What Goes Around Comes Around (Corporate Chaos Series Book 3)
Page 13
Veronica let out a huge sigh of relief and sat down at the table. It felt good to get off of her feet, even if only for a minute. She had been running around for hours. Across the table, Gertie and Tanner were engrossed in conversation, their heads bent together. Ugh… what was Gertie thinking?
She scanned the room and spotted Edward at the bar. He looked handsome in his tuxedo. Though Veronica wasn’t sure they’d ever be friends, she hoped she’d earned at least a little respect with the way she’d pulled the wedding together. She tried to catch his eye and give him a little finger wave, but he was too busy glaring at Gertie and Tanner. Was he jealous?
Veronica still didn’t trust Tanner, but Gertie was a big girl and could pick her own friends. She only hoped Gertie knew what she was doing. Even though Tanner really had tried to make things right, and he had protected Harper by insisting she had nothing to do with any of his attempts at sabotage, he would have to do a lot more to prove to Veronica that he wasn’t the mean bastard he had been.
Then again, hadn’t she done some of those mean things right along with him? And deep down, she wasn’t a bad person. She’d had good reason to be angry and bitter. Maybe Tanner had had good reason to be angry and bitter too. And maybe Tanner could change, just as she had.
Her gaze fell from Tanner to Marly’s mother, who was seated next to the head table. She looked beautiful. Her chemo treatments had stopped a few months ago, and she had worn a scarf while her hair grew back. Today she had a fabulous short, contemporary, spikey hairdo that highlighted the gorgeous silver tones in her hair. And the color was back in her face as well. Marly had told Veronica that her mother’s prognosis was excellent, and Veronica was truly happy about that.
The disc jockey called for the bridesmaids and groomsmen to join the new couple on the dance floor. Veronica watched as Sarah and Raffe walked hand in hand. A wave of guilt washed over her at the thoughts of how she’d tried to ruin the cooking contest for them. She was happy to see they were still together, although now that she saw them, she could see their faces were strained, and it looked as if they’d been arguing. Maybe she should do something nice for them to make up for her past actions.
More people got up to dance, filling the dance floor and flowing out into the tent. Even Gertie and Tanner danced, with Edward trying to cut in. Veronica sat at the table alone. As usual. She deserved it. Maybe this was her penance for being so mean most of her adult life. Karma had come around, and there would be no special man in her life. Still, she wished she at least had someone to talk to. Preferably TJ. She’d really liked him. But he wasn’t here.
Maybe he wasn’t avoiding her, though. He’d mentioned before that being around tents made him nervous because of the fire. He had said he wasn’t sure he’d attend because of the tent. Yet, he’d rushed in to help get her out when the tent had collapsed, and he’d even helped to put it back up. That had taken guts. Maybe he did care about her a little.
Veronica slumped in her chair as everyone danced. Even Harper had a dance partner, but Veronica sat alone, feeling stupid. She fidgeted with her bracelets, trying to look as if she was keeping busy. She’d never been on a dance floor in her life, aside from walking across this one and once at a cousin’s wedding when she was little. But there was no sense in sitting around feeling sorry for herself. Everyone was so happy, and she pulled it all together. That’s all that mattered.
She felt the air shift next to her and turned slightly.
“Care to dance?” TJ stood at her elbow in a black suit with crisp white shirt underneath. His tie was a deep purple, something not many men could pull off, but he certainly did. He looked gorgeous. Veronica stared at him, unsure of what to say.
He raised a brow and held his hand out to her. She took it, and he pulled her up, stopping to examine her dress.
“Wow! Um, I… er…Wow! You look great,” TJ sputtered as he gawked.
“Oh this old thing?” Veronica laughed as they headed toward the tent.
“Yeah,” TJ replied, slowing.
The tent. Veronica knew he must be hesitating because of the tent. Without even thinking, she grabbed his hand and squeezed, a silent sign that everything was okay. She looked up and caught his eye, seeing a flicker of gratefulness and… maybe even something more. TJ smiled and nodded toward the tent. “After you.”
They weaved around a few couples and ended up next to Marly and Jasper. Raffe and Sarah were nearby, and Veronica’s stomach somersaulted. What would Sarah think of her brother dancing with her archenemy? But instead of shooting daggers at them, Sarah beamed a smile, and Veronica’s heart swelled. She doubted she and Sarah would be best buddies, but maybe in time they could be friends.
Her eyes caught Gertie, who was at the edge of the dance floor with Edward and Tanner on either side of her. They appeared to be arguing about who was going to dance with her. Then Gertie broke away from the two men, leaving them arguing as she wheeled to the stone wall overlooking the water, where Harper was lining up paper lanterns.
Everyone moved from the tent to the lawn, oohing and ahhing as the lanterns slowly floated across the water and up toward the sky.
“It’s all so gorgeous! Thank you so much!” Marly gushed at Veronica as she and Sarah watched the lanterns.
“I’m so happy this all came together,” Veronica said sincerely. TJ squeezed her hand, giving her a shot of confidence. “Thanks for trusting me to do it.”
Marly crossed her arms over her chest and turned to Veronica. “Well, I wasn’t sure at first, and we did get off to a rocky start, but you did great.”
Veronica’s heart filled with pride and hope. For the first time, she was genuinely happy for another person without any thoughts of what was in it for her. The old Veronica was gone, and she didn’t miss her one bit.
“It’s my dance,” Edward’s raised voice filtered over to them, and they turned to see Edward and Tanner on either side of Gertie. Both of their faces were red, and they looked as though they might come to blows. Gertie sat serenely in the middle looking up at them, a twinkle in her eye and her head swiveling from one to the other as they argued.
“No, Edward. You danced with her last. This dance is mine, and besides, I need to consult with Gertie,” Tanner’s voice was calm, but he had a determined look on his face.
Edward smirked. “Consult? On what?”
“I’m having all my restaurants made disabled-preferred with special seating and other amenities. I need Gertie’s input.”
Edward clenched his fists at his sides, reminding Veronica of how he was used to calling the shots and getting his own way. “Ha! Well, I need her input more than you!”
“Why is that?”
“I’m starting a fashion line for wheelchair users at Draconia, and I need Gertie’s assistance!”
Tanner leaned over Gertie, closer to Edward. “Well, I’m dancing with her next!”
“Boys, boys!” Gertie waved her hands, pushing them away. “No need to fight. There’s plenty of Gertie to go around. But I think I’ll sit this one out.”
She wheeled out from between them and headed toward Veronica and Marly, shaking her head.
“Well, it looks like you two are getting along much better than you did at that first meeting,” Gertie said as she rolled in next to them.
“Yes, Gertie, who would have thought? Somehow you have a way of bringing people together.” Marly took Gertie’s hand and squeezed it.
“Not me! But, it’s a good thing you are together because you may need to get along a lot better in the very near future.” Gertie winked at them and wheeled off.
Veronica and Marly exchanged puzzled looks. “Wait! Gertie, what are you talking about?”
Gertie spun her chair at the edge of the dance floor. “Can’t talk about it now, but you’ll find out soon!”
Then she spun back onto the floor and wheeled off with Edward and Tanner jockeying for position behind her.
Veronica glanced up at TJ. “Do you know what she’s talking abou
t?”
TJ shook his head. “No idea, but you know Gertie. She always has something up her sleeve.”
Jasper joined them, slipping his arm around Marly and tucking her into his side. Their obvious happiness together made Veronica wish for the same thing. Would that ever happen for her?
The old Veronica’s destructive attitude had poisoned every relationship she’d ever had. But now things were looking up for the new Veronica. She’d befriended Harper, even though she wasn’t sure she trusted her, and it seemed she might become friends with Marly too.
She glanced up at the handsome guy beside her. He was still holding her hand and standing next to her as though he actually wanted to be there instead of running in the opposite direction.
She’d been happier than she’d ever been working at creating this beautiful wedding for Marly instead of trying to ruin things for everyone around her. Everything had changed and, for the first time in her life, she had hope for a happy future.
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Other Books in This series:
In Over Her Head (book 1)
Can’t Stand the Heat (book 2)
Also by Leighann Dobbs
Magical Romance with a Touch of Mystery
***
Something Magical
Curiously Enchanted
Romantic Comedy
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Corporate Chaos Series
In Over Her Head (book 1)
Can’t Stand the Heat (book 2)
What Goes Around Comes Around (book 3)
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Contemporary Romance
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Reluctant Romance
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Sweet Romance (Written As Annie Dobbs)
Firefly Inn Series
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Another Chance (Book 1)
Another Wish (Book 2)
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Romantic Cozy Mystery
Blackmoore Sisters
Cozy Mystery Series
* * *
Dead Wrong
Dead & Buried
Dead Tide
Buried Secrets
Deadly Intentions
A Grave Mistake
Spell Found
Fatal Fortune
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Silver Hollow
Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series
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A Spell of Trouble (Book 1)
Spell Disaster (Book 2)
Nothing to Croak About (Book 3)
Cry Wolf (Book 4)
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Cozy Mysteries
Lexy Baker Cozy Mystery Series
* * *
Lexy Baker Cozy Mystery Series Boxed Set Vol 1 (Books 1-4)
Or buy the books separately:
Killer Cupcakes
Dying For Danish
Murder, Money and Marzipan
3 Bodies and a Biscotti
Brownies, Bodies & Bad Guys
Bake, Battle & Roll
Wedded Blintz
Scones, Skulls & Scams
Ice Cream Murder
Mummified Meringues
Brutal Brulee (Novella)
No Scone Unturned
Cream Puff Killer
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Mooseamuck Island Cozy Mystery Series
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A Zen For Murder
A Crabby Killer
A Treacherous Treasure
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Mystic Notch
Cat Cozy Mystery Series
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Ghostly Paws
A Spirited Tail
A Mew To A Kill
Paws and Effect
Probable Paws
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Kate Diamond Mystery Adventure Series
Hidden Agemda (book 1)
Ancient Hiss Story (book 2)
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***
Hazel Martin Historical Mystery Series
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Murder at Lowry House (book 1)
Murder by Misunderstanding (book 2)
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Regency Matchmaker Mysteries
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An Invitation to Murder (Book 1)
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Sam Mason Mysteries
(As L. A. Dobbs)
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Telling Lies (Book 1)
Keeping Secrets (Book 2)
Exposing Truths (Book 3)
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Regency Romance
* * *
Scandals and Spies Series:
Kissing The Enemy
Deceiving the Duke
Tempting the Rival
Charming the Spy
Pursuing the Traitor
___________________
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author Leighann Dobbs has had a passion for reading since she was old enough to hold a book, but she didn’t put pen to paper until much later in life. After a twenty-year career as a software engineer with a few side trips into selling antiques and making jewelry, she realized you can’t make a living reading books, so she tried her hand at writing them and discovered she had a passion for that, too! She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix, Mojo, and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
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