by Natalie Ann
He didn’t want to think of that happening. He didn’t see that as a possibility anytime soon but didn’t want to say that to her either without having concrete facts. All he had was a hunch.
And if he learned one thing lately, it was that Bella didn’t like to be told what to do often. He had to start watching his words better.
“I do have a lot going on that weekend so if we are going to do this it should be this coming week or the next at the latest. During the week is best, you know that.”
“This is exciting,” his mother said.
“You would think that,” his father said. “You always have stars in your eyes.”
“I’m not getting my hopes up for anything,” Bella said. “If we do it, then maybe it should be soon before I change my mind. But I want to think about it some more. Can I let you know in a day?”
“Of course,” he said. “Take your time.”
“But not too much time,” Ethan said. “Eli says that when he really means he wants an answer now.”
He turned and scowled at Ethan, figuring Egan would have been the one to make that comment instead. Seemed his family was airing all his faults out like dirty beach towels over the railing.
“When I was a teen maybe,” he said.
“I’ll let you know tomorrow,” Bella said. “I’m almost there mentally. Maybe I just need a push. I guess most of my life I’ve needed a push and didn’t realize that.”
“How so?” he asked.
“My uncle has encouraged me to travel for years. During college and after. He always offered to send security along and have them be discreet, but I didn’t want to do it.”
Interesting. “You didn’t want to travel?” his mother asked. “Or you didn’t want to be watched over?”
“Definitely the second, but I’m on the fence about the first. I traveled so much as a child. It was never my thing like so many want to do.”
So this went back to having no choice in some matters in life. Go with security or don’t go it seemed. She chose not to go.
“I can understand that,” his mother said. “There are a lot in our family that travel now or did when they retired. Even Eli’s grandparents traveled for years. I’m more of a homebody. But I didn’t come from this kind of wealth either. It takes some getting used to.”
“I’m used to it,” Bella said. “Even the security detail. Maybe I didn’t want to travel alone more than anything whether I had security or not.”
“You must have had friends in school,” Eli said to her.
“Oh, I did. But their likes and mine differed. I want to say I’m a homebody too, but I realize I never had much of a home life either.”
Which was sad to hear. “Then I think you need to go to Georgia,” Eli said.
“What?”
“You heard me. Consider this as all part of doing things differently. Trying to find another side to yourself. Exploring. Whatever word you want to put on it.”
“It sounds more to me like Eli is trying to make your decisions for you,” Egan said.
Before he could tell his brother to shove it up his ass, his mother said, “Egan. Mind your own business. Bella, I think Eli is right. You don’t want to regret not using this opportunity to the fullest. No one says you have to do anything when you get there. You could bump into your cousin, say excuse me and then turn around and leave.”
“I wouldn’t do that,” she said. “If I got that far, I’d talk to her. I’d at least introduce myself.”
“And if she looks like she wants to shoot flames out of her eyes,” Ethan said, “pull Eli in front of you.”
Eli laughed. “Sure. I’ll just make sure I’ve got old clothes on.”
“Heaven forbid he ruins one of his thousands of shirts,” Egan said.
“Please. Anyone that has more than twenty shirts has a thousand to you.”
“True,” Egan said. “I’ve got nineteen hanging in my closet.”
“And he only knows that,” Ethan said, “because ten of them say Bond Charter on them. So that means he owns nine that don’t.”
“I’ve got T-shirts in the drawer,” Egan said.
“No one wants to see those T-shirts in your drawer,” his father said. “They are probably from college.”
“Ethan and Eli are the suit guys. I can wear what I want. My clients don’t care if I’m in jeans or shorts as long as I get them to their destination and back safely. I don’t need fancy clothes for that,” Egan said.
“You don’t need fancy clothes for anything,” his mother said. “But you are getting a new suit for Drew’s wedding. You aren’t wearing the one from Hunter’s.”
“No one is going to know,” Egan whined.
“We will know,” his father said. “It’s what you wore for your college graduation that I had to bribe you into.”
“It’s out of style,” Ethan said. “I’d let you wear one of mine, but you’re fatter than me.”
“I’m not fat,” Egan said. “I’m more muscular than you and you know it. You sit on your ass all day in front of a desk and get soft.”
“Hey,” his father said. “I’ll have you know I’m not soft in the least and I sit in front of a computer.”
“Your father is in excellent condition.”
“I’m so sorry,” Eli said, leaning over and putting his forehead on her shoulder. “I’m really not a heathen like them.”
She laughed and put her hand on his head, then turned and kissed his forehead. He hadn’t been expecting that any more than she probably thought she’d do it. “It’s fine. I find these dynamics interesting. You’d never see anyone in my family act this way.”
“I’m sure,” Janet said. “My boys don’t always have manners.”
“We’ve got manners,” Eli said. “Or I’ve got them. So does Ethan. It’s Egan that is the wildcard.”
“It sure is,” his father said. “And if Griffin were here it’d be worse.”
“Which is why Griffin isn’t here,” he said. “Two brothers are bad enough today. I’ve got Griffin riding my butt daily. There is no escape.”
“You love it,” Bella said. “Everyone can see it. I think deep down you enjoy the attention.”
“Dude,” Egan said. “You are so sunk that she knows that about you.”
He wanted to rebuke that statement. Two statements. First, that he enjoyed the attention and second, that he was sunk.
Unfortunately, he was positive they were both true.
A few hours later they were back at the casino. “I’m sorry again for my brothers’ behavior. I want to say I didn’t know they’d be that bad, but they were actually mild.”
“Don’t be sorry. I was being honest when I said it was fun to watch. Interesting too. I suppose these are some of the things I missed in life being an only child, but even if I had siblings I’m sure we wouldn’t have behaved that way. I don’t think it would have been allowed.”
“Not in the public eye, I’d bet.”
“Or behind closed doors,” she said. “My father was quieter than my mother and he didn’t like too much attention on him unless it had to do with work.”
“I find that interesting considering what you said about your mother before she met your father.”
“Me too, but it’s true. My grandparents and uncle often made comments about how wild my mother was. How she didn’t listen and did her own thing. I wonder if she wanted the attention. My grandfather was a businessman first and foremost.”
“Did he own casinos too?” he asked.
“No. He was a real estate developer. He dabbled in a lot of things. It all went to my uncle when they passed away. I’m sure it would have been split between my mother and uncle, but my mother never wanted any part of working.”
“Really?” he asked.
“Nope. She was educated, but she liked to party. She might have calmed her lifestyle down, but she could still throw a party. She was one heck of a host,” she said, smiling.
But the smile didn’t qu
ite reach her eyes. “And now you are the only heir?” he asked. He wasn’t sure why that popped into his head.
“I’ve got some cousins. Not first cousins, but my grandfather had siblings. Some of his businesses went to them. My uncle got the rest. My understanding was my trust was a good portion of what would have gone to my mother.”
“So liquid assets?” he asked.
“Yes. I’d rather not be left any businesses that I’d have to figure out. I like working the casinos. What Uncle Oliver does with his businesses, is his choice. To the best of my knowledge he doesn’t have any kids, but who am I to know? He could have a few out there,” she said, grinning. “Maybe he just doesn’t know about them yet.”
He wasn’t sure if she was joking or not, but something told him Oliver Dubois knew everything going on in his life. There would never be surprises. “Should I be looking into this?”
“No,” she said. “I’m kidding. My uncle has a lot of close friends. Like you and Griffin. He has loyal employees. Again, it’s his business. I don’t want to think of anything like that. He’s too young to even worry about it. I refuse to believe he is in any danger.”
“Then what do you think this is all about?” he asked. “Or are you burying your head in the sand?”
He’d parked his car and shut it off, then turned to look at her and noticed the tears in her eyes. “I’m not burying my head. But he’s the only family I’ve got and I don’t want to think of something happening to him. He’s scaring me sending me here like he has, but deep in my gut, wouldn’t I know if something was truly wrong?”
He reached for her hand and threaded their fingers together. “I know it’s hard. I’m sure you’ll get some answers soon.”
“Maybe more than I bargained for,” she said. “But I do think you are right. I need to go to Georgia. In order for me to move on, I need to find out some of my past. Uncle Oliver would or could only tell me so much. I’d like to hear from my father’s side why they abandoned him. And me.”
“Then we’ll go call Hailey and find out the next step.”
24
Wanting Attention
And the next step was the Bond private jet landing in Georgia two days later with an appointment to meet with Susanna Beaumont at her firm. That appointment included Riva Carmichael arriving shortly after.
It might be risky doing it this way, but it was the best solution in her mind. And one Hailey came up with after filling Susanna in on a few things.
No, Susanna had no idea that Bella was in America “hiding.” None of that was explained.
All that Susanna knew was that Bella was estranged from the family and would like to find out why. And because Susanna had met with Riva and gotten the impression Bella and Riva were close, she was all about being part of this mystery.
“We’ve got an hour before we meet with Susanna. How are you feeling?” Eli asked her.
“Not as confident about this as I might appear.”
“You’re doing what I would,” he said. “I don’t like not having answers to questions.”
Because he liked being in power and power equaled control. She knew that from years with her father and uncle. “It’s felt like most of my life has been that way,” she said.
She wasn’t going to admit she had a mountain full of questions about her and Eli’s situation too. She was willing to bet he had no answers so she wouldn’t even question him.
“I can’t imagine how that must feel. My family history is not only known by those close to me, but anyone that wants to research Amore Island or buy a book.”
“But as you said, it’s not the full facts or truths.”
“And it never will be,” he said. “Stories get passed down generation to generation, but unless you lived it you have no idea.”
“I know that. I also know that what I’m going to hear today is only my father’s family’s side of things. I may or may not find out more, but it won’t be the full truth.”
“No. You could walk away with answers to your questions today, but you could also walk away with so many more questions that no one will ever be able to answer.”
“That isn’t helping me any,” she said, though she’d thought of all of this already.
“I didn’t think it was going to. I’m just being honest.”
She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “I appreciate that. And you taking the time out of your day to do this.”
“As I said, I haven’t had a vacation in a while. If things don’t work out the way you want, we get back on the jet and return to Amore Island. It’s less than a three-hour flight to Boston.”
It wasn’t that long of a flight here, but adding on the ferry or waiting for the ferry, then the drive to and from airports, it was close to a five-hour trip each way.
She’d had worse though than sitting in the nice leather seats that reclined back. Or maybe lying down on the bed in the back if she wanted to nap. The Bonds sure knew how to travel in style, but she should have realized that by now too. It wasn’t anything more than what her uncle did.
“I know. We’ve got time. Let’s see how this meeting goes first and then we’ll decide. It might be best to stay at the hotel regardless for the night.”
She wasn’t sure how she was going to feel if this turned out to be a big mistake. It might be better to cry locked in the bathroom hotel than on a jet with nowhere to escape. Not even to get fresh air or walk around like she often did when she was trying to gather her thoughts.
“We’ll play it by ear,” he said.
The doors opened on the jet and they made their way out to their rental car that was waiting for them. “What?” she asked. “No Bentley? It’s not like I expected you get a Lamborghini to rent.”
Eli narrowed his eyes at her. “Actually, I could have. Money gets you anything if you’ve got enough. But I figured the Mercedes would draw less eyes than a two-hundred-thousand-dollar car would.”
“Good thinking. We know you don’t care about the eyes on the island.”
“It’s an image thing,” he said.
She tilted her head at him. “Does this go back to wanting attention like your family said?”
“Hardly. You have to look the part of success to be successful at times. At least in my industry. Big spenders want to go where they know they can get the royal treatment. Where they can feel safe, secure and be anonymous on top of it.”
“I know all about that,” she said. “I’m only picking on you.”
“I like this side of you,” he said. “The one that is not afraid to show affection. Like the kiss you gave me in front of my family.”
She felt her face heat up. “You started it by putting your head on my shoulder.”
“It wasn’t planned,” he said.
“Neither was the kiss,” she admitted.
He turned his head to look at her. “Maybe something we should think about,” he said.
She knew that. “I’ve got a lot of things on my mind and don’t need to stress over something else.”
He looked hurt by her words and she wished she could have taken them back. “I understand.”
“I didn’t mean it that way.”
“What way did you mean it?” he asked.
“I can’t believe we are going to talk about this now of all times.”
“Maybe I’m trying to take your mind off of what is coming up.”
She let out a big sigh. Could that be what this was about? She wasn’t sure that was the complete truth. “It’s working.”
“Good,” he said. “And just so you know. I like what we’ve got. I’m not asking for answers between us.”
“Not today anyway,” she said, laughing.
“Not today,” he agreed. Which was good because she couldn’t get a read on him and what he wanted. She kept telling herself her life wasn’t here but then thought, she’d never felt much at home in Monte Carlo. Or anywhere.
Not like she did watching Eli and his family this weekend.
They were welcoming to her and accepting of her situation when they didn’t need to be.
She felt cared for and watched after. She knew she could pick up her phone and talk to Janet or Hailey at any time. And though Hailey was working for her, she had a feeling that wouldn’t be the only reason Hailey would take her call.
She wasn’t sure she ever remembered feeling like that in her life.
The homebody she said she always was. For once she was thinking she could find a home to be in and was afraid to say that.
“Here goes nothing,” she said when they got out of her car twenty minutes later and made their way to the front door.
“Can I help you?” the receptionist said.
“Eli and Isabella Bond to see Susanna Beaumont.”
She turned her head sharply to look at Eli. She hadn’t asked Hailey what name the appointment was made under, but Eli obviously knew. “Relax,” he said. “Hailey forgot to tell us and texted me this morning.”
“Have a seat,” the receptionist said after she picked up her phone. “Susanna will be out in a minute.”
They turned and walked over to one of the seating areas and got comfortable. There was no need because less than a minute later, a woman came out. “Eli. I’m Susanna. I’ve heard a lot about you from Hailey. And you must be Bella.”
They shook hands with Susanna. Her soft accent reminding Bella of the French one she had the first time she met Eli.
“Thank you so much for meeting with us on short notice,” she said.
“Not a problem. Follow me to my office,” Susanna said and shut the door. “This is fun. I can’t wait to see Riva’s reaction. By the way, she’s really nice and sweet, but when Hailey told me what was going on, I had to be in on it.”
“I’m glad someone is excited about this. I’m not sure what I hope to accomplish, but I appreciate you being the middleman for us to meet without the rest of my father’s family knowing I’m in town.”
“You’re my client so it would go no further,” Susanna said.