Andrew laughed. "Very funny. When did you realize? Before he asked you out or after? Frankly, I'm surprised he even asked you."
"Hey! Why wouldn't Landon ask me out?" I avoided looking in the mirror behind the bar. I couldn't have reality evaporate my righteous anger.
Andrew held up both hands in surrender. "I only meant that I'm surprised Landon asked anyone out. He doesn't really date much."
I almost snorted coffee out my nose. "Oh, I get it. He doesn't date, he just 'hangs out' with lots of different women, huh?"
"Nope. No hanging out and no dating. Until you showed up," Andrew said. "And even more surprising is the fact that he wants you to go to the gala."
"Don't worry, I'm getting a dress this morning. I won't embarrass your friend," I snapped.
Andrew chuckled and poured me more coffee. "I'm trying to tell you something, Riley. Landon never takes a date to one of his events. You're the first I remember in the last few years."
"'One of his events?'"
"The gala has a long tradition, you know. I mean, how would you know, but I can tell you." Andrew stood up straight and grabbed a rag. He started polishing the hanging wine glasses. "See, the Michels own a major publishing house, started in the 1900's."
"Thanks," I said, "but what I really want to know is just how formal this event is going to be."
"Very." Andrew stopped polishing glasses. "I once saw a woman whose dress was made out of pearls, diamonds, and golden beads. Someone told me it was worth more than a brand-new Mercedes, and it weighs forty pounds."
"Okay, no need to panic," I muttered to myself. "There's the boutique down the street, right?"
Andrew nodded. "Rosalyn's place."
"Yeah, Rosalyn." I forced my fluttering hands onto the bar. "Landon sent her a message last night."
"Then don't worry. She'll take care of everything," Andrew assured me.
Chapter Six
Landon
I didn't think Lyla's nose could go any higher, but when she saw my sweaty shirt, she pointed it up to the bell tower. "For god's sake, where have you been, Landon?"
I gripped the ATV handles and fought the urge to drive off again. There was still enough fog, I could disappear before the curve in the driveway. I could climb higher up the back paths and delay the sunrise a little longer. I loved how the morning sun slowly burned through and made the towering eucalyptus trees glow. It felt like coaxing a smile from a beautiful woman.
I thought of Riley and our date. At least I had that to look forward to… if my cousin would stop getting in my way.
Lyla was in her usual place on the top of the front steps, hands on hips, complete with a disapproving frown. It was hard to remember she was only five years older than me. Maybe it was the constrictive pencil skirt or the sensible suit jacket she wore even on a Saturday morning.
"Does every word out of your mouth have to sound like you're scolding me?" I asked. I took the front steps two at a time until I towered over her. "I was out checking the estate fences. Remember? Don't you put stuff like that in your calendar along with when I eat a sandwich or take a crap?"
Her mouth twisted with distaste. "It's important that I know your schedule, just like it's important I know exactly how long it takes to drive the perimeter of the estate. Must you always take the long way?" Lyla crossed her arms and glared up at me.
"I love detours."
"I'm sure the grounds crew has everything covered. They send me daily updates."
"I prefer to get my updates firsthand." I tried to take a step around her, but she blocked my way.
"All I'm asking for is a little consideration, Landon." Lyla smoothed back her hair and tugged her suit coat into place. "This is all going to be your responsibility before you know it. The board members are not happy with a figurehead. Besides, you know this is the year that your full inheritance comes into play.”
My fingers flexed in anger, and I had to force them into fists before I strangled my cousin. "I don’t want to talk about my inheritance, Lyla. There are other things to life, my life. The best I can say is thanks for handling your job. Please stop attacking me."
Lyla dropped her voice to an icy tone. "I'm not here to attack you. I just thought it was important to see where the host was and if he was planning to be ready on time. Not to mention the last-minute menu changes need approval and the security protocol for our higher level guests has flaws."
I took Lyla by her stiff shoulders and forced myself not to shake her. "All of those details, all of those decisions, all of those changes, and all of these little headaches that could drive a person insane are exactly why I pay you an exorbitant salary. Remember?"
"How could I forget?" she snapped. "I'm also in charge of payroll."
I ground my teeth. "The point is, I’m paying you to handle things. That means you should handle them without waiting for me on the front steps every time I step out of the house."
I finally pushed past her and swore. The front foyer was a mass of decorators and caterers. I had let her annoy me enough that I had forgone my normal routine of slipping through the staff entrance in order to avoid the chaos of the upcoming gala.
Swathes of brightly colored fabric were being hung from the ceiling to create the effect of a big-top tent. It felt like a carnival with men on spindly scaffolding and the chandelier swinging back and forth.
"Landon, we need to talk about your inheritance. There are some serious considerations to be made before your birthday.” Lyla was quick on my heels. "The gala has taken up most of my time, so I’m sorry if this seems like I’m springing it on you.”
I spun around and headed back outside. I couldn't yell at my cousin in front of an army of party organizers.
Outside, a team had unrolled a red carpet down the steps. They were snapping brass dowels in place to prevent the guests from tripping. I was glad they had decided to start at the bottom and work their way back up. Hopefully, Lyla and I would be done arguing before the team was back in earshot.
I turned to face her. "Our arrangement has always been that I pay you to manage the estate and that includes my inheritance. When I want to know something, I will ask you. Think of it from my perspective. I'm paying you to make my life easier. And this?" I gestured to her rigid stance and jutting chin. "This is not making it any easier."
I glanced down the driveway where the valets were having a meeting. The head valet pointed across the wide cobblestone turnaround, and I thought about all the hundreds of people that were soon to swing through the driveway.
Turning back to Lyla, I could tell that she was getting ready for another argument. It was time to change the subject and get her off my back.
"What about your date?" I asked.
"What date?" She gaped at me.
I shrugged. "You're always going on and on about having a date to these big social events. I thought you'd have somebody here already. Some completely acceptable corporate lawyer or hedge fund manager. Come on, you can't be telling me you're going solo tonight, are you?"