Captiva Ever After (Captiva Island Series #7)

“Nonsense,” Isabella said. “We must reach for the stars every time we soar.”

Maggie looked at Chelsea and rolled her eyes. She didn’t know how to tame the beast that was Isabella Barlowe. All she wanted to do was pick a band for her daughter and son’s weddings, not pretend they were in their twenties.

Maggie bit her lip, contemplating the situation. “Okay, ladies, we need to remember that we’re here for the band, not to crash a wedding. Let’s respect their privacy and stay where we’re supposed to.”

It was no use. The more Maggie preached to her friends, the more she believed they were going to follow Isabella’s direction. The woman had become the unofficial leader of the group and Maggie was certain she’d have no control over the situation.

“Listen, Joshua told his friend that Maggie Moretti was coming to hear his band. I’m sure he didn’t tell the guy that a group of out of control women were going to crash the wedding. Wherever you can, just stay off to the side and away from the craziness and you’ll be fine,” Chelsea whispered.

Maggie nodded and tried to smile. Even though she wanted everyone to be respectful she also didn’t want to appear like a wet blanket. She wanted to have a good time and wanted as much for her daughter who hadn’t had a night out like this in months.

Sarah, however, was Maggie’s daughter and knew how to behave. With images in her head of Isabella dancing on top of a table, Maggie took a deep breath and got out of the limousine.

Chelsea followed her and Carlo didn’t let her get far before he handed her his card. “In case you ever need a limousine, I thought you should have my card.”

The implication was obvious. He was hitting on her, and Chelsea, although flattered, raced to walk inside the hotel with her friends.

“Did I see what I thought I saw? Was Carlo hitting on you?” Maggie asked.

“It’s been a while, but I think that’s exactly what just happened,” Chelsea said, fanning her face.

The women followed the music which filled the entire first floor of the hotel. Isabella was already dancing in the lobby, signaling the other women to follow her lead.

Sarah looked at Riley and Iris. “I understand the temptation, but we should respect the couple’s wishes. Let’s enjoy the band from the bar area. We can still have an amazing time without crossing any boundaries.”

Maggie loved hearing her daughter’s voice of reason.

“Sarah’s right. Let’s head over to that bar. There are plenty of seats for all of us.”

Everyone followed Maggie. Even Isabella tried her best to lower her passion for excitement. They ordered drinks and the bartender put out a few bowls of pretzels and peanuts. Within minutes, everyone had a drink in their hand.

Ciara, who had been quietly listening, couldn’t help but laugh at Isabella’s antics.

“You have to admit, Isabella knows how to have a good time. It wouldn’t hurt for us to pump up the adventure. I don’t mind hanging back here at the bar, but it’s hard to stay seated with the beat of that music calling us to dance.”

Shocked at Ciara’s words, Maggie laughed as she looked at her sister-in-law. “I didn’t know you had a wild side, Ciara. You’ve been holding back all this time.”

“Ciara, you and I are going to be good friends,” Isabella said.

The pulsating rhythm of the band’s music washed over the women and Ciara got up from the bar stool and started to dance in place. Isabella joined her and the two women looked like they were at a bachelorette party.

Isabella, undeterred by their uninvited status, led the charge towards the reception room. “Ladies let’s make our presence known. Tonight, we’re not just spectators; we’re part of the rhythm of life.”

“Is she crazy? Does she really walk around every day talking like this? I mean, I feel like I’m watching a coming of age movie. She is our age, right?” Chelsea asked.

Maggie shrugged. “Honestly, I never know if she’s got something to teach us or if she’s just plain nuts and we’re bonkers for following her.”

Iris followed Riley, who followed Ciara, who followed Isabella, while Sarah, Chelsea and Maggie watched the conga line dance into the middle of the dance floor.

“I know you said I should stay back and off to the side, but it looks like they’re having more fun than us, and that can’t happen,” Maggie said, the twinkle in her eye catching Sarah and Chelsea off guard.

“Okay, if my mother gives me permission, I guess I have to obey. What about you, Chelsea?” Sarah asked.

“You two aren’t leaving me here with all these senior citizens. Let’s go.”

They caught up with the conga line and Maggie reached for Iris. The line of seven women excited the crowd.

A couple on the dance floor, caught up in the infectious spirit, invited the wedding party to join the line. After that, the conga line was so large it filled the entire room.