One Tiny Lie – Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,10

that Margot’s keen interest in Ava had more to do with Hudson than her desire to foster a friendship. If the truth be told, the primary reason that Luna wasn’t crazy about Margot was because she could tell that the sophisticated, beautiful socialite had her cap set for Hudson.

“I’m off tomorrow,” Margot chimed.

“Oh, that’s good,” Luna said mechanically. Like Hudson and Ava, Margot had grown up in Sonoma. Her family’s vineyard was destroyed the year before in wildfires that ravaged several sections of Sonoma and the surrounding countryside. Thankfully, Margot’s home was saved. She claimed she got a job as a tasting room manager at one of the vineyards because she was bored and needed more to do, but Luna suspected that Margot’s family had been struggling financially for quite some time and that Margot needed the money. The Chases hadn’t rebuilt their vineyard, and it was doubtful that they would.

Well, all of this was according to Rosalyn. She’d been the one to tell Luna about Margot’s history. Luna had found that if she wanted to get information on people, Rosalyn was a great source. Luna had casually mentioned Margot’s job to Rosalyn over breakfast one morning and the housekeeper had talked a mile a minute, giving Luna a treasure trove of useful information.

“I have a fabulous idea for tomorrow,” Margot continued. “You and I should go into San Francisco, do a little shopping, have lunch at that sushi restaurant at Union Square. I’ve been craving some of those mango rolls.”

Luna stretched out on her bed. “Sorry, no can do. My tomorrow is booked.”

“What?” Margot guffawed. “Can’t you shift your schedule around?”

“No, sorry.”

“You know, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re ignoring me. You always come up with some reason why we can’t get together,” she pouted.

Guilt pricked at Luna. She was supposed to be representing Ava, but she was falling miserably short. “I’m sorry,” she said again. This time, it wasn’t just lip service. She truly meant it.

“What’s so important that you would ditch your best friend?” Margot sounded petulantly wounded.

Luna sighed. “If you must know, I’m going sailing with Hudson at Bodega Bay.”

Margot exploded out a long breath. “What?! When did this come up?”

“Today.”

“That sounds like fun,” Margot said, but her words sounded forced.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Wait a minute! You hate sailing. You get seasick.” She chuckled darkly. “Remember that time we went sailing with Michael Cantor? You puked all over his new sneakers. He was so steaming mad that I thought he might throw us both off the boat.”

“Don’t remind me,” Luna said wryly. She grimaced picturing the event. Gross! She made a mental note to ask Ava about her seasickness.

“Do you really think it’s wise to go sailing with Hudson? Aside from the seasickness, you hate being cooped up on a boat. It makes you feel claustrophobic.”

Luna was growing weary of people telling her what she did and did not like. “I’ll be fine,” she affirmed.

“What about the seasickness?”

“I’ll bring some Dramamine.” Sheesh. Margot needed to give it a rest.

“Okay, I’ll go with you guys.”

“Huh?” Luna’s jaw worked as she tried to figure out how to articulate a response. “Um, that’s probably not a good idea.”

“Well, why not?” Margot huffed. “It’s not like you want to be alone with Hudson.”

“Actually, I do.”

There was a long pause. Luna tightened her hold on the phone. “Are you still there?”

“I’m here,” Margot said dryly. “What’s going on with you?”

“What do you mean?”

Margot’s voice rose. “Are you toying with Hudson’s affections? That’s not cool.”

“Of course not.” Luna was offended that Margot would suggest such a thing. Then again, she had to remind herself that Ava might have toyed with Hudson. Luna had no way of knowing for sure what had happened before her arrival in Sonoma. Ava was a good person, but she was a tad spoiled and entitled. Also, Ava resented her parents for their attempts to persuade her to get engaged. So, it was possible that Ava might have taken out her frustration on Hudson.

“Look, I know your parents have this grand plan all worked out in their meddling heads about how a marriage to Hudson will set them up for life, but you need to be up front with Hudson—tell him that there’s no hope for the two of you. That’s the only way he’ll be able to move on.”

Luna bristled. She wondered how much Margot knew about Beverly and Todd’s vineyard. Had Ava told her everything? If so, that was stupid on Ava’s part.