Her Inconvenient Groom by Niomie Roland
Chapter 17
The jewelry shop they were standing in was certainly nothing like the kind of place Dustin entered occasionally when he was in the States, places that offered just a handful of truly good pieces among a slew of knickknacks and overly bright junk. The only jewelry store he’d ever been to was the one where he’d bought Jen’s engagement ring.
He shoved aside that intrusive thought.
They were standing in the midst of a small boutique, one that was perfectly happy with its discreet décor and muted tones. It didn’t need to brag or shout: it allows for its pieces to speak for themselves. Because the gems that had been artfully arranged in their cases, ensconced in velvet, were so obviously exquisite that the words ‘king’s ransom’ sprang to mind.
Dustin and Chantelle had spent a lovely morning in the truly beautiful Old Town, with its narrow twisting streets and low buildings, with their arched doorways and yellow, sun-blushed facades. They strolled through cobbled streets and open-air markets, where Dustin picked up some trinkets for Kim and Arabella, and a hand-painted t-shirt for his vain brother who liked nothing more than “looking good for the lay-deez”.
Afterwards, the pair lunched on a café-terrasse that looked out onto a charming street where they did nothing for an hour but watch people stroll by. She’d introduced him to genuine Provençal cooking. Asparagus, wild mushrooms and thin-sliced country ham with lashings of garlic and fresh herbs, crusted fish with garlic aioli, and crisp baguettes with black olive tapenade.
The conversation was pleasant, and even though it hadn’t gone any deeper than the type of conversation shared by office workers whose cubicles abutted each other, Dustin enjoyed every minute of it. He was going to miss her when he left.
Now they were standing in this tiny shop, and Chantelle and the jeweler were bowed down over a velvet-covered tray of bracelets, heads close together as they discussed the merits of this piece or that. Despite his protests, he’d insisted on sending a gift for his sister.
The door chimed, and he turned instinctively to see a tall, good-looking man who Dustin assumed was in his late thirties, wearing an impeccably cut suit. The man’s golden-brown hair was neatly swept back off a high forehead, revealing lion’s eyes.
“Chantelle?” he asked, looking surprised.
She turned around, her curious expression morphing into one of delight. “William! Cher!”
She immediately abandoned the nonplussed jeweler and hurried to the man, opening her arms and embracing him in a tight hug.
Dustin felt his hackles rise.
The two kissed each other on both cheeks and then hugged again. When they finally stood apart, that stared at each other, grinning. Eventually, William asked, “It’s been a while. How long have you been back?”
She waved her hand. “A few weeks.”
Dustin was aware that this William guy was throwing him curious glances, and he found himself stepping closer to Chantelle, like a large guard dog signaling his readiness to protect his mistress at her command.
“Oh,” she said, as if suddenly remembering he was there, “I’m so sorry. Dustin, this is my childhood friend, William Dubois. Our mothers knew each other as young women. They taught at the same school. William, his brother Alex and I all went to the same private primary school.” She surprised Dustin by laying a hand on his upper arm. “William, this is my husband, Dustin.”
The other man was so taken aback he didn’t have time to cover his shocked expression. “Husband? I wasn’t aware of your marriage.” And then he mustered his equilibrium and gave Dustin a warm smile. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
Then, addressing himself to Chantelle once again, he said, “We must have you over to dinner next week. You have to meet my wife, Naisha. Sorry for not sending an invitation to my wedding, the ceremony was impromptu. Willa probably can’t remember you from your last visit.”
“She is a teenager now? I can’t wait to see how grown up she is!!” Chantelle enthused, but Dustin found himself compelled to politely decline.
“My girl has grown a lot. Very tall now and she excels in her subjects,” William said proudly.
“I’m flying back to the States in two days.” Dustin added.
William glanced at Chantelle for confirmation. “Are you also—”
“No,” she said hastily. “Dustin will be traveling alone.”
“Family business,” Dustin added helpfully. In case the guy read too much into that statement.
“Oh.” Then, “Well, what about dinner the night after tomorrow? Doable, oui?”
“We’d love that,” Chantelle assured him.
Dustin decided it was best to say nothing.
The two friends exchanged pleasantries, agreed on a time, and Dustin stood to one side as William collected a packaged order, nodded to them both, and left. Only then did Dustin feel safe to ask, “How come you told him we’re married? I thought that was need-to-know information only.” After all, she was the one who’d been furious the last time he’d let that particular cat out of the bag.
She shrugged. “That was purely strategic. The Dubois family is a pillar of the community. They’re of royal blood, and very influential in the business world. If they know of our marriage, then it could go a long way to establishing the legitimacy of this marriage for its purpose.”
“I hear you,” he said. And then after a pause, he ventured to ask, “Did you guys date when you were younger?”
She laughed off the idea. “Never. This is friendship, pure and simple.”
He wouldn’t speculate on why he was so relieved to hear that.