Schemes Come to Naught novel · Chapter 16 of 24

Chapter 16: The Rehearsal Dinner

Nobody had cancelled the rehearsal dinner.

I found that out at five on Thursday, when Ben told me the private room at the Bexley inn was set for sixty people.

"I called her mother myself," he said. "Told her the dinner was on and we couldn't wait to see her."

"You invited Valeria's family?"

"I invited everyone Valeria invited. She'll come. She has to keep them calm until Friday."

"And then?"

"Then you give a toast."

I looked down the hall.

Ines stood at the end of it with Carmen, both in dark dresses, speaking in low voices.

Carmen was carrying a thick book under one arm.

It was the Navarro's reservation book for August.

At seven the room was full.

Ninety staff would not fit, so Ben had invited the forty who had stood up at the all-hands.

Valeria's mother sat at the long head table in a green dress, with her son beside her.

She looked proud and nervous, and she kept turning toward the door.

Valeria walked in at ten past, in a white sheath and pearls, with her hair swept up.

She kissed her mother and squeezed her brother's shoulder.

She came to me smiling.

"You came," she said softly, and took my arm. "I knew you would. Everyone is so worried, honey. Let's make it a lovely night, and tomorrow we'll sort out the rest."

"I'd like to say a few words first."

"Of course you would."

I stood.

I tapped a fork on a water glass, and the room settled.

"Thank you for coming," I said. "I want to give back something that was loaned to me."

I took the velvet box from my coat and walked it down the table.

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