Upstairs Downstairs Baby (Sweet Tea And Scandal 1)

“Thanks for getting this started,” Claire said to Jenny.

“Are you kidding? You promised us leftovers. And I want you to know you can hire Steve and me to serve anytime. Linc Thurston is really nice. And most of his friends aren’t too bad, either. You’re really lucky to work for him.”

“I am lucky.”

Claire lifted her fingers to touch the earrings Linc had given her, remembering how his eyes had lit up earlier that evening when he noticed her wearing them. Just thinking about it sent her blood thundering through her veins. He’d almost looked...possessive. Which thrilled her even though she recognized the danger inherent in the feeling.

On the other hand, considering how well her food had gone over, perhaps he was a little concerned that one of his friends might try to poach her. The thought pleased her. Not that she’d ever consider leaving Linc. But it gave her ego a bump, thinking her skills might have garnered some interest.

While Steve kept an eye on things in the dining room, Jenny and Claire packed up the leftover food and chatted about Jenny’s dream wedding. Claire could picture the low-country wedding on the grounds of an antebellum mansion. The ceremony would take place beneath oak trees dripping with moss, followed by an elegant reception beneath a tulle-draped tent.

“It’s going to be beautiful,” Claire said with a sigh. “Have you thought about colors yet?”

“I’m thinking a misty blue with accents of pale and bright pink.”

“That sounds gorgeous.”

“What colors did you have for your wedding?”

On the long trip from California, Claire had prepared for all sorts of questions about her wedding and marriage, so the lie came easily to her lips. “We eloped to Las Vegas and I carried a little bouquet of pink and white roses.”

Jenny looked disappointed. “I couldn’t imagine eloping. My family would be so disappointed. I’m the only girl, so my momma has been dreaming about my wedding for as long as I can remember.”

“It wasn’t like that for me,” Claire said. “My mom left when I was seven.”

And made limited attempts to stay in touch. This was what motivated Claire to devote her energy to Honey. She didn’t want her daughter to know the slightest trace of neglect.

“I’m sorry,” Jenny said, looking mortified. “I didn’t realize that. You don’t talk much about your family.”

“There’s not much to say. I don’t speak with my mom and my dad has a wife and kids that keep him really busy.” Hearing a trace of sadness in her tone, Claire forced a smile. “I have Honey, and she’s a

ll the family I need.”

“But what about getting married again?”

“Maybe. I know it would be good for Honey to have a daddy, but I’m not sure I’m ready...” She trailed off and hoped Jenny wouldn’t suggest another evening out with one of Steve’s friends.

“I’m starting to get the picture.”

Claire’s gaze snapped to her friend. “What do you mean?”

“You have a thing for your boss. I don’t blame you. He’s hot. But don’t let that get in the way of finding love.”

“Linc?” Claire’s voice broke a little as she said his name. “That’s silly. Sure, he’s charming and sweet, but he’s way out of my league.”

“He’s out of nearly everyone’s league. Unless you’re a supermodel, sports star or a celebrity.”

Jenny was right, and Claire considered how earlier she’d imagined Linc was attracted to her. What a ridiculous misconception that had been.

“Linc has nothing to do with my disinterest in hitting the dating scene,” Claire said. “I’m just not ready.”

“But you have a little crush on him.”

Why deny it? “Well, of course. I’d have to be dead not to. But where he’s concerned, I have my head on straight.”

Five

The dinner party dissolved around ten o’clock with most of the guests departing for The Lucky Mojo, a rooftop bar featuring Cuban jazz music and salsa dancing. It was a favorite spot for their group of friends, who often ended the night there.