Leo

“Remind me again why we’re invited to this party?” Jackie asked as we drove towards the west side of Vancouver.

“Greg Richardson is the president of the team, and it’s his engagement party.” From what I’d seen so far, Lucky and Amanda ran the team and Greg only worked part-time. But as long as things ran smoothly, who cared. I heard he wasn’t taking a big salary for his work.

“An engagement party? Are we back in the fifties? Who has an engagement party these days?”

“I thought you’d know. Isn’t the Richardson family some kind of big deal in Vancouver?”

“Oh. Is it that Richardson family? They are old Vancouver royalty.” Her forehead wrinkled up. “All this time, I’ve been talking to Amanda like she’s just another girlfriend. I should have known, all her clothes are designer. Oh dear.”

“I think that’s exactly what Amanda likes. She’s very down-to-earth, and she’d hate to have you treat her differently because she has money.”

Jackie nodded. “It’s too late now. I really like her, and we’ve already discussed her new apartment. I never thanked you for promoting me at that first dinner.”

“And I never thanked you for being the perfect date that night.”

She laughed. “Moi?”

“You were so different that night, so sophisticated. It was intriguing to see that side of you.”

Jackie sighed. “That was my life before. Being a corporate wife and charming all Brent’s business associates. Maybe it brings out the actress in me.”

“I like all the sides of you.” I patted Jackie’s knee and pushed up the hem of her dress so I could touch her warm skin. Even being alone in the car with her was making me hard. While I loved having Charlotte here, I missed getting private time with Jackie. But eventually things would get back to normal.

“Pretty fancy place,” I commented as we pulled up. There was lots of parking on the wide winding street, and we got out.

“It’s the nicest neighbourhood in Vancouver,” she replied. “I hope I’m dressed up enough.”

“You look perfect to me.” She was wearing a pretty summer dress that showed off her tanned legs. “I like those high heels.”

Jackie laughed. “I’ll bet you do. Why does everything you say to me sound a little dirty?”

I wrapped my arm around her waist and squeezed her soft body into mine. “Because it is. What are the chances of you and I ending up alone somewhere after this party?”

“Very, very good,” she said with a smile. “Brent has the kids this weekend.”

“Are you serious? Why did we even come to this shindig?” I pulled her even closer and kissed her neck.

“Because it’s your boss?” Jackie pushed me away with a giggle. “Behave—for now.”

“Oui, madame.” We held hands instead as I calculated the minimum time before we could leave the party.

There was a stone wall around the property and two people at the iron gate who were vetting guests before allowing us in.

“Holy smoke,” Jackie whispered to me. “It’s like something out of a movie.”

“Guess you have to be careful when you’re doling out free champagne.”

It wasn’t the kind of do I would have associated with Amanda or Greg. Perhaps it was their mother who wanted a formal event with security. The place was already packed. The whole yard was decked out with striped canopies, and there was a string quartet playing. Aproned staff was circulating with food and drinks. Someone came by immediately and offered us champagne.

“Oh yes, please.” Jackie took a flute, but I asked if there was any beer.

“Of course, sir. Is there a brand you prefer?”

“Molson Canadian’s good,” I replied.

Jackie smiled at me. “You’re so down-to-earth. I like that about you.”

“I don’t even know what I did to earn that, but I’ll take it.” I put my hand on her bare shoulder and stroked the skin with my thumb. She shivered.

“Jackie?” A man’s voice came from behind us. Tension rippled through her back, and she pulled away from my touch.

“Brent?” Her voice was different now, higher and tensed.

Brent? Was this Jackie’s ex-husband? She seldom said anything negative about him, and their shared custody worked smoothly. But there was tension between them. How could there not be? He was dark-haired, tall, and a little overweight. Maybe he was an athlete once, but he wasn’t staying in shape. The expression on his face was shock, either because she was here or because she was here with me. He was overdressed in a suit. The middle-aged woman in a pale pants suit beside him must be his boss or something.

“What on earth are you doing here?” he asked. Hell, I hardly knew this guy, but I could read the subtext. It was like he was saying she didn’t belong in such a nice crowd. Peripherally, I could see Jackie wilting a little. She nervously smoothed out her dress.

“I’m here with Leo,” she said. “He, uh, works with Greg Richardson.”

I held out my hand. “Hi there, I’m Leo Gauthier.”

His handshake was too firm, one of those show-offs who try to show you how strong they are. But I could take him easily. “Brent Wagner. So, you work for Gregory?”

“Yeah, I’m the head coach of the Vancouver Vice.” Since he wasn’t bothering, I turned to his companion and introduced myself.

“I’m Margaret Whittaker,” she said, but didn’t explain why she and Brent were here together.

Brent gave Jackie a mocking smile. “Before you get on my case, the kids are at my parents’ place. They’re having a great time.”

Jackie shook her head. “I didn’t say a word. And I know they love your folks.”

“Well, it’s sure interesting to see what you get up to on your kid-free weekends. You keep saying that all you do is paint.”

He gave me a once-over. There was an awkward silence until Jackie commented on how lucky the Richardsons were that the weather was so nice for the party.

“Although they could easily fit all these people inside,” Margaret said. “Have you been here before, Jackie?”

“No, never. I’d love to get a peep in the house. It looks gorgeous.”

“I think they’re keeping the riffraff out here,” Brent said. He made it sound like a joke, but I couldn’t help seeing this as another dig at Jackie. I felt an urge to punch the guy in the face and flexed my hand.

“Oh, you made it! So lovely to see you.” Amanda’s voice broke into our strained conversation, and she hugged Jackie and me. Then she noticed Margaret. “Peggy! It’s been ages since I’ve seen you. How are your parents?”

Margaret’s smile seemed forced. “Oh, they’re fine, Amanda. Still living in Phoenix.” She turned towards Brent. “Amanda, this is my fiancé, Brent Wagner.”

Fiancé? No frigging way. What kind of guy went from someone like Jackie to Margaret? It wasn’t just about looks—even though that was like trading in your Maserati for a Volvo—but more how boring and bland Margaret appeared. Then I noticed Jackie’s face. It was like someone had slapped her. Clearly, she had no idea they were engaged either.

Brent was in full suck-up mode, complimenting Amanda on her house and the “tastefulness” of the whole event. She smiled politely, but as soon as he paused for breath, she interrupted, “If it’s okay, I’m going to steal Leo and Jackie from you. My mother is dying to meet him, but she’s holding court in the living room.” Then she whisked us away.

“Leo, I’m sure you know this, but Mummy is also a shareholder in the Vice. She’s heard so much about you from Gregory and me. Sorry to mix work with your weekend.” Amanda laughed. “Although I know full well that if you weren’t here, you’d probably be working. Am I right, Jackie?”

When Jackie didn’t answer, we both looked over at her. Her eyes were wide and liquid, and it looked like she was battling back tears. She hadn’t even heard Amanda. Her social poise had completely fallen away.

“Are you okay?” I put my arm around her shoulder.

“Oh, sorry. I was—” She put her hands up to her face and leaned against me. “I’m in shock.”

Amanda patted Jackie on the arm. “What’s wrong? Can I do anything to help?”

“No, I’m being dumb. Please don’t let me spoil this party.”

I scowled and told Amanda in a low voice. “Brent is Jackie’s ex-husband. And I’m pretty sure he hadn’t bothered to tell her he was engaged until this very moment.”

Jackie scoffed. “Really, it’s not a big deal. After all, we’ve been divorced for over a year.”

“Oh good grief, of course it’s a big deal. And to find out in public, at a party.” Amanda was indignant. “Okay, Jackie, this is what we’re going to do. I’m going to take Leo in to meet my mother and leave him there. Then you and I will grab a bottle of champagne and retreat to my old bedroom. You can complain about your ex and if you like, I can tell you horrible stories about Peggy.”

Jackie smiled weakly. “It’s okay. I don’t mind her. It was more finding out like that.”

“That’s a relief. I don’t think I know any horrible stories about Peggy anyway. She’s so—urr, nondescript. The only negative is what her father did.”

“What was that?” I asked.

“It was more of a bonehead move. Both our families were partners in a big forest products company called Richardson-Whittaker. Our fathers were the second generation running the company. Gerald Whittaker didn’t agree with my father’s corporate strategy, and said that Rich-Whitty was going to be run into the ground. He demanded that his half of the company be bought out. Then to add insult to injury, Gerald refused to take shares. Having to come up with all that money handcuffed the whole operation for several years.” Amanda smiled. “But my father was right. By the time they sold the company, it was worth billions.”

“So, the Whittakers lost money in the long term?” I asked.

“Yes. A lot of money. Of course, my father had the right to be angry, but it was actually Gerald who held a grudge. I guess he would have preferred that an old family business went bankrupt than he be proven wrong. I’m surprised Peggy was even invited, unless she serves on some board with my mother.”

“Maybe it’s a double engagement party, except you didn’t know,” Jackie joked. She was recovering her spirit.

Amanda laughed. “Yes. Greg and Rebecca will have to share the spotlight. Well, here we are.”

A petite blonde woman in a dress was sitting on a couch talking to Lucky and a couple of other people. Amanda introduced us all to her mother and then disappeared with Jackie. Jean Richardson grilled me on my hockey credentials and plans with a surprising amount of knowledge. Finally Lucky interrupted her.

“Jeannie, cool it.” He laughed, and then assured her. “I wouldn’t hire him unless he was the perfect guy for the job. You’re not going to be able to criticize our new regime until the season starts. Then we’ll have our own guys and our own systems. You can fire us both at the end of the season if you’re not happy.”

Her laugh was low and contagious. “I’m not sure Amanda would let me fire you, Christopher. And apparently Christopher won’t let me fire you, Leo. However, I do reserve my right to add my two cents whenever I see fit. Now off you go and enjoy the party.”

“Where did Amanda and Jackie go?” Lucky asked me. When I said they were in Amanda’s room, he went off to get them.

Jackie seemed fine after her talk with Amanda, but she wasn’t quite herself. We managed to have a good time and avoid Brent and Margaret, but when I asked if she wanted to leave early she agreed right away. We drove home without much conversation. I parked in front of Jackie’s house. When I turned off the car, she put a hand on my arm.

“I’m sorry, I really don’t feel up to anything tonight. It was such an effort to act normal all night, and now all I want to do is collapse in bed.”

“Okay, that’s fine.” I got out of the car and opened her door. I watched her bare legs swing out and then she stood in front of me. She teetered a little, so I pulled her into me and kissed her on the top of the head. I sensed that anything else would be too much at this moment.

She pushed off me and turned away. “Good night, Leo.”

I watched her walk up to the door. Her shoulders were slightly stooped, and her head was bent down. She looked older and burdened. There was a flash of light as she entered the house, then only the burning light of the porch illuminated the night.

An unfamiliar wave of emotion and sympathy came over me. Jackie was a person who needed people for comfort. She shouldn’t be alone at this moment.