Some Guys Have All the Luck

by Deborah Cooke

  “As much as you want, of course, but I’d love something really bombastic so you can show them what you’ve got.” He looked at her hopefully.

  “Can You Feel the Love Tonight? I don’t think you can go wrong with a little Elton John in the mix.”

  “I like that. That’ll be great. Here I’ll give you the sprout’s email so you two can work this out, if that’s okay.”

  “Perfect.”

  Just tell him the tunes and he’ll do the mix. It’s a new thing.” Kyle rolled his eyes. “I’m told that girls like it.”

  Cassie laughed. “Good thing you have someone to give you a few pointers.”

  “Crap that kid makes me feel old,” he complained but she knew he wasn’t really disgruntled at all.

  Cassie had an idea then of how she could send a message to Reid, loud and clear. “Can I add a choice of my own?”

  “You just did.”

  “Another. Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You.”

  “Wow. That is a powerful one. I can imagine you singing it.”

  “One of my faves.”

  She watched Kyle and knew he was running through the song in his thoughts. “But the words are kind of a bummer, don’t you think?”

  “I’ll change them,” Cassie offered.

  “Really? Awesome!” Kyle gave her an impromptu hug and then, looking more like Tigger, practically bounced out of the office to check on the arrangements for the launch party.

  Cassie went to Vevo to check the lyrics, then began to doodle variations on a notepad. She smiled as the words came together and started to look forward to the wedding again.

  The plan had always been to drive to Santa Cruz without hurrying. They’d while away the afternoon, then gather on the beach for the wedding. The service would take place at sunset, then there would be a buffet and dancing under the stars. It was casual, but Reid had bought a linen suit in San Francisco, not wanting to attend a wedding in shorts. He’d forgo a tie. He was glad that he’d made an effort when Cassie appeared in her navy sundress. She looked even more like Grace Kelly when she wound a scarf around her hair and put on a big pair of sunglasses.

  “You dressed to match the car,” he teased and she smiled.

  “You picked the car to match me,” she replied and he wondered which was true.

  Cassie drove because Reid insisted. On the one hand, he was glad that she didn’t keep arguing about them parting ways. On the other, he was a little bit agitated that she surrendered it so easily.

  His nose was still sore but he was smarting more from her comment. Of course, he was protecting her from himself, and that wasn’t stupid. It was sensible and logical, but he didn’t want to argue about it anymore.

  He knew this would be their last day together.

  Of course, she drove with verve and confidence, and looked awesome doing it. He watched her as she drove, inwardly amazed to still be in her company. He wondered how many of the catcalls were for the car and how many were for Cassie.

  They talked about the opening of F5W, what had gone well and what had been disappointing. It didn’t sound to Reid as if there had been many disappointments overall. He told her about his sightseeing, which he had done relentlessly since she’d left the suite Friday morning. She told him stories about Kyle and Theo and the new members at the club, and he listened. They stopped at a roadside stand for fresh strawberries, the biggest and reddest strawberries he’d ever seen, and he fed them to her as she continued driving. They talked about shipping produce and maintaining its quality, things that concerned Reid. They talked about eating habits and dietary choices, cooking classes at the food bank and the two-hundred-mile diet. It was surprisingly easy to be with her, even when she disagreed with him, but Reid wasn’t seduced.

  She was trying to beguile him into thinking it could work, that they could be together. She was doing pretty well, but he wasn’t going to drop his guard and let her know it.

  He just had to get through one day.

  Even if it felt eternal as he was living it, he knew that once it was over, it would seem as if it had passed in the blink of an eye.

  The arrangements for the wedding were beautiful.

  Lauren and Ty’s sister, Paige, had come out earlier in the week to help Lauren pull it all together. Paige was a jeweler and an artist, and along with Lauren, she’d created an idyllic setting for the exchange of the vows. They had a section of the beach cordoned off for the ceremonies, and a frame had been set up. It was halfway between a large gazebo and the frame for a massive tent, made of metal, and was open to the sky. Tulle had been wound around the metal frame, and was held in billows by clusters of white flowers and miles of fairy lights. Three long tables had been set up under the framework and were set with long white tablecloths, with tea lights in jars and more fairy lights running down the center of each table. A double line of tea lights in jars created a path that led toward the surf, where there was an arch where Lauren and Kyle would exchange their vows.

  The flowers were delivered late, so they wouldn’t wilt in the sun, and she helped Paige tuck little clusters of them into the tulle and place the arrangements on the tables. The sea made a serene background and Cassie felt tension slipping from her shoulders. As soon as it began to get dark, the tea lights and fairy lights were lit and the setting became magical. The guests arrived and she watched each one’s features light with wonder at the scene.

  She knew her partners and their partners, of course, and made sure Reid was introduced to them all again. Kyle’s half-brother, Dave, had been deployed earlier in the year, but his wife and kids had come up from San Diego for the wedding. Cassie had met Olivia in New York the previous summer, as well as the boys, Jason and Noah. Olivia had a new baby girl in her arms, Sasha, who was obviously going to be a ginger like her mom. All the partners admired the baby but Amy was particularly smitten with her. Kyle’s mom Florence sounded as if she wanted to take charge of everything, but Kyle sent her off with Jason to make sure that they filmed the ceremony to show it to Dave.

  “You need to get this organized,” Florence insisted. “Those candles aren’t evenly spaced...”

  Kyle rolled his eyes. “And Dave will kill us both if there isn’t photographic evidence of me making my wedding vows.”

  “I got this,” Jason insisted.

  “You need your grandmother to help,” Kyle insisted back.

  “I’m sure he has it all arranged. Jason is very talented technically,” Florence said. “I’m just going to clean up these tables a bit, so there’s room for people’s dinners.”

  Paige inhaled sharply and Kyle held up a hand. “Mom!”

  “I just want to help.”

  “Then please go and make sure Jason has everything under control.”

  “But,” Florence said.

  “But,” Jason said.

  “Show her how you’re going to do it!” Kyle said with heat and the pair looked at each other. It was funny to see Kyle so exasperated by his mom’s determination.

  Paige watched as the two of them left the group and Florence bent over the camera. “You should hold it the other way,” she told Jason. “The image will be framed better.”

  “I’m going to do a close-up,” Jason insisted, and Florence shook her head.

  “No, that’s not the best choice,” she said.

  “Why don’t you both film it, then compare your results?” Kyle suggested tersely and they moved away to debate the merits of that. “Why do you have to ask your family to your wedding anyway?” Kyle asked no one in particular, then smiled as Lauren’s parents arrived.

  Cassie had met the McKays at various functions at F5, although she tended to mix up the names of the other two sisters. Ty was the oldest, then Lauren. She knew Paige was fourth and had met Paige’s husband Derek. They had a toddler, Ethan, who charged through the guests with glee. Stephanie was the second sister, and her husband was Trevor. Cassie didn’t think they’d met before, then learned that this couple lived in Boston. Fi
nally, there was the youngest sister, Katelyn, who’d married Jared the year before. She already had a baby bump, and her mom, Colleen, was hovering protectively. Lauren and Ty’s dad, Jeffrey, stood back, talking to Kyle’s father about golf courses. There was a willowy woman with a friend who carried her harp to the arch close to the water. She sat down and warmed up, the music lilting over the gathering.

  It was going to be the prettiest wedding Cassie had ever attended. She was well aware of Reid close beside her, watching and listening.

  “It’s romantic, isn’t it?” she asked and he nodded, wary all over again. “What kind of wedding will you and Shannon have?”

  He appeared to be startled. “I don’t know. City hall maybe.”

  “In Montrose River? Or somewhere else?”

  “I hadn’t thought of it.”

  “The whole town would turn out. You could declare a local holiday.”

  Reid didn’t quite smile. “I guess.”

  “You don’t seem very enthused.”

  “It’s a negotiation, Cassie.” He sounded weary and she assumed he was trying to keep from rubbing in the truth.

  “Your wedding doesn’t have to be a negotiation,” she said.

  “Of course, it does,” he said and gave her an intent look. “Everything is.”

  And that was the last they said to each other for a while.

  It was Reid’s own fault and he knew it, but he completely failed to make Cassie smile during the service or the dinner afterward. They might have been strangers sitting next to each other instead of friends.

  When Kyle beckoned to her, he thought she might be relieved to go.

  “See you later,” Cassie said and got smoothly to her feet. She went to Lauren and Kyle and took the microphone that was wired to the small amp. “I’m Cassie Wilson, in case you don’t know,” she said with that easy confidence Reid so admired. “Kyle asked me to sing tonight, since there isn’t going to be a band, and I’m glad to be a part of celebrating his wedding to Lauren.” There was a light patter of applause. “Jason has pulled together some background music for me, so I hope this goes well and doesn’t sound like I’m singing karaoke.” There was a bit of laughter and Reid smiled. “First of all, we have Lauren and Kyle’s first dance, a special request from Lauren, and a really good choice, I think. Maybe we could make some room on our dance floor and find out if you agree.” She cleared her throat and stepped back, glancing down at Kyle’s nephew. He crouched beside a boom box, tapping away until there was a click. The boy glanced up at Cassie triumphantly.

  “Three, two, one,” came the count over the loudspeaker apparently in Jason’s voice. Several people chuckled in the group. Cassie nodded at him and smiled as orchestral music swelled.

  Jason ran to the side of the tent and flicked a switch. A disco ball began to turn over the area left open for dancing, reflecting the lanterns and fairy lights. The guests stood in a loose circle, some holding hands.

  Reid was watching Cassie. She clutched the microphone in both hands and closed her eyes, then after a bar of the music, she took a deep breath. “Oh yeah, yeah,” Cassie sang, as if she was going to sing scat. Kyle led Lauren into the circle of sand. They were barefoot and he spun her into his arms in perfect time to the music. “At last,” she sang in an astonishing approximation of Etta James, swinging her hips to the beat.

  Reid was astonished by the volume and the richness of her voice.

  The guests murmured approval and several clapped lightly. Cassie just sang, her entire being apparently focused on the song. Her voice rang out over the beach, so clear and true that Reid wished the song would last forever.

  It didn’t, of course, but there were more songs immediately following. Cassie and Jason must have planned it together, because she continued with From this Moment On.

  She could also sing like Shania Twain.

  Cassie sang the verse and Lauren gave her hand to Kyle. He swung her around and beckoned to everyone else. A number of couples joined them on the dance floor, swirling around them as the disco ball flicked light over them.

  Reid looked up at the stars overhead and savored the sound of Cassie’s voice, his throat tight.

  Come What May was next.

  Reid dared to look at Cassie again, and loved how she so clearly enjoyed what she was doing. She could have been lost in her own world. He saw people wandering down the beach toward the wedding, drawn by the power of her voice. They stood in the shadows, just out of view, smiling and whispering to each other in admiration.

  When Cassie finished the song, holding the last note longer than he would have thought possible, there was a burst of applause. Her eyes flew open and she smiled, then the next song began.

  Cassie sang softly and there was another smattering of applause as the tune was recognized. Can you feel the love tonight? Slow dance stuff.

  Kyle turned and beckoned to the onlookers, inviting them to join the dance. Some of them did, clearly delighted. Other voices rose to join Cassie’s for the chorus, both from the dance floor and from the perimeter.

  Kings and vagabonds. Reid smiled, knowing which group was his. He remained in his seat at the end of one table, the only person who hadn’t moved closer to the music.

  It was enough to hear Cassie and let the sound of her singing flood his heart. He watched the stars and listened to the surf and knew he’d never forget this night.

  There was loud applause when Cassie finished this time, but she held up a hand. “One more,” she cried and they cheered approval. “This one isn’t for dancing,” she said and her voice dropped low. “This one is for Reid.”

  He blinked, straightening in his surprise. The guests looked around, seeking the mysterious Reid, then Kyle pointed to him. “Hiding in the back,” he said with a smile. The guests and onlookers parted and Cassie walked across the dance floor, her gaze locked with his.

  He recognized the tune, because Whitney Houston had sung it, but the words were all wrong.

  If you walk away, I won’t cry.

  I know you believe it’s the way.

  I’ll let you go, though you must know

  I’d do anything to convince you to stay.

  * * *

  Glorious memories

  That is all you’ll be leaving with me.

  Say goodbye. I won’t cry.

  I love you enough to let you leave.

  She held his gaze, unflinching, and launched into the chorus with that fabulous confidence. I will always love you. The beach seemed to vibrate with the power of her voice and Reid’s heart was certainly thundering.

  No one had ever said that to him, until Cassie.

  No one had ever publically declared a love for him until now.

  Reid wasn’t sure how to respond. He was awed, overwhelmed, and keenly aware that her friends were watching for his next move. He wasn’t used to being in the spotlight, at all—unless he had a football in his hand and that hadn’t happened in a while

  He also knew that he couldn’t be what Cassie needed. Was there anything worse than being offered the one thing he desired and knowing that he wasn’t worthy of accepting it?

  Reid realized he had a dream, after all, but it was one he knew couldn’t come true.

  In the next verse, Cassie wished him joy and happiness, and love, then she really let loose for the last chorus.

  She was amazing.

  Several of the guests hooted and one cheered as Cassie rocked that chorus. Reid thought they could probably hear her at F5 in New York.

  Maybe even Montrose River.

  Her voice softened for the finale and she met his gaze again. He couldn’t look away from her, much less deny himself one second of this song. He knew he’d never forget it and he didn’t want to even blink. When the last note faded, she touched her fingertips to her lips and blew him a kiss.

  Reid couldn’t even take a breath.

  Riotous applause burst from the guests and other onlookers, and it was deafening in its volume. Cassie bowed and
waved, her gaze straying to him repeatedly. Reid shook his head minutely and averted his gaze, blinking back unexpected tears. She was perfect.

  But not for him.

  He’d only hurt her. It was inevitable that what he had been taught would bubble to the surface, and Reid would never ever let that happen—no matter how much it cost him to ensure it couldn’t.

  The wolf whistles and cheers faded as more music came from the boom box.

  “We can’t end on a sad note,” Cassie said. “Let’s dance!” Jason turned up the music. It was another Whitney Houston tune, I Want to Dance, a song with an infectious and joyous beat, and one sung by Whitney on the recording. The zone left for dancing was soon filled with happily swinging couples.

  Whitney wanted to dance with somebody who loved her, and Reid guessed what was expected of him. But he couldn’t mislead Cassie. Instead, he got to his feet and abandoned the party. He walked down the beach alone, haunted by the way Cassie’s voice followed him, shoved his hands into his pockets and struggled to compose himself.

  He knew what was right.

  Just because it wasn’t easy to do didn’t mean he’d cave.

  Fifteen

  “That went well,” Theo said from beside Cassie as she watched Reid walk away.

  She forced a smile. “I didn’t expect a victory,” she said, and it stung even though it was true.

  Theo smiled. “Sometimes you just have to say it out loud?”

  “Pretty much.”

  He offered his hand. “Come on. Dance with someone who appreciates you.”

  “Hardly the same as love.”

  “But sometimes it’s as good as it gets.”

  It was an unexpectedly rueful comment, and Cassie watched Theo as they danced, wondering about his own romantic situation. When the music changed to a slower song, they kept dancing together. “You didn’t bring a date,” she said to him.

  “Because I’m not seeing anyone.”

  “Don’t tell me you haven’t found the one,” Cassie teased and Theo’s smile faded.