The Con Artist: (Formally Published as Playing The Millionaire)

by Lynn, Sandi

  “But you two have a perfect relationship.”

  “We do now because of second chances. Bobby made a mistake in the early years and he cheated on me.”

  I looked at her as shock splayed across my face.

  “I’d just had my third miscarriage. We were both devastated because we thought for sure it wouldn’t happen again. I went into a deeper depression and shut him out completely. He tried so hard to be there for me, but I wouldn’t let him. What I failed to recognize was that he was hurting just as badly as I was. I wasn’t there to ease his pain like he was for me. The only thing I could focus on was how much these miscarriages affected me. I never thought about how it affected him. He went out one night after we had a fight, got drunk, and slept with a woman he met at the bar.”

  “Rose, I’m so sorry.”

  “I’m not. Because if he didn’t, we wouldn’t be together today.”

  “How could you trust him again after that?”

  “It took a while and months of therapy. But I knew he loved me more than anything in the world and I loved him. After that horrible time and pain we went through, we found each other again and our relationship was better than it had ever been. I gave him a second chance because he deserved to be given one. And he gave me one because he loved me. Later that year, I got pregnant and had my son, Gage. When he was six months old, I got pregnant again and had my daughter, Kathryn. Those two children never would have been born if I had given up on him.”

  “I appreciate your story, Rose, but I’m not having children. At least not for a few years, if ever.”

  “It isn’t always about the children, Kate. It’s about your life and the wonderful things you could be missing out on because you’re letting your pain and heartache decide your future.”

  I sighed as I laid my head on her shoulder.

  “Running away doesn’t solve anything. You have a home in New York and your father is there. Do you want to miss out on time spent with him because of Gabriel?”

  “I can’t be in the same city as him. It would hurt too much.”

  “You just think you can’t. You’re a strong woman, Kate Harper, and you can get through this. First heartbreaks are always the hardest, but it doesn’t mean you have to run away from your life and home to heal. You can make a fresh start in New York. Change your routine, change your habits, and before you know it, your life will be exactly how you envisioned it would be. Besides, I’m only a two-and-a-half-hour drive away and I’ll always have a room ready and waiting for you when you need it. You are welcome here anytime and as much as you want to be here.”

  “Thanks, Rose. I love you.”

  “I love you too, dear.”

  I took everything Rose said to heart and decided that I needed to go back to New York to live my life. I liked it there and my father was only a short distance away. The next morning, I packed my bags and Rose walked with me to the train station.

  “Goodbye, my darling Kate.” She smiled as she placed her hands on my face. “Have a safe trip home and call me or text when you get there.”

  A smile crossed my lips. “I will, and I promise to keep in touch.”

  “You better, because I consider you a daughter and I’ll worry.”

  * * *

  Gabriel

  I couldn’t bring myself to drive home after Kate and I had words, so I spent the rest of the day sitting by the river, thinking back on our conversation. She hated me and I didn’t blame her. I was foolish to think that the minute she saw me, she’d run into my arms and tell me that she forgave me. She said she forgave me, but I knew deep down she only said that to make me leave.

  The next morning, I checked out of the hotel and drove to the bed and breakfast to see her one last time. I didn’t come to try and get her back because I knew she didn’t want that. I just needed to see her one last time for closure, because after today, I’d never see her again. That was what she wanted, and I was going to respect her wishes no matter how bad it killed me inside.

  I walked through the door and found the older woman dusting the coffee table in the living area.

  “Hello,” I nervously spoke.

  She turned, and when she looked at me, a small smile swept over her lips.

  “Mr. Quinn, I thought you went home.”

  “I’m on my way now, but I need to see Kate one last time. Can you tell me which room she’s staying in?”

  “I’m afraid she’s left already.”

  “What? Where did she go?”

  “Look at that.” She looked over at the clock that hung on the wall. “It’s lunch time.” She smiled. I think it would be in your best interest to join me. You shouldn’t drive home on an empty stomach. I made a tuna noodle casserole and some fresh bread.”

  I got the feeling she wanted to talk to me, so I politely accepted.

  “Sure. That sounds good.”

  “Excellent. Go have a seat in the dining room and I’ll bring in the food.”

  I did as she asked and took a seat at a small round table that sat two. I couldn’t believe Kate had already left. That right there was an indication that she wanted to get away from me as quickly as possible.

  “By the way, my name is Rose.” She smiled as she set down my plate in front of me.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Rose.”

  I placed the white cloth napkin on my lap as she sat down across from me.

  “Do you know where Kate went?” I asked.

  “I sent her back home to New York.”

  “Really?” I asked with excitement in my voice.

  “You need to listen to me, Gabriel. If you want her back, you need to give her time and space.”

  “But—”

  “No buts.” She held up her finger. “Kate needs time to figure herself out. I told her that running from her life wasn’t the answer and that she should stay in New York because that’s where her home and her father is. Kate and I talked every day. Sometimes for hours. She told me about her past, her father, and the circumstances that led to the two of you meeting and being reunited. She also told me what lengths she went to in order to give you your father’s dream back. She said she did it for herself, to right all the wrongs she had done. But I know deep down inside, she did it for you because she loves you.”

  “And I love her.”

  “I know you do. I could see it in your eyes when you saw her standing on the stairs. Not to mention the fact that you found her here, in this small town of Mystic when she could have been anywhere else in the world. I have hope for the two of you, but you must proceed with caution.”

  “I don’t understand.” I frowned.

  “In order to get back what the two of you had, you must start all over. Erase the past and everything that had happened. Lay the foundation for a new relationship. Reintroduce yourself to her as if you’re meeting her for the first time. Get to know her without any judgment. Date her and take things slow. But she will need time. I know that may be difficult for you to hear, but it is essential that she’s in a good place first.”

  “How long are we talking?” I asked.

  “That’s up to Kate.”

  “And what if she still wants nothing to do with me? She’s the most important thing in my life.”

  “She still loves you, Gabriel, and she always will. Don’t worry about the small things. Time is on both of your sides.”

  “How did you become so wise, Rose?” I smiled.

  “I’ve lived a long time, dear, and I’ve experienced a lot in my life. I know what works and what doesn’t. Now that you’ve finished your lunch, it’s time for you to head home.” She grinned. “I’ve made you a special care package of my famous homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies to take with you.”

  We both stood up from our seats and I walked around to Rose and gave her a hug.

  “Thank you and thank you for taking care of Kate.”

  “You’re welcome, dear. Make sure to keep in touch.”

  “I will.” I smiled as
I left the bed and breakfast.

  Chapter 40

  Gabriel

  A month and a half had passed since my conversation with Rose took place. I found it difficult to do as she said, but I did, and I stayed away from Kate. But that didn’t mean I didn’t follow her or, as Caleb would call it, stalk her, just to make sure she was okay. I also did it because I couldn’t go that long without seeing her. Caleb met her once a week at a coffee shop and kept me posted about what was going on in her life. He hated betraying her confidence like that, but he knew how worried I was about her. She never asked Caleb about me and in some ways that hurt. Maybe she was over me and just didn’t care. Or maybe she was too afraid to ask. Either way, I was planning on making my move very soon.

  * * *

  Kate

  My life was slowly getting back on track. I had started my own freelance art services, thanks to a woman named Thea that I had met while I was browsing in an art gallery. We got to talking about a specific painting and I told her that I also painted. She was pregnant and asked me if I would paint a mural on the wall of her baby’s nursery. She had been trying to find someone for a while, but by the time someone was available to do it, her baby would already be born. I immediately took the job and finished it rather quickly since it was the only thing I had to do. She loved it so much and was so excited about it that she told her circle of friends and they began calling me to do some artwork for them.

  When I got home from Mystic, I did some house cleaning. I threw out all my wigs, passports, and anything and everything that had to do with a con. I was me now, Kate Harper, and she was the only person I’d ever be. As for Gabriel, I still thought about him every day, but like Rose promised, my heart was on the mend and I didn’t feel as sad anymore. It helped that I kept busy all day. It was the nighttime that was the loneliest. I had met with Caleb once a week for coffee and we talked about my life and his. His recording career was taking off and he was traveling back and forth to L.A. a lot. I didn’t ask about Gabriel and he didn’t talk about him. It was best that I didn’t know what was going on his life. I was sure he had found another woman by now. A man like him wouldn’t go too long without dating. The thought saddened me, but it was for the best and I realized that. I visited my father once a week and he was thrilled that I decided to stay in New York. I told him all about Rose and he was happy that I found someone like her. I didn’t tell him that Gabriel had found me in Mystic. Some things were just better off not discussed. I felt the more I talked about him, the harder it would be to get over what happened.

  * * *

  Gabriel

  I filed criminal charges against Thaddeus and Marcel. A court date was set for next month to decide their fate. My lawyer said chances were that Thaddeus would go to prison for espionage and theft since he took my plans and gave them to Marcel. The press had a field day with what had happened, and a majority of the company’s shareholders pulled out and left the company in financial distress. Nothing had made me happier. I was getting anxious about Kate. The only problem was that since she was getting her life back on track, I was afraid I was nothing but a distant memory to her.

  “I’m going to get Kate back, Grace,” I spoke.

  “And how are you going to do that?” She arched her brow.

  “I have a plan.” I grinned. “A good plan.”

  “I hope it works. I miss her.” She smiled.

  “I do too. Fingers crossed,” I spoke as I got up from the island.

  Chapter 41

  Kate

  Every Saturday morning, weather permitting, I went to the lake in Central Park where I would spend at least an hour and draw or read a book. Sometimes, I would just stare out into the water and appreciate the beauty that surrounded me. A sense of peace and inspiration flowed through me each and every time, just like when I would sit in the gazebo in Mystic.

  I sat on a wooden bench sipping my coffee and staring out into the lake as I thought about all the things I had yet to do to get my business off the ground. My website was in development and I still had to design and order some business cards. As I was sitting there, I caught something running towards me from the corner of my eye. Looking over, I saw it was a white puppy with a pink leash attached to it.

  “Oh my goodness. Where did you come from?” I smiled as I reached down to pet her.

  She was a Maltese and the cutest little thing I had ever seen. I looked for tags on her collar but didn’t see any. Then, I looked around to see if anyone was coming to claim her. Obviously, she had gotten away from her owner.

  “You are adorable.” I picked her up and brought her nose to mine. “Where’s your parents?”

  She began licking my face over and over.

  “Thank you for the kisses, sweet girl.”

  Suddenly, I heard a voice approach me from the side.

  “There you are, you little rascal.”

  I looked over and saw Gabriel standing there. I felt my almost mended heart crack and a sick feeling washed over me.

  “This is your dog?” I asked with suspicion as I narrowed my eye at him.

  “She is.” He smiled at me. “We were on a walk and she somehow broke free from my hand. Thank you for holding on to her. I’m Gabriel Quinn.” He extended his hand.

  I was confused as fuck as to what was happening. But I decided to play along.

  “Kate Harper.” I lightly shook his hand.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Kate.”

  “Likewise.” I slightly tilted my head to the side.

  “She likes you.” He smiled as the dog wouldn’t stop licking my face.

  “She’s adorable. How long have you had her?”

  “A couple of days.”

  “What’s her name? You really should get tags for her.”

  “I was going to, but I haven’t named her yet.”

  “Why?” I asked in confusion.

  “Because I haven’t been able to think of a fitting name for her. Any suggestions?” He smirked.

  “Well, growing up, I always wanted a white Maltese and I was going to name her Lady because she’s prim and proper.” A small smile crossed my lips as I held the dog up and stared at her.

  “I like it. Come on, Lady. We need to continue our walk.”

  I set the dog down and handed the leash to Gabriel. I could literally feel the crack in my heart begin to heal. Seeing him with that puppy gave me all the feels.

  “Thank you again, Kate. It was a pleasure to meet you.” The corners of his mouth curved up into a smile as he began to walk away. Suddenly, he stopped and turned to me. “Excuse me, Kate?”

  “Yes?”

  “Would you by any chance like to join Lady and me on our walk?”

  I couldn’t help but smile at his invitation. “Sure. I would love to.”

  My head told me not to do it, but my heart told me it was okay.

  We walked side by side through the park while Lady walked ahead of us. We talked as if we had just met for the first time and I couldn’t help but feel overjoyed at what he was doing. I told him about my business, and he told me about his. We talked about wine, food, our likes, and our dislikes. We laughed just like we used to and the connection we always shared felt stronger than ever. Once we reached the main street, Gabriel stopped and turned to me.

  “Thank you for joining us. Is there a chance I could get your phone number and maybe we could go out sometime?” He smiled.

  “I would like that.”

  He pulled his phone from his pocket and entered my number as I rattled it off. I said goodbye to Lady, and Gabriel walked away in the opposite direction I was going. I hesitated for a moment and then the words just fell out of my mouth.

  “Hey, Gabriel?” I called out to him.

  “Yeah?” He stopped and looked at me.

  “I don’t have any plans tonight,” I nervously spoke.

  “Neither do I.” He grinned. “Would you like to go to dinner and maybe catch a movie?”

  “Yeah. I would.” I bit
down on my bottom lip.

  He pulled his phone back out from his pocket.

  “What’s your address? I’ll pick you up at six o’clock.”

  * * *

  Gabriel

  I let out a sigh of relief as I walked away from her. It worked. My plan worked. She was back in my life and I was the happiest man alive. As soon as I climbed into the limo, I called Caleb.

  “Hey, bro.”

  “I have a date tonight, Caleb. Kate and I are going to dinner and a movie.”

  “Thank god.” He sighed. “I didn’t know how much longer I was going to be able to put up with you.”

  I let out a chuckle.

  “Let me guess. The dog?”

  “Yeah. She couldn’t resist her.”

  “I’m happy for you, Gabriel. Just do me a favor and don’t be a fucking idiot this time.”

  “I won’t be. I’m never letting her go again.”

  I ended the call and headed home. I took Lady upstairs with me as I gave Rose a call.

  “The Mermaid Inn of Mystic, Rose speaking. How can I help you?”

  “Rose, it’s Gabriel.”

  “Hello, Gabriel. How are you?”

  “I’m great. I just wanted to give you a call and let you know that Kate and I are going on a date tonight.”

  “What wonderful news. I’m so happy to hear that.”

  “Thanks, Rose, and again, thank you for your advice. I appreciate it.”

  “You’re welcome, dear. I hope you and Kate have a great night together. Just remember, don’t rush into anything. Take it slow and get to know each other all over again.”

  “I will. I’m not doing anything to potentially push her away.”

  Chapter 42

  Kate

  As soon as I got home, I jumped on the couch and called Rose.

  “The Mermaid Inn of Mystic, this is Rose. How may I help you?”