Chapter 50
CHAPTER FIFTY
Dinner with the New York Royals was nothing short of wonderful, though Rachel had to stop and mentally pinch herself whenever she chanced a look the bride’s way. Everything about this wedding trip had been fantastic, but actually sitting across the table from her pop idol was the absolute icing on the cake. Meeting Matthew’s parents came a close second.
Alice Royal was warm and welcoming. She asked a few questions about Rachel’s background but when her guest’s responses were the barest that politeness permitted, Matthew’s mother didn’t press for details. Alice’s well-honed social tact allowed Rachel to enjoy the evening without the concern of having to talk about her own family.
“Matthew tells me you are the designer who is working with him at the Aspen resort. I heard you gave him a hard time at the council planning meeting, so when he said he was bringing you to the wedding, I must confess I was more than a little surprised.”
“Matthew and I had become friends before then. We only discovered we were both working for the different parties involved in the ski lodge when we got to the council meeting that night. To say that it came as a bit of a shock to the both of us would be somewhat of an understatement.”
Alice Royal leaned closer, patting Rachel on the hand. “Tell me, my dear, are your accommodation arrangements suitable for your particular friendship? I mean you and my son are sharing a room. I could move you, if that presents a problem.” She cleared her throat. “Though you might have to stay on board one of the Royal family boats, which are moored offshore if you did wish to change. Do you speak Italian?”
Rachel caught Matthew’s eye as he leaned forward. She was stuck in a veritable Royal family sandwich. “I think Matthew and I will be able to work something out, thank you.”
“Very good. Since I’ve been advised that he failed to mention to you who the bride and groom where, I thought it only proper to check that everything is alright.”
Matthew huffed. “I make one mistake with my wedding date, and now everything I say or do is getting judged.”
Alice Royal looked from Rachel to Matthew and slyly grinned. Whether he meant it or not, he’d just confirmed the state of his and Rachel’s relationship, and from the look of it his mother was beyond delighted.
“I’m sure my son has learned his lesson, and he won’t make any other mistakes when it comes to future weddings.”