Page 50 of To Steal a Heart

The woman frowned. “I don’t know of anyone who fits that description.”

“He’s lanky with jet black hair that’s long and floppy on top.”

“Nope. Doesn’t ring a bell.”

Arden’s stomach twisted. Odd. “Are you sure?” she pressed.

Irritation flicked over the woman’s fleshy face. “I’m sure.” She pointed at a waiter who’d just finished filling a platter. “Don’t let that go out without drizzling it with balsamic vinegar.”

He nodded as he placed the platter back down.

The woman turned her attention back to her task, dismissing Arden altogether. Left with no other choice, Arden went over to where Charlie was waiting.

“What’s going on?” Charlie asked in a low tone.

Arden didn’t want to make a big deal out of nothing. “Earlier, I saw a waiter I thought I recognized.” She shrugged like it was nothing. “I saw the waiter from across the dance floor, so I probably was mistaken.”

“Who did you think the waiter was?”

“Do you remember when someone tried to steal my car?”

“Yeah.”

“I thought I saw the same guy.”

Charlie’s eyes turned to saucers. “That’s strange.”

“It is,” Arden agreed. “I only saw the guy for a second, though.”

Charlie looked relieved. “I wouldn’t think that someone would follow you from Carmel to the Hamptons.”

Unease trickled down Arden’s spine. “Surely not.”

“Should you mention it to one of the security guys?”

“Nah, I don’t think it’s anything to be worried about. Like I said, I saw the guy for only a second, and it was a long distance away.”

“You’re probably right. You ready?” Charlie asked.

“I am.”

Charlie pointed to the apple. “Did you come into the kitchen because you were hungry, or was it an excuse to ask about the waiter?”

“Both.” Arden took a large bite of the apple. She wasn’t the least bit hungry, but no sense in alarming Charlie. As they went to the wing where Talon and Effie were staying, Arden’s mind replayed the moment when she’d seen the waiter. The experience had left her with a peculiar feeling of disquiet. It was odd that the man was nowhere to be found. Maybe after she went to see Naomi, she’d comb the entire area of the party. It was possible that the waiter was outside somewhere and that she’d missed him. Of course the silver-haired woman had denied knowing anyone with dark, floppy hair. That didn’t mean anything, however. The woman had been preoccupied, hardly giving Arden the time of day.

She took in a deep, cleansing breath and let it out slowly. There was no need to freak out. She needed to focus on the good instead of waiting for the other shoe to drop. Things with Crew were bliss. He was handling being here much better than she’d ever dreamt he could. They would get through the weekend with her family. Yes, he was going back to Carmel and leaving her here, but they’d only be apart a few short days.

Life was good.

Why was she so intent on finding the one dark cloud in an otherwise sunny sky?

CHAPTER 12

After getting lots of hugs and sloppy kisses on her cheek from Naomi, Arden made her way back down to the party to find Crew. Charlie opted to retire to her room for the evening so she could get some homework done. It was commendable how faithful Charlie was about keeping her nose to the grindstone. She’d opted to take a summer class, meaning that the coursework was packed into the few short weeks that made up a term.

While dreading being apart from Crew next week, Arden was looking forward to spending time with her family. It had been nice laughing and cutting up with Talon, Effie, and Charlie.

The party was still in full swing when Arden returned. She searched the crowd for the waiter. No luck. Then she spotted her parents and grandmother sitting at one of the tables. Thankfully, Sylvia and Hector were on the dance floor, so she wouldn’t have to endure their presence. As she got closer to them, she realized Forge was sitting on the other side of Dad.

---