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The last thingI wanted to do was leave the bed to go to one of the Nguyen’s parties, but I had little choice. Bryce made it easier because he had to take another call. He kissed me on the cheek, told me he loved me again and was gone. Once he left, the bed seemed cold.
I dragged myself up and into the shower. The luxurious bathroom and its designer personal-care items always cheered me, mainly because all the shampoo and shower gels smelled like Bryce. I lathered myself in every substance available, thinking about our encounter that afternoon.Unf.My husband was giving me all the attention I craved. I only wanted to be with him, to be next to him, to soak up as much of his love and presence as I could. It was like I was a lizard, and he was the sun: I had to take as much as I could get because I would need it later.
Later, if I had to leave him again.
I shoved the thought from my mind. Maybe Gene would let me stay. Perhaps he’d agree that keeping things on an even keel would benefit his son and, more importantly to Gene, his company. I would just have to try and convince him.
For now, I vowed to bask in the warmth of Bryce’s love and attention. I was helpless against it, anyway. I craved my husband—his touch, his approval, his presence. I intended to get it while the getting was good.
I rough-dried my hair and left my face bare: Midge would want to be in charge of my appearance tonight. I hustled to the dressing room, formerly my bedroom, and found her inside having a whispered conversation.
With Hazel.
“Oh—hi!” I tightened my fluffy bathrobe against me. “I didn’t expect you both to be in here.”
Hazel and Midge turned to me. Midge’s cheeks were flushed; Hazel’s features were stony.
I’d obviously interrupted. “Is something wrong? I can come back—”
“No, Mrs. Windsor, I don’t mean to cause a delay. You need to get ready for the party,” Hazel said stiffly. “Midge and I were just discussing something. We could use your help.”
Midge’s nostrils flared. “Ididn’t agree to that! You think it’s a good idea, but I don’t. Chloe has enough on her plate at the moment.”
“Mrs. Windsor,”Hazel corrected her, “can most likely make a decision for herself. Can’t you, Mrs. Windsor?”
“A decision about what?”
“Ugh, we don’t have time for this! Chloe has to get ready for the party.” Midge flew to the wardrobe and started going through the racks of dresses.
“I can talk toMrs. Windsorwhile you dress her.” Hazel glanced at me, arching a penciled-in eyebrow. “Is that acceptable to you?”
Hazel scared me, but I knew one thing: she was loyal to my husband. “You helped me when I needed it.” I was reminding her as much as myself about the night she helped me and Noah get off the island. “I’m listening.”
The maid nodded. “Midge and I were just discussing the fact that things have been very tumultuous for the family of late.”
“It’s true.” Midge held up a tangerine-colored dress and frowned at it. “A lot of crazy shit’s been going on.”
Hazel’s eyebrow arched impossibly higher. “That’s crude language, young lady. We do not speak like that in front of the family!”
“Oops.” Midge didn’t look too worried, though—she looked more concerned about the next dress she pulled, a forest-green one with a high neckline. “They want you in something demure tonight, but I swear to God, these are some of the ugliest dresses I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Hazel rolled her eyes and turned back to me. “While Midge secures a dress, I’d like to ask for your help with something. It’s about Colby’s new…lady-friend.”
Midge snorted. “Calling her a lady’s a little much, don’t you think?”
“I think we can proceed without any more of your comments.”
Midge rolled her eyes and kept tearing through the dresses.
“We have some concerns about his new friend Tate. She’s only been here for a few days, but there have already been several incidents.” Hazel pursed her lips.
I sank down onto the bed. “Daphne mentioned something about the pool club.”
Hazel nodded. “The manager called here to complain that they’d been having loud…relations…in one of the cabanas.”
“Not to mention what they were doing on the beach this afternoon!” Midge added. “And in the woods! Inbroad daylight! The elder Mr. Windsor just got arrested—we can’t have that sort of thing going on with the photographers still sneaking around. Olivia Jensen’s about to have a fit.”
“Olivia’s spoken to both Colby and Tate, but Colby doesn’t see a problem,” Hazel said. “The girl seems completely reckless. That’s why we wanted to speak with you.”
