whenever I mentioned Hutch or his restaurant, Morrison Hotel, William found something else to talk about. I sighed heavily, turning my attention back to the proposal on the screen in front of me. Men and their egos—even if William was pretty cute when he was jealous.
I clicked to open a new window just as my cell rang. I didn’t recognize the number, so I answered, “This is Catherine Kelly.”
“Catherine, it’s Abigail Smith. William’s aunt.”
I smiled. “Hi Abigail. William said you wanted me to call you.
“Well, I thought I’d better call you first thing since I’m giving you such short notice. It’s unforgivably rude of me, I know. But I’d love for you to come to Lauren’s baby shower on Saturday.”
I didn’t hesitate. “Thank you for inviting me. I’d love to come.”
“I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner. I’m just not used to William having a...a woman in his life.”
“Well, you’re very sweet to think of me.” I glanced at the image on the monitor and had an idea. “Do you have a photographer for the event?”
“No. Do you think I should hire a photographer?” Abigail sounded a little worried now. I could almost see her pulling out a pen and a pad of paper. “Who do you recommend?”
“Actually, I’d be happy to do it. That’s if you want me to.”
“Catherine, that would be lovely. Yes. Absolutely. Thank you so much for offering. But you must promise to enjoy yourself too.”
“I will.”
“Wonderful. I’ll see you Saturday then. One o’clock at The Drake, which is just a short walk from William’s, as you know.”
After I hung up, I realized I’d forgotten to ask whether Lauren was having a girl or a boy. I’d have to call Abigail back later and ask.
I lost myself in my work for another hour and then my cell rang again, loud in the stark silence. I jumped and grabbed it. I didn’t recognize this number either. “Catherine Kelly.”
“Catherine, this is Lauren Matthews.”
“Lauren, hi.” I was a little thrown by Lauren calling me directly. We were hardly close, but I took it for what it was, a chance to get to know William’s cousin—and to ask her first hand about the baby.
“I just talked to my mother, and she said you’re coming to the shower. I’m so glad.”
“Thanks. I’m happy to be included. It was sweet of you to think of me.”
“And thank you so much for offering to take photos. I really appreciate it. Mom and I hadn’t even thought to have the shower photographed. There’s just so much to think about.”
“I’m happy to. Congratulations, by the way. William says you’re due in June.”
“Yes! Can you believe it? I feel like I’ve been pregnant forever.”
I hadn’t had a lot of experience with friends being pregnant, so I didn’t know what to say to that. “I’m sure it will go by faster than you think,” I offered.
“You’re probably right. Right now I’m just excited to see my sisters this weekend. Sarah and Zoe are both coming.”
“I don’t think I’ve met Zoe.”
“Right. That’s actually why I’m calling, sort of. Look, Catherine, I feel like I should warn you.” Lauren’s tone became hesitant. “Zoe can be, um, a bit of a handful.”
What the hell did that mean? “Okay.”
“She’s really sweet. I love her to pieces, but when it comes to William, she gets a little intense.”
Intense. Right . “Intense how?”
“They’re so close, you know, and sometimes they just rub each other the wrong way and it can, well, escalate. They’ve always been like that. Ever since we were kids.”
I was at a loss. William had never mentioned anything like this to me. Now I was getting nervous. “I’m sure we’ll get along great.”
“Yeah, that’s the right attitude. Thanks, Catherine. And see you Saturday, okay?”
I hung up and stared at my cell for a long moment. That was a little odd. Now I was beyond curious and—if I were being honest—a little worried about meeting Zoe.