“I understand. Give me your contact information.” He’d make sure somehow to help Oliver. He put Oliver’s phone number in his cell. “We all need a helping hand sometimes. I’ll be in touch.”
He extended his hand to Oliver, who glanced down at it, and almost fearfully, took it and they shook.
“Thanks, Chess.”
“Bye, Oliver. Take care of yourself.”
He walked out on legs like noodles, leaving Oliver in the bathroom. Sweat covered him, and all Chess wanted to do was go home and crawl into bed. How long could he live like this?
He’d insisted on André telling him the truth about something that proved to be nothing earth-shaking. He had an affair and didn’t reveal how serious it was? Big deal.
Chess had hidden who he was—son of a junkie, a drug user himself…a liar…prostitute…
A fake.
Not the kind of person someone like André Webster would choose to have in his life.
Panic threatened to split him into pieces when he approached the table, and seeing the smiling faces of Spencer, Bianca, and Quentin, Chess felt wretched at the lies he’d told them all. He’d come so far from where he once was, but moments like this seemed to erase that.…
“Sweetheart, we were about to send out a search party for you. Where the hell have you been?” Spencer lifted the bottle of champagne. “Have a drink.” He poured a glass, and Chess grabbed it, welcoming the bubbly, cold liquid sliding down his throat.
“Thanks. I-I’m not used to this scene. I needed a moment.”
“Aw, I bet you’re missing André too.” Bianca patted his hand. “We’re just waiting for Henry to stop dancing with whomever, and then we’ll leave.”
He checked his phone and read the text André sent him that the insurance problem was solved. “He texted me that the problem was solved. And yeah, I wish André were here. But it’s been a long day. That’s all. I feel better now.” He forced a smile.
“Yeah?” Frowning, Spencer peered at him. “You look like shit.”
“I love you too.” Chess finished his drink.
Time to face the music…
And as he’d taken to doing since André put it on his finger, he rubbed his thumb over the gold band, hoping he wouldn’t have to give it back.
Chapter Sixteen
It was supposed to be only an overnight stay, but André knew from the extent of the problems cropping up, it would need to be extended at least one more day. Water from the automatic sprinkler system had seeped down the walls, necessitating the gutting of the top two floors to prevent mold. Unfortunately, the hotel’s gym and spa were on those floors, and André decided it was the right time to do a full renovation and redo their fitness center and spa. He called his mother that morning to keep her in the loop.
“If we’re doing it, might as well do it right,” she concurred. “It’s been five years since we did a complete overhaul, so we should take advantage of the situation.”
André reclined in his chair and ran his hand through his hair. “That’s what I thought. So I’m going to be here another day. It can’t be helped.”
“It’s where you should be. The business comes first.”
“No, Mother. Not to me, it doesn’t. Remember I just got engaged? Chess is the most important thing to me. There are other people who can handle this part.” As they were on FaceTime, he saw her preparing to argue with him, and he held up his hand. “No, wait, please. I’m here, and I’m handling it, but as soon as the plans are finalized, I’m going home. We have our engagement party in two days, which Chess’s friend is throwing, and no way am I missing that. You’re planning on being there, right?”
“Yes, of course. I’m flying in tomorrow, and Henry and Bianca are already at the house.”
He smiled to himself. “Good. I’m glad they’re with him.”
“He’s a big boy. Trust me, he can handle himself.”
Yes, he can, but I prefer to do that.
He bit his tongue. “I wish now he’d come along with me. He has a good eye and could help us with the reno.”
“Darling, I’m going to tell you something, and I’d like you to think a moment before you answer.”
