by Judy Duarte
“Yes, but that doesn’t bother me. Although I must admit, that’s one reason I’d like to ease into the Fortune family. I’d like to get to know them before they have a chance to judge me.”
“I can’t imagine them finding you lacking in any way. And I’m surprised your father doesn’t appreciate you for being unique.”
“That’s nice of you to say.” She paused, as if pondering whether she should share more or not. “I’m happy with things the way they are. But to be completely honest, when my younger sister, Valene, started working for Fortunado Real Estate, it stung a bit.”
“Why is that?”
Her response stalled again. “I’d never be happy working in an office, but it’s a little disappointing to be bypassed in the hierarchy of the family business, especially by my younger sister.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Thanks, but I’d never be a good fit anyway.”
“So here you are,” he said, “doing your own thing and searching for your family roots.”
“Pretty much. I’m also doing it for Glammy. She always dreamed that her son and grandchildren would be recognized as Fortunes, and that’s my dream now. Hopefully, they’ll end up being the kind of people I wouldn’t mind knowing or claiming as family.”
“I guess there’s only one way to find out. You’ll just have to meet them.” He reached for a cluster of purple seedless grapes and pulled off a couple. “Are you going to keep your room at the Monarch Hotel?”
“Yes, of course. I have a nice room there, so why pack up and look for someplace else to stay?”
“So you’re not planning to get a room in Paseo tomorrow night?”
“I’m going to leave early in the morning and will head back in the afternoon. I’m determined to make the trip to Paseo and back in one day. From what I can see from the map, there’s not much between here and there.”
“I’ll be in town again tomorrow,” he said. “Maybe I can buy you a drink when you get back to Austin. Then you can tell me how your visit with Nathan went.”
“That’s sounds fun. We can be partners in crime.”
“I don’t know about that, but something tells me it might be a lot of fun getting into trouble with you.”
“Now there’s an intriguing idea.”
Wasn’t that the truth?
Carlo was eager to see Schuyler again, for drinks and a debriefing.
An evening couldn’t be more intriguing than that.
* * *
Schuyler peered out the bug-splattered windshield. Her GPS indicated she was getting close to her destination. And from the looks of the small town up ahead, she was. That is, if the meager set of single-story buildings that hadn’t seen any new construction since FDR’s New Deal was Paseo, Texas.
Talk about being down in the boondocks. She’d driven hours to get here, and within a blink or two, she’d be leaving the town in the dust. Even though she hadn’t seen a car in ages, she hit her turn signal and turned off the highway, following the directions she’d been given.
Nathan Fortune knew she was coming. She’d mailed him a letter to begin with, asking him to please call her. When they’d talked on the phone, he’d been pretty quiet. But she hoped to draw more out of him when she met him in person.
“Hi there,” she said, practicing her announcement aloud, “I’m your long-lost cousin.”
No, that wasn’t true. You couldn’t lose a relative you didn’t know existed. And none of the Fortunes, legitimate or otherwise, realized they were related to the Fortunados—a soon-to-be-revealed secret.
Her family had always teased her about being too impulsive, about following her heart rather than her mind. But how could she do otherwise? She often got a gut feeling about things and couldn’t let it go until she saw it through. Besides, she seemed to have a killer instinct for knowing when something felt right. And, like it or not, meeting her Fortune relatives felt better than right. So when her father had told her to back off on her quest, she hadn’t been able to.
It wasn’t like she planned to waltz right up to the upper echelon of the family hierarchy and blatantly introduce herself.
She scanned the countryside. Wow. Talk about living outside the inner circle. Nathan must be a hermit. Of course, living way out here, in the middle of nowhere, he’d almost have to be.
When she spotted a line of bent and rusted-out mailboxes along the side of the road, she muttered, “There it is.” Then she followed the graveled drive to a two-story house.
She’d no more than parked near the big barn and gotten out of the car when she was met by a shaggy brown-and-black dog with a red-and-white Western bandanna tied around its neck. It barked several times to announce her visit.
Then again, maybe it was in warning. For a moment, she wondered if she should climb back in the safety of her BMW, but the mutt really didn’t look all that mean or vicious.
“Hey,” she said, “don’t worry about me, doggie. I’m friendly. Gosh, I’m actually family.”
The dog seemed to understand and trotted up to her, giving her a curious sniff. Moments later, a man walked out of the barn, all big and buff and cowboy.
“Hi there,” she called out, as she reached across the dog to greet him. “You must be Nathan. I’m Schuyler Fortunado. But you probably already gathered that.”
“Yep. I figured as much.”
She scanned her rustic surroundings, which were also clean and neat. “I don’t expect you get too many visitors way out here.”
“You’ve got that right.” He gripped her hand and gave it a sturdy shake. “But I kind of like it that way.”
She supposed he’d have to. “You have no idea how happy I am to meet you. Thanks for agreeing to see me.”
After releasing her hand, he lifted his hat and wiped the sheen from his forehead with his sleeve. “I can’t imagine why you’d come all the way out here to talk to me. It’s a long drive just to say hello. You must have something on your mind.”
Schuyler might be a little impulsive, but she was as honest as the day was long. “First of all, like I mentioned in my letter, I’ve been on a hunt for my family roots, and I finally solved the mystery when I read your sister-in-law’s articles in Weird Life.”
His brow creased, but he didn’t respond.
“Don’t get me wrong, Ariana is a great writer and investigative reporter, but she came up short in uncovering all the Fortunes out there. There are more of us than she could’ve imagined.”
Nathan continued to stare at her, his unspoken questions deepening the furrow in his brow.
“Your father didn’t corner the market on infidelity,” she said. “Julius Fortune was as big a tomcat as his son was.”
Nathan adjusted his hat on his head, then folded his arms across his broad chest. “What are you getting at?”
“I’ll cut to the chase and hit the high points. Years ago, Julius had an affair with Mary Johnson, my grandmother. While she was pregnant with my dad, they split up.”
“I’ve never heard of a Mary Johnson, and I’ve read Ariana’s columns.”
“Well, that’s probably because she legally changed her and my father’s last name to Fortunado. She was always partial to things with a Latin flair. Or any kind of flair, really.”
Nathan continued to gaze at her as if he didn’t know what to make of her. Or her story.
“So why’d you come to see me?” he asked. “Why not go all the way to the top with your claim?”
“Because I’d like to observe the family for a while.”
The front door squeaked open, and an attractive brunette in her late twenties stepped onto the porch. She lifted her left hand to shield her eyes from the midday sun, revealing a diamond ring, and made her way to Nathan.
His expression softened, and his eyes brightened at the sight of her. “Bianca, this is Schuyler Fortunado, another one
of my cousins, it seems.”
Bianca had to be his wife, the woman he’d recently married. She crossed the yard, her long straight hair sluicing down her back, and greeted Schuyler with a smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Was it? Schuyler had pretty much just dropped a bombshell. At least, that’s how she’d feel if the tables had been reversed and Nathan had shown up at her condo in Houston and made a similar announcement.
“I’m sure you didn’t expect to hear that there are more of us,” Schuyler said.
Nathan and Bianca looked at each other, as if weighing how to respond.
“Well, actually...” Nathan began, “we’re not all that surprised.”
Schuyler frowned. Had they known about her?
“Ariana spent months tracking down elusive Fortunes and was the one who’d found me and my brothers,” Nathan said. “She mentioned that there was another branch of the family, but I made a point of not listening. So if you’re looking for information about any of them, I’m not the person you want to talk to.”
“But that’s exactly why I’m here. I want an honest, unbiased opinion from someone who isn’t swayed by the family’s money or influence or even its drama.”
“I’d be happy to give you one, but I’ve never met any of them, including the man who was my sperm donor.”
Now it was Schuyler’s turn to be surprised. “Aren’t you interested in meeting Gerald Robinson—or should I say Jerome Fortune?”
“It’s a little late to be looking for a daddy at my age. I’m more interested in keeping him away from my mom, Deborah. So the less contact I have with the man, the better.”
That was an interesting flip. Schuyler was dying to meet them all, while Nathan wanted to avoid them. “Is something wrong with Gerald—or with the rest of the family?” That thought hadn’t crossed her mind, but maybe it should have.
“Some of them are okay, I guess. Why?”
“I’d like to meet with them. Any of them.”
“I can’t tell you much about the Robinson branch of the family. You’ll need to go to Austin for that. You can also go to Red Rock and Horseback Hollow to learn about the others, some of whom are married to Mendozas. But for the record, some of them may not be as welcoming as others. Kate Fortune has been subjected to plenty of phony gold diggers over the years.”
Schuyler had, of course, heard of the family’s matriarch. “I’m not the least bit interested in the family money or in Kate’s cosmetics company. So she doesn’t scare me.”
“Then maybe you should talk to her or one of the others,” Nathan said. “I’m not privy to or interested in any of the family dynamics.”
Before she could remind him that she didn’t want to make a big splash, the screen door creaked open, then slammed shut as a small boy dashed outside. “Mommy, can I have another cookie? I’m super hungry and I’ve been good all morning.”
Bianca smiled. “You also picked up your Legos without me asking, so yes. But let me get it for you, okay?”
“This is our son, EJ,” Nathan said, boasting a happy grin.
Schuyler couldn’t help but admire the little guy. “He’s darling.”
“He can also be a real pistol at times,” Bianca added. “But he’s been exceptionally good this morning, so if you’ll excuse me, I’d better get that cookie before he tries to get it himself. I’d be happy to put on a pot of coffee, if you’d like to come inside.”
“Thank you,” Schuyler said, “but I need to go.”
As Bianca and EJ returned to the house, Nathan studied Schuyler. “So will you be heading to Austin to talk to some of the Fortune Robinsons?”
“Eventually, but rather than barge in on them, I have another connection. The Mendozas.”
“Sounds like a viable option,” Nathan said. “Good luck.”
She thanked him for his time, then headed for her car. She had another long drive in front of her. She wanted to be back in Austin before the end of the workday.
Or to be more exact, before the cocktail hour began at the Monarch Hotel.
Chapter Five
Carlo sat in the upscale lounge of the Monarch Hotel, a red glossy gift bag resting discreetly on the floor next to his chair. Nearly an hour ago, just after four o’clock, Schuyler called to let him know she’d hit the Austin city limits and to ask where to meet him.
He figured she’d been on the road long enough, so he’d suggested the hotel where she was staying.
Now, here he sat, watching the happy hour crowd with a glass of wine in front of him. He’d ordered the Lone Star, the Mendoza Winery’s prize chardonnay, from the cocktail waitress, a quiet-spoken blonde in her thirties who’d introduced herself as Patty.
He’d taken only a couple of sips when Schuyler entered the lounge with a bounce in her step and a pretty smile on her face. You’d never have known that she’d spent the last ten to twelve hours driving.
She must have gone upstairs to her room to freshen up and change into the stylish little black cocktail dress she’d worn for a couple of hours for the tasting two nights ago. She looked just as sharp this evening, just as sexy. Maybe even more so.
As she approached his table, he stood to greet her, then he pulled out a chair for her. “How’d your visit with Nathan go?”
“It went okay. He’s a nice guy, and I’m glad I had the chance to meet him, his wife and their sweet little boy. But he really didn’t say anything to quench my curiosity about the family.”
“Did you expect him to?”
“No, not really. But at least I’ve met him face-to-face. And now I have an in with him and his brothers.”
“You’ll also have a chance to meet more of the Austin Fortunes at the Valentine’s Day party,” he reminded her.
“That’s true.”
Carlo took his seat, motioned for Patty the cocktail waitress, then asked Schuyler, “What would you like to drink?”
“What are you having? Is that the Lone Star?” When he told her it was, she said, “I’ll have that, too.”
Once Patty arrived at their table, Carlo ordered another chardonnay.
“I poured quite a few glasses of Lone Star at that tasting, and several people raved about it. So I’m looking forward to trying it.”
“I’m glad to hear that. You can’t very well sell our wines if you haven’t tasted them all.”
“I agree.”
He studied her a moment, the way her vibrant personality shined in her eyes, the way her blond tresses tumbled over her shoulders.
“What’s the matter?” she asked. “Don’t tell me I have spinach in my teeth.”
He laughed and slowly shook his head at her humor. “No, I don’t see anything out of place.”
Only trouble was, he couldn’t blame her for wondering why he was gawking at her. And he’d be damned if he wanted her to think he was caught up in his attraction.
“I was just admiring that pretty dress,” he said. “It looks nicer on you each time I see it.”
“Thanks. But don’t worry. I’m going to do a little shopping while I’m in Austin. I have a closet full of appropriate evening wear at home, but I’m not going to drive back to Houston to get them. Especially after the tiring road trip I just made.”
“I’m sure you’re beat after going all the way to Paseo and back, but as a side note, you don’t look all that tired to me.”
“Maybe not. But I’m going to turn in early tonight. I have a feeling one glass of wine is going to do me in.”
He didn’t know what he’d been expecting, other than having a drink or two with her tonight. Dinner afterward, maybe. And possibly a visit to her room. But she’d just set the parameters.
Patty returned with Schuyler’s drink, as well as a small silver serving dish filled with mixed nuts. After she left them alone, Carlo reached under the table for the surprise he
had for her. “Since you’re going to kick back and relax after that drink, I thought I should give you this.”
At the sight of the red gift bag, Schuyler’s eyes widened. “I don’t understand. What’s this?”
“It’s no big deal. Just something to show my appreciation for a job well done.” He hoped she didn’t think it was an early Valentine’s Day gift. Of course, maybe it didn’t matter what she thought until she peeked inside.
So he handed her the bag, eager to see the look on her face when she opened it and saw what he’d scored while shopping earlier today.
* * *
Schuyler loved surprises. She also loved presents, no matter what the cost. Over the years, she’d learned that it was often the least expensive things that meant the most. Yet before looking inside, she studied the bag in her hands for a moment, stunned that Carlo would give her a gift. “This is so unexpected.”
“Aren’t you going to open it?”
“Yes, of course.” She pulled out the tissue paper and gasped at the fluffy white items inside. “I don’t believe this.” She withdrew one bunny slipper by the ear, then the other.
“I guessed at the size. So if they don’t fit, you can exchange them.”
“I’m sure they’re perfect.” As her eyes filled with tears, she did her best to blink them away. “I don’t know how to thank you. This is the best gift ever. Where’d you find them? I mean, you must have taken the day off work and scoured every store in Austin.”
He tossed her a boyish grin. “I’m not about to reveal all my secrets. But I have to admit, this is the first time I’ve given a present to someone who really appreciated it.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep. And that smile on your face means it was a great investment.”
An investment? “Were they expensive?”
“So asks the multimillionaire’s daughter.” Carlo laughed. “Don’t worry. They were running a sale on bunny slippers at Dillard’s in The Domain mall.”
“I find that hard to believe, but thank you for putting so much thought into this. You’re something else, Carlo. I can’t believe a woman hasn’t snatched you up and put a ring on your finger.”
