Page 87 of Shadow Sabotage
“Swiss buttercream. Guess what it’s for.”
“What?” I tried to dip a finger into the mix, but he swatted me away with a scolding look. Then he grabbed a spoon and scooped out a little for me to try.
“It’s for Cheyenne’s wedding cake.”
“Oh.” I stopped in my tracks. “Oh, that’s… That’s in five days.” I couldn’t believe it. Granted, their engagement had only been a month long. That was warp speed for wedding planning. But still. It had comesoquickly.
“Right.” He cocked his head. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” I shook myself. “I just can’t believe it’s almost here.”
“You and me both,” he said, shaking his head. “I think we all would have preferred a little more notice, but Rhett and Cheyenne…” He trailed off, realizing I was staring at the video screen in the corner. “What is it?”
The café had security cameras mounted in the restaurant, with monitors in the kitchen so Ben and Marcia could see thewhole place. I’d just watched Vance walk out with our bags. As soon as he did, the three women at the table huddled their heads together and began whispering. They were right underneath the camera in their alcove, and the image was so clear that I found myself wishing I could read lips and follow their conversation.
“I wish I could hear what they’re saying,” I muttered.
Ben picked up a remote and turned on the volume. “Strange request,” he said, shaking his head. “Most of the time, I try my hardest tonothear whatever nonsense they’re talking about. But your wish is my command.” He changed the view on the screen so that it only showed their table.
I moved forward and watched the conversation, shocked that I could actually hear most of it despite the ridiculous violin music Marcia kept playing in the restaurant.
Darla looked Serena in the eye. “Don’t let it get to you, Serena. You need to start acting like the queen you are.”
Serena buried her face in her hands and said something, but I couldn’t catch it.
Leslie squeezed Serena’s shoulder. “You’re the one with a ring on your finger, sweetie.”
Darla nodded. “Exactly. And like we’ve been trying to tell you, it’s not the end of the world. Men do these things”—she and Leslie exchanged knowing glances—“but he wouldn’t dare divorce you. He knows that my husband will take my side. My friendsalwayswin at court.”
Serena leaned her head back and groaned. “Itfeelslike the end of the world, even if he doesn’t want to leave. Once was bad enough. I can’t believe it’s happening again.”
“You don’t even know that it is,” Leslie argued. “You thought he blew you off for her, but look—she’s not even with him! She’s with that sexy agent.”
I startled, realizing they were talking about me. Serena thought her husband had blown her off today forme? I’d left theoffice right after he finished reprimanding me. If he had blown her off, he must have had another reason for it.
Leslie picked up her teacup in both hands, a dreamy look settling onto her face. “Wonder what I’d have to do to get Agent Weston to givemea full-body search. Do you think he carries handcuffs? I’ve never tried that before.”
Darla pursed her lips, but she was clearly fighting a smile. “Leslie! You have to stop flirting with every man you see.”
“Yes,” Serena agreed, frowning. “You really should.”
By the look she gave Leslie, I had to wonder if Leslie had flirted with Sheriff McGrath, too.
But Leslie ignored them, rolling her eyes. “Neither of you get to judge me. You’re both getting laid. God, I hope our plans to make something out of Wildwood really work. I need some gorgeous celebrity to start vacationing here and fall madly in love with me.”
“Love is overrated,” Darla said, her lips twitching.
Leslie grinned at what appeared to be an inside joke. “Fine. I need some gorgeous celebrity to start vacationing here and decide he wants to ravish me every time he’s in town. Doesthatmeet your approval?”
“It’s certainly less complicated,” Darla said coyly. She turned her attention to Serena. “You know, you might feel better if you followed our lead and let go of these old-fashioned ideas about love and monogamy. Someone new warming your bed would make you realize it’s not such a big deal if your husband wants a little variety every now and then. It’s natural.”
“No,” Serena said glumly. “I love him. Only him. I don’t think it’s natural at all. I just can’t believe I’m not enough for him.” Her voice cracked and tears filled her eyes.
Darla straightened and gave Serena a scolding look. “Oh, stop it. Self-pity isn’t going to get you anywhere. It’s not attractive, and more importantly, it doesn’t solve anything.What you need is to find your confidence again. You’re hiswife.There’s no competition unless you allow there to be.”
Serena took a deep breath. “I guess you’re right. Maybe I’ve just been shaken up a bit lately, with everything—you know.”
“Of course you have been.” Darla cocked her head and gave her an empathetic look. “Anyone would be under the circumstances.”
