Tomorrow Doesn't Matter Tonight Page 7

  After all, Jack called her. She needed make this good. Then her memory unclogged and jiggled her back to the real world. She’d given him her number. The reason he’d phoned was because he had information for her.

  “I’m assuming you’re calling about the contracts.”

  “I am. I need to discuss them with you. In person works best so I can give you visuals. If you’re finished with your snooze, can I drop by, say in an hour?”

  Katie tucked her bottom lip between her teeth. Jack coming here? Nope. Would not work. Though her sensations were nothing more than an overworked imagination, an impression of his presence remained in her loft from his visit yesterday. The vibe unnerved her. She swore a hint of his scent still lingered inside her closet. Bottom line, she didn’t need any more of his pheromones floating around. She had enough strangeness enter and exit her home.

  Speaking of weird stuff, the strange knife lay on her coffee table. How would she explain? Plus, she and Jules left a sink full of dishes last night, and she was sure after sleeping most of the day, she looked more disastrous than her loft. An hour wasn’t enough time for her to relocate the knife, clean her place, and make herself presentable.

  “I plan on running errands later. How about I make a stop by the guesthouse?”

  “That’s a no go,” he said. “Your brother and sister-in-law are going through with their renovations. The place is full of painters and designers with their drawings and swatches. They’ve spread shit everywhere. I’m outside braving the cold now. No privacy.”

  “I’m surprised Aaron and Lexie didn’t invite you stay in the big house with them.”

  “They offered. I declined. I don’t know Lexie well, and because of my circumstances, I’m uncomfortable being around people I’m not familiar with.”

  “Their home is large enough. You probably wouldn’t run into anyone if you prefer seclusion.”

  “True. But I like my space. Even if I have to dodge decorators wanting to show me their samples.”

  “Male or female?”

  “Let’s not go there. Sooo, we’re at an impasse on getting together, and I’d prefer to talk with you today, if possible. If you know of some place not too expensive, I’ll spring for dinner.” He paused. “Unless you made plans already?”

  A night out with Jack. Not a real date, but still, this was the closest she’d gotten to spend an evening with him. “I do know of an eatery in the historical district downtown. The name is Broadway Bistro, located on Broadway and fourth.”

  “Original. Good food?”

  “I’ve never been at night, though the lunches are delicious, and the prices are reasonable.”

  “See you at six.”

  She opened her mouth to confirm, but he’d rung off before she got the opportunity.

  ****

  An anxious Katie climbed the trio of stairs to the renovated bistro, which was once Victorian cottage. She passed through a pair of stained glass doors to enter a small vestibule. The establishment was full of rich woods, antiques, flowering plants, and flowing fountains. The daytime patrons dined in overstuffed, leather wingback chairs, pushed up to white clothed tables. Pleasant, relaxing. A quiet place for her and Jack to discuss her contracts.

  Inside, she stopped short on the top step of the entrance to the main dining area. Her gaze glided over the space, a hand covered her month. The causal lunch atmosphere had transformed into an intimate, dreamy hideaway. Lights turned low, candle flickered from every table. Soft jazz played in the background as the aroma of sizzling, mouthwatering entrée’s drifted through the air. Patrons were seated in twos as the many couples enjoyed a romantic Saturday evening.

  Katie took a step backward, digging into her bag. She had to call Jack and change their meeting location. A peek at this place, and he would get the wrong idea, or maybe the right one. Either way she predicted disaster brewing.

  Against her better judgment, she’d talked herself out of turning around to swap her attire earlier. She’d explain away her long skirt and sparkly top as her office Christmas party outfit she wouldn’t get to wear because of her termination. But overdressed combined with an amorous ambiance? Not so easy to justify.

  “Katie.”

  Slowly she swiveled her head around and looked up. Too late.

  Jack stood at a table toward the far back. He motioned at an empty chair across from him, his voice lifted above the crowd’s chatters. “We’re over here.”

  She dropped her purse to her side and sighed before she reluctantly walked to where he waited. Clad in nicer jeans, a jacket, and a button down, he’d even shaved and combed his hair. Therefore, she didn’t feel as awkward dressed up.

  Once they exchanged pleasantries and were in their seats, the waiter brought menus. He took their drink orders and hurried away to get their beverages.

  “Nice place.” Jack’s mouth curved, his eyes held a mischievous twinkle. “Very, ahm,” he glanced about before he returned to her. “Coupley.”

  Katie lifted her gaze from studying the main courses. “Jack, I’m sorry,” she rushed.

  He snapped up a palm. “No harm done. You said you’d only been here for lunch. You had no idea.” He laid his hand next to his menu. “Smells delicious.”

  “The noon meals are good.”

  “Well, we’ll enjoy.” He tucked his chin, reading the selections in front of him. “We can even pretend we’ve always liked each other.”

  “That’ll be fun.”

  The server brought their drinks, a basket of bread, and took their orders before he discreetly disappeared. Jack held her stare. He inhaled deep, reached inside his jacket pocket to retrieve a thick mound of tri-folded papers. He pushed them across the table.

  “Five years.”

  Katie’s gaze fell to documents. Her fingertips grazed the edges as she unfolded the sheets. She glanced at the highlighted clauses and gasped.

  “If you leave Weddings Fantastic for any reason, you’ve agreed to stay out of party planning business for five years.” Jack snatched a breadstick. “Unless your former employer shuts down. In other words, you can’t work for the competition, which includes your own company.”

  She raised her eyes, her face paled. “Even though Hazel’s dead?”

  “From the way the clauses read, Hazel’s demise has nothing to do with you staying out of the industry.”

  “Gotta be irony. She’s burying me from the grave.”

  “Five years is a bit excessive, but from what I’m getting, this fits the Nutt’s wacky M.O. A business attorney might find a possible loophole.”

  “Her name was Nutt for a reason.” She gazed at him. “Any other options?”

  “Hire a licensed lawyer and contest.”

  “Sounds costly.”

  “Yeah. If you’re willing to spend some money, you might consider purchasing Hazel’s company.”

  Her body tensed. “Seriously. Why would I?”

  “I’m speculating.” He gestured toward the papers. “I assume she left the business to a family member who probably isn’t interested in taking over, so they may sell. Buying them may be a different angle to your plan B, or you can hope whoever inherits the company shuts them down. You might also make the acquisition to close the place, and use the loss as a tax write off, and then open your agency.”

  “Again, too much money. I’m trying to do this without Pop’s help. I can operate a service on a shoestring budget. Run the company from my loft, and consider my home office a business expense. Besides Hazel’s, Affairs Amore is the only wedding coordinators in the city who are actual corporations. The rest operate from their houses.”

  “Your call.” He finished off his bread and reached for another. “I’d go the lawyer route. You might want to double up on legal counsel. This five year wait could be viewed as an extension of a motive to kill Hazel.”

  She sighed and tossed the papers aside. “Things keep getting suckier and suckier.”

  “You can probably get around this.”


  She’d debated the entire afternoon if she wanted to share the newest wrinkle in her life. Since they were pretending to be friends, she supposed she could rely on his discretion. She picked up the documents, folded them, and placed the paperwork into her bag. She went into a side pocket, captured a plastic baggie, and held it out to him. “I’m not talking about the contracts.”

  “What is this?” He stretched his arm until his fingers scraped the outside.

  “A knife.” She waited. “And it’s not mine. It somehow appeared in my loft.”

  Jack snapped his hand back as if he’d scorched his fingertips. He stared at the bagged dagger lying in her palm. “How does something just somehow appear?”

  “Good question.” Katie withdrew the bag and replaced it inside her purse. “Jules found it buried in my sofa last night.” She went on to explain about finding her door unlocked.

  He gingerly slid a pat of butter over his breadstick. “Damn. Someone’s been super busy. You’re sure you latched the door?”

  “I always do. I checked the locks after Jules left. Nothing inside around the edges was tampered with.”

  “So you’re thinking someone might have broken in and hid a knife in your couch.” Jack shifted in his seat. “Makes no sense.”

  “No,” she said with a sardonic laugh in her voice. “It doesn’t.”

  His gaze caught hers and held her stare. “What are you going to do?” He nodded to the plastic hidden in the handbag pouch.

  “Don’t know. Suggestions?”

  “Nope. You need to concentrate on your other issue. You called Cruz yet?”

  Katie’s skin heated as she shook her head.

  “Promise me, you’ll call. First thing tomorrow.”

  “It’s Sunday, but I will get in touch with him on Monday.”

  “I have his private number. You can phone him in the morning.” He took a sip of his drink, and then sat the glass down. “Contact a locksmith too. Get those locks changed.”

  “Good idea.”

  “Did you consider getting in touch the manager to your condo unit? For security reasons, most buildings install cameras in the parking garage and hallways. They usually keep the tapes for several days. Given the circumstances, they should allow you to view the video.”

  “I didn’t think about the camera angle. But that’s a wonderful idea,” she said excitedly. “If those recordings show someone breaking into my loft, I could be cleared, right?”

  “Be a good start. Also might confirm your whereabouts during the time of death too.”

  The waiter brought their food, placing an elegant meal in front of them.

  Even with all of her troubles, Katie was famished. She hadn’t eaten since yesterday, so she would be hungry. With the added excitement of possibly having alibies to get her off the hook, it’d take the entire kitchen to fill her up.

  “I’ll touch base with building management in the morning.”

  Jack picked up his steak knife and fork and sliced his veal. “I have a dumb question.” He glanced at her. “Why did you bring the knife with you tonight? What’s your motive?”

  Katie stopped in mid-bite. “I don’t have a motive. I’m confused how to handle this. I thought you might give me some advice.”

  He shrugged. “Report the break in and turn it over to the police would seem the logical way to go.”

  “Logical? I want to stay far away from the police right now. They may somehow link this to Hazel’s murder.”

  “Avoiding them doesn’t solve your problem. If you’re so nervous about talking with them, take counsel with you.”

  She slammed her utensil onto the table and glared across at him. “Will you knock off the lawyer bit, legal boy? I got it. I’ll get an attorney, but right now I need some reassurance from you.”

  Jack sat back in his chair and said through clenched teeth, “A little louder, please. The kitchen staff didn’t hear the last part.”

  “Huh?”

  He leaned forward and whispered, “You’re yelling really loud. The whole place is staring at us.”

  Katie glanced around. She’d raised her voice too high, and the entire restaurant watched them. She smiled timidly and spoke to the crowd.

  “Communication exercises. We’re in couple’s therapy.”

  “Aaahhh’s” floated through the room and heads bobbed as the patrons returned to their meals.

  Jack stabbed his meat. “Nice save.”

  They made careful small talk throughout the rest of the meal. Jack pushed his plate away and surveyed the restaurant while Katie finished her desert. He nodded at the pair sitting several tables over. “A couple in the corner is still looking at us. Do you know them?”

  Katie peeked over her shoulder and inwardly groaned. “Olga and Fredrick.”

  He frowned, leaning forward. “Who?”

  “Vendors Weddings Fantastic used. Pretend you don’t see them.”

  “Too late.” He straightened. “They’re heading our way.”

  Katie stiffened inside and out as the middle aged pair strolled to their table.

  “Told you not to look,” she said through gritted teeth, then turned to greet her former associates with a too bright smile. “Olga, Freddie, what a surprise.”

  “We’re surprised too, Katherine.” Olga tented her fingers in front of her. “Such horrible news.”

  “Hazel will be missed.”

  “Could care less about the old slug,” Fredrick said. “She can corrode in hell. Your dismissal is what’s devastating. A pity you’re out of the business. We wanted to lend you our support.”

  “Thank you, you’re very kind.”

  “We hope the situation isn’t permanent.” Olga glanced curiously toward Jack. “Do you have other options?”

  Katie motioned in Jack’s direction. “I’m discussing them with my attorney.”

  “Discussing,” Fredrick repeated with a chuckle. “That’s where they’re calling it these days.”

  Olga beamed at them. She patted Katie’s shoulder and nodded while emitting a perceptive grin.

  “Oh no. We’re not…” Katie shook her head quickly and gestured between her and Jack. She glared at him for reinforcement, but he only raised his brows. “Anything.”

  “Of course.” Fredrick’s smile widened. “Don’t worry.” He snapped a finger to his lips. “We’ll keep your little attorney client relationship a secret.”

  “We’re praying everything works out for you, dear. Let us know when you return to the industry,” Olga said as they stepped away. “We’ll certainly want to work with you, no matter the circumstances.”

  Katie frowned. “What circumstances, Olga?”

  “Hazel’s murder.” She and Fredrick walked toward the exit. “Hope the couple’s therapy gets you back on track. You make such a lovely pair.”

  Katie turned to Jack, who sat quiet, his expression blank. “What do you think she was talking about?”

  “An obvious fan of couple’s therapy, didn’t you hear? Must be working too, because we’ve been getting along for,” he paused to check his watch, “nearly ten minutes.”

  “I’m meant what she said about wanting to work with me no matter the circumstances, and then referring to the whole Hazel thing.”

  “No clue. Sounded ominous, didn’t it?” He cleared his throat. “Any chance they would have something to do with her death.”

  “Olga and Freddie?” Katie laughed. “Don’t think so.”

  “Just a thought.” Jack picked up his cup and took a lingering sip.

  After coffee, Jack paid the tab, then grasped her upper arm, and escorted her outside. The earlier cold front had blown through. The wind settled, and the clouds had cleared, leaving the moonless sky starry and bright. Quietly, they strolled past an array of shops. Although it was the first week of November, many were getting an early jump on Christmas. Hundreds of white, twinkly lights decorated the storefronts and landscaping, while holiday melodies danced in the light breeze, topping off the festive
atmosphere.

  Jack’s hand remained lightly wrapped around her arm. Tiny white-hot needles pierced into her skin and tingled all the way down to her toes. Katie tried to remain calm, but her heart knocked loud enough to burst her eardrums. Exhaling was almost impossible. Forget about thinking clear.

  They stopped at the front of her jeep. He released her. They turned to each other. Jack shoved his hands into his pockets, and scanned the parking lot before he rotated to face her squarely, his gaze steady, candid … staring.

  Katie looked at his chin not wanting to meet his eye, yet doing her best to not linger at the unfastened top buttons of his shirt, exposing way too much chest.

  “Tonight was—interesting,” he commented wryly. “You understand your contracts with Weddings Fantastic now, right?”

  She nodded.

  “The tapes on your building’s security camera should take suspicions away from you and show who broke into your place.”

  “I hope. If not, it’s on me, I guess.” Katie moistened her lips, trying to ignore the sparkle from the fairy lights reflecting in his eyes.

  “The knife…I don’t know. This situation is so odd.”

  “Odd hardly describes it. Someone broke into my condo. Do you realize how violated I feel? A stranger was in my home. I was already afraid, but now I’m more frightened. I’m terrified to be alone in my own house. I can’t sleep at night. I jump at every sound. I wonder if this person is watching me wherever I go.”

  Jack had the decency to appear uncomfortable. “I didn’t realize what you were feeling. You shouldn’t deal with this by yourself.”

  “I guess I am, though. I’m living in an overblown nightmare.”

  Jack rocked back onto his heels and exhaled loudly. “Close your eyes and pretend it’s all a bad dream. That’s how I’ve survived.”

  Another awkward silence settled between them. The Christmas music amplified over the roar of automobiles on the streets behind them. Katie studied him closely. He stared off into the darkness, appearing to have drifted out of the present.

  “Jack?”

  He abruptly returned to her. “The knife. It was a chef’s knife, right?”

  “Yes, a fairly sharp one.” She gazed at him, confused.