"Don't worry about it I just wish I could help."
"Listening helped." Raina pulled out her phone as it buzzed. "Finally," she muttered. "Marcus is on his way. I talked Lizzie into letting him be a server tonight. He could use a little responsibility. His efforts to get a summer job have been pretty weak. He works for a gardener two mornings a week, but that barely pays him anything, and he's already been late twice, so I'm not confident he'll keep that job very long. All he really wants to do is play with his drone all day long. I can't imagine what kind of trouble he's getting into with that."
"I saw someone flying a drone on my street last week. It was almost midnight at the time."
"A bunch of teenagers have them. It could have even been Marcus. He's made a few friends here while hanging out on the beach. I met one of them, and he seemed about as unambitious as Marcus. He told me their summer plans were boats and babes."
"Oh, to be seventeen again," she said, trying to lighten Raina's tension.
"I was never that carefree. I had to practically raise myself. There was no time for just lounging around."
"Is Marcus going to college in the fall?"
"He's supposed to go to Santa Barbara City College. He didn't get into any of the universities he applied to. Victor thinks he's mad about his parents breaking up three years ago, but I think he's just lazy."
"Maybe once he gets into college and starts on a new adventure, he'll feel better about everything, including you."
"I hope so." Raina paused as the subject of their conversation entered the room with a bored, resigned look on his face. Like his movie-star father, Marcus had dark hair and cat-like green eyes. He wore dark jeans and a white button-down shirt, and she had a feeling Marcus probably had no problem scoring boats or babes.
"I said black pants," Raina told him.
Marcus shrugged. "I don't have any. If you don't want me to work…"
"No, you'll work. The party is already starting." Raina turned to an older man, who was in charge of the servers. "Don, this is Marcus. He's ready to do whatever you need him to do."
"Great," Don said, motioning Marcus over.
"I better get the next batch of pastries in the oven," Raina said, as Lizzie returned to the kitchen.
Her sister looked even more stressed. "Our guests are arriving. Chelsea, can you wander through the inn and make sure everyone has everything?"
"Of course."
"Keep an eye on the buffet tables, too. If we get low on food or tables need to be bussed, let me know."
"Don't worry, Liz, it's going to be great," she assured her sister. "You've planned out every last detail. Now, you need to let go and enjoy yourself. Tonight will be perfect."
"I hope so. It's the first time I've opened up the inn to the public in a big way. I want everyone to be impressed."
"How could they not? With you in charge and Raina putting out incredible food, this party is going to be talked about for weeks."
An hour later, the Firefly Inn was packed. Chelsea squeezed through crowds of people in the salon and dining room, making her way out to the patio, where tiki torches lit up the deepening dusk and a flowing fountain provided a soothing backdrop to the conversation going on at the six small tables set up between the bar and another long buffet table. There were six such buffet tables spread throughout the inn, each featuring cold and hot apps and incredible desserts. Lizzie and Raina had outdone themselves. There was no doubt in her mind that this party would not only launch the Hot August Nights weekend but would also take Lizzie's business to the next level. Her sister had great instincts and a determined, unstoppable passion for making her dreams come true.
She'd once had a similar tunnel vision obsession for music, for her own dreams, but not anymore. She'd settled for something else, something that was good, that was safe, that wouldn't hurt anyone, especially her.
Was it enough?
Most days it felt like it was. But maybe not tonight.
Pushing that thought out of her head, her gaze moved around the patio once more, wondering why Brodie hadn't shown up yet. Maybe he wasn't coming. Disappointment followed that thought, then irritation with herself. She should not care that he wasn't here. It would be better for her if he didn't show up.
She didn't know what to do about the attraction between them, the emotional connection that had sparked so fast and so hot. Brodie's determined pursuit of her time and attention was more than a little appealing. But everything about Brodie spelled danger for the life she was leading now. He asked too many questions. He wanted too much. He pushed too hard.
She needed to push back, push him away.
She just wished she really wanted to do that.
With a sigh, she turned around and collided with her brother, Adam. He wore jeans and a steel-blue shirt that set off his eyes. His dark-brown hair was styled, his cheeks cleanly shaven. All her brothers were good-looking men, and even now as he gave her a quick hug, she could see interested gazes coming from a nearby trio of young women.
She sometimes wondered why Adam seemed so very single all the time. But he was as private as she was, especially when it came to his personal life. She'd only met one of his girlfriends and that had been at least five years ago.
"How's it going?" Adam asked.
"Fine. The party is looking to be a huge success. I think Lizzie's business is going to take off. Our little sis is kicking ass."
"It looks that way," he said with a smile, his gaze sweeping the patio. "Good crowd. Did you come alone?"
"Of course." She noted a thoughtful gleam in his eyes. "You heard Austin is in town."
"Lizzie said he showed up here on Wednesday, and you ran off."
"I did, but I spoke to him yesterday. I reminded him that we were done and that I was not interested in music anymore. So, there's no reason for him to stick around."
"I'm relieved you're not getting back together. I was never a big fan of that relationship."
"I thought you liked Austin. You went hiking with him once."
"I was trying to be a good brother. It took all my willpower not to throw him off the mountain. He talked incessantly about himself. His ego got bigger every year."
"Unfortunately, it did. Fame can blind you to what's real, and Austin got caught up in it."
"Do you miss the music, Chelsea?"
"Sometimes. But all good things come to an end, right?"
"I don't think that has to be true."
"Well, it's true for me. Anyway, how was your day? Any more leads on the arsonist? Did Brodie show you the latest picture from Travis?"
"He did, and I appreciate you trying to help, but you can take a step back now. I'm following up on the vehicle with the other neighbors. I don't need you playing amateur detective when I get paid to do that."
"I know you're investigating, Adam, but I have Travis in my class. And he trusts me. He's more likely to talk to me than to you, if I keep trying in a very gentle way."
"You need to let it be, Chelsea. I don't want you in the middle of this. It's not a game."
"I know that. But you don't have any clues, so what's the harm in me working this angle?"
"If Travis did see something, then he could be in danger, and if he told you about it, you could be in danger as well as his family. Leave it alone."
She was annoyed by his blunt words. Even though she didn't want to be in the middle of the investigation, she also didn't appreciate being told by her big brother what to do or not do. She was about to tell Adam that when she realized he was no longer paying her any attention. His gaze had moved to the woman who'd just stepped onto the patio.
Chloe wore a soft yellow floral sundress with wedge sandals. Her brown hair was loose around her shoulders, and while she was still carrying a little extra baby weight, she looked beautiful and more rested than she had in a while. Maybe she'd gotten some good news about Kevin.
As she glanced back at her brother, she saw a gleam of appreciation in his eyes that seemed a bit friend
lier than was appropriate. Not that she thought anything was going on. Chloe was in love with her husband, and Adam would never mess with a married woman. He was not that kind of a man. Maybe she was misreading things. He was probably just happy to see Chloe out and about, as was she.
"I'm so glad Chloe came," she said. "Gianna and Zach offered to babysit, but last I heard she still wasn't sure she wanted to leave Leo alone or that she was in the mood for a party."
"It's good for her to get out. She needs to take care of herself as well as her son."
"I agree. I just want Kevin to come home already."
"I do, too," he said crisply. "I'm going to get a drink. Do you want something?"
"I'll take a glass of champagne."
"Coming right up."
As Adam left, Chloe joined her, along with Keira, who had apparently slipped in right behind Chloe. Keira, a dark-eyed brunette, had grown up with Chloe, Gianna, and Hannah and had recently taken over her mother's real estate company. While Chloe had a softer, gentler vibe, Keira tended to buzz with ambition, and even though she'd given up her first-choice career of fashion design, she still dressed with more style than anyone in Whisper Lake, tonight wearing a short, bright cocktail dress that clung to her curves.
"This party looks like it's going amazingly well," Chloe commented.
"Lizzie must be happy," Keira added. "Where is she?"
"She's flying around from group to group like a busy bee," she replied with a smile. "I catch glimpses of her every now and then. I'm sure she'll be by to say hello." She turned to Chloe. "I'm so glad you could make it, Chloe."
"Thanks to Gianna and Zach. I owe them. Actually, I owe all of you more than I could ever repay."
"No repayment necessary," Keira put in. "We're friends. When someone is in need, we're there. You'd do the same for any of us."
"I would. I just hope I never have to." Chloe cleared her throat. "So, how was your date the other night, Chelsea?"
"Wait, you had a date?" Keira cut in with an interested gleam in her brown eyes.
"It wasn't a date."
"It was with Brodie McGuire, the skier turned cop," Chloe added for Keira's benefit.
"The hot cop? I've been hearing a lot about him at my yoga class. How was he?"
"He was nice. He was fine. It was a thank-you dinner. He helped me catch the cat I'm watching. It was not a big deal." She didn't mention that she had dinner and drinks with him two other times since then.
"If it wasn't a big deal, then why are your cheeks flushed and your blue eyes so bright?" Keira teased.
"Because I'm tired of people trying to turn this into something."
"Sorry," Chloe said, giving her an apologetic smile. "I shouldn't have brought it up."
She blew out a breath, realizing she was completely overreacting to a little friendly interest from her friends. "No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to jump down your throats."
"You like him, but you don't want to," Keira said. "That's why you're so determined to tell us you're not interested."
"I don't like that you're so smart," she said with a sigh.
Keira laughed. "I have more insight over other people's relationships than I do my own."
"Are you in a relationship?" Chloe queried, turning her thoughtful gaze on Keira.
"No. I just meant that in general terms. I did have a date a few days ago, but he was just so boring, I almost fell asleep. It's too bad, because he had really great hair, thick and blond and falling over his eyes in that sexy way. But when he opened his mouth, nothing exciting came out."
"Maybe you should give him another chance," she suggested. "He could have been nervous."
"I don't think so. I know when to cut my losses."
Adam came over with a tray of champagne glasses. "I hope you ladies are thirsty," he said with a smile.
"I am," she said, taking a glass.
"Not me," Keira said. "I've had one too many champagne headaches. I think I'll find a soda."
As Keira left, Chloe took a glass of champagne and smiled at Adam. "Lizzie really does have her entire family working this event."
He grinned back at her. "I do what I can. It's good to see you out."
"It's good to be seen," she said with a helpless shrug. "Even though I feel a little guilty."
"About leaving your son?" Adam asked.
"That, but also because of Kevin…I'm caught in this crazy place where I go between hopeful and defeated. Anyway, I promised myself I was not going to talk about Kevin tonight." She took a sip of her champagne. "Please, someone else talk."
Hearing the desperate note in Chloe's voice, she wanted to oblige, but there were so many things she didn't want to talk about, she didn't know what to say. Then a male voice came from behind her, and her heart skipped a beat.
"Looks like I found the right group," Brodie said, moving in next to her, his shoulder brushing hers. "Is that champagne up for grabs?"
"It is," Adam said, handing Brodie the last glass on the tray.
"Thanks," Brodie said, taking a sip. "There's a good crowd here tonight."
"The party is going very well," she agreed. "The food is excellent, too. You should check out the buffet tables. There's one in every room, and they're all a little different."
"Maybe in a bit. Have you eaten?"
"Not yet. Lizzie gave me strict orders to make sure there was enough food for the guests," she said. "Trust me, she's in no danger of running out."
"Then we can eat together later."
"Well, I'm starving now," Chloe declared. "And since I'm under no such orders to wait, I think I'll hit one of the buffet tables. Do you want to join me, Adam?"
"Absolutely," Adam replied.
"And then there were two," Brodie said, gazing down at her with his warm brown eyes.
She sipped champagne, her pulse beating a little too fast. She needed to calm down. He was just a man, maybe a really attractive man, who could kiss like a dream. But that wasn't going to happen again.
"How was your day, Chelsea?"
"It was fine."
"Anything new with Travis?"
"No. We actually didn't do art today. There were guest speakers in all the classrooms. The kids got to meet the TV weatherman today."
"That's cool."
"I showed Adam the picture. He told me to tell you to butt out."
"He gave me that message directly."
"He's right. I shouldn't have put you in the middle of this."
"You didn't put me there; I put myself there. But I'm not sure what else I can do anyway. So, I will leave it to you and Adam and the fire investigators to figure out if the van with the flower in Travis's picture has significance."
"We will leave no stone unturned."
"I'm sure you won't. You know, I did have an interesting conversation with Raina—Lizzie's chef. Her stepson, Marcus, who is somewhere around here acting as a server, has a drone. She said he flies it with his friends."
"That is interesting. Where does he live?"
"Nowhere near us, but one of his friends might be in our neighborhood. Marcus is the son of Victor Fox, the film actor. They're here for the summer."
"So, rich kid."
"With not a lot else to do. He apparently works a couple mornings a week for a landscaper." She stopped abruptly. "Oh, my God, I just put that together—drone—landscaper."
Brodie's gaze widened as he saw the connection. "Where is this kid?"
"I don't know. I saw him in the kitchen earlier." She scanned the patio, but there was no sign of Marcus. "I don't see him right now, but he could be inside somewhere."
"I'd like to talk to him. Point him out if you see him."
"I will."
"But don't tell your brother I'm involving you again," he said dryly.
"By pointing out a kid who probably has nothing to do with any of this?"
"Adam still wouldn't like it."
"Well, I'm not worried about him." She licked her lips as Brodie's warm gaze swept across her
face. Now that they'd stopped talking about the fires, she felt like things were getting a lot more personal.
"Chelsea—"
"Brodie—" she said, as their words collided.
"You first," he said.
Before she could speak, a microphone crackled, and her gaze moved toward the band that had been playing background music. They'd set down their instruments as Austin stepped up to the mic.
Her heart stopped. "What the hell is he doing?"
Brodie snatched the champagne glass out of her hand, just as her fingers let go. "Easy," he murmured.
"I have to get out of here," she said wildly, but the crowd behind them was pushing forward and people inside of the inn were coming out to see what was happening.
Brodie put their glasses down on a nearby table and took her hand. "I've got you," he said, leading her through the crowd. But it was slow going, and Austin was starting to speak.
"Lizzie Cole is one of the most wonderful people I've ever met," Austin said.
His words surprised her, and she paused, swinging her gaze back toward his.
He was looking straight at her.
"But it was her sister Chelsea I fell in love with," he continued. "She's the woman who inspired my most popular song. Tonight, I'd like to sing it for her and for you."
Her breath stalled once more in her chest. He was going to sing their song, right here, right now?
She could feel the attention swinging in her direction. All those eyes, all that curiosity. Her heart was pounding so hard against her chest, she didn't think she could breathe or move. She was trapped. The panic, the anxiety, raced through her like a tsunami. She was going under. She was going down. She felt herself sway.
But there was a strong grip on her hand, on her arm. Brodie yanked her forward, put his arm around her shoulders and blasted through the people behind them.
Austin started to play. She tried not to listen.
And then Lizzie and Adam were in front of her, and they held the crowd back, as she and Brodie made their way through the inn and out the front door. They were practically running down the block. A light flashed in her eyes and she stumbled, but Brodie kept her on her feet. She had the feeling someone had taken a photo or two, but she didn't want to look. And then Brodie was shoving her into his car and peeling away from the curb.
My Wildest Dream: Whisper Lake #2 Page 10