The Beast of Napa

19 - Competition

"It's all my fault, my dear," Patrick said, sighing over his mint julep. "Had I known that James would have been such a brute to you, I swear --"

"It's quite alright, Patrick," Catriona said, wiping off the sweat of her glass as they sat together on the back porch. "Everything worked out."

"It's not alright at all," he replied. "I feel quite terrible for it. And not to mention Nathaniel finding you out and being - well - the prideful man that he is..."

Catriona didn't object even though she wanted to defend him. The beast had reprimanded her for only trying to help him, and after their discussion in his office, he hadn't spoken a word to her. He had barely left his office for three nights now, and whenever she passed them in the hall, he pretended she wasn't there.

Patrick, on the other hand, had been practically glued to her.

"You don't need to make it up to me," she continued. "You've already done so much. The fabric, the clothes, the job training –"

"And I'd hate for it to all go to waste. You have a lot to offer, my dear."

Catriona tried not to visibly roll her eyes, not because Patrick was giving a false compliment, but because she knew that whatever she had to offer wouldn't be seen by Griffin anyways. Rose was the one everyone would look at.

"Say, I have an idea," Patrick said, slapping his thigh and putting his drink down on the table. "Why don't you be my date for Nathaniel's party?"

"Date? Party?"

He nodded. "A lot of prospective clients will be there. You can even make your own dress and show it off. There will be plenty of business owners there as well, making it the perfect business opportunity for you, and it's a great way to make a name for yourself. It also gives me the chance to make it up to you."

Catriona thought about it for a long moment, the sweat on her glass mixing with her own sweat on her palms. She couldn't help but remember the way Griffin had disapproved of her attempts to help him, and yet still, there was still something in her that wanted him to see her as someone with potential and skill. she wanted him to see her as much as he saw —

"Rose!" Patrick cried with delight. "Please join us."

Catriona looked over her shoulder as Rose came onto the porch, her cream sundress and floral summer scarf the image of soft feminine beauty. Rose gave them both a warm smile as she sauntered over and took a hard look at the picture of mint julep.

"I suppose it would be a shame to let that extra glass go to waste, wouldn't it?" she said, pouring herself a glass and sipping it. "What are you two troublemakers talking about?"

"Nathaniel's party," Patrick said, "I just asked Catriona to be my date."

Rose rolled her eyes. "God help her."

"What? I'm a charming escort."

"Charm can get you to some dangerous places," Rose replied flatly, taking another sip.

"Will you do me a favor, Rose?" Patrick said. "This will be Catrinoa's first large party. Will you help her prepare for the occasion?"

Rose eyed Catriona for a moment, pursing her lips as she thought. Catriona couldn't help but feel small under her gaze, even though there was nothing condescending in it. She simply felt that way around Rose every time they were in the same room together.

Rose finally nodded. "I'd love to. How about I finish this drink and we can sort through what you have?"

After a round of drinks and conversation, Rose accompanied Catriona to her shared room.