“That’stwoquestions. She’s from Seattle.” I hesitate to finish my response. “I think it was serious.” The truth comes out. “Yes, it was.”
He gasps with a teasing grin. “You’rein Seattle. So, we’re good on location but bad on timing? That’s an easy fix.”
Since when is poor timing ever easy? The fact that I took the case not knowing Basil was my target untilafterwe slept together is proof. Not quitting the case sooner and telling her the truth? More proof. I leave out the specifics.
“For now.” I finish cutting the last carrot and rinse the knife. “Actually, I’ve been thinking about a change of scenery. Maybe the East Coast.”
“Babe!” James yells. “Come talk to your daughter. She’s trying to leave again. And there’s awoman.” He shifts his attention and whispers, “What’s her name?”
I open my mouth but get saved by the doorbell.
“Hang on.” Dad’s heavy footsteps drift further away. “Grabbing the door,” he calls. “Liz and Tate are outside. We’ll be there in a hot second.”
We?Damn it.I groan and slap my forehead.
James wiggles his eyebrows in victory. “Now it’s a party.”
Seven doorbell rings later…
I was supposed to leave this house an hour ago. Instead, I’m sitting in front of the TV, officially starring in tonight’s entertainment. There’s so much screaming, clapping, and fun debating happening right now, you’d think it was game night.
Despite the fact that my love life is being attacked by well-meaning, but clueless friends and family, I can’t ignore the warmth in my heart from all of the support.
If this many people want the best for me—to follow my heart, why shouldn’t I?
A loud whistle from Dad quiets the room for James to be heard.
“I just have one question: what are you waiting for?” James finally says, and everyone fixes their attention to me. You love her, right?” He hands me my coat and rushes me to the front door. “You’re a King. We don’t wait for good timing, we create good timing.”
Back inside the car, I pull the photo-booth strip out again. Lynn’s words come to mind. I wonder if there's a chance that Basil believes we have a future worth more pictures. I guess there’s only one way to find out.
An idea strikes me. I retrieve my phone and call Kaydence.
When she answers, I blurt out the words before she finishes greeting me. “How about one last job? Please.”
My lips curl into a smile when she accepts.
“I’ll tell you everything later, but first, I need an address.”
CHAPTER 30
BASIL
“It’slovely to see you again, dear,” Mae tells me while adjusting her sun hat and dress so that Lynn can fit into the camera frame. They appear to be sitting in chairs on top of a balcony. I attempt to curb my envy of their perfect mid-morning weather while it’s still a dull, wintry night here. Memories of the island's clean air are taking me back to Caroline’s and my beach date. I can almost smell the aroma of the salty sea breeze and baking sand.
“Happy Monday.” Lynn waves hello once she’s settled beside Mae, sunglasses resting on top of her head. “Mondays might not be many people’s favorite, but I’ve always loved them. Fresh starts and all that.”
“It’s easy to feel that way when you're living on an island and only go into the office whenever it suits you.” Mae gives her wife a knowing smile, then faces me. “We’ll be considerate since we heard there's a risk of snow in Seattle.”
“Which is uncommon, so that means the city will come to halt. The good news is it doesn't last long. Plus, I have tea to keep me warm.” I hold up my mug.
After I answer their questions about my company’s customer success process, they go off screen for a moment. According to Lynn, Quilliam wants to say hello, so she went to retrieve him.
The Blakemans and I have been working together for over six months now, and not once have either of them brought up Caroline. I’ve been dreading that moment, knowing I have to continue letting them believe in my fake marriage—a consequence of the wine deal.
I sit with my thoughts and can’t help but wonder: why hasn't Lynn asked about Caroline?
Did Victoria tell them? I recall our conversation at the airport—the Blakemans seem to enjoy working with my company. Yet, I’ve been dishonest in my strongest client relationship to date—with people I’ve come to care about immensely. Is this the type of businesswoman I am now? Then again, maybe they’d understand. Or should I simply say that Caroline and I didn’t work out? Technically, that's true. My heart sinks at the thought of speaking those words out loud. I miss her.
