Page 17 of She's a Big Deal

“No.” Charlie sighed.

“Not yet, you mean?”

“Hopefully, they won’t be at all. It’s all calmed down a bit since Mark told Reece to lie low.”

As a former litigation lawyer turned marketing consultant, Chloe’s husband would be a real asset in this kind of situation. The man had more business acumen and flair than all the rest of her siblings put together. If anyone could spin this story into a less damaging tale for Reece, it would be him. Grace thought of the women involved. As far as she knew, landing a job at the resort was a great deal for anyone looking to work in the hospitality sector. They would have a lot to lose if it turned out they were lying. So, would they? And for what reason?

“Do you think Reese is guilty?” she asked bluntly.

“Oh, Grace, I don’t know. It hurts me even to entertain the possibility. You know our Reece. Always such a charmer and the flirty type. But to try to force a woman…” Charlie shivered, and she left her sentence unfinished. “I dread to think of it.”

“So do I.” Grace could picture it in her mind’s eye, though. Yeah, Reece was a hell of a charmer. Handsome, mischievous, funny. Always a clear favorite with the ladies. But she knew he was also a spoilt boy who did not deal too well with things not going his way. It was not that much of a stretch for Grace to envision him crossing a line. Hopefully, by mistake. But twice? And trying to cover himself by firing someone? For sure, she did not like the sound of that. Noting the strain across her aunt’s tired face, she hugged her softly. “I’m sorry to make you think about this stuff. You should be resting, and I’m getting in the way of your recovery.”

“It’s okay, darling, I don’t mind.” Charlie was pale, though.

“I’ll speak to Chloe,” Grace assured her. “How about you go on upstairs and catch up on some sleep?”

“Yes, I wouldn’t mind.”

“Alright, good.”

“Oh, but Olivia’s still out with Jerry…”

“It’s okay; I’ll wait for them to get back.”

Charlie put her arms around her waist as Grace helped her to stand up. “Thank you, darling. How long are you planning to visit? I don’t want to waste it on sleep if you’ll be in and out.”

Though she’d hoped to be back in Miami by the weekend, at the very latest, family issues may require her presence in Red Falls a bit longer. Most of all, Grace did not like the anxious look in Charlie’s eyes.

“I’ll stay long enough to catch up with you properly,” she promised. “I’ve got a room at the Forester, so I can work without disturbing you. I’ll go check in, speak to Chloe, and come back to see you late afternoon.”

“Great. We could have dinner if you like. I have your favorite lasagna in the freezer. Real meat.”

“Wonderful. We can plan your stay in Miami as well.”

Charlie relaxed. “I really missed you, Grace.”

“Yes. Me too.”

chapter 7

Grace tidied up in the kitchen while waiting for the dog walker to return. Had the woman decided to go on a marathon or what? What was taking so long? She took the opportunity to check her messages and gave her PA a quick call.

“Hi, Ms. Michaels.”

“How are things?”

Libby was used to keeping her reports concise when her boss checked in, which could often be at odd hours, any time of day or night. In less than a minute, she gave her a thorough update on their ongoing projects, ending with a favorite line.

“Everything is fine and under control.”

“Excellent. Keep it that way.”

“Will do. Is it snowing where you are?”

“Yes, coming down hard.”

“Aw… It must be so lovely!”

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