Once we got to Claire’s door, I wanted to reach out and pull her into my arms so I could hold her close while I kissed her goodnight. Instead, she shook my hand and thanked me for being such a nice friend. Lame, party of one.
Tara walks into the kitchen and calls out, “Hey, Geoffrey, Ruby’s looking for you.”
“Did she say what she wants?” I ask.
“We’ve booked a big party for next month and she wants to sit down with you and Claire to go over the details. All I have to do is make the best birthday cake anyone has ever tasted. I’m going to make it big, too.”
“I hope no one is going to be jumping out of that cake,” I tease.
Rolling her eyes, Tara says, “I don’t think it’s that kind of party.”
So much for avoiding Claire. I take off my apron and wash my hands before going out to the dining room. Claire and Ruby are sitting at a table by the window. The sunlight is reflecting off the highlights in Claire’s hair, making it look almost metallic, like she’s some mythical creature. I’m totally captivated.
Once I arrive at my destination, I stand and look down between them. “Ruby, Claire,” I greet. “How are you both doing?”
Ruby squints her eyes like she’s trying to read the fine print on a racing form. “Geoffrey, please sit down.” She sounds so serious.
Claire on the other hand seems happy to see me. “Heya friend, what’s shakin’?”
Ruby darts her gaze between the two of us before saying, “We’ve just booked a very exciting party for next month.”
“What’s so exciting about it?” I ask.
“It’s a surprise party,” she says. “It’s only for twelve people, but they’ve asked for a twelve-course tasting menu with wine pairings for each course. Their budget is as big as some of the weddings we’ve catered.”
“How exciting!” Claire gushes. “Is there a theme?”
“It’s a birthday party,” Ruby says. “They want the linens to be navy and white and they’ve requested flower arrangements for the main table as well as the cake table and the gift table. They’ve also asked for sterling silver tableware and Reidel wine glasses.”
“Those wine glasses can cost upwards of a hundred and fifty dollars each,” Claire practically gasps. “You can’t possibly be considering buying them for one occasion.”
“I told the event planner on the phone that I would try to rent them, but I wasn’t sure we’d be able to. She didn’t seem concerned. She said they’d be happy to buy them if necessary.”
“Who in the world is this party for?” Claire wants to know.
Ruby shrugs. “I have no idea. All I know is that friends of theirs recommended us. They decided to celebrate here, as they’re going to be in the area. I would have put you on the phone had I known it was going to turn into such a big thing.”
“Are they staying here?” I ask.
“For three nights,” Ruby answers. “In addition to the birthday party, they’re planning to have all of their other meals with us. Their demands are rather extensive.”
“What do they want?” I suddenly feel nervous. While we have a nice clientele, we don’t usually have a lot of outrageous demands. This group sounds like they might be capable of creating quite a fuss.
“They’d like the sterling and crystal used for all of their meals. They’ve requested different linen colors and floral arrangements for every day, and they want all of their food locally sourced, including the cream for their coffee.”
“Is the President coming?” Claire wants to know.
“Maybe,” Ruby says. “I honestly have no idea who it is. The name on the reservation is Taylor, that’s all I know.”
“I hope it’s not an elaborate prank,” I suggest. It’s one thing to send someone five pizzas in college, but this would be a substantial financial loss if it isn’t for real.
“They’ve already wired us ten thousand dollars as a down payment,” Ruby says.
“Wow, okay. I assume you have dietary restrictions and guidelines for me,” I say.
“No. They’ve only asked that you send out your best.”
Claire shoots me a look of surprise before giving me two thumbs up. “The only potential obstacle will be if we have another large function at that time.”
Ruby hands us each a folder containing pertinent information. “This is trial by fire for you, Claire, but I know you’re up to it.”
Claire smiles brilliantly in return. “I’m not worried in the least. I’ve overseen some pretty elaborate events in Hollywood, for some pretty pretentious people. This should be a breeze.”
“I thought it might be good to keep their serving staff as consistent as possible,” Ruby suggests.
“That’s a good idea,” Claire says. “I’d think that normally one server would be enough, but in their case, let’s put two on them as well as a busboy. We want to make sure when they leave, they rave to their friends about us.”
“I like the way you think.” Then Ruby addresses me, “You and Claire will make a great team on this.”
“I’m sure we will,” I reply as she continues to inspect me like she’s searching for a needle in a haystack. “Are you okay, Ruby?”
“I’m fine. How are you, Geoffrey? Are you doing okay?”
“I am. Thank you for asking.” This the weirdest conversation ever. On the surface it sounds like we’re making small talk, but something is going on with my boss. She’s acting very strange.
I know I need to give her my notice soon, but I decide to wait until whatever is going on with her settles down. Either way, I’m planning to give her a full month. In the meantime, I’ve been letting Henry take more and more responsibility so he can step in while Ruby finds my replacement. Who knows? This might be his big chance to be promoted to executive chef.
After Ruby walks away, Claire asks me, “Does our boss seem a little off to you?”
“Thank goodness I’m not the only one who thinks so. She’s acting downright peculiar.”
“It must be hard for her to keep working here after her husband died. You know, like she can never get away from the memory of him,” Claire says.
“I don’t think she wants to get away from the memory of him. Tom was such a great guy and he and Ruby had such a tight marriage. I think by continuing to work she feels him around her all the time.”
“My parents have a marriage like that.” Claire releases a wistful sigh.
“Mine, too.”
We share a heated look full of longing. I might have to leave Oregon sooner rather than later if I can’t get a hold of myself. I’m not sure if I’m feeling a heightened sense of yearning for Claire based on the fact that my departure is imminent, or if I’m really as drawn to her as I think I am.
I know one thing for sure. I’d better pull myself together or I’m liable to do something stupid.
Chapter Fifteen
Sharon
Picking up her phone, Sharon considers the best way to lure her older daughter to Oregon. The problem with Lu is she’s such a straight shooter that if you beat around the bush or try to veil a request in any way, she’ll call you out and will, more often than not, want nothing to do with your idea.
Sharon pushes the button with her daughter’s name on it and unwittingly holds her breath while she waits for her call to be answered.
Fourteen rings later, Lu picks up. “What’s up, Mom?”
“Your phone rang forever. Why do you let it ring so long before going into voicemail?” Sharon demands.
“Because you and Tooty are the only people I know who call instead of text. I need the extra rings to prepare myself to talk to you.”
“That’s plain hurtful, Lu,” Sharon admonishes her daughter. “I love you and I love hearing your voice. Is that a crime?”
“Not a crime, exactly. I might even buy it if I didn’t see you every week at Sunday brunch.”
Sharon decides to strike while they’re on the topi
c of Sunday brunch. “Why don’t you join me for brunch next Sunday, so I won’t have to miss you so much.”
“In Oregon? While I love a good brunch, that seems a bit far to go for eggs and waffles.”
Sharon inhales deeply, wondering what planet this child of hers is from. “Lu, brunch is about the social aspect more than the food.”
“So, what you’re saying is you want me to fly to Oregon to see you and Claire?” Her tone does not sell excitement.
“That’s what I’m saying.”
Much to Sharon’s surprise, Lu answers, “I can’t do next week, but I’ll think about it for some time in the future.” Not being completely shot down not only surprises her, it gives her hope that her daughters might finally be able to get their relationship on the right track.
Claire
Speed Date is turning into an addiction for me. I haven’t watched with Geoffrey since the night I went over to his house for dinner, but I’ve watched it both nights since.
Being that I’m the event planner, I’m not needed at the lodge in the evenings unless one of those events is taking place. Three days on the job isn’t enough time for that to happen.
My mom spends her days writing songs for Tooty or visiting the spa at the lodge. So far, she’s had a salt scrub, a hot rock massage, and a mani/pedi. The woman certainly knows how to take care of herself.
We’re ordering in pizza tonight from a place Ruby recommended, and Mom’s going to watch Speed Date with me. In my pajamas and fuzzy socks, I decide to get a fire started. Mom isn’t home yet—she’s probably having a mud wrap or a snail facial—but I expect her back any minute.
Once the fire is crackling, I curl up on the couch and pick up my phone. I scroll through a thousand emails that I shouldn’t ever be getting—someone sold me out to the wrong mailing list. If you didn’t know me and saw my inbox, you’d think I was a bald man with an impotence problem, in need of life insurance and dental implants. Oh look, they think I’m in the market for a Russian bride. I guess the Malaysian gal they thought I was interested in found someone else.
I delete my way through all the new crap that’s found its way through my spam filter. (Note to self: get a new spam filter.) I’m going so fast and furious I almost delete a communication from Jack.
Beads of sweat pop up on my forehead while my finger hovers between open and delete. I delete it twice only to go into my junk folder and save it as new. I read the subject line no fewer than a hundred times.
I finally pour myself a glass of wine in the biggest glass I have, take a healthy swig, and open the email.
Babe, what’s going on with you? I thought we were going to Santa Barbara this weekend. When I stopped by your office to pick you up, I found out you don’t work here anymore. Are you serious? Why wouldn’t you tell me something like that? Call me and let me know what’s going on with you. Love ya, Jack
Is he for real? How could he have thought we were still going to Santa Barbara after I saw him with his tongue down Megan Shiner’s throat at the opening of the new vampire blockbuster, Suck It!? What planet does he live on?
I furiously type a thousand or two words on the subject when I realize I want to say those things out loud. I want to spit venom at him like a king cobra aiming to blind a crowd at the Hollywood Bowl. How dare he think I would still want to go away with him after cheating on me? What a loser.
Since I deleted Jack’s number from my directory the night I saw him with his new friend, I have to punch in the digits manually. I’m surprised the screen on my phone doesn’t shatter from impact.
Ring, ring, ring, ring … “Hey, babe!” Jack laughs at something happening on his end of the line before whispering, “Shhhh, I’ve gotta take this.” Then he addresses me, “Claire, what gives?”
Oh. My. God. Why did I call this a-hole again? “I’m responding to your email.” I don’t offer anything else.
“Why did you up and quit like that without talking to me first? I thought we had a better relationship than that.” This man is a full-blooded moron.
“What kind of relationship did you think we had, Jack?” I ask, trying to sound cool and collected. Meanwhile, I’m burning with rage.
“We’ve been together for two years. How could you quit your job without discussing it with me first?”
“Just to be clear, Jack, you aren’t somehow under the illusion we’re still together, are you?”
“Sort of.” He has the nerve to add, “I mean, we never officially broke up or anything.”
“We haven’t talked in over a month,” I point out.
“Well, yeah, but you had Romaine’s wedding and I’ve been really busy …” He can’t seem to think of any other excuses.
“I’ve been busy too, Jack. Busy getting a new life that doesn’t include you.” I sound so calm I’m kind of scaring myself. The truth is, now that I’m actually talking to him, I can’t help but wonder why in the world I was ever with the guy.
“What about the opening of Cougar Alley? You’ve been working on that for months. Who’s going to make sure everything goes off without a hitch?”
“Probably whomever you’ve hired to take my place,” I tell him.
“It’s not like yours is an easy job to fill,” he says, somewhere between anger and confusion. “Whoever gets it has to have an incredible resume.”
“Here’s an idea then, Jack. Why don’t you try to keep it in your pants with your next event coordinator so that she doesn’t leave you high and dry, too?”
“Claire, babe, what are you talking about? You and I have something special.” I love how desperate he sounds. I’m going to play this conversation over and over in my head a million times. Although, in the replaying, I might take creative license and have him crying and begging.
“The only person you have something special with, Jack, is yourself. Oh, and the woman whose throat you stuck your tongue down. Although knowing you like I do now, maybe she wasn’t unique.”
“Claire …” he whines in my ear.
“Jack, there’s nothing more to say. Oh, wait, yes there is. You are a revolting pig of a man that I wasted two years of my life with. Unless you can invent a time machine and send me back to make a better decision—as in not dating you—don’t ever call me again.”
I feel a Wonder Woman level of righteousness, as I add, “I’ve got to go. My date is here to pick me up.” There is no reason for him to know my date is with my mom to watch television in our jammies. I exit the call before he can respond.
Speaking of my mom, she was supposed to be home ten minutes ago. I look at my messages to see if she texted but there’s nothing there. I decide to call the lodge and see if they know where she is.
“Willamette Valley Lodge, how may I help you?”
Recognizing Chris’s voice, I say, “Hey, Chris, it’s Claire. Have you seen my mom anywhere?”
“Hi, honey. She’s in the dining room having dinner with Tara’s mom Gwen and Ruby’s brother-in-law. You want me to get her for you?”
“No, that’s okay,” I say, sounding dejected. “I’ll talk to her when she gets home. Thanks.” I hang up feeling more disappointed than I should. I’m getting used to seeing my mom every day. Of course, I’ll never tell her this for fear she’ll abuse the knowledge, but I’ve been missing her while I’m at work.
It’s probably just because I don’t know a lot of people here yet. But all the same, I’m not looking forward to being here alone tonight. Being all by myself in an old house is kind of creeping me out.
By the time the doorbell rings signaling the arrival of my pizza, I’ve worked myself into a state. I actually pick up the fire iron and carry it to the door with me. I hope the pizza boy doesn’t give me any reason to use it.
Chapter Sixteen
Ruby
Ruby stops by the table where her brother-in-law Billy is dining with Tara’s mom, Gwen. She smiles at Sharon, who’s sitting across from them, and asks, “How weird
is it that your kids were supposed to get married and now Tara is with my son instead of yours?”
“As disappointed as I am that Tara didn’t marry Romaine, I’m happy she’s found someone more settled. I’m happy for you too, because she’s a wonderful gal. She’ll make a great addition to your family someday.”
With a smile on her face, Gwen responds, “Here’s hoping!”
Ruby pulls a chair out and sits down with the threesome. She opens the bottle of wine she brought with her. While pouring it, she asks, “How are things up at the cabins, Billy?”
“Doing great,” he answers, looking spiffier than he has in ages. Meeting Gwen has made an enormous difference in Billy’s life. Ruby couldn’t be happier for them both.
“I’d love to check out one of the cabins while I’m here,” Sharon says. “You never know, I might be able to cook up a family reunion to have here at the lodge sometime.”
Ruby whistles. “If your sister comes, you’ll have to give me some notice. The press practically took over the place when Romaine was staying here.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Sharon replies. “Country music folk have a way of keeping their presence quiet when they want to. Unlike my son, Willie Nelson could walk right in here and eat his whole dinner without causing a ruckus.”
“Why do you suppose that is?” Gwen asks.
“It has everything to do with seeking attention,” Sharon decides after extensively chewing a bite of her steak.
Geoffrey walks out of the kitchen and Ruby waves him over. When he arrives, she tells him, “You’ve been here since eight this morning. Go home, already.”
“I was just on my way,” he says.
“Shoot, I forgot I was supposed to meet Claire tonight,” Sharon interjects. “Would you mind knocking on her door and telling her I got held up, Geoffrey?”
“Why don’t you just text her?” he asks.
“I left my phone in the car, if you can believe it,” Sharon tells him.
Sounding skeptical, he replies, “I guess I can do that.”
It's My Party: A Royal Romantic Comedy (Seven Brides for Seven Mothers Book 3) Page 8