"Because you're my family. Why can't you leave him now?"
"I can't leave," she says as she drops her eyes. She won't look at me and I know she'll have to come to me.
"Okay, when you're ready, you have the means to." I don't push her any further. I grab the paperwork and show her the evidence. I then grab the paper with Savta's London address on it. I lead her out to the lobby where Duncan and the solicitor wait. Ana and I made sure to put the purse together so no one knows what it is and Jonathon won't get suspicious.
"Ready, beautiful ladies," he says to us, his eyes searching mine. I smile at him and take his hand. I know he'll be asking me later about what was discussed in there. And I know I'll lie to him. I can't tell him yet.
"Here is the address we need to check out. I'm ready. Howabout you, Ana?" She still looks dumbstruck. I made her promise not to tell Duncan about any of it. She agreed.
We decide to head to Harrods to do some shopping before we go to the property. I ask Duncan to leave us alone for a bit so I can look for his Christmas gift. I'd already decided to get him a leather bomber jacket. I think he'll look so hot in it. Ana helps me pick out two dresses, one of which is for the formal Christmas Eve party at the consulate that James goes to regularly. He invited Duncan and me to go with him when we called him this morning.
I also settle on a sexy dress for the New Year's Eve party. Of course, I bought formal evening wear, so I need shoes and accessories to go with them. I talk Ana into a beautiful red dress for the party. I told her it was another gift from me. She's starting to get some color in her cheeks and is actually smiling more. I miss her so much. She brings out the girl in me. Harrods will deliver my purchases to Duncan's flat.
"So, why are you not going to the consulate Christmas Gala?" I ask her as I try on shoes.
"Jonathon didn't get invited and I'm tired of him using Daddy's influence," she says bitterly.
"Does he use James's influence a lot?"
"Yes, to a point. He had Daddy introduce him to some dignitaries from Tel Aviv and the Philippines." I notice she's not trying on any shoes.
"Don't you want some sexy red high heels to go with that new dress?" I ask her.
"I already have some perfect silver ones I'll wear. I'm good." She smiles shyly and drops her eyes.
We're walking through a gift section, where I'm looking for some cigars for Greg, when Duncan walks up.
"Alright, ladies, I'm done making myself scarce. What did you buy? I don't see any bags."
"They're delivering them." I smile at him as he pulls me close for a kiss. He kisses me until my toes curl, laying his claim on me publicly.
We head to the area of London where the home is that Savta owned. I'm floored. It’s not a flat, it's a huge Victorian house with five bedrooms. There's a terrace and sunroom with a small garden out the back. The property has been empty for a couple of years. Mr. Flemish said there were renters in it for a while. He thinks I should sell the property, but it will need a thorough cleaning and some minor maintenance before it can go up for sale. I could stay here instead of a hotel when I come to London. The area is a Jewish community, so I'd be able to feel close to Savta and Abba here.
"Your grandmother left you a house?" Duncan asks.
"Among other valuables. She was always worried the Nazis would come to power again, so she had properties all over. Mr. Flemish said it's going to take some time to find all the resources. He believes there are at least two more properties here in London. Please don't freak, Duncan, but I inherited it all."
"Why would I freak, baby?" He looks at me perplexed.
"I'll explain soon, but for now, just trust me. Please?"
"Baby, for you, anything." He leans over the console of the Rover to kiss me, then brushes his hands down my braid and pulls it slightly. I instantly feel the need for him.
We get out and walk around the property. I'm going to haveto tell him the truth soon, but right now I like not having to worry he's with me for the money. In the past, others only dated me because of the money.
"Ana, if you could work with Mr. Flemish to hire someone to fix this place up so I can sell it, I'd like that. Also, if you want to practice your interior design, go right ahead. Before I leave, I'll give you power of attorney. That way you can access my accounts here to pay any bills."
"Maya, you don't need to do that." She tries to fight me.
"Yes, I do. I want you to be able to fix anything without me around. Okay?"
"Fine." She huffs. But I can see her excitement in transforming the property.
"However, please don't do any major construction. That way I'll have a place to stay when I come for visits, at least until it sells. Okay?"
"I can do that."
We load back up into the Rover and head to lunch. Joshua is going to meet us after all. I text Greg to let him know where we're going, but he declines as his meetings are running late. We pull up to the restaurant and I see Joshua pacing outside, he looks nervous. I hear a gasp from the back seat and turn to Ana.
