29. Lowri #2
“Thanks. Sorry for talking a mile a minute. My excitement level is at the moon. Not to mention, my to-do list feels like it would circle the globe at least once. I’m working at warp speed to get everything done.”
“If we talk fast, maybe we can catch up on everything. With you in Catalinius all summer and me taking on extra work at the law firm, we’re way behind.”
“I know. It’s been out of control.”
“By the way, the wine room behind that glass wall is impressive. It must be thirty feet high. What’s up with those white and lavender sashes hanging from the ceiling in there? They look like the aerial silks that acrobats use.”
“They are aerial silks. When someone orders a bottle of wine, the acrobats use the silks to climb up the tower of wine, grab the bottle, and slide down. If the bottle is high enough, the acrobats even do flips and turns on the way down. It’s quite a show.”
“I can’t wait to watch. Do you have a list of the bottles near the top?” I ask.
“That’s exactly what I asked when I first saw the wine tower. The more expensive the bottle, the higher its slot. The goal is to entice customers to purchase a pricey bottle to watch the server climb to the top.”
“Great marketing strategy.”
“That’s what I said. So, if you want a bottle from the top, my suggestion is to let Sean order it for you.”
“Why would Sean be ordering expensive wine for me?”
“Because of your relationship.” Cassie smiles knowingly.
“It’s not a relationship. I’m helping him with the legal issues related to the accidental death at the show. He hired me to handle the settlement with the man’s family.”
“Uh-huh. That’s why Sean always has his hand on your back or arm when Evan and I have seen you together. You can’t fool me. There’s more to it.”
“I’ve already told you we’re having a little fun along the way, but he did hire me.”
Her head tilts, and she looks down as she moves and twists the mini orchid plant at the center of our table.
It’s as if she’s arguing with herself about something.
I know I’m right when she says, “I’m not sure I should question what’s going on with you and Sean because you seem particularly happy, and dare I say, content.
But it is out of character for you to mix business and pleasure. What led to this exception?”
I do my own little dance to buy time as I remove the white napkin from the matching tablecloth, being careful not to disturb the tiny candles or the beautiful silverware. Slowly unfolding the fabric and rearranging it to my liking, I finally lay the napkin on my lap and reach for my water glass.
Taking a long sip, I wonder how much to share with my best friend.
It’s such a strange question to be asking myself when we’ve always confided in each other.
I want to tell Cassie about my temporary marriage and the fact that I love waking up next to Sean for the time being, but I can’t.
I promised Sean not to tell anyone, especially if it would make it to Evan’s ears.
I say, “Consider it a lapse in judgment that will be remedied when I leave Vegas. We enjoyed being together while we were planning your party. Then when the accident happened and Sean needed help, he insisted that I was the perfect lawyer because I had firsthand knowledge of the event. I was there. It made sense. Besides, who would turn down the Athena as a client?”
My answer to Cassie was a compromise, which we lawyers are trained to do when it comes to negotiating what will work and keep us within the rules. I stuck with the truth for my best friend, albeit with a couple of omissions. That allowed me to keep my promise to Sean. I smile, proud of myself.
“Be careful. I don’t want you to get hurt. Are you sure you have this under control?”
Why couldn’t she leave it alone? Because I wouldn’t have either.
Fidgeting with my knife, I avoid her eyes.
“Of course. Sean and I spend time together in the evenings. It’s nothing serious.
It’s just convenient for both of us. We figured with you and Evan here, we’ll all be spending time together anyway.
It works out for now. Sean and I are both on the same page—no strings. ”
Well, no permanent strings.
“I’m torn between leaving this alone and wanting to make sure you’re okay.
I’ve tried to convince myself you must have a good reason for what you’re doing.
But if something is wrong, I’ll never forgive myself for not having your back.
So, I need to ask you something. When I arrived at your room this morning, the guards wouldn’t let me in.
I would have made a bigger scene and insisted on seeing you, but Sean had just arrived.
I’d swear that I heard him ask where his wife was. Is it true? Are you two married?”
“Shit. No one is supposed to know. It was an accident. Like I said, when I leave Vegas, it will be over. We’re getting an annulment.”
“Are you saying you accidentally married Sean?”
“We were drunk.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? Did Sean tell Evan?”
“No. We were embarrassed and didn’t want anyone to know. There are also complications with the annulment.”
I explain our situation in detail, relieved to finally be talking this over with my best friend.
“Wow. I don’t know what to say, except I’m here for you if you need my help getting out of this mess. It’s an extremely convenient arrangement though. You work together during the day and play together during the night.” She laughs.
Changing the subject, I say, “You’re one to talk.
Weren’t you completely avoiding relationships too?
I knew you and Evan had a strong connection.
To be honest, I assumed it would be a summer fling on an island with a prince, and the attraction would fade after the shine of dating a prince wore off.
Instead, you’re engaged. What changed your mind about giving your heart to a guy? ”
“It’s hard to explain. It feels right, and I’d be crushed if he wasn’t in my life. We make each other better. I never expected to find this connection. Hopefully, it will happen for you too. Sean could be the one,” she says.
Fortunately, we’re interrupted by servers bearing small plates, and I’m saved from further discussion of me and my arrangement with Sean.
The first server says, “Chef, we have your main course tastings for you.”
“Excellent. Thank you.” Turning to me, Cassie continues, “Lowri, I’m excited for you to try these. We have three tasting portions. Let me know which one you like best.”
Placing a forkful of the short ribs and polenta into my mouth, I’m in heaven. It’s out of this world. “Yum! This is a winner. It’s delicious and comforting. What’s the red sauce? It gives it a little kick.”
“It’s a spicy red pepper puree. Do you like it?”
“Love it. What’s this next dish?”
“It’s chicken and orzo with seasonal veggies. I should’ve had you taste it before the beef because it’s a lighter dish without the spice. Your palate is overpowered at this point but try it anyway.”
We both taste it.
“It needs more lemon, don’t you think?” Cassie asks, making notes on a small pad of paper she extracts from her pocket. She’s a perfectionist.
“If you think so. It tastes fine to me.”
“Definitely more lemon. The tilapia tacos are the last savory tasting. They are going to be on our bar menu. Let me know if the Cajun crust competes too much with the salsa verde or whether the sliced avocados pull it together. I can’t decide.”
“You’re the expert, but I’ll give you my opinion.”
“Thanks. I’ve tasted so many samples in the last few weeks that I’m starting to second-guess myself. Evan’s no help. He says he likes everything I make. It’s up to you to give me an honest opinion.”
“I’m with Evan. Everything you make is fabulous.”
“Thanks, but feel free to nitpick. I want everything to be perfect. Oh, I have other news too. I forgot to tell you that I officially resigned from the law firm yesterday. Can you believe it?”
Thank goodness I hadn’t taken a bite of the taco yet because I would’ve choked on it.
“Are you serious? You completely quit. You’re not working remotely or part time for a while?”
“Yes, I’m serious, and no, I’m not working remotely. I’m completely free of that life. It feels amazing.”
“I’m shocked, but I shouldn’t be. You’ve been burned out for quite a while, but this guest chef gig only lasts a month. What will you do afterward? Won’t you be bored sitting around all day in princess dresses?” I say, half-teasingly.
My mind races with worries for her. Cassie gets bored easily.
She’s always been driven and busy. What if the engagement falls through?
How will she pay her bills? It’s nearly impossible to return to a big law firm after leaving.
Will this opportunity as a chef at the Athena be enough to open another door for her if she needs it?
“Quit squinting. You do that when you’re worried.
There’s no reason to be concerned about me being bored.
Evan and I will be incredibly busy with the new charities we’re working on.
I’ll put my legal background to use with them and will be contributing to the community in a much better way than I ever could at the law firm.
My life will be busier, and I suspect more fulfilling than ever. I couldn’t be happier about it.”
“I’m glad you two have thought this through, and I am thrilled for you. Forgive me for worrying. You know me. I instinctively protect my friends, and you’re at the top of that list.” Before I say more, heavy footsteps are growing louder. Turning my head, I say, “Look who’s walking toward us.”
Cassie jumps up at the sight of Evan. He wraps her in a hug, kissing her thoroughly. Not what I expect of royalty in public, but it’s only us and twenty or thirty workers. Is it considered the public?
“You’re in time to join Lowri and me for dessert. We’re tasting my recipe for pumpkin pie cheesecake.”
“I won’t pass up a bite of pudding if you two don’t mind me joining you for a bit,” Evan says.