Her Unexpected Affair (The Robinsons) (13 page)

Randi rolled on with her instructions, clearly not seeing the small display. “The little ones will want to be in the pool soon, but hold off a bit before assuming your preferred uniform.” The smile she gave him was lopsided. She knew him so well. He’d already laid out his most obnoxious pair of swim trunks. Ones that would make Birdie scream that she was being blinded.

He bent down and kissed Randi’s cheek. “Don’t get burned, Mum.” She already had new freckles dusting her nose.

“I won’t. There’s an umbrella with my name on it right over there.” She pointed to the table closest to the pool. “I can play lifeguard and queen of the party all from the same location.”

“Like you’ll sit still that long.”

“Oh, I will. Once this party switches to graduation celebration I’m no longer the official hostess. In fact, I think the entire party is now in Martin and Birdie’s hands.”

“Courtney,” he reminded her.

“She’s been Birdie since the first time she realized she could make noises. She chirped then; she chirps now. I can’t think of her as Courtney to save my life.”

Drew laughed and gave her a one-armed hug. “I’ll leave that battle to you.”

Randi’s response was a very dry, “Thanks.”

In a few minutes he was down to his shirt with the sleeves rolled up and held an icy beer in his hand as he took a position next to the still buttoned up Oswald. Or Ozzie as Birdie liked to taunt him. The nickname went over like a lead balloon. The first long pull of his beer went down like rain in the desert.

The last table was set, its umbrella unfurled, and guests flocked to the shade provided, plates loaded with cold appetizers. Food. What an excellent idea. “Come on, old man.” He gave Oswald a light elbow to the ribs. “Get there before it’s gone. They’re not so polite over here about buffet tables.”

That got a tight smile out of the stiff man. “Looks tasty.”

Was it Drew’s imagination or had Oswald just sneaked at look at Birdie? Hm. Hadn’t seen that one coming.

At the table with salads on ice, he met up with Shan Lin and all thoughts about Oswald lusting after his sister disappeared. Lin lusting after Meilin was a problem in Drew’s mind. No matter how irrational.

“I understand you’ve known my father for years.” He opened the small talk. He was known for being friendly, so friendly conversation was called for.

“Yes,” the man responded with cold politeness. “I spent a year of my undergrad in London. Your father was kind and helped me find my way around.” His gaze dropped to the garter now snug around Drew’s upper arm.

Doing his best not to grin, Drew nodded in response to the spoken words. Sounded exactly like Dad.

“We’ve stayed in contact a little over the years, but it wasn’t until he started coming to California last year that we really talked in depth. I’m happy to see he’s found good fortune in his new wife.”

“Very good fortune. She’s wonderful, and we’re lucky to have her and Birdie.”

“A second chance for both. It’s easy to see how they care for each other. For her, a second good marriage is an exceptional fate. I’m sure she’s most deserving.”

Drew couldn’t read the man’s emotions. However, he seemed sincere. “I understand fortune in love is with you as well. Newly engaged?” He plopped a spoonful of potato salad on his plate.

“Yes. An exceptional young woman I’ve known many years.”

* * * *

What in the world could Shan and Drew be talking about? From the shade of an umbrella over Randi’s table, Meilin forced herself to look away and turn her attention to the bride.

Not that she knew Randi well. They’d met a few times at various functions and had somewhat bonded over discussions of décor and wine. Enough that she could see herself meeting Randi for lunch one day should they ever bump into one another on the street.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you looking so happy,” Meilin said.

“I’ve never been this happy. Well, except for a few short months when I was in London many years ago.” The older woman glowed as her eyes sought out her husband near the bar.

“Ah London. Seems Shan also met your husband in London.”

“Court said something about it briefly when he gave me Shan Lin’s name to add to the invitation list. I wasn’t really paying attention. Must have been before I made it there. Court was finishing his masters while I did a semester of my undergraduate there.”

“I’d love to spend more than a few days in and around London.”

Randi’s sparkling green eyes turned to her. “We’d love to have you come down to the house in Sussex. It truly is a beautiful place. The gardens were just coming into full bloom when we left, but we’ll be back long before they peak. Just a couple of weeks here and then back we go. Later in the summer, when Drew finishes the portion of the program over there, we’ll go to Beijing for a few weeks. From the immersion program he’s due to go straight to work in the offices there.”

“I’d heard he was set to begin studying Mandarin soon.”

“Yes. He starts Monday. I’m waiting to meet this friend of his. Jack. Apparently the boy is something of a prankster.”

Meilin smiled. “He is at that. Drew quickly wised up to Jack’s attempts to teach him some very funny phrases in Mandarin.”

“You’ve met Drew?”

“A week ago Friday night. The girls took me out as a last fling before becoming engaged. Jack brought Drew and his sister along. Drew was very charming about the whole thing.”

“Drew is very charming about everything.” Randi smiled with a mother’s fondness. “Smart as a whip, laid back as a Golden Retriever. Don’t let that lazy smile fool you one bit. He’s a sponge and soaks in everything. There’s a reason he’s the lawyer of the family.” She nodded toward Drew and Shan, both still loading their plates. “Wonder what they’re talking about…”

Just what Meilin had been wondering.

The moment to wonder passed as Jack came through the back door of the house onto the patio.

“Jack!” Randi’s daughter called out and sauntered to his side. “You made it in time for the party, but you missed the vows.”

“Sorry, sweet thing. Had to do lunch with the parents. They send their best wishes for great fortune and happiness upon the house of Robinson.” Jack made a short bow and the girl laughed.

“Your daughter is beautiful,” Meilin said.

“Thank you. Court is her biological father.” A slight flush washed Randi’s cheeks. “She’s so much like him and Drew it’s uncanny. I think most people knew she wasn’t Wyatt’s daughter, but few said anything to my face about it.”

“She’s lovely, and yes, I can see a resemblance to the men, but I see you in her as well.”

Randi grinned. “Possibly, but what you see is probably from nurture rather than nature. The Robinson genetics run true in that one. And I suppose that is the infamous Jack.”

Meilin laughed. “The rascal is a distant second or third cousin. I was put in charge of him many times when he was much younger. Let me make the introductions.”

They stood and made their way to where Courtney escorted Jack past the various food tables headed for the bar.

“Jack, a moment,” Meilin said, reaching out to touch his arm. Like the other men, he’d shed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves.

“Meilin Wu! My dearest cousin.” He took her hand and bent to kiss her cheek. “I’m most surprised and pleased to see you here. And who is this lovely woman who could only be a secret sister to you?”

The three women snorted at his flowery speech and ridiculous flattery.

“Randi, may I present to you my incorrigible cousin, Jack Ling. Jack, this is Mrs. Randi Robinson, my esteemed friend, the mother of Courtney, stepmother to Drew, wife of Courtland Robinson, who is a friend of Shan Lin.”

Jack took the hand Randi extended to him and bent over it to place a reverent kiss on her knuckles. “A very important person whom I am most pleased to meet. I’ve long heard your praises sung by your children and have been anxious to pay my respects.”

“A very pretty oration.” An amused smirk lifted one side of Randi’s mouth. “I’ve heard a lot about you as well, Jack. Welcome and make yourself at home. Within reason.”

Meilin laughed and Jack lifted a hand to his heart, amusement dancing in his eyes. “I see my reputation precedes me. I promise to be on my best behavior.”

“A scoundrel for sure,” Randi replied. “I believe I last saw Drew over by the drinks.”

They turned and saw Drew and Shan standing off to the side, both men with stiff shoulders and false smiles. It was so unlike Shan, and apparently Drew, judging by the gasps from Randi and her daughter, that Meilin had the urge to run up and stand between them. Fortunately Drew’s father seemed to have the same thought and stepped in from a closer position, relieving whatever tension had formed.

From beside her, Randi muttered, “What on earth?”

Indeed. What had the two men found to discuss to create such tension between them when they barely knew each other? As both men looked her way, her stomach sank. Had she been the topic of discussion?

Jack spoke up. “Might I escort you ladies through the buffet line and to a shaded seat? I see my friends are neglecting their jobs.”

“Oh, yes, Jack.” Courtney jumped right in. “Mom’s been up for hours getting this all ready…” Her voice faded as she took his arm and steered him toward the loaded food tables.

Once more Meilin followed the line of Randi’s gaze. It was fixed on Drew and Shan near the bar.

“I think I need a drink,” Randi said.

Meilin could only agree. “I’ll join you.”

Great. Just great. Drew the cool, the calm, the rational, was now a thing of the past as he knew it. He’d nearly been tempted into throwing his plate of sticky salads in the face of a man old enough to be his father. An esteemed business man who’d known his father longer than he’d been alive.

And he might nearly have gone through with his violent intent had his father not stepped in and diffused the situation. Tension still knotted his shoulders, unusual enough, but for the first time since his first month at Eton he really, really wanted to raise his fists and punch the smug expression off another man’s face. Over time he’d learned to diffuse most situations with a calm word and a confident smile.

Instead he’d been forced to back down, return to acting gracious.

A brawl at his father’s second wedding, his own graduation celebration, would have ruined more than one person’s day. The very thought of the look on Randi’s face was enough to dial his anger back one more notch. Not for the world would he ruin this day for his family. At least not on purpose.

His father nudged his shoulder in the direction of the tables. “Your hands are full. Let me gather some drinks for the ladies and let’s go find a spot to sit a spell. I believe Randi has picked the table closest to the pool.”

Drew expected to see her sitting there, but instead, Randi, Meilin, and Courtney stood in a knot with Jack, who’d just arrived. He’d been too focused on the rat bastard gloating over Meilin to notice his friend’s arrival. More would be coming soon. Definitely not the time to start a brawl. Damn. It would have been satisfying, possibly even fun.

“Sure, Dad. I’ll lead the way, then come back and assist.”

“Just go. I’ll get one of the staff to bring around a tray of champagne.”

They met the small group headed their way as they stepped off the deck onto the patio.

“Drew! Shan, my man.” Jack greeted them both with his usual enthusiasm, mischief sparking in his dark eyes. “I see you two have met.”

“We’re headed for that table.” Drew nodded in the direction of the pool. “Get a drink, a plate, come join us. Mum, Dad’s bringing over champagne.” He used his shoulder to nudge her toward the table.

“Oh that sounds wonderful. Let me take something…” She reached for the beer bottle in his hand.

Drew lifted it out of her reach. “Nope. I’ve got it. And enough food here to get you ladies started.”

Birdie jumped in. “I’ll grab some more food and forks.”

“Good thinking.”

In maneuvering people into chairs, he made sure the ladies had the best shade and took a spot on one side of Meilin, but couldn’t prevent Lin from sitting on her other side.

“I’ll just sit for a moment,” Randi said. “I have people to greet, and I need to oversee things.”

“No, you sit, Mom.” Birdie bounced up. “I’ll see to hostess duties. Just save one chair for folks to come see you. I think Kelly is about to burst at the seams.”

“I’m not so old yet,” Randi muttered. “And you’re making me feel like an ancient hag.”

“No, you’re gorgeous. But you are looking a tad overheated and need some water at the very least before you get up and start mingling.”

Drew shared a grin with his sister over Randi’s head. The woman promised to sit, but they both knew it might last five minutes before she was up and circulating. So far the guests invited for the vows only numbered about thirty, but when the friends invited for the receptions started rolling in, the list would easily double.

Kelly, a close friend from across the street, as small as Randi but twice as harried by her five kids, plopped a dripping bottle of water in front of Randi. “I hope you don’t mind, but the kids couldn’t wait a moment longer. Tuck’s taken them across the street to put on their suits and shorts. I think he used that as an excuse to do the same.”

“I don’t mind a bit. That’s why I’m seated closest to the water. I won’t mind a few splashes.”

Kelly laughed, then reached a hand across the table to Meilin. “I’m the nosy neighbor from across the street, Kelly Tucker. If you see red headed devil children running amuck, they’re mine.”

Drew stood to make the introductions. “Kelly, Meilin Wu and her fiancé, Shan Lin. The other character is my classmate, Jack Ling. I believe you’ve met Oswald?”

Meilin was gracious as she returned the handshake. “So pleased to meet you. I believe Randi has mentioned you a time or two.”

“You’ve probably also met my in-laws. They have a house in Pacific Heights they’re threatening to turn over to us in the next year or two. Louise and Brad Tucker Senior.”

Also standing, Shan nodded. “Indeed. I’ve done business with your father-in-law’s firm a time or two. I’ve heard tales of his grandchildren.”