Chasing Julia (Rhode Island Romance #2)

by Sophia Renny

  “Yeah. She called me earlier. I’m surprised you’re not taking this all in stride. You must’ve had clients who are worse than she is.”

  Oh, yes she had. But that was Before Tony—that serene time in her life when her every waking thought hadn’t been occupied with him. It was all she could do to focus on simple daily tasks.

  She’d never felt this way when she’d been with Joe. Wedding plans had consumed her thoughts more than anything else. Had she thought about the way Joe smiled? The way his eyes crinkled at the corners, or his cheek dimpled, or the way his white teeth flashed? Had she lain awake late into the night imagining his dark, bourbon voice whispering in her ear or the touch of his fingers against her skin?

  No. Never. And Joe didn’t have a dimple in his cheek. And his voice hadn’t made her think of bourbon either.

  Tony’s did. Damn him.

  She gave a heavy sigh. “Why are you calling again?”

  “Fabric. In on Monday. And, once we’re all set up, I’d like you to be my date for the evening.”

  Julia practically flew out of her chair. She started to pace. “Your date? What about that woman you’re seeing?”

  “She’ll, uh, be out of town. She won’t mind me taking my friend to a party.”

  “She knows about me?”

  “Of course. I explained to her what good friends you and I are.”

  Good friends.

  “I can’t,” Julia bit out. “I’ll be working the event. I won’t have time to hang out with you. Bring another friend. Call up one of the girls in your little black book. I’m sure there are plenty in there.”

  “Can’t. I threw that out months ago.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Seriously. Once I realized this girl was the one for me, all of those other girls became so much proverbial dust in the wind.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “Believe it, sugar. I’m a new man. I’ve put aside my wicked ways.” He gave a soft, sultry chuckle. “Well, not all of them. Gotta keep something for my wife to look forward to on our wedding night.”

  “You haven’t slept with her yet?”

  “Now that’s a very personal question. But, as a matter of fact, I haven’t. Keeping things on a low simmer with her, letting the anticipation build. By our wedding night, she’s going to be climbing all over me.”

  “I don’t want to listen to this anymore. I’m hanging up.” She reached for the handset.

  “Wait. Listen.” His voice turned serious. “You know Willa and Joe are going to be there. I want to be by your side for moral support. Don’t you agree?”

  Honestly, she hadn’t given Joe and Willa much thought lately. One good thing was coming out of her preoccupation with Tony in any case. “I’m a big girl. I can handle it.”

  “You won’t need to hold my hand?”

  “No.”

  “Good girl.”

  “I’m not a dog.”

  “Speaking of dogs, which breed do you like best? Labradors or Golden Retrievers?”

  “Why?”

  “I’ve always wanted a dog. Now that I’ve bought a house of my own, I want to get a dog.”

  “You bought that house?”

  “Yep. The offer was accepted last week. Congratulate me.”

  Her heart sank at the thought of him living in that beautiful house with his mysterious new bride, their ever-growing brood of children and a big, tail-wagging, slobbery-tongued dog. “Congratulations.”

  “Thank you. So, what kind of dog should I get?”

  “I don’t know! Why don’t you ask your girlfriend?”

  She hung up on him.

  On the morning of Audrey’s event, the clouds rolled in, dark and threatening. Julia kept one eye on the sky and one eye on her car’s speedometer as she hightailed it over to Audrey’s factory in Pawtucket. She was supposed to meet Tony and his crew at nine o’clock, and it was already half past the hour.

  When she pulled into the parking lot, gravel flying in her wake, Tony was there to greet her. He was leaning against one of the Rossetti Construction pickup trucks, arms folded across his chest. He was wearing jeans and a long-sleeved plaid work shirt rolled up to the elbows. She tried to ignore the way his broad shoulders and chest narrowed down to his trim waist and muscular thighs. She wasn’t very successful.

  He strode over and opened her door.

  “Were you speeding?”

  “Yes.”

  “Bad girl.”

  She scowled at him. “Practicing for when you get your dog?”

  He grinned. He held out his hand to help her out.

  She ignored it. “Where’s the rest of your crew?”

  “Inside. They already have most of the rigging installed.”

  Her mood lightened. “Really? That’s great. What time did you all get here?”

  “Eight o’clock.”

  Julia grabbed her shoulder bag and a box of supplies from the passenger seat. Joe held out his arms to take the box.

  “My staff is arriving at ten” she said. “If we stay on schedule, we should have everything ready to go before the open house starts at noon.” She looked up at the sky. “God, I hope it doesn’t rain.”

  He followed her glance. “Doesn’t look promising.”

  She stepped out of the car and nudged the door closed with one hip. “Do you think people will still come?”

  “Are you kidding? Free food? Free tours and demos? Raffle prizes? Live music? Not to mention free parking? They’ll show. Don’t worry about it.”

  They walked side by side towards the building entrance. “I hope you’re right.”

  “You need to have more confidence in me, Julia. There’ll come a day when you’re just going to have to trust me implicitly. No questions asked.”

  “Blind faith?”

  “Yes.”

  “Hmm.”

  Looking up at him, she caught the remnants of a mysterious smile before his expression smoothed over.

  Inside the huge factory building, Tony’s crew was affixing the last panel to the ceiling. The long curtains of gauzy white material were hung throughout the room, creating different “rooms” to break up the expansive floor space. As she hadn’t been able to find the exact shades of blue material to achieve her ocean theme, Julia had decided to use gobos instead. The pieces of glass, when affixed to the front of the small spotlights scattered throughout the room, would project intricate, wavy patterns in blue, aqua and green tones against the white fabric. A bubble machine would add to the illusion of an underwater world.

  A stage had been set up in one section. The band would be arriving at eleven to set up their equipment and do a sound check. She’d hired two bands—one for the day and one for the evening—that specialized in reggae music. A steel drum trio would entertain guests with calypso music when the bands were taking their break.

  The catering company would be arriving at ten-thirty. She’d kept the food simple for the open house: fish tacos, shrimp and vegetable skewers and sliders. One of her assistants had come up with the idea to hand out boxes of goldfish crackers for the children to nibble on—and adults, too, if they wanted.

  The evening offerings would be more substantial, including various food stations offering a variety of fish and meat options as well as decadent desserts. Beer and wine would be served. Martinis poured in glasses with blue lights in the stems would also be offered.

  In spite of all the stress of the previous three weeks, everything seemed to be coming together perfectly. As much as she loathed admitting at this point, Julia was grateful to Tony for helping with the panels. The event would not have had such an amazing visual impact without them.

  He set her supply box on a nearby table and turned towards her. “Is there anything else you need?”

  She shook her head. “I think I’m all set for now.” Impulsively, she moved closer to him and gave him a hug. “Thanks for all your help, Tony. I really do appreciate it.”

  His arms wrapped around her
waist. He held her closer. “My pleasure.”

  She would’ve moved away, but his arms tightened.

  “How are you doing, Jules?” he asked softly. “Are you really up for seeing them tonight?”

  “Yes,” she answered, just as softly. She inhaled his scent—a hint of spice and the clean, male fragrance that was uniquely Tony. “I can handle it.”

  “What will you say to them?”

  “Hello?”

  His chest rumbled with laughter. “That’s all?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll play it by ear.”

  “Joe said he’s looking forward to seeing you. I don’t think he’s been able to completely settle in to his new life with Willa yet. Not until he’s finally convinced that you’re okay.”

  She leaned back in his arms to look at his face. “What is he looking for? Absolution?”

  “No. Not that.” He paused. “Once, when I was around thirteen, I remember waking up one night to see him standing in my bedroom doorway watching me. I asked him what he was doing. He said he was just checking to make sure I was okay. When I was in high school and staying out late, he was always there waiting for me to come home, no matter how late it was. It was the same for Sylvie. He told her once that he couldn’t go to sleep each night until he was sure we were both home, tucked in bed, safe and sound.”

  “What are you trying to say?”

  “I think he’s just looking for peace of mind, Julia. You’re his family, too. He just wants to make sure you’re safe and sound.”

  Julia’s body sighed against his. If Joe had been there at that very moment she would have told him that, right now, in Tony’s arms, she was feeling very safe and sound indeed.

  Chapter Nine

  The party was in full swing. Everything seemed to be running without a hitch. Her two assistants plus the college intern she’d brought on board were doing a fantastic job. Best of all, it wasn’t raining. Storm clouds still threatened, but not a drop of rain had fallen yet.

  Julia allowed herself to relax as she stood behind one of the curtain panels and watched the party guests mix and mingle. A few people were on the small dance floor, gyrating to the reggae beat. Others were strolling amidst the display cases that showcased Audrey’s latest designs.

  “This day has been a huge success, Julia. Everything looks amazing.”

  Julia pivoted around to find Audrey standing behind her. The woman was beaming.

  “Thank you,” Julia said with a smile. “So far, so good.”

  Audrey scanned the room. “I haven’t seen Tony. Is he around?”

  “No. He had to leave just before noon. There was some kind of emergency at one of the job sites.”

  Audrey pursed her lips. “That doesn’t sound good. I hope everything is okay.”

  “Me, too.”

  “That must be why Joe hasn’t arrived yet either.” Then Audrey pointed over Julia’s shoulder. “Hold on. Look who just showed up.”

  Julia turned towards the main entrance to see Joe and Willa standing just inside the door. Joe’s expression was somber. Willa was clinging tightly to his hand and gazing up at him with a worried look.

  The first emotion that took hold of Julia was fear. Tony. Something had happened to Tony. Without a second thought, she walked quickly towards the couple. “Is everything okay?” she asked in a breathless rush, her eyes fastened on Joe’s stern face.

  He’d been looking around the room. He turned his head, startled. “Julia.”

  “Is everything okay?” she asked again. “Is Tony okay?”

  He touched her arm in a reassuring gesture. “Tony’s fine. Sorry if I look a little stressed. There was an accident this morning at one of the job sites. A section of scaffolding collapsed. Two of our employees were sent to the hospital.”

  Julia released a deep breath. “Oh, no. I’m sorry to hear that. Will they be all right?”

  “Yeah. One has a broken leg. The other guy has a concussion. They’re keeping him at the hospital overnight. Tony’s been there for most of the afternoon. But he should be here soon.”

  Julia became aware of Audrey and Collette hovering. Collette moved forward. “What a relief,” she said. “The look on both your faces when you first walked in gave me a scare.”

  “Sorry, Collette,” Willa said. She gave Julia a direct, guileless look. “It’s not just the accident that has us both frazzled. I’ve been nervous about seeing Julia.”

  Julia met the younger woman’s eyes. Truthfully, she’d never been angry with Willa, just angry with the situation. And something else had shifted inside of her when she first saw them at the door. When she thought that something bad had happened to Tony, it made her finally realize that some things in life were more important than others. Holding grudges seemed pretty pointless.

  Observing the lingering worry in Willa’s eyes, Julia allowed her expression to soften. “No need to be nervous,” she said. “We’re all adults. I’m over it. I really am.”

  Joe glanced around them; they were gathering a curious audience. He gave Julia a questioning look. “I’m glad to hear that. Is there somewhere a little more private where we can talk? Just the three of us?”

  “Use my office,” Audrey suggested. She pointed towards a far corner of the factory floor.

  Julia walked alongside Joe and Willa towards the small room. Once inside, Joe closed the window blinds. Then he turned to Julia. “Did you really mean what you said? That you’re over it?”

  “Yes.”

  His shoulders relaxed. “Good. I know I said it over and over that day, but I said a lot of things that might have been lost in all the emotion. I’m sorry I hurt you, Jules. That’s the last thing I wanted.”

  Julia straightened her shoulders. “I know that. And I heard you. You and your brother need to stop treating me like I’m made of glass. What hurts me now is the thought that you were willing to sacrifice your own happiness just to make me happy. In the end, I felt like you felt obligated to marry me because of all the support I gave you and your family over the years. That’s not right.”

  “No, it’s not,” he agreed. “I was too stubborn to realize that at the time. I do love you, Julia. You were my best friend.”

  “I know.”

  “Will we be able to return to that?”

  “Yes.” She nodded at Willa who was standing close to his side. “But I won’t be your best friend, Joe. Willa’s your best friend now.”

  He looked at Willa. His eyes softened. “Yes. She is.”

  Julia’s heart constricted at the way they were looking at each other. Envy spiraled through her blood. Would a man ever look at her that way? Would she ever have that same connection?

  It was Willa who broke eye contact first. She returned her attention to Julia and smiled shyly. “I’m glad you and Joe were able to talk tonight. He’s been so worried about you. He hasn’t been sleeping well.”

  Joe’s cheeks turned ruddy. “Willa.”

  “It’s true. And when he doesn’t sleep well, I don’t sleep well.”

  Julia found the clipped, direct way the woman spoke strangely endearing. She could see how Willa could bring out the protective side of Joe. Feeling suddenly like a much older sister, Julia reached out and set her hand on Willa’s arm. “We can’t have that.” She forced lightness into her tone. “Now stop worrying. Both of you. I’m fine. I’m moving on.”

  “That’s what Tony said,” Willa confided. “He says you’re ready for the next step.”

  “Willa.”

  Joe’s voice held caution. He and Willa exchanged a look. Joe looked a little hesitant when he turned back to Julia. “There’s something we want to tell you. You’re the first person to know.”

  “Oh?”

  He took Willa’s hand and drew it into the crook of his arm. He smiled at her and then at Julia. “We’re getting married. The day after Thanksgiving.”

  Julia felt a tiny pain in her heart. She recognized that she didn’t hurt because Joe was marrying Willa. She just missed
the idea of getting married herself, all the abandoned plans for her own wedding day. “Congratulations,” she said, glad to hear how calm and sincere her voice sounded. “But that’s just five weeks away. Do you need my help with anything?”

  Joe’s eyebrows shot up. “You’d do that?”

  “Of course. I’m not a wedding planner. But I have all the connections. I could hook you up with some of my vendors. Will there be a reception?”

  He shook his head. “No. It’s going to be a very small, intimate ceremony. We’re getting married at the Conimicut house. There won’t be more than a dozen people there.”

  “Wow, that is small.” And then Julia nearly bit her tongue. Tony had told her that Willa didn’t have any family; of course the guest list would be small. She gave Willa a warm smile. “But sometimes those can be the best kind of weddings. No fuss. It’s so much more relaxing.”

  Willa’s return smile was sweet. “We were going to wait until February,” she said. “I thought it would be fun to get married on Valentine’s Day. But…”

  She and Joe exchanged another speaking look.

  There was a mix of apprehension and pride on Joe’s face when he looked at Julia. “The fact is… Willa is going to have a baby.”

  Julia slapped her hand across her mouth. Her heartbeat clamored in her ears. It took every ounce of willpower she had to pretend this news didn’t upset her. “Oh. Oh! That’s wonderful.” She moved closer to hug Willa, then Joe. “I’m so happy for you both,” she said in a shaky voice. She patted Joe’s back before moving away. “I always thought Joe would make a great father,” she said to Willa.

  Willa took Julia’s hand and pressed it. “We want you to come to the wedding,” she said. “You’re family. You always will be.”

  Julia sat alone in Audrey’s office. She’d told Joe and Willa that she needed to take a break for a few minutes, that her feet were killing her after standing on them all day. They’d believed her. After one more round of hugs, the couple had left her alone.