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escaped to the kitchen.
She swung through the galley doors, tears pricking behind her eyes
as her stomach trembled with barely contained emotion. What was it
about his censure that tore her apart every time? Why on earth did his
opinion of her matter so much?
She swallowed the lump in her throat, dumping the trays in a heap
on the counter. Because she loved him, that was why. And he kept
walking away. But I keep pushing him, a voice inside her argued.
She knew why, even though the reason seemed to be getting weaker
with every miserable day without him in her life.
But according to him, it didn t matter anymore anyway. He was done,
and now she should focus on moving on. The problem was despite the
fact he was through with her, her heart didn t seem to be listening.
She busied herself refilling the food. Keeping busy would keep the
evening moving much faster. Everywhere she looked she saw Ric. She
heard his voice through the threads of conversations that filtered in
faintly from outside. The sun sank lower in the sky and the terrace was
lit by the flickering flame of the torches keeping mosquitoes at bay.
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Donna Alward
The hostess snuck in for a moment. Katie, she said with a smile,
the comments on the food are very complimentary. Thanks for doing
such a great job.
I m happy they like it. Good for me, and good for you.
I thought you d like to know everyone seems to be enjoying it.
Then perhaps you ll keep me in mind for other functions. Katie put
down her plastic storage container and reached into her pocket for a
business card. I m very flexible with choices and settings; whatever you
need, please feel free to call. She handed the card to Marta, grinding her
teeth to keep her smile in place. Perhaps they d all taken in the scene
with Ric, but above all Katie was there to promote her business and
she d swallow any amount of pride to do it.
Ric said you were tenacious. Marta laughed, making Katie unsure
whether to be relieved or chagrined. Double damn him for making her
look unprofessional. Next time perhaps we won t include entertainment
in the contract, hmm?
No, ma am, Katie replied, relieved when Marta s eyes twinkled at her
mischievously.
Marta waved the card in the air before putting it in her pocket. I
think he s finally met his match, she threw out as she returned to her
guests.
In a pig s eye. Katie s polite smile fled the moment her employer was
out the door. He d engineered things for the last time. She d make sure of
it. She shouldn t have thrown such a scene about his help, and for that
he deserved an apology. His intentions had probably been good all along,
and she was the one with the problem. She needed to explain to him why
she felt such a need to be independent. Pressing a hand to her belly, she
fought against the fear that centred there. Hopefully, he would
understand. They couldn t remain business partners with the way things
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The Girl Most Likely
were now. They needed to work this out so they could at least maintain a
civil working relationship.
Feeling better, she was carrying the pitas and mushrooms in her
hands, the dip balanced between the trays, when she entered through
the open French doors and saw Ric talking to a woman she hadn t seen
previously.
Katie halted, her feet suddenly heavy as lead as the woman laughed
and placed her hand on Ric s arm. The sharp dagger of jealousy passed
through her. She had no right to feel envious. She d turned Ric away at
every opportunity, and even with Lisa, she d been angry and annoyed but
not particularly jealous. But now, seeing this woman leaning against
Ric s arm, she hated her just for existing.
The woman said something that made Ric smile, turned to the side,
and Katie almost dropped her trays in shock.
Patricia. Patricia Logan was draped over Ric s arm. And he was
hanging on her every word.
Patricia suddenly seemed to notice her standing there and when their
eyes met, Katie shrank to two inches tall. Sensing her dominance,
Patricia bared her teeth in what could only be interpreted as a victorious
smile. She looked down her nose before turning her back on Katie
completely, effectively shutting her out physically and personally from
the group.
The line had been drawn. Guests versus the hired help, and Katie
knew exactly where she belonged in that moment.
Woodenly she retreated, putting the trays of food in their proper
place. She fiddled with tiny things to keep her hands busy. Of all the
events to cater. Patricia and Ric, all in one night. And they knew each
other. Before the end of the night, he d know the whole sordid story& or
at least Patricia s version of it. It was the only version that mattered.
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Donna Alward
Her cheeks flamed. It was only right, she supposed. It was the price
she had to pay for being stupid and gullible.
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