Wildflower Wedding (10 page)

Once he hobbled inside, Trish helped him over to the sofa. She gently propped his foot on pillows and then examined it once more. “It looks pretty bad. Are you sure you don't want to go to the emergency room?”

“I'm sure.” Tony nodded, wincing when she slowly unlaced his running shoe.

“Sorry, but I'm going to have to tug it off.”

“I'm tougher than I look,” he tried to joke, but couldn't suppress a hiss of pain when she removed his shoe.

“I'm sorry, Tony!”

“Sure you are,” he joked, but when she pressed her lips together in sympathy he managed a small smile. The thought ran through his head that Gloria had never been this compassionate or caring, but he shoved it aside. He'd been fooled by a woman once. He wasn't going to allow that to happen again.

“I'll go get a bag of ice,” she said, and then hurried into the kitchen. Digger trotted after her like a shadow, and in truth Tony was glad that she'd taken it upon herself to let him out. She filled his water bowl before getting the bag of ice. While he wasn't about to get involved with her, Tony knew he should give her permission to hang out with Digger.

After placing the bag over his ankle she also handed him a bottle of water and asked, “Need anything else before I go?”

“No, I'll just find something on television and try not to think about how I'm going to work with this damned injury.”

“Where's your cell phone?”

“On my dresser in my bedroom.”

“If you don't mind, I'll go get it.”

Tony nodded, but the thought of her in his bedroom had his brain sliding into dangerous territory. When she handed the phone to him their fingers brushed and Tony was shocked at his reaction to a slight touch. He scowled to hide his feelings. “Okay, you're off duty now,” he said in the grumpiest voice he could muster.

Something akin to hurt slid into her eyes and he felt like an ass. She swallowed, blinked.

“Sorry. I'm just pissed that this happened at the worst of times. I didn't mean to take it out on you.”

“Don't worry. I'm used to it,” she responded in a false breezy tone.

Somehow Tony didn't think she was talking about him and then he recalled Maggie saying that she was divorced from Steve and wondered if she was referring to her ex. The thought of anyone talking to her in a nasty tone suddenly bothered him and he shook his head. “Seriously, I'm sorry, Trish.”

His quiet, sincere tone surprised him as much as it did her and she shrugged slightly. “It's okay,” she murmured, but there was suddenly a haunted quality in her expressive eyes and it hit him that she was most likely as damaged from her divorce as he was from his. “I'll give you my number in case you need anything,” she offered, and waited until he nodded before rattling it off.

“Hey, seriously, I'm really sorry,” he repeated, and she gave him a nod.

“Yeah, me too,” she said. “Believe me.”

Tony wasn't sure what she meant, but he could feel her withdrawal. Something in him wanted to bring her easy smile back, but warning bells rang in his head and so he remained silent, though when she turned to leave he stopped her. “Hey.”

She turned around slowly.

“You have my permission to hang out with Digger.”

She rewarded him with a small but bright smile. “Thank you,” she said softly, and then walked away.

After she was gone Tony felt strangely alone but pushed the feeling aside with an angry edge. Being alone was way better than hurt and betrayal.

But when he closed his eyes and tried to doze he thought how amazing it felt to have Trish in his arms if only by accident. What would it be like to have her in his life?

In his bed?

“Not gonna happen,” he grumbled. He reminded himself that he needed to stay focused on his restaurant. He had way too much on the line, and the two people he cared about the most were depending on him. Getting involved with Trish would be a distraction that he didn't need or want.

Raise Your Glass

“W
HY SUCH A LONG FACE, CHILD?”

Gabby tied the raffia onto the Mason jar and then looked over to where Joy was sweeping up leaves that were scattered on the floor. “I didn't realize I appeared so sad,” Gabby admitted.

Joy walked over to the craft table and sat down. “Are you wishing you hadn't turned down that handsome young Drew again? I'll watch over the shop if you really want to go to the Cougars baseball game. It's such a nice night for it. If you turn him down once more he might stop asking, you know.”

“I know.” Drew had been in the shop three times in the past week, but she just couldn't bring herself to say yes to a date.

“Gabby, Drew Gibbons is the most eligible bachelor in Cricket Creek and he's obviously set his sights on you. Aren't you interested?”

“I thought so . . . but I don't know.” Gabby shrugged. “I should finish this arrangement and get it over to Addison.”

“I can take it to her.”

“That's okay.”

Joy put her hand over Gabby's. “Sweetie, you need to get out and have some fun. It's Friday night, for goodness' sake. I don't understand. Listen, if you want to talk to me about something . . .
anything
, I promise I won't breathe a word to anybody.” She made a show of crossing her heart.

Gabby smiled. “Thank you, Joy.” Her mother had been her only real confidante, and it wasn't easy sharing her innermost thoughts with anyone else, although she'd recently become closer to Addison now that wedding season was in full swing. She didn't find it easy to open up with her personal problems, but the earnest look in Joy's eyes had Gabby wanting to confide in her.

“Talk to me, child.”

“Oh, I don't know. I think perhaps doing the flowers for several weddings has me wondering if I'll ever find someone and get married.”

“Oh, Gabby, you're a lovely, vivacious young woman. If the right man hasn't come along, he will.”

Gabby hesitated and then asked, “How do you know if he's the right one?”

Joy tilted her silver head to the side. “I'm guessing this has something to do with Reese Marino?”

“How did you know?”

“I'm seventy-five years old and I've done some living. The way your eyes light up when he stops by tells the story. He gives you butterflies, doesn't he?”

Gabby nodded.

“And Drew doesn't.”

Gabby sighed and then nodded. “No, not really. I mean, he's nice and everything, but . . .” She shrugged.

“So you want to be attracted to the young mayor rather than the resident hellion.”

“He says he's put those days behind him.”

“Ah, but reputations die hard in a small town, don't they? And maybe you're not so sure?”

Gabby nodded again.

“And it doesn't help that young Reese still looks the part. He's a hottie, that one.”

“The kind my mama fell for and it never worked out,” Gabby admitted. “It wasn't always easy growing up in Riverbend Trailer Park. We used to be called river rats by some. When Drew finally took notice of me, well . . . it made me feel validated. Accepted rather than looked down upon.”

Joy's chin came up. “Anybody who ever looked down upon you because of where you're from isn't worth your time of day.”

“I know you're right.” Gabby tapped the side of her head. “Up here. But sometimes I still feel a little bit on the outside looking in. Forgive me, I don't mean to sound shallow.”

Joy shook her head. “Honesty is never shallow, Gabby. We all have our stories, our fears. I know I sure do. Fear is a necessary form of protection from doing something foolish, but don't allow fear to rule your life. That's all I'm saying.”

“I hope you'll share some of your life with me while we work together. I'll soak up your wisdom like a sponge.”

Joy tossed her head back and laughed. “You mean learn from my mistakes?”

“Oh, I'm sure you made mostly good choices.”

Joy gave her a soft smile and her eyes appeared misty. “Yes, mostly.”

Gabby was hit with sudden inspiration. “Joy, did you walk to work?”

“Surely did. What's that got to do with the price of tea in China?”

Gabby arched an eyebrow. “Well, I'm thinking about running upstairs and getting a bottle of wine. Are you interested?”

“Is the pope Catholic?”

“I'll take that as a yes.” Gabby laughed, already feeling better.

A moment later Addison entered the flower shop. “What's up, girls?”

“We were just talking about you,” Gabby said. “I have the tabletop arrangement ready for you to show your client.”

Addison sighed. “That's why I came over. She's changed her mind about the colors . . . again. I brought swatches.”

“No big deal,” Gabby said with a shrug. “If it were my wedding, I'd want everything to be perfect too. Hey, Joy and I were about to open a bottle of wine. Would you like to join us?”

“I'd love it,” Addison answered brightly. “Reid went to the baseball game with Braden and his dad, so I have the night free. Hanging out with the girls sounds like fun. Hey, do you mind if I go grab Maggie? She's about to close up and I know that Rick is at the studio in a recording session.”

“The more the merrier!” Gabby announced, and Joy nodded her agreement.

“Sweet. I'll stop by my apartment and get a couple more bottles of wine. I have some hummus and pita chips if you want me to bring a snack?”

“Sure, hey, why don't we move this to my back deck?” Gabby offered. “I think I can round up some munchies too. I'll lock up down here, so come around the back entrance, okay?”

“Gotcha,” Addison said, and grinned. “This is nice! See you in a few minutes.”

“Let's lock up,” Gabby said to Joy. “A glass of wine is calling my name.”

Joy cupped her hand to her ear. “I hear it too!” she said with a tinkle of laughter.

“Then let's go.” Gabby brought the Mason jar filled with wildflowers up to her apartment. She felt a nice little bubble of excitement at the prospect of entertaining friends.

“Your apartment is lovely,” Joy commented. “Kind of an eclectic mix of style and furniture.”

Gabby laughed. “It's called thrift store chic,” she admitted. “My mother and I learned to repaint and repurpose before it was the in thing to do. There aren't many things in here used for their original intention.”

Joy grinned. “Ah, like the wooden ladder over there used as a bookcase? And the wicker trunk for a coffee table?”

“Yes, and it doubles as storage space.” Gabby pointed to a stack of antique hatboxes stacked in the corner. “Those are filled with random things that I just can't part with.”

“Secret junk drawers?”

“Exactly!” Gabby pointed at Joy and laughed. “I just love exploring the dusty corners of cluttered antiques shops, and there are a few in Cricket Creek that I frequent. It might sound weird but I find more pleasure in something worn and used than shiny and new.”

Joy shook her head. “Not weird at all. There's a certain comfort in antiques, I suppose. Maybe it's the history, I don't know, but I understand completely. Have you been to the Purple Frog Café up on Main Street yet?”

Gabby shook her head. “Where is it? With a name like the Purple Frog, it has to be fun.”

“Oh, you'd adore it.” Joy nodded. “My good friend Barbara Smith opened it just last week. It's a coffee shop, but it's also a wonderful mix of antiques, trinkets, and handmade knickknacks.”

“I'm sure I'd love it.” Gabby waved her hand in a circle. “After all, nothing in here matches, not even my silverware or dishes.”

“I like it. Full of vibrant color and personality, just like you!”

“Thank you, Joy! I always did like a bold mix of colors. I suppose it comes from working with flowers. Is Chardonnay okay? I have a bottle of red too.”

“Oh, Chardonnay sounds refreshing for a warm summer night. Thank you for the invitation, Gabby.”

Gabby smiled as she poured the wine and then handed Joy a glass. “I have a nice deck out back. Someday I hope to have a house with a big yard so I can plant a garden, but for now this is perfect for me.” She dumped some pretzels in a bowl, then sliced up some cubes of cheddar cheese.

“May I do anything?” Joy asked.

“Just grab those napkins and get the door and we're set!”

“Oh, this is so pretty!” Joy pointed to the white bistro table and matching chairs. “I just knew there would be flowers everywhere. Oh, and tomato plants! You certainly have a green thumb.”

Gabby laughed with delight. “It started with seeds in a milk carton when I was a kid and grew from there. I still like to garden from seeds.”

Joy nodded. “There's a certain satisfaction in seeing a plant sprout from a seed, isn't there?”

A few minutes later Addison arrived. She had Maggie with her, along with a woman Gabby didn't recognize. “I'd like you to meet Trish Daniels,” Addison said. “She and Maggie were friends when they lived in Cincinnati and she recently moved to Cricket Creek.”

“Welcome, Trish. I'm Gabby and this is my friend Joy.”

“Nice to meet you and thanks for having me,” Trish said with a wide smile.

“Oh, you work for the newspaper, don't you?” Joy asked.

Trish nodded and it suddenly hit Gabby that this was the woman who had written the rather stinging review of River Row Pizza and Pasta. Gabby knew she was doing her job, but it was a little hard not to hold it against her. Still, she seemed like such a genuine person that she wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt.

“I live in Whisper's Edge near the Camden twins,” Joy explained. “So I've heard about you.”

Trish nodded. “Those two are quite a pair. I danced with Clyde at the prom the other night.”

“I saw you,” Joy said hesitantly.

“You know he was trying to make you jealous, right?” Trish asked.

Joy waved a dismissive hand through the air. “Right. . . .”

Trish raised her eyebrows. “I'm serious. He told me so. Seems like there's never a dull moment with the residents.”

“You got that right.” Joy laughed her agreement. She seemed to really perk up with the news that Clyde was trying to make her jealous. “We might be a retirement community, but there's nothing boring about Whisper's Edge—that's for sure.”

“So, are you going to give Clyde the chance he wants?” Trish persisted, and they all waited for Joy to answer.

“He's such a player, that one. I think I'm going to make him work for it,” Joy answered. “Make sure he's, as the kids, say . . .
legit
.”

“He sure seemed to be,” Trish said. “And the man can dance.”

Joy laughed. “Oh, he can do everything to hear him tell it.”

“I'll get more glasses and bring a corkscrew,” Gabby said. She also turned on some music and brought out an ice bucket. Pretty soon wine was flowing and they were all laughing and chatting away.

“So, does anybody have any
other
juicy gossip?” Joy wanted to know. “I sure didn't think I'd be the center of attention.”

Addison shook her head. “Not that I know of, anyway. I'm just glad there's nothing out there about me this summer.” She grinned at Maggie. “I'm sure you feel the same way. You know the story, right, Trish?”

Trish took a sip of wine and nodded. “You mean the gossip that you were having an affair with rock star Rick Ruleman while engaged to his son?”

“Yeah . . . that one,” Addison said with a roll of her eyes.

“You should have seen my face when I saw the famous kiss picture in
People
magazine,” Maggie said. “And now I'm married to the man.”

Trish leaned back in her chair. “Did you ever think in a million years that you'd be married to a famous rock star?”

“No!” Maggie laughed, and then gave her friend a nudge with her elbow. “You just wait. The right guy will come along when you least expect it.”

Addison nodded in agreement. “After two very public broken engagements, I opened a bridal shop that led me to butting heads with Reid and now I'm married to him. Go figure. Life can be crazy.”

“So, any advice for us single ladies?” Joy wanted to know.

Gabby was also listening closely, figuring she could use all the advice she could get from this eclectic group of ladies.

Addison nodded. “I know this sounds totally cliché but you've got to follow your heart.” She tapped her chest. “I mean, seriously.”

“What if your heart's been shattered, stomped on. Put in a blender?” Trish asked.

Gabby's eyes widened. She didn't know Trish yet, but she seemed like such a sweet person. Who could want to hurt her so badly?

“Pick up the pieces,” Addison suggested. “I had to and I know it's not easy by any means.”

“How do you get past the fear?” Trish asked. “I really want to get my groove back.”

Maggie raised her hand. “I've got this one. I had to get over the fear of falling for a rock legend who dated women half my age.”

“How did you do it?” Gabby wanted to know.

Maggie raised her eyebrows. “You have to let love take the wheel. Steer you in the right direction.”

Trish shook her head. “But, Maggie, I'm terrified. I feel as if I'll steer right off another cliff. Crashing and burning isn't fun.”

Maggie put her hand on Trish's arm. “You were married to a jerk. Don't give him the power to keep you from finding happiness.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Your neighbor Tony Marino sure is a hottie. Has he forgiven you for the review yet?”

Gabby watched for Trish's reaction.

Trish sighed. “I don't think so, but he should
soon
. I've written a follow-up review that's glowing. I explain that I was in the restaurant at a bad time and that the food is really quite wonderful. It was actually an interesting article to write because it involves giving the restaurant a second chance. I didn't apologize because I didn't want to discredit myself as a food critic, so I wrote it from the angle of giving a well-deserved second chance.”