Some Guys Have All the Luck

by Deborah Cooke

  “I thought I smelled chicken,” Nick said.

  “And we have the very best news to share,” Tori said, her eyes alight.

  “No more trips to the grocery before everyone starts arriving?” Cassie guessed.

  Tori laughed. “Not that. You’ll never guess.”

  “Then tell me.”

  “Ryan is coming after all!” Tori said, referring to a guy they’d known in high school.

  Cassie felt the color drain from her face. “I thought he had to work.”

  “He was, but he said he got part of the weekend off, so he’s on his way. He’ll be the last to arrive, but he’s flying in tomorrow morning. I’m so pleased. The whole pack of us will be together for the first time in ages.”

  Cassie didn’t look at Nick, even though she felt that he was watching her. There was a tremble in her gut and her heart was racing already. “Well, that’s great,” she forced herself to say, hating that she felt compelled to continue the lie. She couldn’t tell them the truth, though, could she?

  They’d never believe her.

  Plus there was Ryan’s threat of retribution. It still made her blood run cold.

  The old pack. They were the last people Cassie wanted to see.

  That old sense of powerlessness assailed her again, making her feel like a cornered teenager without any choices, making her feel as if everything about her life had been decided and was beyond her own control. It wasn’t a welcome feeling at all and reminded her just how much she hated Montrose River.

  “I could do without it,” Nick said softly. “He probably wants something. He wouldn’t come otherwise.”

  “Don’t be such a grump,” Tori said. “He used to be your friend.”

  “Past tense,” Nick said. “And never a very good one.”

  “I always liked him,” Tori said loyally.

  “He’s a weasel,” Nick replied. “The best thing that ever happened to this town was him leaving it.”

  “Don’t you dare say anything like that when he’s here,” Tori said, looking huffy.

  Nick glanced at Cassie as if to appeal for support, but she dropped her gaze.

  “If you need me to go pick up anything, just let me know,” she said brightly. “I’m here to help!”

  Then she retreated to her bedroom and closed the door, leaning back against it as she tried to slow her heart.

  Ryan was coming, after all.

  Cassie took a steadying breath, telling herself that she was an adult now and that no one could hurt her if she didn’t let them.

  The terrified teenager in her heart wasn’t convinced.

  She had to get through this. She had to take back her relationship with her family, just the way she’d taken back everything else in her life.

  Cassie just wished she had someone to talk to about it, someone who knew the truth.

  But no one in Montrose River would believe it. And Ryan might make good on his threat if she did. She unclenched her hands and straightened.

  She was on her own and she would nail this.

  Reid had a crazy Saturday, which often was the case. Not only was the weekly farmers’ market on the lot next to the Shop ’n Save, but there were new vendors and not enough spaces. He had to negotiate with everyone to pack in a little more tightly, to make sure there was enough parking.

  The real estate developer had flown in, probably not wanting to give Reid the chance to change his mind, and he’d spent most of the day with him, answering questions and closing the deal. It had been late when he’d driven the other man back to the airport, and he’d wandered his empty house for hours.

  Thinking about Cassie’s offer.

  Thinking that he’d hurt her feelings and should apologize.

  Knowing that if he could just hold out for another day—not even a whole day—she’d be gone and temptation would be removed.

  He was also tempted, for the very first time, to have a peek into Marty’s book. The Book. It was still in the office of the Shop ’n Save and he’d never cracked it open. He’d recognized it on sight as the binder where Marty kept all his notes. His own dislike of gossip was a reaction to Marty’s love of it. Marty had made it his personal mission to know the secrets of every soul in Montrose River, and write them down. Reid had thought it was a habit that meant Marty was observing life instead of living it, but they’d never talked about it.

  He’d discovered The Book when cleaning out the office after Marty’s death, and just left it on the shelf, unopened. Reid had no desire to read it. He’d rather people told him directly whatever they wanted him to know.

  But now he wondered what Marty had written down about his niece, Cassie.

  Good thing The Book was at the store and he was at the house, or he might have succumbed to his curiosity.

  No doubt about it—Cassie was dangerous to his status quo.

  Reid dozed off in front of the television and a very bad horror movie, then awakened with a jolt at the sound of his phone ringing. It was light outside but it took him a while to find his phone.

  “You weren’t out running this morning,” Cassie accused as soon as he answered. She didn’t sound angry with him anymore, which was a relief.

  “My knees declined the privilege. I’m going to swim laps instead.”

  “I was hoping to see you.”

  “You could have knocked on the door.”

  “I did.”

  Reid blinked in surprise. “I didn’t hear you, maybe because I was asleep.”

  “Not because you were avoiding me,” she asked, seeking clarification with a diligence he admired.

  “No. I thought you were the one avoiding me.”

  She didn’t reply.

  “What did I say?” Reid asked more gently. “I know you’re angry with me, but I don’t know why.”

  “It doesn’t matter,” she said, in a tone that meant it did.

  “I’m sorry,” he said.

  She was silent for a moment, then cleared her throat. “Did you sleep?”

  “I seldom sleep.” He felt grumpy, because she wouldn’t explain what he’d done but was asking him questions—as if they were having a relationship. If that was her view, he could put a stop to it.

  “You said that, but I thought it was an exaggeration.”

  “Nope, just the truth.”

  “Why?”

  “What makes you think it’s your business?” Now he sounded grumpy. Cranky, even. Reid pushed a hand through his hair, feeling turned inside out by this very sexy and frustrating woman.

  “It’s not, but I’m asking anyway.” There was a smile in Cassie voice, which reassured him more than it should have.

  “I just don’t.”

  “Subject closed.”

  “I admire how perceptive you are.”

  She laughed and he smiled. “Will I see you at the christening?”

  “Nope.”

  “Weren’t you invited? I thought everyone was. I can ask Tori...”

  “I was invited, but there’s no reason to wreck the festivities by having lightning strike the building.”

  Cassie chuckled. “You’re not that bad.”

  “You haven’t heard all the stories.”

  “Because you aren’t telling.” She continued without waiting for his reply. “What about afterward? If you were invited to the christening, you must have been invited to the reception.”

  “I graciously declined.”

  “Don’t like babies?”

  “Don’t like gossip. I like Tori and Nick. They don’t need whispering about my being there.”

  “What if I need you there?”

  Reid straightened at the vulnerability in her voice, his attention snared despite his desire that it not be. “Why?”

  Cassie caught her breath. “I’d like to have a date and I choose you.”

  She was being evasive, which wasn’t characteristic. Reid wondered what exactly was wrong. “Why?” he asked.

  “Because it sounds like you have a pret
ty lonely life here in Montrose River, Mr. Jackson. I’m feeling impulsive and friendly toward you. I’m going to help you get out more and socialize before I leave.”

  Reid frowned.

  Maybe there were just other people within earshot.

  “I like my life just fine,” he said, then continued before she could speak. “Look, if you want to negotiate for me to come to the christening this morning, I’m all ears.”

  “Really?” The sound of her pleasure was unmistakable.

  So was the jolt it sent through Reid. “Really.”

  “I’m not sure there’s time,” she said, obviously guessing his price. “My flight is right after the reception...”

  “Not for sex,” Reid said and she felt silent in surprise. “All you have to do is tell me what I said wrong yesterday.”

  She hesitated for a long moment. “Can’t you ask for something else?”

  Reid knew he’d found something important. “That story or no deal.”

  Cassie inhaled. “I think you have to throw in a ride to the airport for that,” she countered finally. “Because I’m not talking when there’s anyone else around.”

  “You’re on,” Reid agreed easily, liking the idea of having Cassie to himself again. “Can you give me a clue now?”

  Again, she was hesitant. The sound of her uncertainty made Reid want to slay dragons for her. “Um, other than my mom hating me, my sister resenting me, and Ryan arriving this morning, no.” Her voice indicated the opposite to what she said.

  Reid concentrated on the new detail. “Ryan Foster?”

  “Yes.” She exhaled the word in a long hiss of frustration. “It doesn’t matter, never mind.”

  “What’s wrong with Ryan coming?” Reid demanded. “Didn’t you expect him to?”

  “Well, he wasn’t coming. That’s what I heard. I checked.” Her tone had turned fierce. This mattered. A lot. “Apparently, he changed his mind yesterday and now he’s coming. Today.” Cassie inhaled. “Lucky for us.”

  Reid guessed that she was pacing. “I’m guessing you don’t feel lucky.”

  “No.”

  “Why is it a problem that he’s coming?”

  “Nothing. It’s wonderful.” Her tone turned saccharine. “Everyone loves Ryan.”

  Reid was impatient. “What’s this really about, Cassie? Tell me.”

  “I can’t,” she whispered. “But I will because I promised and I need you here. Will you come?”

  What did he know about Ryan? Not much. He was younger and Reid had never paid much attention to him. He’d run with a group of kids, all younger than Reid. Nick was the same age as Reid but had hung in the group for a while, probably because of Tori. And Ryan had left Montrose River after graduating from high school.

  Reid had never liked Ryan, but that was another thing.

  Why had Ryan decided to come back so suddenly? Was it because he’d heard Cassie was here? Why would that matter?

  “Of course,” he said and heard Cassie exhale in relief. “No hints?”

  “Not one.” She continued in a whisper and it sounded as if she’d cupped her hand over the phone. “This isn’t the deal I thought we’d make.”

  “Sometimes, you have to mix it up a bit.”

  “Uh huh.” She sounded skeptical and Reid was a bit worried that she’d seen through him. He never mixed it up with women. It was always about sex—but this wasn’t.

  He was just doing Cassie a favor. There wasn’t more to it than that.

  But she was afraid of Ryan. Reid’s gut tightened. “I was invited. Just tell Tori that I changed my mind and won’t eat anything. You don’t have to claim me as your date.”

  “Just my ride—in more ways than one.” There was a smile in Cassie’s voice when she replied and that made Reid smile. “I have to think you clean up pretty well, Reid.”

  “I try.”

  “And you have a suit.”

  “Of course.”

  “Then I’ll see you in church, at ten.”

  “And if you need me before then, feel free to call,” he added. She sounded happier when she agreed, and he stared at the phone for a long moment after the call had ended.

  Why didn’t she want to see Ryan?

  Cassie was ridiculously relieved that Reid had agreed to attend, and at the last minute.

  She didn’t need anyone to defend her, not really, but it was good to know she’d have an ally.

  Strange that she didn’t think anyone else would believe the truth, but she was convinced that Reid would.

  She was nervous about telling him, about telling anyone, but she knew he’d never repeat the story. And maybe it would make her feel better to let it go. Maybe it was another step in taking back her life.

  She could almost see her therapist nodding agreement.

  When she came out of her room, Tori was dressing Emily in her white gown and Nick was struggling with his tie. Cassie smiled and went to help him, tying it expertly for him.

  “You’ve done that before,” he said, relief in his expression.

  “We wore suits and ties for one number with the Rockettes,” she admitted. “Well, jackets and ties and sequined shorts.”

  “And heels.”

  “Red ones. They matched the shorts. It looked great.”

  “Not my look.”

  Cassie laughed. “I don’t know. You might really rock those shorts.”

  Nick harrumphed, sounding like his dad. “Bite your tongue.”

  “But we had to check each other’s ties. I kind of had a knack for it.”

  “Still do,” Nick said, checking his reflection.

  Cassie could see his discomfort with wearing a suit. “Who tied it for you for your wedding?” she teased, guessing that had been the last time he’d worn one.

  Nick grinned. “It was a tux, with a bow tie already tied.”

  “Cheater.”

  They laughed together.

  “I heard you on the phone. Making arrangements for afterward?” Nick asked.

  Cassie felt herself blush. “Reid’s going to come after all and will give me a ride to the airport. I hope that’s okay. He promised not to eat anything.”

  Nick grinned. “I think we have enough food for the entire state of Illinois.”

  “Feels like we made enough sandwiches for them all and half of Minnesota, too.”

  There was a pause. “I thought you’d be going out last night,” he said, trying to keep his tone idle and failing miserably.

  “But there was so much work to do.”

  “But you know, fair is fair. You gave us a date night on Friday. I didn’t want you to be missing any chances with Reid.”

  Cassie felt her blush deepen. “Actually, we had an argument yesterday morning.”

  Nick’s expression was knowing. “I didn’t think you two were wasting time on conversation.”

  “Nick!”

  “Come on, Cassie, the sexual satisfaction was rolling off both of you in waves. It was driving me nuts.” Nick winked and lowered his voice. “Until Friday night. Thanks again for that.”

  “Well, I just arranged dinner.”

  “Trust Reid to take care of the final details. It was great.” He bumped shoulders with her, the way they had when they were kids. “You two make a good team. Are you going to be back in town more often now?”

  “No.” Cassie said flatly and Nick looked a little surprised. “I’m looking forward to being back in New York, where I can just go to the theater when I feel the need for some drama in my life.”

  Nick laughed. “I thought romance might bring you back.”

  Cassie shook her head. “It was just a quickie, Nick. Just fun.”

  “Seems to be going on and on for just fun,” he noted, then held up a hand when she would have protested. “But hey, don’t feel compelled to fill me in. I like both of you, and if you could be happy together, that would be awesome.”

  “Well, I don’t think we would be. We’re both fans of the short-term connection.”r />
  “Which is weird, isn’t it?” Nick mused. “I mean, is that a learned reaction or a basic inclination?”

  “It probably varies from person to person,” Cassie said, wondering where he was going with this.

  “Well, it makes perfect sense for Reid. I never thought he’d be otherwise.” Nick eyed her and Cassie had to avert her gaze. “But I always expected to dance at your wedding.”

  “Don’t hold your breath, cuz,” Cassie said cheerfully. “I don’t think there’s going to be one.”

  “Well, that would be a shame,” Nick said softly and something in his tone made Cassie blush.

  Did he know her secret?

  What if it wasn’t a secret anymore?

  But Nick smiled and gave her a nudge. “Your mom wants grandchildren so badly.”

  Cassie smiled.

  Much to her relief, Tori appeared in that moment with the baby, both of them looking picture perfect.

  “Tick tock,” Nick said. “We’d better get going so we’re not late.” He plucked Emily out of Tori’s arms. He kissed both of “his girls,” looking so proud and happy that Cassie blinked back her tears.

  Some people had happy endings, and she didn’t know anyone who deserved theirs more than Nick and Tori.

  Reid got to the church on time, guessing from the crowd outside that about half of the guests had arrived. Tori was holding Emily, who was dressed in a flowing white christening gown. Maybe it was a family heirloom: the lace was elaborate and it looked old. Her mom was clucking around her, adjusting the gown. Tori wore a pretty spring dress and heels, and he saw that she’d gotten a new haircut. That had probably been Friday at Millie’s. Nick was clearly the proud papa, looking surprisingly sexy in his navy suit and tie. A good buddy of Nick’s stood beside him, prepared to be godfather, that man’s wife watching with pleasure, surrounded by their three kids.

  And then there was Cassie. She looked elegant and feminine in a floral dress and sandals, but the heels were really high stilettos. They did great things for her legs and Reid admired the view, even as she smiled at him. Pink lipstick today instead of red, but Cassie would never look demure. Again, he was struck by the sense that she’d arrived from another planet, one where he wanted to live.