The Good Luck Potion (The Good Luck Series) (8 page)

“Oh…okay.” Alex let out the breath he hadn’t realized he held
. “I guess her strange feeling and not being able to reach me made it even more of an issue.”

“You got that right.
I was afraid if I didn’t come over her blood pressure would rise too. Let me give her a quick call to put her mind at ease. I left her in the recliner watching her favorite Audrey Hepburn movie, but she made me promise to call as soon as I got here.”

Alex shook his head. His sister was always the worrier when it came to him. Not that there was anything to worry over. He was perfectly fine. His dog, on the other hand, was a different story. “Come on, Duke, let’s go chase that bird.”

The dog glanced at him and jumped down from the fence. He loped toward the sugar maple and laid down in the shade.

“I said bird, not tree. What is wrong with you today?”

Duke yawned, laid his head on his front paws, and closed his eyes.

Alex planted his hands on his hips and shook his head. There was definitely something up with his dog. He’d always been indifferent and downright lazy, but before Alex went to Alaska he felt the dog enjoyed being around him. Now he had to wonder. Had he been gone long enough that Duke was no longer his dog? Could he miss Keely so much that he was unhappy?

Darren walked over to the tree as well. “I’m standing right here with him, Keely. He’s fine. Concerned about you, but otherwise fine.”

Hearing Darren’
s approach he turned his attention to the phone conversation.

“Okay. If you insist.”
He reached Alex his cell phone. “She wants to talk to you.”

Alex
took it and grinned. “Hey sis, what’s up?”

“My anxiety. Did you have a good time last night?”

“Yes.”

“Did anything unusual happen?”

“No. Nothing.”

“What about the potion? Do you still have the bottle with you?”

“Sure. It’s in my pocket.” He reached his hand into his front jeans pocket and felt the small glass vial. “I’m fine. Really I am. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”

“
If you are sure?”

He
laughed. “I am.”

“Okay then. Come over this afternoon. We’ll order take out.”

“I would if I could, Keels, but I have to go rent my tux for Phil’s wedding. Then Brandon and I are going hiking.”

“Hiking? No. You can’t go. Something bad might happen. Do it next Saturday. Not today.”

He laughed again, but remembered what Darren said about her blood pressure rising and thought better of it. “If it will make you feel better. I’ll see if Brandon has a problem changing our plans.”

“It will.”

“Okay. I’m handing the phone back to Darren now. I’ll check in on you later.”

As soon as Sue got into her sister’s car to go for the dress fitting
, Kimberly pounced on her. “Spill it. I want to hear every detail about last night.”

“There really isn’t anything major to tell.
” She settled into the seat and fastened the belt. “He ordered us a pizza and we went back to his place. I got to meet his dog and we danced in his living room.”

“That’s it?”

Sue nodded.

“Boy you do lead a hum drum life.”

“Gee thanks.”

“I was hoping you’d say he at least kissed you good night when he took you home. He did take you home last night, didn’t he?”

“Yes. He did. I was home by midnight. He walked me to the door and made sure I got inside before he left, but there was no kiss.”

Kimberly sighed. “Well. It’s a start.”

“No one said we had to rush it. We’re getting to know one another. We have a real easy going camaraderie and I like that. There is nothing worse than feeling awkward around a guy. With Alex I feel almost as if I’ve known him forever, yet we talk about the things people getting to know each other do.”

“Oh…that sounds so sweet. Maybe he’s the one, Sue. Wouldn’t that be great?”

“Yeah, but I’m not getting my hopes up or even thinking along those lines. It’s too soon.”

Her sister sighed again. “Well don’t play it too cool with him because you don’t want to lose him. He’s a hottie.”

“Kimberly! I’m going to tell Phil.”

“No you won’t. If you do I’ll tell Alex you think he’s gorgeous.”

Sue glared at her and it wasn’t long before giggling erupted from the driver’s seat. She joined in and couldn’t remember when she’d felt so giddy about the prospects of what could happen.

The gris-gris warmed around her neck and she closed her eyes
, remembering how it had done the same as she danced slowly with Alex last night. When he held her in his arms it had made everything feel right in the world. He even knew a few moves that had surprised her and his ability to waltz was really good. But he said he’d never had a professional dance lesson in his life, whereas, she’d taken tap and ballet for a few years as a young girl.

“You got quiet. What are you thinking about?”

“Dancing. Have you and Phil picked out the song you’ll dance to at the reception?”

“We’ve narrowed it down to three possibilities, but you know Phil isn’
t much for dancing. He has agreed to one dance so I have to make it the best song for us.”

Kimberly pulled up in front of the
dress shop and they got out. “I can’t wait to see each of you in your dresses today. Just one more reminder that the wedding is getting closer and closer. And there is still so much to do.” She touched Sue’s arm. “I know you are already doing my shower and personal shower, but I could really use your help getting a few of the details taken care of in the next few weeks. Do you think you’ll have the time?”

“Yes. Whatever you need. I’m at your disposal within reason.”

Her sister smiled and hugged her tight. “Thank you! I promise to stay within reason.”

The pristine coolness of the store always shocked Sue whenever she entered the dress shop. For the first time since her sister got engaged she didn’t dread being there. In fact, her
eyes darted to the many racks of beaded and sequined white gowns that she had found so daunting when they’d began looking for Kimberly’s perfect dress last year. Now she found that these same racks were drawing her to them instead of repelling her. Yet she wouldn’t give in to the temptation to look through them. No. She was there to try on the cerulean blue gown that her sister picked out for the bridesmaids to wear. Nothing more.

The other bridesmaids were already there waiting on them to arrive. And they squealed when they saw Kimberly. She hurried to their little huddle and shared a group hug with them.

Sue held back, letting her sister bask in the glory of being the bride. These were her friends and this was her big day that approached. And if she played her cards right maybe one day very soon she’d be in the spotlight.

Alex stared at his reflection in the mirror
, trying to decide if he liked what he saw or not. He hadn’t had on a formal tux since his senior prom. The many banquets and occasional dinner party he’d attended since had required a dinner jacket or expensive suit.

“What’s taking so long in there?” Brandon called, knocking on the dressing room door.

Reluctantly, Alex opened for him to see. He fiddled with the odd-colored blue cummerbund. “Is this right?”

When he looked up
, he saw his pal looked exactly the same as he did. “I guess that answers my question.”

Brandon laughed. “They don’t call these monkey suits for nothing, but if I grab the attention of a hot babe while wearing this I’m all for it.”

Alex grinned and shook his head. “You never change, do you?”

“It’s all about the ladies, Alex. You could learn a thing or two from me.”

“I think I’m doing just fine on my own.”

“Now gentleman, let’s have a look at you,” the clerk said
, coming into the dressing area with a cloth measuring tape hanging around his neck. He adjusted the jacket on Alex and smoothed the shoulders, checked the length of the sleeves, the inseam and length of the slacks. “I think it’s a perfect fit for you. How does the shirt fit?”

“Fine.”

“Excellent.” The clerk turned to Brandon and did the same to him before deciding they needed a different jacket size because the sleeves were a little short. “A long instead of a regular will do for you. I’ll be right back with it.”

Brandon took the jacket off.
“You never said, but did you and Kimberly’s sister have a good time last night?”

Alex nodded. “
We did.”

“You going to ask her out again?”

“I didn’t really ask her out, we just left the restaurant. But yeah, I think I’m going to ask her out for real.”

“Why not tonight? Since we can’t go hiking, you might as well enjoy yourself. I hope Keely doesn’t have the same feeling next week because I really want to go hiking before all the leaves change and fall off the trees.”

“True, but I don’t have her number.”

“I’m sure Phil must. Give him a call.”

Alex grabbed for his cellphone from the dressing room and was about to dial their friend when the clerk returned.

The man made the adjustment to Brandon’s attire and once he was satisfied, instructed them that they could change back into their street clothes. “I’ll have these ready for pick up the day before the wedding. If you should need anything between now and then please do not hesitate to call.”

“Good. I’m ready to get out of here.” Brandon headed into his dressing room and Alex did the same. He finished his call to Phil and got Sue’s number. He hurried and changed before he could think of reasons not to call her.

Getting into his truck he made the call and
it rang several times. He was about to hang up when she finally answered.

“Hello?”

“Sue.”

“Yes.”

“It’s Alex. I got your number from Phil. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Hi. No. I don’t mind. What’s up?”

“I had a great time last night and was wondering if you didn’t already have plans if you’d want to do something tonight? I know it’s last minute…”

“I enjoyed last night too. No, I don’t have plans tonight. What did you have in mind?”

“Dinner? Maybe a movie?”

“I’d like that.”

“Great. I can call for you at five. I need to go see Keely. The doctor put her on bed rest for the day.”

“Oh no. I hope she’s okay.”

“Her ankles were swollen so she was to stay off her feet and eat more protein today. I’ll let you know how she’s doing when I come for you.”

“That sounds good. I’ll see you later.”

He
e
ended the call and headed to his sister’s, feeling good about seeing Sue again.

Chapter Seven

After leaving Keely’s, Alex swung by his place to
feed Duke, shave and change before he went to pick up Sue for their date. He walked up the flight of stairs at the apartment complex to her floor and knocked at her door. She answered, looking surprised he was there.

“Hi
,” she said, holding a few pieces of paper in her hand.

She looked adorable standing there barefoot and downright sexy in the
faded t-shirt and shorts she wore. He doubted she was ready for their date, but the sight of her dressed like this caused his body to tense, his throat to go dry. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her and he found his reaction unnerving.

“I
-Is this a bad time?”

“No. No. Come on in. I told Kimberly I’d help her with a few wedding details today and she brought this
long list over. I’ve been trying to figure out how I am going to manage it all in the next several weeks. I guess I let time slip away from me. Can you give me fifteen minutes to change?”

“Sure. Take your time.”

“Would you like something to drink while you wait?” she asked closing the door behind him.

“I’m fine.”

“Okay. Go on into the living room and have a seat.”

He went into the room, but he didn’t sit.
He liked the open floor plan and the white crown molding that encased the gas fireplace.

“How was Keely?”
she asked, putting the papers on the small antique secretary desk in the corner.

“Better. She was napping when I got there. Darren said she’d be
en sleeping off and on all day and her ankles weren’t as swollen. She woke right before I left and assured me she was fine and would be back to work on Monday.”

“That’s good.” Sue handed him the television remote. “Watch whatever you like. I won’t be long.”

“Okay.” He reached for the remote but grasped her hand instead. He pulled her to him. “If you’d rather not go out we can stay in.”