Just Jilted by Cindi Madsen

Author:Cindi Madsen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Cora Carmack, Emily Giffin, Susan Mallery, Roxanne St. Clair, romantic comedy, weddings, brides
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Published: 2016-11-07T00:00:00+00:00

Part Three

Wary Canary – Elevated

(Significant risk of elevated blood pressure, quickened heart rate, possibility of tears, and being in need of tissues)

“Between men and women there is no friendship possible. There is passion, enmity, worship, love, but no friendship.”

—Oscar Wilde

Chapter Seventeen

After my Sunday spent kicked back with Brendan and Cupid, I felt ready to take on Monday, despite its well-deserved bad rap. What I didn’t expect, though, was Grant’s mother waiting outside my office door.

“Evelyn. Hi.”

The woman threw her arms around me. I was surprised by the overwhelming surge of affection tumbling through my body. I hadn’t realized I’d missed her until she was here, and now I didn’t want to let go.

She pulled back and gave me a sad smile. “You look so lovely.”

“Thanks. You too.”

“Oh, you’re too nice.” She pressed her lips together. “It broke my heart that you didn’t come back from that cruise as my daughter. That I didn’t get to help throw that reception. Which, by the way…” The blue checkbook she dug out of her purse was slightly crumpled. “How much do we owe you for that? I’m sure there were deposits you never got back. I meant to call and offer before now, but I wasn’t sure how to approach the subject.”

“Oh, it’s—”

“Please, Dakota.” She turned her blue eyes—eyes so similar to Grant’s—up to me, and I couldn’t deny the desperation in them.

“Why don’t you come inside my office and I’ll make coffee.” Yes, I was going to need even more coffee than I’d originally planned to deal with today.

After we each had a drink in front of us, I told her that Grant and I had already taken care of the costs. Actually, I’d taken care of most of them, but I figured I was the one who’d wanted the fancy centerpieces and the china I figured I’d use forever but now never wanted to see. The boxes were shoved in the back of my office, and I thought someday when this was all a distant memory, I’d see if another bride wanted to use them. All those extras were why my bank account looked so ragged, but at least Grant had taken care of the cost of the cruise.

We made small talk for a few minutes, but even after the conversation died down, Evelyn remained in her seat, a strange look on her face.

“Did you…need something else?” I asked.

“Settling the cost of the reception wasn’t the only reason I came to your office today.” Evelyn scooted to the edge of her seat. “Grant told me he’s tried talking to you, but he’s not sure you’ll ever give him another chance. So I don’t care that this conversation might be uncomfortable. I’ll do whatever it takes to convince you that my son—along with the rest of us—still wants you in our family.”

Oh jeez. What was I supposed to say to the woman who was looking at me like all her and her son’s hopes and dreams rested on me? Talk about pressure.

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