Page 24

chapter 9

The comment hit a raw nerve and also properly stole her breath. Grace heard Chloe gasp, and even Reece turned to frown at his brother in obvious condemnation. She managed not to react, at least outwardly, and give Jeremy that satisfaction. She could see he was looking for one, studying her.You fucking bastard.Grief and sadness surged. She hid it well, but she felt sick.

“Grace? Let’s go to my office,” Mark invited wisely.

Not trusting her voice, she nodded and followed him. Once there were only three of them, Chloe felt obliged to pull her into a hug. It was predictably awkward.

“I’m sorry, Grace. That was a low blow even for him.”

“Yeah.” It was nasty and cruel, designed to make her bleed. Grace did not point it out; it was enough for her to know. “What pissed him off so bad? And why didn’t you tell me about Reece when you called me the other day?”

“Well…” Chloe squirmed, and she cast her husband a quick glance for help.

“Chloe,” Grace simmered. “I’m asking you.”

“Oh, gosh. I was just—” Her sister threw both hands in the air in frustration. “Look, he didn’t want me to, okay? You know, it’s his private stuff.”

“Private stuff. Family business. None of mine. Yeah, got the message.”

“Grace, you know I’m not saying you wouldn’t care, but—”

“I do care,” she interrupted. “A lot. So, what’s wrong with Reece? He looks like he’s been on a bender for weeks on end.”

“He’s been drinking a lot, yes.”

“Since the accusations?”

“No, since the woman he asked to marry him turned him down and left the country.”

“Wow.” Frowning, Grace considered. “Seems a bit extreme, leaving the country in reaction to a marriage proposal.”

Mark chuckled. “Well, she was Russian to begin with.”

“An ice skater, former Olympian. Gorgeous,” Chloe added. “They’d been dating for about six months when he proposed. She said no and flew back to Moscow like she always planned to do.”

“He didn’t know?”

“Sure did.” Mark put in. “But Reece was in denial. He was convinced she’d stay if he proposed.”

“Like God’s gift to women.” Grace was not unkind in her assessment.

“Something like that. When she said no, he was devastated. He’s been going downhill ever since.”

“You think he did what these women accuse him of?”

“To be honest, Grace, I don’t know. I don’t want to believe he’s capable of it, but two women came forward, and I wouldn’t think they’re the type to make up stuff. If he’d been drinking…” Mark shrugged in reluctance. “Who knows?”

He exchanged a loaded glance with his wife. Some silent communication passed between them.Oh, man. Now what?

“Tell me,” Grace demanded. “What else is there?”

???

Olivia did not often hold clients’ meetings in hotel bars, but she had made an exception for this one since the man was only in town for a couple of days. They had a drink and a nice chat, over which he enthusiastically outlined his plans for what he called a ‘Forest Wet Room’ in his Burlington lake house. The natural world should inspire every piece of furniture in the new bathroom.

“I want a vanity counter fashioned out of a slab to make it look like a polished tree trunk, rustic oak cabinets, and a mirror encased in sturdy roots. Then I’ll add lots of plants to the space.” He grinned at her over his pint of beer. “Like I imagine it would be inside a hobbit house.”

“Ah,” she chuckled. “You’re a Tolkien fan?”