One thing is perfectly clear though: I have to stay clear of Geoffrey Bere.
Chapter Twenty
Ruby
“How cute are these little cupids?” Ruby asks Chris while pulling out a stack of glittery red cherubs from one of the bags she brought into the office with her.
“They’re cute. You know, a little tacky, but cute.”
“Tacky? How can you say that? Look at how they sparkle.” She holds the thick cardboard up to the light and angles it back and forth so that the glow reflects off it.
“Not everyone likes glitter as much as you do.”
“Who doesn’t like glitter?” Ruby demands. But before getting an answer, she picks up the messages on her desk and asks, “What does Geoffrey want?”
Chris offers a half shrug. “Got me. But I’ll tell you this, something is going on with him. He was acting distracted today.”
“It’s love! He’s falling for Claire; I just know it!”
“They haven’t known each other a hot minute,” Chris replies. “If he’s experiencing anything right now, it’s probably lust.”
“Lust is a solid foundation for love.” Ruby winks and flashes jazz hands while doing a little shimmy of excitement.
“I agree, but I’ll bet you a hundred dollars that that’s not it.”
“Keep your money,” Ruby answers. “I’ll go talk to him now and find out what’s going on.”
Geoffrey
I’ve been so distracted today; I burned my arm twice and overcooked three steaks. When my boss walks into the kitchen, I hand off my duties to the line cooks.
“Hey!” she calls out to me. “Have you got time to chat?”
“I’ll meet you in the dining room in a minute, unless you want to talk in my office,” I reply.
“I’ll be at table fourteen,” she says before turning around to leave.
I shrug out of my dirty chef’s coat and throw it into the laundry bag, then I go into the bathroom and splash some cold water on my face. Instead of drying my hands, I run my wet fingers through my hair to tame some of the waves. Looking in the mirror, I almost don’t recognize myself. My eyes look haunted and my skin looks gray. I look as good as I feel.
Walking through the dining room, I can’t help but think about my lunch with Claire. What a mess. Even though I hated pushing her away, I should have left it at that. Instead, I made matters worse by telling her I was afraid I’d fall for her. I acted like a passive aggressive jackass and I wouldn’t blame her if she never talked to me again. Actually, not talking to me would probably be for the best.
When I get to Ruby’s table, she smiles before ordering, “Sit down and tell me what’s on your mind.”
“Chris gave you my message?” I ask. When she nods her head, I regretfully tell her, “I need to give you my notice.”
“You can’t be serious! Why?” She’s practically yelling which is causing heads to turn in our direction.
“I am serious and I’m sorry,” I tell her.
“Do you want more money? I can give you a raise if that’s what you need.” She sounds desperate.
“It’s not the money, Ruby.” I keep my voice low, hoping she’ll start to do the same.
“If it’s not money, what is it?” She’s not taking the hint to quiet down.
“I’m moving home in two months.”
“To Malquar?”
“I promised I’d move home when I turned thirty and I turn thirty in two months.”
She answers like she hasn’t heard me. “I thought you were happy here.”
“I’m very happy here. But my parents need me. I have obligations at home that I’ve delayed for as long as possible.” I throw in the last bit hoping she’ll think I’m going home to take over the family farm or something similar.
Ruby throws her hand in the air to wave down a waiter. Before he gets to the table, she hollers, “I need a double martini straight up with olives. Make it dry and make it fast!”
“I’m sorry if this upsets you.” I don’t know what else to say.
“Of course it upsets me. I think of you as family. You’re like my own son!” She shakes her head before adding, “That is, if my son had a secret past.” Glare.
“Ruby …” I feel like a heel right now.
She doesn’t let me finish my thought. “What about Claire?” she demands.
“What about her?”
“I thought you would make such a nice couple.” There it is, Ruby’s confession that she’s assumed the role of matchmaker once again.
“Claire is lovely,” I tell her. “But I’m not going to get involved with her. It wouldn’t be fair to either of us.” As I say this, I spot the subject of our conversation walking toward us.
When she arrives, Claire avoids all eye contact with me and tells Ruby, “I have some ideas I’d like to bounce off you when you have a minute.”
“Sit down.” Ruby sounds defeated.
“Are you okay?” Claire asks her with concern.
“Geoffrey just gave his notice. He’s leaving.”
Claire’s eyes dart nervously in my direction as she asks, “Really? Why?”
Before I can answer, Ruby says, “Some malarkey about moving home to Malquar. He says it’s always been his plan to go back when he turned thirty.” She looks like she’s going to start crying.
I don’t have an opportunity to console her because Claire jumps to her feet. Without a word, she quickly walks out of the dining room. What’s that all about?
“You better go after her,” Ruby orders.
While I want to, I can’t help but wonder why Ruby thinks that’s my place. “We’re not a couple,” I tell her, hoping she’ll finally give up on that idea.
“You still better go. I think your news has upset her.”
“I’m sorry it’s upset you,” I say. “I love working here and if I didn’t have to go home, I promise, I’d stay.”
Tears fill Ruby’s eyes. I don’t know what to do. I reach out to hug her, but she pushes me away and snaps, “I don’t like change, Geoffrey. I also like to keep my family close. I understand you aren’t really my family and you have one of your own, but I need time to process this.”
Nodding my head, I answer, “I know, and I appreciate that. I really do.”
“Go after Claire,” she tells me, before dabbing at her eyes with her cocktail napkin.
I knew Ruby wouldn’t be happy I was leaving, but I really didn’t expect her to take it this hard. I pat her on the shoulder to make sure she’s okay, but she shrugs it off.
Heading out to the lobby to look for Claire, I don’t see her anywhere. Chris catches my eye and points in the direction of the great room. Claire is sitting in a rocking chair in front of the stone fireplace looking like someone just ran over her puppy.
I approach slowly so that I can gauge what kind of reception I can expect. She doesn’t see me coming because she’s busy wiping tears from her eyes. She’s crying too?
She doesn’t look up when I arrive or acknowledge me when I sit down next to her. It’s like she’s decided I don’t exist.
“Claire,” I say. “I’m sorry you’re so upset. I didn’t want to blindside anyone, I just wanted to enjoy my time here and still feel connected.” Silence. “Once everyone knows you’re leaving they pull back and then you leave feeling like you never belonged. Does that make sense?”
Claire sniffles and turns to look at me. Before I can decide what to do, she says one word, “Go.”
Her tone is so mournful, I want to take her in my arms and hold her until the pain goes away. But I know I can’t.
Chapter Twenty-One
Sharon
With her feet propped up on the coffee table, Sharon stares into the fireplace until her phone pings, interrupting the tune she was working on in her head. She looks down to read her new message.
Tooty: I’m coming to Oregon! I’ll let you know the exact dates closer to the time.
Sharon: I can’t wait! I’ll plan all kinds of fun stuff for us to do. Although, I’m mostly excited for you to meet Geoffrey. I just know you’re gonna love him.
Tooty: Maybe he has a nice single dad for me. Or an older brother, even. Nothing wrong with a younger man.
Sharon: Down, girl. You’ve had your season. Let the kids enjoy theirs.
Tooty: Season, my butt. This isn’t Bridgerton, where those gals come out and get married and it’s all over. I’m still riding high, sister of mine!
Sharon laughs before typing back.
Sharon: Don’t I know it! Bring your guitar—we’ve got some new songs to sing.
Tooty: Thank the good Lord for new songs!
Sharon sends a line full of emojis with musical notes, guitars, and hearts.
Tooty returns it with a gif of a shirtless man showing off his six-pack abs and making a kissy
face.
Claire
“Go!” I tell Geoffrey. I don’t want to hear his sad story about why he kept his moving home a secret. I have my own sad story and it takes precedence over his.
“Claire, please …” he says while reaching over to take my hand. Luckily, the wide arms of the rocking chairs we’re sitting in help keep us apart.
The fire releases a crack that sounds like gunfire. It causes me to nearly jump a foot. Out of nowhere I feel my head clear. I stand up, feeling like the fog that has surrounded my emotions regarding Geoffrey is burning off. I gaze around the great room at happy families sitting at the game tables laughing, snuggled on large sofas reading books, congregating around the milk and cookies buffet that’s set up every afternoon.
It’s like I’m looking at the world through new eyes. If I want what these people have, I need to quit acting like a ninny and make decisions that will lead to that outcome. Period. I look down at Geoffrey and force myself to say, “I don’t know why I’m so upset about your leaving. You’re a nice guy, I hope you have a nice life.”
“Claire …” He jumps to his feet. “I really am sorry.”
“Don’t be,” I tell him, really meaning it. “I came to Oregon feeling vulnerable. I’m in no position to think about getting involved with another man right now.” The sorrowful look on his face has me adding, “Truly. Let’s just be friends and let all this other weirdness go.”
“Really?” he sounds hopeful and sad at the same time.
“Really. In fact, I could use a ride home. My mom dropped me off this morning so she could keep my car and do some exploring. Would you mind giving me a lift?” How’s that for getting a hold of myself? If I didn’t think I could just be friends with Geoffrey, I certainly wouldn’t get into a car with him. What am I doing getting into a car with him?
“I’d be happy to drive you,” he tells me quietly. “Do you have everything you need to leave now?”
“Let me grab my purse from the office.”
“I’ll pick you up out front,” he says, playing the gallant.
As I turn and walk away, I feel an almost physical change in myself. It’s like I’m suddenly taller, more assured, and more confident than I’ve been in a long time. Life is what you make of it and if you make yourself out to be a pathetic victim, that’s exactly what you’ll be.
You have to embrace happiness and accept nothing less. I could write my own country western song.
If he’s not offering what you need,
Kick him in the butt and offer Godspeed.
I need to remember to toss some ideas around with my mom.
As I walk by, Chris smiles and asks, “You okay, hon?”
“I’m great, Chris,” I tell her. I am great, too. I’m not one of those women who always needs a man in her life. I was alone for two years before I met Jack, and while that may be the reason I jumped all over a bad choice, I really was happy for most of that time. I had time with my friends, time to read, and time to travel.
I’m going to forget about men and take care of me. Maybe in six months or so—after Geoffrey is long gone—I’ll be ready to entertain the idea of a new relationship.
I grab my purse and jacket and am just about to walk out of the office when I look down and see a sticky note stuck to Ruby’s desk. It reads:
Geoffrey and Claire?
Cheryl
Megan
Helena
Ruby really is intent on playing matchmaker to the world. I almost cross off Geoffrey’s and my names, but what would be the point? She already knows he’s leaving. Who knows, maybe she can find me someone else when the time is right.
Standing outside of the lodge, I look up at the sky at the nearly full moon and feel a peace I haven’t felt in a very long time. I’m young, I’m single, I’m starting a new adventure in Oregon. Life is good.
It’s taking Geoffrey an inordinately long time to get from the parking lot to the entrance of the lodge. I wait for ten minutes before deciding to go look for him.
When I get to the back lot, I see his car as plain as day. He’s sitting behind the wheel staring at his phone. I hurry over to the passenger side and knock on the window which causes him to jump.
When he unlocks the doors, I get in and tease, “What happened to picking me up out front?”
He looks back at his phone before saying, “I just got some really startling news.”
“Is everything okay?” I’m aiming for the proper level of friendly concern here. I think I’ve succeeded.
He starts to shake his head before nodding it, which I take to mean he’s gotten some bad news, but it’s not the end of the world. “My sister is pregnant.”
“Congratulations, you’re going to be an uncle!”
“She’s not married,” he says.
“It happens. Is she with the dad?”
“No, but she’s got a girlfriend.”
Okay, his sister is gay. “How did she get pregnant?” I know this isn’t my business, but I’m curious.
“Apparently, they asked a friend for a donation.”
“Nice.” I’m glad I live in a world where people who really want to be parents can be. It happens to enough folks who aren’t looking for it that my hat’s off to those who want it so badly they’re willing to leap over all kinds of hurdles to make it a reality.
“My parents don’t know yet.” That seems to be the part of the situation that’s concerning him.
“They don’t know your sister is gay?”
“Oh, they know about that,” he says. “It’s the pregnancy thing they don’t know about.”
“Will that be a problem?” Again, I don’t want to pry, but he seems upset.
“I grew up in a family where babies come after the wedding.”
“A lot of us did,” I say. “But every generation makes their own rules. Just because our parents did one thing doesn’t mean we necessarily will.”
“It’s different with my family,” Geoffrey says. “Chéri wants me to come home for a few days so I can be there when she tells our mom and dad.”
“Can’t she wait until you move home in a couple of months?”
“No. She’s already waited until she got through her first trimester to tell me. She needs to give our parents time to figure out how they’re going to handle this news before the baby comes.”
“Why? I don’t mean to be insensitive, but how will giving them more time help them adjust to something that should be good news?”
Geoffrey exhales like he’s trying to blow out a bonfire. “It’s different with my family.”
I’m not sure why Geoffrey thinks his family is so special, but whatever. It’s not my business. So, I say, “Well, I hope they accept it and are excited about becoming grandparents.”
“Me too,” he says, shaking his head. “But I’m not holding my breath.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Ruby
After kicking off her shoes and putting on her pajamas, Ruby crawls into bed and picks up her laptop to play Scrabb
le. When her titles pop up, they read Y-K-F-P-I-R-D. After staring at them for several moments, she concludes that Tom hasn’t joined the game yet. She hopes he will.
As she plays against the computer, she notices a trend in the words played. Baby, babies, wedding, happy, changes, upset, promises, hedgehog. Disregarding the hedgehog play, Ruby decides Tom is trying to tell her that one of her boys is going to be a dad. While she would have preferred the wedding to come first, she’s so sure the gals she’s set her sons up with are keepers that the order isn’t so important.
Grandbabies! Crawling under the covers, Ruby starts a list of things she needs to buy.
Crib
Car seats
Diapers
Sleepers
Bibs
On and on she goes until she finally succumbs to exhaustion. Her last conscious thought is how incredibly quick her upsetting evening turned around. She’s going to miss Geoffrey, but grandbabies will be a nice diversion. Now all she has to do is wait to find out which one of her sons is going to be a daddy.
Geoffrey
By unspoken agreement, neither Claire nor I talk on the ride home. Instead, my thoughts are focused on my family.
Chéri has always marched to her own tune. From the time she was a little girl, she’s been outspoken and determined. When she was fourteen, she told the whole family she was gay at Sunday brunch.
When my dad asked if she was sure, she replied, “I’m as sure as you are about who you find attractive. You don’t have a secret boyfriend, do you?”
Our mother spit her orange juice across the table and started laughing. Our dad merely sputtered, “Don’t be absurd, Chéri. Of course, I don’t have a secret boyfriend.”
“Well, neither do I,” she told him with a wink.
I’m fairly sure all parents wonder how they’ll react if one of their children tells them that they’re gay. While most probably decide pretty quickly that their love for their child supersedes sexual orientation, I’m sure that being from a royal family has caused my little sister some additional anxiety.
It's My Party: A Royal Romantic Comedy (Seven Brides for Seven Mothers Book 3) Page 11