Page 91 of Charmed Forces
Louise’s eyes widened. “Maybe I should be very specific in what I want so she doesn’t go too wild. I’ll be right back. My mom’s waving at me. Can I get you two anything before I go?”
“No, we’ll look after ourselves. You just go and enjoy yourself,” I said, waving her away.
“It would be rude not to try the buffet,” said Lily, “and weird if everyone’s fixing a plate except us.” Lily gazed at the abundantly laden table across the patio.
“Hungry?”
“More excited about getting to eat something without sharing it with a newly verbal toddler whose favorite words are currently ‘Mama, I try?’ before pointing at my meal.”
I laughed. “Understood. Let’s start at this side, get some food, then meander around to that side. I’d like to get a look at all the guests before going upstairs,” I said, checking to make sure no one was listening.
“I’m really hopeful we can get a house tour. This place is sooo nice.”
We moved between the groups, making small talk, mostly complimenting the couple, admiring the bride-to-be’s ring, and inquiring about their wedding plans, which helped deflect any personal questions. The guests seemed to all be friends and family members, and through my subtle questioning, I learned none of them were Louise’s colleagues. Was that because neither Louise nor Callum were close to their colleagues? Or were they discouraged from inviting any? While Lily headed for the buffet, I quietly tipped my champagne into a plant pot and retrieved a fresh glass from a passing server before joining Angelica who was speaking to a couple. I’d seen the man talking to Tom Victor earlier. I was careful to ensure I faced him as we spoke briefly before he made some excuse to return to the small group on the opposite side of the patio where Victor had mostly remained. He was comfortably seated in a thickly padded lounge chair, a row of young bay trees behind him. Beside him was his assistant, Rick, making notes on his phone, and a couple of other men dressed in suits. With their drinks in hand, they looked relaxed, but staying on the periphery, it was obvious they were not quite party guests. From the way the other guests seemed to actively ignore them, I wondered if they were discussing business.
When I saw Louise heading towards the buffet, I made my excuses and followed her. “This is a lovely party,” I said as we collected plates. “What a fabulous home to host it in. Mr. Victor is so thoughtful to offer it to you for this event.”
“I’m not sure if he feels a bit put upon,” said Louise, glancing towards me as she dropped her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “I’m not complaining, but I get the feeling he’s doing his best to tolerate us and it’s strictly for Angelica. She must have been so insistent, like she was with us. It’s still nice of him though. Oh, please don’t misinterpret what I said. Tom hasn’t said a word that indicates he thinks we’re being a nuisance. I just don’t think he’s much of a party man.”
“How did he meet Angelica?” I asked.
“At a hotel bar,” I think. “They just bumped into each other.”
“So cute,” I said, wondering if Angelica deliberately made it happen. She struck me as someone who could gauge a man’s social status and earning potential in approximately thirty seconds flat. Not that there was anything wrong with that. She’d clearly picked correctly: Tom was a wealthy man who liked a beautiful young woman clinging to his arm, someone whose only aim in life was enjoying herself at someone else’s expense. If that were all she wanted, I had no problem with it. I did have an issue with her choice of men however.
I selected a mini chicken skewer and added it to my plate with a few other finger foods as I looked around for Lily. I spotted her, a full plate in hand, talking to Louise’s parents. “I’m sure he’s happy to host this. After all, you and Angelica are so close and he’ll be at the wedding too, won’t he?” I asked.
“Absolutely. I’ll make sure I thank him in the toast for everything he’s done for us.”
“Oh? Has he helped you in other ways?”
Louise smiled and nodded. “He’s been great to me,” she said. “He’s always asking me about my career and the projects we’re working on. My friends really aren’t interested in construction so it’s nice to talk about it withsomeone. I’m debating whether or not to go back to school to study architecture and Tom thinks it’s a great idea. Callum does, too. That’s the career I really want to pursue.”
I glanced at Victor and wondered exactly how probing his questions were. “I think you should do that too. You know, I’d love to meet Mr. Victor properly but he looks so busy all the time. Doesn’t he ever take a day off from whatever he does?” I asked.
“I don’t think men his type do. You know, CEOs. They’re all workaholics, according to Angelica. I guess they have to be that way in order to be successful, especially when they have multiple businesses to manage. What did you say you do?”
“Me? I just temp. You know, office stuff. Filing. Data entry.”
“We always need extra support in the office. I can put in a good word for you if you like?”
“That’s very kind of you, but my husband doesn’t like me working full time,” I lied and instantly felt awkward about it. I wanted to tell her that there was more for her, if she really wanted more, and she could seize it just like I did. Instead, I just chomped on a cheese puff and tried not to feel guilty about using subterfuge at her party.
“Oh, right. It’s great you have that choice.”
Angelica joined us, picking up tempting items from the table and popping them into her mouth. “So yummy,” she said. “Do you want these caterers for your wedding? Or do you think you’ll go inhouse with a venue? I can’t wait to sample the tastings with you!” She clapped her hands and squealed with obvious delight.
“I don’t think Lexi has met Tom yet,” said Louise.
“I tried to get him to circulate but he’s all, ‘we’re talking business, honey, you go and enjoy the party’.” Angelica shrugged. “Boring, right? At least he’s still outside. He said something about heading to his office and catching up on his calls in an hour.”
“You should encourage him to take the day off,” said Louise. “I want him to have fun too. Otherwise, I’ll feel like we’re invading his castle.”
“Right,” said Angelica. “He’s waving to me. Let me go tend to the king.”
“The king?” I asked as Angelica hurried away.
“Angelica says he rules the world with an iron fist,” said Louise with a laugh. “I haven’t seen that iron fist though. It’s more like an iron wallet. I don’t think he looks at the price tags on anything.”