Page 38 of Crossing the Line
A Double Surprise
Paisley Grove
What a strange coincidence that Treasure was able to get us a table at The Chest of Chelsea. It wasn’t until she mentioned it that I remembered Clive’s lunch invitation. I really should call him and apologize for how I behaved at the hearing. He probably thinks I’m unstable.
The restaurant is a hotspot, the sort of place where people come with groups of friends to laugh, guzzle cocktails, and gorge on expensive food served in small portions. Our table is of interest to a lot of diners. People recognize Treasure Grove, and I’m not certain, but I think I’m being recognized too.
Lake and Treasure are getting on perfectly. It’s no surprise that they like each other. Lake is unpretentious and isn’t the competitive sort who has to suck all the attention toward herself. Treasure isn’t that way, either, but she’s always the first person anyone sees when we walk into a room. It can be pretty annoying for the kind of woman who needs the spotlight on her too. But I don’t crave the attention, and neither does Lake. Plus, I love to see Treasure shine. She’s charismatic and fun. It’s easy for people to fall in love with her.
Lake is viewing Treasure as if looking at an interesting piece of art as Treasure orders just about everything on the menu and then asks if we want anything else.
“Did you really order all of that for yourself?” I ask.
Treasure hands her menu back to the waiter. “Nope. But since we’re here, we might as well try everything.”
I roll my eyes, yielding to Treasure’s eccentric ways.
“By the way, Treasure,” Lake asks as she hands her menu to the waiter. “I’ve been wanting to ask you something. And the need to know is killing me.”
Treasure’s expression is open. “To know what?”
Lake leans toward her and whispers, “Is it true you’re engaged to Simon Linney?”
“Oh,” Treasure says, looking off and playing coy. Then she tilts to be near Lake. It’s like they’re about to share a secret that I already know. “It’s true.”
“And you’re not worried about his reputation?”
Treasure shrugs. “There’s no doubt about it—he’s a man whore, but he says he’s reformed.”
Lake hums and twists her Cupid’s bow mouth thoughtfully.
Suddenly, Treasure thrusts herself toward Lake. “Oh no. Have you and he…?”
Lake shoots up two hands, showing Treasure her innocent palms. “No way. Never. But I know a few girls who’ve had relations with him. I heard he’s good in bed but a prick out of bed.”
Treasure nods as if she strongly agrees. “He’s definitely an asshole. Maybe that’s why I like him.”
Hmm…I think.
“Or it could be his sultry English accent,” Lake says. “It’s like—butter.”
“I think you might have a point, Treasure,” I cut in.
Treasure’s frowning at me like she’s confused. “What point is that?”
“Your picker’s lousy.” I start counting them down finger by finger. “Jack, Corey, Mitch, Leon…” So many faces come to mind that their names start to jumble. “Derek, Mich…”
“Maybe because I chase excitement, dear cousin, and you’re dull.”
Ouch. I straighten my back as my whole being absorbs Treasure’s insult. Or maybe it wasn’t an insult. I think it’s the truth. I am dull. She’s exciting. Her life is a hundred times livelier than mine. She has friends and lovers all around the world. And she would never agree to live in the Manhattan penthouse of her parents, Leo and Londyn. She has too many secrets to keep from them—fun ones. Up until reconnecting with Hercules, I’ve had no secrets.
“Well… Hercules Lord sure isn’t boring,” Lake says in my defense.
“But he’s engaged,” I whisper past the tightness in my throat.
Treasure reaches over and rubs my arm. “I’m sorry for saying that, Pais. Listen, I am dedicated to livening up your life. Remember, I made sure you had the best college roommate on the planet. Even when you were hell-bent on living in utter isolation with just you and your computer. And…”
I quickly put a hand on top of hers. “I forgive you.” I need her to stop talking. Everything she’s saying is too depressing. Maybe I should try to liven up my life. Maybe it’s time.
