“She didn’t. When did she leave?” Maybe he had time to catch up with her.
Barbara was speaking to someone on her phone.
Duncan studied Ms. Stewart for a long moment. Something was off with the woman. She reminded him of a pot of heating water on the verge of boiling.
The woman gave a shrug. “A while ago. She said that she needed to get into town. Seemed eager to leave, which is why I wanted to apologize for her. Such a…well, she’s a good worker but has a hard time keeping her mind on her work. Still, that’s not your concern. I’ll have a look around, see if there’s anything that needs—”
“Everything is perfect, I assure you. I do not wish anything to be changed.” He turned to Barbara who had just tapped the button on her earpiece. “Do you have any extra invitations? I’d like to leave one for Ms. Stewart. And one for Ms. Lucken.” He turned back to Kelly. “You will make sure that she gets the invitation? She’s already told me that she will attend, but you’ll need one of these to be granted entrance.”
Why hadn’t he taken care of that last night? Of course, he didn’t have the invitations. Barbara was handling all that. “Since I missed her, would you be so kind as to give me Ms. Lucken’s number?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, but my company has a policy that we never share an employee’s private number without their consent. Usually, if someone wishes to be contacted, they have business cards to give out. Did she not share hers with you, Mr. Grimwood?”
Duncan shook his head. Why hadn’t she? Of course, he also had cards to pass out but hadn’t thought of them before. He kept them in his briefcase. Maybe Elisa was the same way about hers. They’d both left their phones in their rooms yesterday, not wanting to disturb their last day together. He’d trade a thousand tomorrows to have another day like he’d spent yesterday.
Barbara was writing something on the back of one of the invitations. “Here’s my number, Kelly. Pass that one to her and have her call me, then I can give her number to Mr. Grimwood.” She narrowed her eyes at the woman. “Please be sure she gets this.”
Ms. Stewart plucked the large envelopes from Barbara’s hand and tucked them into her designer bag. “Absolutely. Well, it seems my work here is done, Mr. Grimwood. You do have my number if you need me for anything.” She held out her hand, palm down.
Duncan didn’t care for this woman. He took her hand and gave it a quick shake. Before he could say anything else, Barbara was pulling him aside. “You need to get going. The helicopter is on the way. There’s a storm heading toward the airport and your pilot wishes to get off the ground before it arrives. Do you have everything you need? I’ll hold down the fort until you get back.”
He nodded, distracted and dismayed over missing his last chance to see Elisa. He didn’t trust that decorator woman, though he had no reason to feel that way.
Barbara was smiling. “You really are taken with…maybe more than just taken.” She patted his arm. “Don’t worry, Duncan. We know where she works. You’re not going to lose her. Now get going.” She gave him a shove toward the door.
Duncan slipped on his overcoat, then took his bags in each hand. Thankfully, the path toward the landing pad had been cleared. He didn’t even need his cane as he strode quickly toward the awaiting helicopter.
Soon, the ground grew distant. His stomach and his heart gave a lurch, hoping that Barbara was right. He didn’t want to lose Elisa now. Not after spending the best weekend of his life with her.
Chapter Fourteen
Elisa’s head swam as she carried the boxes up the flight of stairs to the hotel’s banquet hall. The vast room was done in pearly cream colors. Beautiful glass chandeliers hung down two rows where elegant black and gold tables were placed. Some of the staff was working on table settings. Lucy stood on a ladder, hanging large silver balls over the dancing area that would glow with a soft light when on.
The colors reminded her of Duncan’s winter wonderland house and she wondered for the millionth time why he hadn’t called. Had Kelly given him her note? Would her boss sink to such a level? Elisa wasn’t so sure anymore.
Lucy, who was normally cordial and sweet-natured, wasn’t holding up to the pressure of being in charge of this job. Thankfully, Kelly had given them detailed instructions and sketches to follow, or Lucy would have had a nervous breakdown.
“That is not how I told you to arrange the name cards,” Lucy barked. Her ladder began to sway. Elisa steadied it, remaining quiet. As it was, she snapped at everyone and was a constant accident risk who tripped over anything left in her path.
Yesterday, she’d dropped a box which she’d propped on top of her ladder onto one girl’s head. Luckily, it was only full of strands of garland and nothing heavy.
“How does this look, Elisa?” Lucy asked.
“Great.” As if it mattered what she thought. She set the box down. “Here’s the last of the garland. Where was it supposed to go?”
“Oh,” Lucy had tucked her tablet into the back of her pants, under her belt. She reached for it, and the ladder tilted dangerously to the side again.
Elisa noticed one of the side tables where an elegant, and probably expensive, vase sat in danger of the ladder if it tipped completely over.
“Easy, you need to fold it out all the way, don’t you think? That’s a little dangerous. Especially so close to this vase.” Elisa moved the expensive container onto the floor to be safe. The florist would arrive soon with the centerpieces and to fill all the decorative vases along the two side walls.
They’d been warned to make sure nothing was damaged. The hotel’s event manager had ranted for ten minutes about the last company she’d called being so careless that she’d refused to pay their bill. “They owed me by the time they were finished, far as I was concerned.” She’d demanded, smacking her hand down on the check-in counter.
“I can’t quite reach,” Lucy moved up a step. The ladder wobbled even more.
Elisa gave a shrug and set the box down with the others. She was taller and might reach easier. “Would you like for me—?”
Lucy gasped as the tablet slipped from her hands and spun downward right toward the vase Elisa had moved hoping to keep it safe. She lunged forward and caught it before it hit the floor.
“Whew, that was close.” Elisa breathed as she turned toward her coworker. But Lucy had lost her balance in trying to catch it. Elisa leaped out of the way just in time to escape being struck by the ladder and Lucy, who hopped off in time to avoid hitting the side table. But the ladder tumbled onto the vase. Ceramic glass exploded.
“Oh goodness, are you alright?” Elisa ran over to help Lucy up, but she pushed her away.
“This is great! Look what you did!”
“Me? I caught your tablet, that’s all I did. Least you can do is thank me. I did not—”
“You jinxed me, that’s what you did.” Lucy spun in a dazed circle, taking in the damage caused by her fall. The edge of the table was chipped and one of the silver balls had also smashed into pieces. “This whole week you’ve been right under my nose, questioning everything I do.”
This was ridiculous. Elisa shook her head, not believing that her normally quiet and peaceful co-worker was acting like a deranged madwoman. “I have not.”
“Yes, you have,” Lucy shouted. “I know you’re mad because Kelly put me in charge instead of you. And you’ve been seething about it all week.”
Actually, she hadn’t minded at all. Not having the pressure of holding all the responsibility had been a pleasant relief. All Elisa had to do was accomplish the tasks that were assigned to her, then she was free to do as she pleased for the rest of the day. She shook her head. “That’s not true, Lucy. I’m happy you’ve had this chance to oversee a project.” Matter-of-fact, the more she thought about striking out on her own and possibly starting an Event Planning business, the more excited she grew about the idea. She couldn’t wait until Christmas to speak to her family about it.
“Bull!” Lucy shoved Elisa backward. �
��You’ve been waiting for me to screw up, that’s what you’ve been doing. Well, I’m not taking the fall for this. You messed with my ladder, then unsettled me when you snatched the tablet from me and that’s why I lost my balance.”
Elisa folded her arms over her chest. “So, you’re going to lie?”
Lucy’s chin jutted out. “Look around. There’s nobody here but me and you.”
When Elisa did glance around, she found everyone had scattered, wanting to put some distance between themselves and the disaster caused by the falling ladder.
“My word against yours, Lucken. Kelly is going to listen to me since your name is already mud. Especially after your little weekend affair with that rich dude. Nobody will listen to a little money-digging hussy like you.”
This was too much. Elisa’s fist squeezed closed at her sides. “What are you talking about? I’d never—”
“Right. You need to leave. I’m dismissing you from this job.”
“But we’re not finished—”
“You are.” Lucy picked up the ladder, then started collecting the shattered vase. “Kelly is going to be furious over this. They’ll charge the company. Hope your measly little check covers the cost.”
Elisa would normally offer to help her clean up the mess, but she couldn’t believe that Lucy was actually going to pin the blame on her. And there was nothing she could do. Lucy was right. Kelly was still furious and not answering Elisa’s calls or texts. Elisa didn’t have a foot to stand on.
She started to back away but wasn’t one to run away from her problems. “Lucy, please let me help you. We’ll work out something, you don’t need to do—” but Lucy was already on her phone.
From the stairway, the hotel’s owner ran up, huffing and puffing, as she said, “I heard a crash. What happened? Oh, oh! Weren’t you girls warned to be careful? This is outrageous! Why can’t we get decent help these days?”
“Mrs. Clarkston,” Lucy said, turning on her business charm. “It’ll be taken care of, I promise. We are so sorry. My assistant was a little careless, but we are taking care of it. I just contacted my boss and Kelly Stewart told me to send her the bill for the vase, and it’ll be replaced.” Lucy turned to Elisa. “I told you to leave. Now go. I’ll handle this.”
Elisa’s shoulders sank. She nodded and went to gather her bag. This was it. She would need to start looking for a new job. She didn’t even make it back to the hotel before the official email arrived that she was being released from her position. A text followed.
What’s left of your check will be mailed to you next week. I’m sorry you blew your last chance. K.
Elisa packed her suitcase and took a taxi to the airport. She had to pay for her own way home and late that night when she finally reached her apartment, she climbed into bed and cried herself to sleep.
* * * *
Duncan stared down at the paper Barbara tossed onto the kitchen counter where he was eating lunch. His sister was due to arrive any minute. Suzette had been too busy the day he’d been in New York, but after they spoke on the phone, she promised to attend his party.
“I want to see your new designs, Dumkins.” He so hated the silly nicknames Suzette had for him. “Maybe we can join forces and create whole outfit ensembles for the rich and famous.”
Maybe she had something. He was still trying to talk his two brothers into coming for Christmas. So far Jeremy, the youngest brother, had promised to do his best to be there. Duncan was still waiting for Colton to return his messages. If they were out at sea, who knew when he’d have phone service again?
Duncan glanced down at the tabloid in front of him. “You know how I feel about those magazines. Why are you disrupting my nice lunch with that trash? Put it in the bathroom where it belongs.”
Barbara slapped down another one. “Ha, funny man. You need to take a look. It’s been a while since they’ve bothered to cover any news about you. This one is a doozy and hits very close to home.”
His brows furrowed. “Well, I was in New York, that probably spurned some interest. Do the headlines say the hibernating bear has come out of his cave, spring comes early?” He chuckled at his own joke.
“I wish.” Barbara slapped down another one, this time it was an actual magazine.
Uh-oh.
The headlines over a picture of him looking angry, which he was sure their files were full of, read, Grimwood Heir’s Secret Life? Has He Found Love or Another Fling?
“What?” He snatched the paper and flipped to the very short story. To his horror, there was the picture that Margaret had sent him. The one she’d taken while he and Elisa were dancing. Margaret wanted him to have something to remember their sweet visitor by. He’d been so busy, that he’d not even had a chance to thank her for taking it. Elisa had looked so stunning and graceful in that dress.
She’d not called him since she left, but he figured that she too was busy with her job in Florida. He’d told her that his schedule would be crazy this week, but soon as the gala was over, he’d wanted to…why hadn’t she called about the invitation, at least?
If only he had her number. Once again, he chastised himself for putting it off to the last moment.
His brows pinched as he read the article reporting that though Duncan Grimwood had stayed out of the public eye, he’d been keeping busy. Was the mystery girl in the photo his new love interest, or was he still up to his old tricks? Then it went on to recount the horrible motorcycle accident and how his good friend had been killed. He stopped reading, not needing the reminder. He’d never get that night out of his head and he didn’t deserve to be free of it. That memory was what now drove him to turn his life around. To start doing better and give these gossip hounds something good to report for a change.
“Did Margaret send this picture to Elisa, too?”
Barbara shrugged. “No idea. I didn’t think anyone had her number. She’d have to have some information on the girl if she did send it to her.”
Duncan considered that bit of information. He’d never thought to ask his House Managers if they had Elisa’s number. Why would they? She’d not bothered to give it to him. She’d left two notes behind, but not one for him. Nor had she waited to say goodbye, despite the fact he’d promised her a ride into town.
“Well, the only people who have this picture, I presume, is Margaret and I. Margaret would never do something like this.”
Barbara’s brow rose in question.
Duncan shook his head. “They’re practically a part of our family. They’ve worked for us all their married lives. I can’t believe—”
“No, you’re right, Duncan.” Barbara tapped her fingernail on the counter. He hated when she did that, but for some reason, she needed the tapping sound to think. “She must have sent the girl that picture, there’s no other explanation.”
“I’ll ask her soon as she returns from her errands,” Duncan shoved the magazines aside. He’d lost his appetite. The chimes from the front door rang throughout the house. Duncan had finally hired a butler, a live-in cook, and a full-time cleaning staff to help the Gladstones take care of the house. The new staff answered to Sam, except the butler who answered to Duncan.
“No need to announce me, what’s your name?” Suzette’s cool, sharp voice sounded all the way from the foyer.
Duncan pushed aside his lunch and headed to greet his sister. He couldn’t believe that Elisa would sell that photograph to the tabloids. It made no sense. “Hey, Suze, we’re in the kitchen.”
She dropped her suitcases in front of the man. “Have them taken to my room. Dumkins-baby, how are you?” She breezed toward him, her satiny jacket flapping around her like a superhero cape. It was even a bold red and matched her pants that could have been a skirt by the way the bottom flared out around her ankles. Her jet-black hair was pinned back into a loose bun. Several accessories jingled around her arms and neck.
Duncan sucked in a deep breath, bracing himself for the blast of energy that usually came off his flamboyant sister in
massive waves. So much for his peaceful house, he thought ruefully. Well, it was his idea to invite her to his party.
She grabbed his hands and ‘air kissed’ each side of his face. Just as well, he’d be trying to wash off that dark red lipstick for a week if she’d actually kissed him.
“I’m glad you came, Suze. I mean that.”
“I felt horrid for not meeting you for dinner, baby. And I know you never were one who enjoyed the spotlight. You must be all a bundle of nerves over this party, aren’t you?” She reached up and tugged at the short hair on the back of his neck. “Oh, I miss your roguish waves, baby. You look like a banker this way.”
He laughed at her, then pulled her into a hug. “I’ve really missed you, sis, and I can’t wait for us to catch up.”
“Yes, we’ll have plenty of time for that. When is your party? Tomorrow night?” She looked around and sighed. “The house looks amazing. Like when Mama was still alive. Have you had any luck with Colt and Jere-bear?”
Duncan walked her to the kitchen, despite her protest that she wasn’t hungry. She was so thin and willowy anyway. He updated her on his progress with their siblings. She went to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water.
“Oh, fruit salad. Bless Margaret’s heart. Where is she?” Suzette brought out the bowl and set it on the counter. Fishing a fork from the drawer, she used it to pick out the strawberries and melon balls.
“Running errands,” both Duncan and Barbara said together. He was eager for her to return, too. He had some pressing questions for her.
Suzette noticed the papers scattered over the counter. “Oh, Dumkins, I thought we brought you up to find much better reading material that those trash liners.” Suddenly her eyes widened. “Oh no, now what have you done?” She snatched the top one and began flipping through it. “Hey, that’s my dress…wait…” Her darkly lined eyes narrowed on him, “What’s going on Duncan Marcus? Start explaining. Who is this girl and why is she wearing my clothes?”
My Beastly Billionaire (The Grimwood Legacy Series Book 1) Page 15
