Chapter 15
CHAPTER 15
LOUISE
I plopped down into one of the leather seats, lifting my champagne from the tray as the plane’s engines roared to life outside.
“Oh, uh, leave the bottle, darlin’,” I said to the flight attendant on Spencer’s private jet.
I’d need as much alcohol as this plane could carry to brace myself for facing my mama in Savannah.
I glanced across the cabin as the door shut, and we prepared to take off. At least I had my two best friends with me. Spencer and Eve sat across the cabin on the couch where I’d made them sit. I wanted them to spend the flight together.
They hadn’t yet had their fourth date with the trip to Savannah, and I was bound and determined to make up for that by forcing them to spend more time together.
As the plane rumbled down the runway, eventually rising into the air, my mind regressed back to my conversation with Spencer after that third date.
He’d shuffled through the door after I’d arrived home from my first fake date. I’d successfully driven my match away, and I couldn’t wait to tell him I’d struck out. On purpose, but he didn’t need to know that.
“Spence? That you?” I called from my seat on the couch, wrapped in my fluffy robe.
“Yep,” he said as he strolled into the living room, his mood excited.
I immediately thought he’d kissed Eve. I couldn’t wait to hear about it, but I tempered my own enthusiasm as I patted the cushion next to me.
“How did it go?” he asked as he plopped down.
“Mm, it went, and it’s gone.”
“What happened? Tell me all the details.”
I chuckled at his best impression of me. “Oh, darlin’, you aren’t doing it right at all, but I’ll forgive you. Well…he seemed nice enough, but before I knew it…he was asking me back to his place.”
“What?” His eyes went wide.
For a moment, I felt sorry for Spencer. He looked crushed, his features pinching. “Uh-huh. He wasn’t looking for romance or a relationship. When I told him no, he got mad and stormed off. At least he paid for the meal.”
“Louise, I’m so sorry,” Spencer said with a shake of his head. “Gosh, I didn’t think he seemed like that based on his profile.”
I patted his hand as guilt temporarily washed over me. “It’s all right, darlin’. You couldn’t know.”
Spencer wrinkled his nose. “I’ll pick better next time.”
“Well, you have some time. Don’t schedule anything until after Savannah. I need time to prepare for this.”
“Of course. Also, Eve said I picked the wrong person, so I’ll take her advice, too.”
I snapped my gaze to him. “You discussed my date with Eve?”
“I did,” he said, shooting me a terrified glance. “Sorry. She said…I picked someone who looked like a male model instead of a real person.”
A chuckle bubbled up from my belly. “Oh, she didn’t. That’s funny. She’s right.”
“Yeah, sorry. I’ll…I’ll find someone better.”
“Don’t sweat it, sugar.” I patted his hand before I dove into what I really wanted to know. “Now, how did your date go? Did you kiss her?”
He shifted uncomfortably on the cushion, refusing to meet my gaze, his eyes clouded with a mix of guilt and something else–perhaps a longing he couldn’t even admit to himself yet.
“Oh my word, you didn’t. Spencer!”
“I couldn’t…I…think I did something wrong.”
My eyes went wide as my heart stopped. “What happened?”
His nose wrinkled. “Well, I…she…her sister showed up.”
My nostrils flared at the words. “What?” I growled. “Audrey showed up at her door?”
“No, on our date. We were…” He hesitated before he cleared his throat and continued. “Out and Audrey happened to be there. She introduced herself, and I…”
He slid his eyes closed, slapping a hand against his forehead. “Introduced myself as Eve’s boyfriend.”
“Aw, well, that’s sweet, darlin’, I’m sure Eve didn’t mind.”
“I think she did. I mean, she said it was okay, but…when we got to her place, she practically ran out of the car, said she didn’t need me to walk her to the door, and just went in.”
My brow crinkled at the words, though I suspected her behavior had more to do with her sister than anything else. “I’m sure she was just…thrown by her sister. You know she stole her last boyfriend, right?”
“She told me. What a jerk, huh?” Spencer asked.
“Uh-huh. So, I wouldn’t take it personally.”
“Right,” Spencer answered, though I could tell he was taking it personally.
“You know the cure for this, don’t you?”
“Slink back under my rock and never be heard from again?”
I shot him an unimpressed glance. “Plant a lovely smooch right on her lips that’ll just knock her socks off.”
He clicked his tongue. “On that note, I’m heading to bed.”
Our conversation ended without us resolving that kiss. He was holding back for some reason, and I had to figured out why. I’d discuss it with him more in Savannah.
Before I was ready, the plane’s wheels bounced across the runway in the Deep South. As we all piled into the back of the chauffeured car, I gnawed on my lower lip until it almost bled. Seeing my mama had me in a tizzy.
A terrible feeling clawed at my insides. I knew she was going to do something to hurt me, I just knew it.
Eve insisted that I sit next to Spencer on the ride, saying she didn’t want to make anything seem suspicious. Bless her little heart for thinking of me the way she did, though I didn’t care if Mama thought my husband had a mistress.
When the car rolled to a stop outside of my former home, my stomach lurched.
I blew out a shaky breath, my knees wobbling I rose and stared up at the house I’d grown up in. Spencer pressed a reassuring hand against my back, and Eve slipped her arm through mine.
With my two best friends, I braved the sidewalk, each step I took toward the house feeling like one step closer to my doom.
I climbed the stairs, my heels clicking over the wooden boards of the massive front porch. The coolness of the house hit me as I stepped inside, an icy chill snaking down my spine as I heard that voice.
“Hello, Lou-Lou.”
My mother strode confidently toward me, her head held high, her expression an unreadable mask reminding me of the summer she dismissed my first boyfriend as “insufficiently ambitious” right in front of him. These incidents were not rare, painting my childhood with shades of disapproval and impossible expectations.
I tried to raise my own chin and steady my voice, though it still came out shaky. “Hello, Mama.”
“That belt makes you look pudgy.” My mother shifted her eyes to Spencer, disdain creeping over her features. “Spencer. Still playing escort, I see.”
“Mrs. Montgomery. Always a…well…never mind.”
Mama narrowed her eyes, sliding them up and down Eve’s form, taking in every detail, scrutinizing, judging. “Now, Lou-Lou, what have I told you about bringing home strays?”
“Mama, this is Eve Dawson, my very best friend.” I patted her hand before I interlaced our fingers in a show of support as much for myself as for her.
My mama huffed out a laugh before her expression soured further. “Best friend? For now. I’m sure you’ll ruin that. Like you always do.”
She spun on her heel, her perfume lingering in the air like a silent, disapproving cloud. Over her shoulder, she added, “Dinner will be at seven. Try to look presentable, all of you.”
The door to her study clicked closed behind her, leaving a heavy silence in her wake.
“Are you okay?” Eve’s quiet voice asked.
“I’m fine, darlin’. That was mild for one of Mama’s greetings.” I raised my chin, sucking in a deep breath as I rolled my shoulders back. “If y’all don’t mind, I’m going to freshen up before dinner. Eve, if you wouldn’t mind wearing the pink chiffon we bought on Wednesday, I think that would be best.”
Eve nodded slightly as I pulled away from both of them, determined to keep my emotions in check as I climbed the stairs.
I did an admirable job, though it took biting my lower lip to stop it from trembling before I could bolt myself in my room. As the lock clicked, the floodgates opened.
I raced to my bed and threw myself on it as tears flowed. Every encounter with my mama was bitter, and each one left me in tears, hoping to race as far away from her as possible.
She knew exactly how to needle at all my fears. She’d insulted by belt, my husband, and my best friend, reminding me that I ruin relationships.
And she was likely right. I’d drive away Eve just like I’d driven away every other friend I’d ever had. I smothered them or drove them crazy with my own insane brand of friendship.
As I sniffled, a knock sounded at my door. I sucked in a sharp breath, twisting toward it. If it was my mother…
“Lou?” Eve’s sweet voice called through the door. “Are you okay?”
My heart melted as I realized what a good friend she was before it broke as I recognized I would likely lose her just as my mama predicted. “You’re so sweet to check on me sugar. I’m fine.”
I held my breath, waiting for her footsteps to disappear down the hallway. “Can I come in?”
I squeezed my eyes closed, biting my lower lip. I didn’t want her to see me like this.
The door handle jiggled. “Louise?”
With a shaky inhale, I climbed from my bed and crossed to the door, unlocking it and pulling it open.
Her lips parted as she spotted me, her forehead creasing. “Oh, Lou.”
The words brought fresh tears to my eyes. I waved my hand in front of my face, trying to stop them from falling to my cheeks.
I failed, and Eve stepped inside, closing the door behind her before she pulled me into a hug. “I’m so glad I came with you,” she said.
“Oh, darlin’,” I sobbed, hugging her tight. “So am I.”
She pulled back, giving me a consoling smile. “Do you want to talk about it or just sit here together?”
“I want to apologize.”
“For?” Eve asked.
“First, for my mama. And second for me.” The second statement made me sob uncontrollably again.
She took my hand and led me to the bed, easing us both onto the edge. “Lou, there’s nothing you need to apologize for.”
“I do,” I answered. “I not only exposed you to that vile woman, but to me. I’m a mess. I’m always a mess. I’m a bad friend.”
“No,” she said with a shake of her head. “No, you’re not. Lou, you’re a good friend. You take me out everywhere, you buy me all these clothes. And look at what you’re doing for Spencer. You want to make sure he’s happy.”
I swallowed hard, trying to get rid of the lump in my throat. “But I’m…overbearing, and bossy, and I get to be too much. I drive people away.”
She patted my hand before she squeezed it. “You do not. You’re…sassy and opinionated. You’re just you, and that’s okay.”
No one had ever said anything so nice to me. I flung my arms around her and squeezed until I thought I might have hurt her.
She pulled back, grabbed a tissue from the box on my nightstand and passed it to me. “Let’s just get through this weekend and head back to Newport. I think you’ll feel better then.”
I smiled and nodded as I wiped at my cheeks. I hoped we’d make it back to Newport. Right now, it felt like that would never happen, at least not without tragedy.
I didn’t trust my mother, and I feared for what might happen over the weekend.
“See you at dinner,” she said as she rose. “And don’t worry, I’ll wear the pink you suggested. It’s a great choice.”
She grinned at me before she left me behind.
I blew out a shaky breath before I crossed to my vanity. “Ugh,” I groaned as I looked in the mirror.
I had my work cut out for me to look presentable for dinner. I started my transformation as my mind went over the conversation with Eve. She really was my best friend. And I wanted to make sure I repaid her for what she’d just done for me.
I had to make certain she and Spencer fell in love. I just had to.
Another knock sounded, and the door creaked open. Spencer poked his head inside. “Hey. You okay?”
“Yes,” I said with a nod. “Just fixing myself up before dinner. Come in. You should change.”
“I know,” he answered, “before Constance tosses me from the table.”
He crossed to his suitcase to find a suit appropriate for our family dinner.
After I finished patching myself up, I changed into a fresh dress, and we made our way downstairs for the grueling affair. I managed to make it through with a steady supply of wine.
We settled in the living room for nightcaps, but after a few sips, Mama received a call, leaving us behind, though not before reminding me we had to meet with the attorneys the following afternoon.
“Well,” Eve said as she finished off her drink, “I think I’ll head to bed. It’s been a long day with the travel. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Good night, Eve,” I said with a smile, pulling her into a tight hug.
“I probably should head to bed, too,” Spencer said as Eve left the room.
“No, wait, just a moment,” I said, crossing to close the doors.
I twisted to face him, a coy expression on my features. “Earlier, Eve came to my room, and it reminded me of how sweet she is.”
“She’s very nice, yes. She insisted on going after you, though she did check to make sure I didn’t want to go instead.”
“That girl. She’s letting her boyfriend take care of another woman.” I shook my head, stunned by how sweet Eve was.
Spencer shifted his weight from foot to foot. “Yeah. Well…”
“Well, we need to talk. Because I am just determined to make sure things go well between you and Eve. Now, I really need to know the real reason why you haven’t kissed her. And don’t give me this line about how her sister showed up or she dashed off. Spencer, if you wanted to kiss her, you would have.”
“I…it’s…it’s complicated.”
I arched an eyebrow, setting my hands on my hips. “Simplify it for a silly Southern gal.”
“I just…”
“Do you not like her?”
“No,” he said, a little defensively. “No, it’s not that. It’s…”
“Yes?” I prompted.
He leaned closer, his eyes flickering with embarrassment and unease. “I haven’t exactly kissed anyone in a while, okay? I’m just…I’m rusty, and I don’t want to…mess it up.”
My features melted as I offered him a consoling smile. “Oh, sugar…now, why didn’t you just tell me? We can solve that.”
Spencer fluttered his eyelashes and sucked in a breath. “Are you going to download kissing knowledge directly to my brain?”
“No, silly,” I said with a wave and a chuckle. “We’ll practice.”
“What?” His features turned incredulous.
“We’ll practice. Kiss me, and I’ll tell you what I think and…help you make sure you perfect the technique for Eve.”
“Louise,” he said with a chuckle as his face reddened.
I closed the distance between us. “What? It’s not that ridiculous. You’re nervous about kissing Eve because you’re out of practice. We’ll solve that. It’s just a friendly kiss, darlin’. We both know that.”
“I know, but…I just feel…ridiculous.”
“Don’t,” I encouraged. “There’s no need. Just…pretend I’m Eve. We’re standing outside of her apartment, you’ve just had a lovely dinner. The moon is out, the stars are shining, and she glances up at you with those pretty brown eyes.”
Spencer shifted his weight again, pressing his lips together and looking like he was ready to toss his cookies.
“Okay, first, stop fidgeting, you look shifty.” I set my hands on his arms to steady him. “Now, just…relax…and pretend I’m Eve.”
“Right,” he murmured.
He lifted his hand, tentative at first before he gently cupped my face. His lips brushed mine before the kiss deepened a little.
I was pleased with the sweet show of affection and was certain Eve would be, too. His tentativeness made it all the more adorable.
I was about to pull back and tell him how well he’d done when the sound of a soft gasp drew my attention.
Twisting around, my heart skipped a beat as I spotted Eve, her eyes wide, hovering in the doorway.
“Eve,” I began.
“Please don’t let me interrupt. I just forgot my phone,” she said, her voice shaking as she rushed across the room, avoiding our gazes.
She snatched the device from the side table before she spun to scurry away.
“Eve, wait,” I called after her.
“Lou,” Spencer whispered, his face equally as shaky as Eve’s.
“I’ll handle it,” I said with a squeeze of his hand, knowing Spencer would likely stumble through his explanation as his nerves played up. “Eve, now just wait.”
I raced after her as she stalked through the house toward the back. “Eve!”
She didn’t stop, pushing through the French doors leading to the back patio.
“Eve, now stop this,” I said as I stepped into the warm Savannah evening.
“Lou, it’s fine,” she said with a shake of her head, but I could tell from the look on her face that it was anything but. “I’m not…you’re…Spencer is your husband. You don’t have to explain.”
I clenched my jaw, my fingers curling into fists. “Now, Eve, that’s not true. Spencer and I–”
“Are married. I get it.”
“You know that’s not true,” I answered. “Now, you stop with this right now. You have every right to ask questions, Eve. Spencer is your boyfriend.”
“Shh,” she said with a shake of her head, her gaze darting around wildly.
“No, I won’t. Not until you say what’s on your mind.”
Her lips formed a pout as she crossed her arms. “I just…Lou, I understand, I do. Spencer is…great. And I get it. But I wish you would have been honest with me.”
“But, darlin’, I was. What you saw…well, it’s just all a big misunderstanding.”
A tear rolled onto her cheek, and she hurried to flick it away. “It looked pretty clear to me. All this time, you’ve been telling me how cute and how sweet he is. And I’ve been wondering if you have feelings for him. This just…confirms it.”
“That’s not it at all,” I protested, but she wasn’t hearing me.
“Or maybe I’m the fool here,” Eve continued, her voice rising in pain and upset, “maybe I’m just the…pawn being shifted around the board by both of you in this elaborate game.”
“Eve, please,” I pleaded, my voice desperate to bridge the gap between us. She recoiled, her eyes glossy with unshed tears. I reached for her, but she recoiled as though my touch would burn her.
“No,” she snapped, stepping back, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “I can’t…I need some space.”
Before I could say anything else, Eve turned and hurried down the garden path, disappearing into the shadowy outlines of the garden.
Behind me the door creaked open as I stared after her, tears burning my eyes.
“Drove another one away, huh, Lou-Lou?” Mama taunted. “I see nothing has changed.”
The word stung me, especially because they came with a kernel of truth. Eve was gone, taking the trust we’d built with her.
My heart shattered into a million pieces as the best friend I’d ever had, a woman who had tolerated all of my shenanigans, left me behind. And I had no idea if I could fix it.