Page 81 of Second Time Around

Twenty-Two

Lisa, the restaurant hostess, popped her head into Beck’s office. “Sorry to interrupt, but there’s a woman here to see you,” she said.

“Is it Jenna?” he asked, hating how eager he sounded.

“No. Someone named Kelsey.”

“Tell her I’ll be right out.”

“Okay.”

He closed the spreadsheet he’d been working on and scratched the back of his neck. Why would Jenna’s friend come to see him? Suddenly he felt a prickle of fear. What if something bad had happened to her and Kelsey had come to tell him. With that in mind, he threw down his pen and hurried out of the office.

When he approached the front counter, Kelsey gave him a friendly smile, which alleviated his fear.

“Hello again,” he said.

“Hi. I wanted to talk to you about catering a party.”

“Okay. Do you want to sit down for a few minutes?”

“Sure, if you have time.”

Of course he had time for one of Jenna’s friends, although he wanted to believe he’d treat any customer the same. “Follow me.”

He led her to a table at the back of the restaurant, where it was quieter. After they sat down, he asked, “Would you like something to eat or drink?”

“Water will be fine,” she said.

He flagged down a waitress and asked for two glasses of water. Then he said, “So, what kind of party are you having?”

“An engagement party for Jenna’s sister, Stacy, and her boyfriend, Nick.”

“Jenna mentioned they might get engaged.” He wondered how long she’d known and why she hadn’t said anything last night. Of course, they’d been kind of busy…

“I just found out last night, and I’m really excited for them.”

That explained why Jenna hadn’t told him. “So, you’re in charge of the party planning?”

“I plan on asking Jenna to help, but I haven’t been able to get ahold of her yet.”

She was with me, he’d wanted to say, but he wisely decided not to. Jenna would have his head if he divulged where she’d been last night.

“Anyway, she raves about your food, so I’m sure she’ll be on board with it.”

Before she’d snuck out on him, he might have agreed. Now he wasn’t so sure. “Do you want to try and call her again? Maybe she could come here and join us.”

Kelsey shook her head. “I’ll just gather the information and pass it along.”

The waitress came over and set down two glasses of water.

“Mandy, can you bring me a catering packet?” he asked.

“Sure thing. Be right back.”

“The packet has suggestions and a price list, but I’m flexible. I’ll work with you so you get exactly what you want.”

“Great. I really liked the food you brought to the book club, especially the dessert tray,” Kelsey said with a smile.