"Why don't you join us?"Roberta asked.Again, she pointed out the lounge next to her.
"I'm not wearing enough sunscreen, and I need to talk to George.Enjoy your sunbathing … and your book," I added with a wink to Michelle.
I headed in the direction of the tennis courts.The property was massive, and I was sure I could walk for hours and never find the end of it, but the courts and pool area were in the same section of land.I stopped halfway along the path that led through a neatly planted garden, past a large stone fountain and eventually to the courts.I looked to the east, where the massive tinted glass building had been constructed just for the wedding.Two white vans were sitting next to it, and workers were moving flower baskets that were so massive it took three people to carry each inside.Joan had chosen pink and white roses for the arrangements, and I had to admit they looked beautiful.
I continued to the courts.Large shade trees lined the north end of the tennis area.I stepped through the trees and spotted George on the court.I planned to bring up the two topics he lobbed at me yesterday.I thought it would be best to clear the air and let him know that both those things still needed to be discussed when we had the time and privacy.
As I stepped out from the trees, I got a better view of the courts.George was standing with his racket over his shoulder as he spoke to a woman with beautiful blonde hair.It shined like gold in the sun and apparently George was admiring it too because he reached out and touched a strand.I'd seen the woman in passing at last night's cocktail party.She'd been wearing a tight pink dress and matching pink shoes.Today she was clad in a tiny white skirt.We were never introduced, but it seemed George knew her well.Gabe stood with them, but he wasn't holding a racket.
The three spoke for a few minutes, then she giggled flirtatiously and tapped George's arm.She reached over and pinched Gabe's cheek."You're both so darn cute," she said with another giggle.It was all very flirty.Then the woman dropped her racket over her shoulder and walked out
I stepped out from the trees as the woman sashayed past."He's such a doll," she said to me and then continued on her way.
George looked as if someone had slapped him."Lacey," he said, stunned."What are you doing?"It was a quick, stupid question from someone who was feeling guilty.
"Just came out here to have a chat with my fiancé," I said airily.I smiled at Gabe.He looked slightly off balance too.
Gabe smoothed his hand over his neatly combed hair."Well, I've had too much sun already this morning.I'll let the happy couple have a few minutes to themselves."Gabe's chuckle had a nervous edge.I had no idea what I'd walked into but it sure seemed they weren't expecting me to show up.
Gabe quickly followed the woman with the golden hair.I walked toward the courts but didn't step through the small gate."That was interesting," I said, coldly.
George swung at air, practicing his backhand."What do you mean?"He was cool as a cucumber now."Diana just asked me to help her with her serve."
"Yes, of course.Herserve.I saw you touching her hair.Is there a serving move that requires hair fondling?"
George stopped and looked at me harshly."You're being childish.It was nothing.There was a bug in her hair."
"A bug.Of course, my mistake.Well, I've had enough of the sunshine, too.I'm going back to my room to hibernate until …" I was about to say the wedding, but frankly, that damn ceremony seemed even more distasteful now.
I heard the gate snap shut."Lacey," George said.His footsteps pounded behind me."Lacey.Damnit, stop."He grabbed my arm and spun me around."Look, you're just nervous and?—"
"Right but I don't think nerves make you hallucinate.I saw what I saw, my future husband flirting heavily with another woman.I suppose I wouldn't be the first bride-to-be to suffer that indignity.Happens all the time."I peered at him."Even in snooty social circles, imagine that."
"You're crazy.There's absolutely nothing going on between Diana and me.I can't believe you jumped to that conclusion so fast.Or maybe you're just looking for a reason to be angry with me."
"I don't have to search that hard."I turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm again.
I yanked it free."Don't touch me.I need to get out of the sun and away from you before my head explodes."
"C'mon, honey, don't be like that.Look, we're both just stressed.My mom overdid this, and I'm sorry.It should have just been the wedding and reception."
"You mean the simple outdoor on the beach ceremony and reception like I wanted?"I asked.
George raked his hair back.There were beads of sweat collecting on his forehead, which may have been from the heat or a result of my catching him with another woman, and I was sure tennis was not the main topic.
"We could still do your beach wedding after all this is done."
"Oh my god, do you actually think I would suffer another wedding after this debacle?"
He'd been working on his "But, honey" expression, but that disappeared and his face hardened."Go upstairs.Get out of the sun, and hopefully, you'll have come to your senses by the time you come back downstairs."
"And what if I don't?Maybe Diana should try on my wedding dress just in case she needs some last-minute alterations."
"All right.We're done.Can't talk to you when you're like this."This time it was George who stormed off.I stared at his tense back.His shoulders were rigid, and his steps were forceful.Somehow, he'd managed to turn his indiscretion into something I'd done wrong.I shook my head in disbelief.As a lawyer, I really needed to learn his technique.
SEVEN
THEO
