Stealing Her Best Friend's Heart

by Tara Randel

His brother’s expression turned sympathetic. “Reid, I know how much Masterson Enterprises means to you. I wish you and Dad could find some common ground.”

  “You know better than anyone how unreasonable he can be,” Reid said, jamming his hands in his pockets.

  “I do. And no matter how much he wants it or how many times he pushes, I will never be a part of the family business.”

  “I thought he gave up bugging you.”

  “Me too. Once we hashed out the past, I assumed he’d leave me to my PI business. Even though I left Atlanta, I’m busy. It’s like ever since you walked away, he wants one of us in the office. Problem is, he’s asking the wrong son.”

  Pain lanced through Reid’s chest. “And we both know he won’t ask me to return anytime soon.”

  “He might.”

  Reid knew that ship had sailed. Arthur Masterson was inflexible and would never go back on something he’d said. Reid tried to protect himself, but his father’s actions still hurt.

  Wearily, he said, “No, he’ll demand you do it. Lay on the guilt. Make promises he won’t keep. The usual.”

  “You don’t have to worry, I’m not falling for his tactics,” Logan said, ever loyal.

  Reid nodded. When the truth of Logan’s parentage came out just as he was ready to go away to college, there had been years of tension between Logan and their father. Reid’s mother was not Logan’s biological mother. When Logan stumbled upon this secret, it had created major problems personally and professionally. Reid had managed to navigate the conflict pretty well, but when Logan had come home last fall for a case, he and their father had finally had a long overdue talk and were able to come to a truce. Thinking things would be so much better in the Masterson family going forward, Reid had donned his rose-colored glasses, secure in his place in the family business. Until his father ramped up his campaign to get Logan on board and basically overlooked all that Reid had done in the interim to grow the company’s revenue and reputation.

  It wasn’t until he came to grips with the knowledge that his dad was never going to accept that his second son actually had the skills and desire to make the company more prosperous, that Reid finally left and never looked back.

  Whatever his grandmother had cooked up was bad, but having an unwanted conversation with his father was worse.

  The whole ordeal stank and he didn’t want to talk about it.

  “I should hire you to dig up whatever Grandmother is up to,” he said, changing the subject.

  “Don’t think I didn’t see what you did there.”

  Ignore the sting? Yeah, he was self-protective like that.

  “You have a heads-up,” Logan said. “Now you can do what you need to about the party.”

  “Send my regrets?”

  “Serena would never allow it.”

  And Reid would never do that to his future sister-in-law. He genuinely liked Serena, and Logan was happy, so he’d paste a smile on his face when he showed up at the event.

  “Here’s an idea,” Logan suggested. “Why not ask Heidi to come to the party with you? She’ll be there anyway.”

  “Heidi?” He hadn’t thought of that. Not after the way her unexpected visit this morning had gotten away from him. “We’re friends.”

  “So?”

  Did he really have to explain? “I’m supposed to discourage Grandmother. Coming with Heidi will only stir her up.”

  “Not necessarily. You two have been friends for a long time. Grandmother might not think of you two as a couple.”

  “I suppose.” He’d always liked her. Plus, she’d looked so pretty earlier, standing in the sunlight with her hands on her hips as she read him the riot act. He almost smiled at the vision. “Besides, Alveda knows Heidi best. I’m sure she wouldn’t encourage Grandmother.”

  Logan shot him a pitying look. “It’s like you don’t know them at all.”

  His brother had a point.

  “I’ll think about it. No point dragging Heidi into the dating drama when I’ll already have to deal with her assisting me with this house.”

  “It’ll be like old times, like when she got you out of those cotillion dates.”

  There was that. “Or beat me out as valedictorian in high school.”

  “You two did manage to hold a good grudge.”

  “We did, but she doesn’t deserve to be caught in Grandmother’s scheming.” No one did, even if it would serve Heidi right for hijacking his renovation. “It’ll be enough that we’re working together. She basically told me she doesn’t trust my interior design instincts.”

  Logan chuckled. “I’d love to be a fly on the wall.”

  “You could stop by and actually help.”

  “Nah. Had my fill of remodels. You did work on the cottage we’re going to move into and didn’t charge me a fortune to make Serena’s dream come true.”

  “That would mean you owe me.”

  “Consider the warning that Grandmother is up to something as repayment, so we’re even.”

  Reid shrugged. “Fair enough.”

  “I need to run. I have a client meeting in Atlanta.”

  “I thought you were working up here now?”

  “I still need to be there a few times a month.”

  “Then I suppose I’ll see you at the party.”

  His brother’s sentimental grin returned. “Can’t wait.”

  Easy for him to say. Logan was over the moon in love. Reid, on the other hand, wasn’t sure what his future held.

  “At least you have something to look forward to,” Reid griped to the empty room as his brother strode away.

  Instead of focusing on the job, he walked to the wide French doors. The stunning backyard view was worth the price of the property alone. From this vantage point, he could see the highest point of the mountains in the distance. Oaks, pine and a scattering of shrubs filled in the space past the property line. He’d hiked these mountains often as a kid, trailing behind Logan and their motley crew of friends, searching for one adventure after another.

  He loved Golden. Had planned on living out his life here. But now? He wasn’t sure. If his father was really going to approach him at Logan and Serena’s party with who knew what kind of demands, Reid wasn’t sure he wouldn’t lose his patience. His father never listened to him, so what could he possibly want with Reid now?

  Swallowing hard, an unpleasant thought hit him. Maybe he should leave town? Strike out somewhere new. Create a life he could be proud of without what-ifs constantly swirling in his head.

  But what about family? his inner voice taunted. Grandmother is getting up there in years and Mother would be devastated if you left. And now Logan is back and you’ve reconnected. So, what’s your next move?

  A wave of sadness nearly drowned him. Logan would understand whatever decision Reid made. His brother had walked away from family once. Gone into the military before starting his own firm. He was a self-made man and Reid wanted the same opportunity. To stand on his own. Be proud of what he’d accomplished.

  He turned, surveying the empty house. He couldn’t deny that he found a sense of worth in flipping houses, but it wasn’t his dream job. At some point he had to make a solid decision and honor it.

  Getting to the job at hand, he grabbed his leather binder and zippered it open. He’d already started notes on a legal pad but now needed a more precise list. He pulled out his measuring tape and started taking exact measurements to add to the blueprint he was working from. He paused in the kitchen, picturing how cozy it would be once he replaced cabinets and appliances. Envisioned Heidi feeding her cat, dancing around the kitchen in her bare feet, belting out a country song.

  He blinked. Where did that come from?

  Bemused, he refocused on the demo and decided the eighties wallpaper was the first thing to go. Then he moved on to the bathrooms. By the time he’
d finished, he had a layout of how to make this house inviting and sell for a good buck, without an uninvited image of how Heidi would make this house a home.

  If his friend had anything to say about it, he might not walk away with much of a profit. Was what she’d done for him that long-ago night worth it?

  He pictured her smile again. The one that had crept into his thoughts and refused to leave. “Right,” he muttered under his breath and strode from the house to carry on with his day.

  * * *

  “YOU’RE LATE,” her boss called out as Heidi hurried through the front door of the shop.

  “Sorry!”

  “It’s not like running late is a firing offense. If that was the case, we would have parted ways a long time ago.”

  “Ha ha.” Heidi stopped at the counter. “That’s what makes you a good friend and boss. You’re willing to overlook a tardy minute or two.”

  Shaking her head, because they both knew it was more like many minutes, not two, Serena grinned. “Friends first.”

  “Always.”

  Heidi glanced around the store. A couple of women were browsing and pointing out items to each other, but otherwise it was quiet. “Doesn’t look like I missed anything.”

  “It’s slow.” Serena’s blueberry-colored eyes sparkled. As usual she dressed in signature blue, the color scheme of Blue Ridge Cottage, a specialty greeting card and stationery store located on Main Street. “What’s your excuse this time? Did you get lost in a column of numbers on a spreadsheet? Are you revising a business plan for a client?” Serena snapped her fingers. “I’ve got it. Mr. Whiskers escaped again.”

  “None of the above. Although that wily cat of mine did make a run for the door when I was about to leave. Do you think he hates living with me?”

  “The way you spoil him? Nah. He just likes keeping you on your toes. Letting you know who’s really in charge.”

  “That explanation makes more sense. Sometimes he looks like he’s plotting my demise.” Heidi shivered. “Although who he thinks will feed him if I’m gone is beyond me.”

  “I still find it hard to believe you took in an animal.”

  Serena had coaxed Heidi to the local animal rescue’s monthly event called the Tail Wagging Bonanza in Gold Dust Park one Saturday. The coalition had been looking for possible pet owners to adopt animals for their forever home. Heidi had no intention of falling for a furry critter, but when she came upon Mr. Whiskers, she’d stopped short. From the droll expression on his face, she’d determined he had the same no-nonsense outlook on life as she did.

  She shrugged. “What can I say. Our gazes met and it was destiny.”

  “I’m just happy you have a roommate.”

  “You’re still mad that I wouldn’t room with you?”

  “It would have been nice,” Serena said, “but then Carrie showed up, so it was moot anyway. And now that Logan and I are getting married, our place will be ready to move into soon.” She got out her phone and scrolled through the tons of pictures she’d taken of the place as Reid and Logan had restored the cottage that Gayle Ann had given to her grandson and Serena as a wedding present. “Have I shown you the newest pictures? Logan fixed up one of the bedrooms for me to use as an art studio. Isn’t he the best?”

  A dreamy expression crossed Serena’s pretty face. Could her friend get any sappier from being in love? Since Heidi had never suffered that malady—dating meant vulnerability and her heart wasn’t up for that—she didn’t have an answer.

  Serena snapped out of her daydream. “Hey, speaking about moving, any chance you want to take over my bedroom in the apartment? The location is perfect because it’s right upstairs, so you wouldn’t have an excuse to show up late anymore.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Like how I worked that in?”

  “You’re talented that way.”

  “And it’s bigger than your apartment,” Serena went on, ignoring Heidi’s sarcasm. “Even if you’d have to share it with Carrie.”

  The excitement from earlier rushed over Heidi. “Thanks, but I have another plan in motion.”

  “Really?” Serena glanced at her friend and a smile spread across her face. “You finally got a hold of Lisa to put an offer on the house?”

  “Not exactly.”

  Serena’s brows drew together. “A different place then?”

  “Nope. Still the house on Hanover.”

  Serena crossed her arms over her chest. “Heidi, what’s going on?”

  “It sold. The house on Hanover sold.”

  She gave Heidi the once-over. “Then why do you look so happy?”

  “Reid bought it.”

  “Okay, I’m still missing something here.”

  Heidi clapped her hands. “I’m going to help him flip it so he can sell it to me all fixed up.”

  Serena dropped her arms. “I’m confused.”

  Heidi explained driving by the house, about seeing the sale-pending sign, confronting Reid and talking him into being an intern.

  “He’s really on board with you hammering and nailing stuff? Considering you don’t know the first thing about construction?”

  “Why does everyone have a problem with that minor detail?”

  Serena burst out laughing. “I do admire your confidence.”

  Heidi waved the point away. She was too pumped to let anyone get her down. “That’s all for show.”

  “I think—” Serena was cut off when the phone rang. Holding up a finger, she went to the counter to take the call.

  Heidi went to the storage room to drop off her purse and put her lunch in the mini refrigerator. She placed a hand over her stomach and blew out a breath. Now that she’d been told twice that she had no idea what she was doing, she wondered if Reid and Serena were right? Could she really be of any help when she didn’t have a clue about what a remodel entailed? She’d searched enough information to have a theoretical idea of how it was done. Practically, could it be that hard?

  Then she pictured Reid’s handsome face. How he wasn’t the least bit convinced she could pull this off. What had she gotten herself into?

  “Don’t panic,” she admonished herself. “You will do this. And prove Reid wrong.” Honestly, if she didn’t encourage herself, who would?

  Okay, Alveda did. Serena. Mrs. M., as they all called Gayle Ann Masterson—they were all on her side. Even though she’d lived in Golden since she was fourteen, she still went about things solo. Drove Alveda crazy to no end, but some deep-seated traits couldn’t be changed.

  She understood Reid’s desire to be independent, because that was her own personal mantra. She admired that about him. Almost felt guilty for horning in on his project, but couldn’t deny the little of flash of competition that sweetened the deal. She preferred to think of it as moxie, but even if a lack of it was more the truth, it would not keep her from owning a home.

  After a positive nod for her internal pep talk, she headed back to the sales floor ready to start her shift.

  Serena hung up as Heidi returned. “Listen, I have some details to take care of before the engagement party. Mind manning the store alone for an hour or so?”

  “Sure.” She tilted her head, tucking her hair behind her ear before it slipped over her cheek. “Need any help with the party?”

  “No. So far it’s under control. I can’t believe it’s next weekend. I have to check in with the caterer and florist to make sure everything is ready and it’s easier to do that face-to-face.”

  “You know Alveda is unhappy you didn’t ask her to cook for this shindig.”

  Serena’s face dropped. “She does so much. I want her to be a guest, not work all night.”

  “Which is her way of celebrating, but I get it. I worry she does too much. You’d think at her age she’d want to retire or something.”

  Serena giggled. “Could you see her and Mrs. M. on a cruise?”


  “It would be mayhem.”

  “Exactly. But the stories they’d tell...”

  Heidi shook her head. “Well, those two aren’t going anywhere, so let’s focus on your big night.”

  Serena stared at the diamond ring securely placed on her finger, the rock glittering under the fluorescent lights.

  “Show-off,” Heidi teased, wondering where the tiny squeeze of jealousy came from.

  Serena clasped her hands together and placed them over her heart. “I never thought I’d see this day,” she whispered, tears in her eyes.

  “Hey, you both deserve it.” Heidi swallowed hard, appreciating her friend’s joy and good fortune. Not everyone fell in love. Or fulfilled a longtime dream.

  Wiping her eyes, Serena laughed. “Look at me, all weepy when I should be dancing in the street.”

  “No need to go that far.”

  “Right, that’s not your thing. We’ll save the dancing for the wedding reception.”

  “Good call.”

  Serena reached under the counter for her purse. “I shouldn’t be long.”

  “But aren’t you meeting Mrs. M.?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then most likely I won’t see you until after lunch.”

  Serena raised an eyebrow.

  “You know she’ll talk you into eating at that new bistro.”

  “A Touch of Tabby is a pretty wonderful place.”

  “Enjoy,” Heidi said as Serena crossed to the door.

  “Want me to pick up lunch for you?” her boss asked before leaving.

  “No, I brought my own.”

  “It wouldn’t kill you to splurge every once in a while.” She offered a quick smile and left.

  Heidi didn’t splurge. Not when she was saving up for her house.

  She poured a cup of coffee and pulled up the store’s revenue spreadsheet on the computer, conveniently located on the sales counter. If Blue Ridge Cottage stayed quiet, she might get a bit of business done.

  Serena was one of her accounting clients, along with many of the store owners in downtown Golden. She loved the connection to the community she’d created by serving the businesspeople she’d come to know and respect. At first, she was afraid they wouldn’t think she was up to the job, since most of them knew she’d shown up back in town unexpectedly and on her own when she was just a teen. To her surprise, one by one, they’d hired her and she was grateful to each and every person.