Scandalous Secrets

by Synithia Williams

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  ZOE ROAMED THE downstairs hall of the Robidoux Estate for the third time that morning. She went from the music room, to the sitting room, and ended in the sunroom after grabbing another chocolate chip cookie from the cookie jar. Just like the two previous trips, nothing had changed.

  Lilah had started at a private school the Robidoux children had all attended. No waiting period or strenuous application required. Grant had made sure of that. Lilah said she liked the school, their award-winning archery team helped, but Zoe knew she missed her old friends. Thankfully, there was video chat. Lilah spent almost every afternoon swapping updates with Julie on everything about both her old and new school.

  Grant and Elaina were each off making decisions and solving problems at Robidoux Tobacco and their new holding company. Byron was once again out of town for a campaign appearance. Everyone had something to do except her.

  She’d kept busy for the first few days after the trip to the mountains, searching for a demolition contractor to clean up the debris from her home, filling out the insurance paperwork and reviewing the footage from her camera system of right before the fire. There wasn’t anything suspicious on the video, but her neighbor, Mrs. Morgan, swore she’d seen someone around the house. Zoe tried to reassure herself that Mrs. Morgan always thought she saw people who weren’t supposed to be there. That no one would really burn her home down. That the fire report was correct, and it was an electrical wiring problem.

  That was another reason she needed a job. More time sitting meant more time coming up with conspiracy theories.

  She sat in the sunroom looking out over the neatly manicured backyard. Bright sunshine filtered through the fluffy white clouds in the sky. This was the first time she’d ever had leisure time. She didn’t have to rush to work, answer to a shitty boss, or worry about Lilah’s safety. She could relax and enjoy life. The only problem: now that the business with the fire was taken care of she was bored out of her mind.

  Zoe sighed and pulled her cell phone out of her back pocket. She needed a job and she needed one yesterday. She’d started applying after they’d returned from the mountains, and she checked her email and voice messages every hour. Hoping for some indication someone out there needed her.

  Sounds from the kitchen caught her attention. She didn’t get too excited about the possibility of a distraction. Sandra, the main housekeeper, was nice to Zoe, but she also didn’t make any attempt to hide her discomfort with having Zoe try to help around the house. She might as well go back to the pool house and scour the internet for more jobs until Lilah came home and she could ask her daughter about every detail of her day under the guise of being a concerned parent and not because she was starving for conversation.

  “I grabbed another cookie, Sandra,” Zoe said as she came into the kitchen. Instead of Sandra, Elaina stood at the counter. She poured coffee into a mug with one hand and frowned at her cell phone in the other. In her stylishly cut tan suit with her thick hair pulled up into a sleek twist, she reminded Zoe of the type of businesswoman she’d strived to be. Poised, polished and professional. Zoe’s hand tightened on her cell phone. The need to check her emails again an obsession.

  “Oh. I didn’t know that was you.” Zoe brushed the cookie crumbs off the old Valtec Safety Week T-shirt she wore. She had opted for jeans instead of leggings today, but she still felt like a lazy loafer standing next to Elaina.

  Elaina’s eyes jerked toward Sandra. “Of course you didn’t. I don’t typically come home during the day.”

  Zoe had spent enough time with the family to know Elaina’s bark was worse than her bite. Elaina typically gave a smart-ass reply to a question or statement when she wanted to be left alone. Unfortunately for Elaina, Zoe was bored and in no mood to leave anyone alone.

  “What are you doing here, then?” Zoe went over to the island and leaned her forearms on the cool marble surface.

  “Working.” Elaina put the pot back on the fancy stainless-steel coffeemaker. She picked up her mug and headed toward the door.

  “Come on, Elaina, throw me a bone,” Zoe said, not caring if she sounded like she was pleading. “I’ve sat here for several days with nothing to do while everyone else is busy. Pretend I’m one of your work colleagues and not just Byron’s...” She didn’t know what to call herself. Friend, lover, fake baby momma?

  Elaina did a slow, graceful spin on her high heels to face Zoe. She raised a brow, and interest sparked in her eyes. “Girlfriend?”

  “Current partner,” she countered. She and Byron hadn’t labeled what they were doing. Between his frequent travel and the infrequent moments they could snatch together when he was in town, she sometimes wondered if things would last past the election. What if she found a job somewhere else? Would she really stay in Jackson Falls forever? She didn’t want to think about that too much. “What are you working on?”

  Elaina sighed and came back into the kitchen. She sipped the coffee before focusing on Zoe. “I’m thinking of acquiring a company.”

  Elaina said acquiring a company with the same casual indifference as Zoe would say she was buying a pack of socks. “Really?”

  “Why not?” Elaina asked, sounding offended.

  “You work for Robidoux Tobacco and your dad put you in charge of consolidating a bunch of other companies. Why would you go buy another company?”

  Understanding cleared the fight from Elaina’s eyes. “Because I need my own assets. Assets outside of the family. If I’m going to do that then I need to start somewhere.”

  “Okay, that makes sense.” Zoe had spent every year since having Lilah trying to stand on her own. She understood the drive to build your own, as well, instead of relying on other people. “Is there anything wrong with the company?”

  “Nothing’s wrong with it. The business model is sound and there’s a market for the goods.”

  “But?” Zoe heard the hesitancy in Elaina’s voice.

  Elaina let out a sigh and sat on one of the stools by the counter. “But the manufacturing facility is plagued with problems. They’ve missed deadlines due to high turnover and safety concerns. If that can be corrected then I could make it work, but I don’t know if it’s worth my time.”

  The words rushed out of Elaina. It was the first time Zoe had seen the otherwise self-confident woman unsure of herself. Elaina probably didn’t have a lot of people she could discuss her concerns with. Business advisers and lawyers were one thing, but sometimes you just needed a friend to listen to your thoughts. Zoe hadn’t seen or heard Elaina mention a friend.

  Zoe perked up, the flash of an idea brightening her mind. “I can help.”

  “You? How?”

  “That’s what I did with Valtec. I worked in risk management. If you’re serious, I can visit the facility, identify the risks involved, figure out what’s leading to the high turnover and give you a report on what would be needed to turn things around.”

  Elaina wrapped her hands around her coffee mug and assessed Zoe. “Can you really?”

  Zoe was pretty sure other people had doubted themselves when Elaina asked that question in that tone of voice, but she didn’t. “I can. Why do you sound doubtful?”

  She shrugged. “A lot of people overpromise and under deliver.”

  “Believe me on this. I can help you.” Zoe didn’t doubt she could do it. Even though she’d considered looking outside risk management after leaving Valtec, a few weeks of doing nothing were enough for her to not be choosy.

  “How long will it take you?” Elaina’s eyes didn’t waver. Her voice before wasn’t warm but it became assessing and more direct.

  Zoe sat up straight. She felt like she was on a job interview. Which she kinda was. She fought the urge to straighten her T-shirt. “Where is the facility located? Can you get me access to information?”

  “It’s located in Raleigh, and yes, I can get you informati
on and access to the facility.”

  “How soon do you need the information?”

  “I’ll need a report in a few weeks,” Elaina said, her voice a challenge.

  Zoe nodded and filled her voice with the confidence coursing through her. “I can do it.”

  Elaina narrowed her eyes. Eyes the same whiskey-brown color of Byron’s. “You don’t even know what you’re walking into but you’re ready to offer something in a few weeks.”

  “What else do I have to do?” she said honestly. Helping Elaina was better than waiting for an employer to call, waiting for Byron to come back in town, or creating theories about what else could have burned her house down.

  Elaina lifted a shoulder. “Sandra did mention to Daddy that you’re roaming the halls like a lost kitten.”

  Zoe’s mouth fell open then she snapped it shut and raised her chin. “I am not.”

  The corner of Elaina’s lips lifted. “Don’t feel bad. Doing this for me will be good for us both.”

  “So you’re going to let me help?”

  Elaina hummed for a second then nodded. “Yes. I’ll let you help. You’ll actually be doing me a big favor.”

  Zoe clenched her fists and did a mini-pump. “Thank you, Elaina.”

  “Thank me now, hate me later. Just ask my administrative assistant, Gwen. Apparently, some people think I’m difficult to work with.”

  Zoe lifted a shoulder. “A lot of people think women who are direct and straight talkers are difficult. After my last boss, I think I can handle you.”

  Elaina leaned back. Humor flashed in her eyes. “And once again you prove you’re no damsel. I guess I can see why Byron likes you.” Elaina stood and brushed a hand across her flawless suit. “I’ve got to get back to the office for a meeting with Alex the Asshole. I’ll email you the details. Come by tomorrow morning and we can talk.”

  She stood and nodded. “Sounds great.” Zoe had heard the phrase “Alex the Asshole” enough to know she didn’t want to touch that subject with a six-foot pole.

  Elaina turned, stopped and faced Zoe again. “One other thing. I don’t want anyone within the family to know what I’m doing.”

  “Why not?”

  A devious gleam flashed in her eyes. “Because, I’m going to buy one of my dad’s companies.”

  * * *

  BYRON CAME BACK to town the next evening, so Zoe decided to go to his place instead of waiting for him to make his way to the estate. She was looking forward to seeing him. The media storm after the end of his engagement only intensified after the fire at her place. Byron spent even more time on the campaign trail. They’d barely agreed to be together before responsibilities kept them apart.

  She stood on the other side of his door anxiously waiting. She needed to give him a heads-up about working with Elaina. More than that she missed Byron. She couldn’t wait to wrap her arms around him, be wrapped by the strength of his arms holding her, feel his full lips pressed against hers.

  Her grin faded when his door opened and Roy stood on the other side. He seemed just as surprised to see her as she was to see him. “Oh, it’s you.”

  “Were you expecting someone else?”

  Roy shook his head. “We ordered food, but you know what, it’s a good thing you’re here. Come on in.”

  Zoe followed him inside. Byron sat at his dining room table. A stack of papers and multiple laptops covered the surface. The television was on a cable news station where analysts discussed upcoming congressional and senate races. A few of the staff members from his campaign office buzzed around the space, passing papers, bringing cups of coffee and working on the laptops.

  “You’re still working,” she said, surprised.

  Byron’s face lit up when he saw her. He immediately stood and crossed the room. The top buttons of his shirt were unbuttoned and a paisley tie hung loosely around his neck. He pulled her into his arms and brushed his lips across her cheek. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

  Any guilt she might have felt about interrupting his work evaporated as she breathed in the rich scent of his cologne. “Elaina told me you were back in town. I thought I’d come by and see you,” she said once they pulled apart.

  “I’m glad you did,” Byron said. “I missed you.”

  Roy sat in the chair Byron just vacated. “I told Zoe it’s good that she’s here. She can help us as we work this out.” Roy’s fingers scrolled across his iPad screen.

  Zoe frowned at Byron. “Work what out?”

  Byron shook his head. “It’s nothing.”

  “We’re coming up with the best way to introduce you as Byron’s new love interest,” Roy said. “What appearances you’ll need to make. The best times to showcase you both in public. With you here we can take into consideration any ideas you have.”

  Zoe stepped back from Byron. “You’re strategizing about our relationship?” She’d known they would have to be careful about how they introduce their relationship. He’d promised to include her on any decisions that affected her. Not for him to discuss their relationship with Roy and the rest of his team without her.

  “No, no. That’s not what’s going on,” Byron said, shaking his head. “Even though I did well on the campaign trail, there are still a lot of people asking about you and Yolanda. It’s taking away from the issues.” A crease formed between Byron’s brows the way it always did when he was thinking about his next moves.

  “I didn’t realize it was such a problem.” After the fire she hadn’t focused on the reports on the campaign. A part of her wanted to ignore that she may be viewed as the woman who destroyed his perfect engagement. Though Byron had mentioned what the reporters were saying before, he’d never sounded as if she was a complication.

  He gave her an encouraging grin and rubbed her back. “That’s why we’re coming up with a plan. Something that will work for everyone.”

  His voice was reassuring, but unease was a cold, dead weight in her stomach. She’d always been something his campaign needed to fix. A problem that required a good story and plan to sway voters. This get-together was no different from the first day she’d walked into the conference room at the Robidoux Estate and they’d strategized the introduction of Lilah as his daughter. But today it bothered her more. Why had she believed anything would change just because she and Byron had slept together?

  “You know, I think you guys can handle things.” Zoe walked backward toward the door. “I think I’ll just go.”

  Byron gently placed a hand on her elbow to stop her. “You don’t have to leave.”

  Zoe tensed up. Not from his touch, but from the urge to run away as if a hot fire was beneath her feet. Byron wanted to win. He’d always been about winning. Eventually, he’d have to get back into the game of working out a way for their relationship to help him win.

  She tried to convince herself this wasn’t him going back on what he’d said in the mountains. That he cared about her. He listened to her. That she was not just Yolanda’s convenient replacement.

  “I’m sorry, it’s been a long day,” she said, trying but not succeeding in hiding her irritation. “I’m not really in the mood to strategize. I’ll let you all work and maybe we can figure out the best times for me to be seen with you in public later.”

  “You know what,” he said, “it has been a long day.” He looked over his shoulder. “Roy, let’s call it a night.”

  Roy threw up his hands. “We just got started.”

  “We can talk about things tomorrow.” Byron’s voice was firm.

  “But—”

  “No buts. Everyone out.” Byron’s tone held no room for argument.

  Roy took in a long, frustrated breath through his nose before nodding and standing. The other campaign aids followed his lead. The doorbell rang as they gathered their things. The food they’d ordered. Byron sent the food away with them.

  �
�You didn’t have to get rid of the food,” Zoe said as they stood awkwardly in his living room after everyone was gone.

  “I can find something to eat.” He lowered to the end of the couch and pointed to the other end.

  Zoe lowered herself onto the other end. “I didn’t mean to cause a problem.”

  “You didn’t cause a problem. I am tired. The campaign can wait.”

  Zoe looked over at the papers still stacked on his table then at the television where talk of national campaigns was still the topic of conversation. His campaign couldn’t wait, but he’d paused things for her. Her doubts eased and she settled into the couch. “Why are you so good to me?”

  “Because I never want to give you a reason to ever think I would hurt you.”

  The simple honesty in his voice unraveled the doubts that had wrapped around her heart. “I’m not jumpy around you. I know you won’t hurt me.”

  His shoulders relaxed. “Will you tell me why you were upset?”

  After his confession she felt foolish for reading so much into him doing his job. She didn’t like Yolanda, but Zoe would have to adopt some of her traits. She’d have to learn how to be a good campaign partner. Which meant she’d also have to be honest with Byron about her concerns.

  Zoe licked her lips. Her palms were sweaty. This was Byron. He wouldn’t make her feel ridiculous for being uncomfortable about something. He never had. He watched her calmly. Nothing but concern in his eyes. No irritation, sneering, or impatience. He really was a guy she could relax and let her guard around.

  “This entire thing with the campaign,” she said slowly. “Planning our appearances and introducing our relationship to the public.”

  Byron slid across to her. “I know. It’s not ideal, but we have to be prepared. Right now McLeod’s team is working hard to paint you as the real reason for my breakup with Yolanda.”

  “Aren’t I?”

  “You’re not. She made her own decisions.”