Rogue

She stood looking at him with tears rolling down her cheeks, as he looked away. It was a nasty little scene. None of the women he had gone out with had ever been dumb enough to bring other men to his bed. And he had dated Arabella longer than anyone else. It had been seven months, and it hurt. He had trusted her, and was more in love with her than he had been with the others. It took every ounce of restraint not to call her ugly names as she clattered down the stairs. He went to the bar, and poured himself a stiff drink. He never wanted to see her again. She tried calling him later that night, and for days thereafter, and he didn't answer her calls. Arabella was history. She had gone up in a puff of smoke, bindi, tattoos, and all.

Chapter 20

Maxine's frantic search for the perfect wedding dress continued into early July. She was shopping for their trip, when she came upon the dress accidentally. It was just what she wanted, by Oscar de la Renta, a huge champagne-colored organdy skirt with a lavender satin sash and a tiny beaded beige bustier, and the way the dress fell, it had just the hint of a train, but not enough to look overdone. She found sandals to match and immediately decided to carry beige orchids. And by sheer luck, the next day she found a beautiful lavender silk strapless dress for Daphne. They were all set. She was excited and happy about her wedding dress, and Daphne's. But she decided to wait to show her till they got back from the trip. Daphne was still threatening not to come to the wedding. Maxine was hoping that Blake would convince her otherwise. He could jolly her into it like no one else.

When he called Maxine the day before the trip she mentioned it to Blake, and he promised to do his best with Daphne. He was calling just to let her know that the boat was ready and waiting for them in Monaco, its home berth. Zellie's baby was screaming, as usual, when he called. The baby was still having a tough time, and so was Zellie.

“What's that noise?” Blake asked, sounding puzzled, and Maxine laughed ruefully. It wasn't easy being around the house these days. It sounded like an alarm going off at all hours of the day.

“That's Jimmy,” Maxine explained.

“Zellie's baby.” “Zellie had a baby?” He sounded impressed. “When did that happen?”

“Three weeks ago.” She lowered her voice so no one would hear her. She hated to admit that Charles was right, but the screaming couldn't last forever, she hoped. She was just grateful that Zellie's room was at the back of the apartment. The kid had lungs like Louis Armstrong. “She adopted a baby who was born addicted to cocaine. She let me know her plans four days before he was born. She offered to quit, but I just couldn't let her go. We love her too much. We'd all be miserable without her.”

“Yeah, I know,” Blake said, still startled. “How's Charles dealing with all this?”

“He's not loving it. We're still all getting used to each other.” She didn't tell him that he thought boarding school was a great idea. Blake didn't need to know that. “It's a big adjustment.”

“I don't think I'd love it either,” Blake said honestly, and then told her everything was moving ahead in Morocco. It was a remarkable plan, and all was going well.

“When are you coming?” she asked him.

“Don't worry, I'll be there for the wedding. And everything's lining up fine for the rehearsal dinner.” He had rented a beautiful club for it. “I'll come in a few days before.”

“Is Arabella coming with you?” “Uh …” He hesitated, which Maxine thought was strange. “Actually, no.”

“That's too bad. I was hoping to meet her. Will she be doing a portrait?”

“I don't know. And to be honest, I don't give a rat's ass. I found her in my bed with a very good-looking Indian guy the night I came home. He had moved in too. I threw her out that night, and I haven't seen her since.”

“Shit, I'm sorry, Blake.” He made light of it, but she knew it must have hurt. She had lasted longer than any of the others. A lot longer. But he seemed to be taking it pretty well.

“Yeah, me too. It was a good run anyway. So I'm free as the breeze again, except for a hundred orphans in Morocco.” He laughed.

“Daphne will be pleased, about Arabella, I mean.”

“I'm sure she will. How is she doing with Charles?” he inquired.

“About the same. I hope the boat trip will help. It will give them time to get to know each other. He's a nice man, he's just very adult.”

“Zellie's baby ought to break him in.” They both laughed at that. “Anyway, have a good time on the boat, Max. The Big Day is coming. Are you scared? No cold feet?” He was curious about it, and wished her well.

“No cold feet. I know I'm doing the right thing. I think he's right for me. I just wish the period of adjustment were a little easier, for everyone.” Trying to join the two factions was stressful for her. Blake didn't envy her.

“I don't think I could do it again,” Blake said honestly. “I think Arabella may have cured me.”