Page 18 of The Jellybean Dilemma

I stuck out my hand. “Mrs. Peterson, it’s a pleasure to meet you. What a lovely home you have.”

“Why thank you, Rhonda, but please, call me Julie. Come in, come in. Where’s all your stuff?” She seemed borderline insulted, so I stepped closer to Greg, patting his arm.

“Oh, Greg here just couldn’t wait to see everyone and introduce me. We’ll get the bags later.”

She nodded in understanding, and Greg shot me a grateful look as we followed her into the house. I ignored him.

Thundering footsteps raced down the stairs. “Greg!”

A beaming, lithe girl almost as tall as he was raced toward us. She skipped the bottom two steps to launch herself at him. Greg caught her, wrapping both arms around her waist in a hug so tight he lifted her clear off the floor.

When he set her down, his grin stretched ear to ear. “Hi, Mandy.”

The frown she gave him was murderous, then she punched in him the arm hard enough to make him yelp. “Why didn’t you RSVP earlier??”

Intervention was definitely needed, and I cleared my throat. “I’m afraid that was my fault. Greg’s been talking about coming since we started dating a little over a month ago. But I had this huge holiday charity event I’d already committed to running.”

I gave Greg my best doe-eyed look and sighed. “This sweet guy didn’t want to leave me alone for New Year. Anyway, due to an inept employee, our venue was double-booked. I knew how much Greg wanted to come up here, so I offered to reschedule our event, and I let him know right away.” I glanced from mother to daughter, pleased they were buying this hook, line and sinker. At five foot eight, I was used to feeling tall, especially in my heels, but these ladies towered over me. Next to them, I felt like a child. “My apologies for the late notice.”

“Y-you’re—?” Mandy stammered. “You’re the Rhonda Elgin!”

I nodded, wincing when Greg got another punch. His sister was a pistol.

“You said your date was named Rhonda, but you didn’t warn me that the Rhonda Elgin would be at my wedding!” Her hands flew to her cheeks, then her hair. “I’m a mess!”

Quickly, I touched her arm. “Mandy, don’t even worry about it. I’m sure I’m a mess from traveling.” As if. “But I came here to meet Greg’s family and congratulate the bride-to-be. I’m so excited for you. I wish you every happiness, and I’m thrilled we’re able to attend your wedding.”

Still looking a little starstruck, Mandy lowered her hands. “Really? That’s so sweet. I heard you broke up with Kevin. I’m sorry, that must have been awful.”

Then why bring it up? Somehow, I managed to keep my smile in place. “Actually, it was for the best. I think I got the better end of the deal.” I sent another sappy look Greg’s way.

But it was true. Even annoyed at Greg, he was a freaking Jimmy Choo compared to the worn out, off-the-rack heel Kevin was.

I changed the subject. “When do I get to meet this fiancé of yours? Peter, right?”

She gaped at me, showing how thrilled she was I knew his name. “He’ll be here for dinner in forty-five minutes.” She froze then let out a panicked shriek. “I still have to change!” Without so much as a goodbye, she spun around to race back upstairs.

Greg nudged me to mouth a heartfelt thank you. I steeled myself against the flutter in my stomach, giving a closed-off nod in return. He frowned at my obvious distance. Luckily, his mother didn’t seem to notice.

I turned to her with a sugary smile, one that almost guaranteed I’d get my way. “Would I be able to see my room before dinner? I’m afraid traveling wore me out, and I’d love to rest a little if possible.”

“Oh, of course. Maybe Greg could bring your things.” She shot him a pointed look, and he hurried toward the door. “You and Greg will be upstairs.”

The possibility of staying with Greg in one room hadn’t even crossed my mind, and my heart hammered the entire way up.

Julie opened a set of solid oak French doors with a flourish. “This is what we call The Suite. I wasn’t sure what your sleeping arrangements were, and this way you have options.” We stood in a small sitting room. “There are two bedrooms and one bathroom. You get first pick since you’re here and Greg’s not.” She gave me a wink, pointing to the right. “That’s my favorite because it stays darker longer.”

I headed straight for the room. The muted cream tones and artsy wall-hangings set me at ease. A queen-sized bed sat in the middle of the room while a balcony overlooking Lake Superior stretched behind. I turned to thank Julie, but she was gone. Instead, Greg came in with my bags.

“What’s with the cold shoulder?” he grunted as he set down the luggage.

“I’m being friendly and talkative to everyone, including you.” I sniffed.

His lips pressed together before he said, “You know what I mean. Something happened.”

Oh, like me thinking you actually wanted me here only to find out you’re just like every other guy in my life and using me as a status symbol? I stared out at the lake, at the frozen waves jutting against the dull, cloudy sky. “I’m just tired from traveling.” My throat was tight, and I knew it wouldn’t be long before I lost my fragile hold on my control.

“It’s more than that.” His words were soft, pleading. “Talk to me, Jellybean.”

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