Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 126850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 634(@200wpm)___ 507(@250wpm)___ 423(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 126850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 634(@200wpm)___ 507(@250wpm)___ 423(@300wpm)
“We were. He helped me through the—well. Everything.”
“Mm.” I looked down. “I don’t suppose you’ve spoken to Fred, have you?”
“Not yet. I was going to ask if you have.”
“I text him not long ago, but no. I’ll let you know as soon as I do.”
“Thank you. I’d appreciate it. We’re sending flowers over—I wanted to know if you’d like your name attached to them.”
I drew in a deep breath. “I suppose it should be.”
“It would only be appropriate.”
“Then yes, please do.”
“I’ll make sure to when I order. Please keep your schedule flexible, also. Margaret made it clear on the phone that all four of us are invited to the funeral, and I expect you to attend.”
Fuck.
Balls.
Bollocks.
“I’ll do my best,” I said, squeezing my eyes shut. “How are you feeling?”
“Not great,” he replied. “I’ve cancelled my weekend plans. Margaret mentioned that she might like me to drive up to assist Fred as everything changes over, so I’m on standby until then.”
“That’s kind of you, Dad. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.”
“Yes, well, I’m ready to go. You might consider it yourself.”
“I’ll see what I can do. You know I’m away this weekend, so I might not be able to.”
“Yes, where are you that you don’t have any signal? And here I thought you might not be able to get in contact with me this weekend.”
“Um, Scotland. Caught in the snowstorm,” I said vaguely.
“What a coincidence. I was supposed to be in Scotland this weekend, but Carmen is trying to get there on her own.”
Oh, no.
I was going to throw up.
“What’s she doing in Scotland?”
“A wedding,” he replied. “Given the circumstances, she’s got Vincent with her. Terrible weather up there, though, so I’m not sure if they’ll make it.”
Oh, shit, shit, shit!
“As long as they stay safe,” I said, my voice a little tight and squeaky. “It’s pretty bad. Might be best to cancel.”
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, sorry. Frog in my throat.” I made a big show of clearing it. “Might be best if they cancel,” I repeated. “Given the weather.”
“They’re already on their way,” Dad said. “They left not long ago, but I’ll let you know when they arrive so you don’t worry.”
“I wasn’t worrying.”
“Grace. That’s your brother.”
“Fine. I was half-worrying.”
“I suppose that’s better than nothing,” he replied wearily. “I’m going to get off the phone in case Margaret calls. Do make sure to let me know as soon as you hear from Fred. He’ll probably reply to you first.”
“I will, Dad. Don’t worry. Are you sure you’re all right being alone there this weekend?”
“Yes, Gracie. I’ll be fine. In fact, I think it’d prefer to be alone right now.”
“Okay.” I looked down and scuffed my foot across the floor. “Well, if you need me, I’m only here. You can call me anytime, Dad.”
He cleared his throat. “Thank you, sweetheart. I’ll make sure I do.”
“Okay. I’ll let you go, then.”
“Speak to you later, Gracie. Love you.”
“Love you, too, Dad.” I pulled the phone from my ear and looked down, tapping the big red circle to end the call.
There was a huge lump in my throat that was only getting bigger. Not to mention the anxious bundle of knots in my stomach.
I was in deep shit.
If my stepmother and Vincent showed up here, I was so fucking busted.
Vincent might lie through his teeth for me if I bribed him enough, but Carmen was the kind of person who’d put my real identity on a banner on a blimp and send it out for an emergency news broadcast.
“Ah, Grace. I didn’t know you were in here.” Katie walked into the kitchen and stopped. “My dear, are you all right?”
“Um, yes. Sorry. I just got off the phone with my dad. He had some bad news this morning and I’m a bit worried if he’s okay, that’s all.”
“Bad news.” She bobbed her head. “There’s a lot of that going around today, it seems.”
“How’s Stuart?”
“Having a lie down. I took James’ lead and slipped something into his tea.” She winked at me. “Although don’t take that as an endorsement for drugging your spouse. I wouldn’t recommend it under regular circumstances.”
“Noted.” I stood up and tucked my phone into the pocket of my cardigan. “I should get back before William makes good on his threat and sends the bird after me because I’ve gotten lost.”
“That’s quite the threat.”
“I thought so.” I smiled at her and headed for the doorway.
“You look just like your mother, you know.”
I froze. “I’m sorry?”
“Your mother. You look exactly like her. I’m surprised I didn’t see it immediately.” She dropped a teabag into a cup and looked at me. “Do you not think so?”
My heart thumped against my ribs.
Yes.
Yes, I did. In fact, I was more than aware of my close resemblance to my mother. I favoured her over my father in the looks department, but I just wasn’t prepared for anyone to mention it.