The Best of Friends (9 page)

“I didn’t think you were.” He gestured to the house. “This isn’t me. I don’t want a place this big. I just want something by the beach, with good light and a room for a big-screen TV. But now I’m thinking land and property.” He shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “I’m not a jerk.”

“What?”

“I’m not a jerk. I’m not that guy who can’t think about anyone but himself.”

Now she was more confused. “I never thought you were. What does this have to do with the house? Or the business? And why do you care what I think of you?”

“What kind of question is that? Why wouldn’t your opinion matter?”

“Because you don’t know me very well. I’m your sister’s friend and Elizabeth’s… well, let’s not go there.”

He seemed angry and uncomfortable, which made her feel bad. She touched his arm. “I know you’re not a jerk. You’re really a nice guy. Funny and caring and supportive and a good brother. You’re practically gay. Is that better?”

His eyes narrowed. “Sure. Kick me when I’m down.”

“I don’t know what else to do.”

“I do.”

He put both hands on her shoulders, which was stunning enough, but then he leaned in and kissed her.

She felt his warm mouth on hers, the pressure of his lips, and the tingles. They were everywhere. Not just where they touched, but zipping through her body, making her feel as if she’d gone all bubbly.

She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t react, couldn’t do anything but feel skin on skin and wish that it would last forever. It took every ounce of self-control not to whimper when he stepped back.

“You kissed me,” she whispered.

His mouth curved into a very satisfied male kind of smile. “I know.”

“Was it because I said you were practically gay?”

“Partially.”

So he was making a point. She could understand that. It wasn’t as if he was actually interested in
her
. She had to keep telling herself that, or she would go down a very dangerous road.

“I won’t say it again,” she promised.

“What did you think?” the real estate agent asked as she came back into the kitchen. “Ready to see the rest of the house?”

“Sure,” David said, taking Jayne’s hand in his. “Let’s see it all.”

“Rebecca was difficult enough as a teenager,” Elizabeth said, pacing the length of her office. “Now she’s impossible. Bad enough she didn’t warn me she was coming home, but to show up like that. I’m
still
getting calls. And has she been in touch since? Of course not.”

Her frustration was increased by the fact that she’d actually called her daughter herself and Rebecca hadn’t picked up. Or phoned back. Which made it all the more impossible to know what her next move would be. First showing up at the brunch. Anything could be next, including a nude billboard on Sunset Boulevard. She wouldn’t put anything past Rebecca.

“Why can’t she be more like her brother?” she asked. “David is cooperative. Driven. Successful. What does she have to show for her life? And speaking of David, she completely ruined his party. The brunch was supposed to be about him, not her. But that is so like Rebecca. Stealing the spotlight for herself.”

Jayne sat in the chair by the fireplace, holding her coffee, looking trapped. Elizabeth supposed she should take pity on her, but she had to talk to someone, and she couldn’t complain to Blaine. He would simply take Rebecca’s side, as he always had. And her friends couldn’t be trusted with information as sensitive as this.

“Plus, to have her show up with Jonathan,” Elizabeth said, then pressed her lips together.

Jayne nodded sympathetically. “I know he’s a friend of yours and Blaine’s, and he’s too old for her.”

Elizabeth watched closely, but Jayne only sipped her coffee, looking as calm and patient as usual. Perhaps Rebecca hadn’t told Jayne about Elizabeth’s affair. It had been years ago, and while Elizabeth had denied everything, she had a feeling her daughter hadn’t believed her. Blaine didn’t know—Elizabeth was sure of that. And he could never find out. He was oddly old-fashioned in many ways. Yet another frustration for her to deal with. Sometimes it seemed as if the world conspired to keep her in pain.

“You didn’t know they were dating?” Elizabeth asked.

“Not at all.”

“But you did know she was back in Los Angeles.”

Jayne hesitated, then nodded slowly. “I knew.”

“I see.” Elizabeth let the two words hang in the air. “I’m extremely disappointed in you, Jayne. I expected better.”

Jayne flinched slightly. “Rebecca is my friend.”

“As am I, and let me remind you, I’ve been a much better friend. While Rebecca took off without a thought to anyone she was leaving behind, I have looked after you. Have you forgotten how I brought you into this house and made you feel at home? We came to your high school graduation, Jayne, and paid for your college. We saw you through the troubling time when a girl becomes a woman. I have always been here for you, available for advice, worrying about you. Blaine has considered you a second daughter. In return, we’ve asked for so little.”

Elizabeth was good, Jayne thought, trying not to writhe on the uncomfortable chair. She felt like a very ungrateful bug.

“I would have warned you if I’d known she was coming to the party,” she said at last. “But I couldn’t tell you she was coming home.”

Elizabeth’s stern expression tightened. “So there are limits on our relationship. That is very unfortunate.”

“I would think you’d be pleased that Rebecca has a good friend watching out for her.”

“Rebecca hardly needs anyone on her side. She’s a force of nature on her own.” She pressed her lips together. “What’s done is done. We’ll move on now. How is the house hunting going? Or does some misplaced loyalty prevent you from discussing David, too?”

Jayne felt trapped and angry, though she knew she’d done nothing wrong. This was what it was like dealing with Elizabeth. A constant dance to maintain her footing. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate all that you’ve done for me. I do. I am grateful for your kindness. I don’t know anyone else who would have taken me in.”

Some of Elizabeth’s tension eased. “I’m glad you realize that.”

“I do. As for David, he’s seen a couple of houses in Malibu. I’m not sure he’s serious about either of them. They were large, maybe too large.” Guilt was a powerful weapon, she thought grimly, wishing she were better equipped to fight it.

“It’s so inconvenient that David moved out,” Elizabeth said, then took a seat opposite Jayne. “I remember when he was little—he wanted to tell me everything. Now he keeps to himself. I don’t suppose he’s mentioned if he’s seeing anyone?”

Jayne nearly dropped her cup. “Um, no. He hasn’t said anything.” David dating? Of course he would, and wasn’t that exactly what she needed to make her day all sparkly.

He’d kissed her, but Elizabeth hadn’t asked about that, and Jayne sure wasn’t going to volunteer the information. She still didn’t know why he’d done it. To prove a point? Because, like the tall mountain, she was there? Boredom? Maybe he’d slipped, and it had all been an accident. A delicious, yummy, bone-melting accident. If he could make her all quivery inside with a chaste three-second kiss, imagine what he could do if he really put some effort into it. She sighed. Her luck was not that good.

Wait. Stop that thought. She was trying to disconnect from the Wordens, not get more involved.

“Jayne,” Elizabeth said in a tone that hinted she’d spoken her name before.

“Sorry. What?”

“You’ll let me know if he brings someone else along to see one of the houses?”

“Yes,” Jayne said. “That would mean he was getting serious and wanted her opinion on the house.”

Would he do that—kiss Jayne while he was dating someone else? Stupid question. Men like him did what they wanted.

“Very good.” Elizabeth smiled. “You’re so sensible. Blaine and I were discussing that just the other night. How we’ve always been able to depend on you.”

Jayne put down her coffee and stood. She didn’t feel sensible. She felt confused and cornered and out of place. No matter how old she got and how much time passed, she still felt like that sixteen-year-old watching her mother die and knowing she had nowhere to go and no one to care about her. She felt desperately alone and willing to do anything just to pretend to belong. Even be Elizabeth’s bitch.

This might be the only family she had, but it was a seriously dysfunctional one, and if she wanted to survive, she had to escape.

The good news was, she would be getting on a plane first thing tomorrow.

The flight to Dallas was uneventful. Jayne had been checking the weather all week, and the last of the spring thunderstorms seemed to have blown through a few days before. Now the skies were clear and blue, and there wasn’t a hint of a cloud.

She collected her luggage and made her way to the taxi stand, where she took a cab into the city. There was an impressive skyline that reminded her a little of L.A. When they exited the freeway, they drove through a beautiful tree-lined residential area.

She’d been booked into the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. The Web site had been impressive, but the hotel was even more so. The elegant and spacious lobby screamed luxury. The Wordens would have been right at home.

After registering, she went up to her room—a quiet, pretty space with a small balcony. There was a marble bath, a huge tub with a separate shower, and a big basket filled with fruit and candy, along with a card welcoming her.

“We can’t wait to meet you in person,” the card read, and it had been signed by Paula.

Jayne had never been courted before. Neither by a man nor a company. Talk about nice, she thought with a laugh as she threw herself on the bed. For the first time in a decade, her future was completely in her hands. She knew in her gut that the job was hers to lose. And she very much planned on winning.

Eight

WHEN SOMEONE RANG THE bell at her condo door, Jayne practically danced across the living room to open it. She was flying. Beyond flying… she was empowered, excited, and still having trouble believing that everything about her life was about to change.

Rebecca stood there, looking chicly casual in a white gauzy dress and sandals, her hair hanging in loose curls, her eyebrows slightly raised.

“What’s gotten into you?” her friend asked.

Jayne held out her arms and spun in a circle. “I have a job.”

“Yes, you’re a nurse. Although if they see you acting like this, they might want to talk drug testing.”

Jayne waited until Rebecca stepped into her condo, then closed her door. “I have a new job!”

“What? When did this happen?”

“Yesterday. I just got back this morning.”

“Back from where?”

“Dallas.” Jayne flopped down on the sofa and explained about the call from Paula and the invitation to fly out for an interview. “They really want me. It’s a great offer. A big raise, a week more vacation, assigned parking. I toured the facility, and it’s amazing. Everything is new and well designed. The exam rooms are perfect, and there’s a huge waiting area. They really thought this through. They’re looking to fill a few more positions, so I told them about Katie, and they’re going to call her.” She sat up and grinned. “I have a job.”

Rebecca stood behind the chair, staring, not looking the least bit pleased. “I see,” she said. “When were you planning on telling me you were moving?”

Jayne felt her perfect mood slip a little. “I’m telling you now.”

“Wow. Lucky me. But you didn’t bother to tell me about the interview. You didn’t bother to call at all. You made a huge decision like this without talking to anyone?”

Jayne stood and cradled her cast in her good hand. “Why are you being like this? I have a great opportunity. You should be happy for me.”

Rebecca’s expression tightened. “You called Katie, didn’t you? You talked to her about it, told her they wanted her as well. Right?”

Jayne had. She and Katie had talked for hours after the interview. Jayne had raved about the job, and Katie had gone online, checking out the price of houses and condos. They’d been thrilled to realize the Dallas real estate market was significantly less expensive than any neighborhood in L.A.

“Rebecca,” she said slowly, knowing it was too late. That she’d hurt her friend. “I was going to tell you.”

“That you were leaving? Did you plan to let me know in person, or would I just get one of those change-of-address cards?” Rebecca’s eyes flashed with pain. “You didn’t even tell me you were thinking of leaving.”

“I wasn’t. I got a call about the job. It seemed interesting, so I went for the interview. It just happened.” She sighed. “Can’t you be happy for me?”

“Oh, sure. I’m blissful that my best friend wants to move thousands of miles away and didn’t bother to let me know.” Rebecca put her hands on her slender hips. “I just got home. Doesn’t that matter?”

“You just got home from being gone,” Jayne said gently. “You left me for over a decade. You went off and had a life while I was here dealing with your mother.”

“Is that what this is about?” Rebecca asked, obviously annoyed. “My mother?”

“In part,” Jayne admitted. “Look, I’m sorry I hurt you. That wasn’t the point. I wasn’t…” She couldn’t find the word.

“Thinking,” Rebecca said. “You weren’t thinking about anyone but yourself.”

Jayne’s happy bubble burst. “Something that only you get to do?” she asked coolly. “It’s okay for everyone else, but not for me, right? I’m the faithful family retainer. Always steady, always available.”

She stepped toward Rebecca. “You’re right. I didn’t think to tell you. In part because it happened so quickly, but also because I didn’t want to be talked out of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Rebecca’s eyes widened. “I would never do that. How can you think that of me? I’ve always cared about you.”

Maybe, Jayne thought sadly. But if Rebecca thought Jayne’s leaving would inconvenience her in any way, she would be the first one to try to talk Jayne out of it.

Not that there was any point in having the conversation. Rebecca wouldn’t admit it, and all they would do was fight.

“I just wanted to go see what they were offering,” Jayne said slowly. “It’s really going to be good for me.” She drew in a breath. “I have to go. This isn’t about you—it’s about your mother and David and everything.”

“What about David?”

Jayne knew she had to tread carefully so Rebecca didn’t guess the truth. “I’m helping him buy a house, which is great. I like David. But what’s next? Elizabeth asking me to quit my job so I can work with the wedding planner?”

“Probably,” Rebecca said with a sigh.

“I need to escape. I’ll never have my own life if I stay here. You know that better than anyone.”

Rebecca pressed her lips together. “You should have told me. You should have trusted me to be happy for you.”

“I know.” Jayne didn’t actually believe that, but saying it made things easier.

“You’re my best friend,” Rebecca told her.

“You’re mine.”

Her friend stared at her for a long time. “No, I don’t think so.”

“Rebecca, don’t.”

Rebecca shrugged. “You have any ice cream?”

Jayne smiled. “Every flavor you love, including Cherry Garcia and pistachio. Want some?”

Rebecca nodded.

They collected ice cream, spoons, and Diet Coke, then headed out onto the patio. Jayne settled into her chair. She reached for the pistachio, took off the top, and dug in her spoon.

Rebecca picked up the Cherry Garcia. “Have you told my mother?”

“No.” Jayne didn’t even want to think about the explosion that would cause. “She’s not going to be happy.”

Rebecca brightened at the thought. “Can I be there when you tell her?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“But it would make me happy.”

Jayne laughed. “This isn’t about you. This is about me. And your mother. I’m her lapdog. Do my ears look floppy? Because they feel floppy to me. She’s all pissy because I didn’t tell her you were coming back, and when I pointed out it’s because we’re friends, she said that she and I were friends, too.” Technically, Elizabeth said she was a better friend, but Jayne didn’t think sharing that would help anything. “I came home and got the call about the job. It was timing. Maybe a sign from God. The worst part is, I feel guilty and I haven’t done anything wrong. How does she do that? How does she make me feel so small? Or do I let her?”

“I think it’s because you let her, but asaying that isn’t very helpful.”

“No, it’s not.” Jayne scooped up the cool, creamy ice cream, then chewed the nuts. “I don’t exactly hate her, but I wouldn’t mind not running into her for another forty or fifty years. Why can’t she be more gracious? I know what she and Blaine did for me, and I’m very grateful. But I’m getting damned tired of having it shoved in my face all the time.”

Rebecca’s expression turned speculative. “The reason she’s so good at making you feel like crap is because she’s been there.”

“Oppressed and taken advantage of?”

“Poor.”

Jayne nearly dropped the carton. “Excuse me? Elizabeth Worden, poor? I don’t believe it.”

“She wasn’t always Elizabeth Worden. In fact, my snobby mother used to be a…”

Jayne found herself leaning forward. “What?”

“A secretary. She was Blaine’s secretary. Based on what I know about David’s birthday and their anniversary, I would say my mother was putting out before the wedding. In fact, I think the young prince is the reason they got married.”

“She was pregnant?” Jayne tried to imagine Blaine and Elizabeth having sex, then wished she hadn’t. “But I don’t understand. If she was a regular person then, why is she such a bitch now?”

“It happens. People who don’t grow up with money either get it or they don’t. My mother doesn’t. It’s all about status and fitting in with her. I think she’s afraid to even think about who and what she was. If she’s nice to anyone less well off, she’s afraid people will think she’s like them.” She took a big bite of the ice cream. “Kinda makes you look at everything differently, huh?”

“Yes. It makes me want a do-over on some of our conversations.” Especially the one a few days ago, where Elizabeth had done her best to make Jayne feel guilty. Even more frustrating, Jayne had let her. “I wonder if she signed a prenup.”

“No idea.” Rebecca scooped up more ice cream. “She was pregnant, so I doubt Dad would have pushed, but wouldn’t that be fun.”

Jayne considered the options. “Do you think she would have risked it all with an affair if she had?”

“Ah, yes. Jonathan. Did she have a cow?”

“There was no actual mooing, but she wasn’t happy. Did you have to pick him?”

“Pretty much.” Rebecca tilted her head. “Did I say I was sorry for tossing you in the middle of that?”

“Of course not. You never apologize. The fact that Elizabeth doesn’t know that I know about the affair helped.”

Rebecca paused in midlick of her spoon. “What do you mean I never apologize? Of course I do.”

“Uh-huh? Any examples?”

“No, but that doesn’t mean I’m not sincere.”

“Then it’s okay.”

“This would be you being bitchy,” Rebecca said cheerfully, and dug back into the ice cream.

“I’m still dealing with everything happening. Considering I’m not even working, there’s way too much going on in my life. Things are complicated.”

“Like what things?”

Jayne hesitated. She wasn’t sure how Rebecca would react, which made her not want to say anything. But she really needed to talk to someone, and Katie wouldn’t get the problem.

“You have to promise not to tell anyone or discuss this with the person involved.”

Rebecca put her carton on the table and set her spoon next to it. “Now I have to know. Tell me. And yes, I promise.”

Jayne hesitated. “It’s David. He, um, well… He kissed me.”

Rebecca’s eyes widened. “What?”

“I’m sure it was an accident. He slipped or something. It wasn’t a big romantic kiss. It was just casual and meaningless, I’m sure.”

Rebecca started to laugh. “This is great!
Beyond
great. Do you know how pissed my mother is going to be when she finds out you’re dating David?”

“Ouch, and stop right there. I’m not dating him. We’re not dating. We just sort of lightly kissed. It was barely a kiss. More of a greeting.”

“Was he saying hello?”

“No, but I mentioned he was practically gay, so he had something to prove.”

“Now you have to tell me everything. Start at the beginning and speak slowly.”

Jayne swallowed another bite of ice cream, then explained how she and David had been talking about the house and what he’d said and what she’d said. “And then he kissed me.”

“This is great.” Rebecca’s smile faded a little as she leaned forward. “It
is
fabulous and fun, but you have to be careful. David doesn’t get serious, and I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Because while I could easily fall for him, he could never fall for someone like me.” Jayne put the top on her carton. The ice cream she’d eaten sat like a big cold rock in her stomach. “Great, yeah. Thanks for sharing. Although I’d already figured that part out myself.”

“Don’t get mad.”

“For telling me I’m not good enough for your brother? I’m not mad. I really enjoy being put in my place.”

“No.” Rebecca stretched out her hands toward Jayne. “That’s not what I said, and you know it. David is funny and charming, and women fall for him. All women. You’re my friend, and I care about you. I don’t want you falling for a guy I’m not sure will ever fall for anyone.”

“Okay,” Jayne said slowly. “In theory, he’s back to get married.”

“Men have married without love before. Especially men like him. I have no doubt he’s interested in a relationship, but I’m less sure about how long it would last or if you’d like how it ends. Because with David, it always ends.” She wiggled her fingers. “I’m telling the truth.”

“Okay. I believe you.”

“I think you’re better than he deserves.”

“That’s true.”

“I won’t tell my mother. And you have to promise that if you have sex with him, we won’t discuss details. The ick factor is way too big.”

Jayne laughed. “It’s a deal.”

“I spoke with Jayne today,” Elizabeth said that evening over dinner. “Apparently, she knew Rebecca was back and didn’t bother to tell me.”

Blaine served himself from the vegetable bowl before passing it to her. “Jayne is Rebecca’s friend.”

“Meaning she’s not mine? Her complete lack of loyalty is appalling. I told her I was very disappointed.”

“Leave her alone. Jayne’s a good girl.”

His attitude was so annoying, Elizabeth thought. And just so typical. “You take everyone’s side but mine,” she said. “I’m your wife.”

“Therefore you’re always right?”

She wanted to say yes, but didn’t. “Meaning it would be nice if you supported me from time to time. I depend on Jayne. She’s a great help to me, but now I don’t know if I can trust her.”

“She’s not going to run off with the silver.”

“That’s not what I mean, Blaine. Honestly, you can be obtuse.”

He smiled. “You used to like that I was obtuse. You told me I was a simple man and that was one of my best qualities.”

“It’s not now,” she snapped, cutting through her chicken breast. “I worry that I don’t know Jayne anymore. Maybe she’s not who I thought.”

“Leave her alone. She’s been more loyal than any of us deserve.”

Elizabeth glared at him. “How can you say that? Have you forgotten all that we did for her? It was your idea to have her come live here after her mother died. You said she would be a good influence for Rebecca, and look how that turned out.”

“I enjoy having Jayne around.”

“Well, you’d better get over it. I don’t know how much longer I’m going to have her helping me.” She paused, waiting for Blaine to react.

He reached for a roll. “Good. She needs a break from you.”

“What?” Elizabeth prided herself on always staying calm, but the single word came out as a screech.