Worth the Wait (16 page)

The temperature on the beach couldn’t compete with the caustic showdown between David and Laney. Apparently they hadn’t resolved the argument they’d begun at the breakfast table.

Despite Vivi’s efforts to be gracious, each day of this trip kept getting harder, not easier. The lies, half-truths, and mixed signals were taking a toll on her peace of mind. Although she’d love for David to dump Laney, she didn’t want to be the source of their problems.

“Maybe I’m overreacting.” Vivi forced a smile. “It’s a pretty dress. He said he bought it because I’d mentioned not having anything to wear to the party. It was really thoughtful, actually.”

Cat’s silence didn’t fool Vivi, who knew her friend was biting her tongue. Finally, Cat stood and fixed her eyes on Vivi’s. “Let’s walk.”

Once they’d moved away from the couple, Vivi asked, “Did you figure out what’s going on with them?”

“I’ve no idea. Laney’s been on a tear all day. I might feel bad for David if I weren’t still a little peeved with him.” Cat snickered. “Karma’s a bitch. Apparently one from Chicago.”

Even if Vivi hadn’t known the truth behind David’s absence, she wouldn’t have taken pleasure in his misery.

“Not nice, friend.” Vivi batted Cat’s arm, then walked in silence for a few yards. Careful not to raise too much suspicion, she said, “It’s obvious David wants things to get back to normal with you and Jackson. Can’t you just throw him a bone? Talk to him.”

“He avoids direct questions.” Cat waved her hand in disgust. “Such a lawyer.”

“Whatever is going on between him and your dad, they have to sort it out. Don’t let it affect your relationship.” Vivi clasped her hands behind her back and stared across the waves.

Had she said too much? God, three more days and nights. She’d never survive all the tension! For the first time ever, she wished for vacation days to pass quickly.

When they returned to their towels, Laney was gone. Cat looked at her brother, awaiting some explanation. “What’s going on with you and Laney?”

“Please, Cat, don’t grill me now. I’ve been on the defensive all day.” He returned his attention to his book, shutting down any further discussion. Cat gave Vivi a “told you so” look, then tipped up her chin before gathering her things.

“Well, if I’m going to party tonight, I think I’ll get a little beauty rest.” Cat started toward the steps, carrying her towel and water bottle. “Vivi?”

“I’ll be up in a minute.” Vivi hesitated, drawn to David despite everything. She knew eventually her broken heart would mend, and their friendship was a rare gift worth keeping.

She sat down and stretched out her legs. “Do you want to talk?”

“Actually, I have a little good-luck token for you in case you get nervous tonight.” He handed her a slip of paper he’d withdrawn from inside the back cover of his book. “It’s not so extravagant as a new dress, but it’s from the heart. Mind you, it’s an abridged version, and not perfect for the occasion. I hope you’ll get
my
meaning.”

“Thanks, David. That’s sweet.” Vivi unfolded the note and read the abbreviated sections of the poem he’d copied.

“The Singers”

God sent his Singers upon earth
With songs of sadness and of mirth,
That they might touch the hearts of men,
And bring them back to heaven again.

. . .

These are the three great chords of might,

And he whose ear is tuned aright

Will hear no discord in the three,

But the most perfect harmony.
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Oh, gosh.” She looked at his grinning face. “Jeez, talk about pressure. Touch the hearts of men?” She chuckled. “Leave it to you to quote Longfellow. You couldn’t have just gone with a four-leaf clover or something?”

“No. It had to be this. I’ll never stop trying to get you to appreciate the classics.” He squeezed her ankle. “The meaning of the actual poem isn’t fitting, but these lines are a reminder that the power and beauty of song isn’t about having a perfect voice. I don’t even need to hear you to know your voice will reflect your generous spirit, and so it
will
touch the hearts of men, even if you hit an off-key note or skip a word or two.”

“We’ll see if you can look me in the eye later tonight and say that without laughing,” she teased to dispel the urge to launch herself into his arms. “I appreciate the sentiment. Thanks.” She refolded the note, holding it in her hand. “So, let’s stop talking about me and tell me what’s going on with Laney. You know I feel responsible after the way I lit into her this morning.”

He shook his head. “I can’t talk about Laney with you, Vivi.”

“Why not?”

“Because . . .” His brows furrowed as he rested his book on his thighs. “Because it feels weird to discuss our love lives. We’ve never done so before, not once in thirteen years.”

“Well, there’s a first time for everything.” She wore an overly broad smile to convince him, if not quite herself, that she had moved past her old feelings.

“I don’t want to. I like the way we’ve always been—inside our own bubble where the rest of the world sort of disappears.” His wan smile reflected the melancholy note in his voice. “And I really don’t want to hear the intimate details of your relationship with Franco, or anyone else for that matter.”

“Why not?” The words flew from her mouth before she thought better of them.

David swallowed hard and shifted uncomfortably in his beach chair, looking everywhere but at her. His gaze followed the gull that had swooped down and flown out over the glittering sea.

Time slowed. So did her breathing.

Seconds that seemed liked hours ticked by before he finally answered with a tight voice. “I just don’t.”

Her palms smoothed the sand around her legs while she tried to compose her thoughts. These kinds of exchanges were why she’d held on to hope for far too long. Frustration shot through her, making her angry—whether at him or herself, she wasn’t sure.

“Really? So you’d rather retreat and pout, and let everyone else squirm in discomfort than open up about Laney?” She pointed her finger at him. “You think I can’t handle it because of how I always felt before? Well, I can now.”

“Maybe
I
can’t, Vivi.” He rubbed his hands against his thighs without making eye contact. “Please let it go.”

A moment of silence passed before Vivi let out a long sigh. Much as she’d always love him, she’d moved beyond the point of begging David for anything.

“Fine. But don’t complain to me about the changes in our relationship and then shut me out whenever
you
decide something is off-limits. You can’t have it all ways and only on your terms. We can be friends, or not. Let me know once you decide.” She grabbed her towel and stormed off before he responded.

Well, that didn’t go as she’d hoped. Seemed nothing ever did.

She clutched the poem in her hand as she climbed the stairs, as if pretty words alone would make everything better.

At six thirty, Vivi stood in front of the mirror. Cat had insisted on applying Vivi’s makeup, claiming she needed to wear enough to be seen from the stage. Now Vivi barely recognized the face staring back at her. She braided two small sections of hair at each temple and let the rest hang wild and free. It looked decent at that point, but in this humidity she would probably resemble a Chia Pet by nightfall. Shrugging to herself, she slipped into her new dress and stepped back to take a look at the final product.

Oh no!

“Cat!” She clutched at the halter, then pushed and prodded her bra straps in every direction. “There’s no way I can wear a bra in this dress.”

“Nope. No bra.” Cat finished buckling the belt of her own crimson wrap dress. “It’s lined, right?”

“Barely. And I never go braless.” After removing her bra, Vivi swayed her body and moved her arms around, frowning. “I’m going to jiggle the whole time I’m performing.”

Cat’s devilish grin widened. “Well, now we know what prompted Franco to buy
that
dress.”

“Oh, God.” Vivi bugged her eyes out and crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I should change.”

“Hell no!” Cat’s hands clamped onto Vivi’s shoulders. “Stop hiding from men. Embrace your sexuality. Embrace Franco’s attention. Act your age and have fun. In ten years, gravity will make it impossible to look decent in a dress like this, so enjoy it now.”

Taken aback, Vivi uncrossed her arms and stared at herself again. Maybe Cat was right. She had been hiding behind ratty clothes for as long as she could remember. Squaring her shoulders, she drew a deep breath and followed Cat upstairs.

Hank whistled when the girls entered the living room. Jackson threw down the magazine he’d been reading and flashed his dimples.

“Let’s go.” He clapped his hands together and winked at Vivi.

“Where’s David?” Cat glanced at the light emanating from the top of the stairwell.

“They’re running late. I think Laney’s giving him a hard time.” Jackson cast Hank a sidelong glance and smirked. “They’ll be along in a little while.”

“Seriously?” Cat huffed and shook her head. “She’s pulling this now, when we’re all supposed to be going out together?”

Vivi played with the hem of her dress to hide her disappointment. Despite her nerves and their recent spat, she’d wanted to share her singing with David. Now he’d probably miss it. In her heart, she knew Laney had purposely forced David to choose, and his choice hurt more than she wanted anyone else to see.

“Let’s go.” She flashed a sheepish grin. “Before I chicken out.”

“I’m looking forward to your performance.” Hank slung his arm around her shoulders. “I know you’ll be great.”

“Thanks.” She patted his hand. “Great would be nice, though I’ll settle for decent.”

“I think the men will be so distracted looking at you, they might not even hear a single note.” He twirled her around. “Does that make you feel better or worse?”

“I’m not sure.” Inwardly, though, his words pleased her. She’d never before been the kind of girl men noticed, not in a good way, anyhow.

Halfway to the car, Vivi remembered her purse and ran back inside to grab it. As she turned to head out, David hurtled down the steps.

“Vivi.” He halted in front of her and reached for her hand. “I want to wish you luck. I promise I’ll be there as soon as possible. I’m not going to miss the show.”

Then suddenly his eyes darkened as he studied her outfit.

“Franco bought
this
?” His jaw ticked as his eyes lingered on her chest.

Her cheeks pinked in shame, then Cat’s words echoed in her mind.
Stop hiding from men.
Embracing that message, she straightened her posture.

“Yes.” She twirled to show off the back of the dress, or rather the lack thereof. “Fun, right?”

Unlike Hank, David offered no compliments. Rigidity, from the firm set of his mouth to his clenched fists, was his sole response.

“Well,” she said, “I’ve got to run. Thanks for the well-wishes.” Before he said another word, she dashed out the door.

C
HAPTER
T
HIRTEEN

D
a
vid stared at Vivi as she receded into the evening. He’d never seen her face so made-up, or her lips smothered in shiny pink gloss. Her new dress swung around her thighs while she trotted toward Jackson’s car. The ribbons of the halter ties trailed down her spine.

She looked like a gift-wrap
ped sex toy—one quick tug and the dress would fall around her ankles. Franco’s clear motive burned a hole through David’s brain.

Watching his family drive away filled him with angst. Guilt over his increasingly possessive impulses regarding Vivi made him capitulate to Laney’s games tonight. Now he’d just let Vivi go off to be ravaged by some player. He slammed the front door closed and stalked upstairs.

He pushed open the bedroom door. “Let’s set this all aside until tomorrow. I don’t want to miss the whole show.”

Several lit candles projecting flickering light around the room stopped him short. Laney sat straddling the corner of the bed wearing only black lace underwear.

“Actually, I thought of a better way to channel our frustration.” She leaned forward with her palms pressed together on the mattress between her thighs, pushing her full bosom front and center.

“Wow, you change gears quickly,” David stalled. Sex was the last thing he wanted right now. An unusual and disturbing reaction.

Bent on seduction, Laney rose and reached out for him. She cupped his face with her hands and kissed him, but he felt antsy, not tempted. She tugged him onto the bed. Within seconds he disengaged.

“Not now, Laney.” Zero interest. “It’ll be rushed.”

She propped herself up on her elbows. “You’d rather run off to a party of strangers than make love with me?”

“Don’t pull that crap.” He sat up, annoyed by her manipulation. “We’ve been planning this evening with my family for days. I want to hear Vivi sing. Afterward you and I can resolve these issues and think about sex.”

“Sex.” She muttered as she sat on her calves. “In Hong Kong you never had any problem making time for
sex
. This week you’ve been distracted by other things, other people.”

“Don’t make me feel bad about making up for lost time with my brother and sister.”

“Don’t forget Vivi. You’re making up for lost time there, too, aren’t you?” Laney crossed her arms.

“You know what, I’m not letting you bait me into another argument now.” David inhaled slowly while walking toward the door. “Right now we can get a quick drink before the party, or not. Either way, I won’t defend my desire to reconnect with the people I love.”

“Oh, so there are some people you love. You can say the word, it seems.” Laney slid off the bed and lifted her dress off the nearby chaise.

David’s self-reproach diminished his anger by a small margin. Clearly he’d been completely wrong about Laney’s lack of interest in hearts and flowers.

“Laney, I’m sorry you’re upset, but can we please put it aside until tomorrow?”

“Fine.” She slipped on her sandals. “But this conversation isn’t over, David, not by a long shot.”

“Don’t I know it,” he mumbled to himself. Hell, nothing was going according to plan, and he didn’t like unplanned outcomes.

David escorted Laney to Hotel Manisses for a private drink. They sat at a tall bar table beside a brick wall, giving them a full view of the lively bar. Yet neither the dynamic atmosphere nor any topic of conversation shook Laney loose.

Other couples were sharing drinks or meals, whispering to and touching each other. All around him, David noticed normal people laughing together, enjoying their vacation. Not him. He’d made one misstep after another, culminating in the present standoff with his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend.

“Tell me the truth, David.” Laney set her chin in her palm. “What’s really between you and Vivi?”

“Thirteen years of close friendship.” It wasn’t exactly a lie.

“You never mentioned her to me before, yet you’ve been preoccupied with her since she arrived. You look for any excuse to steal a few minutes alone with her.”

“I’m trying to reestablish my relationship with her, just like with Jackson and Cat. Our friendship is . . . different, but it’s always been platonic.” David knew his defensiveness wouldn’t help his argument. He also knew he didn’t want to have this conversation in public.

“Either you’re lying to me, or you’re lying to yourself.” She sat back in her chair, frowning. “Maybe both.”

“Please drop the inquisition.” David dragged his hand through his hair for the millionth time that day. “Can’t we just enjoy a drink and go to the party?”

Laney simply crossed her arms and stared at him.

He mentally threw his hands up at her unwillingness to set aside her own anger. Glancing at his watch, he saw the band had started playing thirty minutes ago. Determined not to miss the entire show, he paid the tab and escorted Laney to her car.

By the time they’d arrived, the sky was growing dark. He couldn’t determine much about the property, but light shone from every window of the large home. Cars were parked all along the driveway and on parts of the yard. David squeezed Laney’s small car into a space not far from the front of the house.

Music drifted through the air. He listened, unable to discern the song or Vivi’s voice from where they stood. He reached for Laney’s hand out of habit. Naturally she withheld it and began walking away. He kicked the gravel in frustration and then caught up to her as she strode toward the backyard.

They both momentarily halted as they rounded the corner of the house. John Slater knew how to throw a party. Thousands of white lights were strung throughout the massive tent. Tall cocktail tables sat along the perimeter of a parquet dance floor, each one draped in dark table linens and topped with a hurricane candle arrangement. Separate bars were set up in the two far corners of the tented area. The guests were dancing, chatting, and drinking.

David’s gaze hovered over the crowd until he caught a glimpse of Vivi as the band finished its song. A grin spread across his face just before he spotted Cat, Jackson, and Hank on the right side of the tent. He weaved through the crowd to reach them, dragging Laney behind him.

“How’s it going?” he asked Cat just as the twang of guitar strings and heavy drum beats erupted onstage.

“Great!” she shouted.

The thumping music pulled his attention back to the stage. Vivi stepped up to the microphone. He moved sideways to gain a better view through the crowd. She swayed to the beat and pasted a sly smile on her lips before crooning the beginning of Tristan Prettyman’s “My Oh My.”

His eyebrows scaled his forehead in surprise. Vivi’s voice was as unexpected and soulful as everything else about her. He stood mesmerized by her sultry stage presence and bluesy vocals.

As the crowd clapped along, David’s heartbeat matched the rhythm of the song. Just like when he’d first seen her on the dock after so long apart, observing her onstage cast her in a different light. She was the same, yet different. And damn, her sexy voice stirred unbidden desire.

The band announced its final song, one in which Vivi provided harmony. He calculated he had about four minutes to sneak away to share a private moment with her after the show.

Cupping his hand behind Laney’s ear, he asked, “Would you like a drink? I’m going to get a beer.”

“Fine.” She shrugged. “White wine, please.”

Her cool demeanor hardly registered with him as he took off in search of Vivi. Skirting along the edge of the crowd, he drew closer to the stage as the music ended and the band took a final bow. From a distance, he watched her jump down from the platform, straight into Franco’s arms.

She didn’t see David, who stood a few feet away, obscured by other guests. He watched her lips break into a dazzling smile in response to something Franco whispered. Chills radiated down his spine when Franco curved his hand around the nape of her neck and kissed her, a kiss she returned.

Air rushed from David’s lungs as if he’d been karate kicked in the chest. The force of his jealousy sent him stumbling backward, his thoughts scattering, while a deep ache unfurled in his heart.

He’d convinced himself they could never be together. He still believed it. But for the first time ever, he realized one day, maybe very soon, she’d belong to someone else. Someday she’d brighten another man’s life instead of his. And whoever that man was, he might curtail Vivi’s friendships with other men, including David.

Worst of all, David would be forced to witness her lover at major events and holidays, because Vivi would always be part of his family. He’d never considered how it would feel to lose his place in her life.

Now he knew.

It was crushing.

In a haze of depressing thoughts, he tottered to the bar to order some drinks. When he returned to his family, Jackson tilted his head inquisitively.

“What’s with the scowl?” Jackson asked, raising his beer in the air.

“Nothing.” David handed Laney her wine. The image of Vivi kissing Franco replayed. He hated the imprint it left on his heart. “Just fighting the crowds.”

“
Hey
!
” his sister shouted, hailing the arrival of Vivi and Franco, who were now holding hands.

David wiped his face clear of any emotion, but his body stiffened of its own volition. He could barely look at Vivi. Franco’s victorious grin was the worst. When he noticed Franco’s thumb gently rubbing the top of Vivi’s hand, his stomach clenched again.

“You were awesome.” Cat embraced Vivi. “Just awesome!”

Cat rocked Vivi back and forth before passing her to Jackson, who lifted her off the ground. Hank planted a quick congratulatory peck on her cheek while David witnessed the entire scene unfold from a distance, wishing he could disappear.

Everything he thought he knew about himself, his life, and his needs was disintegrating. Once again, he felt like a stranger in his own family. He’d closed himself off for so long, now he didn’t know how to come back.

Laney elbowed him, waking him from his hazy thoughts. Vivi appeared to be awaiting a response, but he hadn’t heard her question.

“Amazing, Vivi.” He smiled, withholding from touching her. He couldn’t risk it. Not with Franco, Laney, and everyone else watching him. “You were magnificent.”

“Thanks,” she said. Although just inches apart, he felt the distance between them widening. “I’m glad you caught part of the show.”

“Me too.” Damn, the air felt close and hot. His jaw ached from grinding his teeth.

Salvation arrived in the form of the DJ, who started off his set with a pounding Usher dance tune, silencing David’s thoughts.

Vivi looked at David as if she were expecting something more from him. For a split second of pure insanity, he considered picking her up, tossing her over his shoulder, and running off. When he remained stoic, she turned to Franco.

“Do you dance?”

“
Sì.”

David watched them vanish into the crowd. A spinning disco ball bounced light across the congested tent. He watched his sister head to the center of the floor with a stranger. Next, Hank followed a cute girl into the crowd.

Needing something to take his mind off Vivi, David held out his hand to Laney, but she declined his invitation. Apparently she wasn’t finished punishing him. He’d lost track of his infractions by this point.

Fuck it.
Defiantly, he ground out, “If you’re intent on punishing me, I may as well do something to make it worth your while.” He grabbed Jackson’s arm and tugged. “Let’s go find something stronger than beer.”

By midnight, the crowd had begun to thin. Empty glasses and crumpled napkins laid discarded on the tables under the tent. David had spent a majority of the evening tossing back drinks with Jackson and covertly spying on Vivi as she danced, flirted, and enjoyed the party with Franco, Cat, and dozens of others.

He’d thought the alcohol would be a good distraction. But no amount of whiskey could numb him to the fact that he was losing one of the most important relationships of his life.

When he noticed Laney and Cat waving them over, he and his brother crossed the floor on unsteady legs. The ladies announced their desire to go home. After thanking the host, the group strode across the lawn in search of their cars.