Page 138 of Perfume Girl

“He’s good looking, but I’m not so sure you’re a good match.”

My deep sigh reflected my sadness. “Can’t you just be happy for me?”

“If I was you I’d be digging around looking for more answers on him.”

“Maybe I could speak with your dad, then?” I gave a shrug to let her know I wasn’t letting her ruin my day with her jealousy.

She stepped through the front door to close down my visit. “Apparently Astor’s mom was in the room when his dad died. She has all the answers, it seems. Why don’t you ask her?”

A car alarm went off and it grated on my nerves.

“Have a safe trip back to Dunedin,” she said as she turned and rested her hands on the door, ready to shut it. “I want you to know, Raquel. I’ve always prided myself on celebrating women’s rights. On being a good friend. I never envisioned myself as the other woman.”

“What are you trying to say, Embry?”

“I’m sorry.”

There was still too much pain in my heart for me to make the leap to forgiveness. “Statistically speaking, it’s likely he’ll cheat on you, too. You know that, right?” I couldn’t help myself.

“Don’t come back here,” she snapped.

“I don’t need to.” I tapped my handbag. “Got everything I need right here.” I turned and walked away, my hands shaking.

“You better not have stolen anything!” she called after me.

I offered her a warm smile and climbed into my car, started the engine, and drove away from the house, still trembling from finally facing off with her.

With a punch at my dashboard, I had Adele singing about how her ex was a loser and it actually lessened my grief. No, what had changed was Astor Beauregard had come into my life. I allowed myself to think back to our time together. Despite all we’d been through there were enough memories to soothe me.

I wanted that again.

I want him back.

As I drew closer to his offices, my body tingled with an equal measure of anticipation and excitement. This is what he did to me, he made me feel aliveness that until now I’d not experienced.

At three in the afternoon the traffic in South Beach was light and I managed to get to The House of Beauregard quickly. With my ledger clutched to my chest and my mouth dry, I hurried into the reception area bracing myself to see Astor.

I gave a polite smile to the receptionist on the first floor who watched me head up the staircase to the upper level. When Taylor saw me her eyes widened in surprise and she stood up to greet me.

I approached her. “Hey, Taylor, I’ve come to see Astor.”

“Raquel, what happened?” she said, lowering her voice. “Why did you leave so suddenly?”

I hated seeing that conflicted look in her eyes. “It’s complicated—”

“What were you doing in Penelope’s office? I mean, really?”

“Looking for something that belonged to me.”

“Well, look who came back.” I heard Penelope’s voice behind me. “I’m surprised you’re brave enough to show your face, Ms. Wren. My brother told me what you did. You have some nerve.”

I swallowed hard. “Can I speak with Astor?”

“You’ve done enough damage,” she said.

I turned to face Astor’s office hoping he’d overhear us and come out to greet me.

“I only need a few minutes with him.”