Chad arrived at the Java Café ahead of Cynthia and her stepsisters. Her office, she’d explained, wasn’t large enough to accommodate a meeting of five people, and since Eric was home now, it was important to her that they all meet together.
It made sense, of course. But he wasn’t looking forward to seeing Cynthia get all tongue-tied in Eric’s presence. He’d prefer to fluster her himself.
Maddie and DeeDee were fun. He couldn’t quite imagine what they’d contribute to a serious discussion, but Cynthia had been adamant they be included.
He went to the counter and ordered a round of pastries for the table.
“Thanks, Sally.” He winked at the barista. “Is it my imagination or do you get more beautiful each time I see you?”
“Your smooth moves don’t work here, pretty boy.” But she smiled to soften the words. “Cash does, though. Don’t forget the tip jar.”
“Moves?” He put a hand to his chest, as if wounded. “It’s a sad day when a man can’t pay a woman a compliment without having his honor called into question.”
He was putting a twenty into the tip jar when he saw Cynthia’s car pull up to the curb. He hadn’t talked to her since the night at Grey’s. Anticipation sizzled through his veins.
“Let me get that for you,” he said as she pushed through the doors, her arms laden with material.
“I hope I’m not late,” she said, plunking a pile of file folders onto the table. She sat in the chair closest to the wall, kitty-corner, rather than across from him.
“I’m early,” he assured her. Her hair was slipping out of the ponytail at the back of her head, and she blew it off her face, drawing his gaze to her lips.
Nice.
She didn’t appear to be wearing any make-up, but the warmth of the day, combined with what appeared to be nerves, put a lovely pink tint on her cheeks.
“Where’s Eric?” She looked around her.
Chad forced himself to smile. “What, I’m not good enough for you?”
“Oh, no, I didn’t mean-”
Her blush was immediate, her expression stricken. It made him feel like a dick.
“Kidding. He’ll be here any minute. Though, I could express the same sentiment about your lovely partners. Would you be disappointed if it was just the two of us again?”
She gave a little snort, as if she was amused, but didn’t want to be. She glanced down at her phone. “My partners are right behind me. They should be here any minute.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
His phone buzzed. A message from Eric. His meeting was running late. He wouldn’t be able to join them. Surprise, surprise.
His spirits lifted.
“Turns out, Eric can’t make it, after all. Your rodeo-star hero has a lot on his plate,” he said, shrugging as if it didn’t matter one way or the other to him.
“He’s not my rodeo-star hero.” She lifted her chin, annoyed. “I don’t care if he’s here or not. But I don’t have time to be sending drafts back and forth and redoing things because one party wants changes after everything’s already been completed. Are you the point man on this?”
Her directness was refreshing.
“I am,” he said. Their eyes locked across the table and he had the sense that inside her still grey gaze ran the legendary deep waters that a man underestimated at his peril.
The thought was strangely intriguing.
Then she looked down and began shuffling through her files, stacking and restacking them. The nerves were back.
“Can I get you a coffee?” he asked. “I’m thinking decaf.”
She made fists, then opened her hands and held them in front of her, sighing at the visible tremor. “Sure.”
Nice hands. Lightly tanned, nails short and clean, unpainted. Before he knew what he was doing, he took them, gently pressing each one flat against the table, beneath his, waiting for them to calm.
“There,” he said. “That’s better.”
A muscle in her jaw twitched.
The bell over the door tinkled just then, and she jerked her hands back into her lap.
“There they are,” she said. “I knew they’d be here. I don’t know what took them so long, but it’s okay now because they’re here.”
“Saved by the bell?” he murmured. It’s not like he wanted to make her nervous, but it was a heck of a lot better than having no effect on her at all.
The chatter of voices in the room fell to a hush as the sisters entered, followed by a rush of perfume and color and... presence. Chad stood up to greet them.
“Hey, Chad,” said Maddie, leaning in for a kiss. Then she shot a glance at Cynthia. “That was a business kiss, okay? Don’t freak out.”
Cynthia’s jaw twitched again but she said nothing.
DeeDee reached forward, ever so subtly pushing her sister away, and lightly brushed her own lips on his cheek.
“It’ll be wonderful working with you,” she said. “I just know it.”
The same sparkle as her sister, but a bit more height, and a lot more edge. Together the sisters oohed and aahed and touched his arm, all shiny and bright, like a pair of new pennies. In the dim light of Grey’s, it had been one thing; here in the coffee shop, during the day, it made him wish he were wearing sunglasses.
They were, without a doubt, the high school girls who’d crashed Eric’s party. The intervening years had been very, very good to them.
So why did he feel vaguely... disappointed?
“You’re so tall,” said Deirdre. “Six feet?”
“Uh, six one,” he said.
“Not now, DeeDee,” said Maddie, giving Cynthia a hug. She chose the seat next to him, while Deirdre sat directly across. They both leaned in, just enough to show a bit of cleavage, which Chad appreciated, and assure him that they were interested. Like there was any question.
Given his long-time curiosity, he should have been jumping for joy.
Instead, he felt like an antelope with a pair of cheetahs in his rear-view mirror.
Cynthia’s cool containment was in sharp contrast to her stepsisters’ behavior.
“I so admire what you’re doing,” Maddie told him. “You and your brother, both.”
“Celebrities have a social responsibility.” DeeDee spoke authoritatively. “Not everyone understands that. It can be a burden.”
Maddie made a face. “You’ve done one commercial, DeeDee. For deodorant. You’re not Angelina Jolie. But it’s wonderful that Eric’s lending his name to this project. You too, Chad.”
Chad. The also-ran.
She turned to him, smiled broadly and did some kind of shimmy with her shoulders. It reminded him of next-door neighbor Melinda Sweet’s fancy show chickens, shaking their iridescent plumage, preening for a rooster.
He sat back and turned his attention to DeeDee.
“So, you’re a model?”
The thinner sister inhaled, emphasizing her own... feathers.
“Yes,” she said.
“No,” said Maddie and Cynthia together.
“I’m waiting for a call to the city,” said DeeDee. If her hair toss had a name, it would be Studied Casual. “New York,” she added, since no one had asked.
Chad felt the first spike of concern. “But aren’t you part of DMC Solutions? Cynthia, I thought you said your sisters were the event planners.”
“I did. They are.” Cynthia’s lips formed a thin line and she didn’t look at him.
“Oh, of course I help out.” DeeDee waved a hand. “Until my career takes off, I’m all about the parties.”
That, he could see. But it didn’t answer his question.
“We are the event planners, Chad,” said Maddie, glowering at her twin. “Rest assured we’re all yours, one hundred percent committed to your Fix-It dance.”
“Fixer-Upper,” murmured Cynthia.
No need to question her dedication. If there’d been any question in his mind about who really ran DMC Solutions, this settled it.
“I was thinking a Big Apple theme,” said DeeDee, blinking prettily at him. “You and I could fly out for a research trip, what do you think?”
“What about Fixer-Upper says New York to you, DeeDee?” Cynthia placed several sheets of paper in front of each of them, her gestures short and sharp. “Now, pay attention. I’m sure Chad will be more than happy to flirt with you once we’re done here.”
Giggles of protest erupted immediately, making him realize that it was a familiar dynamic.
“Hey ladies,” said Sally, delivering the plate of goodies. “How’s everyone today? I’d warn you two about Chad, but perhaps he should be warned about you, instead.”
She glanced meaningfully between him and the Cash sisters, and the girls laughed again, touching their hair and protesting loudly.
Sally had ignored Cynthia entirely, Chad noticed.
“Thanks, Sally,” he said.
“Lovely looking treats,” said DeeDee. “Not that I’ll be eating any, of course.”
“Or me,” said Maddie, running her hands down her ribcage. “I haven’t had time to work out this week. More for you, right, Cindy?”
“Yup,” she said, taking a glazed donut. “Thanks, Sally. Okay, let’s get down to business. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far.”
Cynthia dove into her presentation. Her fidgeting was gone, he noticed. Now she was completely composed, comfortable in her element, focused on business.
She handed him the file containing her initial design concepts and their hands brushed. It was the briefest of touches, but it made him look up, as if the earlier contact had primed him, sensitized him. Her skin was smooth and cool, as was her expression.
He frowned. Next to the twins, she looked quite... ordinary. So why was he so compelled?
“Here’s the address for the website,” she continued. “It’s under construction, and I haven’t done any search engine optimization, not until I’ve got your approval. Here’s what I was thinking for a logo.”
She went over the options for business cards and letterhead, her ideas clear and concise. Maddie leaned in close enough that her shoulder touched his. He had a feeling that if he wanted to know if she had any moles, all he had to do was ask.
It seemed like he’d have no trouble finding out, from either her or her sister. But getting visual confirmation now seemed to carry a price tag he wasn’t sure he wanted to pay.
“Doesn’t she do lovely work?” Maddie said, reaching over to touch Cynthia’s hand. “We’re so lucky to have our Cinderella. I wish I was talented but I guess I’ll settle for being cute.”
She sparkled at Chad.
“The two aren’t mutually exclusive,” he said, mildly. “Are they, Cinderella?”
Cynthia blushed and dropped her pen.
Maddie’s smile tightened. She sat back and crossed her arms. “Are we almost done here? I have a hair appointment.”
DeeDee’s cell phone rang and she jumped, grabbing at it. “Sorry, guys. I’ve got to take this.”
She walked outside, swaying like a palm tree in a stiff breeze, graceful despite her speed, and in shoes that made his feet hurt just looking at them.
“I can have the package ready by next week once I’ve got your approval,” said Cynthia.
Chad pointed to the design he liked best. “It’s a go.”
“That’s my favorite too,” said Maddie quickly.
Cynthia frowned. “Shouldn’t you discuss it with your brother?”
Eric, again.
“When it comes to the foundation, I make the decisions,” said Chad. “Until there’s a spotlight, anyway.”
Maddie yawned, putting a well-manicured hand in front of her mouth.
“Is that so,” said Cynthia, tipping her head thoughtfully. “Interesting.”
“Not really,” he said. “He does the speaking, I handle the details, that’s all. My brother and I have a great partnership.”
Once again, he felt pulled under by that wide, deep grey gaze.
“Of course,” she said.
Okay, maybe he got a little tired of being Chad, brother-of-Eric, instead of Chad. Period. He’d get over it. Eric was still the new guy in town. It would wear off.
“Look at all those pastries,” said Maddie, cutting a corner off a honey cruller. “I just want one bite. You can finish the rest for me, Cindy.”
“I haven’t eaten my own yet.” She handed around another sheet. “We’ve got an extensive invitation list so far. You should get a good response.”
“Come on, Cindy, we all saw you scarf down that ice cream sandwich thing the other night.” Maddie tossed the cruller onto Cynthia’s plate to join the donut. “I envy your metabolism, not to mention your attitude. I wish I didn’t care so much what I looked like.”
Chad grabbed the cruller and broke it in half. “She does have a great attitude, doesn’t she?”
Then he reached across and held the other piece up to Cynthia’s mouth.
She blinked, a deer-in-the-headlights look, then opened that pretty pink mouth and let him place the delicacy onto her tongue.
“There’s nothing like watching a woman eat,” he said, polishing off the rest of it as Maddie scrambled for a cherry Danish.
Cynthia licked her fingers and swallowed. “Let’s talk about goals, shall we?”
The way her tongue had darted out to catch the last bit of sweetness from her skin, the light sucking sound as she pulled her fingers away from those luscious lips, he couldn’t think.
“Goals.”
He had goals. Yeah.
“What do you see as the desired outcome of this project?” prodded Cynthia.
Desired outcome. He had that, too.
“Oh, my God,” snapped Maddie, around a mouthful of pastry. “The money, Chad. How much do you want to raise?”
“Right.” He told them the net proceeds they were hoping to achieve. “We’ll match whatever sum we reach. It’s worth it. Staff’s a great guy.”
Cynthia made a few notes, the tip of her tongue resting lightly on her top lip as she concentrated.
“Want some of my Danish, Chad?” asked Maddie, holding it out to him. “It’s sinfully delicious.”
When he opened his mouth to say no, she took the opportunity to cram it inside, then wiped a bit of glaze from the corner of his lip with her finger.
Part of him, yeah, that part, said right on.
But another part, a little voice inside his head that he knew was there but seldom listened to, said really? You want that?
“So, is it serious between Logan and that woman?” asked Maddie, patting non-existent crumbs off her well-endowed chest. “The one with the Asian kid?”
“Samara and Jade?” said Cynthia. “Have you seen Logan with them, Maddie? They’re a family. Dog and everything. Leave him be.”
“Cindy, you make me sound like some kind of maneater! Which I only am when they ask nicely.” Maddie pouted prettily, then brightened. “I was about to say all the good ones were taken.” She leaned over again and nudged Chad’s shoulder with hers. “But they’re not, are they?”
She was ready to hop onto a silver platter for him.
“Ahem.” Cynthia shook a sheaf of paper. “Back to our regular programming, if you have a moment.”
Maddie smiled and said, in a stage whisper, “You see why we call her Cinderella. Work, work, work.”
Which was kind of the point, a concept Maddie seemed unable to grasp.
“Lucky for me. Do you keep her locked in a dungeon, too?” asked Chad. “Forbid her from going to fancy balls?”
Maddie tipped her head and giggled. “Come on, Chad. We’d love to dress her up and take her out, but that night at Grey’s was about as fancy as our Cindy gets. We’ve been trying to loosen her up since the day we met but no dice. Well, there was that one time-”
“Maddie!” Spots of crimson stood high on Cynthia’s creamy cheeks.
But whatever else she was going to say got lost as DeeDee sauntered back to their table. She didn’t take her seat but paused, waiting for them to look at her.
“What?” said Maddie.
DeeDee’s eyes shone. She whirled in a circle, clutched herself, then sat down and grabbed her sisters’ hands across the table.
“I’m going to New York!” She reached around and gave Chad a quick, tight hug that just happened to give him another peek at the unlikely cleavage that stood out against her bony chest. “I made the cut! I can’t believe it. Oh, I have to go home and tell Mom right away. I’m going to New York!”
So much for one hundred percent commitment, thought Chad.
But he didn’t care. During her excited twirl, her blouse had lifted, revealing a too-thin midriff with skin unmarked by scars or tattoos... or moles. He waited for disappointment to hit. It didn’t.
“DeeDee.” Cynthia shook her head, panic in her eyes. “You can’t leave. We’ve barely started this project.”
Then she collected herself, as if suddenly remembering his presence and how this must appear to him. “Excuse us, Chad. Obviously we have some internal issues to work out. Please don’t worry. I’ll make sure your event is unaffected.”
The glance she sent DeeDee was an ice pick, but the tall stepsister ignored it.
“Right. Sorry about this, Chad.” DeeDee gestured vaguely at Cynthia’s files and stood up again, flinging her enormous bag over her shoulder. “But they don’t really need me anyway. They’ll do fine on their own. Probably better, since I’m not really a details kind of girl.”
Maddie scrambled to follow, dropping a quick kiss on Cynthia’s head. “It’s true, she’s not. I can handle everything myself. I’ll talk to you later on this afternoon, okay Cindy? Chad, I’ll see you soon.”
And like a tornado, the pair swirled out of the coffee shop.
Cynthia sank back into her seat, then looked at Chad and swallowed hard.
“I duh-duh-don’t know what to say. I’m so embarrassed.”
Her chin was up, her gaze steady, but her fingers were trembling again. Again he put his hands over hers to still them.
“Family, huh?” he said.
She dropped her head. “Chad, I promise-”
“Don’t worry, Cynthia. I trust you.”
Her face came up again and she looked different yet again.
What had he thought earlier? That she was ordinary, compared to the Cash girls?
Oh, no. Not ordinary at all.
They were like firecrackers, a flash of explosion and color and light, here, then gone, leaving nothing but ash.
Cynthia was a different kind of fire. A single candle, burning in a window.
Easily overlooked.
Extinguished with a breath.
But able to guide a tired traveler home through a dark night.
Not ordinary at all.