony will consider that a gift, not a loan. It’s only five thousand.” She assumed her Hollywood agent voice. “After all, cherie, you’ll be making a fortune on your movie.”

  Darcy wasn’t sure if Lulamae was teasing or not. She nibbled at the Napoleon. It was the best thing she’d ever tasted, and the coffee was perfect. She hoped the rest of the day would go as well as this. And she hoped that Tony was sincere in his affection for her. She didn’t think she could bear to discover that he was just toying with her. After all, if Sheila’s five grand was a gift that Lulamae could wave away as being of no consequence, what else might a wealthy man do to impress a potential conquest? Pretend a serious interest when he just wanted a short-term girlfriend?

  No, she wouldn’t allow her thoughts to go down that road. She knew how icky some men could be. She’d had to deal with them in Hollywood. Tony was different. They’d shared Monty Python, for goodness sake. And long hours of conversation at the ski resort had confirmed for her that Tony was indeed a kind and decent man.

  “He’ll be here at noon,” she blurted.

  Lulamae laughed softly. “Young love, what a joy.”

  Darcy took a deep breath and let it out. “You’re his godmother. You’ve known him all his life. Is he really as wonderful and kind and generous as he seems?”

  “I believe he is,” Lulamae reassured her. “I’ve never seen him so happy as when he’s with you. Y’all don’t have to rush into anything, but don’t let your past experiences ruin your chances with Tony. I think he’s serious in wanting to help you fulfill your dreams of being an actress.” She dabbed at her lips with a linen napkin. “All right, cherie, I think it’s time for me to get out of this bed. My hip doesn’t ache this morning. That’s a good sign.”

  By ten a.m., they were relaxing on chaises next to the pool. Lulamae was creating her own breeze with an old fashioned fan that made Darcy think of Spanish flamenco dancers.

  “Gosh, it must be eighty degrees already,” she said.

  “Going to hit a hundred and ten today,” said Lulamae.

  “Are you going to swim?”

  “Maybe this evening. Right now, it’s enough to just admire my pool.”

  “I agree,” said Darcy, wishing her insides would stop flip-flopping every time she thought of Tony.

  As if reading her mind, Lulamae teased, “Only two more hours.”

  “What can I do for you while we wait?”

  “Why don’t you tell me about growing up in Forest Hill? The name makes the place sound magical.”

  Darcy had been talking for an hour when Maria arrived with a tray of iced tea. She leaned close to Lulamae’s ear and spoke too softly for Darcy to hear. After she left, Lulamae sported a mysterious look of satisfaction.

  “What’s up?” asked Darcy. “You look like you have a secret.”

  “It won’t be a secret for long. Now, where were we? Oh yes, you were just about to leave for college. Tell me more.”

  Darcy kept talking, but her excitement level was climbing. When she heard voices coming from the kitchen, she jumped to her feet. “Tony?”

  Lysette emerged from the kitchen.

  Darcy plopped back down, her disappointment threatening to drown her. “Oh, it’s you. Good morning, Lysette.”

  Wrapped in a blue terry bathrobe and wearing flip-flops, Lysette looked as bad as she probably felt. Her mascara had formed a raccoon mask around her eyes, and the whites were bloodshot. Darcy didn’t know if it was from alcohol or tears. After Lysette settled on a chaise and accepted a cup of coffee from Maria, she spoke words that Darcy’d never thought she would hear.

  “I wish to apologize for my terrible behavior.”

  Darcy looked to Lulamae for guidance.

  “Cherie, I do believe she is sincere.”

  “Wow,” said Darcy. Then, feeling a tad guilty, she responded, “I’m sorry, too, Lysette. You’re facing a difficult situation, and I admit that I’ve been no help to you at all.”

  Lysette said, “I should never have married the Count. I knew he was a bad boy when I met him.” She put air quotes around bad boy. “And now I know he is also a thief.” She sighed dramatically. “I must find a way to start a new life.”

  “Did he take everything?” Lulamae sounded concerned. “I thought it was just the necklace.”

  Lysette shrugged. “I am afraid to look at my bank account.”

  In a moment of compassion, Darcy said, “Don’t worry. Everything will work out.”

  Lysette looked doubtful.

  The sound of Lulamae’s doorbell chimed inside the house. Darcy jumped up. “I’ll get it!”

  * * *

  Tony stood on the broad front step, his finger poised over the doorbell. He took a last look around. Twenty-two people were lurking behind shrubs and stone walls. He took a deep breath and rang the bell.

  A few seconds later, the door opened and Darcy threw her arms around his neck. “I’ve missed you so much!”

  He embraced her, lifting her off her feet. “Me, too. I mean, I’ve missed you, too.”

  The kiss took them both by surprise. It was deep and electric. When they came up for air, they were breathless.

  Tony could not let her go. “I have a surprise for you,” he said.

  “You’re all the surprise I need,” said Darcy.

  Tony planted kisses all over her face. At last, he forced himself to hold her at arm’s length. “Let’s go get Lulamae. I want her to know what’s going on.” He slipped his arm around her waist and moved through the house toward the pool.

  Darcy giggled. “How did you know where she is?”

  “Lulamae would sleep on a floaty if she could. She’s always by the pool.”

  At the last moment, in the kitchen, Darcy whispered, “Lysette is still here.”

  Tony gave her a little squeeze. “I’ll handle Lysette.”

  Outside, Lulamae stood up to greet Tony. “It’s about time you got here,” she teased. “Another day and I think Darcy would have given up on you.”

  He hugged her gently. “Did you plan all of this?” he teased back.

  Lulamae laughed.

  “Don’t sit down. I want you to be part of my surprise for Darcy.”

  “Oh darlin’, I love surprises.”

  Lysette cleared her throat loudly. Tony wiggled an index finger at her. “Yo
u, too, Lysette. I hear you’re having a rough time. Really rough, from the looks of things.”

  Lysette sighed dramatically and prepared to launch into a long explanation, but Tony stopped her.

  “Don’t worry, okay? I’m in a very generous mood.” His phone pinged and he glanced at the screen. “All right, that’s the five-minute heads up.” He turned to Darcy and held both her hands. She looked more than a little confused.

  “Darcy Summerlin, in the spirit of our Monty Python bond and our shared love for skiing and Godzilla, would you allow me to travel through life at your side?”

  Darcy’s eyes sparkled with tears of joy, but Tony could see a flash of uncertainty in her expression as she spoke. “You’ve only known me for ten days. What if you meet someone else? What if…?”

  Tony leaned forward and kissed her gently on the mouth. “Feel that electricity?”

  Darcy shuddered with pleasure and nodded.

  “You don’t have to say yes right away. Just know that I plan to convince you completely that I’m the guy for you. And,” he added, switching his voice to his producer persona, “I’m also going to make you a star! Come with me.” He pulled her gently toward the house. “Lulamae? Would you like to take my other arm?”

  “Why, thank you, Mr. Producer.” She stifled a giggle, then added some Hollywood grandiosity to her own voice. “Just what do you have in mind for my client? We agents have to negotiate these deals on their behalf, you know.”

  Tony grinned. He glanced over his shoulder. “Come on, Lysette. You’ve traipsed all over Europe spying on me for my father. Why shouldn’t you be part of this as well?”

  Lysette perked up and used a towel to wipe off excess mascara. “D’accord! I agree.”

  When they reached the entryway, Tony checked his phone again, then typed, Ready?

  The answer came quickly. All set.

  Tony stepped back and took Darcy’s hand, like a prince meeting his princess. “Darcy Summerlin, you will be the next big star in Hollywood. And we’re going to spend the next several days making sure that everyone knows your name.”