“Not to be the voice of doom here, but how is that going to go over?” Patton asked. Zach scowled at him while Bianca blinked back tears. “Sore subject?” Patton asked, taking the large bowl of stir-fry from Cady. “I’ll get that.”
“O-okay.” Cady was frowning, watching Bianca’s attempt to pull herself together.
“Bianca wants the gardens.” Zach frowned. “The ruin is the only choice. It’s booked.”
An awkward silence fell. Patton glanced at Cady. Cady was looking at Zach. Zach was watching Bianca. And Bianca was staring at her plate.
“What about the wedding dress?” Patton asked, watching Bianca.
She didn’t look like a blushing bride when she announced, “I’m wearing your mom’s dress.”
“Are you kidding me?” Zach sat his fork on his plate.
Bianca looked at him. “No.”
“Bianca,” he sighed, sitting back in his chair. “Why?”
Patton saw Bianca’s quick glance at Cady.
“I like it. I like the idea of carrying on a family tradition,” Bianca explained.
Zach just stared at her. “I’m in favor of starting some new traditions. Let’s start one right now—making each other happy. I love our families, but this wedding is about us.”
“I know...” Bianca smiled at Zach. “I know. Maybe we should take a break from all this wedding talk? Cady, isn’t your office party coming up?”
“Next weekend. I’m giving a presentation this year.” Cady glanced at the couple then Patton. “But if there’s important wedding business, then I can get someone to cover.”
“I thought a promotion was on the line,” Zach joined in.
Cady shook her head. “It’s not going to happen. With all the extra hours and training Charles is getting, I’m pretty sure he’s being groomed for the position. And, honestly, I’m not sure I want it.”
“All right. Who are you and what have you done with Cady?” Bianca deadpanned.
Cady grinned. “I’m serious. If my job continues to be an even split between Charles damage control and my actual job, it’s too much extra work and stress. Even if they offered it to me, I’d want assurances about my responsibilities—what and whom.” She shook her head. “I’m not sure a nice office and piles of money is worth it.”
Bianca shook her head. “It’s that bad?”
“Charles is actually pretty sweet.” Cady shrugged. “However, he is absolutely clueless about the job. For every hour I spend training him, it takes me two to undo his mistakes. It’s almost like he’s become my full-time job. On top of my regular accounts. And the big Japanese firm we want to take on.” She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t know anymore.”
“It’s because he likes you,” Bianca interjected.
“Bibi, contrary to what you believe, not every man likes me. Though I’m flattered that you think so.” Cady laughed.
Bianca shook her head. “You said he asked you out—”
“I declined,” Cady cut her off. “It’s fine.”
“Why not take a date to the office party? Introduce him as your boyfriend so it’s clear you’re unavailable—just in case Charles didn’t get the message,” Bianca suggested. “And it shows you’re settling down, you know, ready for more responsibility.”
“How does taking a date say that?” Zach asked.
“Cady always goes solo. Always.” Bianca offered, “So it would be a statement. Surely you have someone you could take? From what you’ve said, they’re not exactly fun parties, so take a date that will be.” Bianca nudged Cady, smiling. “Ooh, there’s that muscle-y guy at the gym that likes you.”
Patton saw red. Was this jealousy all but choking him? It was so fast, so overwhelming, he couldn’t say or do a thing.
Cady took a sip of her white wine. “Possibly.”
Patton spent the next twenty minutes trying to figure out why he was reacting the way he was. While the others were chatting about movies and having a good time, he was grappling with a serious case of misplaced possessiveness He had no right to feel angry or threatened by some guy she might or might not take to her office party.