Page 19 of Beyond Her Manner

Viola reached a bench overlooking the estate and sank onto it.

“Breathe, darling.”

“I am breathing,” Viola reassured her.

“Fire or air?”

Viola thought before answering. “Air.”

“Good. Now, who has the sticky nose, and where are they sticking it?”

“Gillian fucking Carmichael,” she seethed through gritted teeth. “The woman who owned this place before me and all but lives in my garden. She owns the lodge at the end of the drive, and I’m sure she’s watching my every move. It wouldn’t surprise me if she’s rummaging in the skip every night.”

“Struggling to let go, is she?”

“She reported me to the planning office.”

“Remember we all deal with loss differently.”

“That may be so — hang on.” Viola frowned. “I don’t remember telling you her husband died.”

“Her husband died!” Caroline exclaimed.

“Yes. What were you talking about?” Viola asked, confused.

“Her losing her house, of course. The poor woman.”

Hmm. That was a fair point. Was the woman mourning the loss of her house as well as her husband?

“Why don’t you do something to lift your spirits?” Caroline continued.

“If you’re suggesting what I think you’re suggesting, that is not going to cut it.”

Caroline’s laughter resounded in Viola’s ear. “I was thinking more of holding a housewarming party, though you could try that too. It might work in the short term, so long as you don’t think of this Gillian whilst you’re doing it.”

Viola’s breath caught unexpectedly, causing her to cough.

“Oh! Is that your problem?” Caroline purred. “Is she hot?”

“Caroline!”

“I’ve hit a nerve, haven’t I? Why don’t you think of her and channel that anger? It would probably make for a better orgasm.”

“I’m hanging up now,” Viola replied, twisting her lips. “Unless there was a particular reason you rang?”

“No, simply checking in on my dearest friend,” Caroline retorted.

“And your biggest meal ticket.”

“Oof! Harsh.”

“Factual,” Viola snarked.

“You know I love you despite how incredibly rich you’ve made me. In fact, I’m working on something exciting for you, but you need to be fit.”

“Oh God, it’s notI’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, is it?” Viola shivered. “I told you I will never do that.”

“No, of course not. It’s early stages right now anyway.”