The Summer of Sunshine and Margot(34)

“You’re not going to a funeral so that wouldn’t be appropriate.”

“Now you sound like Alec.”

A nice compliment, Margot thought.

She returned to the closet and took her turn at flipping through dozens of dresses. It didn’t take long for her to notice a trend—anything not remotely glamorous or revealing still had its tags.

She held up a long-sleeved brown dress that looked frumpy enough to insult a woman in her eighties. “Why did you buy it if you’re never going to wear it?”

“I have no idea. Maybe it was a gift.”

Margot smiled. “No one who’s met you would ever give you this dress.”

“You’re not going to make me wear it?”

“Of course not. I want you to look as if you belong. I’m not here to punish you.”

“Just checking.”

Margot looked at ten or fifteen more dresses before pulling out a smoky-blue lace dress. It was sleeveless, with a high neckline. The pattern of the lace was exquisite and the dress looked as if it would flow down to midcalf. She handed it to Bianca.

“This one.”

Bianca pouted. “It’s so plain.”

“It’s beautiful and elegant and appropriate.” She allowed herself a small smile. “And fitted enough to show off your rockin’ hot bod.”

Bianca rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

Instead of disappearing into the bathroom, she stepped out of her clothes right there, then slid into the dress. After pulling it up, she turned her back so Margot could fasten the long zipper. Together they walked into the bathroom and its wall of mirrors.

The dress was perfection. It was snug enough to emphasize every curve, yet wasn’t tight or overly revealing. The color made Bianca’s blue eyes even darker and turned her skin luminous. The lace would be perfect for a cocktail party.

“Oh.” Bianca stared at herself for a couple of seconds. “I suppose it’s not too hideous.”

“Stop it,” Margot said mildly. “You look incredible and you know it.” She moved behind her and twisted her hair up. “I assume you know how to put your hair up?”

“Yes.”

“And you have diamond earrings?”

“Does a bear shit in the woods?”

Margot pressed her lips together. “Let’s leave the colloquial expressions at home tonight, shall we?”

Bianca sighed heavily. “You don’t have a boyfriend right now, do you? We should work on that.”

Margot ignored the statement. “So you’ll wear that dress tonight?”

“If you wear yours.”

“Fine.”

“Double fine.”

“I’ll see you downstairs as six,” Margot said, grabbing her old dress and walking out of the bathroom.



Chapter Nine


I’m going to regret this.
Margot sent the text to her sister and waited. Seconds later, she had a reply.

You shouldn’t. You look amazing. Even if you take the worst selfies ever. If you weren’t my sister, I would back the car over you.
Margot chuckled.

You talk so tough and it’s all a total lie.
Only because I love you. Enjoy your faux cocktail party.
I’ll do my best.
Margot put away her phone, freshened her makeup, picked out a pair of nude pumps she would put on at the last minute, then made her way downstairs. Once she reached the kitchen, she tucked her shoes in the corner, then walked barefoot to the counter where Edna had left serving dishes and instructions.

The woman was a marvel. Despite the fact that they were having cocktails for four, Edna had prepared a half-dozen food items, along with nuts and olives. After slipping on an apron, Margot read the detailed instructions through before going back to the top.

She turned on both ovens and got the crab puffs and the stuffed mushrooms out of the refrigerator. Both were already on cookie sheets and would simply be popped in the ovens when they reached temperature. She poured nuts and olives into serving bowls and took them out to the table by the wet bar. Glasses, small plates, forks and napkins were already in place.

On her return trip to the kitchen, she paused to admire the ceilings at least twenty feet up. The tower bell was still in place, as was much of the stained glass. Everyone should get the opportunity to stay in an amazing house at least once in their lives, she thought as she returned to the kitchen.

Edna had freshly sliced and toasted bread for the bruschetta. All Margot had to do was put on the toppings. She’d just set out ingredients when Alec walked into the kitchen.

Her first thought was that he looked good. He was always attractive, but the dark suit and contrasting white shirt was especially appealing. When he saw her, he frowned.

“What are you doing?”

“Getting the food ready for our cocktail party.”

“That isn’t part of your job.”

“Yes, it is. Not to worry. I won’t be actually cooking. Edna left me instructions on how to assemble. She said it was super easy and even I couldn’t mess it up.”

He smiled at her. It was a nothing smile—casual and amused. It was the kind of smile you gave a stranger, and yet there was something about it. Something that settled low in her belly and made her think about possibilities. Or if not think about them then certainly hope for them. Which was completely and totally ridiculous. She barely knew the man. Most days their only contact was when they nodded at each other at breakfast. He said good morning, she said the same, then she took her breakfast and left. Alert the media—it was the romance of the century!