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“She’s booked her flight for Sunday. I’ll need her help this week, but the most important thing is getting the two of them settled.” We’d spoken on my drive to Burdett. Holly already had her arrangements made and had managed to pack up the things I’d left behind in Houston.
“Are they staying in a hotel?” Muriella asked, appearing perturbed at the thought.
“Yes. Stone always liked the Four Seasons, so I told her to get a suite there.”
“No way. They’ll stay with us too.”
I glanced at Stone for help, but he gave a little head shake, warning me to give in or else. “Muriella, that’s too much. Besides, she has to work with me all day. I’m sure the last thing she wants to do is be stuck with me during her time off.”
“We’ll figure it out. Tell her to cancel the hotel.”
Damn, she was bossy. But in a way that couldn’t be argued with. I hadn’t been too keen on Holly and Firecracker staying in a hotel indefinitely, but I hadn’t seen another choice. Turned out Muriella was good at making decisions for everyone.
“I’ll try to be out of your hair as soon as possible—”
“You’ll stay as long as you need.” She lit up as she tightened her grip on Stone’s hand. “I’m so glad you’re coming to New York.”
“I wish I could say the same.” I flashed her a wry smile.
“If your brother can adjust, so can you,” she encouraged.
“That’s why you brought the horse,” Stone deduced. I nodded. “When are you gonna tell them?” He flicked his chin at the table where our family was socializing.
I let out a long sigh. “I haven’t figured it out yet.”
“Want me to do it?” he offered. My brother always volunteered to tell our family the stuff I didn’t want to, because he was just a damned good guy. Stone would take on the world for me, and I loved him for it. And now I understood why he’d adored Muriella for so long. She was the same. She loved fiercely and somehow, I’d already earned that unquestioning ally.Amazing.
“I need to do it.” I leaned back. “When are y’all headed to New York?”
“Sunday afternoon. I’ve got to be back on set Monday. You can hitch a ride with us on Daniel and Vivian’s plane. Guarantee you it’s fancier than the company jet at your disposal.”
“It’s not at my disposal, and I’d appreciate a lift if they don’t mind,” I said with more huff than I meant to. It was hard accepting these favors, since I liked taking care of myself, but once again my family was making my burdens a hell of a lot easier to bear.
“They won’t. Now we better get back over there. We’re already getting curious looks.” Stone stood and helped Muriella out of her chair. “I’m proud of you, Mulaney.” I hesitated halfway out of my seat, surprised. I couldn’t think of anything I’d done lately for him to be proud of. “Hell, you’re looking at me like I just told you I was going to steal that wild horse of yours.” I gave him a withering look. “You haven’t complained once about moving.”
“Just give it some time, and I’ll start bitching,” I tossed back the rest of my drink.
“Have some of these.” Muriella reached into her purse and gave me a handful of miniature chocolate Mars bars.
“Thanks.” Stone was looking at Muriella like she’d just given me something valuable. “Am I missing something here?”
“Daniel and Vivian discovered these goodies when they were in New Zealand forever ago. We’ve all been hooked ever since,” she explained. I didn’t get it. It was chocolate candy. “Just try it.”
“If you’re not going to, give them back,” Stone demanded. He was serious.
I unwrapped a piece of candy and popped it in my mouth. The chocolate and caramel melted on my tongue, whiskey only barely tainting the flavor. All right. It was good. I ate two more, and she held out her hand for my trash.
“Keep those hidden from me.” I’d end up snacking on the entire bag if left to my own devices.
“I’ll remind you that you said that,” Stone said smugly.
I crossed the dance floor to the tables, where everyone else was seated. My steps faltered when I saw Easton talking with my grandfather. After our conversation earlier, I hadn’t had much time to consider he’d be at the bar. When his gaze landed on me, it was guarded. I couldn’t tell if he was still angry or not.
“Glad to see you, Loretta.” I smiled and plopped in the empty chair right next to Mrs. Carter, kissing her cheek. She looked thinner than the last time I’d seen her, but the way she chatted with my mom gave me hope she was feeling better. Underneath all that fight, I could tell the cancer was taking its toll.
Juliana’s mother drew mine into a conversation about the upcoming chili cook-off, leaving Mrs. Carter and me on our own to chat. She glanced past me toward Mama. “They’re going to miss you, and I am too, but New York will be an adventure. Give yourself a chance to try something new. You and Easton will have to take care of each other.”
She’d never once tried to push Easton and me together, though we always ended up sitting next to each other when we ate dinner at her home or other events she coordinated. I never considered it intentional, but there was something in her blue eyes that gave me pause.
