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I’d asked him a lot of questions about his family business, but I never got more than vague answers and redirections to other topics. It was clear that the Orso family owned a huge portion of Cascade Falls and ran several businesses in the area, but I could never get a clear answer about what Nate actually does for any of these businesses. What’s his actual job? Whatever it is, the people of Cascade Falls treat him like royalty.
I didn’t like it much. It made me feel like I didn’t belong, and now that I’m standing in front of this beautiful house, I feel absolutely inadequate.
“Is this outfit all right?” I ask as Nate takes my hand and helps me out of the car.
“I told you it was casual,” he replies. “I’m in jeans, too.”
“I still feel underdressed for an official family dinner.”
“You aren’t,” he insists. “You look absolutely stunning, as always.” He leans over and gives me a gentle kiss on the lips. When he backs away again, he looks into my eyes so intently that my knees buckle a little. He runs his thumb over my lower lip and smiles. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
“I’m nervous,” I admit.
“Don’t be.” He trails his hand from my face, down my arm, and then laces our fingers together. He starts to lead me toward the house when I suddenly remember something.
“Oh, wait!” I open the passenger door and pull out a little gift bag.
“What’s that?” Nate asks as we start toward the door again.
“Um…” I look down at the bag in my hand, feeling silly for even bringing it now. “It’s banana bread. I made it with the syrup you left for me.”
I hold up the little bag, and Nate stops his progression and looks down at me.
“You baked for me?” He peeks over the top of the bag and pushes aside the tissue paper.
“Well, you made me pancakes, so…yeah.”
“Thank you, Cherry.” His eyes glisten for a moment. “Come on in. I’m afraid I’ve been going on about you quite a bit today, and everyone is excited to actually meet you.”
“What have you been telling them?”
“Oh, just the usual.” He winks at me as we step inside.
Nate leads me into an open, tastefully deco
rated foyer. A large stairway curls up one wall, turning abruptly halfway up to lead to an open second floor. I see a sitting room to the left and an absolutely huge office to the right.
A small woman with a rather grand presence walks into the foyer. Unlike Nate, she’s dressed in an evening gown, complete with pearls. She eyes me for a moment before walking up and looking pointedly at Nate.
“This is my Aunt Kathrine,” Nate says with a smile. “Kate, this is Miss Cherice Bay.”
Kate pauses, and I swear her eyes flicker for a moment. She grasps the end of her pearl necklace as she looks quickly at Nate and then back to me.
“I thought you said her name was Cherry,” she says in a husky alto voice.
“Cherry is just short for Cherice,” I say, trying to smile as I offer her my hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Your dress is beautiful!”
“Thank you, dear.” She looks me up and down as she takes my hand briefly. I’m not quite sure about her expression, but I don’t think she’s pleased. She looks rather shaken, and I wonder if I should have gone ahead and worn a dress despite Nate’s advice to go with something comfortable.
“Nate told me to…to wear jeans.” Why the hell did I say that? I sound like a complete dolt.
“Well, yes, the younger generation.” She rolls her eyes as she flicks her wrist dismissively, but then she smiles a bit. “I won’t hold that against you. Please, join us in the lounge.”
The lounge. This really is the house from Clue. As we enter the sitting room, I look around for possible secret passages.
“Hey there, Cherry!” Antony smiles and tilts his chin in my direction. “Jude’s working tonight, so I’m in charge of drinks. Can I make you one?”
“Take my advice,” Nate says, “and pick a wine. Antony has no idea what he’s doing.”
