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  “You too,” he said. “Diana’s told me what you two have gone through with these parties.”

  “We’ve been attending them all our lives. You’ll get used to it.” I didn’t need their sympathy. Greg was the one to be judged tonight. His late arrival would be a mark against him. His credentials were good.

  “Honey, what about Andy?” Diana asked.

  “He’s single.” Greg shrugged.

  “I’m sorry?” I hoped she wasn’t trying to set me up. It was a conspiracy. My mother had corrupted Diana.

  “You’d love him. Andy is Greg’s younger brother and he’s so cute. He crunches numbers for their father. It’s a good family.” Diana smiled and nodded.

  “I don’t know Diana. We can’t all be as lucky as you.” I avoided.

  “Think about it,” Diana said. “We have to go say hello to my parents.”

  “Thanks, I will.” I bit my tongue and found a waiter for another drink. My only friend in this circle, in defiance of the maternal pressure to marry well, had given in and gone to the other side. I hadn’t eaten a thing since lunch and now my appetite was gone. I watched Diana and Greg get gushed over by her parents and my parents. They were glowing. Could the nightmare get any worse?

  I needed a distraction. I headed to find Aunt Gilda, the hostess. She wasn't any relation still she'd been Aunt Gilda since I was little.

  The manners my parents taught me weren't a bad thing, I reminded myself. I had to pay my lip service to the hostess, a frail woman whose necklace alone weighed more than she did. "It's a lovely party this year, Aunt Gilda."

  "I'm so glad you could make it, Lori. You look so pretty!” Aunt Gilda nodded in approval.

  “Thank you. Is there anything I can do to help?” I asked expecting her to politely decline.

  “Would you mind chatting with Freddie for a bit? He's new to the circles and not very good at mingling and you can talk to anyone." She’d ambushed me. No doubt my mother had had some hand in this.

  "I'd be happy to." It was a lie. I had to admit that Aunt Gilda knew better how to flatter people into things than my mother. How could I say no? At least chatting with Freddie meant I didn't have to chat with my mother or any more recently engaged women.

  Aunt Gilda led the way to a man who stood maybe five foot six and looked about as comfortable I did. His features were round and pudgy with a slightly offset nose. "Freddie, this is my dear friend's daughter, Lori. She's a lawyer at one of Chicago’s top firms."

  As Aunt Gilda left, I shook his sweaty hand and put on my fake smile. I felt like I was being punished for previously turning down the good-looking men they’d thrown at me. Freddie must be part troll. I had to start something of a conversation. "Are you new to the city?"

  "I moved here for the job. You grew up here?" He downed half a glass of wine. I caught him checking out my measurements. This was going to get interesting, and not in a good way.

  "All my life. We've got snow in the winter, a beach on the lake for the summer, and everything in between. How do you like it so far?" Suddenly I saw Nick's image next to creepy Freddie. My fantasy life was now officially out of control. Nick towered over him by nearly a foot, never had sweaty palms, and had that sexy smile that always put me in a good mood. I felt flush and took a deep breath.

  "It is getting hot in here. We could get some fresh air?" Freddie suggested.

  I nodded and we moved onto the terrace. Most of the party avoided it. The view was beautiful despite the chilly night. The air felt good and the quiet helped. I knew being alone with creepy Freddie wasn’t a great idea. For the moment, I needed to get Nick’s image out of my head.

  "Would you like me to get your coat?" Freddie stood too close. I could smell the expensive cologne he’d apparently bathed in that morning.

  "No, I'm fine, thank you. So you're in investment banking?" I had to make conversation or my imagination would wander back to Nick. I had no idea why I'd driven by his garage. Somehow, I had to put it out of my mind. Naturally, I’d rather be having fun with Nick as opposed to making small talk with creepy Freddie. That didn’t mean Nick is the right man for me, I reminded myself.

  "Yes. I'm from California. I've heard a lot about Chicago winters. Are they as bad as they say?"

  "They can be. Stuff brews off that lake and we can really get dumped on. It’s not Christmas without snow. You'll grow to love it." I shivered and leaned on the ledge, looking at the star-filled sky.

  "I'm sure I will," Freddie replied. “There are plenty of ways to keep warm.”

  Seconds later, I felt his flabby arms around me as his body pressed against me from behind. His hot breath on my neck made me sick. Between his body heat and cologne, I couldn’t breathe and gagged.

  "Get your hands off of me." I did my best to avoid his touch.

  "That's not very friendly to the new guy in town." His tongue on my ear was enough. Aunt Gilda’s party or not, creepy Freddie needed to be taught a lesson.

  I stomped my sharp stiletto into his foot and threw an elbow into his ribs. Freddie’s yelp of pain made me feel in control for the first time that day. I shoved him so hard that he fell to the ground. I stopped short of stabbing his balls with my heel. It was so tempting.

  Instead, I left him on the ground whimpering and cursing. Racing back into the crowded party, I found my father.

  "What's wrong princess?" He gave me a peck on the cheek. “You don’t look well.”

  "That creep, Freddie, Aunt Gilda wanted me to talk to. I don't want to offend her by telling her that he groped me. Please tell mother if that's the kind of man she wants me to marry, I'll be joining a convent."

  "I'll take care of Freddie, princess. And, don't do anything crazy. We're not even Catholic. Your mother just wants to see you settled before I retire and we travel more. We want to know you’re taken care of."

  "Mom and Aunt Gilda don't have the greatest taste in men and I can take care of myself." I crossed my arms in a huff. “I just don’t want to cause a real scene.”

  "Your mother found me and I’m not so terrible. Her taste can’t be all bad. Don't worry, you'll find someone." Daddy tapped my chin.

  I smiled. It was an automatic reaction. Much as I could openly clash with my mother, daddy always tried to see my side too. It was hard to argue with a man who not only called me princess but also had treated me like one since the day I was born. He always took care of things calmly and handled my mother with a finesse I’d never developed.

  "You've paid your dues. Go. I'll handle your mother." Daddy winked and nodded at the door.

  "Thanks, Daddy." I kissed his cheek and headed for the coatroom. I was alone on the elevator in record time. My mother had a sixth sense when I was trying to get out of things. This time I’d slipped under her radar.

  The quiet and solitude of the elevator made my mind whirl. If only I could have brought Nick tonight. There would have been no need for my father to handle things. Nick had simple rules and philosophies of life. When Freddie groped me, Nick would have broken his nose and scared the shit of him. That would have been the end of it. Daddy would handle it his way, quietly and delicately.

  Nick! Would any man I wanted ever measure up to Nick and meet the requirements of those rich and fussy women? Why couldn’t I have it be easy like Diana? Why was it so hard? Maybe I should stop by Marina's mom's bakery and find out about those convents.

  No, that was too drastic a measure. I needed to stop thinking! I needed someone who would sympathize, not tell me what I should do. I got in my car and drove carefully to the one place I knew I'd be safe.

  Leaning on the doorbell, I crossed my fingers they'd be home. Finally, the door opened and Marina just shook her head at me. Half a second later she registered my mood and grabbed the sleeve of my jacket and tugged me into her apartment to stop the ringing. I was in a daze.

  "Want to talk about it?" she asked.

  I shook my head and let my purse drop to the floor. It was only a Coach. I normally took better care of my
things. Now I didn’t care.

  Marina nodded and took my coat. Then she pointed so I'd take off my boots. Finally, she steered me toward the maroon couch. Her decorating was eclectic to put it nicely. In her warm apartment, I felt free to be a slob and to be depressed. Jen was great. She'd try to make me feel better and would fold and straighten everything. Marina would just get me through it and not fuss too badly.

  "Vodka, tequila, or rum?"

  "Yes, please." I needed them all. I rubbed my temples trying to do something to make myself feel better.

  "That bad?" she asked.

  "Don't ask. I don't want to talk about it." I knew she'd take my Nick obsession as encouragement for her little game. This was completely unrelated. Wasn't it?

  "Fine. Just call me the bartender." Marina pulled out bottle after bottle and mixed up something to help me. She knew the drill. Sometimes it was six months, sometimes it was every few months. Whenever I got Nick in my head and couldn't get him out, I ended up curled on Marina's couch drunk and refusing to discuss it.

  How could I admit I was hung up on the mechanic? Of all people, I couldn't tell Marina! She'd want me to go for it.

  "I'll never be as brave as you," I mumbled as she gave me a drink in a plastic cup with a bendy straw to avoid last years' crimson goblet crash. I'd tried to clean it up and ended up needing four stitches in my thumb.

  "Lori, you're the bravest person I know." Marina put an extra throw pillow on the couch to catch my head when the time came.

  I shook my head as I sipped. I was not brave! Marina sat in the black leather recliner with a handmade afghan. I realized I’d barged in without even calling ahead. "Did I interrupt your evening?"

  "No, I had a long day. I was just reading. Have you eaten dinner?" she asked.

  "Two toast points with caviar at the Milton's party." I shrugged and sipped harder.

  "You need food." Marina started to get up.

  I shook my head. "I'll eat after I'm drunk," I said around the straw.

  "The way you're going through that drink and considering what I put in it, that won't be long." Marina headed for the kitchen and put something in the microwave.

  A great smell wafted over the couch and I felt hunger and alcohol fight in my stomach. Marina brought a large plate of lasagna and garlic bread on a tray and set it on the coffee table in front of me. "I said not now."

  "So it gets cold." Marina shrugged. "It’s there if you want." She settled into the recliner again and pulled out her needles.

  It was comforting and odd that Marina of all people did something so old fashioned as knit. Her dead grandmother had taught her and she claimed it helped her think and relax. It was soothing to watch, I had to give her that. I wished she had room in the apartment for a piano. That was more soothing. I hadn’t stuck with the lessons because my mother wanted me too. Marina also picked stuff up quickly.

  Too much alcohol. My mind wandered.

  The food called to me and I set the empty glass down. "Who made the lasagna?"

  "My sister, Mary Rose. More alcohol?" she asked.

  "Not yet." I picked at the garlic bread first. "My last single career friend at the party is engaged."

  "See how brave you were to go." Marina nodded.

  "I didn't know until I talked to her. I know my mother knew. If I say anything, she'll claim she didn't tell me to spare my feelings. She's so evil."

  "Why do you let her do that to you?"

  "Like your mother never gets on your nerves?" I dug into the food.

  "I've never called my mother evil."

  I couldn't argue with Marina there. I'd trade for her mother in a heartbeat. Criticism in her family was masked with love and food and loud fighting rather than cool and calculating judgment. They all yelled until they got it out and then it was over.

  "That wasn't all. The hostess stuck me talking to a creep who couldn't keep his hands to himself. I had to teach him a lesson."

  "Even more bravery!" Marina smiled.

  "Not really. I stomped his foot, elbowed him in the ribs, and then ran to my daddy. I left him to deal with it just like a spoiled little brat." I was in the hating myself phase. Marina hated that mood as well.

  "You need another drink." Marina took my glass and headed for the kitchen.

  "Marina?" I couldn't believe I was about to say this.

  "Yes?" she responded when my silence dragged on.

  "Have you looked into Nick yet?" I wanted her to say yes. I wanted to know if he was single or not. Mad or not. On second thought...

  "No, I didn't get a chance. I want to go by the garage so he can't try to dodge me." She handed me the next drink. "So did you see him this time or just can't get him out of your head?"

  "This has nothing to do with Nick. I just handled Brian today and was curious." Marina could tell when I was lying. Luckily, she wouldn't torture me about it. At least not now.

  I put the straw between my lips to shut myself up and drank fast. Marina knew it was really all about Nick. My family made it so much worse.

  "I'll make more." Marina raked her fingers through her wild black hair, not verbalizing her frustration at me. "I see sick days for us tomorrow."

  “My liver can’t take many more nights like these.”

  I had to put Nick behind me for good. Somehow, one way or the other.

  Chapter Four

  Marina’s Plan—Status Check

  The sunlight and sounds of a busy Chicago weekday dragged me from sleep sooner than I wanted. The wall clock read eight in the morning and I was achingly stiff. Unfortunately, I'd fallen asleep in the recliner instead of going to bed.

  Lori was still asleep, curled in a red and pink blanket on my couch. I grabbed the phone and called in sick to work. Then I called Lori's office so she wouldn't stress.

  It was a good thing Lori didn't do this a lot.

  It had been a very long night. Lori always started as an entertaining drinker. However, if she drank enough she became a depressed drunk who talked endlessly about her family, her future, and never finding the right man.

  How could I tell her she’d already found him? All that would’ve done was start her on a crying fit about how things with Nick would never work. Finally, she'd passed out about four in the morning.

  One more call to make this morning, I decided as I put the coffee on. I went into my bedroom for privacy. I had a good hour before Lori woke up so I'd get it all done. After a quick shower, I wrapped up in my dark purple fuzzy robe and dialed Nick's garage. I hoped I wouldn’t say the wrong thing.

  "Southside Mechanics," someone answered.

  "Nick Jared, please." I toweled off my hair and ran a comb through it to get the knots out.

  I heard muffled voices and then a new voice. "This is Nick."

  "Hi Nick, this is Marina Castini. You worked on my mother's car a while back."

  "I remember Mrs. Castini, nice lady. Drives a powder blue ’88 Caprice. Is it giving her trouble again?"

  "Actually, I keep trying to talk her into a new car but she likes that one. Are you busy?"

  "No, we’re not too bad today. I can squeeze you in. What’s the problem?"

  “You’re sure your boss won’t mind?” I played along just to find out how much pull he had.

  "It’ll be okay. What time?”

  “This isn’t about the car. It’s more personal,” I admitted. How was I supposed to delicately change the subject to Lori when I had no idea how he’d react? I could guess Nick wouldn’t be overjoyed.

  “Is this a joke?” he asked.

  “No, I’m calling to talk to you about a friend of mine. Lori Craig.”

  “What about her? I don't have any contact with her anymore." His tone was instantly cold.

  "I was wondering if you ever thought about her." I wasn’t getting a good feeling about this.

  "Lori doesn't give a damn, so whatever you're up to forget it. Find her a prince or a millionaire or something." Disgust filled Nick's voice.

  “Her mot
her has tried that, and it hasn’t worked. I don’t think that’s really what she wants.”

  “Now I remember. Lori mentioned you. You’re a meddler. Nice try.” Then I heard Nick slam down the phone on the other end.

  That hadn't gone well, but I had made contact. Lori was hung up on Nick. Nick didn’t sound indifferent to Lori. That gave me a bit of hope.

  However, Nick also didn’t sound at all positive toward my efforts. It was too hard to tell over the phone what his true feelings were. Maybe I was just being overly romantic. I had to believe it wasn’t a hopeless case. It would, however, require some serious plotting on my part to get Nick into the game.

  First, I needed some coffee.

  Rummaging through my cabinets and fridge, I realized I didn't have anything good for a hangover breakfast. Not even bread for some dry toast. Time to call in the family. I hit speed dial.

  "Three Aunt's Bakery," Penny answered.

  "Hey Penny, it's me. I need a favor."

  "Aren't you supposed to at work?" Penny asked. I had one of those families that knew everything about everyone's life. Secrets were hard to keep.

  "I'm not feeling great and neither is Lori. Could you pack up some stuff and I'll run over and grab it?"

  "No, don't come. I'll bring it over to you. It's early. Aunt Rosa can cover the counter."

  "Thanks, I owe you one." I hung up the phone and tugged my purple robe tighter. I needed to put on some socks and dry my hair before it frizzed.

  Twenty minutes later the doorbell rang and I scurried to get it before it rang again and woke Lori. I opened the door to find my cousin with a huge box of treats.

  "You're a lifesaver, Penny!" I took the box and ushered her in for coffee.

  "Lori looks terrible," she whispered.

  "She'll sleep it off." I shrugged.

  "You guys got drunk?"

  "No, she got drunk and I got to listen to her go on and on. Want some coffee?"

  "No. By the way, thanks for the advice. I changed my major. I’ll be done in two years and recruiters are already trying to get me."

  "What did you change it to?" I asked as Lori groaned from the couch.

  "Nursing. Hi, Lori." Penny followed me as I got a glass of water and two aspirin for Lori and set them on the coffee table in her line of sight.