On Saturday morning, Tia rode the bike over to Julie and Roland’s house for coffee. Although Roland was a little quieter than usual, he did seem glad to see her. “You look good,” she told him as the three of them sat outside on the deck together. “The color’s back in your face, and it seems like you’re getting stronger too.”
He rubbed his beard. “Yes, according to my physical therapist I’m progressing ‘nicely.’ ”
“He’s been a little down in the dumps, though,” Julie told Tia.
“So she says,” Roland said dryly. “But until you have someone cut open your chest, crack you open like a walnut, and work your heart over, you probably can’t relate.”
Julie patted his arm. “I’m just glad you’re still around.”
He gave her a weak smile. “Even if I am turning into an old curmudgeon?”
“You’re not,” Julie insisted.
“You just need to give yourself time,” Tia told him.
“That’s right,” Julie agreed. “You can’t expect to snap back to your old self.”
“I’m sure you girls are right.” Roland sipped his coffee. “I’ve just never been a very patient sort of fellow. I’m used to things moving quickly.”
“Well, I like that life has slowed down for us,” Julie told him. “I’ve enjoyed this time we’ve had together.”
His bushy gray brows arched. “Really?”
“Absolutely,” she declared. “In a way it reminds me of our early days together, taking the time to get to know each other all over again.”
He slowly nodded. “Yes, I suppose that’s true. But I still feel guilty for taking up so much of your time.”
“Well, you shouldn’t. Tia and Leo are handling everything on the boat so efficiently. It’s almost as if they don’t need me.” Julie grinned. “Do I know how to pick a team or what?”
“Speaking of Leo, didn’t you say his engagement party is tonight?” Roland asked.
“Yes. At 7:00.” Julie pointed to Tia. “We’ll give you a ride.”
“Oh . . . yeah.” Tia looked at Roland. “You’re going too?”
“Julie said it’s time for me to get out and socialize.” He paused as if he was unsure. “I do like Leo . . . even if I’m not too sure about his choice in women.”
“Natalie is a very sweet person,” Tia said.
“Yes,” Julie agreed. “We’re going tonight to support Leo no matter his choice.”
“I’m not sure what to wear,” Tia told Julie. “I assume it’s sort of formal-ish, right?”
“Well, I’m making Roland put on a tie, and I’m wearing a dress.”
Tia figured as much. Natalie would probably be dressed to the nines. The three of them visited together for about an hour longer, then Tia, seeing that Roland seemed a little weary, excused herself. “Time to get back to the boat.” She gave Roland a hug.
“You know we still have the guest room for you,” Julie said as she walked her to the front door. “It’s not like you have to live on the boat.”
“I know.” Tia smiled. “But I actually like it.”
Julie laughed. “Then you might as well enjoy it. At least while the weather is good. I’m not sure you’d want to be there in the middle of a winter storm.”
“Maybe not.”
“And for the time being”—Julie lowered her voice—“it’s probably for the best anyway. You know, until Roland gets back to his old self.”
Tia nodded. “Right.”
They arranged to meet at the dock parking lot fifteen minutes before the party, but as Tia rode back to the boat, she tried to invent a believable excuse to avoid going.
Back at the boat, Tia decided to call her dad. She thought it might be comforting to hear his voice, and it was—at first. Then he started talking about Deanna. “She wants to set a date,” he told Tia. “Not for a wedding wedding, but for us to get married in Vegas.”
“Vegas?” Tia tried to imagine her rather straitlaced father in Sin City.
“Deanna has always wanted to go and I’m thinking, why not?”
“Yes . . . why not?”
“Oh, I know what you’re thinking, Tia. But I’ve been doing some research online and there’s a lot more to Vegas than gambling. They have some amazing restaurants and some really good shows. Deanna wants to see Cirque du Soleil. She has vacation time coming the first week of August. So I’m thinking maybe we should just do it.”
“You should go for it, Dad,” she said, feigning enthusiasm. “Really, you should.”
“Yes, I think so. I’ll let you know when we nail down a date.”
“Give Deanna my love,” she said cheerfully.
When she hung up, she felt anything but cheerful. Although she wouldn’t admit it to anyone, she felt downright envious. Dad and Deanna were getting married—and soon. Julie and Roland were still blissfully in love. Leo and Natalie were celebrating their engagement tonight. Oh, she knew she should be happy for all of them—and on some level she was—but she was feeling a bit sorry for herself. Sorry and certain that true love would never come her way.
As fate would have it, she didn’t fall and break her leg that day, and she didn’t want to lie to her friends. Without any good reason to bail on the engagement party, she put on her little black dress and hoped to play the wallflower tonight. Due to Roland’s low energy level, she figured they wouldn’t stay too long. Maybe just an hour if she was lucky.
“I’ve only been to the Morgans’ once before,” Julie said as she drove through her own neighborhood and then up the same hill that the Parker house was on. “But I’ll warn you, Tia, it’s pretty swanky.”
“Swanky?” Tia snickered.
“The Morgans are well off. Their money goes way back,” Roland said. “I heard the great-great-grandfather was a merchant during the gold rush—sort of like Levi Strauss—or something to that effect.”
“Anyway, it’s pretty posh,” Julie said as she turned into a gated driveway at the top of the hill.
“Looks like valet parking,” Roland observed as Julie drove the SUV up behind several expensive cars already lining up to approach the portico. “Told you we should’ve taken my car.”
“Oh, don’t be such a car snob,” Julie teased as she pulled up behind a gleaming new Mercedes, glancing back at Tia. “Roland thinks his Beemer would be more impressive with this crowd.”
“Right.” Roland laughed. “Who do we want to impress anyway?”
Tia looked around the grounds. Everything was manicured and beautiful. Next to the portico was a large pond with a statue of a dolphin leaping through a fountain. The house was made of stone with the sort of substantial appearance that suggested it had been there for quite some time. But as they got out of the car, it was the view that stopped her. Because the house was at the top of the hill, it looked as if it had a 365-degree view of the city, the bay, and the bridge.
The sound of live music greeted them as they went through the tall double doorway which was fully opened in a generous welcome. Luxurious bouquets of flowers were placed here and there. With its stone columns and marble floors, the grand home resembled a small palace.
“Looks more like a wedding than an engagement party,” Julie whispered to Tia.
Tia simply nodded.
They were barely inside the large, open room where guests were mingling when Melinda rushed up to greet them. “There’s a problem,” she said quietly to Tia.
“A problem?”
“The caterer—a friend of Natalie’s—got called away on an emergency. Seems her young son was hit by a car.”
“Oh dear!” Julie exclaimed.
“Is he okay?” Tia asked.
“I guess so, but he’s in the hospital and the caterer had to leave. Natalie’s mom is on the phone trying to figure things out. My mom told her what a whiz you are in the kitchen, Tia, and—”
“I’d love to help,” Tia told her.
“Really?” Melinda looked relieved.
“Are you sure?” Julie asked her.
Tia made a genuine smile. “Absolutely.”
As Melinda led her to the kitchen, Tia felt relief washing over her. It wasn’t as good as skipping the party altogether, but being stuck in the kitchen seemed a good second place.
“Here she is,” Melinda said as she presented Tia to a tall blonde woman who looked like an older version of Natalie. “The talented woman I told you about. I think you met in church.”
Mrs. Morgan frowned slightly. “I don’t recall.”
“Tia D’Amico.” Tia smiled nervously.
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Lesley Morgan,” the woman told her. “Of course, I’m Natalie’s mother. Did Melinda tell you about our unfortunate mess?”
“She did. I’m happy to help.”
“Oh, you are a dear. Hopefully it won’t be for long. I’m waiting for someone to return my call right now.” She held up her phone. “I really don’t want Natalie to know what’s going on. I don’t want to spoil it for them.”
Tia was already examining the containers of food in the kitchen, trying to imagine what the caterer’s plan had been. “How many guests do you expect?”
“It’s not a big gathering. About fifty, I believe.”
“How did you plan to serve the food?”
“It’s only a buffet of appetizers—in the dining room,” Lesley explained. “We have a bartender out by the pool to serve drinks, as well as a punch bowl. But the caterer was supposed to handle the appetizers and dessert. A friend stepped in and put out some food, but I’m afraid she wasn’t very clever about it.”
“Okay.” Tia nodded. “Sounds simple enough. Why don’t you go out and enjoy your guests, and I’ll just take over in here.”
“Bless you,” Lesley said. “Of course, I’ll pay you for your time. And if I can get someone in here on such short notice, believe me, I will.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Tia said. “I’m happy to handle this as long as necessary.”
“I’ll stick around and help her,” Melinda told Lesley.
“Well, I want you girls to get out there and enjoy the party too,” Lesley said as she started to leave.
Tia immediately jumped into action, locating serving dishes and platters, arranging food, and showing Melinda how and where to set it on the long table in the spacious dining room. Soon everything was in its place—looking rather splendid—and guests began flowing in.
“Thanks for helping,” Tia told Melinda. “From here on out, all I need to do is keep refilling the appetizers, and that’s a one-person job. You go on out and celebrate your brother’s engagement.”
Melinda’s mouth twisted to one side. “Maybe I’d rather stay in the kitchen with you.”
Tia gave her a gentle push. “Don’t be a party pooper, Melinda.”
“Fine.” Melinda rolled her eyes. “But you send for me if you need help, okay?”
Tia nodded then returned to the kitchen to put some of the perishable appetizers into the fridge. She did not want anyone getting food poisoning on her watch. She moved a kitchen stool to where she could keep an unseen post near the dining room door, watching as appetizers disappeared and slipping in to refill the platters when the room wasn’t too busy with guests. She went back and forth, cleaning up spills and replacing clean plates, silverware, napkins. Her job was ensuring that it all looked attractive, enticing, and well maintained.
Almost an hour passed before she saw Leo filling a plate. Jake was with him, being his usual jovial self and even talking about last night’s jam session on the boat. Leo seemed rather serious and wasn’t saying much. Dressed in a suit and tie, he looked somewhat stiff and uncomfortable—and not necessarily happy. Or was she just imagining things? Whatever the case, she was thankful not to come face-to-face with him tonight.
It was about 8:30 when Melinda returned to the kitchen. “Julie and Roland just left,” she told Tia. “I told them I’d give you a ride home later. Okay?”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
“Need any help?”
“No, I’ve got it. It’s slowed down a lot anyway.”
“Why don’t you come out and join the party?” Melinda asked. “There’s dancing outside.”
Tia shrugged. “That’s okay. I’m fine here.”
Melinda looked skeptical, but at least she went back out.
A part of Tia wanted to go outside to watch what was happening, but another part was digging in its heels, relieved to stay put on her little kitchen stool. She told herself that she was needed here, even if it was simply to refill the petit fours platter and put out more dessert forks. She had just returned to the kitchen when she heard Natalie’s voice in the dining room. She was talking quietly, almost in a conspirator’s tone. Tia assumed she must be conversing with Leo, but when she peeked out, she spied a tall, dark-haired guy instead. “Promise not to tell anyone, Conrad.”
“Scout’s honor.” His dark eyes twinkled.
“Because it’s meant to be a surprise.”
“I don’t know how you’ll pull it off, Natalie, but if anyone can do this, I’d put my money on you.”
“My dad and Leo’s dad are helping too. Like you and me, they’re both Stanford Law School alumni. But Dad’s got the best connections. He’s got it all worked out that Leo can return to school in the fall—right after we get back from Baja. By my calculations, Leo should earn his law degree shortly after he turns thirty. Then he can join the firm.”
“He’s willing to give up boats?”
“Well, he can still go boating for fun,” she said. “But everyone has to grow up eventually.” She laughed. “Now remember, it’s a secret, Conrad. Do not spill the beans. Please give my dad your letter of recommendation as soon as possible. We need more than just family members’ endorsements. Can you imagine Leo’s face when I present him with the acceptance letter for a wedding gift?”
“Not exactly.” He chuckled. “But I’ve never been able to figure old Leo out anyway.”
Another couple entered the dining room, and Natalie and Conrad began chatting about something else with them. Tia was unable to listen to another word. Her ears, it seemed, were too full to contain anything else. Did Natalie seriously believe that forcing Leo to go to law school was a good wedding gift? Had Tia heard them wrong? She gave her head a firm shake, trying to make sense of it. Poor Leo!
Tia was standing at the sink, rinsing a platter, when Leo walked up. “What are you doing in here?” he demanded in what seemed an irritated tone.
She blinked as she nearly dropped the platter. “Huh?”
“What are you doing in the kitchen?” He stared intently into her eyes.
“I, uh, I’m helping out.” She quickly explained about the caterer’s son.
“I know about that. But why you?”
“Because I’m a chef.” She wiped her hands on the apron she’d borrowed.
“But this isn’t right, Tia. You’re my friend. You weren’t invited here to be a servant and—”
“Look, Leo.” She narrowed her eyes. “I’m in here because I want to be in here. Okay?”
“Oh, there you are.” Natalie came into the kitchen. “Jake said he saw you sneaking back this way.” She put her arms around Leo’s waist. “Didn’t get enough to eat, babe?”
“There’s plenty of food in the dining room,” Tia said tersely.
“Oh, Tia.” Natalie seemed to have just noticed her.
“Hi, Natalie.” Tia could hear the coldness in her voice but seemed unable to help it.
Natalie peered at her with sympathy. “Don’t tell me you’ve been stuck in here for the whole evening? Mom told me you were lending a hand, but I didn’t think you were still—”
“Like I just told Leo, I’m doing this because I want to. I like helping.” Tia turned back to the sink, focusing her attention on the platter she was rinsing.
“You are a saint.” Natalie planted a kiss on Tia’s cheek. “Thank you, darling girl!”
Tia made a stiff smile as she set the platter on the island with the others. “Just consider it an engagement present.”
Leo was still glowering at her.
“Do me a favor,” Tia said lightly. “Please, go back out there with your guests while I finish up some things in here.”
“But you can’t keep—”
“Please!” Tia locked eyes with Leo. “Just go.”
“Come on, Leo,” Natalie said in a teasing tone. “We don’t want her going for the knives.”
“Thank you,” Tia said curtly as Natalie pulled Leo out toward the dining room with her.
Tia felt her Italian blood boiling as she returned to the sink. So many emotions were surging through her just now, she wasn’t even sure which ones were the most upsetting. Instead of attempting to figure it out, she threw all her energy into cleaning things up.
“Hey,” Melinda said as she found Tia vigorously scrubbing a marble countertop. “Lesley asked me to tell you not to clean up. She has a janitorial service coming in tomorrow to do that.”
“Right.” Tia threw the dishrag into the sink, pulled off her apron, and tossed it onto a kitchen stool.
“What’s wrong with you?” Melinda looked alarmed.
“Nothing,” Tia growled.
“Sure . . .” Melinda tipped her head to one side. “Are you mad because you missed the party?”
“Hardly.” Tia went to where she’d stashed her bag in a cupboard. “I just want to go home.”
“Well, lucky for you, so do I. That’s why I came to get you. Ready?”
“I’m more than ready.” Tia nodded to a side door that led from the kitchen out to what appeared to be a service area of trash cans and recycling bins. “Can we go that way?”
“Makes no difference to me. I already said my good-byes and asked the valet to bring my car around.”
“Good.”
It wasn’t until they were in Melinda’s car that Tia began to relax a little.
“Tia,” Melinda said gently, “what’s wrong?”
Tia took in a deep breath. “I guess I’m just fed up.”
“Because you had to work in the kitchen all night?”
“No.” Tia firmly shook her head. “That was a blessing in disguise. Really. I didn’t mind that at all.”
“What then?”
“Too many secrets.”
“Secrets?” Melinda glanced at Tia as she stopped at an intersection. “What kind of secrets?”
“If I told you, they wouldn’t be secrets, now, would they?” Tia folded her arms in front of her.
“Okay . . . then who are the secrets about?”
Tia pressed her lips tightly together, staring blankly out the window.
“Come on, Tia. You can’t say you know secrets and just leave it hanging like that.”
Still Tia said nothing. For several minutes neither of them spoke.
“I thought we were friends,” Melinda said when she finally pulled into the dock parking lot. “But maybe I was wrong.”
“Oh, Melinda!” Tia exploded as she opened the door. “It’s so frustrating, and I want to tell you, but I feel disloyal, and it’s such a mess—a big fat mess! Thanks for the ride.” Tia got out of the car and took off down the dock.
“Wait!” Melinda came running after her. “You can’t get rid of me that easily. Not after saying what you just said, Tia. What is going on?”
Tia kept walking. “Nothing.”
Melinda reached over and grabbed Tia’s arm. “Tell me what’s going on. I know it must have to do with my brother. I have a right to know.”
“Maybe I’m just making a mountain out of a molehill.”
“Then it’s no big deal if you tell me. Come on, what’s happened?”
Standing there on the dock, Tia poured out the story of what she’d just overheard—how Natalie planned to send Leo to law school as a wedding present. When she was done, Melinda simply threw back her head and laughed.
“It’s not funny,” Tia insisted.
“I know it’s not funny.” Melinda suddenly grew sober. “In fact, it’s downright aggravating. But think about it, Tia. How is Natalie going to force Leo to do something he doesn’t want to do? In case you haven’t noticed, my brother is pretty stubborn.”
“Except when it comes to Natalie.”
Melinda scowled. “Yeah, that’s probably true. Now that I think about it, Nat kind of talked Leo into getting engaged, didn’t she? And she’s the one pushing for a summer wedding when Leo really wanted to wait a year or more.”
“That’s not all.”
“What?”
Tia clapped her hand over her mouth. “Nothing.”
“Come on, out with it.”
“I can’t. I promised Natalie I wouldn’t say anything.” Tia shook her head. “I’ve already said too much. I’m sorry, Melinda. Maybe I’m just tired or something.” She let out a long, exasperated sigh. “Thanks for the ride. Sorry to act like such a drama queen just now. You’re right. It’s probably no big deal.” She started walking again.
“I didn’t say that.” Melinda kept walking with her. “The truth is, I think it is a big deal. I think my brother has no idea what he’s really getting into.”
“I’m sure he can figure it out.”
“Hopefully.”
Tia stopped beneath an overhead light, forcing a smile. “Sorry to dump on you like that. It was wrong of me to eavesdrop on Natalie. I hope you’ll keep what I said private. Okay?” She peered intently at Melinda. “Please, for my sake. I never meant to be a busybody, sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong.”
Melinda shrugged. “Can’t see there’s much point in me tattling to Leo anyway. It’s not like he has to go to law school if he doesn’t want to.”
Melinda hugged Tia. “For the record, I think it’s sweet that you care enough about our family to confide in me though. And I’m sorry you got stuck in the kitchen all night.”
Tia attempted a smile. “Believe me, there are worse things in the world than doing KP.” As she walked back to the boat, she tried not to think about them.