She shook her head. Brad was Brad, no matter how he dressed. That much she was sure of.
Heather had arched her brows at Sams response. I think appearance is extremely important. Some women, especially older ones, dont set any standards for themselves at all. Im always careful to wear the right clothes and makeup and watch my weight. I count every calorie. I think its worth it, dont you, Brad?
Brads gaze wandered over Heathers magnificent figure. Sure, sweetheart.
Heather beamed.
A waiter passed by with a dessert tray, and Sam resisted an urge to seize a slice of strawberry torte and stuff it down Heathers throat. Instead she told herself that Heather probably hadnt meant to imply that Sam was old and fat. Forcing herself to smile politely, she asked, So, how did you two meet?
At the RiversWare Run, Brad said. Heather loves to run and enters competitions whenever she can.
Heather sipped her drink. Do you run, Samantha?
Not if I can avoid it. Sam tried to remember exactly when the RiversWare Run had been. About four months ago, she was pretty sure. That wasnt very long.
Running doesnt appeal to everyone, Heather said in a kindly manner. I like to try something different once in a while, too. Like in-line skating. I started just a few weeks ago. Brad says Im a real fast learner.
Heathers amazing on skates, Brad interjected. Ive never seen anyone as graceful as she is.
Heather smiled modestly. In-line skatings very easy. Even the biggest klutz imaginable can do it.
Sam cant, Brad announced cheerfully.
Sams fingernails curled into her napkin.
Heathers eyes widened. You cant?
Sam could barely stay upright on skates and usually wouldnt have minded admitting it. But something about the blondes incredulous blue eyes made Sam say, Of course I can. She looked past Heather to the approaching waiter. Oh, here comes our food.
Brad wasnt diverted, however. Releasing Heathers hand so the waiter could put their plates down, he stared at Sam. Since when? That time I took you skating, you almost fell on your face.
That was a long time ago. Ive improved, Sam lied. She remembered the time he referred to very well. It had been a high school fund-raiser, and shed been falling all over the place until Brad came to her rescue. Hed helped her up and held her uprightuntil someone brushed by them, knocking her off balance. Legs and arms sprawling, theyd both ended up on the floor. Tangled together, theyd started laughing uncontrollably. By the end of the evening, theyd both had more bruises than two boxersnot to mention a bad case of the hiccups.
Unfortunately, I cant go skating very often, Sam added as she cut a bite of chicken and swished it in mango-chili sauce. Helping at Jeanettes shop takes up all my time.
I work, too, Heather said. But I still find time to exercise.
Keeping fit is very important in Heathers business, Brad explained. Shes an actress.
Heather preened. I just had a part in a special TV movie called Baywatchthe California Reunion.
Oh, really? Sam had never watched the show, but she knew it was something about lifeguards at the beach. That must have been exciting.
Yes, it was. David Hasselhoff himself rescued me when a great white shark attacked the swimmers in the middle of an earthquake right after a deranged yoga instructor blew up the pier. I didnt have any speaking lines, but I did have to scream very loudly. Jim, the director, is editing the final cut of the movie right now, so Im on call. Thats why Im staying at the hotel across the street, because its close to the location shoot.
Youre not staying with Brad?
My house is too inconvenient, Brad said.
Sam, chewing on a bite of risotto with pine nuts and green chilies, was surprised but strangely relieved. The thought of him living with Heather was very distasteful. The thought of him sleeping with her
The rice and pine nuts in her stomach oscillated.
Forcing herself to keep her tone pleasant, Sam asked Heather, When will the movie be on TV?
Not for several months, Heather said. But my agent says the offers will pour in once it airs. Not that Ill accept any of them, of course.
Why not? Sam asked.
Because Im marrying Brad. I want nothing more than to be his wife, to love him and support him with every fiber of my being. And, if God is willing, I will bear his children, the precious fruit of our deep and eternal love for each other.
Sam smiled, thinking the blonde was joking. But her smile faded when she saw Brad wasnt laughing. He was gazing tenderly at his fiance´e, who gazed back worshipfully.
Sam gagged on her mango-chili sauce.
Her cough broke the spell. Are you all right? Heather asked.
Mmm. She coughed once more to clear her throat and to prevent any resumption of adoring gazing. Brad said you wanted me to design your dress.
Oh, yes, Heather said. It would mean so much to Brad and me. Do you think you can do it?
Of course, Sam said automatically. You must come to my sisters shop tomorrow and we can look through the catalogs.
Heather tapped a French-manicured nail against her chin. WellI hope you dont mindbut I would really like something unique. Something that suits my personality.