He opened his mouth to speak.
“Now, please.” She cut him off, the entreaty in her voice plain.
Mike, powerless to deny this woman anything, turned and followed her back to the table. His body still burned from a simple dance.
He held Carly’s chair before lowering himself into his seat beside her. He had to bite back a curse as his brother covered her hand with his.
“That’s the best news I’ve heard in months.” Peter beamed with pleasure, more honest emotion than Mike had seen since his return.
“What’s that?” Carly asked. She laid a hand on Peter’s arm. Mike tensed but said nothing.
“Partnership decisions have been moved up,” Roger said. “We’ve seen a boost in almost every department and want to make up for the last few years. We’ll make final decisions in about a week and a half.”
“That’s great news, Pete.” Mike knew his brother lived and breathed little else but work. This turn of events ought to make him ecstatic.
“Carly?” Anne looked at her daughter. Obviously she expected some reaction from the soon-to-be wife of an attorney and almost partner.
“Great,” Carly echoed.
Sincere but flat. Anne didn’t appear to notice. Mike did.
“Well, with that settled...” Anne smiled, then cleared her throat. “I mean almost settled. What’s going on with the wedding details? Are you all set?”
Carly nodded. “Pretty much.” She leaned closer to Mike to allow the waiter room to maneuver.
Caesar salad had always been Mike’s favorite, and when everyone had been served, he picked up his fork.
“All that’s left is the final fitting on my dress.”
Mike’s appetite disappeared. Watching as Carly moved one leaf around the plate, he surmised that she wasn’t any more hungry than he.
“I’ll be glad to go with you,” Anne said, hope shining in her eyes. “After all, it isn’t every day your daughter gets married.”
Whatever Mike’s first impressions of Anne Wexler, they were obviously as false as the shield she hid behind. It was obvious now that she loved her daughter but feared being rejected.
“No thanks, Mom. I don’t need your help. I’ve got a million errands to run and last-minute appointments before the high school graduation.”
“All of which have nothing to do with me. I want to be there. Just name the time.”
Carly raised her eyes from her dish and glanced toward her mother. “I’ll probably just drop by the bridal shop during lunch on Friday.”
“Friday’s the Bar Association luncheon honoring your father.” Disappointment radiated from Anne in waves.
“I know, and I can handle this alone. After all, the dress is picked. It’s just a final fitting.”
“But every bride needs someone there for them.” Anne paused. “Your bridesmaids?” she asked hopefully.
“Are coming from out of town, you know that. And Juliette has a business lunch.”
Anne turned toward her husband, her intention clear.
“No! You belong with Dad. I can deal with this alone. I’m fine, Mom.”
Mike couldn’t take it anymore. For either of them. “If you need a second opinion, I could help out.” He draped an arm over Carly’s chair and leaned back. “I might enjoy it,” he said with a grin.
Peter looked up from his conversation with Roger. “Not a bad idea, Carly. At least you’d have someone there... you know, for moral support.”
“I don’t need...”