Page 65 of Between Now & Heartbreak

“How about I give you her number and if you feel like it, you can call her, okay?”

“Sure.” He smiles, at me but he’s still on guard.

“Come on, let’s go work.” I stand up and hold out a hand to him.

He looks at my hand and then up at my face his brows are drawn together in consternation.

“That’s it? You don’t have questions about my family?

“I know yourfamilyand I think they’re wonderful. I think the same about you,” I say solemnly but with a smile.

He takes my outstretched hand, and I help him. And then, we go do what we do best.

18

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

BETH

“Oh Lizzy,your father – he’s flaunting his new mistress to his staff. It’s humiliating.”

“I’m sorry, Fiona. Are you thinking about coming home?” I sigh in resignation and put my pencil down. I’ve been drawing all afternoon. It was one of those rare days where I got home early enough to catch the last light of the day as it spills in through the windows. I’ve found, since I started this portrait of Carter, that sunlight is a really useful medium.

But Fiona called and spent the last thirty minutes talking, while I watched the sun set and take my light with it.

“No way. I’m just glad Cam isn’t old enough to understand all the ways he disrespects me.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s a silver lining,”

“Duke is on his best behavior, though,” she says in a knowing voice.

“Is he? That’s good.” I can’t hide my disinterest.

“I know you two started off as…partners. But, maybe things are different now?”

I roll my eyes at the hopeful lift in her voice. “Nope, nor will there be. That’s not what this is about.”

“Well, as long as you remember your promises. You need this money, too.

I mean, your drawings are nice, but no one with any taste is going to hang them on their walls. You need to be practical. If you walk away from this, there will be no coming back.

You have a chance, Liz, that most women would kill for. Once you have that money, you won’t need anyone or anything. Please.”

“I’m not doing this for myself, Fiona.”

Cameron’s loud wail erupts in the background.

“Oh shoot, I have to go. I’m sorry. I’ll call you again soon.” She hangs up and I close my eyes and drop my head on my desk. The smooth, cool wood feels good against my hot forehead.

A chance most women would kill for. Is it? Money and marriage to man I don’t like or know very well for the financial security of my sister? Is it worth it? I think about Susan Kendicott. What her life must have been. Was her back against the wall when she pulled that trigger?

“What are you doing?” I scream and whip around at the sound of Carter’s voice.

I didn’t hear the door open and my heart hammers as I realize how distracted I am.

“Don’t sneak up on me like that,” I scold him even though he’s a sight for my weary eyes. I slam my portfolio shut just as he starts to peek over my shoulder at it.

“Why won’t you let me see what you’re working on?” He makes a feint to the left and tries to grab it. I clutch the pad to my chest and glare up at him.

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