Quietly, I slipped into the back of the auditorium just as the last speaker was finishing up. Luc, who looked tired but happy, was waiting to present next.
I looked through my phone once more.
No messages from Rayne.
No reason to worry, right? I mean, it was Rayne, after all. It wasn’t like he was going anywhere, and he wasn’t, as near as I could tell, playing. He wouldn’t do that to me. I was sure of it.
Luc is about to present. I’m on campus, I messaged to Alice. How late were you guys up?
Well, I saw the sunrise… ;)
Oh! Lol. Saw it from the beach or…
Or…
Alice! No wonder he looks so happy.
Does he? He called me twice already today. That’s not too stalker-like, is it?
No. He’s a nice guy.
From France.
Yeah, from France. He’s going to present now. Need to put the phone down.
Send a pic! Pleeeeease?
Working discreetly, I took a quick picture of Luc standing at the podium. Apparently he’d made it back to the B & B at some point because he was dressed in a nicely-pressed suit. I sent the photo to Alice.
A moment later, she replied. Best rebound ever. Later.
I turned off my phone and tuned my attention to the front of the room. I pulled out my notepad. Luc described his family’s perfume making methods and how one of his small farms in Provence was experimenting with antique distillation methods, using organic ingredients, and getting better oils and stronger scents. As I noted the fine points of Luc’s presentation, I also started listing out the combination of herbals I wanted to try. Everything I needed grew in Chancellor. Our old distillery could easily be transformed into a boutique perfumery. But I needed more hands-on experience, exactly the kind of experience Luc’s summer apprenticeship offered. But now what? This wasn’t the right time to leave. I mean, after all, Rayne and I had finally kissed. This was the right time to start a relationship, not running off to study flowers.
I sat listening to Luc, rapt by his discussion of his work. I felt an odd swelling in my chest. Luc was living the life I wanted, pursuing my dream. One summer wasn’t too long, was it? Rayne was always so chill. Would he be like that in a relationship or was I making too much of that kiss?
After Luc’s presentation, I slipped down the row to congratulate him while a group of Japanese scholars prepared to present.
“Well done,” I whispered, sliding into the seat beside him.
He smiled at me. God, he looked truly happy. His glow…it was more than just a one-night-stand kind of glow. “Merci. I hope it got you thinking a bit more about that apprenticeship I mentioned?”
“Yes. I’d love to do it. I just need to talk to my…family. Speaking of which, I need to get going for a bit. Can I do anything for you?”
Luc shook his head. “Non, I’ll be at the symposium for a while longer then have an appointment with President White. Oh, tonight Alice arranged for her and me to have dinner. You didn’t have any plans for me, did you?”
I grinned. “Even if I did, I’d cancel them in a heartbeat. Have a great time with Alice. Do you have the number for my assistant?”
He nodded. “And for a car, if needed. Thank you, Viola.”
“Of course. You’re in town until Sunday, right?”
“Oui.”
“There is a dance, a ball actually, tomorrow night. Horatio is organizing the event. Would you like to come?”
“Will Alice be there?”
I smiled. “Yes. And I believe she needs an escort. I’ll make sure you have a ticket and a tuxedo.”
“Please, if it’s not too much trouble.”
“Not at all. Okay then,” I said, patting him on the shoulder. “See you tomorrow night.”
He nodded, smiling.
I slipped out as the next lecture began.
Pulling out my cell, I sent a quick text to Alice. You have a date for the ball. And you’re welcome.
No way? He’ll go?
I’m even going to get him a tux. Have fun tonight.
Girl, please.
I chuckled then dialed Horatio’s number. He picked up right away.
“Hey, what’s up?” I asked.
“You free? I was kinda hoping I could get you and Dad together. I want to talk to you both about something,” he replied.
“Everything okay?”
“Perfect. Can you join us out at the winery?”
“Sure. Wait, are you already out there? Why aren’t you working?”
“I…I took the afternoon off. You’re coming now?”
“I’ll be there in fifteen.”
“Good. See you then.”
Okay, what in the world was going on?
I glanced at my phone and debated. Still unsure, and frustrated with myself for my apprehension, I dialed Rayne’s number. We were, after all, still friends. And I knew Rayne. He might have played around in the past, but he wasn’t going to do that to me. It just wasn’t his style.
I was surprised, and more than a little annoyed, to hear a female voice answer his phone. “Hello.”
I looked at the phone, thinking for a moment I had dialed the wrong number. Nope, it was Rayne’s line. “Hello?”
“Oh! Viola, right?” the girl said. “Your name popped up on the screen.”
“Yeah. I…I was looking for Rayne.”
“He’s tied up. You need him urgently? I can probably get him.”
“Who is this?”
“Sorry, it’s Cassidy.”
Who the hell was this girl, and what was she doing with Rayne—again? “Um. No. Just tell him I called?”
“Will do.”
“Okay. Thanks,” I said then hung up.
Blood boiling, I shoved my phone back in my bag. What in the hell was Rayne playing at? And who was that girl? Family friend, eh? Well, at that very moment I was glad that I was on my way to see my big brother, because right then, I needed to talk to someone who might have an explanation or Horatio needed to punch Rayne in the face.
Chapter 11: Rayne
“Well?” I asked, looking at Cassidy who was sitting in the lotus position on the bench outside the fitting room.
“It’s frumpy. And odd. You look like a wedding singer…from the eighties.”
The tuxedo rental salesman frowned at her.
“Well, he does. We’re looking for James Bond, not Kevin James. Try again.”
“I can spend a bit more, if you have something a little nicer,” I told the man.