That Special Smile/Whittenburg by Karen Toller Whittenburg Page B

whether or not he was romantically involved with someone. As long as he wasn’t involved with Juliette or Juliette’s business, Sylvie was content to let Max do whatever he pleased.
    That line of reasoning lasted for two weeks before Sylvie admitted it was frayed from constant repetition.
    Max was doing what he pleased and she wasn’t content.
    Because it pleased Max to spend time with her, wherever she chose to be. At first he gave, and Sylvie accepted, such blatant excuses as, Since Juliette has a date with Benton, we may as well keep each other company a nd, My television gets lousy reception on that station. Do you mind if I watch the movie with you?
    After the first week, though, he didn’t bother with excuses. He simply was always around.

    * * * *
    “Of course I like him, Juliette. That isn’t the point.” Sylvie sat on the bed and watched as Juliette dabbed a touch of scent – about a hundred bucks’ worth, Sylvie guessed – behind her ears.
    “Then what is the point, Sylvie? You like Max. Max likes you. What could be better?”
    It was the kind of logic that gave Sylvie a headache, but like it or not, there was an element of truth in Juliette’s argument. And, unbelievably, Juliette seemed to realize it too.
    “That’s it, isn’t it, Syl? The reason you want me to cancel my date with Benton tonight is not because you want to spend time with me, but because you don’t want to spend time with Max.”
    Sylvie sighed and rubbed her forehead. “Jules, it’s been over two weeks since you met Benton Prestridge and, every night since, he’s been here or you’ve driven there. And when you couldn’t manage either of those options, you spent your time texting and talking with him on the phone. I’m not asking for equal time, just one evening.”
    “To talk business.” Juliette stared hard into the mirror as she slipped an earring into place. “I know you, Sylvie. You want to get started on the plans for the dress shop. Well, I do too. But Benton says ...”
    Sylvie thought it prudent to tune out the rest. Juliette could justify anything. Especially when she was in love.
    Sylvie could only blame herself for bringing up the subject of Max and his more or less constant presence. And the truth was, if she were really distressed by the amount of time he spent keeping her company, she would have put a stop to it.
    But she did like him.
    Max was good company. Easy to be with and capable of intelligent conversation, a commodity in short supply around Juliette’s house most any time, but especially lately. If Juliette opened her mouth, Benton’s name popped out.
    And Max’s almost constant presence kept Sylvie from being lonely. But, perversely, she resented it. Loneliness made her vulnerable.
    And Max, in the most innocuous ways and with the utmost charm, was taking advantage of that.
    “I knew right away that you and Max would hit it off.” The sentence dangled while Juliette pursed her lips, retouched a spot with glossy pink lipstick, and narrowed her eyes to examine the overall effect. “Do you think this is all right?” She turned to Sylvie, her blue eyes harboring serious doubts. “Benton has never said anything specific, but I know he doesn’t like bright lipstick.” Her dimples appeared with mischievous delight. “He prefers wash-and-wear shades that don’t stain his shirt collar.”
    “I’m glad to hear he’s still wearing a shirt on your dates.”
    Juliette wrinkled her nose. “Just because you and Max are – ”
    “ – are planning to run away together and live on nothing more than mad, wild love, on some deserted beach in California is no reason for you to change your plans.” Sylvie slid to the end of the bed and smiled benignly at her sister.
    “You’re absolutely right, Sylvie Anne. I think I hear Benton’s car. He has the absolute best timing!” Juliette walked to the bedroom door, where she stopped, pirouetted gracefully, and allowed the mischief back into her eyes.