Maggie let Camille and the rest of her friends know that she had spoken with Lucas and found out when he was coming for his first visit to Paradise Valley. As promised, Camille planned a lavish party at Isabel and Alex’s beautiful home in the upscale neighborhood of River Woods.
The next time Maggie spoke to Lucas, he told her once more how much he looked forward to meeting her friends and her brother, and that he hoped she would also invite some others who might like to hear about the new resort.
“But this is a party to introduce you to my friends,” Maggie moaned.
“I know, sweetheart, but I’m coming to Paradise Valley to start a new business, and I could use all the help I can get. Don’t you want to see this resort succeed? Then I could buy you all the nice things you deserve.”
She did like nice things, she had told him so on several occasions. So, Maggie added a few more people to Camille’s guest list, people she knew had money and influence and could be helpful to Lucas’s success. She even spoke to her brother about inviting a few of his friends and business associates, and Emily reminded her to add Fiona to the list, as well.
~*~
The warm weather in late June was perfect for the outdoor party, and Camille had outdone herself with the hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and decorations. She strung little white lights wherever she could so the ambience was enhanced as the sun sank below the horizon. Maggie paid for a local DJ to keep the music playing throughout the evening, encouraging people to dance on the expansive slate patio. She even asked Isabel and Alex to invite their neighbors, also people of means, hoping to avoid complaints of the loud music while adding to Lucas’s circle of influence.
Maggie had originally wanted a small intimate affair where her friends and brother could get to know Lucas and he could get acquainted with them. The party, however, turned out to be the event of the year, she overhead a number of guests say.
She introduced Lucas to her friends and her brother first, and then she took him around to meet others. He was tall and handsome with sandy brown hair, highlighted by the summer sun, a strong angular jaw line, and a distinguished cleft in his chin.
He seemed right at home meeting new people, holding a friendly smile, and shaking hand after hand. They would inquire how he liked their town and he would reply how it was a beautiful place, in great proximity to the new ski and golf resort he was building.
Maggie watched as most people’s eyes lit up at his detailed description of his endeavor. Even her brother, Sully, seemed captivated by the idea of a new resort nearby.
In the middle of Lucas’s portrayal of the resort, he paused and flashed a quick smile at her, then went back to the people hanging on his every word.
As the night wore down, Maggie left Lucas to his conversations and took a chair next to Isabel at one of the round tables Camille had set up around the meticulously landscaped yard.
An exhausted Emily plopped down on the seat next to them. “Great party, don’t you think?” She ran her hands through her loose curls.
“Yes, great.” Maggie sat, leaning an elbow on the table, staring at Lucas across the lawn.
“What’s wrong?” Emily looked into her friend’s pensive blue eyes.
“Nothin’. Just not what I expected. I wanted to introduce Lucas to my friends and family, but all these other people are takin’ his attention.”
“He is charming,” Isabel commented, “and it sounds like this get-together is a good thing for his new resort.”
“You’re right. I’m just tired, I guess.” Maggie propped her head up on one hand.
“He’ll be here for a while, won’t he?” Emily asked.
“Yes, and I’ll have him all to myself tomorrow when we drive up to Sun Valley. He said he wants to check out the competition.”
“I saw your brother is here, Maggs, but I didn’t see his wife with him,” Emily commented.
“MS? How awful.” Isabel had a tone of sadness in her voice.
“Their daughters are off to college. And with Carolyn so sick, my poor brother must be buried under a pile of debt.” Maggie shook her head at the thought, then she shot up straight and put her hand to