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“I haven’t had time to read it.” I set my cell on the terrazzo café table to open the emails and wait for it to load. There is an unopened email in my inbox from Franklin Hendricks at HCM.
I skim over the new contract he had drawn up.
All the air leaves my lungs.
I cover my mouth with my hand, still staring at the total amount owing to Penelope Gilbert on completion of the renovation.
“What is it?” Zara slides my cell toward her. “Holy fucking hell. Is this a joke?”
I shake my head. “How should I know? We didnotagree to this. I estimated ninety-thousand and thought I overcharged him. I expected him to challenge the price.”
Zara’s expression is deadpan. She picks up my phone so it’s closer to her face. “In other words, you thought he may have suggested $50K? Could the extra zero be a mistake?”
“Possibly,” I murmur. “I’m sure it’s an oversight.”
If it’s not an error, then I will ask Franklin to draft a new contract.
Iwillset the terms, and the five-hundred-thousand-dollar remuneration will be rejected. Because apart from being excessive, I feel like it’s a payment of other sorts.
And now I feel sick thinking about it.
19
FRANKLIN
A thick vinetwists around the overhead wood structure, purple flowers hanging like lanterns above us. The inviting blue pool with a waterfall cascading from the back wall tricks my mind into a state of calm.
Much of my teenage years were spent by this pool. During college, semester breaks were spent at home. I studied for hours out here until my younger siblings’ guests would arrive and destroy the peace.
My mother requested her family to meet at nine to discuss her plans for the gala ball. No excuse will be tolerated when it comes to doing our part at her favorite fundraising event. No one else has arrived yet, and it’s a relief because all I can think about is Penny. Last night, she seemed just as surprised as I was by those three words.Could we be more?
Lola pours spring water from a jug and fills my glass. “Have you eaten breakfast, Mr. Hendricks?”
“I have, thank you, Lola.” She moves to fill the other glasses at the unoccupied table. My father steps out of the house and sits across from me. “How was your trip?” I ask him.
He smiles. “Never a complaint when business takes you to Italy.”
I take a sip of water and place the glass within reach. “Mom mentioned you had dinner with Daphne.”
“I did.” His eyes hold mine. “She’s split from Stephano.”
“I didn’t think they were a good match.”
“Daphne also mentioned she is not over you.”
A while ago, I would have rejoiced at the news. I offer no emotion. No response. I feel nothing. No regret.
“You are, however, over her?”
“I am. I wanted a second chance for so long. Now,” I shrug, and his eyes widen. I’m even picking up Penny’s habits. “That chapter has closed. I can see myself heading in another direction.”
“Orange juice, Mr. Hendricks?” Lola offers to pour Dad his juice.
He waves her on. “No, thank you. Lola, please ask my family to hurry up.” Lola disappears inside, and my father sets his focus on me. “She’s coming to your mother’s gala to support her.”
“As long as she isn’t seated beside me.”
“But you are friends? Maybe I was hasty in my judgment about her being wrong for you.”
