Kissing Her Enemy

by Coleen Kwan

  With great effort Amber held back a groan of frustration. “Please tell me you didn’t throw everything away.”

  Her mother gave her a slight frown. “No, I didn’t. I’m not that irresponsible. If you must know, I put most of those financial thingies in one of the kitchen drawers.”

  Grim faced, Amber marched back to the kitchen and went through the kitchen drawers. As she pulled out the bottom one, an avalanche of mail slithered out onto the floor. She cleared the table, dumped the letters onto the surface, and began going through them. Thirty minutes later, she had opened all of them and stacked them into neat piles. The ball of dread in her stomach now felt like a concrete balloon.

  While she worked, Cristal had wafted in and out, asking her opinion about eye shadow and concealer and earrings until Amber felt like snapping. But whatever irritation she felt was overwhelmed by her mounting fear.

  Humming lightly, Cristal opened a bag of tortilla chips, grabbed two bottles of iced tea from the fridge, and brought the snacks to the table.

  “So what’s the damage?” she asked cheerfully, dumping the tortilla chips on the paperwork and toppling Amber’s neat piles.

  Amber eyed her mother, wondering if the breezy attitude was all an act. “Mom, this is serious.”

  “Oh, Peanut, don’t look at me like that. I’ve had enough gloomy people giving me gloomy news to last me a lifetime.” She plonked one of the iced teas in front of Amber. “Here. I’d offer you wine, but I’m not allowed alcohol anymore.”

  Amber lifted the iced tea, which had left a wet ring on the piece of paper she’d used to add up all her mother’s bills. The figure at the bottom was chilling.

  “Mom, you’re thousands of dollars in debt. Since the trailer park changed hands, the new owner’s jacked up your rent by thirty percent, and he’s even charging you a parking fee. It’s outrageous.”

  “Yes, but what can I do?” Cristal lifted her shoulders. “It would cost more to move my trailer than it’s worth, and when the rent went up, I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to object. Besides, I like living here. I like my trailer and my neighbors. This is my home. This is where I belong.”

  “Not for much longer. Gus says you’ll be evicted soon.”

  Cristal picked up a corn chip and twirled it airily. “I told you. I’ll talk to him tomorrow.”

  “Mom, you’re beautiful, but even you can’t sweet talk your way out of seventeen thousand dollars.”

  Her mother gasped. “Seventeen thousand? That’s ridiculous. There’s no way I owe Gus that much!”

  “No, you don’t. The rent and utilities come to around seven grand, including the exorbitant interest they’re charging you. But you forgot these.” She picked up a stack of bills and waved it at her mother. “These are medical bills. Why didn’t your insurance pay for them?”

  Cristal nibbled on her corn chip. “Something about not meeting my deductible or out-of-network doctors. Don’t ask me. You know I can’t get my head around that kind of detail.”

  “But you can’t just shove the bills in your drawer and hope they’ll go away!”

  “You’re not going to get snippy with me, are you? You’re no fun when you’re snippy.”

  Amber buried her face in her hands. “Oh, Mom,” she sighed, rubbing her eyes.

  Cristal finished her corn chip. Then, in a much smaller voice, she said, “It’s not that bad, is it? I mean, I’ll be able to stay here, won’t I? Amber?”

  The trace of panic lurking in her mom’s voice almost made Amber cry. But now was not the time to show any trepidation. She had to quash her mom’s fears and show her a brave front.

  She lifted her head. “Of course, Mom. You can stay here for as long as you want.” She gathered up the paperwork. “I’ll just take this with me and sort it out.”

  “Oh, I can’t let you do that. You’ve already done so much. I’ll figure something out.”

  “First let me check everything. You want to be sure of your math before you talk to Gus. Now why don’t you call TJ and set his mind at ease?”

  “Oh, yes, poor TJ!”

  As Cristal hurried off, Amber shoved the stack of bills into her purse. Come Monday she would withdraw seven thousand dollars and pay her mom’s outstanding rent and utilities. That would wipe out her entire savings account, money she’d carefully squirreled away to replace her clunker. Well, this was an emergency. She would also have to contact the medical providers and work out a payment schedule. Her store was turning a profit, but only a small one. It would take a while to clear her mom’s debts, and in the meantime she wouldn’t be able to put anything back into the business.

  She could ask Hannah and Derek for a small loan. Thanks to his successful furniture business, Derek was a very wealthy man, and he was also kind and generous. He’d loan her any sum in a heartbeat, she knew. But the idea was anathema to her. She’d never asked any of her friends for money, and she wasn’t going to start now.

  No, the solution lay in her hardware store. She knew her business, and she was making money. With time and hard work, she could expand and increase her profits and help her mom even further. But it all depended on keeping Bennett’s Home Center going. If she lost the business, who knew how long it would take to get back on her feet? Sure, she’d receive a payout from Logan for the sale of the building, but that would barely cover her two mortgages. She’d be left with nothing. She’d have to move her business to a distant town or open a different kind of store here in Pine Falls. Either way, she’d be starting from scratch all over again, maybe even have to move in with her mom for a while. She’d be back where she started. Despite the muggy heat in the trailer, a sharp chill settled over her, pressing down on her like shackles.

  Chapter Eleven

  Amber tugged at the hem of her brand new dress as she slowed down outside the hotel. There was a line of cars queuing for valet parking. Because of her mother, she was running late and not in the best mood for an evening with the rich and influential. It was a mistake coming to the fundraiser, especially when she compared her rusty old truck to the sleek vehicles around her. She felt like going back home, but she didn’t want Logan thinking she was too scared.

  Avoiding the valet, she headed for the outdoor parking lot and found a spot in an empty corner. She walked into the hotel, hoping she looked like she had every right to be there.

  The lobby was crowded. She saw a sign for the fundraiser, pointing her in the direction of the ballroom, and followed it. The corridor opened into a foyer before the ballroom, the space crawling with guests attending the function. Nervousness danced along her spine, despite her best intentions. Everyone was so well dressed and oozing with money, the men in tuxedos, the women in glamorous eveningwear and dripping with jewels. As she approached, several people turned to stare at her. For the hundredth time she smoothed down the fabric of her green silk dress. She looked fine, she told herself. A little underdressed compared to some of these matrons, but nothing a woman her age wouldn’t wear.

  Logan appeared out of the crowd, and her nerves were temporarily dampened by how suave and magnificent he looked in his black tuxedo and white dinner shirt. When he caught sight of her, he came to a dead stop, his eyes widening, his mouth falling open.

  “Wow, I hardly recognized you.” He walked up to her, his eyes roving over her, taking in her low-cut dress, her lipstick and mascara, her hair arranged in an up-do. He swallowed. “That’s some dress.”

  Did that mean she was too conspicuous, too out of place? Logan, with his Hollywood handsomeness, looked like he belonged here, which only made her more tongue-tied.

  “Everything okay?” he asked, his stare still gobbling her up.

  She fiddled with her small beaded evening purse. “Sure, yeah, just a bit nervous about tonight.”

  “Don’t be. You look hot.”

  Hot? Damn, that wasn’t what she wanted to hear. Hot to some people meant skanky to others. Especially the women around here. Why had she gone for such a plunging neckline? Fee
ling exposed, she surreptitiously tried to hike up the front of her dress, but only managed to make her boobs pop out even more. Logan’s eyes widened.

  “I knew this was a bad idea,” she muttered.

  “You’re worrying for nothing.”

  Taking her by the elbow, he steered her into the ballroom. As they walked, she was hyper-aware of heads turning, stares lingering, voices whispering. Logan stopped as someone claimed his attention. An elderly man in impeccable eveningwear stepped toward Amber and actually leered at her cleavage.

  “Well, hello there, buttercup,” he wheezed, salivating like an old goat.

  Get bent, Grandpa. The words almost sprang from her mouth before she swallowed them down. She had to be on her best behavior. Tonight she was with Logan, and she couldn’t embarrass him.

  Fortunately, they moved on, but her relief was short lived when Logan’s parents came into sight. Amber stopped short. “You didn’t tell me your parents would be here,” she hissed.

  “Didn’t I?” He didn’t appear too perturbed as he guided her forward.

  Logan’s mother, draped in a long black dress with diamonds glittering at her throat and ears, was staring pointedly at Amber, unsmiling, her expression ice-cool duchess. His father didn’t look much more impressed.

  “Hi, Mom, Dad.” Logan sounded oh so casual. “You remember Amber, don’t you?”

  “Good evening, Mrs. Wright, Mr. Wright,” Amber said, wishing her jaw wasn’t so stiff with tension.

  His parents returned her greeting, polite but remote.

  “I didn’t realize you would be attending,” Heloise said to Amber, her voice arctic.

  Amber straightened her spine. “Ryan gave me a ticket, so I thought I’d come.”

  “I see.” Heloise narrowed her eyes.

  The woman clearly didn’t want her here, especially not with her precious son. It hit Amber forcibly that Logan’s parents would never be happy about her and Logan being together. Not that there was any chance of them being a couple, but it was depressing to think she’d never make the grade with his parents.

  Her bleak thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of another couple, about the same age as Logan’s parents but with just that extra veneer of sophistication and polish. Logan’s mother quickly forgot Amber as she drew Logan forward.

  “Logan, allow me to introduce you to the Hallidays, Jocelyn and Kenneth.” She smiled obsequiously to the new couple. “This is Logan, my son.”

  There were handshakes and polite murmurs, and then it seemed Logan finally remembered Amber and shifted to include her in the circle.

  “And this is my friend, Amber Miller.”

  Amber shook hands, wondering who the Hallidays were and why they were so important to Logan’s parents, especially his mother. Judging by their appearance and general demeanor, they were obviously an eminent power couple whom Heloise was eager to impress.

  After a few minutes of polite conversation, Logan made their excuses and led Amber away.

  “Oh, thank God,” Amber said. “I thought I was going to be stuck there all night.”

  She glanced over her shoulder and saw Heloise giving her a dark look. Oops, had she overheard her last comment? Well, it didn’t matter if she had, because Amber was already unacceptable anyway.

  “The Hallidays are my sister’s future in-laws,” Logan explained. “They’re spending the weekend with my folks. Kenneth Halliday is a state senator, and apparently they’re friends with the governor.”

  No wonder Heloise had fawned over them. Amber tried to picture her own mother and Heloise coming face to face, and her mind boggled.

  “Is your sister here, too?” At least Sophie was nice and friendly, but Logan shook his head.

  “No, she and Daniel couldn’t make it this weekend. Let’s go find Ryan and say hello.”

  They pushed through the crush. A five-piece band played discreetly on the stage. Waiters circulated with trays of drinks and canapés. Conversation and laughter swirled around them. Imelda Jones, the reporter from The Gazette, darted about, snapping pictures of the guests. They spotted Ryan talking to some people, but as soon as he became aware of them, he excused himself and came over with a warm smile.

  “Glad you guys could make it!” He turned to Amber. “I’m sorry I didn’t have a chance to deliver the invitation to you personally.”

  “Oh, no worries.” Amber’s heart warmed toward him. Ryan might be part of the stuffy Claybourne clan, but he was more than okay in her book.

  “The mayor’s here, and the members of the planning committee,” Ryan said to her. “I’ll be sure to mention your hard work to them.”

  Amber beamed at him. “Thanks, Ryan.”

  He signaled to a waiter, and Amber and Logan chose glasses of craft beer. Ryan declined the alcohol. “Can’t afford to start drinking yet. I’ve got a few things to iron out first.”

  “Oh yeah?” Logan asked. “Like what?”

  “Like I spotted one of the waiters eating canapés and sipping from the drinks. I want to catch him before word gets out, but it’s a bit hard in this crowd.”

  They chatted about the fundraiser, and Amber started to relax. This wasn’t so bad. A drink and a few bites of food would take the edge off her nerves. Ryan was a nice guy and Logan’s friend, and he was going to put in a good word for her with the powers that be, which could only help when the planning committee made their final decision. Maybe tonight would turn out better than expected.

  “Logan!” A woman darted out of the crowd and latched onto his arm.

  Amber turned, and her mood dipped. Crap. Emily Claybourne, clinging to Logan like a limpet.

  “Hi, Emily. Good to see you.” Logan greeted her with a smile.

  Emily stroked his hand, and to Amber it seemed Logan made no attempt to stop her. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” She pouted. “We could’ve come together.”

  “Actually, I’m here with someone.”

  He twisted his head. Amber lifted an eyebrow at him. Oh yeah, finally remembered me, then?

  “Who’s that?” Emily asked sharply.

  “Amber Miller,” he said, sounding surprised.

  “Oh.” Emily’s lips grew pinched. “I didn’t recognize her. What’s she doing here?” Her sulky voice cut through the din, loud enough for several people to turn and look on with interest.

  Amber jutted out her chin. Who the hell did Emily think she was, and did she think she could get away with that kind of trash talk? She took a step forward, but before she could spit out a retort, Logan put a hand on her arm.

  “Amber’s with me,” he said firmly, loud enough so that everyone in the vicinity could hear.

  Her anger turned to indignation. Did he think she was too cowed to stand up for herself? Or, was he afraid that she’d go the other way and cause a scene?

  Emily spluttered an incredulous laugh. “Don’t tell me you two are dating?” She made it sound like they were joining a leper colony.

  “No, we aren’t dating.” Amber shook off Logan’s hold and glanced around at their audience. “If you must know, I’m just using Logan for sex.”

  There were gasps all around, and someone in the crowd tittered. Logan’s face darkened, and she could feel the waves of annoyance coming off him.

  “Do you always have to be such a hothead?” he muttered.

  “Not always. Just when I’m being insulted to my face.”

  His furrows deepened. Yep, he was pissed off with her for going too far and saying outrageous things in front of his peers. Among the crowd she saw his parents, his father thunderous, his mother horrified, and next to them their precious friends, the Hallidays, who were friends with the governor. They must be wondering what kind of hick hoedown they’d stumbled into.

  And lined up behind Emily was her cheer squad, those rich, pretty, stuck-up girls who’d always looked down on Amber. High school had ended so many years ago, but now, standing in front of this crowd and sensing Logan’s disapproval, it seemed she’d n
ever left.

  Emily smirked. “Oh, Amber,” she purred. “Always so desperate for attention, aren’t you? Especially from Logan. You’ll do anything to get him to notice you. It’s quite pathetic how you used to run after him in high school. And you haven’t changed a bit. You’re still the same sorry mess.”

  The glass of beer shook in Amber’s hand.

  “That’s enough,” Logan snapped. “This is not the time or the place.”

  Emily turned on him, her face slowly reddening. “Well, excuse me, but I’m just trying to stop you from making a fool of yourself. Again. Logan, you can’t be serious about her. For God’s sakes, look at her! She dresses like a skanky ho, and you guys fall for it just because she’s got her boobs hanging out—”

  “Emily!” Ryan hissed, his face flushed. “Just can it, will you?”

  Emily dismissed her cousin with a shrug. Her diamond-sharp eyes were fixed on Amber’s. “You don’t belong here, Gingernut. Your mother was a stripper, and your father picks up dead skunks. You—”

  “Not anymore I don’t,” a new voice interrupted.

  All heads swiveled to the waiter standing a few feet away. He was in his mid-fifties, with the dissipated looks of an aging cardsharp—shifty eyes, slicked back hair, and a weak jaw. Amber, whose stomach had already nose-dived, suddenly found herself dizzy with nausea as recognition slapped her across the face. Of all the places to run into her deadbeat dad, it had to be here.

  Waylon Paterson adjusted his collar, unperturbed by the stares he’d drawn. “I’m a waiter now, but what’s so wrong about working in sanitation anyway? I mean, someone’s gotta clean up the roadkill, right? I did a service for all you hoity-toity types.”

  Next to Amber, Ryan drew in a breath. “Hey! You’re the guy who’s been stealing canapés and drinks!”

  “Just doing a bit of my own fundraising, you know.” Waylon paused, perhaps realizing Ryan’s anger. Then he dropped his tray—luckily empty—and winnowed through the crowd like a weasel with Ryan hot on his tail.

  In the ensuing silence, Emily jammed her hands on her hips and glared at Amber. “Well! If that isn’t an indication of your character, then I don’t know what is. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and in your case I’d—”