Page 17 of Tis The Season for Secrets
“If we get out of here before my dad arrives, he won’t know you lied and it’ll spare us both an argument,” Juliet said, much preferring for them to flee.
“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Margot pulled on her trainers and wrapped a giant scarf over her NYC jumper. She didn’t like coats– they made her claustrophobic. Juliet shoved her laptop in her bag, hoping to get some writing done during her break, and threw open the door.
“You’ve got to be kidding me!”
Her father, Jeremy Frost, stood in the hall with an intimidating grin. As usual, not a strand of his black hair, peppered with grey, was out of place. Even his navy suit was probably too afraid to wrinkle. It was at moments like this that Juliet knew God had a warped sense of humour.
“Is that any way to greet your dear ol’ dad?” Mr Frost brushed past her smugly, not waiting for an invitation. He watched Margot backing up towards the couch. Even though Margot was taller, he had an aura that made people shrink.
“Wonderful timing, sir,” Margot lied, forcing a wide smile. “She just got in.”
To take the heat off her friend, Juliet tried to apologise. “I’m sorry I didn’t answer your calls. I was out and left my phone behind.”
“Am I truly so frightening?” Mr Frost raised his greying eyebrows, and she noticed the suit bag occupying his other arm.Maybe he just came from the dry cleaners?Juliet hoped it wasn’t anything for her. Gifts always came at a steep price.
“Yes,” Margot muttered. Both Frosts turned to look at her. She quickly moved to the kitchen. “I’ll put the kettle on.”
“How is your father, Margot? I haven’t seen him at the Club recently,” Frost commented, though he knew they weren’t talking.
Margot’s shoulders stiffened as she filled the kettle. “You know him – he prefers to work rather than spend his time idling away.”
Mr Frost clenched his jaw at the insinuation, and Juliet felt herself sweating. Only Margot could get away with talking to him like that, thanks to her family name and connections. It would only take a snap of her fingers for Mr Frost to end up in some unmarked grave. She’d even offered once. Juliet wanted her dad out of her life, not dead. However, it was nice to have the option.
“Aren’t you going to give your father a hug?” Mr Frost wrapped his free arm around her. She froze; his calm and happy demeanour confused her. “Don’t frown, you don’t want to get wrinkles.”
Juliet’s expression softened.
“Better. I already pay enough for your stepmother’s Botox.” He surveyed the apartment, no doubt wondering again how the girls could possibly live in this shoebox. But they loved it– and it came with no strings attached, even if it wasn’t up to his square footage standard.
He’s only this cheery when he wants something.“To what do we owe the pleasure? I’m sure your calendar is overwhelming; a visit wasn’t necessary.” Juliet cut to the chase, even though he had hundreds of employees to keep the Frost industrial empire going without him.
“Don’t play dumb, it doesn’t suit you. Your attendance at tonight’s Christmas Gala is requested, and Gillian has kindly selected two dresses for you to choose from.” Her father lifted his suit trousers and sat down on the lilac stool by the kitchen counter.
“I thought requests could be accepted or declined?” Juliet hid the irritation in her voice to stay on his good side. Mr Frost wasn’t like Margot’s dad, who’d iced her out when he was mad at her for leaving the family business for a less murderous career. Juliet’s dad only inserted himself more into her life if she didn’t give in to his requests.
“I would love to give you the option,” he started.
Liar.She kept that to herself.
“However, after last year’s incident, you’ve no choice but to attend and make amends. As a Frost, you have responsibilities, and youwillact accordingly,” he told her, his thick brows pulled together. As if she could ever forget who she was. “Be at the Museum of Natural History by eight tonight.”
Margot set a cup of coffee in front of him, but there was no way he’d drink it. Not unless it was an Irish coffee.
“Don’t be late. Gillian doesn’t like guests coming in once the speeches start. She won’t be embarrassed again, and I don’t want to spend another Christmas in sullen silence,” he added. His wife co-chaired with Margot’s aunt, making the exclusive event all the harder to skip.
“I wouldn’t want to embarrass the family. Again.” Juliet resisted the urge to smile at the thought of his displeasure. As punishment for last year’s embarrassment, her stepmother had refused to talk to them for the entire week Juliet had spent at the Frost estate. It was one of the best Christmases she’d had to date, despite it being the first without her nana.
“That’s the spirit! It’s the Christmas season, after all. We shouldn’t be at odds with each other.”
Juliet didn’t even dignify that with a response. Wanting to see the damage, she unzipped the suit bag, wondering if Gillian had chosen something more tasteful than last year’s pink, ruffled monstrosity. She pulled out a strapless emerald dress with a slit up the leg.Huh, maybe she’s starting to hate me a little less.
“My assistant booked your hair appointment for four at the salon Madame, so be prompt.” Gillian would probably have the spies in her favourite salon confirm that Juliet turned up for her appointment.
Juliet darted her eyes to Margot. It seemed like so far all she had to do was dress up and attend…
“There is something else,” Mr Frost said, heading toward the door and leaving his coffee untouched.
And there it is.
