As if she had nothing else to do.
Ash was a mess. By noon, he’d sent an SOS message that he was scrapping the song. By two, she’d talk him off that ledge only to have him panic over the vows. The vows he’d written the day before and rewritten that morning. Desperate, Veronica convinced him to do a double shot of whiskey, and then called his mother to come babysit her basket case of a son so she could rush home to shower and dress. Forty-five minutes before showtime, Veronica arrived at the tavern to learn that the maid of honor had faced similar challenges.
Taylor’s afternoon had included ducking a flying cowboy boot (that had been thrown near her, not at her), assuring the bride that her future mother-in-law would not raise her hand when the pastor asked if anyone objected to the marriage, and retrieving a diamond earring from a disgusting drain trap. Big ups to her for having the skill and tools to pull that last one off.
Veronica hadn’t seen Cam since he’d left her place the evening before. The nap had clearly revived him, as he’d proved on the couch, in her bed, and in her shower. By the time he’d left at eight to check in at the bar, she’d been thoroughly scrubbed and satisfied.
“Have you seen Jesse?” Ash asked her as they lingered by the windows that overlooked Broadway. Guests were starting to arrive, though most were lingering by the bar, which would close during the ceremony and reopen afterward.
“She’s down in Cam’s office.” Veronica hadn’t actually laid eyes on the bride, but Taylor had assured her that things were well in hand in that area. Like her counterpart, the maid of honor had provided liquor to soothe her charge, and the photographer was currently taking a bazillion shots of Jesse’s mother helping her add the finishing touches to her ensemble.
“You’re sure she’s here?”
“Where else would she be?” Veronica hissed. If he’d been this nervous on their wedding day, he’d hidden it well. They’d visited the justice of the peace, and then driven in his truck to her parents’ house for the small but intimate reception. No freak-outs. No panic attacks. No annoying toe-tapping. “Will you stop that? You’re driving me nuts, and people are starting to glance around in search of a woodpecker.”
Ash slammed his hands into his pockets. “I can’t help it. I’m nervous. Did you tune the guitar?”
“You’ve asked me that four times. Get a grip before I hurl you out this window.” She may not be cut out for this best woman stuff. To her relief, she spotted Cam enter through the door that led to the elevator. “Do not move from this spot,” she said to Ash. “I’m going to talk to Cam, but I’ll be right back.”
“I’m fine,” he replied, resuming the toe-tapping.
Someday this would all be funny, and Veronica would tease him mercilessly for being a whiny pain in the ass, but right now, she needed a moment of sanity. As she crossed the room, Cam caught sight of her, and to her utter amazement, he smiled. A full, honest-to-goodness smile. In public. She nearly fainted on the spot.
“Hey, sexy,” she muttered, leaning up for a hello kiss. “You look happy to see me.”
Cam obliged, then stepped back to admire her outfit. “I am. A suit looks good on you.”
“Thank you. This is a hundred times more comfortable than a fancy dress.”
“Is everything running smoothly?”
A laughable question. “I’m considering killing the groom, if that tells you anything. I’m pretty sure the maid of honor is having the same thoughts about the bride.”
“I meant with the room. Any problems with the staff?” He may be smiling, but business Cam was never far away.
“The staff has been great.”
Before she could say more, Jesse’s manager, Silas Fillmore, arrived with the beautiful, and much younger, Samantha Walters on his arm. Samantha was a powerhouse in town, and the manager of Jesse’s label-mate Dylan Monroe. She was also ridiculously gorgeous. According to Ash, she and Silas were old friends.
“There’s the prettiest producer in town,” Silas said in greeting before dropping a kiss on Veronica’s cheek. “You’re the best-looking best man I’ve ever seen.”
“Best woman,” she corrected. “Cam, this is Silas Fillmore and Samantha Walters.” She’d produced for three of Silas’ clients over the years, but Veronica had only a passing acquaintance with the other manager.
“Cam,” Samantha said, her tone cold but not unfamiliar.
“You two know each other?” Veronica asked.
“We do,” Cam said, and she could almost hear his armor snapping into place. “You look beautiful, as always.”
“We should sit,” Samantha said without acknowledging the compliment.
“Of course.” Silas shook Cam’s hand. “Thank you for giving my girl a place to get married. No telling where we’d be right now if you hadn’t come through.” He then winked at Veronica. “You, too, young lady.”
The odd couple moved on to their seats, leaving a wake of expensive perfume and silent tension behind.
“Anything you want to share?” she asked the pillar beside her.
“Not today.” Dark eyes lingered on the slender goddess who’d just snubbed him, and Veronica’s heart fell.
She knew that look. That was how Ash had looked when he’d told her about Jesse all those years ago. About the woman he’d never forgotten and was marrying in fifteen minutes.
“I need to check on the kitchen,” Cam said. “I’ll be back after the ceremony.”
“You’re the best woman’s date,” she reminded him. “I saved you a seat near the front.” They’d agreed to keep up their fake relationship through the wedding. He had a role to play. A role that ended tonight. “And try not to watch her the whole time. I’m getting enough pity stares as it is.”
With that, she spun on her heel and strode off, ignoring Cam’s demand for her to wait.
* * *
“What a beautiful ceremony,” said the woman sitting beside Cam as the couple made their way down the aisle. “I don’t know why I cry at weddings, but I always do.” Cam handed her the handkerchief tucked in his suit coat pocket. “Oh, what a chivalrous thing to do.” The stranger sniffled. “Are you the man who owns this restaurant?” she asked.
“I am.”
“I thought so. I’m Millie Hopewell. I run the Sunshine Academy for children, and I’ve never had the chance to thank you in person for your generous donations over the last couple of years.”
Cam recognized the name. He’d first donated through the Kids & The Arts charity foundation where Samantha was on the board. The center for underprivileged children had hit a nerve with him, especially after he’d visited the facility and met some of the students. Several reminded him of himself at their age. Even after Samantha had ended their engagement, Cam continued to contribute to the school.
“You’re welcome. If there’s ever more I can do, don’t hesitate to contact me.”
“Thank you,” she said again. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
The guests were filing out of the rows, starting with the family at the front, and Cam’s row was next. A quick check revealed the buffet was up and ready on the back side of the room where they’d arranged tables for the meal. Before the band played their first note, the rows of chairs from the ceremony would be cleared for dancing.
Fighting for patience, Cam followed the crowd until he could break away to find Veronica. He spotted her lingering near the happy couple, half listening to whatever the maid of honor was saying. She was making no effort to seek him out, and Cam cursed himself for the idiot that he was. Seeing Samantha had taken him by surprise. When Veronica had offered the chance to explain, he’d shut her out. What else was she supposed to think?
Determined to correct his mistake, Cam maneuvered through the crowd to reach her side. “We need to talk,” he said in a low voice.
“There you are.” Veronica wrapped her arm around his, playing the happy girlfriend without missing a beat. “We’re at the table with the bride and groom. I think we’ll get to visit the b
uffet first.”
“Yes, we will.” He’d run through the schedule with his staff less than an hour ago.
“Good. I’m starving.” She followed the maid of honor to the main table, and Cam trailed behind, dodging guests who were still deciding where to sit.
“Veronica, please,” he whispered in her ear.
She shook her head. “Don’t.”
No sooner had they taken their seats than Randall came by to send them for food. Irritated by the rebuff, Cam tried escorting her away from the crowd.
“What are you doing?” she asked, tugging her hand from his grip. “The food is the other way.”
“I need to talk to you.”
Jaw tight, she muttered, “There’s nothing to talk about. In a few hours, you’ll be relieved of your duty as my fake boyfriend, and none of this will matter.”
Anger and hurt ripped through him, and Cam lashed out. “I can end that duty now.”
She flinched but kept her chin high. “Fine by me.”
Cam steeled himself as she walked away. When she passed by Samantha, Veronica turned to meet his gaze with hurt reflected in her own. He knew what she was thinking, but his pride kept him rooted to the spot. She refused to let him explain, and Cam would not grovel for another man’s sins.
* * *
Veronica never imagined the breakup of a fake relationship could feel so real. But nothing had really been fake between them. Not for her.
She hadn’t seen Cam in two hours. When asked, Veronica had claimed that business downstairs demanded his attention. No one batted an eye at the excuse for why her date had disappeared.
“Another white wine, please,” she said to the bartender, who acknowledged the order and reached for a glass above her head.
“That outfit rocks,” said a young woman beside her. Veronica didn’t recognize the face and assumed she was attending as someone’s plus one.
“Thank you. I might wear a suit to every wedding from now on.”
“Amen to that.” The woman who looked barely old enough to drink threw back a shot of something clear without so much as a grimace. Setting the shot glass on the bar, she said, “Am I crazy, or is this room full of famous people?”
Maybe she wasn’t a plus one after all. Cam had assured them that the stairs would be blocked off, preventing party crashers from getting in.
“I’m sorry. Who are you here with?”
“Technically, no one. My brother owns this place. He told me last night he wanted me to meet some chick he’s dating. Which is bonkers, but whatever.”
Cam’s sister. Veronica resisted the urge to introduce herself and instead asked, “Why is that bonkers?”
She shook her head. “You’d have to know Cam. He’s what you’d call a loner. Don’t get me wrong. He’s dated plenty of women, but they never last long. Well,” she added, “other than that bitch who got a ring.”
“A ring?” Veronica asked, feeling slightly guilty about prying into Cam’s personal life this way, but she couldn’t help herself. “He was engaged?”
“God only knows why.” The young lady called to the bartender for another shot before saying, “I’m Janie, by the way.”
Not sure how much Cam had told her, she said, “I’m Ronnie.”
With narrowed eyes, her new friend said, “I don’t suppose you want to get out of here and have our own party?”
Was she hitting on her? The twirl of a finger on Veronica’s arm confirmed the assumption. “Afraid I don’t swing that way.”
Janie shrugged. “It was worth a shot.”
Afraid she might leave, Veronica said, “You have me curious. What happened with the engagement?”
Heavily lined eyes rolled hard. “Miss Prissy Pants wanted kids, and Cam didn’t. He’s afraid he’ll be like his dad, which is total bullshit. Cam is nothing like that piece of shit loser.”
Veronica heard Cam’s words in her head. My father was a violent man. Good God. He couldn’t possibly believe that he’d be the same way. He could be bossy, sure, but violent? Would a violent man take care of a stranger on Christmas Eve for no other reason than she couldn’t take care of herself? Would he upend his whole life so that she didn’t feel pathetic for one week? And would he sacrifice his own business on the biggest night of the year so her friends had a place to get married?
Cam had done all of those things. For her. And Veronica had thanked him with jealousy brought on by her bitter insecurities. She had to fix this.
“Thank you,” she said to Janie. “Thank you for saving my night.”
She hurried through the heavy black door, missing her new friend’s parting words.
“You’re welcome, Veronica.”
* * *
Cam sat behind his desk, assuring himself that he was not hiding. Veronica had made her feelings clear. She didn’t want him beyond the role he’d agreed to play. His acting days were over.
Since they’d parted ways before dinner, he’d checked on the party twice. Neither time did he find her scanning the room in search of him. And neither time did he let her know he was there. It was likely for the best. They’d never have worked. Veronica wanted laughter and a traditional family. Cam didn’t laugh, and he knew nothing about family.
If only Samantha hadn’t strolled into that wedding, maybe things would be different. She was a walking reminder that Cam couldn’t make a woman happy. Not in the long term. They always wanted more than he could give. The difference was, Veronica made him want to try. Made him want to give her everything she ever wanted. He’d have done that for her. He’d have bought the house in the burbs, and even put a picket fence around the damn thing if she’d asked. Trusting himself to be a father would be tougher, but with Veronica, anything had seemed possible.
Two knocks sounded at the door. Cam sighed, preparing himself for whatever problem he was about to face. Midnight wasn’t far off, and the crowd would have grown rowdy by now.
“Come in.”
The door pushed open, and Veronica stepped inside. “Hey,” she said, closing the door and sliding her hands into her pockets. She looked amazing in the dark suit, tailored perfectly for her body. Her blonde curls were pulled back low on her head and draped over her right shoulder. “One of your bartenders told me you were in here.”
“What do you need?” he asked, assuming this visit was about the wedding.
“I was hoping we could talk.”
Now she wanted to talk? Cam wasn’t in the mood.
“As we agreed, our performance is over. There’s nothing more to talk about.”
“I met a friend of yours upstairs.” She slowly crossed the room, hands still in her pockets. “I hope you won’t be too upset when I tell you what we talked about.”
Cam had no idea who upstairs could be considered his friend. Unless she meant Samantha. Would his former fiancée discuss what happened between them? He didn’t think so. Samantha was as private as he was. Unwilling to play a guessing game, he held silent.
“Your sister is. . .interesting.”
He’d taken Janie to meet Veronica on his last trip upstairs. When his date displayed a lack of concern over his absence, he’d changed his mind. The last he knew, his sister was on the second floor flirting with a drummer.
“She’s a kid. If she’s crashing the wedding, I’ll take care of it.” He wouldn’t put it past Janie to take advantage of the open bar.
“No, she’s fine. She’s welcome to stay.”
Easy for her to say. She wasn’t footing the bill. “I need to check on the other floors.” A lie, but not touching her was growing more difficult by the minute. “What do you want?”
“You,” she said. “I’m sorry about how I acted earlier. I just…” Her voice trailed off, and she tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “I saw how you looked at Samantha Walters, and it was Ash all over again. It was me giving my heart to a man who’d already given his to someone else. I panicked.”
His restraint wavered. “I’m not in love with Samantha, Vero
nica. I never was.” A fact he wasn’t proud of, but if she could be honest, so could he.
Taking another step toward the desk, she said, “You gave her a ring.”
“Yes.”
“But you didn’t love her?”
“I said I wasn’t in love with her. I thought we suited each other. We have. . . similar backgrounds.” Cam wouldn’t share Samantha’s secrets, but he needed Veronica to understand what he’d only recently discerned. “I thought she would understand why I’m the man that I am.”
Coming closer, she pressed her hands into the front edge of his desk. “Would you consider yourself generous?”
“No more than anyone else.”
“How about kind? Or gentle?”
Those were not words Cam associated with himself. “What is your point?”
She toyed with the chain on his desk lamp. “You talk about the man that you are. I’m suggesting that your opinion of yourself might not be accurate.”
They’d known each other for seven days. He believed he knew himself better than she did. “I’m a product of my past. Don’t let the fancy clothes fool you.”
Veronica sighed before rounding the desk. He turned his chair to face her, hands clenched at his sides to keep from reaching for her.
“You, Cameron Rhodes, are the kindest, gentlest, most generous man I’ve ever met. You’re brave and resilient, respected and accomplished, and utterly clueless about how amazing you truly are. But most of all, you’re the perfect man for me. I know that sounds crazy, and we barely know each other, but I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. Now will you please come back upstairs so that I can end this year being kissed by the only man for me?”
Who was Cam to turn down an offer like that? He didn’t believe he was half the things she’d described, but the part about being the perfect man for her struck a chord. Because he felt the same way about her. They were clearly crazy, and this might burn out before the seasons changed, but this could also be his one chance to have all the things he thought he’d never have. For her, he could be a better man. For her, he would damn well try.
Among The Stars: A Shooting Stars Novella Page 11