Ain't She Sweet (Seven Brides for Seven Mothers #2) - Whitney Dineen Page 0,96
back together in time for the release.”
“You’re responsible for that? Why, you evil, scum-sucking, sorry excuse of a human being.”
He shrugs. “It would have worked if you’d have done your part like you were supposed to.”
Gwen stands up and declares quite loudly, “Go to hell!”
Tara
Henry is the first to greet me when I walk into the kitchen. “I lost ten bucks, thanks to you.” His smile belies any anger.
“Serves you right for making a wager about me,” I tell him.
My co-workers are all friendly and a few come over to share their surprise about my real identity. They don’t stay for long though because it is Thanksgiving, and we all have a ton of work to do.
Henry has covered for me beautifully by preparing all of today’s pies, so I get to work on Romaine and Cash’s wedding cake. I put every ounce of care into it that I would have for my own cake. I’m obviously not doing it for them, but because my pride as a pastry chef calls for my best work.
By the time I’m done, Thanksgiving dinner is in full swing. I hurry to change into my dress for our staff celebration and meet James, our mothers, and Billy in the dining room.
Ruby sees me first and greets me with a hug and kiss on the cheek. Once we’re all seated at a large table, she exclaims, “Everything has worked out beautifully!”
My mom lifts her wine glass and toasts, “To Spartan, my new hometown!”
Wait, what? “What do you mean your new hometown?” I ask.
“I’ve decided to move here so I can be closer to you,” she smiles at me excitedly before reaching over to take Billy’s hand. “And Billy.”
Well, how about that? I have a million questions, but now doesn’t seem to be the time to ask them, so I say, “Here’s to both of us living in Spartan.”
“And both of you being involved with Cavanaugh men!” Ruby adds. “I can’t recommend the experience highly enough.”
James jokes, “Now that you have me, Brogan, and Gwen fixed up, who’s next, Mom?”
“Don’t you worry about that,” she says. “I have plans.”
While James tops off everyone’s wine glass, Claire comes over to our table and asks, “Would you mind if I joined you for dinner?”
I jump up and hug her, “Of course not. You didn’t eat with Romaine and Cash?”
“They had dinner in their room so they could avoid the press for a while. You’re the only other family I have here right now.” She adds, “I’ve always felt like you were a sister.”
“I feel the same way,” I tell her truthfully. “Just because Romaine and I aren’t together doesn’t mean that we can’t still be family. What do you think about that?”
“I’d like that.”
Rachel comes over next. “Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Happy Thanksgiving to you too,” I say. “Would you care to join us?”
Before you know it, we’re all sitting elbow-to-elbow giving thanks for the goodness in our lives.
Ruby tells Rachel, “I’m looking forward to reading the other articles you wrote about Tara and James.”
“They won’t be coming out,” Rachel says.
“Why?” I want to know, although after overhearing her conversation in the bathroom, I think I can guess the answer.
“The Tattler didn’t like that I wrote about the truth instead of gossip and speculation, so they’re not printing them. They’re also pretty mad that Tara’s being so gracious about Romaine and Cash being here. They were hoping for some real drama.”
I tell everyone about Rachel being fired and how I suggested she move to Spartan and find an online writing job.
“I’m moving here too!” my mom tells her. “Maybe we can go house hunting together.” Obviously, she’s changed her tune about Rachel.
“I’m pretty sure I’ll be looking for an apartment,” Rachel tells her.
I look across the table at Claire and notice how sad she looks. “How are you doing, Claire? Are you still in Santa Monica?”
“For now,” she says sounding totally undecided that that’s where she wants to be. “I hate my job,” she announces.
“I thought you loved it!” I tell her. Claire plans premieres and events for Global Pictures and she’s always gushed about how much fun it is.
“I used to love it. Things have changed lately. The new advertising director is a real pain in the butt to work for. He’s cut my budget down to the bare bones, but he still wants over-the-top parties.”
“Weren’t you dating him for a while?” I ask.
“We were, until I found out he had a thing for twenty-year-old starlets.” She sounds despondent.