Chapter Twelve

 

I opened the door back into the airport’s building and allowed Beth to go in first, following quickly behind her fast pace.

“See you tonight?” Cedar asked as I approached the front door, tugging a heavy suitcase.

“Maybe.”

Beth screwed up her face when she turned and focused on me. “What’s going on tonight?”

“There’s a bonfire on the beach.” I put a touch of energy into the sentence, even if it was pointless. I wasn’t going to go, and Beth most certainly was not going to go. That involved sand and hotdogs, two things on her hate list.

“Fun times.” Beth rolled her eyes.

I waved hopelessly at Cedar and chased after Beth, who was already pushing her way outside.

She stood beside my Jeep as I unlocked it, set her suitcase on the floor in the backseat, and grabbed the one I rolled out, setting it on the other side. “Can you believe I’m actually here?”

I shook my head, and really took in my friend. “No, not really, but I’m glad you came.”

“I talked with Archie late last night, and he thinks he may already have a buyer for your place, but he wants it a week from Monday. Would that work?”

“What?” When I told Beth last night I was seriously thinking about selling, I wasn’t ready to pack up and leave in a few days. “Tell him no.”

She dismissed my comment with a shrug. “With the improvements you’ve made, you’re right. We can hold out and still get top dollar in the fall, but this whole thing could be behind you in a week if you play your cards right.” She turned at the sound of a vehicle coming over. “Finally. Can you put the backseat down, Lil? We’ll need room for the crate.”

Surprised and flabbergasted by Beth’s attitude, but in too much shock to do much about it, I did as she asked. Had Beth always been so bossy? Or was I just sensitive to it because I wasn’t seeing her every day? Whatever it was, it put a new light on my friend, one I wasn’t sure I liked.

Mitch drove and parked behind my jeep.

“Special delivery.” He laughed, but from the corner of my eye Beth shook her head.

I walked over to help him and stared at the massive crate, not 100% sure it would fit in my vehicle.

“What are you doing?” Mitch asked as I wrapped my hand around one of the handles. “You’re not carrying this.”

“Mitch, I can do it.”

“Your friend can help.”

“Yeah? Good luck with that,” I whispered. Beth hadn’t moved. “I’ll need to do it when I get this home anyways.” Besides, it wasn’t as heavy as a sheet of plywood, and I’d managed that all on my own.

“Yeah, right. Don’t touch, and gimme a sec.” Mitch hopped into the building, and a minute later, he came out with Eric.

My mouth went as dry as cotton, and the air pressure pushed down a little harder as he sauntered over with Mitch, all the while taking me in.

“What’s up?” Eric asked Mitch after making quick eye contact with me.

Damn, the hot sun released his spicy cologne into the air, wrapping around me like a hug. It was intoxicating.

“Help me load this into her vehicle please.”

With ease, the two of them got it loaded, on its side after Beth gave the okay, tearing her eyes away from her phone for a couple of seconds to approve the move.

“Are you finished?” Mitch asked Eric, dusting off his hands.

“I have another late flight in an hour, grabbing passengers from YVR. Why?” A curious expression crossed his face and slowly his gaze flittered back in my direction.

A sudden panic rocked my core – was Parker on that flight?

“She’s going to unload this at her place, alone.” Mitch glared at Beth who was now talking on the phone. “And I don’t think she should.”

“Yeah.” Eric faced me but kept his distance, hands twitching at his sides. “I’d love to assist.”

“Thanks, man.” Mitch gave a solid shoulder pat to his buddy and leaned closer to me, air-kissing my cheeks again. “See you tonight.”

A low throaty noise rolled out of Eric, and he covered his mouth briefly. Ensuring Beth was still on the phone as Mitch drove away, he whispered, “Listen, about last night.”

I didn’t want to go there. Not here, not when my friend was a few feet away. “I can’t. Sorry. I’m just here for my best friend.”

“That’s your friend?” Eric thumbed to Beth, who paced in front of the building, giving orders to two of her minions. “Doesn’t seem your type.”

Based on her behaviour, it was hard to admit as much, but I did. “She’s been my best friend for years.”

Beth strutted over and a huge smile popped up on her face. “Why, hello. I’m Beth Jeffries.” She extended her hand. “We never got a chance to be properly introduced on the plane.”

“Eric Morris.” He shook her hand but kept his focus on me. “So, I’m to follow you home?”

“Oh, that’s wonderful. Got to love these small towns, right, Lily? Everyone always so eager to help.”

I half expected her to clap her hands in enthusiasm, but thankfully she didn’t.

“Well, shall we get going? Archie’s expecting pictures by dinner and it’ll take some time to set up the shoot, especially since I’m doing this single-handedly as you don’t know the first thing about staging.”

“I can learn if you teach me.”

She cocked an eyebrow. “Darling, I’m here for less than twenty-four hours. I hardly have time. Let’s go. This guy is waiting for us.”

I tipped my head down and got into my vehicle.

 

 

Eric set the crate inside the living room and tipped his cap in my direction. “Anything else I can do for you?” There was sarcasm in his speech directed at Beth, but she was too busy opening the lid to have paid it any attention.

“No, no, thank you.” She pulled out a huge painting and admired it for a few heartbeats. “Are you flying me home tomorrow?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Her shoulders relaxed and a broad smile pushed up the apples of her cheeks. “Would you mind helping me put this crate back into her vehicle again in the morning? That would be so nice.”

Setting down the painting, she reached into her purse and pulled out some cash, sticking it into Eric’s shirt pocket with a sly smile on her face.

It’s one thing to tip a guy, it’s entirely different to stick it in his shirt pocket like a stripper.

Eric retrieved the money and set it on the counter without even looking at the amount, a disgusted expression shadowed his face. “It’s not a problem, Ms. Jeffries.”

“And it won’t be necessary.” My eyes narrowed into slits when I turned to my friend. “Beth, you and I can easily load it up. It’s not that heavy.”

Honest to God, what was wrong with my friend? Had she always been like that, and I was only noticing it now having been distanced from her, or was it because I was stressed out and overly anxious from a lack of sleep?

“He asked if there was anything else he could do.” She shrugged. “Thank you again, and we’ll see you in the morning.” As if he were one of her staff, she dismissed him with a wave. “Now, Lil, as we’re unpacking this, tell me more about this guy who’s breaking your heart.”

Eric’s gaze snapped back to me, and heat flooded my cheeks. “Let me see Eric to the door.”

He stood there, his jaw slack. “About last night. We need to talk. I heard your phone call.”

Eyes wide I shook my head and pushed him down the hall.

His dress shoes clacked against the tiles as he made his way back to the entrance, and a smidgen of sympathy filled his face. “Is there anything I should know or prepare for?”

There was so much I needed to explain about Parker, but my lips stayed firmly pressed together.

“I’ll be home all evening. If you need anything, flash your lights.”

My gaze stayed locked onto his. Did he already know the truth?

In a louder voice, after clearing his throat, he announced, “I’ll come by before I go in, and I’ll load that crate, don’t you worry.”

“It’ll already be done.” I gave him a soft smile. “Don’t worry about it.” Pushing my weight onto my left leg, I hung on the opened door.

“Lily?” A sing-songy tone mixed with attitude flitted down the short hall. “Are you coming? I need your help.”

“Sorry, I need to go.”

“Bonfire? We need to talk.”

“Maybe.”

“Lily?” Her voice suddenly grated on my nerves.

“Coming.”

Eric walked back to his vehicle, but he turned back twice to see if I was still there. Had I read too much into our conversation last night at the restaurant? Had I been the one to overreact?

Beth called out, again, and I sauntered back into my living room.

“Which do you like best?” She had three prints sitting around the living room.

None of them, but because they were all the same. Ocean themed. All one had to do was turn around and see the real ocean, so why should there be prints of it hanging in the living room?

I scrunched up my face. “Well…”

“It’s just for the photo.” She lifted each one and admired it. “Let’s do a photo with each since I can’t decide. Once I’m back in the office, I’ll be able to see which suits the mood.”

“You’re the boss.”

I sat on a bar stool, watching helplessly as my best friend picked up her phone and called a colleague. Together they discussed my living room and kitchen before she walked outside to stare at the back of the house and complain about the sand, however, her remarks about the house being in great shape and the spectacular view warmed my heart. Once Archie’s name rolled off her tongue, I knew she was chatting with a real estate guy, so I made us a late lunch.

Beth stormed up the stairs.

“Where’s the camera suitcase?” Her voice was low.

I pointed beside the couch, and with another quick bounce, she was back outside tugging the luggage behind her. Lunch was a yummy chicken Caesar salad, but I picked at it as Beth snapped photos of the living room, varying the pictures and placement of the minor decorations I’d kept around.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” Her plate remained untouched.

“In a bit. I promised Archie a few photos ASAP.”

“But we have all day.” I stabbed an innocent piece of chicken and tore it off the fork.

“You maybe have all day, but I need to get this done. Your place is stunning in the afternoon sun, and I’d like a few great shots to display on my webpage.” She nodded to herself and quickly reorganized one shelf of titles.

“But you didn’t decorate this house. You gave me the colour scheme and that was about it.”

She spun around and laughed. “Yeah, because I know what I’m doing. It’s the colour choice of the bookshelves and the couch fabric that make it uber inviting and yet rustic and beach ready.”

“That sounds like one too many ideas rolled into one thought.” I pierced another bite of chicken.

She had the audacity to mock a shocked expression. “I’ve won dozens of awards for my skills, and I have a certain eye for things.”

That was true. Her award list was long and prestigious, and her skills had been shown off in many celebrity’s homes, especially those who use Vancouver as a temporary hub from Los Angeles.

“You know what, just finish whatever photos you need to take. I’ll be outside.”

I swiped my plate off the counter and stormed out to the beach, dragging a camping chair with me. With one hand, I kicked it open and flopped down in an instant, half expecting Beth to come and join me.

Really, at this point in my life, I should’ve known better. Beth didn’t come out. At least not for a while. I wanted my friend here, not the elite designer. That had been part of my insistence at nagging her to visit. Last night, I was upset and cranky with how things went between Eric and I, and the whole unknown with Parker. More than anything else, I just needed my friend.

By the time Beth did grace me with her presence, my lettuce had wilted, and my chicken likely wasn’t safe to eat.

She walked over, in her stocking feet and stood in front of me. “What’s up with you? You’ve been a total bitch since I landed.”

“Nothing.” I hung my head. “And everything.”

“Want to start at the beginning and tell me about it?” She lowered herself to stare into my eyes like she used to in our college days.

“I think it’s this place.” I waved my hands around.

“Oh yeah, the beach, the views, you’re right, it’s awful.” There was a wisp of a smile in her good-natured tone. “Come back to the house and talk to me. Come see what I’ve done.”

She patted my hand and grabbed my plate.

I dragged my chair back and left it at the bottom of the stairs, ascending with some apprehension. Beth was practically cheerful, so she did something wild.

My jaw hit the floor. Somehow, she pulled it off. My place looked like a full-sized magazine spread. Everything had been rearranged, and there were items I wasn’t familiar with. Yes, it looked wonderful, but it wasn’t my home anymore – it lacked my personal touch. Even my kitchen had been transformed, ready for a family of four to sit and have breakfast. How in the hell did she do that?

“I can see by your wonder, that you are impressed.” It wasn’t even a question, just puffing out her chest in self-praise.

“Did you get all your pictures taken?”

“I sure did. They’re great, and Archie loves the teasers I’ve sent.”

“It does look ready to house a family, or even a couple just starting retirement. It looks prim and proper.”

She beamed as she waltzed around. “And this is why I get paid the big bucks. I can work with what you have, add a few personal props, and bam. Knockout city. Isn’t it beautiful?”

“It’s…” I didn’t have the right words. “Wow.”

“Damn right it is.”

My eyes went to the ceiling. “What about upstairs?”

My curiosity was piqued. What changes had she made?

“Well, it’s not the heart of the home, but I did manage a few pictures. I didn’t stage those, just worked off the very basics you have up there. In order to be worthy of a page spread, it needs a complete overhaul, and I didn’t bring enough for that. However, for a market listing, it’s perfect.” She laughed. “Have I mentioned it needs more greenery for a splash of colour? It’s very shades of white and grey.”

Nodding, I ran my hand over the table I’d recently painted, now set for four with three candles in the centre.

“I need a break.” A loud sigh breathed out. “Tell me what’s going on with you because I so want to tell you what’s going on with me.” In her first truly caring gesture, she pulled me over to the couch and sat beside me.

“I don’t even know where to begin.”

“Well, let’s start with the guy who’s breaking your heart.”

I fell back and leaned into the softness. “It’s complicated. When I first got here, he remembered me, but my past life, if you will, didn’t faze him. We hung out, enjoyed each other’s company–”

Beth was practically twitching beside me. “Get to the good stuff. The rest of this is boring. Blah, blah, blah. Did you make out?”

I stared incredulously.

“Oh my god, you did. That’s wonderful. So, what’s the problem?”

She was jumpy with anticipation, but it wasn’t because she actually wanted to hear about Eric, she wanted me to finish so she could talk. Nothing ever changed with her and my heart broke a little.

“I still need to figure out what the problem is.” I leaned back further into seat and rubbed my tummy, feeling a slight movement as the baby shifted. “Tell me what’s up with you. You’re just all lit up.”

“Well, it all has to do with Archie.”

“Your realtor friend?”

“You should remember from long ago, we started as business partners where I’d stage the houses he was selling, and one thing led to another. His business grew, mine hit the roof exponentially, and I started my own company, which you know, has taken off and the most elite of executives and celebrities have me stage their homes.”

I smiled, very much aware of my friend’s success. She was the little engine that could.

“And the two of you just signed on to do the Canadian version of Property Brothers?”

She inhaled and folded her hands on her lap. “Nope. Lily, he proposed.”

My jaw hit me in the chest with a drop, and I swallowed to bring it back. “You’re engaged? I didn’t even know you were dating anyone.”

Honestly, I didn’t even think she had the time for a relationship.

“Betrothed as of Thursday.”

I scanned her hand, looking for the ring.

“Oh, yeah, that.” She crossed her legs and gave me a chagrin. “Well, it wasn’t really me, so we’re searching for a new one.”

“You didn’t like the one he proposed with?”

Deep down, I knew Beth was a trite materialistic, but how do you turn down a ring someone picked out for you? Who does that?

“Didn’t like it? Gawd, it was awful.” She batted her hand through the air as if she were batting away a bad memory. “Anyways, so we’re going shopping tomorrow afternoon when he picks me up from the airport. Going to go check out the higher end stores, as I’m sure there’ll be something more my style.”

I plastered a fake smile, hating myself just a little while I did it. “That’s fantastic. I’m so happy for you. Never thought I’d see the day when you’d decide to walk the aisle.”

Years ago, she’d claimed marriage was too time consuming, and it would threaten her time and energy on becoming the best and most well-known designer. Guess since she’d already nailed the last part, she could devote time to a marriage.

“So, my next big question is…” She inhaled and held her breath for a second. “Will you be my Maid of Honour?”

My first reaction was a hard no, as there was no way I’d be able to be the kind of help she needed, and truth be told, having watched her at studio photo shoots, all I could picture was a bridezilla. Still, I’d be a major bitch to turn her down.

“You have to think about this? Figured you’d be all over it?”

Think, Lily, think.

“Well, with the baby and everything…” I wasn’t lying, and I wasn’t being a bad friend.

“Oh, don’t worry.” Her shoulders relaxed and her features softened. “We’re thinking we’ll need a minimum of a year, maybe even two or three years to plan the wedding of the century, so you have lots of time to lose the weight.” She patted my stomach for good measure.

I snorted. “That wasn’t my first concern, but thanks for pointing that out.”

“Lil, you’re carrying a baby. Of course, you’re going to put on weight. Your face is so much rounder than it was when you left.”

It didn’t feel rounder, but my hands touched my cheeks just the same. I pushed myself to a stand and moved around. Two to three years was a long way away, lots could happen in that time.

“You know what, sure. I’ll do it.” I nodded my head and agreed to the honour, unsure of what that would entail at this point.

“Sure? Wow.” Her lips curled into a sneer. “Thanks for the enthusiasm. It wasn’t too long ago that you would’ve been all over that.”

“I know.” Because it was truth. “I was a different person.”

She threw her hands in the air and punched her finger in my direction. “I knew coming here would change you. I knew it was a bad idea right from the start. I said it many times to Archie. She’s going to move back there, and she’ll be different. She’ll lose her edge. And look at you. I was so right; it makes me sick.” She narrowed her eyes and popped up onto her feet. “You’ve gone soft. Before you were hard core, a go-getter, and now you’re falling apart.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “I’m not falling apart, we’ve fallen apart.”

“We?”

“Yeah. We’re two different people, living two very different lives.”

“That’s not true and you know it.”

“Isn’t it?” My hands fell to my side in defeat. “Tell me something I’ve shared with you since I’ve moved back here. I know, better yet, tell me the name of the guy I’m interested in.”

She took a step back. “You’ve never mentioned his name, because I would’ve remembered.”

“I have. At least three times.” I wanted to add you’ve even met him, but that would be giving her too big a hint, and I wanted to make my point.

“Well, you don’t know anything about me.”

She stood there, in total silence, while I listed off all the things about her, and those were just the recent ones I’d learned in my absence.

My voice softened as my heart tore a little. “Face it, Beth, we’ve grown apart. It happens to the best of friends, and it’s happening to us. I can’t keep up with your lifestyle, and you know what, that’s okay.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks, and I hesitated. In the years I’ve known Beth, crying wasn’t something I’d ever witnessed, and I wasn’t sure if she was angry or truly upset by the truth.

Instead, she took a sharp breath and moved around the living room, gathering her items, and shoving them under her arms. Her stomps sounded up the stairs, and a door slam followed.

Guess she was angry.