He pushed that thought aside. Hiding wasn’t the answer. “Yes, that’s Laurence McAlan from Atlas Jewelers,” Duncan ground out between his clenched teeth.
McAlan cast a glance toward Duncan and his sister, then leaned into the group around him and said something that made them all laugh and glance his way.
Suzette pulled on his arm. “Come on, don’t worry about them. Actually, I hope you aren’t planning to sell at all. I don’t want to see you lose—”
“I’m almost to the point that I don’t care.”
“Liar.” She challenged. “You care. Always have. Let’s go mingle, maybe that’ll shut up some of the gossips.”
“Doubtful.” But he followed her anyway. He’d hoped that any moment, he’d spot Elisa walking in through the front door, but maybe he needed to face the fact that she wasn’t coming. She hadn’t called. Maybe she was behind the story. That thought turned his stomach and made his heart sick.
He’d been so sure she was the woman for him.
This wouldn’t be the first time you’ve made a bad choice, chided that inner voice full of disdain and accusations. The past was the past, he reminded himself. He still had time to turn things around. He was determined to find a way.
Barbara met them in the library. She carried a plate full of hors-d'oeuvres. “That woman!” She jerked her chin at Ms. Stewart. “Why did you invite her? She’d been going around bragging that she did all this and giving out her cards.”
Duncan looked over his shoulder, finding Ms. Stewart talking with a group of men. When she noticed him looking her way, she made a beeline for the other room. “At the time it seemed rude to give her an invitation for Elisa and not invite her, too.”
“Well, I’ve been going behind her and letting people know who was really behind all this,” Barbara glowered. “I have a handful of cards from people who are looking for party event coordinators. Not sure if she would be interested, but who knows? I’ll pass them on when I see her.”
“We don’t even know where she is, Barb. She hasn’t shown up, and I don’t think she will. She’s probably just as humiliated over that story as I am.”
Barbara waved her hand. “I’ve found Ms. Lucken. And I also learned that that wretched woman fired her. Not sure why, but I have my suspicions.”
“Fired?” Duncan gasped. Was that the reason she’d not called, or why she wasn’t here? Why had she been fired? Elisa was so talented and such a hard worker.
Now he wanted more than ever to speak to Ms. Stewart. “Excuse me, I’ll only be a minute.” He headed in the direction Kelly Stewart had taken.
He had better luck catching a fish in murky water with his bare hands. Every time he spotted her and drew near, she moved off in another direction. Eventually, he’d followed her into the foyer where he spotted her at the coat check counter. She was leaving? Already? Ms. Stewart grabbed her garment and rushed out, not even bothering to put it on first.
Duncan started in that direction but was blocked by a giant of a man in a black suit. Laurence McAlan. “Mr. Grimwood. I’ve finally been able to catch you alone. Have you had time to consider my offer?”
The blond attached to his arm smiled and winked at Duncan.
* * * *
Elisa drove her Jeep down the familiar narrow road toward the glow shining over the next hill. They’d finished the repairs early, and she’d been able to pick it up soon after she arrived and turned the rental back in. It felt wonderful to be back in something familiar. The long, emerald green dress was not familiar at all. Nor was the fancy jacket Belinda insist she also purchased. It would take her months to pay off that one shopping trip and all for a dress she’d probably never wear again.
Well, maybe not. Maybe there would be other parties in the future. Maybe if she found the bravery to follow through on her new idea, helped along by her pushy sister who insisted that she was wasting her talents if she didn’t at least try.
“Who knows what God has for you?” Belinda had said over their sushi. “If you’re hiding behind your walls, you’ll never know. It’s time for you to pull on your marching boots and see what opportunities open up for you.” She’d reached across the table and squeezed Elisa’s hand. “I’d invest in you, honey. We’ll help you, you won’t be alone in this.”
A new business? Started all on her own?
Already, she’d received a couple of emails from her former co-workers saying, “If you decide to go it on your own, call me.”
They all knew she loved planning parties and weddings. Was this the new direction she was supposed to take? Was being fired a God-send?
So many questions, so much uncertainty. As Grimwood Manor loomed ahead of her, she decided that she truly had lost her mind. Marching into a new business venture was one thing, Marching into a den of wolves another.
She’d not been able to make herself call Duncan. She needed to see his face. His eyes would tell her everything.
When she pulled up to the gate, she showed her invitation trying her best to act like there was nothing wrong with it. The attendant looked over the wrinkled card with a frown, then turned his gaze toward her Jeep. At least she’d been able to drive it through a car wash, but still, it probably didn’t match what others attending this party might drive.
“The attendant went into a narrow tent, most likely set up to protect them from the cold, and conferred with his partner. The other man came out with a clipboard. “What’s your name, Miss?”
She told him and held her breath. What if he’d changed his mind about the invitation? More than likely he blamed her for that article. She had to find some way to convince him that she’d never do such a thing. How that photo made its way into the public was beyond her. Belinda, on the other hand, had some strong suspicions.
“Yep, her name is on the list. If you’ll pull forward, the valets will take care of your…vehicle.”
“Thank you,” Elisa shoved the gear into drive and moved forward through the narrow lane. Cars were parked along both sides of the circular drive. Where would they put hers?
Once she reached the station, a young man hurried around to her side and opened the door. “I have one just like this!” he said with enthusiasm. “How do you like this year? Mine is a couple of years older, but I love it.”
Smiling at his friendliness, she eased out of the driver’s seat, taking his offered hand. “I love it. Plenty of room to haul things for work, but comfortable.”
“Right on, that’s what I always say about mine too.” He took her keys. “I’ll take great care of it. Here’s your number for when you’re ready to leave. Enjoy the party, Miss.”
She thanked him and made her way toward the front door. The yard was festive and brightly lit. The snowman she and Duncan made was still standing proudly under the bare maple tree. She smiled, but it faltered as she nearly ran into someone rushing out the door.
“Kelly?” Elisa gasped, grabbing the woman to keep from being knocked backward.
Kelly was working on shoving her arms into her wool jacket. “What are you doing here? How did…? I thought you needed an invitation to get through the gates.”
Elisa glared and took a quick step back, glad she’d left the paper in her Jeep. “I guess you received one, then?”
“Yes, Mr. Grimwood personally invited me. The question is, how did you manage to get in?”
“I was invited as well.” She folded her arms over her chest. Any doubt Elisa had about her former boss drained away like water in a bucket with a bullet hole in the side. “You stole that picture off my phone, didn’t you? I remember now. You took my phone—”
“My phone, if I must remind you. That was company property. I stole nothing, considering it was my device to start with.”
Elisa shook her head in disbelief. “Why would you sell the tabloids that story? For what profit? Your business is doing well. You didn’t need—”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Elisa Lucken. If you’re trying to cover your own tracks—”
&n
bsp; “I’m so tired of all the lies you and your…your pets keep trying to spread about me. Everyone knows I’m not the one who broke that vase. They’ve all worked with me, and my reputation stands with me.” Elisa jerked her thumb at her chest. Indignation rose up, but she would not let her temper get the better of her. She’d not sink to Kelly’s level.
Kelly rolled her eyes as she finally managed to get her arms into her coat. “Miss self-righteous. You and your…holy morals. Good luck with that. On your own, you’ll not last a month, if even that.”
Belinda was right, being free of this…person was a blessing. God had Elisa. He also had Kelly’s number, too. Her gaze narrowed. “I feel sorry for you. All your scheming and backstabbing only breeds more of the same. At least if I live by my morals, I don’t have to constantly be looking over my back worrying about who wants to pay me back. I’d rather keep my integrity than have to scramble around trying to keep track of all the lies and false promises I’ve made.” She stepped aside. “Goodbye, Ms. Stewart. And good luck because you’re going to need it.”
“Is that a threat? You are planning to get me back, aren’t you? Well, you have nothing to stand on.”
“Yes, I do.” Elisa shot back. “I have the solid rock of my beliefs. I know who I am, and I also know that any battles that come my way are already won for me.” Elisa backed away, having heard enough to know she was in a much better place. “Thanks for firing me, Kelly. It was the push I needed to step out into the life I’m really meant to live. I’m free now. Thank you.” When she turned toward the door, Duncan was standing there with that crooked smile of his and his eyes sparkling with the same amusement she’d seen when they were having fun together this weekend.
“You finally made it?” He asked. “I’ve been looking all over for you, love. It’s been such a long week. I’ve really missed you.”
“You have no idea, Duncan.” He’d held out the hand not holding his cane and she rested hers in his warm palm, enjoying the familiarity of his touch. “I’ve missed you, too.”
Duncan turned to Kelly and inclined his head. “Ms. Stewart, thank you for coming. I did notice that you were taking a lot of pictures with your phone. I specifically forbade any reporters from attendance. If those pictures manage to make their way into the public arena, I’ll know where they originated. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen again. I have no fondness or grace for people who spread rumors about me and my family.”
“Is that a threat?” Kelly asked, her eyes growing wide.
Duncan pulled Elisa closer to his side and winked. To Kelly, he said, “Let’s hope it doesn’t need to be. Good evening.” He turned back toward the door, “Let’s get inside out of the cold. I’m so eager for you to meet my sister. She was quite touched by your lovely note. I think the two of you will become great friends.”
Elisa’s heart nearly pounded right out of her chest. Inside, he helped her off with her jacket and handed it to the garment attendant. The sight of so many people gathered in the foyer made her heart race even more. She held onto his arm and asked, “I feared that you thought I was behind that story. I never should have let Kelly see that picture. She was standing right beside me when Margaret sent it.”
He stared down at his patent shoes. “I’m ashamed to admit that I did think that, for a moment. A very short moment. I’m pretty sure we both know who is responsible for that story. It really doesn’t matter, now. What you said out there is so true. We don’t have to fight those battles. Not if we stick close to God. He will fight them for us.”
Elisa was so pleased to hear him say that. Before she could stop herself, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. He laughed and hugged her back.
“And I meant it when I said I’ve missed you this week.” Duncan’s breath was warm against her ear. “I’ve been trying to find you. Barbara finally located your address today and if you didn’t show up tonight, you would have found me on your doorstep first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Well, no need. I’m here and there’s no place else I’d rather be.”
He held her closer and kissed her in a way that had her face burning.
When he finally pulled away, she gasped, “Is this really the proper way to behave at a party like this?”
“They’ve been talking about me all night. Let’s give them something good to talk about. I love you, and I don’t care who knows that.” He kissed her again. “Have I mentioned yet how stunning you look tonight, Ms. Lucken?”
“You look pretty amazing yourself, Mr. Grimwood. You look like a fine gentleman instead of the beast I encountered that first day. Though I hope that beast is still down there somewhere. He’s kind of dear to me.”
Duncan growled against her neck, then took her hand and led her toward the dance floor. “Now, I have an excuse to hold you.”
Elisa slid her hands around his neck. “Works for me.”
Chapter Sixteen
“Time to open gifts,” Mom called.
Elisa and Belinda elbowed each other, trying to be the first one to the living room. Her three kids, two boys and a girl, giggled at their antics. Elisa reached the favorite green cushioned chair first. Belinda tried to squeeze in, pushing Elisa over the arm and causing her to tumble onto the floor.
“Man!” Elisa sat up, slamming her palm on the chair’s arm. “You are so freakishly strong.”
Matt, their younger lawyer brother shook his head as he took a seat on the sofa next to his latest girlfriend. “It’s from lifting all her children.” He flexed his biceps. “Natural workout, right sis?”
Belinda smirked and then patted Elisa’s cheek. “You can sit on the ottoman. Again.” She winked at her kids.
Elisa moved over to the love seat, lifting her nephew into her lap. “Your mother is a brute.”
Dad and Mom watched them, Mom, with that pinched-lipped, narrowed-eyed mom glare of hers. “Are we done? Dad is ready to pass out presents. Children, you can sit on the floor right here in front.” The three of them scrambled off the sofa and hurried to take their places. Mom stepped around them and came to sit next to Elisa, wrapping her in a hug.
Elisa didn’t think she’d ever be too old to be cuddled by her mom. She glanced over at her sister and stuck out her tongue.
Belinda’s husband joined them and was sitting on the arm of Belinda’s chair. “So mature.”
Mom rolled her eyes. “Neither of you know the meaning of mature. And you, Lindy, are married with children.”
“Yeah,” Elisa agreed. “You’re married.”
Belinda folded her arms together over her chest. “You wait. Mr. Dreamboat will ask you to marry him someday soon and you’ll see what kids will do to your maturity level. You can’t read Green Eggs and Ham a hundred times without suffering some consequences.”
Mr. Dreamboat, as Belinda had been calling Duncan, because he was, had shown up at her apartment every weekend since the Gala. He’d take Elisa on the most amazing dates to classy restaurants and benefit parties where she ended up getting a lot of use out of the dress she’d bought.
His sister, Suzette had invited her to visit her studio and penthouse apartment to show her the spring designs she was working on. Duncan had made a detour in his private jet to pick up Belinda for the girl’s weekend. The two of them fell into bantering and joking right away. Elisa knew her sister would like him, but he had completely won her over after announcing that the four of them were going to see a Broadway show while there.
Elisa had invited Duncan to spend Christmas with her family. He’d been eager to meet them, but a week ago found out that his brothers were coming home after all. He’d been trying so hard to get everyone together. She couldn’t be more pleased for him. Maybe someday she’d meet the Grimwood brothers. If they were anything like Duncan, she was sure that she’d love them, too.
She’d promised to video chat with him after her family opened their presents.
The children were given their presents first. Then Dad passed out a big box for Bel
inda and John to open together. Matt was given one of those smart watches. His girlfriend was given a beautiful Windwood wrap in fall colors. Mom was given a new all-weather winter coat, also from the Windwood line, with fur trim. It was sleek, water resistant and looked great on her.
Belinda and Elisa had done half their Christmas shopping while in New York.
Dad passed the children another round of presents. “These are from auntie Elisa,” he said.
She loved spoiling her little munchkins, as she called them, even if she wasn’t currently employed, she made sure to get them something that would keep her on the favorite auntie list. She had to compete with John’s three sisters.
The two girls looked at their grandpa and said together, “You forgot Elisa, Papa.”
“What?” He pretended to look around. “Didn’t Santa bring our Elisa anything?”
Elisa rolled her eyes and laughed. This was her family. One never knew what kind of pranks they’d try to pull next.
“Oh, wait, here it is.” He pulled out a big box, pretending it was heavy.
Elisa’s mouth dropped.
Mom patted her leg. Elisa was still wearing her Christmas flannel pajamas, it was one of the traditions to wear them until at least two in the afternoon.
Dad set the box on the floor in front of her, then kissed her cheek. “Read the card first.”
Elisa nodded and pulled the red envelope from the ribbon holding the lid on the box. She opened it and read out loud. “On behalf of all of us, we all wished to show you how proud we are of your new venture. We love you and support you wholeheartedly. So together, we’ve created this business in a box and hope you’ll find the items inside useful in your new Event Coordinator company. Soon as you pick a name, use the gift card to order your first set of cards. Praying that God will rain down His blessings on this new journey you are about to undertake. We love you.” Everyone had signed it, even the kids.
Elisa’s pressed her hand to her chest. Tears filled her eyes and caused a burning in her chest. “Oh, this is amazing,” she pulled off the lid. Inside was a new computer and tablet, along with a leather planner and a new designer bag. Both had her name engraved on the front. The kids had drawn pictures for her to hang in wherever her office would be, which for the time being was at her kitchen table. Taped to the computer box was another envelope. She opened it to find the print shop gift card, along with a bank account folder.
My Beastly Billionaire (The Grimwood Legacy Series Book 1) Page 17
