Page 64 of The Best of Friends

“She doesn’t even pay you. You have to see the deliciousness of it.”

“No, I don’t. David wasn’t happy when I told him no.”

“Don’t you want to go with him?”

“Of course not. How could I? He’s not serious about me. Elizabeth has gone to a lot of work to put this party together. I might not be completely thrilled with her at the moment, but I’m not willing to ruin everything. I’m leaving in less than two months. I want to go quietly.”

“That may not be an option.” Rebecca set down her cup and tightened her silk robe. “So you like him?”

Jayne felt the yawning coldness of the trap that opened beneath her feet. She loved Rebecca, but she wasn’t willing to trust her with the secret of her crush. Or the fact that she and David had slept together. Not just yet.

“He’s a great guy, and yes, I like him. There’s a lot to like. I see a bit of Blaine in him, which is pretty cool.”

“But you’re not falling in love with him?”

Jayne relaxed. “Do I look stupid?”

“David would be lucky to have you.”

That was the friend part of Rebecca talking, Jayne thought. “Yes, he would, but that’s not the issue.”

“Maybe he’s trying to screw with Elizabeth,” Rebecca said. “Or, at the very least, tweak her plans.”

“Maybe.” Now that she was a little calmer, she wished she hadn’t come over and told Rebecca about the invitation. “You’re right. That has to be it. I should have realized it.”

Rebecca grinned. “Are you sure you don’t want to date him? Just for me?”

“You mean to mess with Elizabeth.”

“That would be the point of it, yes. Come on. One date? I’ll pay.”

“Your warm and loving support overwhelms me.”

“I do what I can.”

Elizabeth circled the set tables, studying everything from the china to the flatware to the centerpiece. Jayne stood off to the side, imagining which she would pick. Not that she would ever throw a party like this. Ignoring the cost, it was too formal, too fussy. Although she liked the idea of a buffet.

“The flowers,” Elizabeth said slowly. “Jayne, what do you think?”

Jayne knew she was to be more of a sounding board than actually offer an opinion. “The tall arrangements are pretty, but difficult to talk over.”

“I agree.” Elizabeth circled another table. “I want more intimate seating this time. More tables of two. Would we even want a centerpiece on those?”

The catering manager made frantic notes.

“Set up tables for two,” Elizabeth said, then glanced at her watch. “Jayne will check back in fifteen minutes.”

“Certainly, Mrs. Worden.”

Jayne followed Elizabeth out of the living room, where the sample tables had been set. Most people went to the catering office for setups, but not Elizabeth. People came to her.

Instead of going toward her office, Elizabeth stepped outside and breathed deeply. “I’ve had honeysuckle planted. Can you smell it? Not my favorite, but it’s very romantic. There’s night-blooming jasmine as well. All in pots. As soon as David’s made his choice, I’ll have it taken away.” She glanced at Jayne. “Have you and David looked at any more houses?”

“No. Not since the last one. I, ah, think he’s been busy with work.”

“I hope not,” Elizabeth snapped. “I swear, if Blaine is making him work long hours, I’ll be furious. David needs to focus on what’s important. Right now that’s finding a house and getting engaged. Although I suppose the good news is if he doesn’t find a house before that, whoever she is can help. God knows, someone will need to take him in hand. He hasn’t mentioned anyone?”

A question Jayne could answer honestly. “He hasn’t said a word.”