Scandal (Dirty Laundry Book 2)

by Jackie Paxson

  “Why are you here, James?” She blurted out. Dammit she hadn’t meant for it to come out so bitchy.

  He blanched at her tone. “I’m sorry I didn’t call you.”

  “Or text. Or email. Or send a carrier pigeon. Or send smoke signals. Any of those would have sufficed.”

  “I know. I didn’t think it would take me so long to look into things,” he said weakly.

  Chrissy crossed her arms and sat back in her chair. She gave him the same look she gave Mariah when she needed to hurry up and spill the beans before her butt got grounded. “Ok.”

  He let out an enormous sigh that he tried to use to relax himself. However, his tense shoulders still seemed to reside next to his ears. “Let me start at the beginning.”

  “The beginning is usually a good place to start,” she snapped again.

  “Chrissy Benson!” her mama snapped. “Be nice to the man that traveled all the way from California to see you.”

  “I thought you said everyone needed to mind their business,” she yelled to her mama’s disembodied voice that came from behind the swinging kitchen door.

  Her mama yelled back. “I said no such thing. Plus, how do you know I’m listening.”

  She looked at James and gave the universal sign signaling she was dealing with a crazy person. “I can see your shadow under the door, Mama.”

  “Son of a sugar biscuit.”

  Chrissy watched as the shadow was no longer visible. Her mama probably only moved a few feet, but at least her ear was no longer against the door.

  Waving her hand, she said, “Please continue.”

  James nodded then took a sip of his tea. “As I said, it took a lot longer than planned. I’ve been ferreting out the mole that resided in Top Dog. After you saw Jane with Max then the incident at the airport, my grandfather asked me to dig further into what was going on at Top Dog.”

  “This sounds like it’s a lot more complicated with Jane than just a few coincidental run-ins.”

  James pointed to his nose. “Bingo.”

  “Ok. So, what’s been going on?” she asked, feeling impatient.

  He cleared his throat. “You remember when you told me about Jane being down in Costa Rica?” Chrissy nodded. “She wasn’t supposed to be down there. When we said it was just you running the show that’s exactly how it was supposed to be. What you don’t know is that my father has been trying to get my grandfather out of the business for the past year. Jane is one of his minions. He sent her down there to cause trouble. It also worked for her that she wanted Max so if she could cause a scene, show you were inept and win Max it was a win for everyone. My father would get to show the board that my grandfather was no longer making sound decisions and he could take over.”

  “Your grandfather is wonderful.”

  “Oh, I know. But, none of that matters for my father because all he wants is the power and money.” Chrissy nodded. “What my father and Jane didn’t count on was that Max was already in love with you. When your dad got sick Max was impossible to work with. They barely got the movie finished. Jane figured he would be easy pickings since you weren’t around, but instead he found himself at the bottom of a bottle.” James sighed.

  “Wow.”

  He nodded. “That’s not all, though. When that damn picture of him leaving Jane’s room came out he really lost it. He didn’t know what to do. He called me, and I told him to call you and tell you the truth of it. That she tricked him into coming to her room under the guise of business and ended up coming on to him. He didn’t want to burden you with any of it when you were dealing with your dad.”

  Chrissy held up her hand. “Wait a minute. I didn’t hear about that picture until that Dirty Laundry video. When did you hear about it?”

  James bit his lip. “The day after it happened. The same person who had been trying to smear you with Top Dog sent that picture. Well, since we were already looking into everything, we figured out who had been emailing all of that to the whole company.”

  “Who was it?”

  “It was our main receptionist, Patty.”

  Chrissy couldn’t find the words to all the questions floating around her head. “There are a lot of questions.”

  “I know. I promise I’m not done. Apparently, you made two enemies, Jane and Patty. Just the fact that Max wanted you pushed those two together. Jane used Patty’s dislike for you to send out those emails. It was a good thing she wasn’t more clever because she didn’t even create a different email address to send them from.” James shook his head. “Anyway, when you texted me about Jane at the airport things started coming together. I just needed to prove it. So, the past few months I have been working with the FBI to get proof that my father has been embezzling the company out of millions while trying to pin things on my grandfather.”

  “Wow. I’m so sorry you have had to go through all this.”

  “It’s ok. My father should be getting arrested as we speak along with the treacherous Jane. Patty has already been let go due to her misuse of the company email and aiding my father and Jane.”

  Chrissy just shook her head. “That is all so damn crazy.”

  “There is one specific thing I need to show you, though.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket, fiddled with something then handed it to her. “Press play.”

  She looked at him then at the phone. With a trembling finger she pressed play.

  “Tell me everything, Jane.” James’ voice came out of the speaker.

  Jane Foster gave a coy smile. She clearly had no idea she was being taped. “Why should I tell you anything? Have you finally decided to come to the winning team?”

  “Yes. Top Dog needs someone strong like my father. I’d rather keep my place then go down with the ship like my grandfather.”

  An evil smile curled her lips. “Good. What exactly do you want to know? I know you already know about us trying to oust your grandfather. So, what else do you want to know?”

  “Tell me how Max and Chrissy factor into all this.”

  Jane’s nose wrinkled as if she’d smelt something disgusting. “That little nobody doesn’t deserve to be a part of our world, James.”

  “I know. But I still want to know. Did you really get Max to sleep with you? How did you know where he was going to be when you came back to L.A.?”

  “Oh, that’s easy. The little wannabe Patty bugged his phone a long time ago. She’s got a pretty serious stalking problem there. As for sleeping with Max, hell, no. I never really wanted him, but I knew making Chrissy think I have or that he did would fuck her up and she’d screw up. When I went home with him to find her there waiting for him that was for fun.”

  “How did you know she was there?”

  “Patty watched as you dropped her off. She’s also the one who has been taking all of those pictures around here. If she ever leaves Top Dog, she’d do well at some gossip rag.”

  “You and Max never slept together in Costa Rica.”

  She waved her hand. “I might have actually tried there. I wanted to know what he tasted like, but he turned me down flat. I figured he was like you. No one would turn me down when I freely gave it. Just look what I did with Ben McGee. God, he’s an idiot.”

  “Wow.”

  “I know. I’m pretty impressive. So, do you have any other questions?”

  “Nope. Let’s go see my father.”

  Jane shot the rest of her drink then stood from the table. The video stopped on her triumphant grin.

  Chrissy handed the phone back to James.

  “He didn’t cheat on me?”

  “No. He’s actually been helping me set up my father and Jane.”

  She leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms. Her gaze floated outside watching the breeze in the trees.

  “Thank you, James.”

  James looked at her. “What are you going to do?”

  “What is there to do? I haven’t actually had a conversation with Max in over four months. There is no point now. At least I know now
that I am not that girl that every man thinks they can find better.”

  He grimaced. “Ok.”

  “Ok.” Chrissy blinked the budding tears away then said, “How long are you staying?”

  “At least a week. I need a damn vacation.”

  Chrissy clapped her hands. “Good. We are going to The Wailing Walrus on Wednesday for their annual Halloween party. This will be fun.”

  “What am I supposed to do ‘til then?”

  Chrissy shrugged. “I’d say explore the town, but you probably saw everything when you drove through. Plus, I wouldn’t suggest it. There are a lot of bitches in this town. Go fishing with Daddy and Mariah. That would be fun.”

  James shuddered. “Fun for who?”

  “Well, for me, of course.” Chrissy left the dining room, laughing her way up to her room.

  Chapter 47

  Banana Pudding and a Visitor with Washboard Abs

  Chrissy exited the laundry room carrying clean towels. Her mama was covering the front desk as she passed by. The doors leading outside showed an additional car parked in front. She didn’t remember another guest scheduled to check in.

  “We have a new guest, Mama?”

  Her mama grinned at her. “Yep. We have three. They are in the rooms on either side of James.”

  “Ok. How did they hear about us?”

  “Word of mouth.”

  “Huh. Well, that’s awesome. Hopefully we get more business that way.”

  Her mama smiled and nodded. “The hibiscus room needs towels, sweetie. Can you take those clean ones up there?”

  “Sure, Mama. When I come back down, I’ll help you with dinner.”

  “Take your time.” Her mother’s voice sounded funny.

  Chrissy walked up the large stairwell. It was eerily quiet for them having three guests and Mariah around the inn. She approached the hibiscus room and knocked softly. Waiting a minute or so, she knocked again. Maybe the new guest was asleep. She didn’t want to disturb them, so she kneeled to leave the towels in front of the door. Just as she was about to drop the towels the door swung open. A very familiar sexy as sin man stood in front of her with only a towel. Looks like the room didn’t need towels. Her eyes scanned from the low hanging towel, up the sculpted chest to the tattooed arms damp from a shower. She continued her wordless perusal to the sexy smirk tinged with worry and dark eyes that appeared nervous.

  Forcing herself to look away she said, “I’m sorry to disturb you. My mother said you needed towels.” She stood and began walking away.

  “Wait! Chrissy, please don’t go.” His voice came out tired.

  “I need a few moments Max. If I can, I will come by later to talk. Dinner will be at six.” She looked at him as he leaned against his door frame. Sadness radiated from his body.

  “Thank you.”

  Chrissy nodded then walked back toward the stairs and her traitorous mother. She made the trip down the stairs in less than a second.

  “Mama!” Chrissy whisper yelled.

  “Yes, dear,” her mama said sugary sweet.

  “You knew who checked in. Why didn’t you tell me it was Max?”

  “Because you didn’t need to know.”

  “I sure as hell needed to know. I stood there staring at the man in a towel.”

  Her mama grinned. “Well, sounds like you got an eyeful.”

  “That’s not the point, Mama.”

  “You’re right. My point was that you need to figure out if you still want that man or not. He came all this way just for you. Why the hell else would he be staying here? He could have easily stayed with Addie and Ben on Zechariah’s ranch.”

  “It doesn’t matter, Mama. Too much has happened.”

  “Oh, poppycock! I think you’re scared. Following your heart is scary. But like I said in Costa Rica, sometimes you have to jump to see who will catch you.”

  Chrissy straightened her back. “I don’t need anyone to catch me.”

  “I know you don’t, sweetheart. But life was meant to be conquered with a partner. We weren’t meant to be alone. I know you’ve done everything you needed to do alone but if you are able to find that one person who will walk into the fires of this world holding your hand then don’t you dare pass that up because you’re scared.”

  “Mama, have you been drinking?”

  Her mama reached up and twisted her ear.

  “Ow! Mama, quit it.”

  “Are you going to continue to sass me?”

  Chrissy shook her head. “I’m sorry, Mama.”

  Her mama let her ear go then crossed her arms. “Let’s go make dinner.”

  She watched her mama walk into the dining room and disappear into the kitchen. Chrissy had an itch between her shoulders. It felt like someone was watching her. Turning, she saw Max standing at the top of the stairs with low slung jeans and a tight gray t-shirt.

  All at once her ovaries wanted to bust out of her body and snuggle into his lap. Her body was a traitorous bitch. Spinning on her heel she marched toward the dining room following her mama. She needed a distraction, so she didn’t use her management key and crawl into that man’s bed in the middle of the night.

  Six o’clock rolled around and their guests began to filter into the dining room. Mr. Sutter had checked in not long after Chrissy began helping her mama with dinner. He walked slowly into the dining room with an ornery grin on his face. He didn’t normally eat dinner with them when he was visiting Joshua. Behind him, James walked in holding Mariah’s hand. She chattered with him about the fish they were going to catch the next day. He smiled at her, but he definitely wasn’t looking forward to fishing. Next, Alyssa and an elderly woman walked in arm and arm. Alyssa smiled toward Chrissy but then focused back on the woman who was talking to her. The elderly woman was wearing a neon pink track suit with what looked like brand-new tennis shoes. They sat a table away from Mr. Sutter. He eyed up the woman with an appraising look. Dear Lord! We did not need to turn the inn into a geriatric sex den. Chrissy shuddered with the thought. While Chrissy was paying attention to Alyssa and the older woman, she didn’t see Max enter the dining room. He stared at her with a look that pleaded for her acknowledgment.

  “Patty! Stop being rude to that lass,” the woman with a clear Scottish brogue called across to Max.

  He blanched as if slapped then walked over to the table his sister and the woman had taken. Alyssa laughed drawing an annoyed look from Max. Chrissy smiled then turned away. She needed to fill the pitchers with fresh water and tea then take everyone’s orders. Exiting the dining room and into the kitchen she caught her parents in a passionate embrace.

  “Get a room,” Chrissy mumbled, filling the pitchers.

  “I would if your mama would agree to it.” Her daddy pulled her mama’s hips toward him. Her mama giggled, and he leered down at her.

  “Gross. I’m going to be working then I will be busy bleaching my brain.” Chrissy walked through the double doors carrying the pitchers of drinks.

  She heard her parents laughing as she left. Focusing on her tasks was harder when she could feel someone’s stare. Pretending she didn’t know who it was would just be lying to herself and she felt like she’d already met her quota of self lies for the day. Filling a basket with fresh biscuits she walked over to Mr. Sutter’s table.

  “Hello, Mr. Sutter. Will you be having the stew this evening?” Chrissy asked, setting the rolls on the table and filling his water glass.

  “You know it. I love your beef stew.” Mr. Sutter leaned close. “Who is that fox over there?”

  Chrissy looked at the table with Alyssa, Max and the elderly woman.

  “I have no idea, Mr. Sutter.”

  He bit his lip taking in the woman. “She has some nice gams.”

  “Uh…I’m not sure what you are talking about.” Chrissy eased away from the table. “I will be right back with your stew.”

  Speeding into the kitchen, Chrissy found it empty. Thank goodness. She didn’t need her parent’s PDA to deal with,
too. Grabbing a bowl then filling it with stew, she re-entered the dining room. All eyes were on her and the delicious aroma floating from the bowl she carried.

  Mr. Sutter took a deep breath smelling the delicious stew. “Thank you, Chrissy.”

  “You’re welcome, Mr. Sutter. Let me know if you need anything else,” Chrissy said then began to go to James’ table.

  She heard Mr. Sutter mumble, “You could give me the fox’s name.”

  Choosing to ignore him, she walked over to the buffet and filled another basket with rolls.

  “Mama!” Mariah sat bouncing in her seat with James.

  “Yes, munchy?” She set the basket on the table.

  “Did you see that Max is here? Can I go talk to him?” she asked.

  Chrissy looked toward Max’s table. They were listening to the woman as she spoke. “Maybe after dinner, ok?”

  Mariah dramatically sighed. “Alright. Can I have mac and cheese, Mama?”

  “Nope. You get what everyone else gets.”

  She stuck out her bottom lip. “Please, Mama.” Mariah whined.

  “Mariah Opal. This is not a restaurant. You will eat what we have. I know your grandmother will fix you anything you want but tonight I am in charge and you will eat the stew.”

  “Fine,” Mariah huffed, sitting back in her chair with her arms crossed.

  Chrissy shook her head at her six-year-old going on sixteen daughter.

  “Goodness she is like you,” James stated.

  “I’d stop there, James. I may accidently spill some really hot stew on a very sensitive area.” Chrissy cocked an eyebrow.

  “I will have the stew. Preferably not in my lap.” James crossed his hands over his crotch shielding it from her threat.

  “Coming right up.” Chrissy grinned angelically.

  Moments later she was back at the table with two bowls of stew. However, Mariah wasn’t there. She looked around the dining room and saw her talking adamantly with the elderly woman at Max’s table. With a sigh, Chrissy marched over to retrieve her daughter.

  “Mariah, what did I tell you?” she asked.

  “Mama. Can’t I eat here? This lady has a silly voice. I want to listen to her talk some more.”