16. Lowri
LOWRI
C assie and I agreed to meet at the spa today. As much as I’m looking forward to girl time with my bestie, it’s going to be awkward keeping my marital status a secret. We don’t usually hold back important life events. I know—I didn’t tell her about the party, but that’s different.
I’m hiding my situation from Cassie for a couple of reasons.
I look like a hypocrite. Marriage has always been on my never-ever list, and now here I am—married and looking foolish.
It’s embarrassing. She’s also a lawyer. Whether she says anything or not, she’ll know I should have read the papers before signing them.
All I can hope is that Cassie will be focused on her engagement instead of my love life.
Stepping into the spa’s circular reception area, the peaceful indoor garden setting immediately starts to alleviate my worries.
Soothing music plays in the background, interrupted only by the sound of trickling water from a cherub-topped, multi-tier fountain in the center of the room.
As my eyes follow the fountain upward, they land on a domed skylight, surrounded by hand-painted clouds and birds.
Green ivy trails over the edges and down the sides of each tier, and orange roses float in the water, filling the air with their fragrance.
They must have trouble convincing people to leave this sanctuary.
“Good morning!” Cassie chimes from behind me.
“You’re looking more rested than I would have expected after last night,” I tease.
“It was an exciting evening. I still can’t believe Evan proposed,” she says, admiring the sparkling green ring on her left hand.
“Where’s your security guard?” I ask.
“Standing outside. I tried to leave him behind completely but failed. The compromise is that he’ll stay outside. I mean, how can we talk if he’s listening?”
“Exactly. Now let’s get our fingers and toes done.”
An attendant shows us to the women’s locker room and an adjacent relaxation room where we stretch out on cushy lounge chairs while we wait.
Between sips of cucumber-infused water, I ask, “Does the engagement change your plans to be the guest chef here?”
“Of course not. Why would it?”
“I’m not up on royal protocol.”
“It doesn’t matter. I won’t do anything to embarrass the royal family, but Evan and I aren’t married yet. I’m not giving up the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. Thankfully, Evan doesn’t expect me to.”
“That’s a relief. Do you know when the wedding will be?”
“We’ll talk with his parents about the timing. I’m hoping you’ll be my maid of honor.”
“Of course, I will. Is the wedding going to be in Catalinius or San Diego?” I don’t mention that if the wedding is in the next few weeks, I’ll technically be her matron of honor.
That’s unlikely, I think, as I absentmindedly press my fingers against the fabric hiding the wedding ring that’s hanging on the chain around my neck.
“The wedding will be in Catalinius. Princes must marry at the royal church.”
“This is all extraordinary.”
“It’s still unreal to me too. Talking about unexpected surprises, what’s going on between you and Sean? You were pretty cozy last night.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I knew it.”
“Knew what?”
“You’re pulling on your earlobe. You only do that when you’re trying to hide something from me. Spill. Now.”
“It’s nothing. We hooked up when I was here earlier this year. It was nothing more than a fun weekend.”
“Uh-huh. You’re hooking up again now, aren’t you?
“Maybe.”
“There’s no maybe about it. I need details.”
“We’re having a little fun. I’ve been here a couple of days. We worked together planning your party. One thing led to another, and we decided to enjoy each other’s company while I’m in town. It ends when I leave. No strings.”
“If you let him see the serious side of you, it may turn into more.”
“You know I’m not looking for more. Guys I date only get the fun-loving version of me. The serious side is left for work.”
I’ve already fucked that up. Not only did I marry Sean, but also, I let him see the serious me. When we found out Mr. Brentwood was dead, I instinctively went into protective mode to look after Sean’s business. Why did I do that? I’ve never been protective of other guys I’ve hooked up with.
“I know, you don’t mix business and pleasure. No one sees both sides, except me.”
“You know me better than anyone. We’ve helped each other through tough times during and after law school.”
“Maybe it’s time to let people, or at least Sean, know you’re more than a fun-loving party girl. Not all men are your dad.”
“Even if that’s true, it’s not worth the risk. Dad completely broke Mom’s spirit when he abandoned us. She never recovered emotionally. It destroyed her ability to love anyone.”
“I know. That doesn’t mean the same will happen to you. Remember, I wasn’t looking for love, but it still found me.”
“It did, and I’m super happy for you. So, let’s concentrate on the amazing changes in your life. The next one is your restaurant opening. What type of food will be on the menu?”
“As you know, the restaurant will be called Pinot & Pie because wine and dessert are two stress relievers for me. Therefore, I was planning a wine bar vibe with upscale comfort food and fabulous desserts. But after spending time in Catalinius with Evan, I’ve decided to incorporate more fresh fish and vegetables into the menu for a lighter and fresher version of comfort food.
Of course, we’ll still have outstanding wines and scrumptious desserts.
I can’t wait for you to try everything. Please promise me you’ll stay for the opening. ”
“Wouldn’t miss it. I’ve already arranged to work from here for the next two and a half weeks. And I’m available to taste test, particularly if it involves desserts.”
“Deal. By the way, you should use your influence to convince Sean to serve something other than this foul-tasting water. Does anyone actually like cucumber-flavored water? Yuck.” She grimaces, shaking her head.
“Not me.” I laugh.
There’s yet another reason we’re best friends. We don’t automatically follow trends. We form our own opinions.