Accidentally Married by Victorine E. Lieske Page B

which sent them both into hysterics. His sides began to hurt, and by the time they’d settled down, he had to wipe moisture from his eyes. “I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard, ever.”
    “I didn’t think it was possible. You’re always so serious.”
    He thought about the time he and Patricia put on clown noses and rode the city bus the entire route. He’d been fourteen, she twelve, and both had been bored out of their minds. “Not always.”
    A silence settled in. After a few minutes, he heard, “Good night, Jared.”
    He smiled into the darkness. “Good night, Madison.”
     
    Chapter 13

    V eronica tapped her long nails on the marble countertop, waiting for Rosa to finish making her latte. She tugged on her silk robe, becoming impatient. It was Monday morning, and she wanted to start digging around. Jared was hiding something; she knew it.
    “Rosa, if you’d wake up earlier, you’d have time to get my morning coffee ready.” She hoped her frown and disapproving tone were enough to whip Rosa into shape. She didn’t want to fire her. It was always such a pain to interview.
    The little round woman mumbled something in Spanish and scooped the foam off the top of the drink.
    “And this is an English-only house. You know I don’t like it when you speak that foreign tongue. Then I can’t understand you.”
    Rosa handed her the mug and smoothed her apron. “I’m sorry, Señorita, but you did hire me to keep house. Making your lattes was not in my job description.”
    “No back talk.” Veronica clapped her hands twice. “Now go clean the bathroom. I’ve got work to do.”
    Rosa bustled out of the room muttering more Spanish. Veronica rolled her eyes and ignored it.
    She took a sip of her drink and let the heat slide down her throat. Much better. She sat down on the barstool in front of her laptop and typed in Jameson Technologies. Then she picked up the phone and dialed the number.
    “Yes, Mr. Jameson’s office, please.”
    Soft elevator music played on the line, and then a click. “This is Mr. Jameson’s office. How may I help you?” By the gravely sound of the voice, Veronica supposed she was talking to a heavy smoker.
    “I am a personal friend of Jared’s, and I have an embarrassing problem I’m hoping you can help me with. You see, I’m filling out the card for the wedding gift I’m giving to him and his happy bride, Madison. However, I can’t remember her last name. I was hoping you could tell me.”
    There was a long pause on the other end of the line. “Um, I think you have the wrong number. Mr. Jameson isn’t engaged. In fact, I don’t think he’s even dating.”
    Veronica sat up straighter. “No, I’m sure I have the right number. I’ve known Jared Jameson for years. And I know for a fact he’s getting married. He told me himself.”
    “Huh. Well, I haven’t heard a thing about a wedding. But you know, he did call in this morning acting strange. Said he’s taking a few days off. And he left early on Friday. In fact, he left with a woman, now that you mention it.”
    “A perky blonde with no fashion sense?”
    “I think she was blonde. I can’t really remember.”
    Frustration rose in Veronica. “And I suppose you can’t tell me her name?”
    “No. Mr. Jameson just said he was waiting for a woman, and to let her in when she arrived because she was late and he had better things to do than wait for her in the lobby. He never told me her name, and I’ve never seen her around before.”
    “Well, you’ve been no help at all.” Veronica hung up the phone and tossed it on the counter.
    How was she going to find Madison’s last name? All she knew about her was she was an aspiring actress from Crimson Ridge. She tried to think of what else Jared said, but she hadn’t been paying attention at the time.
    Where would actresses hang out in Crimson Ridge? Did they have a community theatre? She pulled up a Google screen and did a search. Bingo. Crimson Ridge Community