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She couldn’t believe she almost let Bennett’s name slip. If Lena knew it and told Brice, the party, the entire gig, was over. Any hope of finding her mother would be lost.
“You’re right. They’ll follow Brice’s lead; trust me, he loves you and wants to see you happy. We all do, Zoey.”
“Aww. Do I feel a group hug coming on?” Renita asked.
Zoey had been so distracted detouring around Lena’s suggestions that she’d totally forgotten they weren’t alone. Forcing a smile, she said, “We’re not the hugging type of family.”
Renita huffed. “I’ll add that to the list of things we need for the party.”
Zoey rolled her eyes. This was getting way out of hand. This party had one purpose only and it wasn’t to get the family sitting around a campfire, singing songs. “Let’s stop scaring poor Renita with family stories, or she might not show up tomorrow either.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ve already met Brice a few times when he came to Vermont with Lena and Nicholas. He’s actually a very nice man.”
Zoey shot Renita a look of doubt then turned back to Lena. “Did I hear correctly? Nice man?”
Lena laughed. “She met him on vacation. We have a no-work policy during those rare occurrences, and trust me, it does wonders for his demeanor.”
“I guess so because no one has ever referred to a Henderson as nice.”
Renita grinned. “I have a spectacular idea. Why don’t you have the party at the resort in Stowe, Vermont?”
Lena shook her head. “It’s hard enough to get the guys all to stop one night, never mind a short getaway.”
As they sat down at the kitchen table, Renita’s eyes brightened again. “How about we recreate the feel of the resort right here? We can change from an elegant ambience to one more relaxed.”
Zoey sat quietly watching Renita as she took in each detail of the kitchen. Then she got up and walked to the dining room, living room, and back to the kitchen.
“It’ll take some work, but you’d be amazed at what I can pull off in twenty-four hours. I think I can make this party feel like an experience at the lodge. What do you think?”
Lena beamed with excitement. “Perfect. We’ll make it casual, but not too casual as we ladies still want a reason to put on a pretty dress.” She elbowed Zoey. “I’m sure your mystery man will enjoy seeing you in something cute too.”
He wouldn’t care if we were all in clown suits as long as he got what he came for. What I’m wearing will not affect him in any way. “So it sounds like we have decoration plans. Since you were so kind as to kick Vincent out, Lena, what’s your bright idea for food?”
“With the new venue, I think I know just what to do. Would you mind leaving that up to Renita and me to handle?”
“By all means. It’s all yours.” Zoey didn’t care how it got done as long as it looked as though it was a real party. Oh, heck. If I give them too much leeway, it just might end up being a real party after all. Damn.
Zoey had to remind herself this party was make-believe, just as Bennett being her lover was. She was no fool. He was darn good at his job. That meant he probably had a file on her already. That’s why you suggested the cover story. You know everyone will believe it. Zoey Henderson just adding another name to her endless list.
“Are you okay?” Lena asked.
“Yes. Just overwhelmed, that’s all. It was foolish to try to pull this together on such short notice.” Zoey crossed her fingers, hoping they bought that excuse. It wasn’t a total lie. Her mind was spinning over every last detail. None of which had anything to do with decorations or food.
“Tell you what. I’ll give Renita a lift back to the hotel, and we can finalize everything on the way. Why don’t you go out shopping and find yourself something sexy to wear tomorrow for your new man?”
Zoey smiled as she walked them to the door. “I really appreciate this, ladies.”
Lena gave Zoey a quick hug and said, “That’s what family’s for, Zoey. Neither of us ever had a sister before. I guess leaning on someone else is going to be a learned art for us. Being outnumbered by the men, we have to stick together. At least until we outnumber them one day.”
“I think it’s going to take a lot more than numbers to get the upper hand with them. Or did you forget who you’re married to?”
“Don’t think just because he’s the oldest that he’s the most difficult.”
“Trust me. I know just how... difficult they all can be. Thanks again for handling this, Lena.”
Zoey closed the door and leaned her back against it. She knew her negative attitude wasn’t because Bennett couldn’t keep his hands off her. It was her own actions, her physical response to him, that concerned her. As Lena spoke about her and her mysterious love, it had been like a knife to her chest. Although it was absolutely ridiculous to even dream of it being a reality, something inside her wasn’t listening. Go shopping for something sexy? Heck no! I’m going to dress so stinking conservative he’ll think I’m a nun. One look of interest from him and I’ll melt.
With nothing for her to do for the party, her afternoon had just been freed up. That wasn’t a good thing. It meant she had nothing to distract her from her own thoughts. Zoey turned to the one thing that had kept her sane all these years: her music.
