Magnolia Bride Read online

  Nealy took in the entire spectacle, stunned. A flash mob? Right in the middle of her sister’s lovely party? Someone bumped into her and knocked her back to her senses. No, this was not happening. Not on her watch. All the hours of discussing and...

  Oh, no! Juliet. Where was her sister?

  Between the shaking bodies and thumping beat, Nealy sought her out. Through the frenzied crowd, she spotted Brandon trying to drag Juliet into the mob with him. Juliet fought him, her face stricken. The hours spent carefully planning this gathering had turned into a frat party. Music continued full blast while the dancers tried to encourage guests to get up and join them, including her grandmother, who danced right into the crowd with a big smile on her face, her hands up in the air swaying to the beat.

  The elder Masons stood off to the side, disapproving expressions on their faces. This was more of a disaster than Nealy first feared.

  Once the shock abated, Nealy stepped into the throng to aid her sister. A guy grabbed her arm and motioned for her to dance. She shook her head, but the guy didn’t release her, pulling her into the frenzy. When she tried to step away again, he squeezed her arm to keep her with him. To her great relief, Dane cut in, glaring at Nealy’s dance partner. The guy took the hint, releasing her arm, and moved on. Dane leaned close, lowering his mouth to her ear.

  “You okay?” he yelled over the blaring music.

  “Yes.” She scanned the area. “Where’s Juliet?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “How could this happen?”

  “I’d take a wild guess and say Brandon made prior arrangements.” Dane slipped his hand into hers and she followed as he led her out of the chaos. The jolt of pleasure at holding Dane’s hand went beyond being grateful for his rescue. She held on as he maneuvered toward the sidelines. He was only being protective, right? So why did the connection feel so good? As soon as they cleared the crowd, Dane tugged her closer and, much to her surprise, she let him. He spoke to the man tending to the music and after a few terse words, the rowdy song abruptly ended with as much shock value as when it started.

  He turned to her. “This is a disaster.”

  She couldn’t argue. Juliet’s party had been reduced to a manic free-for-all.

  He tightened his grip on her hand and a memory flashed of the day they’d gone to the courthouse to get married. He’d held her hand just as tightly then. The promise of a future together had made her giddy and she stuttered when it came time to say “I do.”

  Standing next to Dane now, so close that she could feel his heat, made her heart race. She couldn’t let Dane get to her. They’d had their moment and blew it. She would not let these jumbled feelings for him ruin years of healing the wound he’d inflicted on her heart.

  She removed her hand from his. “Let’s find my sister,” she told him. They were no longer in the crowd; she didn’t need his protection. Or the disturbingly warm, reassuring sensation of Dane’s hand pressed to hers.

  He looked worried and dropped his hand to his side. “I’ve got to do damage control. Now,” he said.

  She cringed. With one last fleeting look at Dane, she hurried inside. Sure enough, she found Juliet, surrounded by their family as they assured her they knew nothing about the flash mob. Nealy put an arm around her sister’s shoulders as she wiped her wet eyes.

  “What was that all about?”

  Juliet’s voice hitched as she looked at Nealy. “I don’t know. Brandon loves to make every occasion memorable, but this? He knew I wanted tonight to be low-key.”

  “This is unacceptable,” their mother announced.

  Brandon rushed toward them. “Juliet, I’ve been looking all over for you.” He stood before her. “We were... Are you crying? You’re upset?”

  He only noticed now? Nealy wanted to strangle him.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  “How can you ask me after that, after that mess you created out there?”

  Brandon shrugged. “I wanted to surprise you. Kick it up a little tonight. I can’t do it tomorrow night with my parents’ guests here.”

  Juliet’s mouth flapped open.

  “What?” Brandon asked.

  Juliet’s face turned red. “So it’s okay to embarrass my family?”

  “No, sweetie. We were having fun.”

  Juliet’s eyes went wide. She reached for Nealy, and grabbed hold of her arm, manicured nails pressing into Nealy’s flesh.

  “Brandon,” Nealy said. “Why don’t you go tell everyone we’ll be right out.”

  “Sure.” Uncertain, as if noticing the tension in the room for the first time, he kissed his fiancée on the cheek and hurried off.

  Juliet sniffed. “I can’t believe he would do this tonight.”

  “Apparently he wanted to have fun,” Nealy repeated.

  “I can be fun. Hmm, maybe not like that kind of fun.”

  Nealy understood. She’d dealt with enough self-indulgent clients to recognize somebody who wanted things their own way and would have them, even though they’d been told no. What she really didn’t like was the resulting pain she’d glimpsed in her sister’s eyes when she reached the same conclusion.

  “Let’s get back to the party,” Nealy suggested, expertly herding everyone into the banquet room. “Let’s hope Brandon doesn’t have any more surprises for us.”

  Juliet’s eyes went dark. “He’d better not.”

  At her sister’s furious expression, Nealy’s concern eased.

  After Brandon’s impromptu flash mob, the remainder of the evening continued without a hitch. Once the party wound down, Nealy located her grandmother to drive her home. Before they could leave, Dane cornered her.

  He ran a hand through his short hair. “I’m sorry this happened. I spoke to the DJ. He was sworn to secrecy and only carried out his client’s wishes.”

  Dorinda reached up to pat Dane’s shoulder. “It’s over, Dane. Don’t dwell on it.”

  His gaze tangled with Nealy’s. “I don’t run a slipshod hotel.”

  Nealy blinked, surprised at his vehemence. “I’m sure you don’t.”

  “I didn’t think there’d be any problems this evening,” Dane said in a distracted tone.

  “Welcome to the world of event planning. No matter how much preparation, there’s always the possibility that something will go wrong. The secret is taking care of the incident as efficiently as possible and moving on. By tomorrow, Juliet will be worried about the next party.”

  He watched her, his expression wary. “You don’t believe that, do you?”

  She snorted. “No, I don’t. Does Brandon even know my sister?”

  A brief flash of uneasiness passed over Dane’s face.

  “Never mind. Let’s hope there are no other surprises tomorrow.”

  His eyes narrowed. “The next party will run like clockwork.”

  “I’m going to hold you to that.”

  “And I’m going to hold you to a dance with me.”

  She should have come back with a witty retort, but instead she remained silent. Dealing with the memories of Dane was nothing like the reality of this strong, handsome man requesting a dance. Here she stood, enjoying the view of her ex-husband, not wanting to look away, even though she should. What happened to her emotional armor? Her hard-earned self-control? “Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

  “You’re in Cypress Pointe. You think I’m not going to take advantage of the close proximity?”

  Just like him to think she would agree so readily. “There will be no closeness.”

  His wide grin elicited a shiver across her skin. Darn.

  “It’s a date.”

  “No dates. There will be no dating. No closeness and absolutely no dating.”

  Dorinda chuckled. “What’s one dance?”
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  She gaped at her grandmother.

  Dorinda smiled at Dane. “We’ll see you tomorrow. Nealy, let’s get a move on.”

  Dane caught Nealy’s eye one last time. She didn’t like the conviction in his gaze, or the self-satisfied smile on his noble face.

  Minutes later she got her grandmother settled in the convertible. Stars twinkled in the sky. A perfect night for romance, if one were inclined to think in romantic terms. Which she wasn’t. Under any circumstances. Especially around Dane.

  She’d driven a few miles when Dorinda said, “Dane looks quite well. Very fit. Tanned.”

  “Grandmother, are you checking him out? You’re not planning on turning into a cougar, are you?”

  “Believe me, since he’s been back in Cypress Pointe, the single ladies have been vying for his attention. He’s kind, quite good-looking and successful. Any woman would be lucky to have him.”

  Nealy was instantly jealous. She tapped her thumb on the steering wheel, bothered by her grandmother’s comment. She was right. Any woman would be fortunate to have this particular man in her life.

  “Besides, he only has eyes for you,” Dorinda added.

  Nealy’s face grew warm. Because Dane still had eyes for her? Or the fact she liked the idea of him still carrying a torch for her?

  “Grandmother, don’t go thinking Dane and I will get back together again. It’s not going to happen.”

  “Hmm.”

  “You don’t believe me?”

  She shrugged. “Not from what I saw....”

  Nealy used her warning voice. “Grandmother.”

  “No Dane and Nealy. Got it.”

  “Let’s change the subject.”

  “Fine. Before going on my seniors’ cruise I need to bring you up to date on the upgrades at the shop.”

  “Okay,” Nealy ventured, skeptically. This sounded like trouble, pure and simple.

  “I have a list of things that’ll need to be upgraded.”

  “I’m sure it’ll be a breeze.”

  Grandmother opened her purse and pulled out a folded piece of paper. She unfolded it, revealing a full page of work that had to be done.

  Aghast when she saw the length of the list, Nealy glanced at her grandmother.

  “Watch the road, dear.”

  Facing front and righting the steering wheel, she said, “Grandmother, I have a job in L.A. No way I’ll get everything completed before I leave.”

  “I only have you, Nealy. Well, you and your favorite nephew, Davey, but he’s too young to supervise the shop.”

  “Lanie lets Davey work for you? He’s fourteen.”

  “He comes in every day, mostly to hang out, but he sweeps up for me so I slip him a few dollars. It’s surprising he shows up at all, since the other family members are too busy for the shop. Not their thing.”

  “I’m sorry they aren’t around, but—”

  Her voice turned to steel. “I’m not getting any younger, Nealy. This may be my last chance to get away and have fun.”

  Dorinda’s words affected her. She didn’t like thinking about her beloved grandmother getting older. Slowing down.

  “How long have you planned this?”

  “Since you told me you were coming home.” Dorinda shrugged, not looking one bit guilty. “I needed your help. The one person who understands what Cuppa Joe means to me.”

  What could she say? Dorinda had been after her for months to come home for a visit and Nealy had one excuse after another not to. After all, Nealy was the one family member who would consider fixing up the shop. For years, everyone else had been telling Dorinda to sell the place. With all the hassles she’d tolerated lately, it made sense to put it on the market. Still, Nealy hoped her grandmother would have second thoughts due to the connection the shop held for her. The shop tied her to Poppa Joe. Nealy understood how bittersweet some connections could be.

  Besides, Nealy had been close to her grandmother all her life. Dorinda had accepted her for who she was without judging her. She’d found the safe haven she needed at her grandmother’s place and Cuppa Joe. Growing up in a home of obsessed overachievers left Nealy lost and adrift. Her grandmother had never asked for anything in return, just loved Nealy unconditionally. How could Nealy turn her back the one time she had asked for something?

  “You play dirty, Grandmother.”

  Dorinda crossed her arms over her chest. “A woman has to do what a woman has to do. I want to join my friends on a cruise instead of worrying about these nitpicky projects. It could very well be my last hurrah.”

  Nealy groaned.

  “So?”

  She ran scenarios through her head. After all, supervising these small but numerous projects at the shop couldn’t be hard, right? She could run an event with her eyes closed.

  She glanced at her grandmother and knew she never had a choice to begin with. “I’ll do it.”

  “Splendid.” Dorinda nodded as if coming to some conclusion. “I’ve been thinking. You’re correct, the shop hasn’t changed enough over the years. Still the same coffee system, as you know. So, while you’re sprucing up the shop, why don’t you make those coffee upgrades you’ve been bugging me about. Get Davey to pitch in. Then, when I get back, I’ll decide if I want to sell.”

  “Grandmother, I hope you won’t.”

  “Dear, I can’t hold on to the place forever, hoping you’ll show up and run it for me.”

  Great. Grandma guilt. The headache that had started forming that first afternoon she’d walked into the Grand Cypress Hotel was now upgraded to a full-blown migraine.

  * * *

  EVENTUALLY, NEALY MUST have fallen into a deep sleep because she never heard Juliet slip out of the bedroom the next morning. Juliet had spent the night, again, at their grandmother’s and been restless the entire time. She had supposedly forgiven Brandon for the flash mob, but Nealy wasn’t convinced. Meanwhile, she had an extra-long list of things to attend to today, so Nealy wasn’t all that upset when she woke and discovered Juliet had already flown the coop.

  Almost ten, Nealy rolled over to grab her cell phone. Now would be a good time to call Sam. Every time she’d tried since arriving in town, the call had gone straight to his voice mail. Since it was very early in L.A., she should catch him.

  He answered on the second ring.

  “Hey, there. How are the festivities going?”

  “A few wrinkles, but for the most part we have everything under control. How’s the trial going?”

  “Should wrap up next week.” Sam had been in court with an important case, so she hadn’t seen much of him in the past few weeks. Come to think of it, she hadn’t seen much of him before the trial started, either. “I promise when we win, I’ll take you away to celebrate.”

  “I’d love to, but I may be working with Ashlee James by then. When she signs on, I’ll be swamped.”

  “When you get back, we’ll make plans. Listen, I have to run—”

  She frowned. “But I need to talk to you about—”

  “—to a last-minute strategy meeting. Talk to you soon.”

  He ended the call before she could get in another word. Had she just been dismissed? Sure, they spent more time on the phone than in person lately, but she needed to talk to him. Needed the connection, especially since she’d run into Dane, who left her confused. How could he brush her off so easily?

  Annoyed, she tossed back the covers. Not the best way to start her day. Shaking off her dark mood, she hit the shower, hoping to wash away the bad feelings.

  The day flew by and at 6:00 p.m., the guests had begun arriving at the Grand Cypress for engagement party number two. The Masons had been pleased with Nealy’s elegant choices and raved over the details. While Nealy appreciated their response to her work, she had more pressing matters
at the moment. Namely, a missing Juliet.

  While the guests milled about, Nealy waited outside for Juliet. As her concern rose, she tracked down her sister Lanie, who was speaking with the waiting photographer. “Any word from Juliet?” Nealy asked.

  “No. I’ve tried her cell, home and office phone numbers. Nothing. When was the last time you talked to her?”

  “Last night. She was gone when I woke up this morning.”

  Checking her watch, Nealy puffed out a breath. They’d staved off trouble since her mother was occupied elsewhere, but she’d be here any minute, demanding answers.

  Pacing now, Nealy stopped before a floor-to-ceiling window. On the patio beyond the room, the guests chatted and socialized among the beautifully staged backdrop of twinkling stars draped in magnolia trees, snacking on specially made hors d’oeuvres and high-end champagne. A string quartet played in the corner. She’d created tonight’s ambiance as if it was one of her elite Hollywood parties, going for all the glitz and glam she could muster. Silver tulle artfully weaved around the chairs fluttered in the gentle breeze. Glittery silver star confetti sprinkled each table. Candle flames wavered. The color scheme of white, silver and scarlet conveyed drama. Intended to impress, it delivered the effect she wanted, just as she and Juliet had envisioned.

  She ran her fingers over the sheer fabric of her dress, a floating, luminous silver chiffon number with a draped neckline in the front and an open back, a wide scarlet sash at the waist fitted into a full skirt to the knees. A perfect dress for dancing, which reminded her Dane would be after her to take a turn on the dance floor with him tonight. She stopped her thoughts from wandering and switched her focus back on tonight’s important event.

  Where could Juliet be?

  Nealy paced the room again and then her cell phone rang. She grabbed it. “Nealy Grainger.”

  “It’s Juliet.”

  “Jul—” She turned her back to the room, not wanting the others to overhear. “Where are you?”

  She heard a sniffle on the other end. “Not in Cypress Pointe.”

  “What are you talking about? The guests are all here. The Masons are holding court.”