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Zelda looked skeptical. “Isn’t that nice, Daniel. But it’s just about the worst time imaginable. Isn’t it, Mother? We are hosting the Savannah Women’s Society this morning. Could you possibly come back this afternoon?”
So, wait. Was her mother in on hiring Daniel for the remodel, too? Seriously?
“I have to be at another jobsite this afternoon,” he said. “But I could swing by later this morning.” He looked at his watch. “Maybe around ten? Would you be free then?”
Maybe she was jumping the gun. Maybe they hadn’t hired him yet and this was a courtesy interview? Humph. Daniel Quindlin deserved the same courtesy he’d shown her when he’d nudged her fiancé to make a run for it.
Elizabeth waited for the rat to correct Gigi, to tell Zelda he hadn’t dropped by unannounced, that Gigi had obviously scheduled their secret rendezvous well in advance. For that matter, that she’d intended for it to happen while Zelda was busy facilitating the Savannah Women’s Society this morning.
But he didn’t dispute her. He stood there and kept Gigi’s secret.
“Why don’t you both talk to Daniel while the ladies are eating their breakfast, and I’ll keep an eye on everything in the dining room,” Elizabeth said. “The hard part is done, right? All I’ll need to do is restock the food as it gets low, refill water glasses and be available if anyone needs anything. I’ll let you know when they’re ready to start the meeting and you both can be there for the presentation of the check. I mean, you’re not looking at blueprints or choosing finishings at this point, are you?”
She knew Gigi wouldn’t be very happy with her for offering a solution that would free up Zelda to meet with Daniel, but Gigi hadn’t exactly been playing fair, either.
This would level the playing field.
She’d handled meetings and parties like this hundreds of times when she was in high school and living at the Forsyth.
“Thank you, honey, but I don’t think so.” Zelda took off her apron, folded it and draped it over her arm. “The Women’s Society is giving us money. It seems rude not to join them for breakfast. It’s as if we’re taking the money and running. That would be ungrateful, wouldn’t it, Mother? I’m sorry, Daniel, but we need to reschedule for later this morning. You’re awfully sweet to accommodate us.”
Gigi frowned. “I think you need to be in that breakfast meeting, Zelda. You and Elle. You’re the next generations who will run the Forsyth. I’ll be retiring pretty soon and you’ll be running the show.”
“That’s more reason I should have input on the remodel,” Zelda said. “Come on, Mother. Let’s not get into it now. All three of us need to be in there for the Savannah Women’s Society meeting. Three generations of Galloway-Boudreau-Clark women. Let’s go welcome everyone.”
Elizabeth could sense the argument perched behind Gigi’s pursed lips, ready to pounce. But when Zelda turned and started walking toward the dining room, Gigi sighed and followed her daughter, leaving Elle alone with Daniel.
“Welcome home, Elle. Let’s figure out when we’re going to get that drink.”
Her mind screamed no, thank you, but damned if her traitorous heart didn’t leap at the thought.
* * *
Later that morning, Daniel ran into Elle again after he’d finished meeting with Zelda and Wiladean. Elle had not been invited to join them. However, both Zelda and Wiladean had been armed with plenty of big, opposing opinions.
“How did it go?” she asked tentatively.
She was seated at the mahogany bar that served as a front desk and a general repository for pamphlets, brochures and other touristy info. He’d sensed her presence the spilt second before she’d spoken. Yep, he still had a sort of sixth sense when it came to Elizabeth Clark. It was as if his body was hardwired to detect her.
He smiled, trying to buy time so he could come up with a diplomatic answer. Something more professional than “Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place” or “That was a no-win meeting.”
“Your mom and grandmother definitely have their own ideas about the remodel and they’re about one hundred and eighty degrees apart from each other. I thought maybe you’d be in the meeting. To moderate. No offense to those in attendance.”
