“Then start small,” she says softly. “Start with someone who’s earned it.”
Her eyes flick to Ellie, who’s been quietly pretending not to eavesdrop from the bar.
They’re right. I mean, I’ve already put her growing family at risk by staying here with them. The least I could do is share my situation so she can protect herself.
Even if that means pushing me away.
“What did you say this young man’s name was?” Margaret’s question shakes me from my pessimistic thoughts.
“I didn’t. It’s Dave. David Newtown the third, actually.” I annunciatethe thirdas if he’s a royal aristocrat. Hell, maybe he is. “I only found out his last name recently.” From Brecken, go figure.
Margaret taps the pad of her index finger against her chin. “You know, I think I know their family.”
My ears perk up. “Really?”
“Yes. Well, I can’t be sure. But if his grandfather is the David Newtown from New Jersey I remember, he was a very nice man. He was a shrewd investor, to be sure, but was quite generous with his wealth. And you know that’s a trait I find rare but refreshing in the annoyingly affluent.” She snickers. “I prefer the ones who are genuinely philanthropic versus the majority who gift for a tax write-off.” She takes a well-mannered sip of her tea, that little finger extended like the true lady she is. “David Newtown, Sr. was of the first category.” Her expression changes to that mischievous quality I adore. “And quite handsome if I recall.” She winks.
An unexpected laugh bubbles up my throat.
“His son was a real numbskull though.” She rolls her eyes. “One of those suits with an over-inflated ego. Thought his money did all of the talking for him. Plus…” she hesitates.
“What?” I’m literally on the edge of my seat. All the while, Margaret could be totally off base, and these people are not even related. But I want to hear the ending to this story, regardless.
“Well, if your young man is the one I think he is, his mother was just lovely. She was very sweet, down to earth. Completely devoted to her son in a real maternal way, no nannies or staff raising him for her so she could attend luncheons or spa days. She wasn’t overly flashy like so many of the dimwitted blonde trophy wives those well-heeled men paraded around.” She places her teacup down. “I really liked her. So, it pissed me off knowing her husband was a two-timing skirt chaser.”
I gasp, covering my mouth in shock.
“Yes. He didn’t even try to hide it. The divorce wasn’t at all surprising, given how different they were. But I always hoped she ended up with a nice man.” She gives Liz a knowing squeeze of the hand. “Anyway, I guess your David could fall into either category. But from all you’ve told me, my women’s intuition says he likely inherited his grandfather’s traits. Which would be ideal.”
I slump back in my seat, having absolutely no idea what to do with any of this information other than file it under typical southern gossip. Because, even if it might be true, it doesn’t change much. Other than one obvious fact.
Dave must be even wealthier than I thought if Margaret hobnobs with his family.
The following morning,my heart hammers as I find Ellie out on the porch, herbal tea in hand, the mountains still draped in early fog.
“Hey,” I say, my voice small. “Can we talk?”
She turns, nodding once, like she’s been waiting for this.
So, I do.I tell her everything.
All the secrets I’ve been carrying like a heavy weight tied to my chest. The things that made me run. The reasons I can’t stop looking over my shoulder.
Ellie doesn’t say anything right away. She just listens.Really listens.Like she always does. I’ve told her everything now. Every secret, every lie, every scar I’ve tried to hide under layers of deflection and distance.
“Kendal?” She shakes her head. “You don’t look like a Kendal to me.”
“That’s the part that got your attention?” I huff out an astonished laugh.
“Haha. No.” She guffaws. “But it’s so normal. And you’re this magnificent creature who steals the attention of everyone in each room you enter. That name isn’t grand enough.”
“I think Kendall Jenner might have a thing or two to say about that.”
“Okay, it suitsher. But not you. That’s all I’m saying.” She pulls her sweater tighter across her chest. “I’m so sorry your mother was so awful to you, Char. Mine wasn’t there for me growing up. But I guess I can give her a pass since she was so young when she had me. And didn’t live long enough to grow into the type of mother I deserved. But there’s no excuse for how that horrid woman treated you.”
My head falls. “I know.”
“All of those years. Feeling trapped.”
