True Connections (4 page)

Slipping her hand into her pocket, she leaned against the table and drew out the note. The words across the pink sheet jumped out at her.

Mindy and Steve were in town.

Chapter Five

Date number three. The words rang like an annoying mantra through Max’s mind as he tapped a finger against the crystal water goblet. Sitting at the Regal Hotel’s fine dining restaurant, he glanced around. The place was full for a Thursday night. He’d spotted Nick, the owner, at the bar, looking his way every so often. Probably wondering what the hell Max was doing there by himself.

His date was an hour late. He didn’t want to admit it—the truth hurt, yet it gave him the most overwhelming relief. He’d been stood up, but he’d never been so glad in his life for a date
not
to show.

Date number one had been with a schoolteacher who refused to look at anything but the table, while talking about her kids in her classroom. His mind had zoned off, thinking about Lia the whole time, wondering what she was doing at that moment, until he’d heard
marriage
and
babies
in the same sentence. He couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

Date number two had been even worse. The blond realtor couldn’t stop fidgeting in her seat, going on about accounts she managed, until he found himself comparing her physical attributes to Lia’s. Normally, he would have found her soft features, bright smile, and big green eyes attractive. Except he couldn’t even muster the energy to work his charms—and then he’d realized she’d been trying to sell him a house throughout the whole conversation.

He couldn’t imagine bringing any one of them to Nanna’s party. At the luncheon, his irritation had forced him to confront Lia, until she’d looked up at him with her damn emerald eyes, glossy lips parted, and he’d gone stupid and kissed her. If only she’d pushed him away, or hadn’t responded with the fiery intensity he craved.

With a growl, he closed his eyes, reaching for control, waiting for the usual aggravation to erupt. He didn’t know how much more he could take. It was insane. He was a grown man and here he was, being set up like some idiot desperate to get laid or something. He was
Max Sheraton.

His hands itched to curve around a certain pretty little neck. Lia McEvil’s, to be specific. If only she wasn’t so beautiful. She’d bewitched him. Again. And seeing her troubled demeanor made his protective hackles rise. He’d yet to find out what Mindy’s visit to town meant. Or what really happened between Lia and that jackass ex of hers.

Opening his eyes, he nodded to the waiter and signaled for the check. Max saw the owner stop the man and pluck the leather check case away. Frustration rolled through him. He wasn’t in the mood to socialize. No doubt word had gotten out that he’d been on the prowl the past few days, with women he wouldn’t have chosen on his own. Dreading the encounter, Max pasted on a small smile and stood up as Nick made his way to the table.

“How are you?” Max reached out and shook the man’s hand.

“Good. What brings you out here all by yourself?” Nick gestured at the empty seat. “Date couldn’t make it?”

Max lost his smile. “No, just having a drink by myself,” he said through gritted teeth.

“It’s okay, Sheraton. Everyone’s heard you’ve signed up at Lia’s company. How’s that going?”

His nails dug into his palm at the smirk on the other man’s face. He racked his brain for an answer, unwilling to make himself look like a dumbass. He had a reputation to uphold, an image to keep. And he said things he hadn’t planned on saying for another five years. He wasn’t supposed to be ready, dammit. “I’m not getting any younger, you know. Have to settle down sometime.”

Nick clapped Max on the shoulder. “Hey, it’s cool. I know what you mean.” He shrugged. “So…Lia being back in town. You guys doing okay?”

Max frowned. “Yeah, why?”

Nick chuckled. “Come on. Everyone knows any time you two are in the room, fireworks go off. One of you always ends up…
hurt.
”

Max recalled being the laughingstock of every social he and Lia had attended with their families and friends. He’d been the one to walk away injured or the center of embarrassment. For the past five years, he’d built a name for himself, focusing on his success, seeking some sort of fulfillment to fill the void in his life…to forget Lia.

His heart thumped. A wave of awareness struck him. The years she’d been away, there wasn’t a day that had gone by that he didn’t wonder how she was doing or when he’d see her again, even though the city was only a few hours’ drive. Truth be told, he wouldn’t have been able to handle seeing Lia and the jackass together. Max cared for her more than he’d ever wanted. Maybe even to the point of…love.

He inwardly cursed himself.

“You okay?”

Max started. “Yeah, why?”

“Man, you just turned whiter than a ghost.” Nick frowned. “Sorry if I overstepped my bounds. I think it’s a good thing Lia is home. Whatever happened to that guy, Steve or something?”

“Didn’t work out.” He couldn’t keep the anger out of his voice. Just hearing the creep’s name had him bristling for a fight. “Look, gotta go.”

He reached in his pocket for his wallet, but Nick shook his head.

“It’s on me. I’ll see you at the charity ball this weekend.”

With a nod, Max headed for the entrance.

“Hey, Max.”

He paused and glanced over his shoulder.

“Make sure you don’t let her go this time.”

Damn it. Was he seriously that transparent to everyone but Lia?

…

“Nanna, I can’t eat anymore.”

Lia stared at the buffet set out before her. Roasted chicken, potatoes, green beans, and salad. She’d stopped by Nanna’s for a quick visit, only to be wrangled into dinner when Dina had arrived home early from her ski trip. She’d met the new boyfriend, Henry Walders, the CEO of some pharmaceutical company—rich, emanating power, and a sense of unwavering confidence. Just like all the men her mother dated.

Just like Max.

He’d been on her mind all day, and they hadn’t spoken since the luncheon. She’d been sending the date information to his secretary so she wouldn’t have to talk to him. She’d set him up on three blind dates. It had been a hard decision, when she’d taken the time to personally match their profiles. Part of her hated each woman she’d picked for him, but her business came first. And if he did end up dating or falling for one of those women, she hoped they made his life hell. What right did he have to kiss her? Then flirt with Trina right in front of her?

For the past two days, she’d hid in her office, anticipating Steve or Mindy showing up. Then all would hear how she’d been dumped for her best friend. The town would know the real reason for her return—that Lia had once again failed. And of course, they’d had to call her when she refused to reply to their note and wedding invitation.

“Don’t be silly. You’re too skinny.” Nanna heaped another helping of potatoes onto her plate before settling back in her seat.

“So, Lia, Dina tells me that you’ve opened a matchmaking business in this part of town.” Henry lifted his wine glass and gave her a smile, his eyes darting between the three women, no doubt picking up on the tension that bloomed anytime Lia and Dina were in the same room.

Lia shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She hated these dinners—meeting her mother’s current fling, having to act the proper lady, and forcing herself to play nice. “Yes, Mr. Walders.”

Dina’s eyebrow lifted, as if waiting for her to say more. The look of disapproval and disappointment made Lia draw in a deep breath.

With a smile, she gave her autopilot speech, the one she’d used on her clients over the years. “True Connections caters to the busy folk who do not have time to meet other working individuals, like them, on their own. My business offers many venues and opportunities for singles to interact and, hopefully, meet their perfect match.”

“Impressive. I’m sure the town could use such services, considering we do live in one of the wealthy areas of the country. And don’t call me Mr. Walders. That’s my father. Henry will do.” He chuckled and took a sip of his wine. “I’m sure my kids would love to meet you. Maybe you can talk them into signing up with your business. I wouldn’t mind having a few grandkids myself.” He gave her mother a warm look, reaching over to pat Dina’s hand.

Lia stifled her shock when her mother smiled shyly, a content gleam shining in her eyes. She’d never seen that expression on Dina’s face.

“I’d be happy to help, if they’re interested in my services.”

Dina turned her attention to her daughter. “I think that’s a great idea.”

Lia’s heart stuttered. Her mother hated the decisions she’d made in life. From the color of her clothes to the choice of school, there was always criticism. Only Max’s mother and their grams dared to stand up for her when Dina McEvers’s possessive and anal opinions got out of hand. It wasn’t Lia’s fault her father had left with another woman; it wasn’t
her
fault her mother had gotten pregnant with her at such a young age. And now her mother openly approving of her business left Lia reeling.

Nanna rang the bell for the housekeeper. “Well, it looks like everyone is finished. Let’s go on into the living room, and I’ll have Flo serve the amazing apple pie she baked today.”

Henry stood and helped Nanna pull out her chair. The respect and tenderness toward her grandmother surprised Lia. Maybe this guy was different. Her mother seemed
different.
She didn’t know what to make of this new relationship. From what she’d heard, they’d only been dating for a few months, but a softness, a warmth radiated from Dina that she’d never seen. But then what did Lia know?

“Actually, Mother, why don’t you go into the living room with Henry? I’d like to talk to Lia for a moment,” Dina said. Her simple rose-colored dress fit perfectly, emanating elegance and grace.

A chill shot up Lia’s spine. Henry helped Nanna into the next room. Lia sat back down in her seat, prepping herself for a lecture.

Dina smiled. “So, how does it feel to be back in Grant?”

“Fine. Thank you.” Lia folded her hands in her lap.

Dina frowned and tucked a dark strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m glad you came home.”

Tension formed in Lia’s chest. She couldn’t imagine confiding in the woman she’d already accepted as distant and cold. Why now? Why now, when everything around Lia was falling apart? When her ex had chosen her best friend over her? When nothing seemed right at all? “It’s nice. Not much has changed around here, I guess.”

Her mother let out a nervous chuckle. “Yes, not much. Mother is still the same.” She hesitated. “I’m sorry about your engagement. Sorry it didn’t work out between you and Steve. He was a nice boy.”

“Sure.” She inwardly scoffed. The day Lia had announced she planned to move to the city, Dina had given her a disgruntled glance and shrugged as if she didn’t give a crap.

So what was her mother up to now?

“Mother and Aunt Carol tell me you’re helping Max find a date to the party. How is that going?”

“Fine.” Panic rose, along with a twinge of anger. Dina never asked how things were going.

Her mother sighed. “That’s really nice of you to help them. Hopefully, you and Max are getting along.”

Lia took a sip of her water. Her hands sweated. “We haven’t killed each other.”

“I know.” Silence. “Your nanna missed you a lot. I wish you had come home to visit more often.”

“I’m home now. I will visit her often.”

“I know that, but I’m saying you shouldn’t have stayed away so long.” Displeasure pinched Dina’s voice. “Lia…I know we haven’t gotten along over the years. But now that you’re back—”

Lia tugged at the collar of her blouse, suddenly finding it hard to breathe. She stood. “If you’ll excuse me. I think I should be getting back to my apartment. I have a lot to do before tomorrow.”

She couldn’t stop the heavy beating of her heart. Her throat closed. She’d grown up avoiding her mother at every turn, considering each encounter usually ended up with some reprimand or reminder of what she’d done wrong. She’d much prefer that at the moment. At least it would be something familiar. If her mother believed that years of neglect could be wiped away with a few words…

She couldn’t deal with any of this. Not today. She walked to the living room before her mother could say anything else. Spotting her nanna laughing with Henry, she drew in a calming breath.

“I don’t believe you. My daughter wouldn’t do anything like that,” Nanna said with another soft chuckle. “She’s so proper and—”

“Oh no. Di definitely has a wild streak in her.” Henry patted Nanna’s hand. “If she hadn’t pushed me down the ski slope, I swear, I wouldn’t have known she had a mischievous bone in her body.”

Di?
Lia gasped. They both turned toward her.

“Honey, what you doing over there? Come sit down.” Nanna gestured to the seat next to her.

“I have to go…” But she moved forward, taking hold of her grandmother’s outstretched hand.

“My little matchmaker here is going to help us find Max a date to the party. Maybe if your kids are coming with you, she can help them, too.” Nanna smiled. The pride blazing in her eyes formed a lump in Lia’s throat. “And she never disappoints me.”

“Nanna, I really have to go. I have so much work to do, and details to finish for the social tomorrow night.”

Her grandmother frowned.

“I’ll see you soon. And I promised to help you with the frames and decorations for the party.” Lia kissed her nanna’s cheek, then said to Henry, “It was nice to meet you.”

Henry stood, warmth shining from his gray eyes. “I’m glad to meet you, too, sweetie. You’re as beautiful as your mother.”

“Thank you.” Holding out her hand for a shake, she said, “I’m sure I’ll see you around, Henry.”

“You bet.”

Instead of taking her palm, the man drew her in for a hug. Lia stilled as he patted her back, then released her.

“Don’t be a stranger. I’d love to introduce you to my son. You’ll like him. He’s your age, maybe a year or two older. He’s an electrician. He actually worked on some stuff for Dina at her store. That’s how I met your mother.” Throwing a fond look past her shoulder, Henry grinned. Lia didn’t have to turn around to know Dina stood behind her.

“Sure. Good-bye.” She flew past her mother, grabbed her jacket from the coat rack, and strode out the door.