A Heart to Trust

by A. L. Brooks

  “Olivia?” Broderick interrupted her musings.

  “Hm?”

  “I asked if we should stop off at that wine store en route and pick up a bottle of the Chablis Mom likes so much?”

  “Of course. That sounds like a lovely idea.”

  Olivia waited in the cab while Broderick dashed into the store and made the purchase. She gazed out the window at the New York traffic trundling by and was once again filled with excitement about living in this incredible city. Even as a little girl, she’d dreamed of living here. Okay, it had happened in a way she would never have imagined, but the result was worth the effort, despite her lack of career progress. The past year had been a little nerve-wracking, always wondering if someone would figure out what she and Broderick had done to further his career. The longer their charade had gone on, however, the easier they had found it to live the lie.

  She sighed. That was the biggest drawback to the entire thing: the lying. They’d lied to so many people, both here and back in the UK. Yes, Olivia’s mother and her best friend, Gemma, both knew the truth, but they were the only two people she’d trusted with the knowledge. Broderick’s family were, of course, over-the-moon he’d finally found ‘the one’ after being alone all those years. She’d never criticized him for not coming out as ace/aro to them, but sometimes—especially when they visited Katherine, like today—she wondered if it would be better for them all if he did explain who he really was.

  Come on, get your game face on. You’ve done it for over a year. It’s one more lunch.

  Broderick returned with the wine, and they were off, heading to Central Park South and the luxurious apartment Katherine had inhabited since the death of her husband, Broderick Sinclair Sr., a little over five years ago.

  The usual weekend doorman held open the large front door to the building, and they stepped into the marble-floored lobby. The elevator swiftly delivered them to the fourteenth floor and moments later they were outside Katherine’s apartment.

  “Ready?” Broderick asked.

  Olivia inhaled a deep breath and nodded.

  Katherine answered only a few seconds after Broderick rang the doorbell. “Darling!” She threw her arms wide.

  Broderick stepped into her hug, holding the bottle of Chablis out of harm’s way as he did so. “Hi, Mom.” He held up the bottle. “Your favorite.”

  “Oh, how lovely! Just pop it on the table there, would you?” Katherine stepped aside to let him pass, then turned to Olivia and opened her arms once more.

  Olivia held the older woman lightly, and they air-kissed each cheek. “You’re looking well, Katherine.”

  “Oh, thank you.” Katherine stepped back. “I spent some time with Claude yesterday. I’m glad it shows.”

  Olivia’s smile didn’t falter, even as her mind rolled its eyes and said, “More Botox. Really?”

  Katherine Sinclair had made a name for herself as a TV presenter in her early twenties, reporting on fashion for one of the major news networks. She was beautiful—at least, she used to be.

  Olivia thought the natural Katherine was a vastly superior beauty to this newer, manufactured version. She can’t even blink properly, for God’s sake.

  “Philip and Mallory arrived only a few minutes ago.” Katherine led them down the hallway to the grand room, as she called it.

  Olivia was thankful they were last; there was nothing like being under the microscope of Katherine’s undivided attention. She almost laughed out loud at the relief on Mallory’s face as they stepped into the room.

  As the four of them greeted each other and Katherine fussed around pouring drinks, Olivia tried to relax her shoulders. It wasn’t that she disliked being here with Broderick’s family; they were all nice people and she’d always found them easy to talk to. It was simply that she could never fully relax, just in case she let anything slip. Even the wrong facial expression at the wrong moment could give the game away. It was also why she never drank alcohol in their presence.

  “And here we go, a tonic and lime for you.” Katherine handed Olivia a tall glass.

  “Thank you.”

  Everyone else had small glasses of sherry, which they all raised in unison as Katherine said, “To family.”

  When Katherine turned to speak to her sons, Mallory sidled up to Olivia. “Hey.”

  Olivia slid one arm around her sister-in-law’s shoulders. “Hello. How are you?”

  “Better now you’re here.” Mallory grimaced. “We’d barely sat down before she asked if we had any good news for her on the baby front.”

  “Oh God.” Olivia swallowed hard. “I had a feeling it would be one of those days.”

  “Yes. Brace yourself, I doubt you’ll be spared.”

  Olivia’s stomach tightened. Wonderful.

  “This lamb is delicious.” Olivia placed her fork back on her plate and picked up her water.

  “Isn’t it?” Katherine dabbed at her lips with her napkin. “I’ve used this recipe many times and it never fails.”

  “You’re a great cook, Mom.” Philip grinned. “So I think you can take some credit as well.”

  Olivia had been surprised to discover Katherine still did all her own cooking. She’d expected someone so wealthy living alone to take the easy way out and employ a housekeeper-cum-cook to take care of things like that. But not Katherine. Apparently, she’d grown up watching her own mom in the kitchen, and even after she’d married into the money that Broderick Sr. possessed, it hadn’t occurred to her not to run her own kitchen. And Philip was right; she was an excellent cook.

  Katherine blushed. “Oh, hush. I just enjoy it. And I especially love cooking for my family.” She sipped her wine, then placed her glass on the table. “Now, Broderick, Olivia, have you given any more thought to expanding the size of this family?”

  Here we go.

  Mallory smirked at Olivia when Katherine wasn’t looking.

  Olivia looked at Broderick, and they shared the kind of gaze a loving husband and wife thinking about kids would share. Or at least, she hoped it was the right look.

  “We’ve definitely thought about it, Mom,” Broderick said. “But we’ve agreed that while I’m pursuing the racing career, it wouldn’t be fair to Olivia. I’m away for weeks at a time, and—”

  “But that’s what hired help is for,” Katherine said. “And me! You know I would help you as much as I could.” She looked at Olivia with beseeching eyes.

  “I know you would.” The lamb sat heavy in Olivia’s stomach, her appetite lost. I hate this. I hate lying to this poor woman. “But we’re still young. And you know he’ll get tired of his car games one day.” She smirked when Broderick huffed in mock annoyance.

  “Yes, how is that going?” Philip asked. “I saw you came in fourth in your last race, your best result yet, I believe?”

  Olivia’s gratitude at the diversion must have shown on her face because Philip threw her a small wink when everyone focused on Broderick.

  The rest of the meal passed in a blur of conversation about Broderick’s burgeoning Formula Three racing career, Mallory’s charity work, and Philip updating them all on the state of the family’s hotel business. He’d taken over as CEO when Broderick quit to launch his racing team, and it was clear to everyone it was the best for him, the company, and Broderick.

  After eating, they retired to the grand room once more and sat drinking coffee.

  Olivia had reached the end of her endurance for the day and exchanged an understanding look with Broderick as she drained the last of her second cup.

  “Mom, I think we need to get going.” Broderick stood and held out his hands to Katherine. “I’ve got a lot of paperwork to get through this weekend to be ready for my trip to Virginia.”

  Katherine allowed him to carefully pull her to her feet, her expression sad. “Oh, that’s a shame. This has been lovely, having everyone h
ere once more.”

  “It has.” Broderick pulled her into a gentle embrace. “And we’ll do it again soon, I promise. Right after I get back from Virginia. Maybe at our place next time?” He looked over his shoulder at Olivia, who could do nothing but smile in agreement, of course, even while inside she groaned at the suggestion.

  “Hey, that sounds great!” Mallory chimed in. “We haven’t seen your place in so long.”

  And there’s a reason for that. Husband, I’m going to kill you when we get home.

  “Well then, let’s make it happen, shall we?” Olivia wondered if any of them heard her teeth grind.

  “I’m sorry,” Broderick said the minute the cab door closed. He turned to her as the driver pulled them away from the sidewalk. “It just slipped out and—”

  “For God’s sake! You know how much work that takes, and of course, you won’t be here so I’ll be the one doing it all.” Olivia glared at him.

  He held up his hands. “I know, I know. I just… She was so sad. I hate lying to her about kids, and about leaving so soon today and…”

  Olivia sighed and released her anger. She knew it wasn’t about him. It was this damn situation they’d created for themselves. “I know. Me too.” She pursed her lips. “It’s getting harder. I thought it would get easier, but…”

  Broderick pushed his hand through his hair. “I’ll make an excuse, tell them something’s wrong at the apartment. Put them off.”

  She shifted in her seat. “No, don’t. It’s not that much work to turn the place back into a pretend married couple’s realm.”

  “Do you still think we need to bother? I mean, last time they only saw the living area, which didn’t take a lot to make it look like we both used it.”

  “True. But at the same time, we slipped up at Philip’s charity gala last month, talking about redecorating the guest room. As in, my room. You know your mom will remember that and want to see what we did.”

  “Oh crap, we did, didn’t we? Why does she have to have the memory of a goddamn elephant?”

  She threw him a weak smile. “It’ll be okay. We can just move some of my things into the living room, hide the rest, and she’ll be none the wiser. Don’t cancel the invite—we’re telling enough lies, don’t you think?”

  He said nothing, but his sad expression told her everything.

  Olivia pulled her phone from her purse and opened her calendar app. “Okay, your race is Saturday the twenty-fifth. Invite them over the following Saturday. I’ll try to get home early on Friday to take care of the apartment.” She looked at him over the top of the screen. “But I’m not cooking too, okay? It’s Whole Foods or takeout.”

  Broderick grinned sheepishly. “Deal.”

  Chapter 6

  On Monday morning, Jenny lingered outside the C&V offices, gazing up at the imposing edifice. Every nerve in her body stood at attention. She was off kilter; her entire routine had been upended in only a couple days. For starters, she’d had to get up fifteen minutes earlier as C&V were farther downtown than TC. She’d also had to figure out a new subway route into the city from her apartment and where to buy herself a breakfast. Thankfully, she’d discovered a bagel shop a block from the station nearest the office. Yay for bagels.

  So, here she was, outside the building, her bagel bag clutched tightly in one hand, and her feet wouldn’t move.

  Come on! So it’s a new building. And a new job. And a whole new lot of people to get to know. It’s no big deal. Really.

  She tried to shake out her shoulders and rolled her neck a couple of times.

  “Hey! I thought that was you!” a voice said from somewhere to her right.

  Jenny turned to find Chrissy, she of the big hair and big smile, stood next to her. “Oh! Hey.”

  Chrissy’s smile widened even more to goofy proportions. Her red lipstick glowed in the morning sunshine. “Not sure where to go, huh?” She tilted her head and her expression filled with sympathy and concern.

  “No, I’m not.” Sure, let her think that.

  To Jenny’s surprise, Chrissy hooked her arm though hers and tugged. “Come on, new colleague. I’ve got your back!”

  Unable to help cheering up at Chrissy’s all-round perkiness, Jenny allowed herself to be pulled to the entrance.

  A few minutes later, Jenny stood in front of her new work space. Chrissy had barreled her through security down in the lobby. She had her pass on a lanyard around her neck, had already been introduced to the C&V receptionist, and had been shown where the washrooms and coffee machine were. Her head spun.

  “So, this is you!” Chrissy pointed at a small desk that sat pushed up against another of equal size. Both desks looked as if they’d just about take a laptop and coffee mug and not much else. “And opposite will be Maxwell.” She stepped over to two larger desks situated a few feet away. They each had what seemed like acres of space. “And this is me and Olivia.”

  Both Chrissy and Olivia’s desks held laptop docking stations, neat piles of paperwork, some folders, and a few personal items on display.

  Jenny gazed at the amount of free space that still remained on each. “That’s, um, great.” She looked back at the tiny desk she was expected to use.

  “Your stuff’s arrived, it seems.” Chrissy pointed to a box on the floor.

  Jenny recognized her handwriting on the top. “Yep, that’s mine.”

  “Well, great! I’ll let you get your desk all set up. Our meeting with Derek is in half an hour, okay?”

  That was something Jenny did know. “Yes, all good.”

  “Great! Hey, you want a coffee?”

  “I’d love one. Just long and black, please.”

  “Got it!” Chrissy beamed at her and strode away.

  Jenny exhaled.

  Chrissy was super nice but a little overwhelming so early in the morning.

  Note to self: ease into the day before having too long a conversation with her. She turned back to her so-called desk. Where the hell had they found this—in some clear-out sale from an old school? The chair with it looked seriously unsafe. After placing her bag on the floor and her bagel on the desk, she eased onto the chair. Amazingly, it took her weight without protest.

  Okay, let’s get on with this.

  She stood again, lifted the box, and placed it on the desk. First out was her framed photo of her, Carl, Roz, and Tamara. It had been taken on their trip to Vegas the year before. She chuckled at the memory; that had been a wild trip. Next out of the box was her M&M’s dispenser. She placed it next to the photo and winced at how much room she’d already lost on the desk surface. Looking back into the box, she sighed. There was no way all that would fit. Sacrifices would have to be made.

  Chrissy returned with the coffees. “Here you go! I’ll be right over here if you need me. Ooh, M&M’s!”

  Jenny laughed; Chrissy’s enthusiasm was pretty infectious. “Yeah, my favorite. Always make sure I have a supply on hand.” She took the coffee and raised it in a grateful salute before taking a sip. Hm, not too bad. Thank God.

  “I promise not to steal.” Chrissy moved back to her own desk. Her big desk.

  Sighing, Jenny returned to her box of possessions. Of the stuffed tiger, the Pittsburgh Steelers mini helmet, and the desktop basketball hoop, only one would make the cut. She peeked into the box, remembering the story behind each of the gifts, and decided the tiger won. He’d been a present from Adrienne and Morgan after their last trip to China, and she figured she could use some of the love and strength he represented. She lifted him carefully from the box and placed him on the corner opposite the M&M’s dispenser.

  Okay, I guess there’s just about room left for my laptop. She pulled her computer out and confirmed that if nothing moved so much as an inch, it all fit. But she had no idea what she’d do with any paperwork she generated. She looked under the desk. Nope, no drawer unit. Maybe I�
��ll ask Derek if he can rustle one up from whatever yard sale he visited for the desk and chair.

  “Good morning.” The words were spoken quietly and in a clipped British accent.

  Jenny looked around.

  Olivia placed her large purse on her desk. She was dressed in a beautifully cut pantsuit in an olive-green color that made her eyes glow.

  “Morning,” Jenny replied breezily.

  This Olivia woman made her nervous. She was so…rigid. And holy crap, she dressed up smart for work. Way smarter than Jenny, who cast a quick look down at her own jeans and sleeveless red-and-black checkered shirt with a small frown. Did C&V expect their staff, even lowly production assistants, to dress up? Or was this just an Olivia thing? Jenny looked once more at Chrissy. She wore dark-blue pants with a white blouse made of something super silky and soft. Yeah, so also a lot smarter than me. Hm.

  “Hi, Olivia!” Chrissy said.

  Olivia nodded in her direction, her narrow gaze pinned on Jenny’s desk possessions. “Don’t you think that’s a little much? Especially given how little working space you already have.”

  Her snooty tone made Jenny’s hackles rise. “Well, I’m sorry I don’t have the luxury of working on a football field like you do. I’m making the best of what I’ve got and I’ll be fine, thanks.”

  Olivia glared at her, then turned her back to delve into her purse for her laptop.

  Chrissy caught Jenny’s eye and mouthed the word “sorry” while giving her a sympathetic look.

  Jenny looked to the ceiling for a moment. Sure, Olivia could have been a little nicer, but Jenny shouldn’t have snapped at her. They were supposed to work together, after all. Be part of a team. Yeah, of course, they were all competing for jobs, but that didn’t mean they had to be bitchy about it, did it? “Look, Olivia, I’m sorry I reacted like that.”

  Olivia glanced up from her laptop then back again. “Fine.”