A Perfect Mess Read online

  “She was shy. A real book worm I think was the term used in those days. Being raised by her grandparents, put a bit of a stigma on her, I think.”

  “Grandparents?”

  Marco wrapped his other hand around the slender glass. “Yeah, as my Nonna tells it, her mother was a sweet thing that got mixed up in the wrong crowd. She came home in the family way and Liliana Cardilino and her husband Aldo provided her a home. They helped care for Jenna when her mom went to work for a movie studio.”

  Carson sat waiting for Marco to add to the tale, when he didn’t, he asked, “What happened to the mom?”

  “She passed away in a car accident. Social Services brought Jenna back to the Cardilino home and there she stayed until graduation.”

  “After graduation?” Carson pressed.

  “She went on to college and got a degree in something.” Marco shrugged. “Don’t know exactly what.”

  “But she came back and went to work for the Refurbish—”

  “Yep.” Marco grabbed a cup of nuts from the cup on a passing tray and tossed one into his mouth. “Went to work.” He leaned forward and Carson waited for the question he knew was coming. “So, why the interest?”

  Carson felt his throat grow dry. “Curious.” He couldn’t tell him anything as he felt perplexed himself about this Jenna.

  Marco Deluca’s brow arched high enough to meet his hairline. “Curiosity.” He ate another peanut. “Didn’t they tell you that is what killed the cat?”

  “The cat had eight more lives.”

  Marco gave a shake of his head. “Tread easy. I don’t want to see Frankie unleash those ball buster boots on you. She’s a good friend.”

  “I’m just curious,” Carson defended himself again.

  “Whatever you say.” The doubt in Marco’s words was clearly evident.

  Draining his glass, Carson placed it on the nearest table. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “Okay, got to go meet up with Nate. See you around.”

  “Yep.” Carson watched as people began to fill the dance floor. The mood of the crowd lightened whether it was music or the alcohol, he wasn’t sure. He watched Jenna as she spoke and smiled, but the happiness never reached her eyes. “Damn shame this should happen to a good woman,” he muttered.

  At that moment, she glanced up. He wondered if she’d heard his words. He caught her eye and smiled. She gave a small nod and continued to work the crowd. Every so often, she would reach out and grab another glass of wine.

  “This may not end well,” he whispered aloud as he noted her drinking yet another glass of alcohol.Without breaking eye contact, he walked around the edges keeping his eyes on her to make sure she didn’t get into trouble.

  A half hour later, he was leaning against a tent post when Nate walked by.

  “Hey,” he called out. “You’re still here?”

  “Yeah, just watching the party,” Carson replied. He watched as Jenna picked up her fourth glass and took a hefty swallow.

  Nate followed his gaze. “Uh oh, looks like princess has had a bit too much to drink.” He noted. “Not that she doesn’t need to drown her sorrows.”

  As they both watched, Frankie walked over and grabbed Jenna’s arm keeping the glass from reaching her lips. Then, she whispered something to her and Jenna put her hand up to cover her eyes. Frankie’s arm stole around her.

  “Okay, the drink police is taking over.” Nate glanced at Carson. “I think I know what’s going to go down. Stay here.”

  Carson stood erect and stared as Nate hurried toward his wife’s side. There was a brief conversation. Jenna nodded. Nate turned around and motioned for him to come over.

  “Hey.” Carson lowered his voice as he stood beside Nate.

  Frankie glanced at him with a look of concern. “Hey, Carson, sorry to bother you. My friend, Jenna needs a ride home and Nate recommended your service. You wouldn’t mind, would you?”

  “No. Not at all.”

  Jenna hiccupped and gave a nod of hello.

  “I know you’ve been hiking around the winery, but Jenna doesn’t have a car,” Frankie continued. “Do you think you can get her home? She can help you with directions.”

  “Sure, I don’t have a problem getting her home.”

  “Great.” Frankie was all smiles. “Jenna, Nate and Carson will help you to the car.”

  “My things?” Jenna looked toward the winery.

  “I’ll get them all together and drop them by the house later. You’ve had a hell of a day. Go home and try to sleep.”

  He watched Jenna nod.

  With Nate on one side and him on the other, they acted like a celebrity bodyguards and whisked her way from the laughter and music.

  The cooler night air soothed the red from her cheeks as she leaned heavily onto Carson’s arm.“I don’t know you, do I?”

  “No, you don’t.”

  They paused at his car then Carson pulled the keys from his pocket and pressed the button that released the locks. The light’s blinked and the mechanism in the doors clicked.

  Nate pulled the passenger door open.

  She gathered her skirts and stepped next to the opening. “Thank you. Nate.”

  “No need to thank me, Jenna. St. Helena loves you.” With that, he leaned over and brushed his lips across her cheek. “It just wasn’t meant to be.”

  She nodded and slid into the passenger’s seat.

  “Watch your dress,” Nate warned as he shut the door.

  Carson stepped to the back of the vehicle; following at his heels was Nate.

  “You take her to her house and make sure she gets in okay,” Nate grumbled.

  Carson swung around. “No problem, when she get’s inside, I’ll call.”

  “You do that.” Nate nodded and slapped Carson’s back before walking off.

  Moving around the car to the driver’s side, Carsonopened the door and climbed in.

  “It’s a beautiful party.” Her voice held a dreamlike quality as he pulled away from the winery.

  “It was perfect,” he agreed maneuvering the car into the outside lane that led toward the town of St. Helena.

  “Party for losers.”

  It was the alcohol talking and he knew this. He chose to ignore the bitter remark so instead, he replied, “I don’t think I’d call you that.” He partially let loose of the steering wheel and reached out for her hand.

  Jenna slid it away from him and leaned her head back against the head rest. “They will. Just give them time.”

  “You don’t think so highly of your friends, do you?”

  She took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. “Some, I do.”

  Carson took his eyes from the road to give her a speculative glance. The dull white light which illuminated the dashboard cast deep shadows against the contours of her face. He wished he could see her striking green eyes eyes, again. With the way her arm was bent to allow her hand to rest against her brow, he couldn’t. A flash of light from an oncoming car made him refocus his eyes on the road.“Frankie and Nate are pretty loyal.”

  “Yes, they are.” She turned her head to stare at the darkness outside the window.

  He guided the car toward the stoplight at the crossroads.

  “Turn to the right here,” she quietly instructed.

  When the light turned green, Carson maneuvered the car to the right and headed down the two lane country road.“Have you given any thought to what you will do now?” he asked.

  She drew a deep breath and released it as she replied, “Go back to work, I suppose. Isn’t that what jilted brides do?”

  “I don’t know, never having been one.” He’d hoped to make her laugh but instead, silence enveloped the car making him feel foolish for having brought it up.“Look, I can’t tell you want to do, but why not take time off? Surely, you’ve got tickets for a honeymoon.”

  “He has them…” She sighed. “Two dimes to a doughnut, he’s taken off with them.”

  Carson released his right hand
from the wheel and raked his hair back from his face. “I’m sorry. I guess I wasn’t thinking.”

  “It’s okay.” Her small voice filled the automobile. “I’m sure I’ll get more helpful suggestions when I return to work on Monday.”

  Carson’s brown knitted in concern. “Look, you don’t have to go back so soon. Take time off. Decide what you are going to do.”

  “My life was decided. I-I had everything planned.” Her voice drifted to a whisper. “…Everything.”

  Silence then again, permeated the car for a few minutes.

  “Turn here.” She pointed at the familiar driveway.

  The car turned onto the gravel while small rocks kept crunching under the weight of the vehicle as it made its slow way past the craftsman style bungalow.

  “It this it?”

  “No. Go further to the cottage,” she instructed.

  The driveway curved to the left and the lights illuminated an ornate little cottage nestled between several trees, painted white with yellow shutters.

  “Just pull around in front. You can drop me off and I’ll go in.”

  “Nope.” Carson shook his head. “I’d never hear the end of it from Frankie or Nate if I did that.”He pulled the car to a stop and cut the lights. “Wait right here.” Carson got out and went around the car to her door.

  She gathered the satin and lace as it opened and placed a slipper onto the grass. Stepping out of the car, she stepped to the side so he could shut the door.

  “Do you have your key?”

  She shook her head. “Didn’t bring it. The door is unlocked.”

  “Trusting soul.”

  She tried to smile as the statement must have hit home and her eyes brimmed with tears. “No, I just know my neighbors will look out for us.”

  He took hold of her elbow as she took an unsteady step.“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…Easy now.”

  “Ground is uneven,” she said as he led her toward the doorway.

  Carson opened the door and switched on the light, then backed away, so she could enter. The swish of silk crackled in the stillness as she walked past him.

  Pausing at the couch, she turned.“Thank you, Mister….” She paused. Her hand moved to massage her temple. “I don’t know your name.”

  Carson smiled. “It’s Murphy, Carson Murphy.”

  “Thanks, Mr. Murphy.” She held out her hand.

  “It’s been a pleasure, Miss McCormick.” He grasped her hand. A warm current zig zagged up his arm. Carson took a deep breath. His heart pounded against his chest. As he stared at Jenna, her eyes widened. He was sure she felt it as well. The grasp of fingers eased. Yet, he didn’t want to let go.

  She pulled back. His grip remained firm. Then, he realized his aggressive stance could easily frighten her. With the greatest reluctance, he loosened his fingers and slowly her hand withdrew. The soft pads of her fingertips created a tantalizing friction against his calloused palms. He watched as the feathered touch danced one last time against his flesh before they were gone.

  Amazed at how rapid his heart beat against his chest, he glanced over and noted the wild pulse of the vein at the side of her neck. With a nervous smile, he spoke. “I –uh-guess I should be going.” He lifted his hand and motioned his head toward the door.

  “I suppose you should. It’s awfully late.” Jenna nodded.

  “You…you can get out of that get up?” he asked, gazing at the vintage wedding gown with its many buttons.

  She gazed down at the dress of her dreams and smoothed the material with her palms. “I think so.”

  “Okay, then I’ll be going.” He turned to walk toward the door.

  “Wait.”

  Carson stopped and glanced over his shoulder.

  Jenna shrugged. “Could you undo the last three buttons?” She turned her back to him and placed her hands on her hips.

  He shouldn’t. He really shouldn’t, but heaven help him, he couldn’t stop himself from moving back toward her. It only took three steps to make it back to her side. He did want to get close to her again. The smell of soft lavender swirled around him. He reached out. Then, he froze.

  She waited.

  Just do it. It’s a button. Get your fingers moving. And yet, it was more. Carson would be touching her and he knew already what that had done to him.

  “Can you get it?”

  Her urging forced him to move. “Yeah.”Swallowing his doubts, Carson put his fingers on the satin that covered her body. The first button popped, the second below the first did the same, and then he tackled the third. “Is that e-enough?” he questioned with an audible stammer in his voice.

  She let out a deep breath and glanced over her shoulder. “Yes, thank you,” she paused. “…Again.”

  “All in a day’s work.” This time, he made it all the way to the door. “Good night, Jenna.”

  “Good night, Carson.”

  He pulled the door closed and slowly walked to his car. Sliding behind the wheel, he reached out to grasp it only to watch the tremble of his fingers. Staring back at the cottage, he watched her shadow dance across the curtains as she made her way into the back of the house.

  “Frankie’s gonna kick my ass,” Carson grumbled as he started the engine and drove away.

  He navigated the country roads then thirty minutes later and just after midnight, Carson made his way back to the hotel. He paused and sent a text to Nate, telling him she arrived home safely. During the drive to town, he’d kept thinking about the bride…Jenna. The way she stood up and faced all those people, the way she’d held her head high. There were a lot of women who would’ve fallen apart, screamed, ranted, and lock themselves in a bathroom to weep for hours. Not this one, she held herself together like velvet wrapped steel.

  The lobby was empty as he walked to the elevator. Punching in his floor, the door closed and the machine lumbered upward. The doors opened and he stepped onto the second floor. It was a short walk toward the room at the end of the hall. He fumbled in his rear pocket for his access key and drew it through the lock. A click followed and the door sprung free.

  A breath of cooler air spilled into the hallway as he walked in and pushed the door closed with his foot. Dropping the camera bag onto the first bed of his hotel room, he took a deep breath and thought about the events of the day again.

  “Sure didn’t expect it to end like this.” He shook his head.

  He walked over to the small refrigerator in the room and pulled a bottle of water from the shelf. Twisting off the top, he stepped over to one of the windows. Pushing back the curtain, he stared down at the movement of a car on Main Street. Standing there, he couldn’t stop his thoughts from turning toward the woman at the winery, Jenna McCormick, the jilted bride, the woman of grace.

  “I hope you can get some sleep tonight?” he whispered into theshadows, thinking of how sad she would be.

  He took a deep gulp of the water and watched the lone car move up the side street before turning on to Main.He breathed deeply and slowly allowing the air to ease back into the atmosphere. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He wondered what she looked like as the young girl Marco described.Today, she’d been stunning. Her courage at the moment of deep despair left him wanting to know more. It was clear…she intrigued him. He’d never experienced this kind of interest in a woman before. He glanced over at the second bed in the hotel room and stared at the camera equipment he’d dropped onto the bed.

  Would the film do you justice? Would you look as stunning on film as you had the moment I left you at your cottage?

  He gave a short chuckle and let the curtain fall back against the sill before walking toward the bathroom. Tomorrow would be another day. Who knows?By dawn, he would probably forget what she even looked like. Grabbing a pair of briefs, he headed toward the shower and flicked on the light. He reached behind the shower curtain and turned on the hot water. Steam rose as he unbuttoned his shirt. Bringing the fabric to his face, he breathed in, delighted to
smell the softness of her perfume.

  Looking up, Carson stared at his reflection in the mirror. “Yeah, not likely.”

  Chapter Three

  The satin pooled at her feet. Jenna stepped from the gown and shimmied out of her pantyhose. Barefoot, she padded over to her dresser, and then pulled a pair of yoga pants from the dresser. Balancing on one leg, she slid the second into the leg. A shift of position, and she repeated the process pulling the stretch fabric over her hips before grabbing a loose fitting T shirt to match. She wore these only when she was cleaning house.

  “All my clothes are packed and in Nonna’s car,” she whispered to the image in the mirror. “This will have to do.”

  Reaching up, she began to pull the Bobby pins from the elegant French Twist that had taken Mary Lambert hours to do. “From Cinderella to the ashes,” Jenna muttered.

  One by one, the pearl ended pins clicked as the fell onto the dresser top. Running her fingers through the thick locks, she let her dark hair cascade down her back, loose and free. A piece of hair tangled around her finger. She untangled it from the flawless, platinum two carat princess cut ring she’d proudly worn for the past two years. Holding her fingers out, she stared at the stone.

  “How can something so beautiful, be so ugly at the same time?”

  With trembling fingers, she wrestled the ring from the third finger of her left hand and dropped it on the glass tray that held the silver plated comb and brush Nonna Cardilino had given her on her eighteenth birthday. Turning, she walked toward her double bed and sat down.

  The golden marmalade tabby curled on her pillow lifted his head and blinked in bewilderment at seeing her.

  “What am I going to do?” she whispered aloud. “All my life, I’ve planned.”She sniffled.Tears filled her eyes and one slid over her lid and dripped onto her cheek. “I have to hold it together.” She looked around and spotted her planner.