Honeysuckle Bride. Tara Randel
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ID showed Barbara’s name. Jenna quickly pressed the talk button.
“Good grief,” Barbara said by way of a greeting. “I didn’t think you’d ever pick up.”
“Sorry. I was driving.”
“Listen, Jenna, I got a call from Kitchen Care. They want you to sign on for the commercial we discussed.”
A major sponsor of Jenna’s show, Kitchen Care Cookware, a large commercial-grade cookware company, was ready to release a new line of products, and they wanted Jenna as their spokesperson.
“Barbara, I can’t do it right now.”
“I know you’re on a break, but Jenna, this is Kitchen Care.”
“I understand.”
A voice sounded from the backseat. “Are we getting out of the car?”
Jenna glanced over her shoulder. “Yes.”
“Yes to Kitchen Care?” Barbara asked.
“No, Barbara. I have the girls in the car. Let me call you tomorrow.”
“Seriously consider this, Jenna. Your decision will affect the show. And your career.”
Barbara wasn’t being overly dramatic. In the world of cable television, pleasing sponsors was vital to a show’s longevity. “I know.”
“Fine. I’ll wait for your call.”
“Thanks.” Jenna almost hung up before a last-minute thought came to her. “Barbara, any photos or stories about me in the tabloids?”
“No. Why?”
“Just making sure.” She was glad her plan to escape the annoying reporter was working.
“After the incident with Rod, I’m very careful, just as you requested.”
Jenna blew out a breath. “Okay.”
“Jenna,” Abby called.
“I have to go, Barbara. Talk to you later.”
After tapping the off button, she got the girls out of the car, picked up the warm pan and headed inside. The name of the room reserved for the party was posted in the ornate lobby.
Nealy swooped down on her as soon as she set foot in the brightly decorated banquet room. A huge Welcome banner took up one entire wall, surrounded by balloons of every shape and color. Tables were scattered about, topped with bright cloths and flower arrangements. A long table, featuring an assortment of appetizers, lined another wall, along with a station set up for drinks.
“Way to be on time,” Nealy mock scolded.
“Sorry. I’m still navigating the ins and outs of getting the three of us dressed and ready to go.”
Nealy took the pan from Jenna. “You’re here now. I have lots of people for you to meet.”
Jenna glanced around the room again. “Wow. You really went all out.”
“I wanted this party to be special. To usher you into your new life.” Nealy crouched in front of the girls. “And I suppose you’d like something more fun to do than talk to old people.”
Both girls nodded their heads.
“My nephew Davey and his girlfriend will take you to the game room.” She called to a teenage boy as she rose then turned her attention back to Jenna. “If it’s okay with you?”
“Can I go with them?”
“Not a chance. Davey’s very reliable and we have work to do.” Nealy carried the pan to the food table, moving a few dishes around before placing it in the empty space.
Jenna spoke briefly with Davey before he took the girls to the game room, then joined Nealy.
“I have to say, my mac and cheese smells delicious,” Jenna teased her cooking-challenged friend.
“You know I hate it when you brag.”
“Hey, I like jealousy on you,” Nealy’s boyfriend, Dane, said as he joined them. “Gives me hope you’ll one day learn to master the kitchen so you can feed me.”
The women looked at each other and laughed.
Nealy leaned in to kiss Dane, then grabbed Jenna’s arm. “C’mon, let’s mingle.”
And mingle they did. Before she knew it, Jenna met half the population of Cypress Pointe. Everyone from the mayor and the police chief to shop owners and other town notables. The list went on, leaving Jenna to try to remember the barrage of names.
She smiled until her cheeks ached. Chatted about her job, her family and whatever else the fine folks of Cypress Pointe found interesting. The old urge to melt into the sidelines threatened to overwhelm her, but she pushed away the inclination. Nealy had gone above and beyond to plan this party for Jenna. The least she could do was enjoy it.
Parched from all the talking, Jenna poured herself a glass of lemon-flavored water. In a quiet corner she regrouped, appreciating a moment alone.
She peered over the crowd, surprised to discover that in a short time, she already liked living here. Her busy life in LA left her little opportunity to develop close relationships, but she found she was fond of the friendly residents and peaceful atmosphere of Cypress Pointe. Here, the pace was much slower. More conducive to enjoying life, rather than barreling through every second of the day to attain the next goal, as she’d been doing for years.
But can this place hold your interest, a voice inside her whispered. Can it keep you and the girls safe?
Until she was here longer, she couldn’t answer that question. Only time would tell.
Nealy weaved through the room toward her, talking to a couple walking with her. Jenna smiled, ready for another round of introductions
“Jenna, meet Max and Lilli, old friends of mine.”
They all shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.
“Max is the man responsible for bringing Wyatt to town,” Nealy informed her.
The handsome man smiled at Jenna. “Heard you had a little run-in with my old buddy?”
She shrugged. “More like he saved the day.”
Lilli touched her arm. “You must have been terrified.”
“That’s putting it mildly.”
“Nealy told us about the girls’ mother.” Lilli shook her head. “What a terrible loss.”
“Yes. Carrie should be the one raising her daughters, not me.”
“In a perfect world,” Lilli said. “But they have you.”
“And she’s an awesome mom,” Nealy interjected.
“As long as we stay away from the beach,” Jenna teased, deflecting the direction of conversation. She didn’t want credit for something she hadn’t yet earned.
“Well, welcome to town.” Lilli smiled. “You’re going to love it here.”
Nealy hooked her arm through Lilli’s. “And we have a new friend to add to our girls’ night out.”
“Watch out,” Max deadpanned.
As the women started discussing the merits of a chic-flick evening at home versus a night on the town, minus their men, Jenna felt Max’s gaze focus on her.
“Is there a problem?” she asked, uneasy with his intensity.
“No. Just thinking about you bringing cookies to Wyatt.”
“He told you?”
“Yeah. He was surprised at the gesture. People around here tend to give him a wide berth.”
“I