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Isla’s blush deepens. “I remember everything about that night,” she says. The ache to wrap her in my arms is so strong I have to clench one hand into a fist. The spot where her palm rests on me has its own heartbeat.
“Why do you keep helping me?” I ask.
“I cared about your mom too. And I—I was there. I was your alibi. It all feels…personal, I guess. I know it’s not the same, but I’ll do anything I can to help find who killed her.”
She pulls her hand away and I can’t stop myself from grabbing it—just once, just one more touch. One last apology. Then I’ll let her go forever.
“I’m so sorry,” I say. “I was inappropriate the other day. It was selfish of me to say all of that. I know you would never marry someone for money—I never should have cheapened you, or your relationship with Luke, that way. I was angry and jealous and lashing out, but that’s no excuse. What I said to you was just plain wrong, and I’m truly sorry.” I take a breath, pushing down all my cravings for her, all the memories I’ve kept so close. “I’m happy for you. And I…I wish you and Luke all the best. I really do.”
I find it’s actually true. She’s found happiness and that’s all I’ve ever wanted for her. Luke is clearly a good guy who cares about her. I can’t deny that any longer. I’ve been letting my own jealousy cloud my judgement. It’s time to release Isla, like the string of a kite. She’s not tethered to me anymore.
It’s time for me to move on as well.
“I appreciate that,” she says.
I let go of her hand and watch as she walks to her car. My chest aches as she pulls off down the driveway and out of sight.
“We’re going to be late,” Al says as I get in the town car and Alex starts to drive.
“Did you get in a fight with Mom on the night of the party?” I demand.
“Huh?” Alistair says.
“Did Mom take you into a room and yell at you for being inappropriate?”
“No,” Al says. “We all knew how important that night was for her. I wasn’t about to fuck it up. Why?”
I tell him about Isla’s revelation.
Alistair whistles. “Holy shit,” he says.
“Isla thought Mom was talking to you,” I say.
Alistair shakes his head. “I had fun, but I kept it above board. Besides, Isla said that was when they were bringing the desserts out right?”
I nod.
“I was hooking up with one of the catering waitresses in my room then.”
I roll my eyes. “Of course you were.”
“What?” Al grins. “She was cute.”
“Do you ever think about having a real relationship?”
“Ha,” Alistair says. “You’re one to talk. You’re looking at an engaged woman with hearts in your eyes.”
I can’t really argue with him there.
I take out my phone and text Isla.
It wasn’t Alistair.
It looks like Isla holds another piece of the puzzle.
“Well,” my father says after my presentation, as the board members gather up my materials, talking quietly among themselves, “I will admit you are certainly thorough.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I say.