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Jane didn’t want the news about Molly’s early arrival to upset her, but she couldn’t help it. She was annoyed that Molly would come early without telling her, and she was jealous—jealous because she came early because of Austin. And she felt foolish thinking that she was unique or special in his eyes. He was a people person. People loved his outgoing personality and in turn, he made them feel good. That’s what he did best. She needed to get it through her head that being with him on the plane was just him being nice, and he would have done the same thing for anyone else.
Jane didn’t want to see Molly, but she had no other choice. It would be unprofessional not to seek her out. Molly did what Molly wanted and the heck with anyone else.
Jane rounded the corner into the restaurant and saw Molly sitting at the bar, laughing at something the bartender was saying. She looked as if she had stepped from the pages of a Vineyard Vines catalog—she was wearing a navy polo tee with the collar up, along with white jeans, nude leather flats, and her long blonde hair was pulled up in a high ponytail. She had a seersucker bow in her hair, which gave her an effortless New England-style look.
“Molly,” Jane called out as she approached.
Molly quickly turned to see who it was and smiled when she saw Jane. “What a nice surprise.”
“I just heard you were here,” Jane said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“You caught me!” Molly joked, putting her hands up in the air. “Hello, my sweets.” She jumped off the barstool to give Jane a hug. “I was going to call, but I figured I’d run into you at some point,” she smiled.
“When did you get in?” Jane asked, trying to keep it light.
“I arrived last night. I decided to come a couple of days early to just relax a bit before the madness begins,” she joked. “I can’t believe the wedding is four days away.”
“I know,” Jane nodded, “these last four weeks have flown by. We’re in good shape, so you’ll have plenty of time to chill out before the big day.”
“You’re such a dear,” Molly beamed, unaware of Jane’s sarcasm. “So meticulous with everything. The Oxford is very lucky to have you. So many of the venues I deal with have scatter-brained people running their events. It’s nice to have you take care of everything so seamlessly.”
“It’s what I love to do, and it’s what I’m paid to do,” Jane smiled. “I just want Kat and Mike—and all our clients-- to be happy.”
“They will be,” Molly replied, “believe me. They’ve been super impressed with everything, and they still can’t get over that you didn’t mind flying out to give them a private sampling.”
“When are they arriving in Rhode Island? I wanted to send them a special VIP package from The Oxford,” Jane asked.
“They’re flying in tomorrow,” Molly answered. “Kat wants two days to unwind before the wedding on Friday.”
“And has she decided on a dress?” Jane asked, knowing that Kat was concerned about finding something perfect.
“Oh,” Molly said with excitement, “wait till you see the dress she chose. It’s gorgeous. She’s going to be stunning.” And then Molly’s attention wavered as she glanced behind Jane.
Without having to look, Jane knew Austin had arrived. Seeing Molly’s eyes brighten and her face light up made it totally obvious. She didn’t want to turn around, so she waited for him to approach. She hadn’t spoken to Austin in over a week--she hadn’t seen him since returning from L.A. They had glimpsed at each other from time to time, but she had steered clear of him, not wanting to engage with him any more than she had to.
“Hi, Jane,” he said as he walked up next to her, sending tingles up and down her spine.
“Hi, Austin,” Jane replied, looking at him. As their eyes locked, she felt her stomach turn to jelly and the butterflies went into high gear. She tried to remain professional and not show how bothered she was by his presence. “I heard through the grapevine that Molly was here, so I came by to say hello,” she said.
“Yeah,” Austin responded, looking over at Molly with a smile, “I didn’t know myself that she was coming in early.”
“I already told you,” Molly beamed. “I wanted to surprise you!
“And you did just that,” Austin replied, looking at Molly in a funny way.
“Oh, stop!” she laughed. “You were happy to see me,” Molly gushed, walking over to stand next to Austin. “You should have heard him when I called from the airport last night telling him I was here,” she chuckled, looking over at him. “But, come on, it will be nice for us to relax a little bit before the wedding madness really begins. The second Kat arrives, I’m on duty 24/7.”
Jane stood staring at the two of them, feeling out of place. “Well, I’ll let you two get on with the day. You know where to find me if anything comes up.”
“Thank you, Jane,” Molly smiled, “you’re such a dear. I appreciate everything you’ve done.”
Jane nodded and then quickly glanced over at Austin who looked slightly uncomfortable. “So, how are things going over here?” Jane smiled, gesturing to the restaurant around her.
Austin held her glance for a few seconds before answering, “Well, I think my parents have officially introduced me to everyone who has ever dined at The Oxford,” he joked. “I’m not kidding, they have me meeting and greeting just about everyone,” he said smoothly, “and I love it,” he smiled.
“Well,” Jane answered, happy that he seemed to have found his place, “if there is anyone who can do that to perfection, you’re the one.”
“Thanks, Jane,” he said, looking at her intently, wanting to say so much more to her, but knowing he couldn’t with Molly glued to his side.
“Well…I’m heading back to my office. I’m sure I’ll see you around, but give me a shout if anything comes up.” Then she looked at Molly and said, “Enjoy your time off here in Rhode Island, you certainly look dressed for the part.”
“Thanks, Jane,” Molly smiled as she tossed her ponytail, “I’m obsessed with this east coast vibe.” As Jane walked away, she looked over at Austin and said, “I swear she doesn’t take a day off, does she? My God, you would think she’s actually part of the Drew dynasty,” she chuckled as she grabbed Austin’s arm.
Austin watched Jane walk away, thinking about Molly’s comment, and finding himself wishing she was part of his family, as well.
