The Best of Friends Page 15

  “David wants me to be his date for the dinner party Elizabeth is giving.”

  There was more, of course. The fact that she and David had had sex. But that wasn’t anything she needed help with—at least not yet. The invitation, on the other hand, screamed crisis.

  Rebecca stared at her. “The one for the purpose of finding him the right wife?”

  “That would be it.”

  Rebecca’s mouth twitched. “Doesn’t he know why Mom’s giving him the party?”

  “I think he’s ignoring that little fact.”

  Rebecca took another sip. “He asked you, like a date?”

  “Apparently.” Jayne paced the length of the kitchen. “We were talking, and he mentioned the party. I said I didn’t know if I would be there helping his mother. He said that wasn’t going to work for him. I wanted to know why, and he said he wanted me to go with him. That Elizabeth would have to get by on her own.”

  She still couldn’t believe it. There she’d been, eating a bagel out on her patio. She’d thought the most incredible part of the morning had been waking up next to David. Then she’d decided it was showering with him, an experience she longed to repeat. Then she decided it was their eating breakfast together and talking… like a real couple.

  But she’d been wrong. The invitation was the most startling event.

  “I can’t go with him,” she said, turning and pacing the other way. “Do you know what your mother would say? Your mother who, by the way, has already called me and asked for my help.”

  Rebecca stared at her. “Really? The all-powerful Elizabeth Worden actually picked up the phone and asked?”

  Jayne hesitated. “It was more of an assumption than a question. She called with a timetable and a list.”

  “Then all is right with the universe.”

  “It was until David asked me to be his date! This isn’t information that would brighten her day. She wouldn’t be happy. We’re not dating.”

  “You and Elizabeth?”

  Jayne glared at her. “Don’t be funny.”

  “Why not? Come on, this is fabulous. My mother is combing through the richest families of Beverly Hills to find her perfect son the perfect wife. And he wants to take you.”

  There was an ouch buried in there, Jayne thought, trying to accept the comment as it was meant. “The hired help.”

  “She doesn’t even pay you. You have to see the deliciousness of it.”

  “No, I don’t. David wasn’t happy when I told him no.”

  “Don’t you want to go with him?”

  “Of course not. How could I? He’s not serious about me. Elizabeth has gone to a lot of work to put this party together. I might not be completely thrilled with her at the moment, but I’m not willing to ruin everything. I’m leaving in less than two months. I want to go quietly.”

  “That may not be an option.” Rebecca set down her cup and tightened her silk robe. “So you like him?”

  Jayne felt the yawning coldness of the trap that opened beneath her feet. She loved Rebecca, but she wasn’t willing to trust her with the secret of her crush. Or the fact that she and David had slept together. Not just yet.

  “He’s a great guy, and yes, I like him. There’s a lot to like. I see a bit of Blaine in him, which is pretty cool.”

  “But you’re not falling in love with him?”

  Jayne relaxed. “Do I look stupid?”

  “David would be lucky to have you.”

  That was the friend part of Rebecca talking, Jayne thought. “Yes, he would, but that’s not the issue.”

  “Maybe he’s trying to screw with Elizabeth,” Rebecca said. “Or, at the very least, tweak her plans.”

  “Maybe.” Now that she was a little calmer, she wished she hadn’t come over and told Rebecca about the invitation. “You’re right. That has to be it. I should have realized it.”

  Rebecca grinned. “Are you sure you don’t want to date him? Just for me?”

  “You mean to mess with Elizabeth.”

  “That would be the point of it, yes. Come on. One date? I’ll pay.”

  “Your warm and loving support overwhelms me.”

  “I do what I can.”

  Elizabeth circled the set tables, studying everything from the china to the flatware to the centerpiece. Jayne stood off to the side, imagining which she would pick. Not that she would ever throw a party like this. Ignoring the cost, it was too formal, too fussy. Although she liked the idea of a buffet.

  “The flowers,” Elizabeth said slowly. “Jayne, what do you think?”

  Jayne knew she was to be more of a sounding board than actually offer an opinion. “The tall arrangements are pretty, but difficult to talk over.”

  “I agree.” Elizabeth circled another table. “I want more intimate seating this time. More tables of two. Would we even want a centerpiece on those?”

  The catering manager made frantic notes.

  “Set up tables for two,” Elizabeth said, then glanced at her watch. “Jayne will check back in fifteen minutes.”

  “Certainly, Mrs. Worden.”

  Jayne followed Elizabeth out of the living room, where the sample tables had been set. Most people went to the catering office for setups, but not Elizabeth. People came to her.

  Instead of going toward her office, Elizabeth stepped outside and breathed deeply. “I’ve had honeysuckle planted. Can you smell it? Not my favorite, but it’s very romantic. There’s night-blooming jasmine as well. All in pots. As soon as David’s made his choice, I’ll have it taken away.” She glanced at Jayne. “Have you and David looked at any more houses?”

  “No. Not since the last one. I, ah, think he’s been busy with work.”

  “I hope not,” Elizabeth snapped. “I swear, if Blaine is making him work long hours, I’ll be furious. David needs to focus on what’s important. Right now that’s finding a house and getting engaged. Although I suppose the good news is if he doesn’t find a house before that, whoever she is can help. God knows, someone will need to take him in hand. He hasn’t mentioned anyone?”

  A question Jayne could answer honestly. “He hasn’t said a word.”

  “There’s someone. I called him close to ten the other night, and he wasn’t there.”

  If she’d phoned in the past two nights, Jayne knew exactly where he’d been. “Maybe he was out with friends.”

  “That’s possible.” She glanced around at the patio. “I would like to have the party out here. The ambiance is better than the house, don’t you think?”

  Jayne didn’t answer.

  Elizabeth sighed. “I’m having comedians at the party.”

  “What did you say?”

  “I know. The antithesis of elegant, but I need some kind of entertainment, and this will give the women something to talk about. Also, I can watch to see if they laugh inappropriately.”

  Jayne didn’t know if that meant discovering if they laughed at the wrong thing or if their laugh was wrong. Note to self: As amazing as David is, no guy is worth this. She would remind herself of that should she inadvertently get more involved than she wanted.

  Elizabeth crossed to a pot of white roses and inspected the petals. “I saw Rebecca.”

  “Oh.”

  “She hasn’t changed at all. She’s still difficult. You kept in touch with her while she was gone.”

  It wasn’t a question, but Jayne answered it anyway. “E-mail, phone calls. I saw her when I went on vacation.”

  Elizabeth turned slowly and raised her eyebrows. “You never mentioned any of that.”

  “I didn’t think you wanted to talk about her. After she left, you never said anything. It was like she’d never been here.”

  “And you think that’s wrong.” Elizabeth’s calm expression never changed. “Perhaps I should have cried or ripped out my hair?”

  “I remember how much I missed my mom when she died. It was like a part of me went missing. When Rebecca left, I wanted to say something, but I didn’t know how to start
the conversation. It was a little like losing my mom all over again. At least for me. I wondered what it was like for you.”

  Elizabeth looked away. “Of course it was difficult. I’m her mother.”

  “You never said anything. I wanted to talk to you about her. I missed her.” Jayne remembered feeling torn. She knew in her head Rebecca had been looking for an excuse to run away, and the stolen necklace had given her that. But it had been Jayne who had taken it in the first place. She’d been the one to give Rebecca the means to run.

  “You’re a very loyal friend,” Elizabeth said. “I hope she appreciates that.”

  “She does.” Jayne drew in a breath. “I know she’s difficult and loves to make trouble, but you’re her family. Her mother. She can’t ever forget that.”

  “But that’s not the question, is it? What is important is if she wants to—and I think we both know the answer to that.”

  Jayne wanted to say that wasn’t true, that Rebecca didn’t want to disconnect herself from Elizabeth. Unfortunately, her friend did, and a case could be argued that she had earned the right.

  Elizabeth’s cool, calm expression never flickered. “I appreciate that you want to help, Jayne, but as you said, Rebecca is family. This matter is best left between us.”

  A kiss on the cheek, followed by a neatly placed slap. Jayne told herself that in less than two months she would be gone. The Wordens would be part of her past, and she would never have to deal with them again. Well, Rebecca would still be her friend, but the rest of the family could go to hell, and she wouldn’t care in the least.

  “I’ll go check on the tables,” she said, and walked inside the house.

  “Wow, could you look less happy?” Rebecca said with a snort. “Sullen was cute when you were eight, but now it just makes people wonder if you’re constipated.”

  David ignored his sister as he stood by the window and glowered at the room. There were about sixty people milling around, with more arriving every few minutes. And while there were plenty of “friends of the family,” there were several women he didn’t know. Twentysomething women who wore elegant clothes and expensive jewelry. Who were well spoken, attractive, and constantly glancing at him.

  “I’ve already been welcomed back,” he grumbled. “Why is she throwing another party?”

  “You already know the answer to that, my young prince.” Rebecca waved her hand toward the guests. “Welcome to your own private marriage mart. Twenty-four-hour convenience. Yours for the choosing.”

  He glanced at his sister. “You’re enjoying yourself, aren’t you?”

  She laughed. “What’s not to love? The food will be excellent; our mother hates that I’m here. Have you noticed the stabbing glances? If looks could kill, she would so be booked for murder. My date is less than stellar, but I’m doing my best to ignore him. And there are endless possibilities on the entertainment front.”

  “Trouble with Jonathan?”

  “More boredom than trouble. While I keep reminding him this is a meaningless fling, he acts as if we’re long lost lovers. I’ll be ending things, just as soon as I figure out the best way.”

  He had a feeling “the best way” would be the most expedient plan for her, Jonathan’s feelings be damned.

  “But this isn’t about me,” she continued, leaning her head on his shoulder. “However much it pains me to say that. This is your night, David. And what a special night it is.”

  “Go to hell.”

  “I would, but my mother lives there.”

  He saw Jayne walk toward the patio. She didn’t look toward him or acknowledge him in any way. It was as if he wasn’t there.

  “You didn’t expect her to come with you, did you?” Rebecca asked, following his gaze. “As your date?”

  “Why not?”

  “Because this is your own private version of The Bachelor.”

  “The what?”

  “It’s a reality show on TV. I watched it on the Internet when I was in Italy. One guy, twenty-five women vying for his attention.”

  “No, thanks.” That many women could only be trouble.

  “Why are you pissed? Her relationship with Elizabeth is complicated. It’s why she’s leaving L.A. This whole party is about finding you Ms. Right. Do you really want Mom coming down on Jayne? Does she deserve that? It’s not as if you’re serious about her. Speaking of which, don’t make her think it’s more than it is. Jayne’s my friend.”

  His annoyance grew. “Because I can only be the bad guy?”

  “David, I love you like a brother.”

  “Thanks.”

  She smiled, then turned serious. “I mean it. Jayne is wonderful, but she’s not like the other women you get involved with. Or rather, don’t get involved with. You haven’t had a serious relationship in years. You enjoy the company of women, and then you move on. I’m not sure Jayne plays by your rules. I don’t want her hurt, and if you were the least bit nice, you wouldn’t want her hurt, either.”

  “I don’t,” he admitted, still pissed but slightly less so.

  “So do the right thing. Keep it friendly, but don’t lead her on.”

  “Because there’s no way I could get involved with Jayne?”

  Rebecca laughed. “Oh, please. She’s way too good for you. Wait and see. You’ll choose one of the women here. Or a bride just like them. Rich, groomed in the ways of our world. Your own personal young princess.”

  He agreed that Jayne was too good for him, but not with Rebecca’s assumption about the woman he would marry. He didn’t want a clone of his mother, God forbid. Or someone just like him. He wanted to marry a woman he could be friends with, laugh with.

  He had no idea if that was Jayne, but that wasn’t the point. He should be able to find out without creating a crisis with his mother. Or his sister. But everyone had bought into the idea of what his future wife should be—including Jayne.

  He told himself he didn’t give a damn about her. If she wasn’t willing to stand up to his mother and come as his date, then he was through. Sure, the sex had been great, but so what?

  “I need a drink,” he said. “Want one?”

  Before she could answer, Jonathan joined them. “I’ve been looking for you,” he told Rebecca. “Hello, David.”

  “Jonathan.”

  Rebecca looked at him and rolled her eyes. David made his escape and headed for the bar in the corner. As he did, he looked out toward the patio and saw Jayne looking in. Their eyes met. For a second, maybe less, he saw such longing and sadness there, his chest ached. Then she blinked, and it was gone. Elizabeth walked up to her and said something he couldn’t hear. His mother pointed at one of the tables. Jayne nodded and disappeared toward the kitchen.

  As he watched her go, he remembered what she’d said about her mother dying. How she’d been all alone, and the Wordens, mostly Elizabeth, had taken her in. He’d never known that kind of tragedy or fear. To be still in high school and completely alone in the world. She’d done the best she could with what she had, and when it became impossible to separate herself from Elizabeth’s unreasonable demands, and possibly Rebecca’s, she’d done the only thing she could. She’d decided to leave.

  Who was he to get in the middle of that? To make trouble now, when she was so close to escaping? He should do what he could to make the situation better, not worse. Except he didn’t want to let her go. He wanted… something else.

  Ordering a scotch from the bartender, he’d barely gone two steps when Elizabeth and one of the potential brides joined him.

  “David, you remember Wendy.”

  “Of course,” he said, smiling at the beautiful redhead. “Nice to see you again.”

  “Thanks. Great party.”

  “My mother’s doing.”

  Elizabeth brushed off the compliment. “Wendy’s a lawyer. High-powered corporate law, but she also volunteers as legal counsel at a women’s shelter.”

  Wendy, tall and slender, dressed in a fitted suit he would guess cost more than J
ayne and all three of her friends made in a month, smiled modestly. “I think it’s important to give back.”

  “Of course it is, dear. Wendy’s father is our banker. Her mother and I serve on several boards together. Isn’t your sister pregnant?”

  “Six months and counting,” Wendy said. “I can’t wait until the baby gets here. I love children.” She turned to David. “Don’t you?”

  David nodded. “If you’ll excuse me for a second, I need to talk to my mother.” He took Elizabeth’s arm. “This way, Mother.”

  “Whatever it is can wait. I’m sure Wendy is hungry.”

  “I’ll be right back,” David promised, and propelled his mother through the living room and into the first room off the hall. It happened to be Blaine’s office, which was empty at the moment. David shut the door and faced Elizabeth.

  “You have got to stop,” he said.

  “Stop what? Introducing you to women like Wendy? She’s perfect, by the way. I’ve been asking around. No drugs, moderate alcohol. There was a touch of bulimia when she was in college, but that seems to be under control.”

  “Enough,” he said, his voice a low growl. “I appreciate that you want me to find the right woman, but the key part of that statement is me finding her. Not you.”

  “I’m facilitating the process.”

  “You’re holding a contest, and I’m the prize.”

  “This is an important decision.”

  “Which I will make on my own.”

  She shook her head. “You’ve been gone a long time. The dating pool is very different. I’m offering you good choices.”

  “I’ll find my own girl. This has got to stop.”

  “You knew the reason for the party weeks ago. Don’t pretend you didn’t.”

  “I expected something more casual. I appreciate the opportunity to get to know your guests, but stop presenting them to me. I don’t need to know their credentials up front.” He ran his hand through his hair.

  “You’re acting like your sister,” Elizabeth snapped. “So there are too many pretty girls. Isn’t your life hard and full of pain? Grow up, David. This is how it’s done. You’re not just getting married, you’re making an investment in your future. This woman will be the mother of your children. Her credentials are important, as is her family and her past. Play all you like, but when it comes to a wife, you can’t afford to screw around.”