by Fallon Hart
If not for my sister I’d never have met Griffin Mandeville and my emotions would not be in turmoil.
I was still reeling from yesterday and had decided to put visiting Angela at the library about my old job on hold until the next day so that option was out as a current distraction. Thinking perhaps a book might help, I could find nothing in my ereader library that I felt like diving into. Then I remembered the club library. Deciding to see if there was anything to read in there I’d just ventured out of the elevator onto the ground floor when Amelia Danvers swept inside The Patrician on a pair of high-heeled court shoes and a cloud of designer perfume.
Her eyes lit up when she saw me while my heart started to beat a little faster, wondering what she was doing here.
“Scarlett!” She called out, striding toward me. My cheeks colored at her use of my real name. Whatever she saw in my expression made her wave her hand dismissively. “Oh Griff told Quentin everything and then Quentin told me. And I knew I just had to come over here and make sure you’re alright.”
Surprised by her kind and forgiving attitude, I’d barely opened my mouth to thank her when she continued, “Grab your purse, I’m taking you to lunch. You need girl time.”
My stomach flipped at the idea of telling her new lies. “Well—”
“No excuses.” Her lovely eyes flitted over my shoulder and she smiled. “Griff, there you are!”
I glanced over my shoulder and sure enough my fake fiancé was coming down the stairs. When he reached us he greeted Amelia with a kiss on her cheek. “What brings you here, Amelia?”
“Your lovely wife-to-be. I’m taking her to lunch.”
“Good. She needs a break.”
“I do?”
He gave me a pointed look that reminded me of yesterday and what my sister had done to me. “Yes, you do. Go.”
“Then I guess I’ll just grab my purse.”
“I need to see Chef about something.” He leaned in and brushed his mouth against mine, leaving my lips tingling in want for more. “Enjoy yourself.”
“I will,” I practically whispered.
He gave me a smug half-smile like he knew what his mouth on mine did to me. I just refrained from scowling at him.
“Amelia.” He nodded to her and strode off toward the kitchen.
“If I wasn’t completely and utterly in love with my husband, I think I’d be infatuated with yours.” Amelia turned from watching Griff depart and grinned. “Not that he would notice me. Or any woman when you’re in the room.”
That wasn’t quite true but, of course, I wasn’t going to tell Amelia that.
***
Amelia drove us in her dark red Audi convertible to a place near the harbor called Menton. Even I had heard of Menton—a fine dining restaurant with an amazing reputation for French-Italian cuisine. Apparently, Amelia was friends with the chef and was able to get a table whenever she called.
“I can’t believe you’ve never dined here,” Amelia commented as we were seated in the modern restaurant with its naked plaster walls, oak tables and white geometric drop chandeliers. “I recommend the roasted sirloin. Divine.”
So that’s what I ordered even though I wasn’t sure I’d be able to eat anything considering the way my belly fluttered continuously with butterflies.
Finally, unable to bear the suspense of our coming discussion any longer, I enquired, “So Griff told Quentin about my real background?”
“Yes. That man overthinks everything, no? But why the name change? Quentin said it was so it would make you harder to find if anyone did real digging but,” she shrugged, “It’s so much to put you through.”
“I’m fine. Really. Griff was just trying to avoid scandal.”
Amelia eyed me and I swear I saw suspicion in her expression. But just like that it was gone. “Scarlett, you couldn’t have been fine. You must have been on pins and needles anytime that man took you anywhere. I know he was trying to avoid a scandal but now he’s merely created one.”
“Do you think it’ll be that bad?”
“Honestly?”
Yes, as much as it might hurt, I wanted the truth. Always. “Yes.”
“If he had just let you be and introduced you as who you are, Scarlett Jennings: Librarian, people would have barely cared. Yes, there would have been the jealous few who live in the dark ages who think he should marry someone from a well-to-do background… but they would have gotten over it. Now he’s made it look like even he’s ashamed of your background.”
“He’s not,” I defended him. “He just wanted to make life easier for me and as soon as he realized he wasn’t, he tried to fix it.”
She sighed. “Yes, but what he should have remembered is that people are quite afraid of him. He knows the financial backgrounds of everyone who matters in east coast society. Some are even in debt to his hazard bank. And let’s face it, most people find him intimidating. He could have said he was marrying a sheep farmer from Wales and no one would have blinked an eyelid.”
Wanting to change the subject so I wouldn’t have to keep lying I tilted my head and studied my new friend’s pretty face. She looked like she’d topple over with a mere push, verbal or physical, but I suspected Amelia’s spine was made of steel. “You’re not intimidated by Griff, however, are you?”
She grinned. “Are you?”
“Sometimes. Not that I’ll ever let him know that.”
Amelia chuckled. “Good for you. That’s why he’s with you, you know. You’re not afraid of him and you’re not impressed by his money. Anyone with eyes can see you want Griffin Mandeville for reasons other than the size of his pocketbook. You fascinate me, Scarlett, because although I joked about it earlier, I know that Griff can’t be the easiest man to love.”
I smiled. “He is very mercurial.”
“Mercurial indeed. The man is a cave of hidden depths. I think only Quentin and you must really know him, and I’ve tried to get Quentin to tell me something real about Griff but he won’t share…”
Realizing Amelia was trying to unearth secrets she thought I knew I gave her a mock-chastising look. “Would you share Quentin’s deepest thoughts and feelings?”
“No, I absolutely would not.” She smiled. “I do like you, Scarlett. And that names suits you so much better than Melanie.” She turned contemplative. “I know I can be a little pretentious sometimes —it can’t be helped because I grew up privileged and I won’t apologize for that. But I really do appreciate people who understand what truly matters in life. Love and loyalty.”
“I know that, Amelia. You wouldn’t be with Quentin otherwise.”
“No, I wouldn’t. My father was very against it, you know. Quentin and I. Quentin’s father was a miner in the Appalachian mountains and his mother died in childbirth. He lived a hard life and had a difficult childhood. They were practically starving during bad winters. Quentin was very malnourished as a child. Eventually Quentin’s aunt offered to take Quentin in. He moved to Mattapan. Life wasn’t easy there but he had the opportunity to work hard at school for a scholarship. He made a success of his life but he’s never forgotten where he came from. I admire that about him more than I can say. I adore him.” She laughed softly. “It’s awful really. I never wanted my heart to be so dependent upon another but I’m afraid I was rather helpless against him.”
“Did you fight it? Loving Quentin?” I didn’t want to delve too deeply into why I asked that question.
“I tried. It was pointless.” She narrowed her eyes. “You’re not thinking of fighting your feelings for Griffin?”
Every. Damn. Day.
“I tried.” I shrugged, hoping my smile wasn’t as weak as it felt. “It was pointless.”
“Well, what a fine pickle we’re both in.” Amelia reached across the table to place her hand over my left one. “The reason I wanted to bring you to lunch was to reassure you that I am here to help you weather this storm. There will be some talk but I assure you another scandal will blow through society soon enough and yo
u and Griff will be old news. But while the waters are a little rough, I’m here by your side to help you navigate them.”
An ache flared in my chest as I covered her hand with my right, feeling more gratitude than I could express. And more guilt. Never, not in my life, had I ever had a girlfriend like Amelia Danvers and it caused me anguish that I was forced to lie to her.
***
It was strange stepping into the South Boston branch of the Public Library. Rather than months it felt like years had passed and I think it had a lot to do with who I was then and who I’d become in just a few short months.
Back then I’d held onto the idea of me and my sister being a family. I’d loved her despite her many mistakes and negligent attention. Moreover, I’d been content to be alone, not interested in a relationship or sex.
Now I had no sister, just a hollow ache where my love for her used to be.
Now I wanted one man even though I knew he was all wrong for me and was determined to keep a distance from him.
Now I knew what explosive sex was really like and how frustrating it felt to be without it.
Because of all that, I walked into that library with an empty discontentment in my heart.
I was lonely.
The sight of Angela behind the main desk lightened my mood a little, and I smiled as her eyes grew big at the sight of me.
“Well look what the cat dragged in,” she announced.
Grinning, I leaned my elbows on the counter. “I’ve never really understood that saying.”
“It’s not flattering.” She pursed her lips.
I winced. “You’re still mad.”
“Well that depends.”
“On?”
“Whether or not you’re here to give me a proper explanation.”
“I am.”
We found ourselves quickly locked in Angela’s office. She perched on the desk while I sat in a seat opposite, feeling like I’d just been sent to the principal’s office. “So explain.”
Of course I couldn’t give her the truth about my arrangement with Griff so I had to give her the story we were telling everyone else. Modified.
“So you’re telling me you had to up and leave at the drop of a hat because you’re marrying some rich dude?” She quirked an unimpressed eyebrow.
I frowned. “I was confused. We’d decided to lie about my background because Griff didn’t want there to be a scandal and… I wasn’t thinking clearly, Angela. And I’m so sorry.”
“But now this guy is letting you be you.”
“It wasn’t that he wasn’t letting me. I agreed to the ruse. I soon realized I couldn’t do it and Griff agreed we should just tell the truth and to hell with everyone else.”
“Man oh man.” Angela stood up and started pacing her office. “I will never understand rich people.”
I chuckled. “Me neither.”
“Well, girl, you’re about to become one.”
“True.” Not really. I sat up straight. “I told Griff I wanted to come back to work and he wants me to be happy.”
Angela gave me a half-irritated, half-sorry look. “Scarlett, even if you hadn’t upped and left me in the lurch because of some English lord or whatever, I’ve already replaced you.”
Disappointed flooded me, adding to that ache of loneliness. “Of course. It was probably brazen of me to walk in here. I’m so sorry, Angela.”
My old boss suddenly leaned down and pressed a hand to my shoulder, expression concerned. “Girl, you sure you’re happy?”
Mustering all the enthusiasm I had left in me, I nodded. “Yes. I just miss the library.”
She gave me a squeeze. “I know you’re a good girl, Scarlett. That’s why you leaving like you did shocked the hell out of me.” She straightened. “Look, if a job opens I’ll give you a call.”
“Thank you.” I stood up. “That’s more than I could hope for.”
“And, Scarlett.”
“Yes?”
“I’m here if you ever need to talk.”
Realizing Angela was not so easily fooled, I gave her a tight smile and got the hell out of there before she discovered all my secrets. As I practically ran down the library entrance steps, struggling to breathe through a sudden tightness of panic in my chest, my phone rang. Pulling the cell out of my purse I saw it was Hayley, our wedding planner. Although Griff and I were planning to elope this weekend, I was supposed to be keeping up the pretense of planning a grand society wedding.
“Hayley,” I greeted, trying to force enthusiasm into my tone.
There was a moment of hesitation before she replied, “Scarlett.”
I closed my eyes and sighed. “You’ve heard?”
“Yes. Gossip moves quickly in Boston society.”
“I’ll explain everything at our next meeting.” I was looking forward to that. Not.
“Actually that’s why I’m calling. Kiersten Van De Beer is also my client and, uh, well, she heard that I’m your wedding planner too. I’m afraid she doesn’t like the association and has asked that I remove you from my client list or she will find another wedding planner.”
Shocked, I couldn’t say anything.
Why would someone I had never even heard of do something so petty and childish?
“I can’t lose a Van De Beer’s good opinion, Scarlett. I am sorry… Scarlett?”
Hayley did sound genuinely sorry and I understood the predicament she was in. Her business depended on the upper crust of society. She couldn’t get blacklisted because of me. No matter how ridiculous the situation.
“I understand.”
“I wish you and Mr. Mandeville a lovely wedding.”
“Yes. Thank you.” I hung up, feeling dazed.
What on earth?
I got into the town car Xavier had coerced me into using and immediately dialed Amelia’s number.
“Do you think yellow would be a nice accent in my kitchen?” she asked without preamble.
Thrown, I stuttered, “Y-your kitchen is fine.”
Amelia sighed. “That’s what Quentin said.”
Hoping to cut her off before she launched into something else about interior design, I asked, “Who is Kiersten Van De Beer?”
My friend grew silent.
“Amelia?”
“Whatever you’ve heard, Griff never felt about her the way he feels about you.”
What? WHAT? “Uh… are you telling me they dated?”
“That’s not why you’re calling?”
“No. I’m calling because my wedding planner just fired me. Fired me. And all because some person called Kiersten Van De Beer is also her client and she told Hayley that if she didn’t take me off her client list she’d find another wedding planner.”
“That spiteful bitch!”
I blinked in surprise at the vehemence of Amelia’s reaction. “Is this because she dated Griff?”
“Of course it is. I bet she was just waiting for something like this so she had an excuse to try and blacklist you. Oh she’s awful. Just awful. You have to tell Griff. He needs to put a stop to this before that little cow turns this minor scandal into the biggest one this year.”
My heart thudded as I realized how completely out of my depth I was in this world. “Amelia, I don’t know what’s going on. Who is she?”
“Oh right. I keep forgetting.” She exhaled heavily. “Kiersten is the granddaughter of Charles Van De Beer.”
The name was vaguely familiar but I didn’t know why.
“Charles Van De Beer,” she reiterated. “One of the biggest oil tycoons in this country.”
Oh.
So off the charts rich then. “Great.”
“His son, James, is Kiersten’s father. James is a club member and he likes Griffin a lot. Two years ago Griffin started a relationship with James’ daughter. Griffin was up front with everyone, Kiersten included, that he was a perennial bachelor and he was not looking for anything serious. In saying that, his relationship with Kiersten lasted longer than the others. It
must have gotten her hopes up. According to Quentin she told Griff that she loved him. He told her that was impossible because he never let her get to know him. Not really. And he ended things. She accepted it with what we all assumed was quiet dignity especially when James made it clear to Griff that he didn’t want it affecting their friendship. Griff certainly didn’t want that either. At the time I felt sorry for Kiersten. She thought she could make Griff change his mind and when she got her heartbroken all her father cared about was that it didn’t affect his standing at the club. Rumor has it his mistress is also a club member and they make use of those private rooms all the time.”
Ugh. “Nice.”
“Very. But don’t feel sorry for Kiersten. She’s obviously furious that Griff has decided to settle down with someone and being the raging snob she is, horrified that you’re not from money. So she’s gunning for you.”
Feeling sweat gather under my arms at the mere thought of the drama unravelling around me I leaned my head back against the car seat and closed my eyes. I’d lived my life drama-free for a reason. Yes, I’d missed out on the excitement of new friendships and the passionate ups and downs of relationships, but I’d also missed out on the petty jealousies and wicked games people could play.
“Amelia, I can’t handle this. I’m not built for this. I don’t play these kind of horrible games with people.”
“You don’t have to handle this. Tell Griffin. One word to James and he’ll make sure his daughter plays nice.”
“It can’t be that simple.”
She huffed, “Scarlett, Kiersten is marrying a lawyer. He makes what the rest of the country would think is excellent money and he comes from a good family. He does not, however, come from Van De Beer kind of money. They live in a mansion in Brookline, for God’s sakes. Even on his salary they couldn’t afford that. No, they will be living primarily off Kiersten’s incredibly generous allowance. And who handles that allowance? Dear Papa. Everyone knows he’s kept that girl in line because he holds the purse strings. And there’s nothing that scares Kiersten more than the idea of not being fabulously wealthy. She’s the chip off the old block as they say — Grace Van De Beer knows all about her husband’s mistress. But will she leave him? No, because that means losing the Van De Beer name and wealth.”