Chapter Seventy Six
“Go ahead and set up over there. Be sure to angle the equipment so you’re all facing the tables.” Bernie pointed to the corner of the room where the string quartet was to set up.
The caterers had arrived fifteen minutes earlier, and were setting up their tables. Bernie had given them very specific instructions on where to put them. She had had several of the older boys bring in tables and extra chairs, and set them up accordingly. The decorators should be here any minute.
She took a swig of her protein shake. It had been a busy day and there had been no time for lunch, so a shake it was. She was looking forward to a pizza tonight, super gooey with extra cheese and pepperoni. Maybe some breadsticks too; she was planning a hard run tonight and would want the carb loading.
Jim was constantly on her mind, and the other day she had headed to the gym, when she realized he was already in there. She had taken a long moment to admire his muscled frame, which she had never seen before. But in his shorts and t-shirt, she could see he was in great shape.
Plus, he genuinely seemed like a decent guy, and those were hard to find. She had gone out with a couple of guys from the gym she usually went to in Sleepyside, but one date was enough to make her realize that her standards were either too high, or the caliber of men around here was too low.
But she couldn’t get involved with Jim, she reminded herself for the umpteenth time. No matter how attractive, no matter how much she felt the current between them, it was completely and totally unethical to date one’s boss. Not to mention he was in the middle of an ugly divorce and had three children that needed his attention. The last thing he needed was a horny assistant.
Robbie, one of her favorite students, walked into the gym leading a team of people carrying boxes. The decorators had arrived.
***
Bernie exhaled slowly. Everything was set. The decorations were perfect, the musicians were warming up. The caterers had chafing dishes heating up before they brought out the food.
Jim wandered in, and looked around approvingly. “This looks fantastic, Bernie.”
She smiled at him. “Thanks. It seems like everything is in place and ready to roll.”
“It’s going to be great. Why don’t you go ahead and take off? Honey and Mother will be here soon. I’ve got my tux in the office, so I’ll change here.”
“Are you sure?” Bernie asked. “I don’t mind waiting until they show up.”
“Nah, go ahead. I can handle it for a few minutes.”
“Cool. Thanks, Boss,” she tossed him a brilliant smile. “Have a good time tonight.”
“Thanks, you too,” he returned the smile. He’d rather spend the evening with her. He wouldn’t mind working out with her, getting good and sweaty. Followed by a steamy shower together…
Focus, Frayne! He thought, annoyed with himself. But he couldn’t stop himself from watching her walk away.
***
Bernie had just adjusted the band on her arm to hold her phone while she ran when her phone started buzzing.
“Oh, come on,” she groaned when she saw Jim’s number. This couldn’t be good. She was tempted to ignore it.
Her stretching session had been good, her muscles were nice and warm, and she was ready for a 10 mile run.
Responsibility won out over exercise.
“Hey, Jim,” she forced herself to sound cheerful.
“Bernie, hi, I’m so, so sorry to bother you.”
“It’s no problem, what’s up? Problem with the caterer?”
He definitely sounded panicked, she thought.
“No, no, it’s uh, worse. Honey can’t make it tonight.”
“What?” A feeling of dread started in her stomach.
“She and Mother both are sick. They think it may be food poisoning from lunch, but there’s no way they can make it tonight.”
“That’s terrible,” she answered.
“I have a huge, huge favor to ask you.”
Bernie winced. She knew what was coming.
“Is there any way you can come back and help me host this thing? I even called Tiffany and she can’t do it. I don’t know who else I can call. Aralyn and Nat are not good choices, believe me. And Mabon is working and Rayma is in the city and can’t be here in time…”
“Jim, I have no experience whatsoever at this sort of thing. And I don’t have anything to wear!”
“I can take care of that with a call to Daisy,” he said. “I know this is way outside of your job duties, but I’m desperate.”
Bernie sighed. “It’s okay. I just need to jump in the shower.”
“I owe you,” he said solemnly.
“Don’t say that yet,” she chuckled. “My social skills are incredibly rusty. I may turn people off entirely.”
“You’ll be great,” he assured her. “A lot of these old guys just want to flirt with a pretty girl, before they open their wallets.”
Bernie snorted. “I’ll see what I can do,” she replied dryly.
**
She was showered and eating leftover Chinese when there was a knock at the door. Looking through the hole, she recognized Aralyn Duke and Natala Belden, and opened the door. The blonde was carrying several dress bags while the brunette carried several shoe boxes and a shopping bag.
“Hi, Bernie,” Aralyn said cheerfully. “Remember me?”
“Of course. Hi, Aralyn. Come on in. Hi, Natala.”
The brunette nodded to her. Bernie knew Brian’s daughter was shy and reserved, and she hoped there weren’t any hard feelings that a relationship with Brian hadn’t worked out. Hell, maybe the girl preferred it that way. Natala was one of the few people Bernie had trouble getting a read on, though she had only met her once.
“Thanks. Daisy needed someone to pop by the store and pick up some dresses. She wanted me because you and I are about the same size, so she had me try them on.”
Bernie nodded. They were similar in height and size, she realized.
“I’ve got five choices here for you,” Aralyn said as she draped the dress bags over the back of the sofa.
“Let’s see ‘em,” Bernie sighed.
Aralyn laughed. “You seem about as enthusiastic as I would be if I had to do this.”
“Not really my thing,” Bernie said dryly.
The younger girl grinned. “Right there with ya. I’m a total disaster at these things, as Jim found out one year. Usually Tiff is his back up but she’s in the city with theater tickets. My mom is worse than me, Daisy is tied up with work and Diana had lunch with Mom and Grandmother, so she's sick too. But, hey, at least Daisy’s dresses are awesome.”
The first dress was a pale green, strapless sheath, with a gold marbled metallic jacquard panel running the length of the front. It had an attached skirt that flared out and went to the floor.
Bernie raised one eyebrow. “This is a serious couture event?” she asked.
Aralyn chuckled. “Yes and no. It’s a lot of posturing, but many of the school’s patrons enjoy this sort of thing. Everyone gets dolled up for the evening. I don’t know what Honey usually wears, but I’ve seen Tiff in stuff like this. Daisy always provides the dresses, so I’m guessing she knows what’s needed.”
Bernie was eyeing the other dress bags suspiciously. “Oy,” she muttered.
The second dress was burnished forest green, in a Grecian style with an opulently embellished halter neckline anchoring a ruched bodice and sweeping tiered skirt of the wispy chiffon gown. It was accentuated by a finely pleated Empire-waistband.
“Not bad,” Bernie commented.
Aralyn agreed and laid the dress out.
Third was a deep sapphire lace dress. Figure hugging, with barely cap sleeves, an angled v- neckline, Bernie knew this would be revealing.
“This one kind of has sex written all over it,” Aralyn commented.
Bernie blanched. She was going to be dealing with a bunch of rich old men and Daisy sent a super sexy dress? She shuddered. The dress was gorgeous though, and her favorite so far.
Next up was a maroon gown that would also cling. A modest top with a slight scoop neckline, sleeveless, the dress was velvet but the beaded overlay sparkled with red and gold beading in tapestry patterns. As it reached the skirt, the beading moved into triangular pattern running down the skirt every few inches.
“Nice,” Bernie murmured, eyeing it appreciatively. Classy, elegant, and still a bit sexy, she thought.
“I think this one would be gorgeous,” Aralyn said, holding it up against Bernie. “Nat?”
The quiet cousin nodded.
The final dress was metallic gold and Bernie took a step back, startled by the sheen. Super simple, but figure hugging, with a deep scoop neckline, also sleeveless, it was practically molten gold.
“Whoa,” Aralyn said. “You might have to beat the old guys off of you with this one.”
“Definitely not that one,” Bernie said immediately. “That’s way too flashy!”
Aralyn smiled slyly. “I bet Jim would like it.”
Bernie blinked twice. “What?”
“Just saying Jim would like it,” Aralyn sapphire blue eyes sparkled mischievously.
Oh, Hell, Bernie thought. Was the girl trying to set Bernie up with her employer?
“Step it up, cuz, time is running out,” Nat interrupted.
“Good point. What do you think? The Grecian would make you look very goddess like. You’ve got broad shoulders like me,” Aralyn commented. “But the maroon I think will really do it. Modest but elegant, sexy without being too sexy. Even the back isn’t too revealing, just a scoop. But the beading continues.”
“I tend to agree,” Bernie said. “And I really like the color.”
“Nat?” Aralyn asked.
“Definitely the maroon,” Natala answered.
Bernie wondered if the girl was always this shy. She had the very strong feeling Natala was studying her.
“All right, maroon it is. Go throw that on while I pack these up.”
While Bernie was getting dressed, there was a knock at the door, and she heard Aralyn talking to someone. When she stepped out of her room in the dress, another young lady had arrived carrying a giant tackle box.
“This is Jenna. She’s going to do your hair and makeup. Ooo, that looks great!” Aralyn enthusiastically said to Bernie.
“Thanks,” Bernie said. “I’ve never worn anything like this. It feels strange.”
“It always does the first few times,” Aralyn said. “Go ahead and sit.”
Bernie did so, and Jenna flitted around her, rolling her hair up and the covering her face in various…things. Bernie had forgotten how much she detested primping with makeup.
But while the girl did that, Bernie saw what was in the boxes Natala had been carrying. Shoes and jewelry. The shoes for the maroon dress were simple black velvet three inch heels, and to Bernie’s utter amazement, they were comfortable.
“Daisy guessed your shoe size based on mine,” Aralyn said, “and she’s got an exclusive deal with an up and coming designer who is insistent on her shoes being comfortable, even the big heels. Because God knows, women have tortured themselves enough for good shoe-wear.”
Bernie laughed. She liked Aralyn.
“And don’t think I’m knowledgeable about fashion,” Aralyn confessed. “I’m just repeating stuff Daisy said. Tiffany is the one who actually works for the company. I just spot fill in.”
“There isn’t a necklace for this one,” Natala said, “but it has bracelets and earrings.”
Within minutes, Jenna was brushing on Bernie’s lipstick. Her hair was done, the front layer swept back and up, the longer layers sporting bouncy curls. There was a lot of hairspray involved, but finally, Bernie was ready.
“One more piece,” Aralyn said, opening another dress bag. She pulled out a long, soft plush black coat with some sort of fur collar. “So you can keep warm. It’s fake fur, don’t worry. Daisy would never use real.”
“It’s lovely.”
“All right Cinderella, you’re ready,” Aralyn said cheerfully. “Your would-be pumpkin will be arriving in a few minutes to take you to the ball.”
“My what?”
Aralyn laughed. “Grandmother is sick but Grandpa Matt isn't and he always goes. He offered to pick you up on his way to the school.”
Matthew Wheeler was picking her up? Bernie swallowed.
Jenna had packed up and departed, and the cousins were about to when there was a knock on the door. Aralyn opened it with a smile.
“Hi, Grandpa!”
“Hello, Ari. Natala.” Matthew Wheeler, dashing in his tuxedo, stepped in and Bernie pulled herself up to her full height.
She had met him twice, and was one of the few people who intimidated her. In his 70s, his once –hair had gone white, but he was tall, dominating and imposing. In his custom made tuxedo, Bernie thought of him as an older, retired James Bond type. She couldn’t help but wonder what he had been like in his younger days.
Matthew hugged his granddaughters and kissed them each on the cheek, then turned to Bernie.
“Well, Miss Bernie, I must say you are a feast for the eyes.”
Bernie felt her cheeks redden. “Thank you, Mr. Wheeler. You look quite debonair yourself.”
“Ah, flattery. That’s what we’ll need tonight. Ari, Nat, sure you don’t want to join us?” his green eyes twinkled at them.
Aralyn shuddered. “You know I’d rather have my eyes gouged out. We have a hot date with Cam and Dean and movie tickets. Of course,” she said to Bernie, “if you had said no, I’d have had to. So I owe you a big one.”
Bernie laughed. “I may have to hold you to that. Ask me after tonight.”
The girls departed and Matthew waited while she locked the door behind her.
“Are you ready to charm some rich old men like me?” he laughed.
***
It was near one in the morning when Bernie finally took off her heels. The final patron had left, the band had packed up, the caterers had finished removing the dishes and plates, and the decorators had taken down the last topiary.
Easing her feet out of the shoes, she was ready to drop. As comfortable as the shoes had been in the beginning, she was unused to such heels and after being on her feet for several hours and forcing herself to be as charming as she could, she just wanted to crawl into bed. She was starving as well. There hadn’t been any time for her to grab a bite here or there, there was always someone she had to meet, tell about the school, ask about their business, remember their name, and deal with their disapproving wife staring at her.
That was puzzling, she thought. Many of these women were older, elegant, and beautiful. Sure there had been nips and tucks done but they were lovely to look at. And certainly they knew Honey Duke, who was the epitome was class and elegance. So why the cold shoulders? Probably because she was a poor substitute for Honey. She didn’t know everyone’s names, children, industries, and how they knew Jim, but she had done the best she could. Her hands weren’t super soft and pretty, but her nails were well maintained, though there hadn’t been time for polish.
Her dress was gorgeous; she wasn’t sporting cleavage or rubbing against the men. Maybe that’s just how rich old broads were, she figured. At any rate, it was done and she had an envelope full of big checks for the school.
The caterers had thoughtfully packed some food for her as they cleaned up and she eyed the container hungrily.
“Bernie, you’re amazing.” Jim came up behind her.
She turned, and gave him a smile. “Think it went okay?”
“Better than okay. Everyone was raving about you.”
Bernie raised one eyebrow. “Some of those old cows didn’t seem thrilled with me.”
He laughed. “They’re used to Honey, and my sister is the queen of remembering details. They like to have their egos stroked, and somehow Honey remembers the details such as designers they wore the year before. But trust me, you were a hit. Lots of compliments about the music, the décor, the food, everything.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear it,” she smiled up at him. “But I’m even happier to get out of those shoes, and I want some pizza.”
Jim pulled her to him in a bear hug. “I’ll buy you pizza for a year for doing this, you deserve it.”
He didn’t quite let her go and she found herself staring up into his emerald eyes.
“Did I tell you how beautiful you looked tonight?” he murmured.
“Earlier,” she whispered, unable to look away.
“I’ll tell you again. You look incredible.”
“Thanks,” she managed, closing her eyes as he dipped his head to hers.
Heat shot through her stomach to her toes as their lips met, and he was pulling her back to him. She responded eagerly, her lips parting, and her head swam.
His hand cupped her chin as the flames uncurled and she wrapped one arm around his neck.
Somewhere, common sense gripped her and she realized she was kissing her employer as if she were a teenager. Bernie pulled back.
They stared at each other, both dazed.
“What was that?” she whispered.
“A kiss,” he answered.
She shook her head and pulled free of his embrace. “Jim, that can’t happen.”
Stunned, he stared at her. “I apologize. It just seemed…the moment felt right. I’ve wanted to do that for weeks.”
“You’re my boss,” she answered, backing away. “You’re in the middle of a divorce. This is all wrong.”
Jim stiffened at the rejection. “Again, I apologize, Bernie. I was out of line. It won’t happen again.”
“I think I should go,” she blurted.
He didn’t stop her, just watched her sadly as she grabbed her shoes and fled.
Meet the cast in full & see the family tree!
***
Author’s Notes
- A huge yeee-haa to Ronda, my lovely editor who helps keep me on track, and always come through for me!
- Word Count, 2.956
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