"I can't stay," Radha says with that cultured voice.
"Please," Cameron says, his voice sounding weary. "You haven't met my daughter or her nannies."
He looks toward Mrs. Bixby, holding Posey's hand. "This is Mrs. Bixby, who's been with Posey since she was an infant. And this," his eyes find mine, sending heat spiraling through my chest, "is Tara."
"Two nannies for such a little girl," Radha observes with polite curiosity. "But I suppose this is Nantucket."
The statement makes me smile. That does seem to be the trend, as the Swain-Black family also had two nannies. I step forward before the comment can create any awkwardness.
"It's nice to meet you in person," I say, extending my hand.
Her handshake is cool and elegant, her fingers soft in a way that speaks of manicures and hand cream. Luxuries I could never affordafter my father's misfortune. No wedding ring. It irks me that I even looked.
During dinner, Posey peppers Radha with questions about her life in New York. Her childish curiosity is a welcome distraction from my growing discomfort.
"Are you like the lawyers I see on TV?" Posey asks.
"There are many different kinds of lawyers," Radha answers with a sly smile at Cameron.That smile they share irks me as well.
"Are you a good lawyer or a bad lawyer?"
"I hope I'm a good lawyer. That's for your father to decide," she says, catching his eye again.
"She's one of the best," Cameron says.
I feel another flash of jealousy, sharp and unwelcome.
After dessert, I rise to put Posey to bed.
"It's all right," Mrs. Bixby says. "You stay and help Mr. Cameron entertain his guest."
"Come on, Edison," Posey says, gesturing for the dog to join her upstairs.
I turn my attention to Radha, curious to hear more about the legal situation now that Posey's out of earshot.
Mrs. Bellows efficiently clears the table and retreats to the kitchen, leaving the three of us alone in the dining room.
"So what really happened?" I ask Cameron, leaning forward in my chair. "Did you have to post millions in bail?"
He laughs, some of the tension finally leaving his shoulders.
"Not millions—but close."
I want to ask why he felt compelled to destroy that camera. But with Radha here, I hold my tongue.
"I'm really concerned about what this means for Jason's case," I say, looking between them both. My stomach has been tight with worry ever since I witnessed his explosive rage at the marketplace.
"Well," Radha says, biting her lower lip thoughtfully, "it's not good. But while I was waiting for my flight, I researched several stellar custody attorneys. I'll interview them when I'm back in New York. Then Cameron can make the final selection."
"Should it come to that," Cameron interjects. "We still don't know what Jason's planning."
Radha glances at her watch again. "I really must go now." She turns to Cameron with a smile that's entirely too warm for my liking.
"You have an adorable daughter," she says as she rises. "You're really a lucky man."
Cameron considers her words. "I know I am.”
Then he does it—he kisses her goodbye.Right there in front of me.
