Page 75

“Of course. What’s that weird noise in the background?”

Olivia laughed. “Everett puppied real hard today. Now he’s out for the count and snoring.”

“Okay. Look, I’ve got to go.”

“Are you still working? It’s close to eleven, Grace.”

“And early afternoon in Tokyo. I’ve got an online meeting with an architect there. And you know what they say: no rest for the wicked.”

“I like that about you, the wicked bit.”

“Good. Sleep tight. Text me in the morning.”

“I can’t wait to see you.”

“Likewise.”

Olivia put her phone down with a smile.Likewise.How so very like Grace to answer so laconically. And how attractive the sultry smile she managed to lace in that single word. Christmas and being reunited with her really could not come soon enough.

chapter 25

Olivia liked Reece from the first moment she laid eyes on him at Charlie’s house, and he gave her a friendly handshake.

“Ms. Bianchi. Nice to meet you. Merry Christmas.”

“And to you as well. It’s a pleasure. Call me Olivia.”

“Sure, Olivia. I know who you are,” he added pleasantly. “I like your work. Cool website too.”

“Thanks.” She grinned. “Did Grace ask you to mention the website?”

He looked amused. “No. Why?”

“She was appalled by my old one. Told me it was crap and offered to help redesign it. Needless to say, I was a bit offended at that unsolicited negative comment.”

“I can understand that.”

“Yes. I told her I didn’t care for her opinion, and that I was perfectly fine with my ‘crap’ home-made site. So, she got one of her people to create a brand-new version of it and send it to me for approval. Made me swallow my own words in shame. And gratitude.”

“Sounds like Grace,” he chuckled, then turned to his aunt. “Hey, Charlie. Want me to walk the dog before we leave?”

“You’re a darling. Yes, please,if you don’t mind.”

“No problem. We’ll be back in ten minutes.”

“That boy has been night and day since he talked to Grace,” Charlie commented after he went out. And she sounded slightly bemused.

“How come?” Olivia prompted.

“Well. First of all, these horrid accusations against him were dropped, so that’s a big weight off his shoulders.”

“Oh, that’s brilliant news.”

“Yes. Grace hired a wizard of a lawyer who got everyone to sit down and talk.” Charlie winked. “Fancy that, eh? Talking it out like reasonable human beings!”

“Awesome.”

“Reece had the opportunity to apologize, which is very fair to him. The women involved deserved to hear it from his own mouth, as well. Grace also got him to talk to someone about his drinking, and she invited him to Miami. It’ll be great for him to get away for a while and meet new people. The boy needs to find himself!”