Page 106 of Deception

“I’d say Sabrina has done well for herself,” Olive murmured.

This house reminded Olive of Jason’s place.

His biological grandfather had found him before he died, and the two of them had really connected. When the man died, he left everything to Jason. Little did Jason know at the time that the man was a multi-millionaire with a huge house and money that would leave him set for life.

Olive, on the other hand, was happy with her little apartment back in Indianapolis. She was never there very often anyway. Money only seemed to make life more complicated. With more money came more bills, more things to take care of, more people who only liked you for your social status.

Olive sucked in a breath before saying, “Here goes nothing.”

“You’ve got this,” Jason reassured her.

As they climbed the steps to the front door, it opened, and Sabrina and Ellis stood there, looking like the picture-perfect couple.

Ellis had always been handsome, and he still was. His dark hair was now receding slightly. His face had filled out more, but he was still lean with a wide grin. Still refined.

Sabrina clasped her hands in front of her as she gazed at her friends. “Olive and Jason! I can’t even tell you how excited I am. I have dreamed about the day when all of us could get together again for so long. And I can’t believe you’re both here. In my wildest dreams I thoughtmaybeI’d see one of you again. Butneverboth, andnevertogether.”

As Olive stepped closer, Sabrina let out a squeal and then pulled her into a hug. She did the same with Jason.

Ellis was more reserved as he gave them loose embraces and handshakes. Olive and Jason hadn’t been nearly as close to him.

“I brought some flowers.” Olive held up the wildflower bouquet they’d picked up at the store on the way.

“They’re so beautiful.” Sabrina sniffed them. “Thank you. Now, y’all come in. Paisley actually went to a friend’s house. We had Willow with us last night and most of the day today, but we took her home about an hour ago. Having her here is always fun, but Paisley is a social butterfly and likes a variety of friends.”

A social butterfly? Olive had to wonder which parent she got that trait from. Both Sabrina and Ellis were friendly, but she wouldn’t call either of them social butterflies.

“So this is my house.” Sabrina held her arms out as if to display her living room.

Her decorating style inside appeared similar to the outside with minimal embellishments, all in neutral tones.

“It’s lovely,” Olive said. “Very lovely.”

Sabrina gave them a quick tour, including an impressive game room and a beautiful sparkling pool out back.

What did Sabrina say Ellis did for a living again? Olive couldn’t remember. He clearly made good money.

A tantalizing scent hovered in the air and made Olive’s stomach grumble.

Sabrina seemed to read her thoughts. “You sound hungry. We already put the steaks on the grill. Ellis was starving. We’re not trying to rush anything, of course. But the baked potatoes are in the oven, I’ve got a salad made, and I even have sweet tea and lemonade—I didn’t forget about your caffeine allergy.”

“It sounds perfect.” Just as Olive said the words, her stomach grumbled again.

She was hungrier than she thought. Working cases always built up an appetite, it seemed.

Sabrina turned to them. “Why don’t we go ahead and eat then? I know you don’t have much time because you’re here to work on your documentary. Besides, we have to pick up Paisley in an hour and a half anyway.”

“I’m starving also, so it sounds good to me,” Olive admitted.

Several minutes later, they were all gathered around the table.

Olive wanted to chat. But she also wanted to hear about Willow.

She’d have to use all her skills to bring up the subject without being too obvious.

CHAPTER 56

The steak was delicious. Then again, Olive was in cattle country, so it should be.