Page 56 of Landry
“I was just teasing,” she told him softly.
“Never joke about something like that. I have to be able to get in touch with you.”
“I understand. Darling, you know I won't do any such thing.”
He heaved out a breath. “I overreacted.”
“Under the circumstances, who can blame you?”
“All right, I'm going to allow you to get some work done. I love you, see you later.”
Putting the phone down, she sat there for a moment before resuming her work.
***
“Bitch, I've been gone for six weeks, only to come back to all these dramas.” Lori, an almost six-foot, statuesque, ebony-skinned model, whirled around the room in her inimitable manner. Her hair was ruthlessly cut to the scalp and somehow managed to give her pointed face an exotic look. It was a face that graced several billboards and popular magazines.
“You're getting married in two days. And don't think I've forgiven you for not telling me what the hell was going on.”
“You were out of contact in the bloody desert.”
She sniffed. “Don't remind me.” Striding over to the counter, she picked up her glass and sipped. “I can still feel the damn sand on my skin. I swear I'll never get clean again.” She eyed her best friend over the rim of her glass. “I don't want a hideous bridesmaid dress. It has to be something fabulous.” She grinned wickedly. “Hopefully to outshine the bride.”
Putting the glass down, she rushed over to hug her. “Darling, I'm so happy for you. I knew you were holding out for your childhood sweetheart.”
“I never thought I would see him again.” Kady clung to her. “Oh, I'm so happy you're here.”
“And this place is fabulous.” Lori spun away to examine the silk fabric wallpaper and what she recognized as Monet, Picasso, and a Jackson Colby original on the wall. “And Kyle is seeing the sister? How weird is that?”
“They're not telling anyone yet,” Kady warned. She had come home early to make the final preparations for the wedding.
“How do you feel about it?”
Picking up the bottle of Pouilly-Fuisse, she poured some in her glass. The chandeliers dripping from the arched ceiling picked up the flash of diamonds in her engagement ring and sent the lights across the room. “I don't know. I really like Kathy, but she's been divorced twice and she's spoiled and very rich. I warned her about hurting my brother.”
Amused, Lori joined her at the counter. “What did she have to say to that?”
“Something very strange.” Kady sipped thoughtfully. “She said he was the one who was more likely to hurt her. I think she really loves him.”
“Well then. I'm so pissed at him.”
“Why?” Kady glanced at her in surprise.
“I had this huge crush on him, and he treated me like a sister. Bastard.”
Kady laughed. “He knew you were never serious.”
“Still…” Lori grinned. “And this, this person. Any word on him yet?”
“No.” Kady's smile faded. “It's like we're living in limbo, waiting for the next shoe to drop.”
“He's bound to surface very soon.”
***
It should be now, Joel mused as he enjoyed his glass of malted scotch. He knew of the wedding, of course; he had seen the various movements going on at his son's place. A wedding! Such a joyous occasion. He still did not fully approve of the young lady, but Landry seemed so happy. Wasn't that what mattered? He nodded in agreement. He wanted his children to be happy.
A frown touched his brow at that. Now there was the matter of Kathy, going in and out of the brother's apartment. That was something he was sure he didn't approve of. But she had been down the aisle twice. Poor girl was confused and needed some direction. He was just going to sort that out when they came to live with him. Yes, it had to be soon. He would wait for the wedding and then make his move. It was time.
