Read Charming Lily for Free Online Page B

floor.
    It was like all apartment lobbies—slate floor, a mirrored wall, rattan furniture with artificial flower arrangements on the tables. Even with the sunlight filtering through the bamboo blinds it was depressing. This whole place was so unlike either one of them. They’d moved there because she’d told Lily she would learn to love the town and the people. She was usually right about most things. What she hadn’t figured on was Matt Starr leaving Lily standing at the altar a second time.
    â€œDennis, can I talk to you for a minute?” Sadie said, sitting down across from him. Her first thought was he was handsome in a nerdy kind of way. He had beautiful eyes and an even more beautiful smile. Her second thought was he probably looked better in tweeds or jeans than he did in his tux.
    He was on his feet in an instant, his face a mask of worry. “I don’t know what to say. Matt wouldn’t . . . I know about the last time but . . . The last time I talked to him was two weeks ago, and everything was a go. I thought it was strange when there was no one to pick me up at the airport. I think something happened to him. How is Lily? Jesus, this must be like a scene in a horror movie for her. Twice and by the same guy. Dammit, this is not something Matt Starr would do. You should understand, Sadie. You and Lily have been friends since you were little children. You know everything there is to know about each other. That’s the way it is with Matt and me. I know I sound like a broken record, but Matt simply would not do this. Something must have happened to him.”
    â€œSomething happened all right. Your buddy got cold feet like he did the first time. Don’t try to defend him. This is unconscionable. How much time does it take to make a phone call? Seconds. If your buddy didn’t have the guts to talk to Lily, he could have put a note under the door. I think the guy is gutless is what I think. I really don’t care to hear anything else about him. As to how Lily is, she’s . . . she’s none of your damn business. You can tell that to your buddy, too. She’ll do just fine because she’s a . . . fine person, unlike some people I would rather not mention. This whole thing was so humiliating. I was only in the wedding party, and I was humiliated. Who does that man think he is? Because he’s rich and the media has him snapping at Bill Gates’s heels doesn’t give him the right to do this to my friend. It’s beyond cruel. You tell him that for me,” Sadie said angrily. “Wherever you’re going, have a safe trip.”
    â€œWhy are you yelling at me? This isn’t my fault. Sadie, listen to me. I’m telling you, something must have happened. Matt isn’t anything like what you said. He loves Lily. All he wants to do is talk about her, day and night. In my opinion, he’s never been happier. He told me all about their plans, their hopes and dreams. I’m telling you, something happened to him . Why don’t you believe that? I think I’m going to file a police report,” he said, jerking at the bow tie at his neck.
    â€œYou do that! You have to wait forty-eight hours before the police will even talk to you. If you do file one, don’t bother either of us with the results. Read my lips, we don’t want to know anything about Matt Starr. Not now, not ever. I don’t want you calling Lily and upsetting her any more than she is already. Are we clear on that?”
    Sadie stomped off to the elevator. She didn’t look back.
    Sadie opened the door in time to see Lily stuffing her wedding apparel into large trash bags. She looked grim and brittle. She stepped aside as Lily drop-kicked the trash bag in the general direction of the door.
    â€œI’m sorry about the expense of your gown and all, Sadie. I’ll pay you back.”
    â€œYou will not. I’m taking this gown to Australia with me. I’m sure at