They nodded. “Do you know them?”
“You could say that,” she murmured and quickly drank a little more water.
“I’m sensing a story…” Anna May said quietly, retaking her seat.
She nodded. “Six months ago, I was supposed to be the next Mrs. Cameron.”
“You were going to be Cammie Cameron?” Dixie asked. “I think you dodged a bullet.”
“Oh, believe me, the name wasn’t the only thing I dodged.” Cammie hated even thinking about what a mistake she almost made, but with all eyes on her, she knew she couldn’t avoid telling the story. “I dated Preston for two years…”
“Preston?” Dixie said with a laugh, but quickly cleared her throat and her expression went neutral. “Sorry. Go on.”
“He was so traditional. Very respectable and polite. The perfect gentleman.”
“Boring,” someone murmured.
“That too. But at the time, I was able to look beyond it because he was studying to pass the bar exam and I thought once he was settled in at a law firm, he’d relax a bit.”
“Um, sweetie? Lawyers don’t normally relax,” Dixie commented, sitting back down behind her desk.
“Learned that one, too,” Cammie said, sighing. “Anyway, we got engaged after a year together and we were planning our wedding. Everything was set - the church, my dress, the catering hall…”
“So, what happened?” Anna May asked.
“So cliché,” she murmured, ducking her head, the embarrassment still fresh. “He was working late on a case and I stopped by to see him at the office. And as you can guess…”
“You were the one surprised,” they said in unison.
“Bingo. She was the boss’s daughter - the Van Wilkinson in the Van Wilkinson-Cameron wedding.” Sighing, Cammie said, “It was so weird because…he texted me earlier in the day asking me to come by the office and bring him his phone charger. At the time, I thought it was odd because he always kept a spare but…”
“Damn. I’m so sorry. That just...it sucks,” Dixie said sympathetically.
“Nicely said,” Anna May murmured.
“It was like he wanted to get caught,” Cammie commented, more to herself than to anyone else. “So...the thought of working on their wedding…”
She thought for sure they’d back her up and tell her she could have that day off.
But they didn’t.
“Cammie, we hired you because we’re trying to expand the events here at the resort. You won’t have to deal with them directly. We’ll make sure of it. However…there’s a chance you will have to handle some things at their event. I’m sorry.” Dixie’s voice was firm, even though her expression was compassionate.
“I... I understand.” But she didn’t. Right now, she just wanted to scream and stamp her foot and have a pity party for herself. Why was life so damn unfair? Why did Preston get to go on and have a dream wedding at the one place she had already deemed was her perfect place to get married? Why did he get to experience it–the cheating bastard–while she was stuck working at it?
“We haven’t booked them yet,” Dixie commented. “For all we know, the date they want can already be taken.”
No one commented on that point, and Cammie didn’t take it as a good sign.
“Why don’t we take a break and meet up again after lunch?” Dixie said softly. “Take a little time to sort of let all of this sink in.”
“Thanks,” Cammie said quietly. “I appreciate it.”
“We’ll meet back here at one-thirty if that works for everyone.”
They were all in agreement, and Cammie said a quick goodbye as she walked out the door. She looked around–trying to find a quiet corner where she could either have a crying jag or a screaming fit. Unfortunately, she didn’t want to be in earshot of her boss and co-worker when it happened. And that meant her office was also out of the question because they’d still hear her.
The Emerald Grove Resort was massive, and, no doubt, if she put some effort in, she’d find a spot. Cammie walked with purpose out the door and onto the path that led to the maintenance and storage area. If she could just hold on for a few more minutes, she’d be able to let all of her rage and frustration out without witnesses.
She spotted the landscaping shed. It was amazing she even remembered that’s what it was–her tour of the resort had been over two weeks ago and it was a whirlwind. Funny how some things just stuck–like the landscaping shed–and yet she still couldn’t find the closet where they stored all of their linen samples for potential clients to look at.
Quickening her pace, she took a look around and realized she was alone. Relieved, she pulled the big wooden door open, stepped inside without really seeing anything, and just as quickly shut it before letting out a stream of curses guaranteed to make a sailor blush.
“I can’t imagine what I or these tools did to piss you off, but I give you props for such a colorful vocabulary,” a deep voice said from behind her right before she screamed.
Cade Taylor did his best to avoid drama and loved how his job managing Emerald Grove's grounds allowed him time to be by himself. It was peaceful–almost therapeutic–and everything he wanted in a job.
In his five years of working at the resort, this was the first time a guest had come screaming into his tool shed.
Well…not screaming. Not exactly. But she was certainly fired up over something.
He put the metal file down that he was using to sharpen the blade on one of his shears and studied the woman. Her eyes were wide as she looked at him, but he wasn’t sure if it was because she was shocked to see him or just…crazy.
“Um…Miss?” he prompted.
Her hand reached over her heart as if willing it to slow down. No doubt he’d scared her–if her scream was anything to go by. She wore a light blue sundress that hit right above her knees, and her long blonde hair was pulled back away from a spectacular face. And even though she was a little breathless, he could see she was also a little irritated with his presence.
“You scared me,” she said finally.
“I got that,” he confirmed. “Are you all right?”
She just stared at him for a moment. “Seriously?”
“Okay, stupid question,” he said with a chuckle. “Still, can I…can I get you something? Are you lost? Is there someone I can call for you?”
With a sigh, her arms dropped to her sides. “Sorry. I just needed a moment alone. And…well…I didn’t realize anyone was in here. Again…sorry. I’ll just be on my way.”
She turned to leave, but oddly enough, Cade wasn’t quite ready to see her go. “So…do you often break into tool sheds to yell at inanimate objects?” He was going for light and teasing and was relieved when she smiled at him.
Then she laughed.
And it was rich and throaty and…wow. How was it possible for a laugh to be sexy?
“This was my first time,” she said, ducking her head.
“Well, if you ever need to do it again, just let me know. Normally the doors are locked, but we have several other storage area options for you to choose from here at the resort.”