Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
I rounded my desk, setting down my purse, when a voice startled me.
“Well, there she is. I was beginning to think you’d disappeared off the planet.”
Startled, I met Heather’s gaze, once again those eyes so similar to mine making me pause. She was sitting on the small love seat in the corner of my office, so I hadn’t noticed her until she spoke. I slid my jacket off my shoulders.
“How did you get in?”
“Your assistant wasn’t at her desk. Your door was open.”
“That wasn’t an invitation,” I said coolly.
She shrugged, not at all put out. “You haven’t returned my messages.”
“I’m crazy busy, Heather.”
“Or you’re avoiding me.”
I crossed the office and shut my door, not wanting this private conversation to be overheard. No one here knew what was going on, and I planned to keep it that way. I kept my personal life private. I sat across from her.
“I’m busy,” I repeated. “I have a ton of events going on, plus new ones I’m in negotiations with.” I rubbed my temples. “I’m just getting back from a meeting about one.”
“You looked upset,” she said.
I waved my hand. “Not upset. Worried.” Then for some reason, I told Heather the story about the girl and her mother. “She’s very sweet and I know her mother loves her, but she’s not listening. She’s trying to give her daughter the wedding she wanted, I think, not what her daughter really wants. And the daughter is trying to please her mother and not get lost doing so.”
Heather nodded. “That happens a lot. When is the wedding?”
I sighed. “The spring, which adds to the mix. Even though they’re open to a few dates, so many venues are already booked.”
“What about the winery?”
“Excuse me?”
“The Shoreline Winery. Where I got married.”
“Not big enough.”
“We have a much bigger room. I could check on availability of dates. It’s fairly exclusive.” She winked. “You could use your family connections to pull some strings.”
“Don’t,” I snapped.
She held up her hands. “Look, I know this is a shock. It certainly was to me. But the bottom line is, you’re my half sister. We were already friends before we found out, so why not keep going?” She cocked her head, studying me. “Dad says you’re furious with him, and that’s between the two of you.”
I barked a laugh. “You want to be friends with me even if I hate your father?”
She winced. “Hate is a pretty strong word. You don’t really know him. If you gave yourself the chance, you’d realize he’s pretty awesome.”
“He thinks so.” I sniffed.
She smiled, shaking her head. “It’s an act. He didn’t have it easy growing up either. It became his cover—the whole, I’m fabulous, look at me thing. It’s just a veneer. He’s an awesome dad, and he’d do anything for us kids.”
“I’m not part of ‘us kids,’” I reminded her.
“You could be.”
I refused to let her see the small flicker of joy those words gave me. I tamped down the feeling.
“Do you all know?”
“Yes. Dad told each of us. And the extended family knows. He was very honest with everyone.” She paused. “He asked us all to keep an open mind and get to know you.”
“I’m not sure there’ll be much opportunity for me to get to know them, or them me.”
She frowned. “Luc is Reed’s best friend. You’re part of Luc’s life. He’s part of our family. So, I would say you’re wrong on that front.”
I huffed a sigh.
“Heather, I don’t have time right now. I have too much on my plate.”
She glanced at her phone. “Anne, our events manager, says the larger events space has some openings in the spring. You could bring your client to see the space if you want. I’ll forward you the number.” She looked up, meeting my eyes. “Maybe that would help ease a little of your stress.”
The winery and grounds were beautiful. The backdrop for a perfect spring wedding. The food had been wonderful, and I recalled the decadent cakes we’d had. The bride I was working with now had told me one thing she had to have were great desserts since her fiancé had a huge sweet tooth. The venue was exclusive enough it might please the mother. Still, I hesitated.
Heather watched me, smiling sadly. “If he weren’t your dad, would you still refuse my help?” She shook her head. “I have no argument with you, Ashley. I like you. I thought you liked me, and regardless of the fact that we now share a father, that hasn’t changed on my end. I think on some level, I knew you were more than just Luc’s girlfriend. We clicked so quickly because of our shared DNA.”
I shut my eyes and blew out a long breath. “Sorry, Heather. I’m still reeling from all this.” I reached for her hand and squeezed it. “I do like you. That hasn’t changed at all. And yes, I would love to see the space and bring my clients to it.”