Page 15 of Park Avenue Princess

“And you’re avoiding him,” she states, giving me a concerned look.

“Hell, yes. I’m almost afraid of what I’ll learn. That man has barely attempted a relationship with me since I left his firm, and now all of a sudden I’m dealing with this. Whatever this may be.” I nod down at my laptop. “I can only assume he needs me in a purely selfish way because that’s just who he is.”

Addy reaches out to squeeze my hand for a moment. “I’m sorry, hun. But you know what? You’re more than capable of handling him, so just get it over with and move on. That way you can go on your trip without anything hanging over you.”

I’m planning a drive to Niagara Falls and into Toronto for some sight-seeing, and I’m really looking forward to getting away by myself for a while. So yeah, I really don’t want this situation with my father looming over me.

“You’re right, of course. I’ll read these emails and contact him, see what the hell’s up.”

“My, my, two cuss words already this morning. Whatever has gotten into you, you rebel.” She winks while I laugh.

“Oh, you know, just a father bringing out the best in his daughter.” We eventually start eating our breakfast and making small talk. “What were you saying about the birthday party? I was so disappointed I missed it. I’m sure Ben had a fantastic time and got spoiled.”

“He did, and it was wonderful. And I’m glad you’re feeling better. No more headache this morning?”

I shake my head as I swallow the bite of food. “No, thankfully. That migraine yesterday wiped me out. Slept for about ten hours. But all better this morning.” I gave her a goofy smile.

“Well, great. But you missed meeting a rather handsome and interesting friend of Elodie’s. Unless you’ve already met him. Does the name, Guy Hamilton, sound familiar?”

My head whips up at the mention of the name Guy, instantly taking me back six years ago to Hawaii. To the best time of my life and to what could have been. To the stupidest decision I’d ever made and often think about with regret. Of course, I didn’t knowmyGuy’s last name; made it a point ofnotfinding out.

But Hamilton?No, no, no! Please tell me he isn’t related to that lecherous—

Addy clears her throat and gives me a questioning look until I finally answer her. “Um, no, no I don’t know any Guy Hamilton. Should I?”

“You tell me?” She takes a drink of her coffee, staring at me over the rim of the cup, and I swear her eyes glint with some secret.

“All right, Addy, what gives? Spill it.”

“Well, so happens Guy and Elodie grew up in the same neighborhood. He went to Queens College and majored in Economics and Finance. Now teaches at QC and works for the city as the CFO for the Department of Design and Construction.”

“Okay, so, maybe I’ve had contact with him through city business, but nothing comes to mind.”

“Oh, I’m sure if you saw him, you’d definitely remember. He’s quite the looker, and so down-to-earth. Turns out he spent some time in Hawaii, um, about six years ago.” I feel my eyes widen and Addy lifts a brow. “Also turns out he happened to meet a gal he fell in love with but never saw her again after their time together. Her name was Addy.”

I choke on the sip of tea I’d taken trying to moisten my dry mouth. Didn’t work.

“Oh, shit, Lynne, are you okay?” She’s rising out of her chair as if to help but I wave her down. I grab my napkin to cover my mouth while the last of my hacking eases.

“I’m, fine, fine.” I cover my face and groan. “Oh my God, are you telling memyGuy is here? In New York?” I look up and see sympathy on her face. She knows all about my time in Hawaii and myflingwith a man named Guy. She also knows I stupidly used her nickname because I didn’t want to reveal my own.

“I believe so, hun. Have you heard of Michael Hamilton, the real estate developer? He’s Guy’s father.”

“You’re shitting me?” Her eyes widen as I mutter, “Jesus.” My gaze locks on Addy. “How do you know this is the same guy I met in Hawaii? Could be some bizarre coincidence.”

Addy scoffs. “Really, Lynnie, aka I’m going to give this man the false name of Addy so he doesn’t know a personal thing about me while I have an outrageous fling in Hawaii because I don’t ever plan to see him again? That’s some coincidence.”

I groan again and the patrons at the nearby table must be wondering if I’m having either an orgasm or a mental breakdown. Probably both. At the same time. Thinking about Guy. But then thoughts of his father enter my mind and I’m filled with disgust for the man.

“Oh,God, this is so not good.” I’ve never told anyone about Hamilton’s pursuit of me and his harassment. And now to find out Guy is his son? I continue to moan, earning a more than curious stare from Addy.

“Why do you say that? The man you practically fell in love with is here—”

“Fell in love with?” I squeak.

“—in the same vicinity, hell, the same city, and you think that’s not good? Lynnie, this is your chance to—”

“To what? To find him and say, oh, hey, by the way, I’m sorry I lied to you and I’m sorry I used you and maybe we could try this again?”

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