Page 90 of Charmed Forces

“There’s a caterer’s kitchen behind there,” said the man congenially. “Mr. Victor does not tolerate any messes.”

“Do you live here too?” I wondered as we continued past the overladen buffet to the bifold doors opening onto the patio. A balcony hung over the patio, providing a large seating area in the shade. A beautifully clipped lawn took up most of the yard with paved walking areas marked at intervals by fire bowls on tall posts. A second seating area was located to the right, and an arbor to the left was surrounded by climbing roses. The whole design was very chic and for a moment, I entertained an interest in learning more about garden design. Perhaps my mom could be persuaded to sign up for a class like that. It could actually turn out to be useful.

“Me? No. I have an apartment over the garage that comes with the job. Long hours,” he said with a shrug. “There’s Mr. Victor. Louise and her fiancé are taking pictures underneath the arbor. I think you’ll find Angelica there too. Enjoy the party.”

“He’s cute,” said Lily.

“And probably dangerous,” I reminded her. “These are not nice people, remember?”

“Yeah, but they do have good taste in kitchens. Two kitchens are required in the lifestyle I aspire to obtain too, and even better, a full-time chef.” Lily plucked two champagne glasses from a passing waiter’s tray and handed one to me.

“Angelica,” I called out as she tottered past us on her towering heels.

“Girls! How wonderful you came! You have drinks? You do. Wanna refresh them?” she asked, waving a hand for a waiter. “Did you get a plate? You have to try the coconut shrimp.” She air-kissed us both. “Love this look,” she added, waving a hand over our dresses. “Let’s get some pictures with Louise. All the girls are getting in on the shot. You’re gonna love them.”

“I’d love to meet everyone,” I said. “I just met your partner’s assistant.”

“Rick? He’s such a sweetie,” she said. “But he’s always, ‘sign this, Mr. Victor. Sign that Mr. Victor.’ I’m like, lighten up already, Rick.” She laughed. “Doesn’t Louise look adorable? Green is totallyhercolor.”

“She looks great,” I said as Angelica hooked her arms through ours and propelled us in Louise’s direction. We passed small groups of people, and an uncomfortable looking couple whom I guessed must be Louise’s parents. She had her mother’s hair color and her father’s eyes.

“You came,” said Louise, breaking free of the pose the photographer was instructing the couple to make in the center of the arbor. She hugged us both quickly and waved to her partner. “This is my fiancé, Callum. Callum, Lexi and Lily, the two girls I was telling you about. It’s so nice to make new girlfriends. I’m so glad you came.”

“Pleased to meet you both,” said Callum, shaking our hands politely. He tugged at his tie and shot an uncertain glance at the photographer. “Can we take a break now?” he asked, quietly enough that no one outside our small circle could hear. “I’d like to get a drink. These fire bowls are hot.”

“Let’s do the shots of us girls in front of the rose arch,” said Angelica. “You go get your drink, honey. Then Tom wants to celebrate with Cuban cigars. Can we get more fuel on these fire bowls? Someone find Rick. Rick knows what to do.”

“I don’t smoke,” said Callum.

“Try one, honey,” said Angelica, patting his tie and missing his eye roll.

“Tom was nice enough to throw us this party,” said Louise. “Maybe you can just hold it and not inhale?”

“Anything for you,” said Callum, leaning in to kiss her as Angelica cooed.

When Callum ducked inside the house for refreshments, Angelica rushed around, assembling several women in front of the photographer, pretty much taking over his job as she positioned Louise and began to plant everyone around her so we were perfectly centered and symmetrical with the rose arch blooming around us. Thankfully, Angelica put us at the back of the small crowd of women, waiting patiently while Rick added fuel to the fire bowls, sending the flames soaring upwards.

“This is so much fun,” said Lily. “I can’t wait to see the pictures!”

I grabbed her wrist and leaned in. “We can’t be in any of these shots.”

“Sure we can!”

“Wecan’t.We can’t have photos of us in case anything goes south. We can’t afford to be positively identified later.”

“Ready in three... two... one,” called the photographer and we both ducked, popping up again just in time to flash warm smiles at Angelica. We repeated the ploy several times, glad that no one in front could observe us, and we weren’t in a spot to be obvious to the other guests. I figured by the time the photos were printed and returned, no one would even remember we were in the shot. Plus, we were doing Louise a favor. She wouldn’t be stuck with two strangers she never heard from again, or eventually unable to recall our names when she reviews her engagement photo shoot in the years ahead.

“Okay, I think we’re done,” said the photographer, checking his camera screen and nodding. “I understand you don’t want me to mingle or circulate with the guests to take any candid photos?”

“Mr. Victor wouldn’t like that,” said Angelica, guiding him away. “Let me make that payment and remember: we want the works. Prints, engagement books for the couple and their parents, maybe mugs with their pictures on it and the date, and of course, don’t forget the digital copies for the website. Nothing but the best for my girl.”

“Your cousin is very generous,” said Lily.

“Isn’t she?” said Louise. “I keep telling Angelica she doesn’t have to do so much but she insists on it. She’s always been like that and shedoeslove weddings. That’s why I’m going to ask her to be my maid of honor.”

I placed a hand over my heart. “I’m sure she’ll love that distinction.”

“And you just know she’ll organize the best bachelorette party,” added Lily.

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