Page 35 of The Best of Friends

“You didn’t know—I could tell by the look on your face.”

Jayne ignored the flicker of guilt. Technically, she knew that Rebecca was back in town, but she hadn’t had a hint about her showing up at the party. Talk about a ballsy move.

“We’re going to be eating soon,” Elizabeth said. “Naturally I don’t have a place setting for them. I’ll have to do some fast rearranging and figure out who would be safe next to her. And what she’s doing with Jonathan…” Elizabeth cleared her throat. “I suppose that’s the least of my problems.”

“I can take care of the seating arrangements.”

“No, I’ll do it. Just please keep my daughter from ruining this any more than she already has.”

Jayne nodded. Acting as go-between was a familiar role. She’d done it until the day Rebecca had left, taking messages between the women, trying to keep peace and to point out that while they didn’t seem to get along, they were still family. None of which ever made any difference.

Jayne moved toward the crowd that had gathered around the couple. Rebecca looked stunning in a fitted dress and high heels, both in pale blue. Jayne knew she should probably be able to place the designer, but unless there were obvious signs, she usually got it wrong.

David and Blaine were talking to Jonathan, while Rebecca was surrounded by several of her mother’s friends. As Jayne approached, Rebecca gave her an impish smile, then excused herself from the women.

“Jayne,” she said, raising her eyebrows. “What a surprise to see you here. Oh, I suppose it’s not a surprise after all. You would be needed to help things run smoothly. Whatever would my mother do without you?”

“Are you insane?” Jayne asked in a low voice. “Bringing him here?”

Rebecca laughed. “It’s delicious. You have to admit I know how to make an entrance.” She signaled a passing server and took two glasses of champagne from the tray. She handed the second one to Jayne.

Jayne took it, then leaned in closer. “He slept with your mother.”

“I know. That makes it so much better.”

Jonathan joined them. Rebecca leaned into him. “Jonathan, this is my friend Jayne.”

“We’ve met,” Jayne said, then desperately wished she could call back the words. “Years ago. I’m sure you don’t remember. You were…” Sleeping with Elizabeth? Scratch that. “We were just teenagers and not of much interest.”

Rebecca looked at her quizzically. “Nearly finished?”

“God, I hope so.”

“Nice to meet you again, Jayne,” Jonathan said, shaking her hand. “Nice cast. What happened?”

“I thought I had superhuman powers.”

“You don’t?” David walked up and put his hand on the small of her back. “Damn. Someone somewhere has to have them, and I’m going to find that person.” He glanced at Rebecca. “Nice entrance. Very smooth and low key.”

“Thanks. That’s exactly what I was going for.”

Jayne was glad they were talking, because she wasn’t up for speech. Not while she could feel every cell of his skin touching hers. Well, touching through a couple of layers of fabric. Still, it was thrilling.

“You’re staying for brunch, aren’t you?” he asked Rebecca. “Mom arranged to have every single appropriate female in a fifty-mile radius brought here. There’s going to be a talent competition later.”

“Who would want to miss that?” Rebecca asked.

Oh, right. The other women. Some of the thrill left, and Jayne casually stepped to the right. David’s hand fell away. No matter how she wanted things to be different, the truth was David would never be interested in someone like her. The young prince had a destiny. He would marry the “right kind of girl.” Someone from a wealthy family, someone with social status and a closet full of designer handbags.

Rebecca looked at Jayne. “She wants you to keep me in line, doesn’t she?”

“Oh, yeah.”

“Are we taking odds?”

“I’m hoping you’ll be merciful and behave.”

Rebecca tossed her blond hair and laughed. “You’ve always had a delicious sense of humor, Jayne. It’s one of your best qualities.”