Forever Rain (Rain Will Fall Trilogy #1) (3 page)

“You sure know your way to a girl’s heart.” I gave her a hug and took another sip from the cup.

“Seriously? I wish I knew what the hell they put in that cup for you to act so strange.” Mia didn’t drink coffee. I laughed as we headed out to her car.

“Happy birthday and all that jazz, friend.” She looked across at me and winked. Her face held a smug smile. Her surprise gift to me was this morning’s activities and I had no idea what she has planned. Her instructions were to dress casual with no makeup.

“OK, spill it. Where are we going? And could you try not to kill us before we get there?” I hung onto the seat for dear life as Mia hit the gas and the car sped onto the freeway.

“You snooze, you lose, baby girl,” she yelled over the music of Lady Gaga as she weaved through traffic. “This is Houston. The traffic’s always a bitch, but don’t worry your pretty head about it, you will be just fine.”

She had the top down on her convertible this morning. Mia was a spitfire. Her perfectly proportioned figure may be petite but she had a huge attitude that served her well to get her own way. Luckily, under that fickle and brash exterior, she was an extremely poised and polished person with a kind heart, but only a few knew that about her. She would much rather come off as a hard-ass.

By some miracle, we exited safely off the freeway a few miles later and seemed to be making our way to The Galleria Shopping Center. She pulled the Aston Martin up to the valet and jumped out before the guy could open her door.

“Yeah, it’s a beast, my good man.” Mia handed over the keys to the man who was grinning from ear to ear as he stepped back to admire the car. She shoved some bills at him but he shook his head and put his hands in the air.

“Lady, you don’t even need to tip me for this one. Just a few spins around the block is all I need to make my day.”

Mia laughed and shoved the money in his shirt pocket.

“Nah, just park him somewhere where he can be admired.”

“It’s a him? I thought it would have a name like Candy or Monique.” He slid into the seat.

“It’s only a car for Christ’s sake,” I said, shaking my head, although I should be used to the reaction of Mia and her car by now.

“Ah…did she just go there?” He looked at Mia with raised brows.

“Disrespectful wench,” Mia replied as she walked up to me and pulled my neck in a hug. We laughed and headed into the mall, took an elevator to the 30th floor and stepped into the ultra-modern salon.

“Oh, wow! What a treat.” I did a happy dance as I looked around the room in amazement.

“You like?”

“Like? No, I love! This is awesome. So you must know someone that knows someone to get in here, and so early; it’s only 9 a.m.” Philippe Salon and Spa was the most exquisite, outrageously expensive and snazzy spa in Houston…in the country for that matter, with at least a three-month waiting list for the ultra-rich and famous. He also has one in New York, Chicago, LA, Tokyo, London, Paris and several other cities around the globe.

He was well-known for his signature skin and hair care products. All of his spas employ an impressive list of world-renowned dermatologists for those wanting more bang for a whole lot of bucks. Collagen, Restylane, Botox, peels and infrarey therapy are but a few among many other professional services offered.

“Um, I hate to break it to you, love, but I know Philippe personally.” Mia winked at me as a handsome young receptionist greeted us.

“Good morning, Miss Lambert. So good to see you again.” He slipped mimosas into our hands as Veronica stepped in the door behind us.

“Happy birthday!” she squealed, while pulling Mia and me in for a group hug.

“Thanks. It is indeed happy. I mean, how could it not be when I’m in one of the most prestigious spas in like, the world.” I took a moment to gawk at the spectacular crystal chandelier hanging overhead, priceless art on the wall, floor to ceiling windows showing off the skyline of the city, and baroque paintings on the ceiling of angels and cherubs.

“Good morning, ladies. My name is Gish. Please allow me to take you to your first station.” We followed Gish into the massive salon where we were met by an entourage of people ready to pamper us with wraps, facials, massages and everything that makes for a delightful morning of indulgence.

After our rounds of luxurious pampering we were sated and full due to being served endless decadent chocolate covered strawberries, Champagne and Sterling Caviar. Grinning like idiots, we headed back to the lobby where we were greeted by none other than Philippe himself.

“How is my Houston princess doing today?” He embraced Mia and gave her a kiss on the lips. “Lovely as ever I see.” He held on to her with an arm around her waist.

“Flattery will get you everywhere with me, as you well know.” A smile played on her lips. A delicate blush crept up to Philippe’s cheeks.

“These are my besties…like best friends ever, Zoe Caine, the birthday girl, and Veronica Saldana.”

Philippe kissed our cheeks and settled back in a friendly embrace with Mia.

“I’ve heard a lot about both of you from Mia and delighted to finally meet you. How was your time at the spa?” He was tall and handsome with dark brown hair and green eyes. An expensive grey lightweight summer suit showed off the dark striped pink button down shirt that he wore without a tie.

“We had a fabulous time. Four hours simply flew by,” I said.

“Well, you must plan to stay longer on your next visit.” He flashed us a fabulous smile and graciously escorted us to the elevator and down to the valet, all the while his arm never leaving Mia’s waist.

“When will I see you again, lovely Mia? I’m only in town for a few days and I will be crushed if you don’t have time for dinner. Better yet, how about a quick trip to New York?”

Veronica and I dropped a few steps back and looked at each other with our mouth agape. I whispered to her about Mia’s charming admirer and being left in the dark about him.

“Philippe, I am so busy. You can’t just pop into town and try to whisk me away. I have a job, you know.” She pouted prettily and made excuses about how hectic it was at the office.

Veronica and I looked at each other and rolled our eyes. We couldn’t wait to get all the details of her and Philippe. Why would she not tell us that she knew him? Like, personally and most likely intimately. We shared everything with one another, or so I thought.

We stepped outside to a beautiful sunny afternoon. There was a limo and driver waiting for us. Mia made plans for the limo to pick us up here since we had a few drinks and we would leave for Austin now. Our bags and clothing for the party were neatly packed in the limo. Someone would pick up Mia’s car later and deliver it to her loft.

“Zoe, enjoy your birthday party. It was a pleasure meeting you and Veronica,” Philippe said. He kissed Veronica and me on our cheeks. We slid into the luxurious vehicle with soft leather seats that enveloped our relaxed bodies.

Mia was about to get into the limo but was detained by Philippe. He pulled her into his body and swooped down to claim her lips in a long passionate kiss. Mia whimpered and slid her arms around his neck.

Veronica’s slammed both her hands over her mouth and stared at me. I shrugged my shoulders at a loss for words.

A few moments later Mia slid onto the seat of the vehicle and Philippe closed the door behind her.

“Spill it, Mia.” Veronica wasted no time getting to the details of her and Philippe.

“There is nothing to tell,” Mia said, as she jutted her chin out in defiance of the question.

“Liar, liar…something is going on with that fabulous piece of man and we want to know what, when and for how long,” Veronica went on as I nodded my head in agreement.

“Well, it was a long time ago.”

“That’s it? That’s all we get?” I asked as the limo pulled onto the freeway.

“It was about a year ago. I met him in New York and we hit it off. Well, sort of…anyway, it was only once and now…well, I’m not sure; I mean, he wants more, but I’m way too busy,” she blurted out and twisted the top off a bottle of water. This so not like Mia to be nervous or evasive, even on a matter intimacy.

“And why are we just finding out that you had a thing with the fabulous Philippe?” I asked, not satisfied with her answer. She seemed to be leaving some juicy details out and I wanted to know what one of my ‘besties’ as she’d called Veronica and me, was hiding from us.

“Look, Mia, there is obviously something going on. Like some chemistry and as for being too busy…your father owns the corporation. You always take off whenever you want to and I fill the position with a temp nurse from the agency,” Veronica piped in. We all knew that she was a daddy’s girl and used to having her own way. I saw that she was getting frustrated, and gratefully answered my phone that was ringing.

After a brief conversation with Jenna, we decided to put the topic of Mia and Philippe on hold. Snuggling down into the plush pillows and soft throws that Jenna requested we have for the trip, we all agreed that a nap was called for. I smiled as I thought of Jenna not missing even the smallest of details when it came to entertaining.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My eyes fluttered closed and I finally allowed my mind to drift back 10 years ago. I was twenty and a sophomore at Baylor University in Waco, TX, working on my nursing degree. For my summer break, I went to visit Jenna in Austin. Since she was getting married, I wanted to be with her until the wedding instead of me heading off to Houston to work at The Busy Bee Bookstore. I worked there during my senior year of high school and Mrs. Bailey took me back during my college breaks. The extra money came in handy and it kept me busy.

Jenna and David’s wedding was a big deal in Austin since David’s family was a part of the Austin social scene. The wedding was lavish and Jenna was an exquisite bride. I was her maid of honor. Veronica and Mia were bridesmaids along with four of Jenna’s friends.

That was where I first saw Jordan. He was speaking with David during the wedding reception and there was an incredibly beautiful woman on his arm. She had one arm hooked around his elbow and her other hand running slowly running up and down his biceps. She looked bored while scanning the room, her blonde hair in an updo with flawless features and a dress that fit her like a second skin. I tried not to stare at him but my eyes kept glancing in his direction. After a while one of the groomsmen asked me to dance and I gladly joined in the festivities.

Another hour later and I was still following the gorgeous man with my eyes. I hoped that I was being inconspicuous. I sure didn’t want him to see me checking him out. After Jenna and David cut the cake, they danced to one more song and headed out to the waiting limo that would take them to the airport. Everyone lined up to wish them farewell. Jenna pulled me in a tight hug and we both burst into tears. David finally pulled us apart and kissed me on my cheeks. He made some jokes about being my bother now so he could finally boss me around. We laughed and hugged some more, then they were gone.

I headed back inside and looked around for my date but he was off dancing with another girl, someone he found more interesting and fun, so I sat in my chair at the table making small talk with a couple I didn’t know. Mia and Veronica were dancing as well. I decided to have more cake until my friends returned.

I kept glancing at the handsome couple as they made their way across the dance floor, but this time instead of going around again like they did before, they seem to have slowed down and were dancing in place not far from me. My eyes landed on the gorgeous man. He was watching me intently while listening to what the woman was saying. I quickly lowered my eyes and shoved another bite of cake into my mouth, which suddenly tasted like sawdust. I peeked at him from under my lashes to see that they moved on, but he was still looking at me.

My friends made it back to the table babbling about the dance and hot guys and what a beautiful bride Jenna was. I participated in the conversation, but wasn’t fully engaged since I kept thinking of the magnificent, handsome man with brilliant blue eyes, dirty blond hair and an intense gaze that sent goose bumps across my body and a tingly feeling in places that had not yet been explored.

“Dance with me,” a deep voice whispered in my ear, as a large hand enveloped mine and tugged me onto the dance floor. It was the gorgeous guy that I’d all but stalked for the past couple of hours. I was sure I was floating as he effortlessly guided me around the dance floor as the band sang “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack.

“Hi,” he said, as I stared into his face. I was lost for a moment in his lovely features. Sinful lips that were made for kissing, a chiseled jaw that accented his features and those brilliant blue eyes that I’d been staring at all evening.

“Hi,” I replied and quickly averted my eyes to stare at his tie which was the same color as his eyes.

“My name is Jordan. You must be the sister of the bride.”

“Yes. Yes, I am Jenna’s sister.”

“Does Jenna’s sister have a name?”

My eyes flew up to his as a blush covered my cheeks but I saw he was teasing me and smiled. God, even his teeth were perfect.

“Zoe.” I wasn’t usually tongue-tied, but this guy had me in knots. I quickly looked around the room, anywhere but at Jordan.

“Hello, lovely Zoe. David has mentioned Jenna’s little sister, but I thought you were a teenager.”

“Um, so you’re a friend of David?” I was curious that I hadn’t heard of him before. Not that I knew all of David’s friends, but I knew most of the ones that were in attendance.

“Business led us to friendship. I started my own business and David was instrumental in financing and finding investors for it. We’re cycling buddies as well.”

David was an avid cyclist. Since parts of Austin and its surrounding areas are hilly it makes for good and challenging bike rides.

“Do you live in Austin as well, Zoe?” We continued dancing and I wondered where his girlfriend was.

“No, I’m a nursing student at Baylor, but I visit Jenna often,” I explained, but still curious as to why he was dancing with me. I spotted his girlfriend off to the side looking at me with daggers in her eyes and sipping on a martini.