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Chapter Ten
“So, Caitlin and Mom say you’ve kissed Dale Cavallo,” Hannah said.
Zoe nearly choked on the sip of champagne she’d just taken. The waiter had just moved away.
“It was nothing.” She coughed and dabbed her lips with the serviette, hoping to buy a little time before answering.
Hannah angled her head. “I can see that,” she said drily and sipped her champagne.
“Seriously, I told Caitlin it was a combination of too much wine and a lovely evening. We’re… we’re family, for heaven’s sake,” Zoe said. “I was hoping I’d see more of you while I was in London, but you only managed one visit.”
She held her breath, hoping Hannah would change the subject.
“Nope, not going to work. You are not getting me off this subject so quickly,” Hannah said and leaned forward. “I also hear, to my surprise I might add, that you are going to Mahé with Dale.”
Zoe sighed. Clearly Hannah was not going to leave the subject of the Cavallos alone.
“Hannah, really. I’m going to Mahé to work. Dale wants me to look at the hotel there and also to visit the one on Praslin. That’s all. What is it with you and the Cavallos anyway?” she asked, irritated. “You snarl the minute their name comes up in a conversation.”
“Let’s just say I’ve had a bad experience with one of them and I don’t trust them around my sisters.” Hannah frowned.
“What happened?” Zoe asked.
Hannah stared into her glass for a moment before she threw back her head and downed the rest of the champagne. “On the plus side—I’ll also be in the Seychelles around the time you’ll be there.”
“That’s wonderful!” Zoe called out, grateful the topic had been changed. “Are you there for a shoot?”
“Yes, probably only for three days, but I’ll let you know. We usually stay in the Cavallo hotel on Mahé, so I’ll be able to see you in the evenings. The days will be too busy.” Hannah smiled.
“That’s really great news. I haven’t received the final arrangements, but I can’t think that we have to be there for more than a few days either,” Zoe said. “It’s so nice to know you’ll be around. You can show me the hot spots of the island one evening.”
“That’s a date. The weather should be nice, you should take your bikini and work on your tan—you’re much too pale after your stay in London.”
“I know—the London weather was terrible. But I was kept so busy, I didn’t really have time to worry about it.”
“Who were the people you worked for?” Hannah asked. “I don’t think you ever mentioned their names.”
“I worked with Peter Walsh and never met the owners—”
Hannah inhaled quickly.
“What?” Zoe asked.
“Peter Walsh? The last time I heard that name, he was working for the Cavallos.”
Zoe stared at Hannah, her head reeling. “But… why didn’t he say anything? Why didn’t any of the Cavallos mention the fact that I’d be working for them?” Zoe asked, now getting angry.
“Maybe he’s not working for them any longer.” Hannah shrugged. “Does it matter?”
“I… don’t suppose so. But why not tell me? I—”
“Hi, Hannah, I didn’t know you were back.”
Surprised, Hannah looked up at two attractive men who’d approached their table. “Hi, Steve, it’s so nice to see you.”
Steve introduced his friend Paul and Hannah introduced Zoe. They spoke for a few minutes, until Steve, obviously reluctant, touched Hannah’s shoulder.
“I wish we could join you, but we’re entertaining clients and have to go; they’re probably wondering what happened to their hosts,” Steve said.
