Hiding in Plain Sight
Cristina and David's wedding had been the occasion of the year. The guests on the wide, flat-glass-bottom boats, wearing elegant and luxurious clothing, had stood and enthusiastically cheered for the couple, tossing flower petals as they moved toward the dance floor.
Now, petals littered the water, illuminated by soft turquoise lighting beneath the crystal depths, looking like living confetti within a surreal illumination. Many of the guests moved toward the movable docks prepared for the reception, while others transitioned to large party boats anchored alongside.
The Lances, as a family, had boarded one of these luxury sailboats. It was one of Blue Serene's premier rental boats, and it sat upon the crystalline waters like a marvelous jewel. The family was still reeling from meeting Albert Cummings. Samuel had already checked into the man and found that he had flipped a small inheritance into a billion-dollar fortune through cryptocurrency. When he told Virginia, she had merely tutted and looked at the man with deep-seated suspicion.
Samuel trusted his sister's instincts and now looked at the man whom his older sister held onto with pride with suspicion of his own. He stood next to his wife, responding to conversation as need be, but with his eye continually on Albert Cummings.
Then, Amber and Dan entered. Jessica moved toward her sister, pulling Albert with her. "Amber Ann, Dan. Please, I want you to meet my Albert. Albert, this is my sister Amber Ann and her husband, Dan."
Virginia stiffened as she caught a slight hesitation in the man. She narrowed her eyes as he smoothly shifted and smiled at Dan. Was he an operative? The transition was a classic move to hide inner intention. She frowned more. An operative with an agenda that included Amber or Dan? She forced herself to calm down. Virginia told herself that Jessica had clearly told the man about Dan, and this was likely just some sort of jealous reaction when meeting him.
"Dan Trace! I wondered if you were the influencer. I have read about you in Business Times." Albert looked around, realization dawning on him. "Your new villas are here, aren't they?"
Amber had stiffened, her hand falling protectively onto her baby bump. She had never truly thought about how being on social media could bring total strangers so far into one's life. She refused to look at the lake house, deciding right then that they would be moving before the baby came.
She put a smile on her face and responded with adoration. "He is quite spectacular, isn't he? It is so nice to meet you, Albert." She looked at the large yellow diamond on Jessica's finger. "And welcome to the family! Congratulations, Jessica."
The two sisters embraced, and both Albert and Dan watched with loving smiles. Virginia and Samuel exchanged knowing glances. Amber pulled away and gently touched her sister's belly. "Did you schedule the delivery yet? They seem anxious to meet everyone."
Before Jessica could answer, their mother stepped forward, a wide smile on her face and a dry martini in her hand. "She refuses to tell us, Amber. Can't you ask Gladys, Amber? I would really love to be there."
"Mother, the Patricks decided to have this be a private moment. We have to respect that."
Angelica Lance pursed her lips, and Damon Sr. touched her arm, about to reassure her, but Albert spoke first, his hand landing gently on Jessica's belly. "Don't worry, Mrs. Lance. I will be there, and I will send you pictures of the twins and keep you updated."
Angelica gasped. "How wonderful. Call me Mom, dear boy. Jessica, he will take good care of you, I can see that. Make sure I get plenty of pictures. I have not spoken to Gladys's mom yet, but I am determined to be in these children's lives."
"Don't worry about that, Mrs. Lance. Jessica has already promised me that she would give me at least three of my own." He kissed Jessica lovingly, and she beamed. Angelica gasped again and began hugging them both.
Dan smiled at all of it while Amber, Damon Sr., Samuel, and Virginia all frowned. Amber was the first to shake herself from the seeming trap as Cristina and David entered the main reception area. She pulled a handful of flower petals from her sheer turquoise satchel and began throwing them with all her might. Dan joined her to her right, and then Albert and Jessica to her left.
Albert leaned into her ear and whispered, "I hope I can count on you and Virginia to help me plan the wedding. I was thinking we could have it three or four months after Jessica delivers."
Amber froze for a split second, an odd chill traveling down her spine. "Of course." The words were a reflex, and she didn't look at the man when she spoke. Why were warning bells going off? Did she distrust her sister so much that she was only seeing schemes?
She itched to look at Virginia or Samuel, but instinct told her not to.
At the same time, Albert Cummings was observing her attentively. He saw the stutter in her movement and he felt the suspicion surrounding him. He wanted to laugh because he could tell that they mostly blamed their instinctual reactions on perceived notions about Jessica.
He put his arm around Jessica lightly and kissed her cheek. She was a beautiful shield, and he was going to cherish her forever. He was going to enjoy hiding in plain sight.