by Virna DePaul
And that had included Eric.
She’d never called him back. She hadn’t even listened to the message he’d left on her machine again. She’d erased it as soon as Gabe had left.
She’d decided she was through with half-measures.
He’d texted her that he was leaving her at the altar, for God’s sake. If he wanted to talk things out with her, he was going to have to do it in person.
And until that happened, she couldn’t deal with her feelings for Gabe.
With that in mind, the day after she’d kicked him out of her apartment, she’d sent Gabe a text message, even as she’d seen the irony in it.
I have a lot to think over right now, and it would be best if I focused on the event while I did. I understand if you want to back out—just let me know, so I can make other plans.
Her stomach had done a series of slow, painful flip-flops while she’d waited for his reply. When it came through, tears sprang to her eyes.
Work through my assistant. But I’m here if you need me, Brianne. Always.
It was so him—short, sweet, to the point. She’d gone forward, then, all systems at full speed.
She’d needed every ounce of concentration, too. Gabe’s idea to hire culinary students for the day had been a genius move. It had saved money while still giving her a massive pool of potential cooks to choose from. She’d met with the dean of the most prestigious culinary school in the city. She’d requested interviews with his most talented students—hinting at a substantial donation to the school in return for the favor. She’d never wanted to resort to a quid pro quo approach, but it was a matter of life or death for Lavish Events.
Then, piggybacking off the culinary students, Evie had interviewed music students and found several that she’d been thoroughly impressed with. They were going to show case the student as the best and brightest upcoming talents.
“I’ve got one better,” Brianne said, turning to Evie. They’d been brainstorming in Bri’s office until the wee hours, eating Chinese takeout and pacing the room, throwing ideas around.
“I’m all ears,” Evie replied, lying face-down across a sofa.
“What if we use music students, dance students, theatre students, film students. And the entire event can center around donating money to fund creative arts programs in Los Angeles schools?”
Evie sat up, her face glowing. “Yes! That’s it!”
They jumped up and down and danced around the room.
Brianne wasn’t sure how it happened, but suddenly she was crying. Sobbing with the grief that was ripping her apart.
“Oh sweetie,” Evie whispered and pulled Bri into her arms.
Bra held onto her friend and dropped her face on her shoulder. “I miss him, Evie. I miss both of them.”
“I know you do, sweetie. I know.” And even though Evie held her and rocked her and comforted her, she didn’t tell Brianne that everything was going to be okay.
Because Evie, bless her heart, was honest to a fault.
* * *
Three days before the big event, Brianne’s mom called. “Darling, word has it that Leland’s event is going to be world-class.”
“Mom, if I didn’t know any better, I would think you were on his side,” Brianne grumbled as she put together some of the favors she and Evie had come up with.
“I’m not! I’m trying to warn you. I went to the salon earlier, and there were all sorts of whisperings about his event. That’s all I’m trying to say. I want to make sure you win.”
“Thanks, Mom, but there’s little I can do now. I mean, we’re three days out. I can’t do much more than I’ve already done. The ball’s in the air.”
“I don’t know anything about sports, dear.”
Brianne rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean.”
“Of course. I’m having fun with you. Is there anything you need help with, I mean absolutely anything at all?”
Brianne knew she meant it, and smiled. She’d learned event planning from her mother, after all. No one in Southern California could put on an event like Kathleen Whitcomb.
“I think I have it well in hand, Mom, but I’d love it if you could come by to make sure I’m not missing anything. As long as I can trust you to keep everything to yourself!”
“Mum’s the word, sweetheart. I’ll be there by lunch.”
Brianne hung up, pushed up her sleeves and pulled her long curls into a clip before continuing her work. She and Evie were placing little tree seedlings in miniature burlap bags, then tying a ribbon around the top of the bag with a tag featuring a ‘Thank you’ wish on one side, and planting instructions on the other.
“This will really speak to the hearts of the eco-crowd,” Evie remarked as they worked. “It’ll definitely score points.”
“Honey, I’ll score points in any way possible,” Brianne laughed.
Evie fell silent, and Brianne noticed her furtive glances.
“Out with it,” she said, losing patience. “What it is you want to ask me?”
“When are the yurts and everything else being set up?”
“Friday morning. It’s all being driven up to the site, and Gabe’s team will set up.”
“He’s pretty cool, huh?”
So that was it. “Gabe? Yeah, he’s cool.” Brianne smiled to herself, being deliberately obtuse in order to drive Evie crazy.
“Like, it’s nice that he’s not being a dick about this.”
“About what?”
“You know, like, he could have told you to fuck off when you kicked him out.”
“Sometimes I wish I hadn’t told you about that,” Brianne grumbled.
“Well, you did.”
“So, what, you think he should have dropped me after that?”
“Oh, God, no. I’m just saying, most guys would.”
“Well, Gabe’s not like most guys.”
“I know. That’s what makes him cool.”
Bri smiled to herself. “I know. It is.” Among other things.
“What are you going to do about him?” Evie finally asked.
“I was waiting to see how long that would take!” Brianne laughed.
Evie threw a mini burlap bag at her.
“I don’t know. I really don’t. I want to be with Gabe, but it just seems maybe our chance has passed, you know? Eric’s his best friend, and he’ll always feel in his heart that he stole me way somehow. That’s no way to start a relationship.”
“But Brianne—”
“Please, Evie. Can we not talk about it? Right now, I just want to focus on work. Please?”
Evie stared at her for several seconds, then nodded her head. “Sure, Brianne. We’ll focus on work. But you’re going to have to deal with it eventually.”
Why? Brianne thought. Why should she be the only one to deal with things when Eric and Gabe had taken the easy way out?
She sighed, and for the next hour, she and Evie worked in relative silence. Eventually, Brianne’s mom stopped by, and after filling her in on the details, Kathleen Whitcomb gave the event a thumbs up.
“Have you made arrangements in case of dietary restrictions?”
“Of course, Mom. This isn’t my first event.”
“Yes, yes, I know.” Kathleen looked over the contracts. “The performances. Nothing too…edgy?”
Brianne laughed. “Believe me, Mom. Everyone involved knows exactly the sort of people who will be coming, and the sorts of connections these people have. And the heads of the schools know the donations I’m making depend on how satisfied I am with the work. The guests will be thrilled.”
She showed her mother the playlists for all songs, digital files of the short films being presented, names of the scenes being acted out by the theater students, and recordings of the dances being performed. “I’ve covered every base.”
“What about a silent auction?”
“We have two dozen items. Evie has worked tirelessly at getting things together.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I think she dese
rves a raise.”
“I’m impressed,” Kathleen said, giving Brianne’s arm a squeeze. “Any other kinds of activities?”
“Croquet, horseback riding, canoeing, hiking. Campfire at night, music, dancing, even s’mores and weenies.”
Kathleen laughed. “They’ll love it. Going back to childhood is something we all want to do. This will be memorable, for sure. Even if you don’t win—which you will—this will be an event people will talk about for a long time.”
“I hope so,” Brianne murmured. “Better than them talking about me for other reasons.”
Her mother’s expression grew serious and she suddenly cupped Brianne’s face. “I’m so proud of you. Do you know that?"
Brianne’s eyes watered. She nodded.
“Most of all, I’m proud of how you follow your heart. And if your heart leads you back to Eric or to someone else, trust it, Brianne.”
Brianne narrowed her eyes. Had her mother found out about her and Gabe somehow?
“Mom, what are you saying?”
“I’m saying to fight for him, Brianne. Whoever he may be.”
Chapter Nineteen
The day of Brianne’s big event, Gabe was up with the sun. There was a ton of activity to oversee if the campground was going to be ready for guests to arrive that evening. And while he’d been fine with letting his assistant act as the go-between with Brianne in the weeks leading up to the event, he wasn’t going to pass off the actual set up. It was too important to leave to someone else.
No matter what, Gabe was going to make sure the event was the triumph Brianne deserved.
All the contractors would be meeting at his office in groups before heading up to the campgrounds with food and beverages, accommodations, generators, décor/lighting, facilities, and the stage and dance floor set-up. Bri would stay behind, at his office, to oversee the arrivals and departures and make sure everything was in order.
Gabe, on the other hand, would be at the campground, ensuring everything was set up correctly. He was going to do everything he could to make Brianne’s event a success. She had so much gumption even to come up with the idea, when she hated the outdoors so much. She was willing to do anything to save her business, even taking a massive risk like introducing the social set to the great outdoors.
He hadn’t spoken a word to her in two weeks, not even to tell her he’d seen Eric.
Even after it had become obvious that Eric had left town in order to give Gabe and Brianne a chance to figure things out without Eric being there, the visit hadn’t exactly been all sunshine and roses. Eric confirmed it hadn’t been an easy decision. That he was still hurt and confused. But in the end, he’d admitted he’d been feeling restless in the months leading up to the wedding, and that ultimately he wanted what was best for Brianne and Gabe.
He’d also said he wasn’t ready to return to LA.
When Gabe had argued with him, Eric had shown the first signs of being pissed.
“Look, Gabe,” he’d said, “I know you want me to go back so Brianne can face me and choose you, because let’s face it, I’m convinced even if you aren’t that that’s what’s going to happen. Normally I might be willing to do that but I’m feeling like I’ve done enough for the two of you right now, don’t you think? I think it’s about time the two of you take some fucking risks.”
Gabe had immediately felt like shit. “You’re right. You have done enough, Eric. I’m sorry for being selfish.”
Eric had immediately shaken his head. “No, I’m sorry.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Look, it sounds like right now, Brianne should focus on this big job you were telling me about. After it’s done, I should be ready to face her. Just give me until then to get my head on straight, okay?”
“Sure, man. Sure. I just hope…I hope you know how much you mean to me. How much your friendship means to me. If I could have changed how I felt, I would have.”
Eric had smiled bitterly. “Yeah. Well, I can’t say I wouldn’t have taken you up on that offer, Gabe. Because I gotta tell you, the past month has sucked ass.”
After that, they’d tried to talk the way they’d used to, but it had just been awkward, and Gabe could tell that Eric had said all he’d wanted to say. He’d left, and even though he and Eric had shaken hands, Gabe had still felt the strain between them.
Maybe Brianne had been right. It was too much to hope for, that they could have it all. Be together and still have a strong friendship with Eric. It was what to do now that he hadn’t quite figured out. Of course, he’d have to figure it out soon. After Brianne’s big event.
He went straight to the campsite, his truck filled with tools, reminding himself to keep his head in the game and off her. Like that was possible. At least as the morning went on, there was too much work to focus on for his brain to do much thinking.
“Gabe! You have a visitor!”
Christ, he thought. Like I have time for that right now. He grumbled to himself…and came face-to-face with Eric.
“You came,” Gabe said, stating the obvious.
Eric, still dressed casually as he had been in Utah, smiled. “Yeah, well, it’s a big day. For both you and Brianne.” Eric looked around. “This is really impressive, man.”
“Thanks.” Still stunned by his friend’s sudden appearance, he struggled with what to say. To buy time, he looked around as well. Within five hours, they’d turned it into something out of a fairytale. At night, with the lanterns and twinkling lights lit, it would be breathtaking. Sure to impress the guests. “It will be great when it all comes together,” he said.
“So. Can we talk?” Eric asked. “Because there were some things I didn’t tell you when you came to see me. And I think I’m ready to now.”
The food and beverage delivery had been made. Gabe grabbed a few bottles of beer and motioned for Eric to follow him to a quiet area, away from the hustle and bustle.
He pulled up a chair for Eric, and one for himself, then cracked open a couple of beers.
“Remember when I joked that I was supposed to kick your ass?”
“Yeah,” Gabe said cautiously.
“If anything, you should kick my ass.” Eric turned his head away, staring off into the distance. The last few yurts were being assembled, lights were being strung along a path which led to the river where the bandstand had been set up. “I shouldn’t have been with her in the first place.”
“Huh?” Gabe felt like he’d taken a detour to the Twilight Zone. He’d been expecting a fight, not for his best friend to roll over and play dead like this. It was unlike him.
Instead of answering, Eric stood and asked a question. “Remember the day you met her? At the Whitcomb house?”
“Sure.” Gabe had replayed that day in his head for years. The way she’d looked in her cutoff shorts and tank top. The way she’d smiled at him. How they had immediately connected. How she’d lit him up inside. How much he had wanted her.
How Eric had gotten in the way. Or, rather, Bri’s mom had.
“She was beautiful, right?” Eric sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets, rocking back and forth from the balls of his feet to his heels. “Like, take-your-breath-away gorgeous. Who wouldn’t fall for her?”
Gabe shrugged, since he had.
Eric turned and looked him in the eye. “I let Mrs. Whitcomb strong-arm Bri into going out with me.”
Gabe snorted. “Like you had a choice.”
“I did, though. That’s my point. I could have taken Bri out that one time, for the sake of being a gentleman or whatever. You know, so she didn’t look foolish, so I didn’t look foolish. We were both sort of put on the spot. That could have been it. But, no. I went after her.”
“What’s so bad about that?” Gabe knew he would have done the same thing in Eric’s shoes.
“Because I knew you wanted her. And any idiot could see that she wanted you.” Eric looked embarrassed. “I wasn’t a good friend. I wanted her, too. Who wouldn’t? She was—is—the perfect girl. From the perfect f
amily. Christ, she was being handed to me. If I had been a better person, a better friend, I would have backed off.”
Gabe contemplated Eric’s words and had to admit, part of him agreed. But he couldn’t let his friend take the blame when Gabe held so much responsibility in what had happened. “I didn’t man up. I wanted her. I stepped aside. It was my own damn fault for not at least trying.”
“You stepped aside because you didn’t think you were good enough for her.”
Gabe jerked in surprise, and Eric shook his head. “Best friends, remember? But you were wrong, Gabe, and so was I, to not step aside way earlier. You don’t know all the times I saw you two together and thought about how wrong I’d been to interfere. You’ve always had this…thing. Something I never had with her. I love her, and I know she loves me. But I’m not sure we’ve ever been truly in love. Not the way you have the potential to be.”
Gabe didn’t know what to say. He had tried so hard to keep his feelings from Eric, and from Brianne. He hadn’t meant to be obvious.
“I’m sorry,” Gabe muttered. “I did my best to stay out of your way.”
“You don’t get it. I’m the one who’s sorry. I knew the whole time that you should’ve been together. But I couldn’t let her go. I didn’t want to. And I feel like such a shit.”
“Then why didn’t you just talk to her? Why leave her on her wedding day?”
Eric took a long swig from his beer, sighed after he swallowed. “Best friends, remember?”
“You’re saying you left her on her wedding day to give me my chance? Seriously, man? We could have worked it all out.” What Gabe wanted to say but didn’t was that Eric had been a chicken shit and as a result Brianne had a suffered for it. A lot.
“I’d already talked to her about her feelings for you. She denied them. You telling me you wouldn’t have done the same?”
No, Gabe thought, he couldn’t tell him that.