Chapter Seventeen #2
Lyndsey swept in ahead of them, all long legs and confidence, shrugging out of her camel coat as though she owned the room, and maybe she did with her tall, blonde beauty and her unmistakable Texas accent.
Jillian would one day be the spitting image of her mother, and she was clearly proud to be walking next to her.
Cat, following behind, felt a tremor of nerves, because Jillian was hard to say no to, but Cat wasn’t going to London. That wasn’t happening.
Once seated Lyndsey ordered a bottle of wine and then focused on Catriona, asking her questions about her teaching job, learning Greek and Latin, and was it hard to adjust to Kalamazoo after two and a half years in London?
The questions were easy for Cat to answer, and dinner unfolded naturally after that.
Jillian told Cat about school this term, how her marks were high, and she was beginning to think about the future.
Both women listened as Jillian talked—Lyndsey indulgently, Cat with a quiet fondness she couldn’t quite hide.
The food was delicious as well, and between the good food and the excellent company, Cat relaxed, truly enjoying the evening with Jillian and Lyndsey.
When the waiter cleared the main course plates, Jillian slipped from her chair. “I’ll be right back,” she said. “Don’t talk about anything interesting while I’m gone.”
They both smiled, watching her disappear toward the back of the restaurant. The moment she was out of sight, Lyndsey exhaled, the kind of long, satisfied breath that signaled she’d been waiting for this.
“She’s a good girl,” Lyndsey said softly.
“She really is,” Cat agreed. “You must be proud.”
“I am. And I’m grateful.” Lyndsey toyed with her wineglass for a moment, her voice turning thoughtful. “I wanted to ask you to dinner for another reason, Cat. I didn’t want you thinking I was going to be the awful ex—lurking around, making life complicated. That’s not who I am.”
Cat blinked, caught off guard by the directness. “Oh—no, I never thought—”
Lyndsey smiled, stopping her gently. “You might have. It’s human nature.
But truly, I adore Rhys. Always will. He’s a remarkable man.
Just … not my man.” She laughed softly, shaking her head.
“He’s so serious, so structured and driven, and I need change and chaos.
More let’s fly to Rome for dinner just because. ”
Cat found herself smiling. “Despite being different, you two co-parent very well. I’m impressed.”
“We probably spent too many holidays together, though. I think it made the girls believe we might end up back together, and that will never happen.”
“Jillian … hopes.”
“Hoped,” Lyndsey corrected. “Not anymore. She’s come to realize she was holding on to us, as we were, out of fear.
But she has since realized no one is leaving her.
There was nothing to be afraid of. If anything, she’s discovered that you added to the family.
Over the holiday, you made things better … her words, not mine.”
Warmth rose in Cat’s throat, as well as gratitude. “Thank you for telling me.”
“Just know I’m rooting for you and Rhys. I hope you two can work it out, and if you do, I promise you never have to worry about me being in the way.”
Jillian returned then, a flush on her cheeks and a joke ready on her lips, and the moment dissolved back into laughter and dessert menus.
The waiter returned with espresso and a towering slice of tiramisu that Jillian insisted they absolutely must share.
Halfway through, Jillian leaned in, eyes bright with mischief.
“Okay, so—I have the most brilliant idea about how to get you and Dad together. And it’s not in London, and it’s very romantic. ”
Cat blinked. “Now I’m worried.”
“Don’t be.” Jillian straightened. “Daddy offered to take me to Paris for my birthday, and I’m going to accept.”
Cat glanced at Lyndsey, and Lyndsey just shrugged. “Her idea,” Lyndsey said, “Not mine.”
Jillian’s grin widened. “It’s a great idea. Daddy will be shocked. And then he’ll be over the moon. Because Cat, you’re going to meet us in Paris too.”
“Paris?” Cat gulped.
Jillian nodded, delighted. “Yes! I’ll step out of the hotel lobby or the café or wherever we decide to meet, and you’ll step in, and he won’t believe his eyes.”
Cat stared at her. “You’ve been watching too much TV.”
Jillian laughed. “It’s romantic, and perfect, and you have to come to Paris.” She turned to her mother. “Mum, tell her. Tell her that you will be there, too, and that way Daddy and Cat can talk and you and I will go do something together and then Daddy and Cat will fall in love in Paris.”
“This is ludicrous,” Cat said, laughing despite herself. “I can’t see your father enjoying any of this. Does he even like Paris?”
“Who doesn’t like Paris?” Lyndsey said, amused. “But in all fairness, I do think he likes Spain better than France—”
“But he invited me to Paris,” Jillian interrupted, “so Paris it is.” She turned to Cat. “All you have to do is show up.”
“And buy a plane ticket,” Cat said under her breath.
Jillian gestured impatiently. “Come on, Cat. That’s the easy part.”
Cat shook her head. “Does your father even know you are in Michigan right now?”
Jillian exchanged a laughing glance with her mom. “No. He thinks we’re having a mother-daughter Jane Austen weekend in Bath.”
Cat’s lips twitched. “And he believed you?”
“What’s important is that he and I are going to have our weekend in Paris in two weeks, and you have to be there.”
Cat wanted to be appalled. She wanted to be sensible and practical, but Jillian was so clever and funny that Cat couldn’t help feeling being drawn into Jillian’s transatlantic matchmaking scheme.
“Say you’ll be there,” Jillian pressed. “Let’s surprise Dad.”
How to say no to Jillian when she had all of her father’s wit and her beautiful mother’s charm?
She couldn’t. “Fine,” Cat said. “I’ll be there.”