Temptation on Ocean Drive - Jennifer Probst Page 0,93
stick her with a crappy job just because she didn’t show. They had each other’s backs like that.
She knew most of the mothers there and greeted Amy and Kelly with polite distance, making sure to sit with some of the nicer moms. Eventually, she relaxed and had fun with the planning. They chose the theme (Disney) and assigned different tasks. Bella came with a spreadsheet handy, and everyone seemed happy for her to take charge along with the president. They finally settled on the date, time, and details.
Andrea, the president, came over afterward to thank her. “I think you’re our biggest asset when it comes to parties,” she said with a laugh. “Has spring wedding season hit yet?”
Bella wrinkled her nose. “Yes, unfortunately, all of us are slammed, and it’ll continue through the summer. Don’t want to complain, though. Business has been booming.”
“Well, of course—everyone saw the article written about Sunshine. So exciting to have one of our local businesses go national. Are you starting to do New York weddings, also?”
“We took on a few.” She didn’t want to name-drop, but signing a local television star who sang on Broadway was big news. After Bridal Style dropped its article, the phone had been ringing off the hook with queries.
Many specifically for Gabe.
“Huge congratulations. Hopefully you won’t be booked up when my son finally decides to marry his girlfriend. They’ve been dating for years, and he’s still not ready.”
“Don’t push him. But when he does pop the question, you call me. I’ll make sure we take good care of him.”
They laughed and Andrea left. Bella packed up her stuff and watched as Amy and Kelly caught sight of her and headed over.
“Hi, Bella. Thanks for helping us out—we loved your ideas,” Amy said with a friendly smile.
Bella smiled back but remained wary. “Welcome. I like doing this stuff.”
“Where’s Daisy?”
“She had to work late, but I signed her up for decorations with me. She’s good at that.”
Kelly nodded. “We heard you were really busy with weddings, especially after that article. It must be nice to finally be recognized for your hard work.”
“It is, even though it’s hard juggling everything.”
“Sure, being a single mom is hard,” Amy said with a sympathetic gleam in her eye. “Speaking of which, Daisy was telling me the news about Gabe. We’re happy for you. You needed a guy in your life. I know it’s been a long time.”
She stiffened, ready to do battle. “I’m glad you brought it up, because I wanted to talk to you both about something that bothered me. Zoe came home today saying Theresa was calling Gabe a player.”
Kelly groaned and covered her eyes. “I’m so sorry! She must have overheard me. I’m really embarrassed.”
Bella shifted her feet, still uneasy. “Apology accepted. I’d just appreciate it if you didn’t talk about us at this point. I’m really happy with how things are going.”
“Of course you are. That man is a machine,” Amy said with a laugh.
“I really didn’t mean to judge you,” Kelly said. “I just hope you don’t get attached. He’s the perfect transition guy for you. But sometimes those men have this magical thing over us that keeps us from realizing the truth.”
“You mean the magical penis?” Amy asked.
Kelly jabbed her finger in the air. “Yes, that!”
Their laughter was like mean pokes, hitting her in all the sensitive areas of her body. “What are you talking about?” she whispered harshly, trying to keep her voice low. “Gabe and I are dating, not having some cheap fling. I thought Daisy told you.”
Amy blinked, looking genuinely confused. “She said you hooked up, not that you’re seriously dating.”
Her stomach lurched. Had Daisy really kept that information from them? And if so, why? “Well, I don’t know why she said that.”
“Oh God,” Kelly said, looking chastised. “Seriously, Bella, we just assumed you’d never try and settle down with a guy like Gabe. You have a daughter, and you lost your husband, and Gabe is just . . .”
“Just what?” she asked tightly.
Amy sighed. “Just not long term. I mean, he was kissing Devon in the supermarket last week! That’s why Kelly was calling him a player.”
Bella stood her ground, trying not to grit her teeth. She refused to be goaded into some type of gossipy drama that centered around lies. “Devon? I can tell you with one hundred percent certainty that never happened. And I find it offensive for you to be spreading rumors about him like that. It’s not fair to either of us.”