Such a Beautiful Family: A Thriller(44)

“Because of one person at a trade show in Paris?”

“No. Of course not. It’s more than that. I’ve tried to get her to open up, and she did tell me her aunt and uncle were abusive and that she couldn’t have children, but telling my friends, people she’d never met, seems strange to me.”

“Nobody else was around when she mentioned the accident.”

“Oh. I see. Obviously she trusts you and feels close to you,” Nora said. “And I’m not sure how I feel about that. She’s always touching you . . . resting her hand on your arm . . . maybe it’s just harmless flirting on her part. But it doesn’t matter because it makes me uncomfortable.”

David stepped forward, his arms outstretched.

Nora didn’t move. “Aren’t you tired of this?” She waggled her hand between him and her. “Always talking about Jane. Jane this . . . Jane that. Maybe she really is lonely. Maybe everything she has done started with good intentions, but it doesn’t matter because like I said, I’m done. I’m quitting my job.”

David exhaled.

“I think we should sell this place and move to the house in Whispering Pines.”

His eyebrows curved upward. “Where would your mom and dad live?”

“In the cottage. Mom has already made up her mind. She said it would be easier for her to watch over Dad. We could fix up the main house, remodel the kitchen, spend time with the kids before Hailey goes off to college.”

He said nothing, the expression on his face unreadable.

“You always used to talk about living in Whispering Pines someday, taking the boat out and spending the weekends fishing and hiking.”

“Someday, yes. When we’re older, ready to sit in our rockers and sip lemonade.”

“My parents have always been there for me, David. I want to be there for them as well. They need me.” She released a long breath. “I was thinking I could start my own consulting business and work from home. The house in Whispering Pines is paid for, and it has enough rooms for us each to set up an office. We could sell this house and put the money to work in our retirement account.”

David raked his fingers through his hair. “This is a lot to take in. I need time to think about it.”

“Take as much time as you need, but I promised Mom I would help her move from the main house to the cottage this week.”

“You know I’m not going to let you do it all on your own.”

“Thanks.” She closed the distance between them and kissed him on the cheek. “I thought we could pack a few things and spend the holidays there, get a feel for the house and the town.”

“Might be fun,” he said. “It’s getting late. You better get in the shower. I’ll lock the doors.”

She walked into the bathroom and turned on the hot water.

The moment Nora stepped into the shower and the water hit the top of her head, drizzling down her face and body, she was flooded with relief. Her mind was made up. As far as moving to Whispering Pines, David would come around. For the first time in months, she felt a thousand pounds lighter.





CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Nora arrived at work fifteen minutes early. Exhilarated, she pushed through the double doors; passed by multiple desks, nodding at the employees who said good morning; and headed straight to Jane’s office. She knocked before opening the door and stepping inside. “Do you have a minute?”

Jane looked up and smiled. “Good morning. How’s your dad?”

“It’s still early. I plan to call Mom later for an update.”

“Be sure and let me know how he’s doing.”

“I will. In fact, my dad is the reason I need to talk to you.”

Jane gestured to one of the chairs in front of her desk, then shut the file in front of her and gave Nora her full attention.

Nora took a seat.

“What is it? If you’ve come to apologize, no need. I understand. You only just returned from Europe, and then having to deal with your aging parents . . . it must be exhausting.”

A bit of guilt rippled through Nora. Mostly because she only felt distrust and cynicism when she looked at the woman who, a very short time ago, was someone she thought might truly be a good friend. Right off the bat, she had admired Jane—young, smart, and confident. But now she glimpsed the expert manipulator behind the cordial mask. Jane knew exactly what to say to gain someone’s trust, to gain Nora’s trust and Hailey’s.

“This is about David, isn’t it?” Jane asked before Nora found her voice.

Nora had no idea what Jane was talking about.

“I’m truly sorry,” Jane continued. “I should have checked with you before I asked your husband to escort me to the WBA—”

“The WBA?”

“The annual Women’s Business Award’s dinner last week.”

Anything Nora had planned to say turned to mush. “David escorted you to a dinner?”

“Oh,” Jane said with feigned regret, a tone Nora had heard too many times before. “I figured David told you.” Jane casually waved a hand through the air. “You were in Paris, and Hailey was with Trevor. It was no big deal. David was a perfect gentleman. He didn’t even wait around for dessert before begging off and running home. But all the ladies did ask me about him after he left. ‘Who was that tall, handsome man in the tuxedo?’ they wanted to know.” Jane chuckled. “Don’t worry. I told them he was taken.”