“Yes, we have.” We’d had this conversation several times, though I didn’t agree with his opinion on the matter. I was eager to move on to another topic. “So, what’s up with Audrey’s son?”
Lars let out a laugh and shook his head.
“Riley idolizes you. Haven’t you noticed?”
“I haven’t.”
“Audrey is losing her control on him,” he admitted. I knew he was alluding to the content of the magazines that Riley found in my old room. I wasn’t going to get into that conversation again. “I’m not pleased with Audrey, though,” he said under his breath.
“Why? Did she not make your coffee just right?” I joked.
“Nothing at all like that.”
“Then what?” I pressed.
“About a month ago, I was out for a late evening walk along the path in the woods and came upon two people fucking. It was Audrey and one of the landscapers. One of themarriedlandscapers,” he advised.
Shit.
“I added her name to the journal, Griffin.”
That statement came with a heavy feeling because I knew, sooner or later, she’d be dealt with, and it didn’t sit well with me.
“Lars, that kid isn’t much older than I was when I lost both of my parents,” I reminded him, hoping he’d look at it from that perspective.
“Riley’s father sought out another woman, Griffin. That’s why he lost his father.”
“And yet you never dealt with the woman who Riley’s dad was banging. You only dealt with Riley’s dad,” I jabbed at him.
“Dammit, Griffin! You know my intention was to deal with her as well. She fled the country and went home to Toronto. You’re out of your mind if you think I’m going across borders to deal with it. That was ten years ago.”
I shrugged but kept my eyes on the road.
“That’s fine. Someday, I’ll finish what you weren’t able to.” Though we both burst out laughing, there was some truth to it.
“Don’t forget, I won’t be in the office tomorrow afternoon. I need to help your aunt and the caterers finalize everything for the party Saturday. There’s a meeting tomorrow afternoon between the department heads. Can you attend in my absence?”
“Of course,” I assured him while I pulled into the parking lot.
As we walked into the Evans Financial building, Lars reminded me that there would be two people at the party on Saturday who he suspected had cheated on their spouses.
“Remember, flirt and let them come to you. Don’t pursue them. Let them think they have the upper hand and are in control.”
I was slightly offended.
“Have I messed up yet?” I inquired.
“No, I simply feel better giving you the reminder. Everything has stayed intact because we’ve been careful. It’s not worth being careless.”
“I’ve been doing this for twelve years, Lars. I think I have it under control. I only need the names.”
We entered the building and remained silent until we were in the elevator.
“Groom Riley for Evans Financial, Griffin, but do it from a distance,” Lars instructed as he jumped topics on me.
Considering the news he laid on me in the car about Riley’s mom, it was a bit concerning.
