Sherry stood and took over the meeting. My eyes were almost slits now. What was going on?
“I know Josh has been trying to shine light on the problem of stray cats and dogs roaming the streets of South Cove for months. With Bill’s approval”—now she paused to shoot a look at me, making sure the table knew I’d been pushing off Josh’s request for meeting time—“I invited Greg to come and talk to us.”
Wait, what? It was then I realized my aunt had been wrong. There was no way I was going to survive two hours without killing someone.
As Greg stood, Josh folded his arms and fake-whispered to everyone within earshot. “Finally, someone who can get things done around here. Maybe we need a new business liaison?”
It took all my willpower not to stand up and resign on the spot. I consulted my watch. Less than an hour left then I’d be home free. As long as I didn’t open my mouth.
CHAPTER 2
I threw Emma’s ball into the backyard, not looking at Greg. “I can’t believe you let Sherry bamboozle you that way.”
Greg closed the grill. Dinner consisted of steak, corn on the cob, and a cheesecake I’d brought home from the shop. He sat next to me. “Look, I’m sorry. I thought you knew about my visit to the meeting. Sherry said . . .”
I held up my hand. “I’m so tired of hearing what Sherry said. Look, do me one favor?”
He leaned back in the swing, kicking back his feet in his cowboy boots. He sighed and took a sip of his beer. “You know I’d promise you almost anything.”
I curled into him, smelling his cologne and man scents. I was starting to calm down after the meeting from hell. Now I knew what the more artistic members felt every time they drew the short straw to represent. “Now, that’s what I like to hear.”
I felt his chuckle under me. “Speak your piece, woman, the meat’s almost done.”
“If you get an invitation to speak at the Business-to-Business meeting from anyone but me, tell me about it. I looked like an idiot.” I hated the way Sherry had preened around him after the meeting. Yes, I knew she was dating someone. It still ruffled my feathers even if Greg swore her attention annoyed him.
“You’re not good at holding in your feelings, that’s for sure. Anyone who saw your face knew you were ready to blow a gasket.” He tilted my head toward him so I could see his. “You know that feeds into her ego, right? Sherry always has to be the one in the spotlight, for good or bad reasons.”
“Like the over-the-top meeting that was more like a party?” I sank my head back into his chest and ran my fingers up and down his tan arm. “She hired massage technicians, for God’s sake.”
“And the group loves her for it—for a day or two. Then she’s going to expect an outrageous favor and when they say no, she’s going to blow up on them. Believe me, Sherry can’t be nice for long. Not anymore.” Greg kissed the top of my head and stood. “Those steaks are done. Ready to eat?”
As we carried the food into the kitchen and sat down to eat, a thought occurred to me. “If this is out of line, say so, but why in the world did you marry her?”
Greg shrugged, cutting a bite off his steak. “I thought the package was worth the cost. I learned real early I was wrong, but I didn’t know how to get out. I took vows. And until she broke them, I felt obligated.”
“You’re lucky you got out. You’re too nice to put up with that kind of person.” I pointed at him with my fork. “Hell, you’re lucky you got me. I’m a gem. You should treasure me.”
He laughed. “You’re a pistol, that’s for sure. I’m not sure I’d call myself lucky, though.”
My lips pursed. “What would you call it then?”
“I’m determined and hardheaded. Two characteristics that work in my favor in our relationship.” He took a sip off his longneck, watching me closely. “You sure you want to talk about us?”
Fear of the unknown stopped me. We’ve been a couple for less than a year now. Maybe this conversation was too early. “Not really. You ready for dress rehearsal tomorrow?”
Greg groaned. “Seriously? I thought you recast my character?”
“Not a chance. If I have to act like a twenties flapper, you can be my mob protection.” Aunt Jackie had started this whole production with Darla. Now we were having a mystery dinner theatre at South Cove Winery next weekend. The Friday Mystery Reader’s group had written the mini play, cast the characters, and were selling tickets. Proceeds supported a local woman’s shelter.
Tomorrow was our first run through. Then we’d have a few days before showtime.
“I might have to work tomorrow evening.” Greg bent his head down over his plate. “And next Saturday, too.”