“I did. After I spoke with her, I called Sugarlynn and Azumi and told them I will no longer associate with them either if they remain friends with Suzanne. Azumi agreed. Sugarlynn was…Sugarlynn. But I am tired of Suzanne’s antics. I am done with her, as I should have been years ago. I’m sure I am not the only one who feels this way.”
Frankie’s mouth fell open. “Prisha, you’re amazing. But are you sure she did it?”
“Yes. When I spoke to her, I could hear the pride in her voice. Not only did she do it, she’s pleased with herself. That insufferable harpy.” Prisha sighed deeply. “How is your sister holding up?”
Frankie glanced toward the living room. “She’s a mess, to be honest.”
“That poor woman. You tell her I am on her side. If she needs me, she has only to call. The same goes for you.”
“That’s incredibly kind of you, but you’ve only just met her. And me. What makes you so sure Harper’s not what the media says she is?”
“I’ve only just met her, but I’ve known Suzanne a lot longer. I knew Mr. Marsh, too. If he thought enough of your sister to leave his house to her, she can’t be that bad. He was a discerning man with good judgment and wonderful taste.”
“That’s very kind of you, Prisha. I really appreciate it.”
“Give Harper my love.”
“I will. Thanks again. Bye.”
They hung up and Frankie took a breath, catching some of the salt air on her tongue. Willa and Archie were no longer visible below. Maybe they’d come in already. She went back inside.
Harper was still on the couch, but her head was tilted back and her arms were crossed over her face.
“Hey,” Frankie said softly. “That was Prisha. She sends her love, says she’s available if you need anything. She’s also positive Suzanne is behind this. Prisha called her and reamed her out, apparently. Told her she no longer wanted to be friends with her, and then told Sugarlynn and Azumi that if they continued to associate with Suzanne, Prisha was done with them, too. Azumi sided with Prisha. Sugarlynn I’m not so sure about.”
That brought Harper’s head up. “Seriously? That was so sweet of her. And Azumi.”
Frankie nodded. “Prisha is completely on your side.” She stood by the edge of the couch. “I think Willa’s idea was a good one. About contacting an attorney. Or at least coming up with some kind of statement to release.”
Harper shook her head. “I’m not against the attorney, but I don’t feel like I’m in any kind of mindset to write up a statement.”
Frankie sat near her sister. “Would you be all right with me asking Lucas for his advice on this? He’s used to being in the public eye. He might have an attorney he can recommend, too.”
Harper stared at the fireplace. “That’s fine. Not like he probably hasn’t seen what’s happening anyway.”
Frankie wished there were more she could do to help. “Do you need anything?”
“For all of this to go away.”
Frankie nodded. “I know. Maybe you should go lie down for a bit. Willa can get settled in and I’ll talk to Lucas. We’ll put some kind of game plan together.”
“Okay,” Harper answered without any enthusiasm. “Thanks.” She got up and headed into the bedroom, closing the door behind her.
Frankie went into the kitchen. She could really use another cup of coffee. She called Lucas while she made herself one.
He answered right away. “Hey, there. Did you get Willa from the airport?”
He’d remembered her daughter’s name. Points for him. “I did. We’re home now. And I need some help. I need the name of a good attorney. If you have one.”
“I do. He’s a good guy. Can I ask what’s going on? Not that it’s my business, so feel free to say butt out.”
She smiled. “No, you can ask.” She explained about Harper and what had happened as briefly as she could. “I called not just to see about an attorney, but to get your advice, too. You’re the most familiar with the world of social media. What would you do?”
“Like most people, I’d go on the offensive. Definitely would talk to my attorney. But Harper needs to do some damage control. If she doesn’t have a social media presence, she could set one up and release a statement that way. Tagging the right people would make sure it gets seen. I’m so sorry this is happening to her. The good news, if there is any, is that this stuff does tend to blow over when the next dustup comes along.”
Frankie sipped her coffee. “You don’t have a template for that kind of statement, do you? I don’t know where to begin and Harper’s not in any shape to write anything.”
“No, but I’d be happy to help. If you want my help.”
