The Elliotts Come Home Chapter 5
Megan had just escaped upstairs inside the Glendale’s spacious home, hoping to lock herself in Cindy’s bedroom until she pulled herself together when she bumped into her boss again in the hall.
“Hi.” Megan tried to edge around her, but Lainie blocked her way.
“Where are you off to?”
“Just freshening up.” She made another attempt to skirt past Lainie.
“What’s this I hear about you and a couple of handsome young men?” Her boss leaned close, letting her flowery perfume overwhelm Megan.
“I don’t know what you heard, but I’ve danced a couple of times tonight. It is a wedding, after all.”
“You’ve danced with a couple of propertied men,” Lainie corrected her. “Have you drummed up any listings?”
“Not yet.” She hadn’t, even if it seemed like the Elliotts could use her services. “But the night is young. I’ve been asking around and if I hear anything about a new property coming up for sale, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Those Elliott boys might be ready to sell. Elliott Ridge is a ghost town. One of my sources said you were dancing with Gage Elliott.”
“Your source is right about the dancing.” Megan wished she was anywhere but here. Twice before she’d relayed gossip to Lainie and had lost out on listings to the more experienced real estate agent. She wasn’t going to pass on any information now.
“Didn’t Gage tell you his plans?”
“I don’t think the Elliotts have sorted out their plans.” That much was true. Gage and his brothers were definitely at loggerheads about their future.
“You should have asked more decisively. That’s a possible lead you had in your arms. What were you thinking to let him get away without signing something?”
“I’ll keep trying.” This time Megan made it past when Lainie shifted away from her. “I really need to freshen up, Lainie. I’ll see you later.” She darted into Cindy’s old bedroom as quickly as she could, but Lainie called after her.
“What about that stranger you were dancing with? The one wearing the expensive suit?”
Click. The door closed, cutting off Lainie’s question. Megan locked it and moved to sit on Cindy’s childhood bed. She’d looked forward to this day for so long, sharing all of Cindy’s happiness at the possibilities her future held. She’d never dreamed such a special celebration would start to feel like just another day at work.
The bedroom door’s handle rattled. Was Lainie trying to come in?
“Megan?”
It was Cindy. Megan crossed the floor quickly and let her friend in, looking out into the hall to make sure she was alone. She shut and locked the door behind her as soon as Cindy was inside.
“What’s going on?” Cindy asked. She lifted her long skirts and sat gingerly on the end of her bed. “Why are you locking the door?”
“Lainie keeps coming after me,” Megan told her. “She’s impossible!”
“Mom told me you were working the crowd like a politician at a pig roast.” Cindy patted the bed next to her and Megan sat down, burying her face in her hands.
“I’m sorry about that. Lainie told me if I didn’t get a new listing today, I should find another job.” She shook her head and straightened up again, letting her hands fall to her lap. She hadn’t meant to burden Cindy with her problems on her wedding day. “I’m sure she’s joking. I’m just feeling the pressure a little bit.”
“You need to open your own office,” Cindy told her. “Lainie isn’t helping you; she’s holding you back. You know that.”
“I don’t think I’m ready to be on my own yet.”
“Soon, then.” Cindy got up, moved in front of the mirror and primped a little. “I needed to get away from the crowd for a minute. There are so many people here. Can you believe I’m really married?” She turned to face Megan, her eyes shining.
“I’m so happy for you,” Megan told her truthfully. “You deserve the best and I think you found him.” They’d both known Matt since grade school. He was a terrific guy.
“Now we need to find someone for you. Aren’t you glad I sent Gage Elliott over to help you? What was Blake Warrington saying to you? You looked mad enough to kick him.”
“He was getting ahead of himself. And yes, I was glad you sent Gage, although I can’t believe you told him I’m single.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t want to look desperate!”
“You’re not desperate. I was happy to help.”
“Don’t get too full of yourself now,” Megan warned her. “Gage Elliott isn’t interested in me.”
“I don’t see why not. I didn’t see him dancing with anyone else.” Cindy patted her. “Don’t worry about everything so much. One way or another, Megan Lawrence, I’m going to have you married off within the year.”