I’M GETTING MARRIED IN TWO weeks.
Fourteen days until the rehearsal and fifteen until I say I do.
There’s a to-do list a mile long with all the last minute errands and phone calls that need to be made, but instead of focusing on that, I can’t stop thinking of the woman Drew’s been secretly meeting. It consumes my thoughts, and for the last three days I haven’t been able to concentrate on much else.
Tuesday night after we observed Drew leaving and tailed him as he made the drive home well past eleven, Jon showed me the photos of Drew going inside her condo. Greeting her with a warm embrace. Leaving the same way. I was sick to my stomach.
We need to find out who she is. I want to drop all our other clients to focus solely on this, but Jon, ever the voice of reason, is keeping me in line. We’ve kept up with our current workload of client meetings, online investigations, and surveillance. More importantly, I’ve avoided giving Melissa any information other than letting her know Jon found a lead. We don’t want her involved. She asked us to take over and that’s what we’re doing. I only wish I could speed along the process.
Jon ran the public record on the condo and found out it’s being rented by one Amelia Moreau. I’ve been stalking her online ever since. At least I’m trying to. She’s one of those who doesn’t use her actual photo for a profile picture, but seeing the same Arizona skyline icon across all platforms, we determined it must be her. She blocks all her social media and won’t answer a friend request from any of my dummy accounts. Hot young guy, older handsome man, even flirty and fun chick haven’t been let into her circle. I can’t decide if that makes her really smart, or plain suspicious.
Jon had his contact run her through the system and she’s clean as a whistle. Not even a speeding ticket. It only makes me wonder more. Who is she?
I’ve been trying to figure it out all afternoon to no avail. Shutting my laptop with a forceful snap, I roll my chair away from the desk and release a frustrated growl.
Jon lifts his gaze from his computer screen, but I don’t need to see his face to know he’s holding back a smirk. “What now? Let me guess. The tulle your mom ordered is two shades too dark? The caterer can only do vanilla frosting, not vanilla bean, and the entire wedding reception’s gone to hell?” Now he really does laugh.
I shove my fingers into my hair and tug at the roots. “No! Those are the things a normal bride would be worried about right now!”
“I never pegged you for normal,” he muses, his attention back on his computer while his fingers fly across the keyboard.
“Thanks. I think.” Checking the time on my cell, I realize how late it is. Tate’s working until nine again so it’s not as though I have to rush, but I should probably get some wedding day to-dos checked off my list.
“Ah ha!” Jon shouts, pointing at his screen, and I think he’s about to jump out of his chair he’s so amped up.
“What?” My eyes go wide at the excitement that spreads across his normally serious features.
“I knew it! I knew something was off about her.”
“Who? Amelia?”
“Yep.” He turns his smug grin toward me, along with the screen of his computer so I can view it also.
“That’s her!” I shout because, hot damn, Jon is getting good at this cyber stalking. Her face, along with a dozen others, graces the front page of the university’s student newspaper in a recent opinion article. I scan the article but Jon gives me the rundown.
“I wondered why she wasn’t showing up on anything. She’s a foreign exchange student. That explains her lack of records and her proximity to the university.”
“But it doesn’t explain why Drew’s meeting with her weekly.”
“His company hires interns from the business program, doesn’t it? I remember him saying something about that. Maybe that’s how they know each other.”
“And now his company makes house calls?” I raise my eyebrows and return the computer monitor to Jon.
He twists his lips with a scowl and leans forward in his chair. “I don’t exactly know what to make of this. I’m sure I could find out, but it would take days. I’d be following this young woman, stealing hours from our business when you have a wedding this month and I have a baby coming next month . . .”
“Get to the point.” Jon’s not one to ramble. I have a feeling I won’t like where he’s leading.
“Honestly, QT, why don’t we confront Drew?”
I shake my head before he even finishes. “No. We’re not doing that.”
“Why not?”
“My wedding is in two weeks. I cannot deal with my sister—who is in my wedding party, mind you—falling apart right now. Two weeks, Jon! Two weeks until Tate’s family and mine are coming together to celebrate our big day. I want it to be perfect. No, scratch that. I don’t want it to be a monumental disaster. After spending the last few months planning this one day, is that so much to ask? Do you even know how much work goes into a wedding?”
“I’m guessing you’re gonna enlighten me.” He leans back in his chair, hands settling behind his neck.
“A lot. A fucking lot. And do you know how crazy my sister is right now?”
“Now, that I can guess.”
“Jon! I’m home!” Kate calls through their apartment.
“Speak of the devil,” he grumbles.
I shake my head and try not to laugh. “You mean the mother of your child.”
“And love of my life, but all three titles work.”
Kate’s big belly pushes through the open doorway and a smile lights up her face. “Oh, hey, Evie. You’re working late.”
“Yeah, Tate’s at the club so I wasn’t in a rush. I’ll get out of here and let you two have your space. I wanted to get a lead on the woman we saw Drew with.” I detach my laptop from the charger and tuck it inside my bag.
“You mean whore.” She scoffs and her smile sours.
“Kate!” I say.
“What?” She shrugs and then rubs her hands over her belly. “That’s what I’m calling her until you have a name.”
Jon blows out a breath. “Well, we have a name.”
“I’ll stick with whore. And you don’t have to rush out, Evie. I’m starving. Maybe we can go grab something so we’re not subjected to Jon’s healthy cooking.”
“You love it.” He winks at her.
Her smile meets his. “I do, but I’m craving something greasy and fried. Or chocolate. Maybe we can get dessert too.”
“Whatever makes you happy, babe.”
“Speaking of things that make me happy, did you see the names I texted you earlier?” Her eyebrows lift.
I perk up in my chair, eager to hear if they’ve made any progress. The two agree on almost nothing. It’s a miracle they get along as well as they do.
“Those were baby names? Shit. I thought those were the band names your studio photographed last month?”
“They were, but I was going through proofs with Jason today and it hit me that they’d be great names!”
Jon pulls out his cell, the crease along his brow deepening with every suggestion, “Bain. Crescent. Kingdom. Rise. What the fuck?”
“Language.” Kate, the sailor mouth amongst women, raises her eyebrows at Jon.
“The baby cannot make out words, and you cuss all the time,” Jon argues, but when her features don’t move from their disappointed scowl, he concedes. “Fine!” Gaze back on his phone, he continues reading aloud. “Alice. Now that’s at least normal. A little girl named Alice . . . that I could do.”
“Actually, I was thinking for a boy’s name.” She claps once.
“I still can’t believe you two decided to wait to find out the gender of the baby.” I say with a shake of my head. Jon nods but I catch Kate’s relaxed smile force for just a second before she turns around.
“I’m starving!” She disappears inside their bedroom without a glance back. “Get your shit, Evie. Let’s go!”
My brows rise and I sling my bag over my shoulder, slipping on my Chucks before my crazy best friend returns. My eyes are wide and full of shock when I turn to whisper to Jon, “She totally knows!”
Kate rushes back, poking her head into the room. “This preggo woman wants food! No time for chit chat.” She snaps and then stomps to the front door.
Jon winks at me and whispers, “I know she does,” before shouting after Kate, “Babe, bring me back something!”
I follow Kate outside and before she closes the door she yells back, “’Kay, Army.”
We get into Kate’s Acura and she cranks the top forty pop as she turns the corner. “What do you feel like eating?” she shouts above the music.
“You know I can always go for Joe’s.” Pizza. It’s my go to food group. I’d eat it every day if I could. It’s a good thing I’m marrying such a health conscious guy. He brings balance to my mozzarella infused life.
“Joe’s it is!” Kate calls out and makes a left at the light.
“Hey!” I turn the volume low and turn in my seat to scrutinize her features. “What’s with you being a big fat liar and not telling us you found out the gender of the baby?”
“Don’t be a bitch, Evie. It’s not polite to call a pregnant woman fat.” She avoids my gaze until I laugh out loud.
“You’re a sneaky one, Kate Bryant.” I shake my head and she joins in my laughter. “I’m not sure how you pulled it off, but you have to tell me—do I buy blue or pink?”
“You know I’m all about gender equality. Buy whatever you want.” She smirks.
“What a bitch! You’re not gonna tell me?” I sputter. There’s a playful glint to her eyes as she settles her gaze on the evening traffic.
“Nope. No way. That’s something I tell Jon before you. Sorry, girlie.”
“Fine. I get that.” Because she should, although she really should have found out with him. But it’s kinda funny. Perfect, really when it comes to Kate and Jon. “How long have you known? And how come Jon doesn’t?”
“I snooped in the file at my last appointment. I blame it on him, really. Ever since you guys got into this PI business, I can’t help but be curious about everything.”
“Wasn’t it your idea to be surprised?”
“Whatever. It was a good idea. I’m just impatient.”
“So, you haven’t told Jon?”
“He doesn’t want to know. I’ve tried to convince him we should. Even blow jobs won’t sway him.”
“You’re both so damn stubborn. Okay, I give you a pass on gender, but tell me this . . . When are you gonna let him put a ring on your finger? The baby’s due in less than six weeks and you’ve said nothing.” I catch her rolling her eyes but I continue. “You know I respect your feelings, but I just don’t get it. You love him. He loves you. You guys made a baby. Does a wedding come into play soon, or what?”
“Look. I love him. That’s not even what this is about. I won’t be one of those women who gets married right away and everyone thinks obviously they’re only doing it because of the baby. I get enough crap as it is. I don’t need those negative thoughts directed toward our love child.” She takes one hand off the wheel to caress her belly.
I resist the urge to shake my head. “So, let me get this straight. To prove the haters wrong, you’re having your baby out of wedlock? I’m pretty sure those same people will gossip either way. And when did you start giving a fuck about what people say?”
Kate flips her blonde locks over one shoulder. “I don’t. But I want to make sure Jon wants to marry me for the right reasons. Not just the baby, you know?”
“Has he asked you?” I’m almost certain he has.
She rolls her eyes. “Like a hundred times.”
“God, you’re so difficult. I don’t know how he puts up with you.”
“He’s no walk in the garden,” she bites out. We jostle to the left as she swings the car into a parking spot. I release my seat belt so I can twist and face her.
“I’m pretty sure it’s walk in the park. But Kate, be honest. Why are you really scared to marry your best friend?” I nod at her bump. “And father of your love child.”
She studies the restaurant’s exterior block wall through the window for a long moment, tapping her manicured nails against the dash. Then she whispers, “What if something happens to the baby? What if he changes his mind?”
“Hey, stop. You know the chances of that—”
“I know. I just worry.”
“Of course you do. You’re a good mom. But you guys have been through so much together—to get together. You really think that would stop him from loving you?”
“Of course not,” she admits, her gaze finding mine. She searches for the truth in my words and I patiently hold her stare. “You’re a keeper, Evelyn Harper soon to be Reynolds. Now, let’s get pizza.”
It’s my turn to roll my eyes. “Nice change of subject. Hit me at my weak point. Don’t think I don’t see what you did there.”
“But it worked.” She grins.
“Promise me you won’t make him wait forever. You’ll eventually make an honest man out of him?”
“Of course, I will.” She nods and then smiles. “Eventually.”
“Okay, you win this round. Pepperoni and sausage are calling me.” I open my door but before Kate and I can make it inside, my phone chimes.
“It’s Melissa. I better take this.” Kate nods, waiting with me outside while I accept the call.
“Hey, sis.”
“Hey,” she says. “Any updates on that dress you’ve been trying to track down?”
“Huh?”
Her voice drops to a whisper. “Have you found who the woman is?”
“Where are you?”
“I’m in the pantry.”
“Where’s Drew?”
“He’s playing with Claire in the living room. I don’t have a lot of time. Please tell me some good news.”
I try to keep my tone bright and positive. “Jon found a new lead today. Don’t worry, Melissa. We’re on top of this.”
“Sorry, I just had to know. Oh!” There’s a shuffle and I hold the phone closer to my ear to catch Drew asking her what she’s doing in the pantry.
“Melissa?”
“Sorry, sis, I’ve got to finish dinner. Call me the minute you find your dress! Can’t have a wedding without a gown! Love you. Bye!”
“Love you, too.” I barely get the words out before she ends the call. I pull the phone away, shake my head, and slide the cell in my back pocket.
“Melissa?” Kate purses her lips together.
“Yeah, she’s getting crazier by the day. We need to find out what’s going on. Tell your baby daddy it’s a priority.”
“Got it. I’ll bribe him with sex,” she promises.
“As long as you don’t recount the play by play, I’m good with that.” She pulls open the door to Joe’s and I step in after her. The aroma of fresh dough, melted cheese, and marinara sauce hits my nose. Best smell ever. We slide into our favorite corner booth and the owner comes over to greet us.
“Evie! Kate! Bellas! You’re looking beautiful this evening.”
“Joe, you sure know what a lady likes to hear.” Kate huffs and pushes the table closer to me to make room for her bump.
“And I feed you, too. What more do you need from a man?” Joe’s laughter carries throughout the mostly empty restaurant. “The usual?”
“Yes. And a salad to go.” Kate rolls her eyes.
“Ah, yes. For that man of yours. It’s okay, as long as you two still love my food. Evie, how about your mister?”
“Nothing for him. He’s working tonight.”
Joe nods. “The wedding is soon, yeah?”
“Two weeks.” Anxiety claws up my spine.
“Ah, bella, that’s good. Very good.” He turns away and hustles back to answer one of the phones. His daughter is already taking an order on another. The bar is filled with waiting customers, and sounds of the kitchen’s jovial bustle drifts over the counter along with the aromas. Joe’s doesn’t have much in the way of ambiance so most people don’t dine in, but their food is amazing. That phone will ring nonstop with takeout orders.
“So, want to confide in your best friend why the most relaxed bride in all of history has suddenly developed a case of jitters?”
“What?” Am I that obvious? Kate’s glare tells me I am. “Fine. I’m nervous. That’s normal.”
“But you’re not an average bride. What gives?”
“I just had this picture in my mind of how the day would go, you know? And it’s not about good weather, though that would be nice, or how extravagant my dress is, even though it’s really the most beautiful thing I’ve ever worn, or if my hair looks perfect, though a good hair day gives a girl confidence to take on the world—”
“Evie.”
“It’s . . . I didn’t expect my sister to be sad on my wedding day. But now, with everything going on with Drew, I don’t see how this ends any differently.”
“Oh, Evie.” Kate frowns.
“I know. It’s completely selfish. But it’s an important day, and I wanted those celebrating around us to be happy. You have Jon. Carly has Derek. I’ve always thought my sister and Drew had the perfect marriage. They’re the example of what I’ve always wanted. And now . . .”
“See. This is why weddings are stupid,” Kate offers helpfully.
“What?” I straighten my spine.
“Evie. Your wedding day is just another day.”
It’s all I can do to not roll my eyes. “Tell me how you really feel.”
“I will. It’s a day. It’s an important moment, yes, but it’s only a moment. You and Tate have your entire lives ahead of you. Enjoy your wedding, sure, but don’t stack expectations all around it, because life is out of your control. What’s happening with your sister sucks, but we don’t know the entire story. And even if we never do, it’s out of your control.”
I pick at the edge of my paper napkin. “God, this is so stressful. We should’ve eloped.”
“Don’t you dare!” Kate glares. “I won’t miss my best friend’s wedding. Also, I have to witness you voluntarily wearing heels.”
“About that . . . I’m not.” I cringe because I know her too well.
“What?” she almost screams.
“I bought white Chucks. I’m good.” I shrug, hoping she’ll let my choice of footwear go.
She shakes her head but holds her tongue as Joe returns with a plate of fried appetizers and two giant glasses of soda. As soon as he leaves she pins me with a hard glare. “Now that’s the most upsetting thing you’ve said all night.”
I push the mozzarella closer to her, fried cheese a balm for all things upsetting.
“Kate, it’ll be fine.” I take a bite, chew, and swallow with a grin. “It’s out of your control.”
She picks up a fried zucchini slice and dips it in ranch dressing. “Remember that at your bachelorette party next week. You know what they say about payback.” Her eyes dance with amusement as she fills her mouth with food.
I smile sweetly and pull the plate of food closer to my side of the table. “Is it too late to pick a new maid of honor?” I joke, but I’m thankful to have a friend like Kate. Someone I’ve known more than half my life, and who gets me enough to know a night like this is just what I need. We spend the rest of dinner going through my to-do list. She puts most of my fears to rest, and volunteers to help assemble wedding favors the next day. But even her ever positive, no shit attitude can’t shake the ominous feeling toward my impending nuptials. I don’t have control over what happens with Melissa and Drew, but hell if I won’t do everything I can to uncover the mess of it all.