Bed of Roses Page 0,74

went to help somebody with something food related.

We're not joined at the hip."

Del lifted an eyebrow. "Okay."

"I have friends, she has friends, and some of them happen to be mutual. We don't have to walk in step at a party."

"Right." Del took another contemplative sip of his beer.

"So . . . would the guy she's currently kissing on the mouth be her friend, your friend, or a mutual?"

Jack swung around, caught the end of the kiss between Emma and some Nordic god type. She laughed, and her hands gestured expressively before she grabbed one of Thor's and pulled him over to a group of people.

"Looks like he's not one of yours," Del commented.

"Why don't you . . ." He cut off the suggestion he had in mind as Lucia stopped in front of them. "You two should be eating instead of just standing here looking handsome."

"I'm considering all options," Del told her. "There are big decisions to be made, all the way down to apple pie or flan."

"There's also strawberry shortcake and empanadas."

"You see? Not to be taken lightly."

"You should sample each, then decide. Look here!" She beamed smiles and threw out her hands as Mac and Carter walked to them. "Mackensie, you made it."

"Sorry we're so late. The shoot ran a little longer than I hoped." She kissed Lucia's cheek.

"You're here, that's what counts. And you!" Lucia threw her arms around Carter for a hug. Carter lifted her an inch off the grass in a gesture of long-term affection.

"It's been years since you came for Cinco de Mayo."

Carter grinned. "It's bigger."

"Because there are more of us. Your mama and papa are here, with Diane's children. Sherry and Nick are here, too," she said, speaking of his younger sister. "Diane and Sam should be here soon. Mac, your future mother in-law tells me the wedding plans are going well."

"They're clicking along."

"Let me see your ring again. Ah!" She twinkled a smile at Carter after examining the diamond on Mac's hand. "Very nicely done. Come, Celia hasn't seen it yet. Carter," she called as she pulled Mac away,

"get food, get drink."

Instead, Carter stood where he was. "I haven't been back for one of these in . . . it must be ten years. I'd forgotten. It's like a carnival."

"The best in the county," Del commented. "The Grants either know or are related to everybody. Including, it seems, our mechanic and poker buddy. Hey, Mal."

"Hey." In dark shades, worn jeans, and a black T-shirt, he strolled over. He carried two beers by the neck. "Want one, Maverick?" he said to Carter.

"Sure. I didn't realize you knew the Grants."

"They've been bringing their cars in for service or repair for the last six, eight months. Before you know it, you're telling Lucia your life story, eating her corn bread and wishing she'd dump her husband and run off with you to Maui."

"Ain't that the truth," Jack said.

"She said I should come by after work, backyard deal for Cinco de Mayo. I figure a cookout, maybe on the fancy side, considering, some Mexican beer, tortillas." He shook his head. "Is anybody not here?"

"I think they covered everybody."

"Sorry that took so long." Emma hurried up, a margarita in her hand. "There were circumstances."

"Yeah, I saw one of them."

After giving Jack a puzzled smile, she turned to Malcolm. "Hi, I'm Emmaline."

"You're the Cobalt."

"I . . ." Her eyes widened, then filled with contrition. "Yes. You must be Malcolm."

"Mal." He gave her a long, head-to-toe scoping out. "You know, it's a good thing you look like your mother, who I hope to marry. Otherwise I'd replay the ass-kicking I gave your partner when I thought she was you."

"And I'd deserve it. Even though I learned my lesson, and I'm being much more conscientious. You did a great job. You have serious skills. I wonder if you'd have time to service my van if I bring it in next week."

"You don't just look like her, do you?"

Emma smiled as she sipped the margarita. "You need a plate," she told him, "and a great deal of food."

"Why don't you show me where - " Mal cut himself off when he caught the warning in Jack's eyes, and the casual and proprietary stroke of his hand down Emma's hair. "Right. Maybe I'll just go graze awhile."

"I'll do the same," Carter decided.

Del's lips quirked. "Looks like I'm empty." He jiggled the beer bottle. "Em, who's the long brunette?

Pink top, skinny jeans?"

"Ah . . . Paige. Paige Haviller."

"Single?"

"Yes."

"See you later."

"He should've asked me