Avalanche (6 page)

“If we order the embossed invitations now, we can get a
better discount. The only thing missing is the date.” Jade looked up from the
checklist for Chelsea’s wedding, to see Chelsea, lost in thought.

“Or, if you’d rather, we can have the preschool class print
up a few samples. I’m sure they’ll come up with something interesting.”

“Yes, sure, whatever you think,” Chelsea answered, staring
out the window.

Jade put down the list, and focused on her friend.

“Okay, Chelsea. What’s going on? You’ve been somewhere else
all morning. Are you having second thoughts?” she asked gently.

“What? Second thoughts? About marrying Mac? Absolutely not!”

“Then what’s on your mind? Because it sure isn’t
invitations, or save the date cards.”

“It’s everything, this whole process. It’s just not me, it’s
not us.”

“What do you mean, exactly?”

“I’m talking about the wedding. I don’t want a big show. I
want it simple, and sweet. And private.”

“Then that’s what you should have! Does Mac feel the same
way?”

“Yes, I think so. All he said is that if I’m happy, then
he’s happy. This morning, he handed me his credit card and told me to create
the wedding of my dreams.”

“And what does that look like?” Jade prompted.

“It’s not huge, and it’s not fancy. But I’m afraid if I do
it the way I want, then the whole town will be upset with me. The engagement,
the wedding, it’s all anyone talks about, in town. At least with me. I feel
like I have to do it up big to satisfy everyone’s expectations.”

Jade thought a moment, understanding Chelsea’s dilemma.

“What does your perfect wedding to Mac look like?” she asked
again.

“I’d like to marry him in his mom’s garden, at sunset. With
only our closest friends to witness the ceremony. I’d like to do it in the
spring, when the jasmine is in bloom.”

“It sounds lovely. What are you wearing?”

“Something white and flowing, but not a wedding dress, per
se. I can see it, but it’s hard to describe.”

“Okay, we can get back to that. What about flowers?
Decorations? Or is it just the garden?”

“I see white lights, hanging from the trees. Of course, I’ll
carry a bouquet, but the garden is so lovely, I see no reason to try and
compete with it.”

“And after the ceremony? Would you have dinner, or a party?”

“Yes, a small dinner with the few people who attended the
ceremony.” Chelsea looked away from the window, suddenly, meeting Jade’s eyes.
“That probably sounds really boring, right? But it suits us. I don’t need
anything bigger than that.”

“It doesn’t sound boring at all,” Jade rushed to assure her.
“It’s your wedding. You deserve to have the ceremony that you want.”

“Sure, as long as I don’t mind becoming the town pariah,
afterwards. Mac is a favorite son around here, everybody loves him. Everyone
wants to be a part of his special day. I can’t rob them of that.”

“You don’t have to. Have the wedding that you want, then
throw a kick-ass party, after the honeymoon. You can keep the true wedding date
a secret, only tell those closest to you, but tell everyone about the
reception. We can word the invitations in such a way to make it seem like it’s
a wedding. Something like, “You’re invited to celebrate the marriage of blah,
blah, blah. This way, you get the wedding your heart desires, and the town gets
to celebrate with you.”

“I don’t know, it’s hard to keep a secret in Starsdale.”

“Hard, but doable. First, see if Mac’s on board. If he is,
then we can focus on the party, after you decide on a date in the spring. It
should be warm enough in April for an outdoor wedding. And the jasmine will be
blooming then.”

“April,” Chelsea sighed. “I’d love an April wedding.”

“Then that is what you shall have,” Jade proclaimed, opening
the calendar. “Any particular day of the week?”

“Saturday. That way, we can leave on our honeymoon on
Sunday, then have the party the next weekend, when we return.” Chelsea studied
the calendar for a moment. “That’s it. Saturday, April 18
^th
, 2015.
My wedding day.” Tears filled her eyes as she stared down at the day.

“Then it’s set. We’ll have the party on Sunday the 26
^th
,
okay?”

“Yes. In the afternoon. That’s perfect. Do you really think
we can pull this off?”

“Pull what off?” Sharon asked, stepping into Cliffside with
Pamela. “What are you two up to?”

“Nothing,” Chelsea laughed, wiping tears from her eyes. “Hi,
Pamela. How are you feeling today?”

“Better, thanks,” Pamela answered.

“Good, that’s good.” Chelsea indicated Jade with one hand. “Pamela
Rhodes, meet Jade Kingsley, author extraordinaire, and our event planner at
Cliffside.”

“Please,” Jade rolled her eyes as she waved at Pamela.
“Ignore her. It’s nice to meet you, Pamela.”

“Come on, Jade. You know it’s true. She’ll have a bestseller
on her hands before too long. Then we’ll probably lose her to book tours and
Hollywood,” Sharon stated, dropping into a chair beside Chelsea.

“If you guys don’t stop, you’re going to jinx it. I haven’t
even heard back from the publisher, yet. My manuscript is probably sitting in
some pile somewhere, waiting to be read. If I’m lucky.”

“Do you have representation?” Pamela asked, without
thinking. “Never mind, I don’t do that anymore.” She smiled apologetically at
Jade. “But if you want a publisher to take you seriously, you need an agent. I
can recommend a few people, if you like.”

“Really? That would be great!” Jade knew what she said was
true, but she didn’t know anyone she could trust to keep the manuscript from
her ex-husband.

“My pleasure,” Pamela answered, liking Jade on the spot.
There was something very warm and genuine about the woman. She fit right in
with the people of Starsdale. “Get me a copy of your manuscript, and I’ll give
it a read. That way, I’ll know who best could represent you.” It was also the
only way to ascertain if the woman had talent worth pursuing, but she didn’t
say that.

“Pamela and Hershey are going to hang out here today. I
didn’t expect to see you two.” Sharon pulled a treat for Hershey from her bag.

“We’re going over a few details about the wedding,” Chelsea
explained. “But we’re finished for now. Pamela, you’re welcome to join me at
the B&B. Just be warned, I’ll put you to work. I’m making cookies this
afternoon for the elementary school’s bake sale.”

“As tempting as that sounds, I should really stay here and
try to get some work done. I may walk up later, if that’s okay?”

“Sure, Hershey knows the way.” Chelsea leaned down and
stroked the dog’s head. “Don’t ya, boy?”

“Come and get me, if you want to walk up. I’ll go with you.
Red gave orders for her to not be outside alone,” Sharon explained.

“Of course, what was I thinking?” Chelsea nodded, then
turned to Jade. “Pamela’s ex is stalking her. It’s possible he’s in town. We’re
being extra careful, for now.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Jade exclaimed. “Justin said that Red
had to leave in a hurry, last night. This is why?”

“Yes, guilty. I’m afraid that it’s definite, he
is
in
town.” Pamela explained about the note they’d found the night before, and about
Red’s belief that someone had been watching her house.

“You poor thing, how are you dealing with this? My ex was no
picnic, but I can’t imagine him stalking me!” Jade rested her hand over
Pamela’s.

“To be honest, I’m more than a little in shock. I never
thought Chandler would do something like this, even though I’ve been dealing
with him for months. But to actually follow me here, and stand outside my
house? Not to mention, come inside and tape a note to my clothes. It’s sick.”

“That’s it, in a nutshell. He’s sick. Some people are very
adept at hiding their afflictions.” Chelsea thought of Preston, her ex-fiancé,
currently residing in a mental institution.

“Chandler pretty much leads a double life,” Pamela sighed,
sitting back. “I mean, he’s this high-profile guy, wining and dining every
politico in the city, then he morphs into a creep, determined to scare the life
out of me. I just don’t get it.”

“You don’t have to, as long as he’s caught. Red will take
care of that, I’m sure of it.” Sharon stood, itching to get in her kitchen.
“I’d best get to it, the hungry hoards will be here soon.”

“What’s the special today?” Jade asked, thinking to take
something to go for her and Justin.

“Butternut squash soup, and grilled chicken sliders. You
want lunch to go?” Sharon read her like a book.

“Definitely, thanks. Justin and I haven’t made it to the
market, this week. The cupboard is almost bare,” she laughed.

“Umm hmmm,” Chelsea grinned. “I’m surprised you showed up
this morning. You guys have been MIA more than once lately.”

Jade blushed crimson red as the other women laughed.

“Can I help it if we like each other’s company?” she finally
said.

“I’m not touching that one,” Sharon said, moving towards the
kitchen. “Let me just say that I’m looking forward to your
next
book.
Erotica, anyone?”

“As if I would write about my personal life,” Jade grinned
and rolled her eyes.

“As if,” Chelsea echoed, to more laughter.

“I think I’m missing something,” Pamela smiled, but didn’t
get the joke.

“You’ll understand when you read Jade’s manuscript. The
villain is based on her ex, Laurence Kingsley,” Chelsea explained.

“
The
Laurence Kingsley? As in the man who owns most
of the media outlets in Northern California?” Pamela was shocked.

“The very same. Now maybe you get why I don’t have an agent.
Few people are willing to go up against Laurence. He will
not
be happy
when he hears about the book.”

“Karma, in action. Toodles.” Sharon threw up her hand, then
disappeared into the kitchen.

“Oh, I definitely get it. Now I can’t wait to read the
manuscript. Laurence is a real son of a bitch in business. I can’t imagine
being married to him.”

“It seems like a bad dream, at this point. I’m so happy with
Justin, that Laurence never even crosses my mind.”

“Talk about a whirlwind romance, get her to tell you their
story, sometime.” Chelsea grinned and gathered up the wedding supplies.

“Maybe I should wait and read about it,” Pamela winked,
smiling when Jade blushed again.

“I am
not
going to write about Justin,” she insisted.
“At least, not so anyone would know. Besides, let me just deal with one book at
a time, okay? Who knows if I have a second one in me?”

“I think you’ve just scratched the surface,” Chelsea
squeezed Jade’s shoulder as she walked by. “I’m off to bake cookies, all hands
are welcome.”

“I’ll definitely be up later. I’d still like that tour,”
Pamela reminded her.

“Anytime,” Chelsea paused at the door. “Jade, thanks for
your help this morning. Oh, and thank Justin for letting you out of bed,” she
finished with a grin, then raced out of the door.

“We’re never going to live this down,” Jade mumbled,
stacking the wedding books together. Since coming to work at Cliffside, she’d
assembled several packages for prospective brides. As Chelsea already had a
vision of her big day, she didn’t need any of the visuals.

“It must be nice to have such close female friends,” Pamela
told her. “Even if they can be a pain, sometimes.”

“I wouldn’t trade them for anything,” Jade glanced up, hearing
the longing in Pamela’s tone. “You must have lots of friends in LA.”

“None like this. Most of my friends are actually work
acquaintances. I was so busy, all of the time, that building friendships took a
back seat to building work relationships.”

“I get it. For me, coming to Starsdale was a real eye
opener. I’ve only been here for a little over a month, but I already feel at
home. Most of that is due to Chelsea, Sharon, and especially Dana and Robert. Have
you met them?”

“No, I’ve been keeping to myself since I arrived. I don’t
remember the names from high school, though.”

“That’s because they only moved here a few years ago. Dana
runs an organic farm, sells to Cliffhangers, and many of the other restaurants
in the area. Her husband, Robert, is my best friend from childhood. After my
divorce, they insisted that I move here. I’m so glad they did.”

“And Justin, is he a new transplant as well?”

“Brand new. He came for the weekend, and never left. We
share Mac’s parent’s house. You should get Red to bring you by for dinner soon.
How about tomorrow night?”

“Red and I aren’t together, Jade. He’s helping me with
Chandler, nothing more.”

“Oh, I thought Justin said… Oh well, never mind. Come with
JB and Sharon, then. Or just JB, if Sharon’s working. I’d love for you to meet
Justin, and you have to eat, right?”

“Sure, thanks. I’ll speak to them and let you know.”

“Red’s welcome, too. If you like.” Jade kneeled down and
gave Hershey a hug. “So is this guy. You’re such a cutie!”

“He is adorable,” Pamela agreed. “Apparently, he’s a good
protector as well. Not just a pretty face, are you boy?”

Hershey placed his head in her lap, eager for as much love
as he could get.

“I leave you in good hands, then. Or paws, as it were,” Jade
laughed, scribbling something on a pad. “Here’s my number, call me about
tomorrow. I hope you can make it.”

“Thanks, so do I.”

Jade headed for the kitchen, reminding Pamela that she’d
promised Red to sit close to the door. Moving to a different table, she
reflected on how good it felt to have friendly women in her life, ones that
didn’t want anything from her.

“Speaking of which,” she mumbled, finding her phone in her
purse. “What will it take for you to cooperate with me, Kendra?”

Pressing a few numbers, she waited for her assistant to
answer the call.