Worth the Trouble(6)
“Even when I meddle in your love life—and Jackson’s?”
“I think she prefers us to stay out of it, muñequita.” David suddenly appeared and handed Vivi a glass of champagne. Like all of the St. James siblings, David had inherited their Hispanic mother’s dark hair, eyes, and coloring, and looked even more dashing than usual in his tuxedo. He kissed Vivi’s cheek and wrapped his free arm around her waist, fastening her tightly to his side. “That goes for Jackson, too.”
Vivi scowled, forcing an exaggerated pout. Staring at her lips, David murmured, “Don’t tempt me in the middle of the party.” He leaned down and kissed his wife.
“Ahem. Still here.” Cat cleared her throat, feeling a tad awkward watching their simmering passion. “Anyway, I’m too busy to deal with any man.”
“Not even a really good man?” Vivi asked as she stared across the crowd.
Cat followed Vivi’s gaze, which landed squarely on Hank, who was now listening with rapt attention to Vivi’s cute schoolteacher friend. Perfect. That woman was probably patient and sweet and genuine . . . and fertile. Apparently Hank wasn’t blind to the woman’s curvy figure and flirty blond hair, either.
“A really good man deserves an equally good woman. Given how I treated Hank last year, we both know that’s not me.” She tore her eyes away from him, ignoring the faint pinch in her stomach. She’d chosen flash over substance and paid the price in more ways than one. The possibility of infertility drifted through her thoughts again. Lifting her chin slightly, she said, “Honestly, Vivi, I’m not searching for someone right now.”
Especially not a man like Hank, who’d never settle for anything less than total honesty. Cat wouldn’t lie, but neither would she spill all her secrets. Rather than give him the long-overdue apology he deserved, she’d rather push him even further away . . . for his own good, of course.
“I hope you don’t regret it later,” Vivi said with a sigh. “Come on, let’s go sit so dinner can be served.” She tucked one arm in David’s and let her other hand play with the flouncy fabric of her wedding dress.
Cat joined her father and her stepmother at the family table with the bride and groom. A year ago, this seating arrangement wouldn’t have been possible. She suspected Vivi deserved credit for the fact that David invited their father despite their tenuous reconciliation. She’d long ago given up wondering about the source of the rift. Neither David nor her father would discuss it with her or Jackson, so for now she settled for being grateful that it might be mending. Someday, though, she’d demand answers.
“You look beautiful, honey.” Her dad kissed her cheek.
“Thanks, Dad.” Unsatisfied with his standard praise, she attempted a grown-up conversation. “What’s new with work?”
He patted her shoulder. “Nothing that would interest you.”
Before she could protest, another guest came over to shake his hand. Sighing, she glanced at Janet, who still lingered at the fringe of the family despite being married to their father for nearly a year.
Tonight, however, David remained polite and conversant in her presence—a first. Cat had no doubt he did this for Vivi’s sake. Vivi hated conflict, and David hated anything that hurt Vivi.
“Sit next to me, Janet,” Cat suggested, hoping to assuage the woman’s discomfort.
“Thank you.” Her appreciative smile warmed Cat, who’d always had a soft spot for underdogs. “Such a beautiful ceremony. Your father’s already dreaming about a grandson. But he’ll be even more pleased when you settle down and start a family. I take it you haven’t met anyone special lately?”
Attending a wedding alone in her late twenties, Cat had expected questions. Still, love-life questions sucked, especially when she doubted single men had to endure the same torture.
“Not even looking.” Cat lifted another glass of champagne to her lips. “I’m fine on my own. Better than fine, actually. I prefer my independence.” Especially after freeing herself from Justin’s control.
Janet politely smiled, but Cat sensed her doubt. Doubt likely planted by her father. Heaven knew he’d always assumed Cat would end up as the wife of someone important rather than becoming someone important.
When Jackson arrived, she pulled him onto the seat to her right. David was the responsible one, but Jackson, the middle child, had always been her playmate. Partners in crime since childhood, they’d pranked David and their parents, helped each other break curfew and, as adults, regularly vacationed and socialized together. Since their mother died, he’d become her favorite person in the world.