‘There you go, old girl.’ He put a fresh glass of water by her side.
She smiled at him. ‘Did you go down for a lobotomy while I was in surgery?’
‘No, but I needed to. Now, anything else I can get you, before I put the racing on?’
‘No. I’m fine, thanks, darling.’ Cynthia reached for her water. ‘Actually, it’s that lad’s rape case today, remind me to ring the office later, I’d like to hope Westley can get him off.’
‘Will do.’
Scott went downstairs and opened up hisRacing Post. He smiled as he scoured the runners and riders and saw a horse called Maya’s Magic. It was a rank outsider but he’d still have to have a little each-way punt on it.
Giving up gambling would have been easier than giving up the beautiful Czech girl and he often wondered what she was up to. He had no doubts that she would forge a successful life for herself and also knew that she was too proud to ever come knocking at his door again.
For once he felt he had made the right decision. For once he felt almost content.
SEVENTY-SIX
Edward Duke was sweating profusely as the jury took their seats in the courtroom. The loud, deep voice of the judge boomed across the court.
‘Do you find the defendant guilty or not guilty of rape?’
Trudi Simpson glared at him from the viewing area.
‘Not guilty.’
‘He bloody did it!’ Trudi shouted as her friend took her arm and ushered her outside.
The case had fallen apart without the bouncer’s evidence, just as Cynthia had predicted it would.
Ed tipped his head back, shut his eyes, then punched the air.
SEVENTY-SEVEN
Gracie was blow drying her hair when she heard Boris barking madly downstairs. She turned off the dryer and went downstairs to see what all the fuss was about.
‘What is it, boy?’ Boris was scrabbling at the front door. ‘You need a wee?’ On opening the door, she nearly jumped out of her skin – for there looking up at her from a white dog crate, wearing a pink bow around its neck, was the most beautiful little Yorkshire terrier puppy she had ever seen. On the top of the crate was an envelope with the words,To my Natural Woman.
There was water and food in the crate and a supersoft cream cashmere dog blanket with a bone pattern embossed in it. She lifted the crate gently, put it on the kitchen table and reached for the tiny animal.
‘Hello, little one.’ The doggy snuggled into her. Boris sniffed around in the front garden with no care for his newfound housemate.
An intrigued Gracie sat down and opened the envelope.
Dear Grace, I ended up only being in town for a couple of days as had to get an early flight to Geneva. I so wanted to catch up with Jack, yourself and Noms but my schedule changed and I didn’t think you’d appreciate me waking you up at 5 a.m. on a Sunday morning. So… meet Hetti… your new baby. I hope you love her.
I loved our time together in London and, of course, Barcelona. In fact, that beautiful night will remain etched on my mind forever. But I guess you were right not to give yourself to me. I was praying you didn’t see the tabloids and think badly of me. I do adore you, Grace. You are a beautiful person inside and out. You taught me that you don’t have to have sex to have a good night. You also taught me that I have to stop being so shallow when it comes to women. I need to look within.
I expect you’re thinking: then why was he out with Peony Fox the other night? I guess despite all I’ve just said the playboy in me will always be there. You deserve better than me, Grace. I don’t want to give up the films yet, and to have a committed relationship with somebody when I am forever travelling and filming would not be easy.
Maybe I’m also trying to say that I got swept away with the moment with you. I hope you don’t hate me for leading you on, but I think you are clever enough and also maybe slightly relieved to understand exactly what I’m saying.
What I do know for sure is that you will find somebody who will love you for the true beauty that you are. And when you find that person I want you to be the happiest girl in the world.
The minute I set my eyes on Hetti, I immediately thought of you. You may not be able to have children of your own, but she can be your ‘baby’ for now – until you adopt a house full of children who will be more than blessed to have a mom in you, that is.
Gracie sniffed back a tear.
I feel honoured to know you, Grace. I also feel safe in the fact my beautiful son has such an amazing auntie and mom.
