Should’ve Known It’s You (Not You Again #7)

Chapter 41

CHAPTER 41

AUSTIN

H osting a lavish dinner turned out to be yet another unexpected test of our relationship—or non-relationship, as things were right then. I didn’t even know where we were at with that anymore. One minute, we were business partners, and the next, we were rolling around on a bed, doing our best to reach each other’s tonsils with our tongues.

It had become a bit of a mess, one I definitely intended on addressing later on, but for now, we were a united front. Never having been the host of a formal dinner quite like this, it came as a bit of news to me that we were crazy busy all evening, constantly being pulled in one direction or another.

Kennedy had invited all the local business owners, but she’d also invited the neighbors from around the block. All kinds of characters were showing up, and she and I stood side by side as we tried to handle whatever chaos the event threw at us.

As a background to it all, the harpist sat on our little stage—which was mercifully still holding—and entertained our motley assortment of guests. Surprisingly, the couple of investors that had accepted our invitation were in attendance, but so far, they seemed more interested in speaking to the locals than being shown around the property.

I let it go for the moment. Mostly because it appeared we had bigger problems.

One of the neighbors had arrived carrying a basket full of cats, and as I wondered what the hell she was doing bringing them here, I heard someone else groan behind me. “Oh no, it’s the crazy cat lady again. I can’t believe she wouldn’t even leave them at home for something like this.”

“Especially after the debacle at the picnic last year,” another person responded, and while I was suddenly desperate to know what had happened at the picnic, Kennedy rushed forward.

“Good evening, ma’am,” she said, the smile on her face never faltering. “Who are all these darlings? Are they staying for dinner?”

“Well, of course,” the old woman responded with a flourish, patting Kennedy’s shoulder as she passed her. “I can’t leave them at home, can I? They’re rescues. They need to know I’m here for them. Always.”

Riiiiiight .

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from telling her that they hadn’t been invited, but Kennedy scrambled to make it work, hiding her dismay that seemed to be obvious only to me. Her features contorted in a surprised look that said she wasn’t sure about this, but then she smiled.

“Come on in,” she said. “I’ll check what we can do about getting them some food and water. Is there anything else you might need?”

The woman beamed at her. “Only to welcome you to the block, honey. My name’s Ms. Cartwright. You’re sweet. I like you.”

With that proclamation, the so-called crazy cat lady joined the party, setting down her basket to let the cats pour out of it. A few people oohed and aahed , and some shied away a little bit, but they would all have to deal with the furry new guests.

There was nothing we could do about it now, but if we ever had another event like this, I would be sure to add “no pets allowed” on the invitation. On the other hand, I supposed she had dreamed of a place where everyone was welcome. This was the epitome of that.

“Where am I supposed to find cat food right now?” Kenny asked in an urgent whisper as she came back to me. “Who brings cats to a fancy dinner party?”

“Ms. Cartwright,” I said, smirking. I reached out to squeeze her shoulder, my phone already in my other hand. “I’m on it. Don’t worry. I have a client who owes me a favor and he owns a pet supply store. I’m sure we can have some delivered. Along with a litter box.”

“That would be amazing.” Relief splashed across her features as she smiled up at me. My heart jolted and my entire being panted like a puppy over getting favored with a smile like that from her. “Thanks, Austin. You’re the best.”

“I really am.” I winked, then turned around to go outside for a moment to make the call—and get a grip on myself.

When I walked back in, I strode to the bar, in need of a drink before I went back to it. Sliding my elbows onto the countertop, I ordered a whiskey and looked out at the party while I waited for the bartender to pour it.

Kennedy had put her heart and soul into this place to get it ready for tonight, and it showed. When we’d walked in here the first time, the interior had been a dump and the garden had been a mess, but I never would have suspected looking at it now.

The old house felt majestic and elegant again, the wood gleaming and the chandeliers sparkling. Fires had been lit in the fireplaces in every room. The cozy light from the flames and the crackling sound lent a homey atmosphere to the space, which I knew was exactly what she’d wanted.

Tables and chairs dotted most of the rooms on the first floor, all in view of the little stage where the musician was performing. People were milling about everywhere and there was a lot of laughter, so it looked like most were enjoying themselves.

Servers dressed in white zipped between them, carrying trays of appetizers and replenishing champagne. Some of the guests had taken their seats, and miraculously, most of them seemed to love that there were now cats under the tables, rubbing their legs while they spoke to their friends and neighbors.

“Here you go, sir,” the bartender said.

I turned to grab my drink, flashing him a grateful smile. “Thanks, Dean. You guys are doing a great job so far. Keep it up.”

He nodded and I made to rejoin the party, but one of the guests suddenly stepped in my way. The guy was dressed in a sharp suit, a sharklike grin on his face as he extended his hand toward me. “Austin Merrick, right? I’m Gary Roman. Pleasure to meet you.”

I shook with him, already suspicious of what kind of business he was in. The glint in his eyes said it wasn’t something I would like. “Likewise. Where do you fit in, Gary? Are you a neighbor or…”

“Yes.” He cleared his throat and nodded enthusiastically as he slicked back his already slicked-back hair. “I’m a property agent a couple of blocks away.”

“A property agent?” My head tilted as I regarded the guy.

He chuckled and leaned in close like he was about to share a secret with me. “I have some great opportunities coming up in the Caribbean, man. I’ve also got places in Napa, Lake Tahoe, and Orlando.”

“I see,” I said. “What kind of opportunities?”

“Shared ownership,” he said. “I think you’ll really enjoy some of these places I have available right now. Do you ski, Austin? You look like an active guy. I’ve got an A-frame chalet with direct access to the slopes in Tahoe, man. It’s great, but if summer is more your thing, there’s some excellent water sports on offer in the Caribbean.”

Internally, I groaned. “You’re a timeshare guy. Where did you say your business was located again?”

“Nearby.”

I arched an eyebrow at him. “Are you sure?”

“Well, I’m practically a neighbor.” He flashed me another grin and then quickly slunk away, obviously realizing I wasn’t about to buy what he was selling, but he was on my radar now.

It turned out that he was pitching everyone, bouncing from group to group as if he was the host checking in on them, only to get turned down when he finally made his pitch. Eventually, I glanced at an older man who’d just indulged him by listening to his whole story.

“He never did tell me where he was based,” I said. “Did you happen to catch it?”

The man handed over a business card. “Nope, but he did leave me this. Says he can get me a terrific deal in the Bahamas. I didn’t tell him I already had a place there.”

“Well played.” I ran my fingertip across the poor quality of the card and scowled when I saw the address. “He told me he was a local, but he’s clearly not. I should go take care of this.”

Without hesitating, I marched over to where he was making his next pitch. I took his elbow in a gentle grip and gave the people he’d been speaking to a polite smile. “Please excuse him.”

The guy grinned until he saw the expression on my face. “Where are we going? You don’t look like you’re about to buy a week in Caribbean.”

“I’m not, but you also don’t live or work within a couple of blocks from here,” I said as I escorted him to the front door. “I’m afraid this is it for you, buddy. Have a nice night.”

“You’re kicking me out?” he asked incredulously.

I looked him right in the eyes and nodded. “This is a neighborhood party and your address is at least twenty miles away from this neighborhood. Maybe a bit more. Next time you invite yourself to a party you read about in the paper, consider keeping a low profile.”

Shutting the door in his face, I turned back to the party. Aggravation rolled through me when I heard a swift knock. Dude can’t catch a hint.

I yanked on the door, my mouth already open to tell him no one here was interested in his schemes, but it turned out to be the local butcher from up the street. The guy grinned as he presented me with a massive package of meat.

“For you,” he said. “I thought I would contribute to the dinner. We can cook it up together, yes? Like we used to back in the old days, when neighbors still got together like this more often.”

I stared at him, dumbfounded, and accepted the package. “Thank you. This is very generous of you. The least we can do is arrange for it to be cooked so you can have a break. I’ll get it to our caterers right away.”

Kennedy came toward me as we entered the main living area. Her eyes widened as she realized what was in my hand. Before she could say anything, I grimaced discreetly, inclining my head so she would know the owner was right behind me.

“We’re going to have to make some changes to the menu,” I said, grinning.

She blinked hard, then nodded, putting on a wide smile. She walked around me to go thank the guy for his contribution. I carried the meat to the kitchen and dropped it on the counter with a heavy thud.

“Let’s add this to the main course,” I said, ignoring the gawking stares of the caterers. “It was a gift. We have to use it for dinner. Is it possible to make this work?”

The head chef nodded and came over to inspect the package. “I’ve spun gold out of less. Leave it in the expert hands of Giacomo.”

“Thanks, Giacomo.” I left, leaving the decision of how best to use it to him. Finally rejoining the party, I went to get another drink since I’d lost the last one. Then I walked over to Kennedy where she was chatting with a few of the business owners.

We still hadn’t had the opportunity to give the tour to the potential investors, but even I was starting to forget they were here. They’d accepted our invitation, but it was pretty obvious they had no interest in hearing about the business Kenny wanted to start here.

It is what it is. We’ll have to figure out another way to attack this thing, but we’ll have to do it tomorrow. She needs tonight.

As everyone sat down to eat, servers and waitstaff refilled wine glasses and Kennedy took to the little stage. Tears of joy shimmered in her eyes as she raised her glass. She stepped up to the microphone and cleared her throat, a beautiful smile on her lips as she leaned forward.

“Before we dig in, I just want to thank you all for coming out tonight,” she said, her voice earnest and sincere. “It means the world to me that you’re here and that you’re helping me live my dream tonight.”

I heard the tears in her voice and I snagged a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and raised it. “To Dahlia.”

Kennedy’s blue eyes met mine from across the room and she gave me a radiant smile. “To Dahlia.”