Page 155 of Perfume Girl

Looking around at this bare space without its bottles and décor, its prints stripped from the walls, made me realize thatIwas Perfume Girl, and I could take my talent with me and begin again.

I headed into the lab and with a few clicks opened my safe. I reached in and removed my precious scent in its delicate bottle…a pretty spare glass container. Not as pretty as those Lalique bottles I had once owned. The fact that Astor had walked off with the second one was almost laughable.

My life was a grim tragedy where nothing went right.

I held the bottle up to the light and admired the liquid’s luminosity, and then tucked it safely into the bottom of my handbag.

I turned the lights out, grabbed my coat and handbag and headed out the front of the store, knowing I was locking up for one of the last times.

I climbed into my Alfa Romeo and set off for the long drive to South Beach.

The six hour journey gave me time to think, to strategize, to dig deep and try to find forgiveness. I would need all my emotional strength for the next several hours.

You can do this.

When I finally pulled up to The Setai Hotel in South Beach, I felt relief that what lay ahead would soon be over. I left my coat in the car and handed over my keys to the valet. After a quick visit to the bathroom, I was ready to head to the grand party being hosted on the back patio of the hotel.

The House of Beauregard’s HR department hadn’t taken me off their email list yet so I’d been notified of this party that Astor was hosting. Apparently, he liked to reveal a new perfume in the grandest style and this one was being held in a lavish setting where guests could enjoy the ocean view. Tables had been set for dinner, and in the center on its own table was the showpiece itself—a square bottle resting on a silver platter.

I turned away from it with a jolt of fear. Were they revealing my fragrance tonight? Was the new scent to be hailed as a product of The House of Beauregard my creation? A wave of nausea hit me.

My gaze roamed over the luxurious table settings and the elegantly clad guests. Many of the faces I recognized from work. There were about one hundred people sipping wine and munching on hors d’oeuvres.

And then I saw her…

Penelope was dressed in a white, expensive suit, looking stunning as she laughed with her friends.

When her gaze caught mine it felt like daggers striking my chest. I spun around and quickly made my way to the other side of the crowd, all the while scanning the faces in hopes of finding Astor.

Penelope’s glare burned my back until I reached the other side of the patio. I gripped the short glass wall finding the courage to glance back her way. She was talking with someone from the hotel staff—possibly reporting me as a gatecrasher.

My cover was blown and I’d only just gotten here.

With my head bowed so I didn’t make eye contact with anyone else, I made a beeline for the stairs that led to the beach. I would wait it out until I saw Astor from this vantage point and then return to the party. They couldn’t kick me off the beach as this was public property and from here I could see the guests and hope to catch a glimpse ofhim.

I had to put this right and the bottle in my handbag was my way of proving the truth. I couldn’t wait to have my say. I peeled off my heels and felt the warmth of sand beneath my feet as I headed out for a walk to shake off the uneasiness I felt.

Frothy waves kissed the shoreline and as I let the calming warmth roll over my feet I exhaled a breath of courage.

A flash of movement drew my attention and I turned to see a dog sprinting toward me.

Caine closed the gap between us, leaping up and resting his sandy paws on the front of my dress, his big ears flopping and his goofy sweetness shining through and making me smile. I gave his neck a scratch of affection.

Raising my gaze, I saw Astor walking toward us from farther down the shore.

“He’s going to get me in trouble,” he said. “He’s not allowed on the beach.”

“I won’t tell anyone.” I dusted the dry sand off my dress.

He looked concerned. “Is your dress okay?”

“Of course.” He looked weary and it made my heart ache, thinking that it had been me who had done this to him.

Astor grabbed Caine’s leash. “Sit. Good boy.” His gaze met mine. “I’m glad you’re here.”

I motioned to the party. “Got an invite from HR. You need to take me off their list of employees.”

He smiled ruefully. “How are you, Raquel?”