The Wedding Gift by Judy Kentrus

Author:Judy Kentrus [BookDesignTemplates.com]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Judy Kentrus
Published: 2016-06-13T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

She shook her head. Fate could be so cruel. Thomas Leland was Bertie’s nephew. Despite it being eleven thirty at night, his platinum-framed sunglasses were propped on his head and he’d purposely opened the top four buttons on his black silk shirt. If he’d done it to impress her, he’d totally missed his mark.

“Bertie is your aunt? I never made the connection, since her name is Abbott.”

“You know this guy, Cindi?” Jessie had full knowledge of his identity, but couldn’t show any recognition. She had the strongest instinct to punch the bastard who had ruined their party, but she had something more important to do—make arrangements for the ladies to get back to Spring Meadow. And she knew just who to call.

“We were acquainted in high school.”

“Cindi, Cindi, how could you say we were just acquainted.” He grinned, showing his perfect white teeth. “It was a great deal more. We were in love.”

“Were, as in past tense, and the only person you ever loved was yourself.” Cindi recalled what Preston had told her about Leland’s illegal activities, and she realized his luster had tarnished. What had she ever seen in him?

Despite the support of the cane, Bertie had been standing much too long. Cindi turned her back on the scum and put a supportive arm around her friend’s slender waist to guide her back to the table. “Let’s sit down.” Once Bertie was settled next to Muriel and Sadie, Cindi squatted down next to Bertie’s chair and linked their fingers together. Bertie’s hands were cold. “I sense Thom isn’t one of your favorite people. Don’t worry. Jessie and I are going to handle this problem.”

The older woman patted Cindi’s cheek with long, narrow fingers. “You are a good girl. I never had children, but if I ever had a granddaughter, I hope she would have been like you.”

The compliment warmed Cindi’s heart, and she kissed Bertie’s soft cheek, brushed with a swipe of rose blush. “You can consider me your unofficial granddaughter any time. Can I get you anything before I straighten out your nephew?”

“I prefer to call him an asshole.” Bertie directed her next statement to Margaret, who was sitting directly across the table. “I don’t trust lawyers, but since you are Cindi’s friend and the mayor, you’re okay. Come Monday, I plan to make changes in my will. Can you help me out?”

“I’d be glad to. Have the social worker at the center call my office.”

“In case you were wondering, Mr. Abbott was my first husband and I loved him the best—that is why I never took the other’s name.” Bertie pursed her lips at Cindi. “I’m getting too old for this nonsense. Sure could use some chocolate.”

“How did I know you were going to say that?” Cindi opened Bertie’s purse and withdrew one of the chocolates stashed below an assortment of lace-edged hankies. “Did you think I wouldn’t notice?” She winked.

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