A Storm Is Coming Read online

  Alex didn’t have any real desire to go, but he’d made a promise. Turning on the charm that he didn’t feel, he responded, “I’ll be there at seven. See you tonight.”

  Chapter 6

  Braylee left the office a little earlier than usual. She had to meet her baby sister and her friends at a bridal shop for a fitting and then off to her therapist, Dr. Jorgensen’s Star-Fish charity benefit. Traffic had been brutal, but she still managed to arrive early.

  She pulled her pearl white Range Rover up to the valet for parking. When the attendant opened the door she stepped out, Braylee dropped the keys into his hands. She slowly lowered her Prada crystal embellished round framed sunglasses, “I know exactly how many miles are on this bad boy, so take good care of her.”

  He hoped she was just kidding but didn’t think so.

  When Braylee walked into the exclusive boutique, her mother and sister were already there. Mrs. Katherine Hinsdale automatically looked at her watch, “I didn’t think you were going to make it.”

  Braylee kissed her mother on the cheek. Somehow, she had a way of making Braylee feel as though she were still five years old. “Hey. I would have been here sooner, but traffic was terrible. However, I’m more than fifteen minutes early.”

  Mrs. Hinsdale was a stickler for punctuality, and that was where Braylee got it.

  Stephanie hugged Braylee, “Don’t mind mama. She’s just in a mood.”

  Braylee whispered into her ear, “When is she not?” As she pulled back, she asked, “Where is everybody? I thought we were all getting fitted today?”

  “Not everyone could make it, so we’re just waiting on Francine and Megan.”

  Frowning Mrs. Hinsdale answered, “You young girls have no respect for people’s time. I’m not going to be here all night waiting on them; I have things I’ve got to do.”

  As if on cue, the hostess and her assistant for the fitting, came out and introduced themselves. “Would you ladies like a glass of champagne?”

  Stephanie and Braylee spoke in unison, “Yes!”

  Moments later the assistant came back with two flutes of champagne. Braylee wasn’t a really big drinker, but she downed the entire glass. Her mother made her crazy.

  She snapped her fingers at the assistant to get her attention, “Keep them coming.”

  Stephanie was full of excitement, “There are some beautiful gowns here Braylee. I hope I can find one that I really like.”

  Braylee nodded as she sipped from a fresh glass of champagne “I hope so too. Preferably one within your budget.”

  Stephanie frowned.

  The hostess was ready and spoke, “Mrs. Hinsdale, we can take your measurements now.”

  Katherine Hinsdale seemed to have a permanent scowl on her face, “I thought the bride was supposed to be fitted first?”

  “Well, yes. But since we are still waiting for the rest of your party and Stephanie has informed me that you’re working under strict time constraints, we thought it might make sense to fit you first.”

  Stephanie plastered on an innocent smile as she nodded her confirmation.

  There was only a moment of hesitation before she went back to be fitted.

  Both Braylee and Stephanie held their breath before bursting out into laughter. “My god Braylee, it’s getting harder and harder to deal with mama. She’s almost as mean as a rattlesnake.”

  Braylee took another sip from her glass, “Mmmhmm…so what’s the real reason you wanted to get me alone?”

  “Am I that transparent?”

  “Yes.”

  Stephanie looked sheepish, “Okay, well…I’ve kind of gone over my budget for the wedding.”

  Braylee wished their differences were limited only to the physical appearance. Where Braylee was tall, and slender Stephanie was short and a little heavier or where Braylee kept her hair long and flowing, Stephanie liked the short pixie cut. Braylee would have never gone over budget. The only thing they had in common were their father’s eyes. Stephanie’s lack of responsibility and motivation drove her crazy.

  She finished the rest of her champagne and took a deep breath before responding, “How? How did you go over budget, you’ve just really started planning it?”

  “I know…I know. But…”

  “How much?”

  “I’m over about ten thousand.”

  Braylee almost choked, “Stephanie, I’ve already committed to over fifty thousand dollars on this wedding. Hell, I’ve spent more on your wedding than you have, and it’s your wedding!”

  “You know I’m not working right now and the little bit of money Maurice is making is all going towards the down payment on our house.”

  Braylee rolled her eyes, “You guys have been saving for a house for over two years now, yet somehow you’ve managed to buy a car and go on a couple of tropical vacations. I can’t even remember the last time I even took a vacation. That doesn’t seem like you’re saving for a house to me. What about his parents?”

  “Well, mom and dad aren’t able to financially help, so we didn’t think it was fair to ask his parents for money either.”

  Braylee was seething, “I’m not a bank, Stephanie.” She was ready to ring her neck but just as she was about to lay into her baby sister, Francine and Megan arrived.

  They walked into the boutique doubled over with raucous laughter.

  Francine spoke first, “Hey Girl…Braylee.”

  Megan spotted the champagne on the settee and grabbed one, “Ooohhh…drinks. Heeeey Stephanie!” She didn’t speak to Braylee at all.

  Stephanie was happy her friends had interrupted. No one wanted to deal with the wrath of Braylee, “Hey y’all.”

  It was no secret that Braylee couldn’t stand Megan and Francine either. She went to sit on the sofa as Stephanie and her friends squealed and laughed and acted like obnoxious school girls.

  To say she was angry was an understatement. Stephanie might have been given a moment of reprieve, but she was going to have to set that girl straight.

  The hostess came out, “Ms. Braylee Hinsdale, we’re ready for you now.”

  Two hours later, after acquiring a massive headache, and writing a check to Stephanie Hinsdale for ten thousand dollars and the bridal boutique for an additional two thousand dollars, this little outing was finally over.

  *****

  Alex had just finished getting dressed when his niece peeked around the corner. “Don’t just hide out back there come on in.”

  Cecily shyly walked into his room, “You look nice Uncle Alex.”

  “Thank you, beautiful. What’s going on?”

  “Well…Fabi is forcing me to go to the movies with him tonight.”

  “That should be fun…right?”

  She shrugged her shoulders, “I’m just not really in the mood.”

  What was he supposed to say to that? He didn’t blame her. The kid had just lost her only parent. He didn’t feel like going to this benefit either. But, was forcing himself. Life had to go on.

  “Kiddo…I know this is hard for you…it’s hard for all of us. But, your father wouldn’t want us to stop living. You know him…out of all of us, he was so full of life.”

  Cecily ran into his arms as her tears began to flow, “But, I miss him so much Uncle Alex.”

  He smoothed her hair, “I know you do, and so do I. Maybe I should cancel my engagement and you, Fabi, and I can just hang out?”

  She pulled back as she wiped her tears, “No. We’ve made commitments. We can’t break them. Plus, Daddy would always say in difficult times, put one foot in front of the other.”

  Alexandro’s throat almost closed up on him. Cecily was already so much like Luciano because that is exactly what he would say.

  Another voice joined them, “Hey, what’s going on in here? Why wasn’t I invited to the party?” Fabi, a younger and smaller version of Alex entered the bedroom. From a distance, they could have been twins, the dark hair, the eyes, and the devastating smile. Although, Fabi wasn’t as tall or as wel
l defined as Alex he was still a very handsome man.

  Alex smiled, “Because I’m the cooler uncle, and this is my room.” Looking deeply into his niece’s eyes, “You sure you’re okay?”

  Although Cecily smiled it reach her eyes, “I’m fine now. I hope you have a great time tonight at your benefit.”

  Alex would have much preferred to be with Cecily and Fabi at the movies or better still staying home.

  Chapter 7

  The charity benefit for Dr. Jorgensen’s Star-Fish Not-for-Profit was being held at the Museum of Contemporary Art. It appeared to be in full swing by the time Braylee’s limousine pulled up to the entrance.

  She’d made up her mind that she wasn’t going to stay long. As soon as the silent auction was over she was leaving. If Dr. Jorgensen hadn’t cajoled her into coming, she would have been at home with a glass of wine relaxing. However, over the years he’d been very supportive of her philanthropic efforts, so it was only right to return the favor.

  Braylee strolled into the benefit alone. Best decision she’d made all week. If she had brought a plus one, that would mean she would have had to entertain a guest and prolong her stay. That was the last thing she wanted to do. It took everything within her not to just hand Dr. Jorgensen a check.

  As she walked into the main room, all the movers and shakers in the Chicagoland area seemed to be in attendance. The women wore beautiful gowns and the men were decked out in their tuxedos.

  While Braylee hadn’t spent the week planning for this event, she had to admit she didn’t look to shabby herself. She wore a strapless plum mermaid dress with Swarovski crystals and amethyst hand sewn asymmetrically onto the top half of the close fitting bodice. The dress hugged her curves down through the hips to about the lower calf where the dress flared out. She’d worn her hair up in a messy up do with a couple of tendrils falling softly onto her face.

  She gave the attendant her invitation.

  He’d read her name on it and apparently it meant something. “Ms. Hinsdale, I am supposed to escort you to Dr. Jorgensen the moment you arrive.”

  Braylee nodded and followed the gentleman over to an exclusive area that had been sectioned off for special guests of Dr. Jorgensen and his Star-Fish Not-for-Profit members.

  He noticed her before she noticed him.

  “Braylee!” He waved and then held his arms out to her as she walked toward him. Dr. Jorgensen chastely kissed her on each cheek, “I’m so glad you could make it. Wow…you, look stunning.”

  Too exhausted for her smile to reach her eyes, Braylee did what she normally did at these things. She pulled on her inner girlfriend, The Mask. She could smile on cue and feigned enthusiasm she didn’t actually feel. “Dr. Jorgensen, you know I wouldn’t have missed your event for the world.”

  He beamed at her, “Please, tonight, call me Michael. Have you had any champagne? I’m really happy you were able to make it.”

  Dr. Jorgensen had been her therapist for several years, so she didn’t feel comfortable calling him by his first name. And, did his voice drop? Of course, that had to be her imagination. She ignored that little nagging feeling and nodded, “Not yet but I’d love a glass.” Braylee turned in a half circle and motioned her arms around the room, “It appears your event is a rousing success. You should be so proud.”

  Snapping at a waiter to get his attention, Dr. Jorgensen grabbed a glass of champagne off of a tray and gave it to Braylee.

  He smiled brightly, “Yes. It does seem so. We’ll find out tonight when we determine how generous the attendees are. In the meantime, there are some people I’d like to introduce you to.” He placed Braylee’s arm in the crook of his. The Mask didn’t slip, but Braylee hoped and prayed this was an innocent gesture.

  After meeting several of Michael’s friends and other members of his Not for Profit, her hopes were slowly vanishing. The Mask spoke to her and said, “Girl…now you know you’ve got to nip this in the bud.”

  Dr. Michael Jorgensen wasn’t the least bit Braylee’s type. Even, dressed up in a tux there wasn’t a spark or any physical attraction. And, for kicks and giggles, let’s say she could get over towering over him, the balding, and the lisp…he was her therapist for heaven’s sake. This man knew all of her deep, dark and dirty secrets. Would dating even be ethical? Braylee didn’t want to have to find a new therapist.

  The Mask was still composed, but her insides were churning. She couldn’t help but hope that it was the alcohol making a mush out of her brain, and her instincts were completely out of whack.

  Michael moved his hands to the small of her back to guide her toward another couple, “Braylee, I’d like to introduce you to one more person if you don’t mind.”

  “Of course not, Dr. Jorgensen.” She refused to call him Michael.

  The closer they made it to the couple, the more familiar the gentleman with the dark-haired beauty became. His back was to her. However, that dark hair, the tilt of his head and those broad shoulders were unmistakable.

  Michael spoke, “Excuse me? Jeanine?”

  Alexandro Manchetti turned just as a beautiful brunette with striking green eyes smiled at Michael. The Mask thought that she and Alex made an incredible looking pair. Braylee hated the beauty on site.

  He was dressed in an immaculate tux that fit him to perfection, and his date with the thick hair the same color of his that fell into waves over her bare shoulders. She could use a tan though. That skin was way too pale. The Mask didn’t reflect a hint of Braylee’s cattiness as she giggled to herself. However, her dress was stunning. She had to give credit where credit was due. Jeanine looked like an Oscar in her shimmering gold form fitting dress. As a matter of fact, both of them could be the couple on top of a wedding cake.

  Michael’s voice brought Braylee back from her private thoughts, “Jeanine Willows, I’d like to introduce you to Attorney, Braylee Hinsdale. Braylee, Jeanine is a charter member of our Star-Fish Not-for-Profit.”

  She extended her hand, “Hello…Braylee. I love your dress...it looks absolutely stunning on you.” Jeanine winked at Michael as if to say nice date.

  Braylee ignored it, smiled and extended her hand as well, “Thank you and congratulations on a successful event.”

  “Let me introduce my date for the evening, Alexandro Manchetti, this is Dr. Michael Jorgensen and…I’m sorry I forgot your name just that quickly.”

  Did she really try to play Braylee like that? Why yes she did. “No worries Jeanine…its attorney Braylee Hinsdale.”

  “Yes, yes…of course. My apologies again.”

  Braylee would put money on the fact that Jeanine didn’t forget her name. When she looked up at Alexandro, he was staring at her.

  Although, Alex and Michael shook hands, he never took his eyes away from Braylee.

  “Nice to meet you...” he paused as if he’d also forgotten his name, “Mr. Jorgensen.”

  Michael frowned. He obviously didn’t like the way Alex was looking at Braylee. He cleared his throat, “Dr. Michael Jorgensen.”

  Alex seemed to snap out of it and looked at his host for the very first time. “Excuse me. My apologies, Dr. Jorgensen. Ms. Hinsdale and I are already acquainted.”

  Jeanine lifted a brow, and her smile looked forced. She didn’t like that at all, “Well…it’s really a small world isn’t it? How do you two know each other?”

  Alex’s hearty voice was doing weird things to Braylee’s senses. She was surprised at how indifferent her voice appeared. Thank god for The Mask, “Alex and I are working together.”

  Jeanine seemed to relax visibly, “Oh, you’re going to be working with him at his firm?”

  Braylee didn’t know how much he wanted anyone to know, so she didn’t respond; she deferred to him.

  “Yes, Braylee’s law firm has been retained to handle some matters for Manchetti Enterprises.”

  There was a ridiculous amount of tension in their little circle, so it was a relief when the party planner interrupted their conversation, “Excuse me, Mr. Jo
rgensen and Ms. Willows…the auctioneer requests your presence as it is almost time for the silent auction.”

  Jeanine and Michael looked at each other. It was obvious neither of them wanted to leave their dates alone with each other. However, reluctantly, they excused themselves.

  Once they were alone, Alex spoke candidly, “I hate these things.”

  Braylee laughed. It was a throaty sound, “So…do…I. But, Star-Fish does some amazing work, and that makes this little shindig worth it.”

  There it was again, his heart stopping smile. Braylee didn’t know what the hell was wrong with her. She had never in her life been this affected by a man she barely knew.

  It had to be the champagne. That was enough, no more champagne for her. She placed what was remaining in her glass on a nearby table. Between what she’d had at the bridal fitting and now at this party, it was obviously way too much. It had her losing her mind.

  He stood a little closer and whispered in her ear, “If I was remiss earlier, I must say…you look incredible.”

  She breathed in the scent of his cologne that was a rich musky fragrance mixed with just…him. The Mask slipped. The real Braylee wanted to come out to play, but she wouldn’t since he was obviously here with his girlfriend. She respected boundaries.

  Yet, his nearness made her stomach quiver. Braylee backed up just a step and looked into those intense dark eyes. Her words seemed stuck in her throat. Somehow she managed to speak, “You don’t look half bad yourself, Mr. Manchetti.”

  Lisa mentioned that Alexandro wasn’t dating seriously. Obviously, she didn’t know what she was talking about. Had he been single and not a client of hers, Braylee may have for the first time in her life been interested in releasing some stress with this gorgeous man.

  Sadly, she wondered if her Violator had fresh batteries. And, it was a good thing she’d brought it home because Braylee would need them after tonight.

  Alexandro wasn’t unaffected either. His fingers were itching to touch that smooth caramel skin that seemed to glow. How could she possibly be here with that little balding doctor? The little geek had been standing so close to her with his hand on the small of her back as if staking a claim. What could she possibly see in him? It couldn’t have been the money, she had her own.