Orange Blossom Brides by Tara Randel

after, Chandler exited the building. Marisa took his hand to lead him away, but he paused.
    “Have a nice night,” he told Lilli.
    “Thanks.”
    At least one half of the duo had manners.
    With a slight smile, Lilli watched her nemesis storm away. Marisa may have had the last word, but after this run-in, Lilli decided to take the fund-raiser more seriously. What could Marisa do about that?

CHAPTER SIX
    “M OM , YOU TOLD ME fifteen times. I can handle it.”
    “Remember, don’t let the Vandemere women give you a hard time. They’re waiting for an excuse to throw you under the bus.”
    “Nice visual.”
    “I’m just saying, watch those two. Don’t let Marisa take over. She’s not the coordinator, but she’ll still try to run the show. Along with her mother.”
    “She’s already tried that tactic.”
    “You can’t let her.”
    “Don’t worry, I have it under control.”
    “Those two have been trying to take over for years. Last time Marisa headed a committee she dumped all the work on everyone else. I don’t want to see that happen to you.”
    “If she runs true to course, she’ll lose interest soon. I’m not worried.” Lilli paused. “Or you could come home.”
    Celeste went uncharacteristically quiet for a moment. “Not right now, dear.”
    So, something was wrong. Lilli had suspected it all along. Let’s face it, her mother had never run out on a fund-raising benefit before. Why would she now?
    “Mom, what’s going on?”
    “I need time, Lillian. Just time.”
    “But—”
    “Let’s focus on the task at hand. If you have any logistical problems, ask for Klaus, the club manager, or his assistant, Tom.”
    “Got it.”
    “Then that’s everything for today. What do you think?”
    “You’re asking me what I think?” That never happened.
    “Why, yes. You’re handling things during my absence. I know it’s a lot of last-minute work, but you’re more than capable.”
    Wow. She’d never heard that, either. “It’s all under control. No worries, Mom.”
    “Good. Show them the Barclay backbone.”
    “I’m getting ready to walk into the club, so I have to run. I’ll let you know how it goes.”
    The bright Saturday morning sun blinded Lilli as she slipped out of her parked car in the Cypress Pointe Country Club parking lot. She donned her sunglasses before grabbing her overflowing tote bag. She had a million things to juggle, as well as a stomach full of butterflies.
    She hadn’t slept well last night, having visions of the gruff adult Max melding with the rebellious teen from that night on the beach. The same man, yet so different now.
    No matter how much she wanted to deny it, she had Max Sanders on the brain. With his alluring five-o’clock shadow and smoky eyes, he’d taken up residence in her mind ever since she’d walked into his messy office with the piles of boxes, names of women on his calendar and his emphatic refusal to volunteer for the benefit.
    The benefit. Right. She could do this while juggling her real job. Prepared and competent. The fearless leader of the ladies waiting inside.
    This morning she’d taken more than a few minutes to throw an outfit together. She’d chosen a hot-pink pullover, white cropped pants and low-heeled sparkly sandals. Applying her makeup hadn’t been a five-minute job. She’d taken her time with the cosmetics and styled her hair in a breezy, flowing style. Image was everything with these women. She’d opted for the country club look, and from what she’d seen reflected in the mirror, she’d succeeded.
    Until her ruined wedding rehearsal flashed through her mind and her heart started racing. She hesitated on the brick walkway to catch her breath, staring out over the golf course. The morning haze was burning off as the day grew warm. Lingering humidity dampened her skin and the hum of a golf cart zooming by roused her from her sinking mood. Straightening her shoulders, she marched through the etched glass front door, right into the