Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“I want to know what my brother has been up to and with who. I know the girl is connected, but how? Once you have those answers, I’ll handle the rest. Have Brick call me.”
I end the call and sit back in my seat. I could strangle Ally and Cane. My mind goes to Sid. She’s the only one who can calm me down at this point.
I text David to see where they are. A smile comes to my face when he texts back that they’re in the lobby. “I hope you’re up for my dark side,” I murmur to myself as I get up to meet Sid at the elevator.
Chapter 32
My Loss
Sidney
Eileen and Clooney outdid themselves with this engagement party and I thought the four hundred people they invited to the wedding were a bit much. My stomach hurts just thinking about all the money these people have spent on my fake engagement.
At least this party is for both Clay and me as well as Chloe and Gregor. My friend looks like she’s in love. Although, at times, I see a melancholy expression come over her face.
I plan to corner her tomorrow at some point to finally get some answers. I know something is different about her, no matter how much Gregor dotes on her, it doesn’t mean she’s truly happy. I’ve watched Clayton put on the same act.
“You look stunning,” a woman coming out of one of the stalls says.
I know we were introduced, but I can’t remember her name or who she is. To be honest, I’ve been overwhelmed. This venue is breathtaking and the number of people we have as guests is mind blowing.
“Thank you,” I reply.
“You’re going to make such a lovely bride. You two look so in love.”
I reach to tug at one of the earrings Clayton gave me. His father’s face lit up when he saw me wearing them. It made me wonder if that’s why Clayton gave them to me and insisted I wear them tonight—to give his father the sense that I mean something to him.
“I care deeply about Clay,” I reply, not knowing what else to say.
“Dear, I can tell he cares deeply for you. He looks so happy. There was a time that couldn’t be said for Clayton. Such a lovely couple.”
I smile, not having much else to say. She moves for the door, patting my arm as she passes. I turn my attention back to the mirror.
I love this black sheer-overlay handkerchief-hem dress. The red heels were my idea of spicing things up. The look on Clay’s face when I came downstairs said a million words.
I give myself a sad smile. If only that look was a look of love and not lust. I didn’t think this party would cut so deep. I take a cleansing breath and exit the bathroom, heading back to the party.
As I walk the hall, the sound of someone hacking up a lung catches my attention. I slow down as I get near the room the sound is coming from, wondering if I should call for help.
The coughing stops but the voices in the room hold my attention. I move a little closer.
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.”
The coughing starts again. Damn, that’s a bad cough. He should have that checked out.
“Maybe you should tell them.”
“I’m not going anywhere. Death isn’t ready for an old bastard like me. I plan to beat this. I don’t need to worry anyone with this nonsense.” That’s Clooney’s voice.
I gasp and listen closer. Chewing my lip, I place a hand over my chest. I furrow my brows as I try to place the other voice.
“If you think they hate you now, if you don’t say anything and something happens, they’re going to hold that resentment forever.”
“You let me worry about that, you work on what I asked you to. I promise you, I’m not going anywhere. Especially not now that Chloe is in the picture.”
“Fine, I’m working on it. I’ll see you back inside the ballroom.”
I look around to see if anyone else is in the hall to catch me spying. I rush from the door back to the ballroom. I know that voice. I can’t help trying to place it. Who would know Clooney better than the guys? Who would he share his secret with?
I catch sight of Eileen as she’s beaming with a smile on her face as Clay, Cane, and Gregor surround her. This will devastate them all, no matter how much they all seem to resent their father, I can tell deep down they still love him.
I shake my head to clear it. There’s way too much going on tonight. I need some fresh air to clear my thoughts.
I turn and head outside. Once out front, I stand at the portico where the valet is. I’m lost in thought when a black Maserati pulls up.