by Alina Jacobs
"Then let's see what all the fuss is about," Wes told her. Liz texted Kate and Allie to see if they wanted to come take a walk outside through the grounds. Her phone dinged with replies as she and Wes changed into their warm clothes.
"You look like James Bond," Liz said. Wes had a special black jacket and thick pants. With his sunglasses and ski cap, he looked mysterious and dangerous.
Liz pulled out a coat for Kal. "I wasn't sure if he would be cold or not," she said. "Ginny recommended it."
"His fur is pretty thick," Wes said, "but we can try it."
Jack, Walter, and Harris were still in the common area, arguing, when Liz and Wes headed down the stairs.
"We're going!" Carter yelled, running to the door. Walter waved them away.
Kate was waiting for them outside. Gus was mostly buried in the snow. Only his little black nose poked out.
"The trials of having short legs," Liz said. Grant was sitting away from Kate on his phone.
"This is supposed to be a family vacation," Kate said loudly.
"You heard my father," Grant said, still typing. "I'm supposed to also be schmoozing."
"You aren't coming, Grant?" Liz asked. Kate looked annoyed. Liz poked Wes. His eyes narrowed. Liz looked meaningfully in Grant's direction.
"To properly schmooze, they need to come to you," Wes said, walking over to Grant and taking his phone.
"Give that back!" Grant yelled. Wes pushed Grant in front of him.
"Let's move."
"See, that's a real dog," Carter said as Kal stalked through the trees. They were miles into their hike. Liz was enjoying the fresh air and picturesque landscape.
"I'm glad we didn't bring Margot," Allie said. "She wouldn't have lasted."
"Gus looks like he's not going to make it," Mark said.
"That dog is so chunky. I'm sure he'll be fine," Allie replied.
Kal came back, something hanging from his mouth.
"Oh, look. You caught something," Wes said. He didn't sound happy. "Drop it," he told the dog. Kal looked at him.
"Drop it!" Allie snapped at the dog. He set the little animal at her feet.
"Gross," Liz said.
"I have to admit, I'm a little put out that my dog listens to you," Wes said.
"It's all about the proper motivation," Allie replied. They all contemplated the animal as it lay there. Then it jumped up, shrieked, and ran away. Kate and Liz screamed. The Holbrook men all roared with laughter.
Liz felt great. It wasn't too cold. There was snow on the ground, but the sky was clear and blue. They walked out and came to a clearing in the woods. It opened out to a vista.
"So pretty," Liz said appreciatively. "Take our picture!"
Wes pulled her close and kissed her, snapping a selfie. "Is that going in your scrapbook?" he asked her with a wink.
"You saw her scrapbook?" Allie asked, wrinkling her nose.
"You have a scrapbook?" Carter yelled.
Liz blushed a bright red. She hoped her scarf covered it.
"It's got my picture all over it," Wes said. "Pages and pages dedicated to me."
"Stop it," Liz hissed.
He picked her up and kissed her on the nose. "It's cute," Wes said. "You're like the captain of my fan club." He threw her into a snowdrift then belly flopped beside her.
Liz noticed that Rhonda was watching them. Wes immediately stopped laughing when he saw her.
What was going on between the two of them? Liz wondered.
The walk back didn't take long. They had made a big loop around the property and were close by their lodge.
"Do we have to cook our own food?" Carter asked. "This isn't like one of those resorts where you eat bugs and have to fetch your own water, is it?"
"What kind of resorts are you going to?" Liz asked.
"The military," Mark replied. Liz giggled.
"This is an upscale place," she said. "Kate and I already have a dinner planned."
"I want moose," Carter said.
"What? When—"
"Yeah I could go for some moose," Wes said, nodding.
"When have you eaten moose?" Liz asked Wes after a moment.
The dinner wasn't moose, thankfully. It was steak cooked to perfection with an assortment of side dishes and wine.
"I thought you weren't drinking," Mark said to his grandfather as Harris poured himself another glass.
"Just not in the mornings."
"He used to start drinking at ten, so this is an improvement," Jack said.
Liz knew the Holbrook men could drink. She also knew Allie had problems with Carter. She was glad Wes didn't drink a lot.
"You don't want anything?" she asked Wes.
"No thanks," he said. "I've had my alcohol allotment for the month."
"When is the wedding?" Harris asked. "Grant was supposed to give me great grandchildren."
"They're in marriage counseling," Carter slurred, "so I don't think that's happening anytime soon."
"Carter!" Mark admonished. Kate looked upset, and Grant glared angrily at his cousin.
The server came over with desserts.
"Could you put them down? Thanks," Kate said.
"Why did you order these?" Grant demanded.
"Are you kidding me?" Kate yelled.
"You don't have to eat it, Grant," Wes said.
"Shut up," Grant hissed. "Don't act like you're Mr. Perfect. I still remember what you said to Liz. Once she dumps you, and she will, it's over for you." Liz felt super tense. She took another sip of wine.
"You're supposed to be brothers!" Harris exclaimed.
"Maybe you married too soon," Wes said, leveling his gaze at his brother. Liz was taken aback by that statement. She looked at Wes. Rhonda was slightly smirking.
"Don't tell me how to live my life," Grant yelled and threw his glass at Wes. Wes immediately jumped up, picked up one of the dessert plates, and chucked it at Grant.
"Sit down," Walter ordered. "Both of you."
The two brothers glared at each other from across the table. Liz could barely breathe.
Wes may not drink like the Holbrook men, but he sure had a temper like one.
54
Wes
Breakfast was tense the next morning.
Grant sat at the opposite end of the table, ignoring Wes. As he ate his steak and eggs, Wes tried not to feel regretful about how he acted. The reality was that he was never going to have a positive relationship with his biological family.
Soon Rhonda would have them pull the trigger on the scheme, and he would be the most-hated man amongst the Holbrooks. They would tell stories to their grandchildren about what a horrible person Wes was. It all felt like a train barreling toward a brick wall. He was going to lose everything.
Think of your employees. Someone had to stick up for them. Wes had the sinking feeling that maybe there could have been another way, one that didn't cost him his family and friends or a future with Liz.
Wes spent a few hours in the morning with Liz, then they both separated to do some work. He didn't think his family wanted to see him, so he shut himself away in the study to answer emails.
Around lunchtime, the door opened. For a moment he thought it was Liz, but then he saw Rhonda. He turned in his chair to face her.
"You weren't joking about Grant and Kate," she said.
"Of course not," Wes said. "I'm committed to this endeavor."
Rhonda smiled and sat down close to him. "I think we can break them apart," she said. "The fallout would be catastrophic. Coupled with our other plans, it would be quite a blow to your family."
"Of course," Wes said. He didn't like that he was alone with Rhonda and that she was so uncomfortably close to him. What if Liz saw them?
"So, you're still planning to follow through?" she asked.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Wes asked.
"The scrapbooking, the fan club," Rhonda said. "You haven't fallen for Liz, have you? She is supposed to fall for you, then you'll break her heart."
"That is still the plan," Wes said. He still wished there was a way not to hurt her.
"There is no future with her," Rhonda continued. "You can't have a future with someone built on lies. You need someone with honest, shared experiences."
"Are you talking about yourself?" Wes sneered at her. Rhonda looked shocked and a little hurt. "I see the way you look at me," Wes said.
"You love her," Rhonda accused, the corner of her lip curling. She stood up then said, "Don't forget I'm watching you. Either you're with me or against me."
He followed her out of the study to the dining room. Liz gave him a worried look, and he kissed her and pulled her close to him.
"No Grant?" Wes asked.
"He's meeting with potential clients," Kate said. Her face had a pinched look. She seemed unhappy, and Wes didn't press the issue.
There were grilled vegetables, soup, and open-faced sandwiches for lunch. Wes ate silently while Walter and Jack talked quietly.
"So much for a family getaway," he said to Liz. But she wasn't paying attention to him. She was one her phone, and she had a shocked look on her face.
"I found out who is bankrolling the Harrington Thurlow lawsuit," she announced. His family's full attention was on Liz now. Rhonda looked at Wes. She looked worried, which was not an emotion he was used to seeing on her face.
Wes's heart stopped. She figured it out. What was he going to do? Should he run?
"Who is it?" Kate asked.
"My contact is Liam Svensson, and he says Svensson Investment is funding it," Liz said. She looked confused, and Wes felt his shoulders relax slightly. Her contact hadn't traced the money back to its true source.
"It's probably something to do with that stupid feud," Walter said.
"Liam already complained to his oldest brother, and he put the kibosh on it," Liz said. "Liam said Greg didn't want the negative publicity coming back to bite Svensson Investment." Wes wondered what that meant for Rhonda's plan.
Kate jumped up from the table, her phone in her hand. "This is insane. Excuse me. I need to make some calls."
Wes snuck away while everyone was distracted with the news. Rhonda followed him a few moments later. They went into the study, and she closed the door behind them.
"I can't believe this," Rhonda said, pacing. She pulled out her phone and called one of the Svensson brothers.
"How did this happen?" she demanded when Carl Svensson answered.
"This was bound to come out sooner or later," Carl said. "Those Holbrooks are wily."
"One of your brothers ratted us out!" Rhonda hissed.
"I know," Carl said. By the tone of his voice, Wes knew he didn't actually care. "We'll work something out."
Rhonda made a disgusted noise when she hung up. "You can't trust those Svenssons." She tossed her hair back. "They only care about their money and reputation. Those finance guys are nuts. They're all on Adderall. Now they're in damage-control mode." She turned on Wes. "I thought you had better control of little Liz."
"I didn't know she had a Svensson on speed dial."
"You should have been looking through her phone."
"That's an invasion of privacy."
Rhonda looked down her nose at him. "If you weren't so good-looking, I would slap you right now," she said. "You had one job, and that was to have Liz so bonkers about you that she didn't have time to make trouble."
"I thought my job was to make her love me."
Rhonda glared at him then muttered to herself. "We only needed another month or so. Was that too much to ask?"
Both of them turned sharply as they heard the door open.
Liz was standing there, looking hurt. "Wes?" said Liz. "What are you doing?"
Wes closed his eyes. "Nothing, Liz. Come on. Let's go snowshoeing."
55
Liz
Liz moped the week after they returned from the ski resort. Liz still couldn't understand what was going on between Wes and Rhonda. It wasn't just when she had interrupted them. They seemed to have some sort of energy between them the entire weekend, like they were almost drawn to each other. She knew she should confront him about it, but she 'wasn't sure she wanted to hear the truth.
"I bet they're sleeping together," she said, sniffling. She was at a bar with Anastasia. They were waiting for Allie. "Wes has been so distant lately."
Anastasia put away her camera then hugged Liz. "I'm sure it's nothing like that. Maybe you could ask him."
"I don't want to listen to him lie to me," Liz said.
Anastasia signaled to the bartender for another round. "There's the charity winter polo match next weekend," Anastasia reminded her. "That will be fun."
"Brandy will be there since Fernando is going to be playing," Liz said, resting her head in her hands. "She's going to ask about the baby shower, and I haven't finished planning."
"I thought Rhonda was helping you," Allie said, walking up to them, her coat draped over her arm.
"I can't see her!" Liz said dramatically. "What if she's sleeping with Wes?"
"I told you that you were moving too fast for him," Allie said. Liz knew she was a bit annoyed.
"I thought you were my friend!" Liz said.
"I am," Allie said. "And that's why I'm going to make you confront Rhonda. We're going to be adults."
"But I don't…" She saw Allie wave to someone. Liz's face fell as Rhonda walked through the bar toward them.
"You invited Rhonda?" Liz hissed to Allie.
"Liz!" Rhonda said. Liz didn't return her hug.
"We need to talk," Allie said.
Rhonda looked at them, eyes wide and innocent.
"Liz would like to know why you and Wes are spending so much time together," Allie said.
"Just tell me if he's cheating on me with you," Liz said, her voice quavering.
"Oh, sweetie," Rhonda said, taking Liz's hand. "Wes isn't cheating on you. He was asking me about engagement rings."
Liz couldn't believe it. "Oh my! He's serious about me? He really loves me!"
"I don't know when he'll propose," Rhonda said. "He hasn't bought a ring yet. He was asking me for advice."
"He's going to propose to you?" Allie asked. She had a sour look on her face.
"You're just jealous!" Liz exclaimed. "Why can't you be happy for me?"
Allie looked at her incredulously. "You barely know this person!"
"You and Carter barely knew each other," Liz protested.
"Carter and I are not engaged," Allie retorted.
"But you're living together," Liz said.
"Barely," Allie said. "We live in a communal house with his cousin and wife. Speaking of Grant and Kate—you see how they are right now. They barely even speak to each other. That's what happens when you marry someone and you barely know them or have even lived together. It's not easy. No one is perfect."
"Stop being all high and mighty!" Liz said.
"Yes, Allie, you're such a kill joy," Rhonda said. "If you don't want to talk weddings or plan a baby shower then go away."
Allie shook her head and put on her coat. "Fine," she said. "But when this all comes crashing down, don't come crying to me."
"Have to run as well," Anastasia said to Liz as she followed Allie out of the bar.
Liz was giddy as she talked about engagement rings with Rhonda. They also managed to do a little work on Brandy's baby shower.
In the days leading up to the polo match, Liz felt like she was floating. Wes was out of town, but that was probably a good thing because she didn't want to spoil the surprise.
Despite her best efforts to avoid her, as soon as Liz arrived in the bleachers and opened up her thermos, Brandy marched over to her. She was very visibly pregnant, but that didn't seem to slow her down. Her hair was thick and luscious, her skin glowed, and Brandy looked nauseatingly proud of herself.
"I need to know how the baby shower is coming," she demanded.
"Rhonda and I have it under control," Liz said.
"I want
a big cake," Brandy continued. She showed Liz a Pinterest image.
"It's an elaborate cake," Liz said after a moment. "It almost looks like a wedding cake."
"It's a baby-shower cake," Brandy said as she tapped another image. "I want it to look like this inside too." It had layers of jam-a-confit filling in peach, pink, and red.
"It's for a girl," Brandy said.
"Fine," Liz said. "We had a caterer booked already, but I'll see if they can do something like this."
"It has to be from this baker," Brandy ordered.
"I'll tell Rhonda."
56
Wes
Wes wasn't able to spend time with Liz after they returned from the disastrous family weekend. He had to spend time in Connecticut at the Walsh Systech offices. The first of the acquired startups was relocating there, and Wes wanted to make sure they were being well integrated.
Now that the transition period was coming to a close, Wes supposed he didn't really need to stay in Manhattan anymore. He felt almost sad that he wouldn't be able to spend as much time with Liz. Then he remembered that he was supposed to break her heart. It would be better to be in a different state, he supposed.
They were going to have to pull the lever on their revenge scheme soon, before the Holbrooks dug any further. They had already managed to thwart Rhonda's plan with Hank Walsh.
A week after returning to the city, Walter, Grant, and Wes went over to the Svenssons' offices to meet with them and Harrington Thurlow.
"The Svenssons have been using Hank Walsh," Walter began, "to sew discord. They have been funding this excessive lawsuit. We have confirmation from one of your own brothers."
"I can assure you I had no knowledge of this," Greg Svensson said. He looked over at Carl Svensson. "But I promise it is being handled internally. There's no need to turn this into an even bigger media circus than it already is."
"I agree," Walter said. "And as we stated at the beginning of this fiasco, I think Hank deserves something for his troubles. We are prepared to offer him a settlement of half a million dollars."