The Best of Friends Read online

  Rebecca stood there, looking chicly casual in a white gauzy dress and sandals, her hair hanging in loose curls, her eyebrows slightly raised.

  “What’s gotten into you?” her friend asked.

  Jayne held out her arms and spun in a circle. “I have a job.”

  “Yes, you’re a nurse. Although if they see you acting like this, they might want to talk drug testing.”

  Jayne waited until Rebecca stepped into her condo, then closed her door. “I have a new job!”

  “What? When did this happen?”

  “Yesterday. I just got back this morning.”

  “Back from where?”

  “Dallas.” Jayne flopped down on the sofa and explained about the call from Paula and the invitation to fly out for an interview. “They really want me. It’s a great offer. A big raise, a week more vacation, assigned parking. I toured the facility, and it’s amazing. Everything is new and well designed. The exam rooms are perfect, and there’s a huge waiting area. They really thought this through. They’re looking to fill a few more positions, so I told them about Katie, and they’re going to call her.” She sat up and grinned. “I have a job.”

  Rebecca stood behind the chair, staring, not looking the least bit pleased. “I see,” she said. “When were you planning on telling me you were moving?”

  Jayne felt her perfect mood slip a little. “I’m telling you now.”

  “Wow. Lucky me. But you didn’t bother to tell me about the interview. You didn’t bother to call at all. You made a huge decision like this without talking to anyone?”

  Jayne stood and cradled her cast in her good hand. “Why are you being like this? I have a great opportunity. You should be happy for me.”

  Rebecca’s expression tightened. “You called Katie, didn’t you? You talked to her about it, told her they wanted her as well. Right?”

  Jayne had. She and Katie had talked for hours after the interview. Jayne had raved about the job, and Katie had gone online, checking out the price of houses and condos. They’d been thrilled to realize the Dallas real estate market was significantly less expensive than any neighborhood in L.A.

  “Rebecca,” she said slowly, knowing it was too late. That she’d hurt her friend. “I was going to tell you.”

  “That you were leaving? Did you plan to let me know in person, or would I just get one of those change-of-address cards?” Rebecca’s eyes flashed with pain. “You didn’t even tell me you were thinking of leaving.”

  “I wasn’t. I got a call about the job. It seemed interesting, so I went for the interview. It just happened.” She sighed. “Can’t you be happy for me?”

  “Oh, sure. I’m blissful that my best friend wants to move thousands of miles away and didn’t bother to let me know.” Rebecca put her hands on her slender hips. “I just got home. Doesn’t that matter?”

  “You just got home from being gone,” Jayne said gently. “You left me for over a decade. You went off and had a life while I was here dealing with your mother.”

  “Is that what this is about?” Rebecca asked, obviously annoyed. “My mother?”

  “In part,” Jayne admitted. “Look, I’m sorry I hurt you. That wasn’t the point. I wasn’t…” She couldn’t find the word.

  “Thinking,” Rebecca said. “You weren’t thinking about anyone but yourself.”

  Jayne’s happy bubble burst. “Something that only you get to do?” she asked coolly. “It’s okay for everyone else, but not for me, right? I’m the faithful family retainer. Always steady, always available.”

  She stepped toward Rebecca. “You’re right. I didn’t think to tell you. In part because it happened so quickly, but also because I didn’t want to be talked out of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

  Rebecca’s eyes widened. “I would never do that. How can you think that of me? I’ve always cared about you.”

  Maybe, Jayne thought sadly. But if Rebecca thought Jayne’s leaving would inconvenience her in any way, she would be the first one to try to talk Jayne out of it.

  Not that there was any point in having the conversation. Rebecca wouldn’t admit it, and all they would do was fight.

  “I just wanted to go see what they were offering,” Jayne said slowly. “It’s really going to be good for me.” She drew in a breath. “I have to go. This isn’t about you—it’s about your mother and David and everything.”

  “What about David?”

  Jayne knew she had to tread carefully so Rebecca didn’t guess the truth. “I’m helping him buy a house, which is great. I like David. But what’s next? Elizabeth asking me to quit my job so I can work with the wedding planner?”

  “Probably,” Rebecca said with a sigh.

  “I need to escape. I’ll never have my own life if I stay here. You know that better than anyone.”

  Rebecca pressed her lips together. “You should have told me. You should have trusted me to be happy for you.”

  “I know.” Jayne didn’t actually believe that, but saying it made things easier.

  “You’re my best friend,” Rebecca told her.

  “You’re mine.”

  Her friend stared at her for a long time. “No, I don’t think so.”

  “Rebecca, don’t.”

  Rebecca shrugged. “You have any ice cream?”

  Jayne smiled. “Every flavor you love, including Cherry Garcia and pistachio. Want some?”

  Rebecca nodded.

  They collected ice cream, spoons, and Diet Coke, then headed out onto the patio. Jayne settled into her chair. She reached for the pistachio, took off the top, and dug in her spoon.

  Rebecca picked up the Cherry Garcia. “Have you told my mother?”

  “No.” Jayne didn’t even want to think about the explosion that would cause. “She’s not going to be happy.”

  Rebecca brightened at the thought. “Can I be there when you tell her?”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “But it would make me happy.”

  Jayne laughed. “This isn’t about you. This is about me. And your mother. I’m her lapdog. Do my ears look floppy? Because they feel floppy to me. She’s all pissy because I didn’t tell her you were coming back, and when I pointed out it’s because we’re friends, she said that she and I were friends, too.” Technically, Elizabeth said she was a better friend, but Jayne didn’t think sharing that would help anything. “I came home and got the call about the job. It was timing. Maybe a sign from God. The worst part is, I feel guilty and I haven’t done anything wrong. How does she do that? How does she make me feel so small? Or do I let her?”

  “I think it’s because you let her, but asaying that isn’t very helpful.”

  “No, it’s not.” Jayne scooped up the cool, creamy ice cream, then chewed the nuts. “I don’t exactly hate her, but I wouldn’t mind not running into her for another forty or fifty years. Why can’t she be more gracious? I know what she and Blaine did for me, and I’m very grateful. But I’m getting damned tired of having it shoved in my face all the time.”

  Rebecca’s expression turned speculative. “The reason she’s so good at making you feel like crap is because she’s been there.”

  “Oppressed and taken advantage of?”

  “Poor.”

  Jayne nearly dropped the carton. “Excuse me? Elizabeth Worden, poor? I don’t believe it.”

  “She wasn’t always Elizabeth Worden. In fact, my snobby mother used to be a…”

  Jayne found herself leaning forward. “What?”

  “A secretary. She was Blaine’s secretary. Based on what I know about David’s birthday and their anniversary, I would say my mother was putting out before the wedding. In fact, I think the young prince is the reason they got married.”

  “She was pregnant?” Jayne tried to imagine Blaine and Elizabeth having sex, then wished she hadn’t. “But I don’t understand. If she was a regular person then, why is she such a bitch now?”

  “It happens. People who don’t grow up with mone
y either get it or they don’t. My mother doesn’t. It’s all about status and fitting in with her. I think she’s afraid to even think about who and what she was. If she’s nice to anyone less well off, she’s afraid people will think she’s like them.” She took a big bite of the ice cream. “Kinda makes you look at everything differently, huh?”

  “Yes. It makes me want a do-over on some of our conversations.” Especially the one a few days ago, where Elizabeth had done her best to make Jayne feel guilty. Even more frustrating, Jayne had let her. “I wonder if she signed a prenup.”

  “No idea.” Rebecca scooped up more ice cream. “She was pregnant, so I doubt Dad would have pushed, but wouldn’t that be fun.”

  Jayne considered the options. “Do you think she would have risked it all with an affair if she had?”

  “Ah, yes. Jonathan. Did she have a cow?”

  “There was no actual mooing, but she wasn’t happy. Did you have to pick him?”

  “Pretty much.” Rebecca tilted her head. “Did I say I was sorry for tossing you in the middle of that?”

  “Of course not. You never apologize. The fact that Elizabeth doesn’t know that I know about the affair helped.”

  Rebecca paused in midlick of her spoon. “What do you mean I never apologize? Of course I do.”

  “Uh-huh? Any examples?”

  “No, but that doesn’t mean I’m not sincere.”

  “Then it’s okay.”

  “This would be you being bitchy,” Rebecca said cheerfully, and dug back into the ice cream.

  “I’m still dealing with everything happening. Considering I’m not even working, there’s way too much going on in my life. Things are complicated.”

  “Like what things?”

  Jayne hesitated. She wasn’t sure how Rebecca would react, which made her not want to say anything. But she really needed to talk to someone, and Katie wouldn’t get the problem.

  “You have to promise not to tell anyone or discuss this with the person involved.”

  Rebecca put her carton on the table and set her spoon next to it. “Now I have to know. Tell me. And yes, I promise.”

  Jayne hesitated. “It’s David. He, um, well… He kissed me.”

  Rebecca’s eyes widened. “What?”

  “I’m sure it was an accident. He slipped or something. It wasn’t a big romantic kiss. It was just casual and meaningless, I’m sure.”

  Rebecca started to laugh. “This is great! Beyond great. Do you know how pissed my mother is going to be when she finds out you’re dating David?”

  “Ouch, and stop right there. I’m not dating him. We’re not dating. We just sort of lightly kissed. It was barely a kiss. More of a greeting.”

  “Was he saying hello?”

  “No, but I mentioned he was practically gay, so he had something to prove.”

  “Now you have to tell me everything. Start at the beginning and speak slowly.”

  Jayne swallowed another bite of ice cream, then explained how she and David had been talking about the house and what he’d said and what she’d said. “And then he kissed me.”

  “This is great.” Rebecca’s smile faded a little as she leaned forward. “It is fabulous and fun, but you have to be careful. David doesn’t get serious, and I don’t want you to get hurt.”

  “Because while I could easily fall for him, he could never fall for someone like me.” Jayne put the top on her carton. The ice cream she’d eaten sat like a big cold rock in her stomach. “Great, yeah. Thanks for sharing. Although I’d already figured that part out myself.”

  “Don’t get mad.”

  “For telling me I’m not good enough for your brother? I’m not mad. I really enjoy being put in my place.”

  “No.” Rebecca stretched out her hands toward Jayne. “That’s not what I said, and you know it. David is funny and charming, and women fall for him. All women. You’re my friend, and I care about you. I don’t want you falling for a guy I’m not sure will ever fall for anyone.”

  “Okay,” Jayne said slowly. “In theory, he’s back to get married.”

  “Men have married without love before. Especially men like him. I have no doubt he’s interested in a relationship, but I’m less sure about how long it would last or if you’d like how it ends. Because with David, it always ends.” She wiggled her fingers. “I’m telling the truth.”

  “Okay. I believe you.”

  “I think you’re better than he deserves.”

  “That’s true.”

  “I won’t tell my mother. And you have to promise that if you have sex with him, we won’t discuss details. The ick factor is way too big.”

  Jayne laughed. “It’s a deal.”

  “I spoke with Jayne today,” Elizabeth said that evening over dinner. “Apparently, she knew Rebecca was back and didn’t bother to tell me.”

  Blaine served himself from the vegetable bowl before passing it to her. “Jayne is Rebecca’s friend.”

  “Meaning she’s not mine? Her complete lack of loyalty is appalling. I told her I was very disappointed.”

  “Leave her alone. Jayne’s a good girl.”

  His attitude was so annoying, Elizabeth thought. And just so typical. “You take everyone’s side but mine,” she said. “I’m your wife.”

  “Therefore you’re always right?”

  She wanted to say yes, but didn’t. “Meaning it would be nice if you supported me from time to time. I depend on Jayne. She’s a great help to me, but now I don’t know if I can trust her.”

  “She’s not going to run off with the silver.”

  “That’s not what I mean, Blaine. Honestly, you can be obtuse.”

  He smiled. “You used to like that I was obtuse. You told me I was a simple man and that was one of my best qualities.”

  “It’s not now,” she snapped, cutting through her chicken breast. “I worry that I don’t know Jayne anymore. Maybe she’s not who I thought.”

  “Leave her alone. She’s been more loyal than any of us deserve.”

  Elizabeth glared at him. “How can you say that? Have you forgotten all that we did for her? It was your idea to have her come live here after her mother died. You said she would be a good influence for Rebecca, and look how that turned out.”

  “I enjoy having Jayne around.”

  “Well, you’d better get over it. I don’t know how much longer I’m going to have her helping me.” She paused, waiting for Blaine to react.

  He reached for a roll. “Good. She needs a break from you.”

  “What?” Elizabeth prided herself on always staying calm, but the single word came out as a screech.

  “She needs her own life. She’ll never get that if she’s constantly at your beck and call.”

  “And my needs don’t matter?” Elizabeth asked tartly. “Of course not. Everyone is more important than me, right? I depend on her. I can trust her with all sorts of details. Who would take her place? Who would help me? I don’t want to have to train someone else. You’d think she’d be more grateful, but she isn’t. No good deed goes unpunished. We should never have taken her in. I knew I’d regret being so generous.”

  “Did you?” Blaine asked. “You’ll replace her with no problem. Hire an assistant. Someone to work full time. You were always saying that Jayne’s work made it difficult for you. You’ll have to train the new person, but you’re good at that. It will be better with someone with regular hours.”

  “Maybe,” she murmured, thinking that there was more to Jayne than just what she did to help. There was being able to talk about her. Every now and then Elizabeth liked to remind people how generous she and Blaine had been, taking in Rebecca’s poor friend, raising her like their own child. It played well. Now the entire effort had been wasted.

  No matter how many times David tried to forget what Jayne had said about Élan’s jewelry, he couldn’t. “Does the world really need another hundred-and-fifty-thousand-dollar necklace?” echoed in his mind. It was worse than getting a bad song stuck,
because he couldn’t get rid of the memory by humming “It’s a Small World,” which he’d already tried. Twice.

  Which was why he found himself driving to the nearest completely normal mall, parking, and walking inside. If she wanted to have a conversation about jewelry for the masses, then he was going to become an expert.

  He walked to the closest directory and noted the names and locations of the jewelry stores. He planned to visit them all.

  He’d spent the previous evening online, looking at jewelry on QVC and other Web sites. The Tacori pieces were beautiful and looked well made. The price point was unbelievable.

  He took the escalator upstairs and headed for the first jewelry store. As he walked he studied the women around him, looking at their jewelry, trying to see what their watches were like. A couple in their twenties, hands linked, bodies touching, hovered by a counter.

  “But it’s so expensive,” she whispered as David walked past.

  “I love you. I’m going to marry you. I want you to have the best engagement ring there is.”

  David stepped into the store and saw the salesclerk putting away a collection of solitaires. The stones were around a quarter of a carat. He circled the counters, stopping to look at a collection of pearls, then hovering over a tray of chains.

  “May I help you?” asked a middle-aged woman. “Are you buying a gift?”

  “Yes,” he said with a smile. “Maybe you can help me.”

  Nine

  “I’M GOING TO START charging admission,” Jayne said, pretending annoyance as she opened her front door and let in David. “Or the going rate for therapy. Your family is here constantly.”

  Which wasn’t exactly true. It was mostly him and Rebecca. Elizabeth was the type to summon rather than visit, and Blaine didn’t get involved in anything emotional or messy.

  “Is this a bad time?” David asked, stepping into her condo. “I need to talk to you.”

  He looked stressed, with his golden blond hair mussed and stubble darkening his jaw. It was a new level of sexy that made her knees go a little weak. Not a good thing—she couldn’t risk falling and breaking something else.