Amandine and Gavin glanced at each other. Gavin said, “No.”
“Great. Why don’t we do lunch together today? Our cook got the most gorgeous haul of seafood from local fishermen, and he’s going to serve it all today at lunch since we’re leaving tonight.”
“So soon?” Gavin asked.
“We’ve been here for a week,” Damien said. “And Victoria has a meeting with her publisher in New York.”
“Come over to our place around eleven,” Victoria said. “Let’s catch up” —she turned to Amandine with a smile— “and get to know each other.”
Chapter Thirteen
THE HOUSE THE KIRKS WERE STAYING AT was much more modern in aesthetics than the Lloyds’ property. The construction material consisted of glass, marble, chrome and sea-green tiles. Whoever designed it didn’t do it for families with children, and why would a rocker like Steve Freeman think of children? A quick google search she’d done to make sure she didn’t embarrass herself before her husband’s friends revealed he hadn’t even claimed his son Damien until the latter was well into his thirties.
Amandine wore a light pink silk dress and white sandals after a long debate with herself. Gavin seemed very close to Damien, and she wanted to make a good impression. Gavin put on a simple pale blue polo shirt and khaki shorts, revealing strong arms and legs dusted with wiry hair. Must be nice to be able to wear anything, she thought with a half-envious, half-dreamy sigh. It didn’t matter that he wasn’t in his fancy European suit. He looked scrumptious no matter what he wore—or didn’t.
The couple came out to greet Amandine and Gavin. Victoria had light makeup on, just some mascara and lip-gloss. Her cute sleeveless white dress set off her golden tan. The scent of shampoo and soap lingered on her skin from a recent shower.
Damien was in a white shirt, about a third of the way unbuttoned. Casual khakis and bare feet made him look at home and comfortable. He took a bottle of wine from Gavin, while his wife hugged Gavin and Amandine.
“Come on in,” Victoria said. “I hope you don’t mind the mess. We’re doing the last minute packing.”
Three black cello cases sat like mini-hills in a large living room with an ocean view. A cello rested on its side, a bow balanced on top, next to a white concert grand piano. The room smelled faintly of wood and metal. Several electric guitars gleamed in glass cases mounted high on the walls. The sound system was playing some classical piece that Amandine didn’t recognize. The place was obviously decorated for musicians, and she felt like she was in an unfamiliar world.
“We set things up on the second floor. It’s got a better view,” Damien said. “Is this your first time in Thailand?”
Amandine nodded.
“You’re in for a treat. The food here is incredible.” Victoria made a face. “I gain weight every time we come.”
Her husband wrapped his arm around her waist. “Darling, it just means more of you to love.”
She laughed and slapped his hand playfully.
Envy shot through Amandine, so sharp and unexpected that she almost gasped. It was obvious Damien adored his wife. His love for her was in his eyes, his voice, and his smile. Was it because they were so much alike? They both seemed very successful, and well-educated. What did Amandine have in common with Gavin? He had the world at his feet, her extraordinary husband. She on the other hand was painfully ordinary.
The Kirks led Amandine and Gavin to the dining area upstairs. It jutted over the back of the house, with three glass walls facing the ocean. A few gray clouds were scudding on the horizon.
Damien gestured around the circular table. “Please, hav
e a seat.”
Amandine took one of the comfortable high-backed teak chairs, and Victoria sat next to her with Damien on the other side of her.
Gavin uncorked the bottle of wine he’d brought and poured for everyone except Amandine, who opted for a fresh mango and pineapple smoothie.
Victoria took a sip and closed her eyes. “Mmm.” She glanced at Amandine. “You sure you don’t want any?”
“I’m, uh…” Ah, what the heck. People were going to find out about her baby soon enough. Amandine shrugged with a shy smile. “I’m expecting.”
The Kirks immediately erupted into joyous congratulations. Gavin grinned and said, “You can’t tell anybody. We haven’t even told my mom yet.”
Damien nodded. “Then our lips are sealed.” He held Victoria’s hand on the table.
“How far along are you?” Victoria asked.
“Only a couple of months.”
“How exciting! Let us know if it’s a boy or a girl, so we can send you some things.”