So Right With You (19 page)

“Oh, Garrett,” Chloe whispered.

“She wanted us all to spend time together. That summer she did better. Our family was sent to Disney World. It was during that trip that I finally let go of my resentment. She was so brave. She knew she was dying, but she kept her spirits high, I think for all our sakes. She was so good. I regretted how badly I had treated her.”

She sat up, turned, and straddled his lap. Taking his chin into her hands so he had to look at her, she said, “You have to forgive yourself. You were a kid. I can only imagine how hard it must have been for you. Sometimes we don’t always act our best with those we love the most. It is obvious you loved her. I am sure she knew it.” She kissed him on the lips, then settled back down into his arms. He wrapped them tightly around her.

Garrett couldn’t believe Chloe had so easily spoken to the heart of the matter. Forgiveness. He had to forgive himself. Somehow, that sounded easier said than done. Whenever he was with Chloe, it made him want to be a better man. Maybe it was time to let it go. He wasn’t sure he could do it, but he could try. Wouldn’t Lauren have wanted that for him and for the other kids who would benefit from the event?

“I’ve changed my mind. Lauren would have liked a big party for the kids. She would have been blown away by it. She always loved a good party. I want you to go ahead with the arrangements. It’s the right thing to do. Do you think Teresa would be willing to be the spokesperson for it? I would still like to keep my involvement behind the scenes, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to pull it off.”

“Oh, Garrett. I know how hard this is for you. Thank you.” There were tears glistening in her eyes. She turned her face up to his and he kissed her, tentatively at first but with growing steam. For a few minutes, they lost track of time and became lost in each other.

*~*

Later, Chloe was lying cradled in his arms. They had climbed under the covers. “What was your favorite ride at Disney World?”

Without hesitation, he said, “The teacups. Lauren and I rode them until we were both sick from laughing so hard. She couldn’t help me turn the wheel because she was too weak. She just lay in the seat, holding on, and laughing so hard tears were springing from her eyes. She looked so happy.”

“She sounds extraordinary. I think I would have liked her.”

“You would have.” He smiled slightly, remembering. “She was a lot like Kali, spunky but sweet. With frequent hospital visits, she took up drawing and painting. Maybe that’s why Kali reminds me of her. Anyway, she was really good. When I was little, she would read to me and draw illustrations of scenes from the books we were reading together. I remember one time I had a cold and my mother forbade me from going near her. Of course that didn’t stop Lauren. She got up in the middle of the night and read stories to me by flashlight. Luckily, my mother never found out. I still have some of her drawings.”

“That’s sweet. Sounds like you two were close, despite everything. Did she teach you how to draw?”

“She tried. But I’m not as good as she was.”

With Chloe’s coaxing, he shared more about his sister. Eventually, they grew tired and fell asleep, wrapped in each other’s arms.

At the crack of dawn, Chloe was at the George Bush International Airport with Harper and Ree to pick up Leighton. They were all excited to finally see her and find out how her trip had gone. Leighton was one of the last passengers to exit the plane. She emerged from the plane in her trademark black dress slacks, gray turtleneck, and black trench coat, carrying a black leather designer handbag in one hand and a
Business Weekly
magazine in the other, with her stylish carry-on slung over her right shoulder. Unlike most of her fellow passengers, she looked crisp and refreshed despite her hours in flight.

Years of being the daughter of Andrew and Marsha McCall had ingrained in her that one must always present to the world proper deportment at all times. No one except her friends would ever guess that in addition to the business magazine, Leighton would have romance novels and a gossip rag in her carry-on. It was all about the image one presented. It had taken her years to perfect hers. Of course, her friends helped to keep her sane, grounded, and from becoming as rigid as her parents.

“There she is,” Ree said.

“Over here, Leighton,” Chloe called.

“Finally,” Harper exclaimed.

Leighton turned in their direction. She flicked her shoulder-length chocolate-colored hair back as her blue eyes landed on them. Continuing through the departure area with grace, she quickened her stride toward them, clearly happy to finally see her friends.

“I can’t believe you were all able to make it. I’ve missed the three of you so much.” Her face broke out into a wide smile.

Not standing on ceremony, they all converged on her to give her a group hug.

“We missed you, too,” Chloe said.

“What else do we have to do at six in the morning?” Harper replied dryly.

“How tired are you? You must be wiped out. How was your flight? You can tell us on the way to the baggage claim.” Ree reached for her carry-on to lighten her load.

The four friends strode arm in arm through the airport, not noticing the curious glances they were receiving from passersby as they stood out from the crowd, not only because of their natural beauty but also because of their individuality.

“The flight was long and yes, I’m a little tired. I didn’t sleep as well as I should have before the flight.” A subtle smile rested upon Leighton’s face. “So Ree tells me you’re now living with your boss, Chloe. I was only gone for three weeks. I can’t believe how much things have changed. Just as well, I never liked how much you were changing to be with Trevor. It’s never good to change yourself to meet someone else’s expectations. Besides, I’m rather glad I don’t have to wear one of the Pepto-Bismol bridesmaids’ dresses you picked out with his mother. They were pretty nauseating. They had way too much pouf and a bow on the butt to boot.”

“I know, right?” Harper agreed.

“Stop it, you two. Be nice,” Ree scolded. “Although I have to agree, they were pretty bad.”

“I know. I only did it because Trevor said I should go along with his mother’s choice. I actually wanted each of you to pick your own style in red since it was a Christmas Eve wedding.”

“Oh, that would have been much nicer,” Leighton commented.

“Red is certainly better than pink. I—” Harper was interrupted.

“Hate pink. I know, you told us already. You looked nice in it,” Ree said.

Harper eyed Ree with exasperation, shaking her head. “I wasn’t going to say that. I was going to say I’d prefer black.”

“Of course, you do tend to be a little color challenged,” Ree said.

“Honey, it was nothing personal.” Harper shrugged. “It just wasn’t me.”

Ree looked slightly mollified.

“It doesn’t matter now. I don’t see a wedding in my future any time soon unless one of you is planning one,” Chloe said. “I’ve already put my wedding dress up on eBay.”

“That’s a shame. It was really a beautiful dress,” Leighton said.

“Hopefully, it will do well enough that I can pay off some bills.” Chloe shrugged. It would be better to make a clean break from Garrett when the time came for her to leave. Selling the dress would make that possible. She could pay him back the money she still owed him from the shopping spree.

*~*

After they had retrieved all of Leighton’s Louboutin luggage from baggage claim, they stopped at the Café House for breakfast.

“You haven’t told us yet, but how was your trip?” Ree eyed Leighton with speculation as the women sipped coffee, having finished their meals.

Leighton swallowed her coffee hard, almost choking. “Being that you’re my best friends and a little nosy, I’ll admit the views were quite spectacular. And well, I kind of met someone.”

“Really?” Chloe raised her eyebrows at Leighton. Leighton hadn’t dated in quite some time, so this was news.

Leighton nodded, smiling.

“I knew it. You were way too quiet about your trip.” Ree smiled at having her suspicions confirmed.

“Ree, why is it we’re the only ones not having flings?” Harper propped both elbows on the table and rested her head on her hands.

“Harper, hush.” Ree narrowed her eyes at Harper. “I want to hear more about…” She smiled, giving Leighton a look that said she wasn’t off the hook yet. “…him.”

“I think we all do,” Chloe said.

“It’s not what you guys think. I didn’t share this with you because I knew you would try to talk me out of it. But… I went to Australia not only for a vacation but to have a holiday fling.”

“Are you crazy? You could have met anybody, including a serial killer,” Ree scolded.

“Not everybody is like you, Ree, always thinking about all the bad things that can happen.” Harper shook her head in frustration.

Ree’s eyes hardened. “Yes, I know, but sometimes they do.”

All of them knew Ree had experienced more than her share of tragedy, starting with the death of her father.

“Okay, let’s just say he wasn’t a serial killer,” Leighton said, trying to break the tension between the two women.

“Obviously. Now tell us more. How did you two meet?” Chloe asked, hoping to move the conversation along.

“That’s the thing. The first week, I had pretty much given up on finding Prince Charming or even Crocodile Dundee. Most of the men in the outback bore no resemblance to Hugh Jackman at all, except for our guide, Ross. And he was married, and his wife was nine months pregnant with their third child. I’d given up the possibility of meeting someone when his wife went into labor. His cousin, Owen, arrived to cover for him. Things started to heat up then, but of course, he kept things professional until we got back to Sydney. Let’s say we had our own abbreviated version of
Nine and a Half Weeks
, only in one week.”

“So do you have any plans to see him in the future?” Ree asked.

“No, we both knew the score from the beginning.” Leighton gave a twisted smile. “Anyway, I only know his first name. It’s better that way.” Leighton’s smile slipped a little. She glanced away but not before the girls saw the storm of tears brewing in her eyes.

“Why, you little slut. Who knew?” Harper smirked. Her brown eyes became mischievous. “We have a little surprise for you after we leave here. You missed our last girls’ night out. We all did a little something to symbolize our friendship. Girls, show her.”

They all lifted their left ankles to display their tattoos.

“Oh, my God. I can’t believe you all did that.” Leighton studied the designs for a moment. “I’ve never seen anything quite like it. It’s nice.”

“Harper designed it,” Ree said proudly.

“Pretty neat, huh?” Chloe added smiling.

Harper actually reddened a little at the high praise from her friends.

“Okay. Sure. Why not?” Leighton said.

“Great! We’ll head over to Andrea’s as soon as we settle the bill,” Harper said.

*~*

Chloe sat reviewing her notes. Her stomach was tumbling like a washer on spin dry. She had never had to address a roomful of people in her life. If this wasn’t so important for the kids the Foundation served, she would never have found the courage to go through with it. Teresa Bennett had helped by giving her brochures for the Foundation and specific information to include in her plea.

Mr. Harris, the superintendent of the school district, was winding down the last of the agenda for the night. Chloe was due to speak next.

“There is one last item on our agenda,” Mr. Harris said. “Tonight, we have a special guest speaker. Many of you know about Dreams Made Possible. For those of you who may not be aware, the organization helps children and their families who are undergoing the stresses of dealing with an ill or disabled child. Miss Chloe Lambert has come this evening to request our assistance with an upcoming event the organization is sponsoring. Please give a warm welcome to Miss Lambert.”

Chloe attempted to block out the sound of the applause. She was tense enough without thinking of the crowd gathered there tonight. The room was packed. She released a nervous breath as she approached the front of the room. Switching on the mobile microphone they had given her a few minutes ago, she climbed the stairs to the podium.

Taking another breath, she smiled at her audience and began her speech. “Good evening. I wanted to speak with you about a fundraiser gala that we are having in January. I know some of you may be groaning at the thought of being asked for money. However, that is not really all I came to talk to you about. It is often hard for children with disabilities or illnesses to establish and maintain friendships. This year, we decided to help bridge that gap by including both the children we serve and their local community. If you think you would be interested in having your family attend, please see me at the end of the meeting. Of course,” she added as she smiled, “we would gladly welcome any donations you would like to make. We’ll be having a raffle of services and baskets, so if any of you would like to donate for that, let me know. I brought brochures from the Foundation with me, giving information on what it does and on where to send your contributions. I will not be taking any donations myself tonight, but I will be happy to let you know where to send them. Thank you for your time.” Chloe released a sigh of relief. She had done it.

“Thank you, Miss Lambert. One of the reasons we wanted you to come tonight is that we have had families who have been touched by illness or a disability. We are aware of the good work the Foundation does and we wanted to do our part,” Mr. Harris concluded.

Chloe was overwhelmed by the warm reception she received. There were a number of families who stood in line to speak to her and to receive information concerning the gala. The last was a Hispanic couple in their midthirties to early forties.

“Miss Lambert, my name is Ray Cerrato and this is my wife, Diane. We were told by Jim Harris, our superintendent, about the meeting tonight. We wanted to come and support the cause. Last year, our daughter passed away from a brain tumor.”

“Oh, I’m very sorry for your loss.” She reached forward to take their hands and gave them each a squeeze. Glancing into their eyes, she could read the sorrow still present there.

“Thank you, Miss Lambert,” Diane said quietly. Her husband was too choked up to continue. “Before she passed, Dreams Made Possible granted one of her last wishes. For her, it made all the difference. It made it easier to accept her passing. Anyway, we would like to come to the gala. We thought we might be able to help convince the sponsors of the importance of their donations.”

“That would be very nice. We could use all the help we can get.” She forced a cheerful smile as she held back her own tears. Her heart ached for the couple who had lost so much, and yet had so much still to give.

*~*

It was Saturday, the evening of the holiday party for the office. Chloe had gone to the beauty salon for Ree’s magic touch, and Garrett hadn’t seen her. Garrett had left at dawn for a day of fishing with his two best friends, Craig and Kenny. Luckily, he was in the shower getting ready when she returned. Ree had done an exceptional job of adding soft curls to her russet-colored hair and giving it added volume. She had decided to wear it down for the occasion. Garrett preferred it that way, and there was only so much time left before she would have to cut it.

She slipped off the clothes she had worn to the salon and slipped into a lacy red bra with matching underwear, garter belt, and black thigh-high stockings. Finally, she was ready to slip into the red dress she had bought with Garrett almost three weeks ago. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and liked what she saw. She hoped Garrett would be equally pleased. Touching up her lipstick and slipping her black heels on, she left her room.

Descending the stairs, she spotted Garrett on his phone, his back turned to her. At the sound of her heels clicking on the stairs, he turned and slammed his phone closed, completely forgetting the person he had been talking to. His attention was occupied by the vision she presented as she glided down the stairs toward him. He moved to the bottom of the staircase to greet her.

“You look beautiful.” Garrett’s eyes glowed. “I’m tempted to take you back upstairs and muss you up a bit. But it would be a shame, considering how great you look.” He took her hand to help her down the last step, maintaining eye contact with her.

She blushed. Never had a man given her the kind of looks Garrett was radiating. She smiled, glancing at the phone. “You’re looking rather sharp in your tux, too. But I hope that phone call wasn’t important.”

“Not really. I’ll call them back later.” He stuck the phone in his pocket. “I take it you’re ready to go?”

*~*

When they arrived at the Harrington Hotel in the Aston Martin, the party was in full swing. Garrett had left her on her own to handle some of the last-minute arrangements, including retrieving the end-of-the-year bonus checks from his office, which he would be distributing shortly. Chloe was drinking a glass of bubbly champagne and chatting with a few coworkers. The side door opened and Doug arrived with his date, who was none other than Bethany Moran. She had gotten into the party by having herself invited as a plus one. Doug naturally had no idea Bethany was not on the invitation list. She would have to warn Garrett.