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Tessa turned toward Leo and extended her leather-gloved hand. “You must be Leo. I’m Tessa Clark. I see you’ve already had the misfortune of meeting Rex.”
“Hey, Tess. Knock it off,” Stoddard griped. She acted as if she hadn’t heard him.
Tessa flashed a megawatt smile at the Carlisles. “I’m so sorry if Rex is being difficult. He wants everything to be perfect this weekend. And, you know, I feel a bit responsible for this little snag since I’m one of the people who needs an extra room. I was on my way in to talk to Rex, but as luck would have it, Sasha and I have worked out a solution.”
“You have?” John and Leo asked in unison.
“Yes. Sasha said it would be no problem to switch houses.”
“You did?” Leo shot his wife a dubious look.
“Yep.”
“And how’s that supposed to work?”
“Maisy and Aroostine offered to share a room. And you know Bodhi and Hank—they’re not fussy. They said they’re happy to bunk together.”
He frowned and lowered his head to whisper to her. “But this is our anniversary party. We’ve been planning this for months. There’s no reason to inconvenience our friends for this guy, who’s, frankly, being a jerk.”
She whispered back, “It doesn’t matter to our friends, Connelly. We’re going to have fun no matter what. But Tessa said Rex’s mood will ruin their New Year’s weekend if he doesn’t get his way. Look at them. They’re so young. Really, who cares?”
He saw her point. Even so, letting the overgrown man-child get his way stuck in Leo’s craw. He didn’t reward petulance in his eight-year olds; why do so for a grown man? Then his gaze landed on the Carlisles, who were watching this drama play out with poker faces. They’d already made it clear they’d stand firm if he refused to go along with the switch. But Stoddard would no doubt ruin their weekend, as well—and quite possibly make it a point to damage the resort’s reputation afterward. Leo wouldn’t put it past him.
“If it’s fine with everyone else, it’s fine with me.” He lifted his hands in a gesture of acquiescence.
‘Thank you,’ Tessa mouthed.
A whisper of relief passed over their hosts’ faces.
“You’re certain it won’t be a problem?” John probed.
“He’s said it’s fine. It’s fine,” Rex snapped.
Sasha’s eyebrow shot toward her hairline, but Tessa hurried to smooth things over.
“Rex,” she hissed. “You’re being a tool. Stop it.”
He pursed his lips and shook his head. Then his face cleared. The transformation from petulant to charming was immediate and complete. He smiled warmly, shook Leo’s hand, and thanked Hatty and John profusely.
Rex handed Leo the key to the cottage, and John gave Rex the key to the larger home. Then he grabbed a fresh map for Leo and circled the second residence.
As the two couples walked toward the door, Hatty called, “Don’t forget! Cocktails in the library at five o’clock.”
“We’ll be there with bells on,” Sasha assured her.
“Us, too,” Rex promised.
“Yippee,” Leo muttered under his breath.
Sasha jabbed him with an elbow.
“Hey, thanks for making the switch, and happy anniversary,” Rex said, holding the door open.
Leo relented. “Sure. I hope you all enjoy your reunion.”
“Oh, we will,” Tessa assured him. “It’s gonna be akillerparty!”
CHAPTER3
