The Man She Should Have Married Read online

  “Yes, you will.”

  Less than an hour later, Paul Temple called him back. “I just spoke to Joan Barwood. She was hesitant to say anything, but when I pressed her, she admitted that your sister-in-law made a good impression on her. She’ll give her a positive recommendation, I’m sure of it.”

  Matt hadn’t even realized he’d been holding his breath until he let it out. “Thanks, Paul. I really appreciate this.”

  “Don’t ask again.”

  Matt grinned. “I won’t.”

  “I think a couple of bottles of a good red would be a nice payback, don’t you?”

  Now Matt laughed. “You got it.”

  After hanging up, he decided while he was out this afternoon would be a good time to make a call on his mother. Maybe, if she knew CPS wasn’t going to be on her side, she’d drop this ridiculous custody suit before it went any further. It was worth a try, anyway.

  He wouldn’t give her any warning. He would just drop by the house on his way back from court. It was nearly three thirty before he pulled into the driveway at his parents’ home. Luckily, his mother was in.

  “Hello, Matthew,” she said coolly.

  “Mom,” he said, bending over and kissing her cheek. As usual, he caught the subtle fragrance of Beautiful, her perfume of choice.

  “What’s on your mind today?” she asked. Still no smile.

  “I received some information I thought you might like to know.” He kept his voice as pleasant as he could manage.

  She lifted her chin. “Oh?”

  “CPS sent a caseworker to Olivia’s home this morning, and knowing Olivia, I’m certain the woman will give her a favorable recommendation. Are you sure you want to risk that? ”

  His mother’s eyes narrowed, her jaw hardened.

  “I thought maybe, under the circumstances, you might be persuaded to drop the custody suit and spare all of us the embarrassment of a public display of dirty family laundry.”

  “I believe I’ll wait and see for myself what CPS has to say. And if they are so misguided as to be taken in by that woman, I’m sure Jackson Moyer will have more than one way to counter.”

  Matt sighed. He wasn’t really surprised. His mother rarely backed down from a fight, mainly because she was always so convinced she was right and everyone else was wrong, but he’d felt he owed it to Olivia to at least make one more attempt to end this debacle. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “And I’m sorry to hear that you’re still defending Olivia. I don’t know how someone as intelligent as you can be taken in by her, but obviously you don’t have any more sense where she’s concerned than your brother did. He, at least, was young, and the young can be forgiven for foolish choices. But you, Matthew, should know better.”

  By now Matt was sorry he’d ever stopped by. He should have known better. His mother wasn’t going to back down. Deciding he wouldn’t be drawn into a lengthy argument, he turned to go, but her next words stopped him.

  “Perhaps you thought I wasn’t serious when I said I would withdraw my support for your candidacy for the US Senate.”

  Looking back at her, he said, “Oh, no. I knew you were serious.”

  “Good.”

  “Doesn’t matter. I no longer intend to run for that seat.”

  Her face darkened. “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me.”

  “You would thwart me? Even in this?”

  “Thwart you? I swear, you live in another world.”

  “You’re doing this out of some kind of misplaced spite. You know how much I wanted this for you.”

  “For me? Come on. That’s a joke. You wanted that for Mark. You wanted it for you. Nothing in this house has ever been about me. From the moment Mark was born, it was like I’d never existed.” All the bitterness and loneliness and hurt stored up in Matt over the years brimmed over and the words poured out. “So don’t pretend otherwise, because I don’t believe you.”

  Her mouth actually dropped open.

  He almost laughed. But it wasn’t funny. Nothing in this house had ever been funny.

  “You’re a fool,” she finally said.

  He almost told her then about Carter’s offer, but an innate sense of self-preservation stopped him. She was entirely capable of calling the governor, with whom she was on a first-name basis, and attempting to ruin that for him, too. “Maybe so,” he said softly. “But at least I can look at myself in the mirror every morning and not be ashamed of what I see.”

  And with that, he walked out the door and didn’t look back.

  Chapter Eleven

  Austin arrived promptly at seven on Saturday. When Olivia opened the door, her first thought was that he was the kind of date most women would be thrilled to have. Her second was that this wasn’t really a date, but she still hoped Matt didn’t find out about tonight’s dinner. Then she was mad at herself. Why shouldn’t Matt know? And why hadn’t she told him? She wasn’t doing anything wrong. Austin was her lawyer, and it was completely reasonable that they should have dinner together. By not telling Matt, she was tacitly admitting she felt weird about the evening.

  “You look lovely,” Austin said, eyeing her wool dress with approval. “I like that shade of red.”

  She smiled. “It’s called cranberry, in honor of the coming holidays.”

  “It looks good on you.”

  “Thank you.” She reached for her black shawl and small clutch bag, which she’d placed on the little table in the entryway.

  “Where’s Thea?” Austin said, looking around.

  “At my sister’s. Stella will bring her back here at bedtime and stay here till we get home.” This had been a last-minute adjustment to their plans because Stella had a pitch to give to a potential client on Monday and wanted to do some last-minute work on it this evening without having to lug her laptop and other materials with her when she came to Olivia’s.

  Austin stood aside so she could precede him out the door. Soon she was settled in his Lexus and they were off.

  “I made a reservation at Hugo’s,” Austin said.

  Olivia raised her eyebrows. “Really?” Hugo’s was a relatively new and already top tier restaurant in the lake district. The chef, a James Beard award winner, specialized in French cuisine with a Creole flair. “Wow.”

  Austin smiled. “I was hoping you’d be impressed.”

  Olivia didn’t know how to respond. She knew he was subtly flirting, and she should be flattered, but instead she just felt even more uncomfortable than she had earlier.

  When she didn’t answer, his tone became more serious. “I was also hoping you’d be pleased.”

  “I am pleased, but—”

  “What?”

  Best to be honest. Or at least as honest as possible, under the circumstances. “I wasn’t thinking of tonight as a date. I was thinking of it as a meeting. And Hugo’s isn’t a meeting sort of place.” She made an effort to keep her voice light.

  “And I was hoping tonight could be both,” he said softly.

  Olivia hesitated only a moment. “Until the custody issue is settled, I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to date anyone. I think I have to keep my head and my life clear of anything that could be construed as an obstacle to my winning.”

  “I see your point, but seriously, Olivia, I take my clients to lunch and dinner all the time. It’s a perfect way to relax and talk and strategize.”

  “That may be true, but still, Hugo’s?”

  “All right. Here’s the deal. We’ll agree that this evening isn’t a date. We won’t get personal at all. We’ll just talk about the case and anything else that might impact it. Does that work?”

  Olivia nodded. “Yes. That works.” But would he keep his promise? At a restaurant like Hugo’s, it would be hard not to get p
ersonal. From what she’d heard, its entire ambiance invited confidences...and romance.

  “Good. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy wonderful food and a friendly glass of wine, does it?”

  “N-no.”

  “So stop worrying and relax. We’re almost there.”

  Her first impression of the restaurant was exactly what she’d expected: warmth mixed with elegance. It immediately welcomed you and soothed you. She had to admit she loved the atmosphere and the sense that everyone there cared only for your comfort and enjoyment. She sighed with pleasure as she sank into her softly upholstered chair and looked around. She particularly loved the floor-to-ceiling windows that gave diners a view of inviting tree-filled, lighted grounds.

  “It’s lovely,” she told Austin.

  “I’m glad you like it,” he said, smiling.

  Later, after receiving their glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon and placing their orders—the jumbo sea scallops for him, the mushroom risotto with lobster for her—he leaned back in his chair and said, “Now tell me about the home visit.”

  So she did. She also told him what Matt had found out about the Barwood woman, although she didn’t tell him how he’d gotten the information.

  “I knew the caseworker would like you.”

  Olivia couldn’t help smiling at him. He really was so nice. “I’m still scared, though,” she admitted. “Vivienne wields a big stick.”

  “Yes, I know that. Everyone living in Crandall Lake knows that. But her case for custody of Thea isn’t strong. Not from what you’ve told me.”

  They continued to discuss the home visit and the things the Barwood woman had disclosed to Olivia until their food came. Both dishes were beautifully presented and smelled wonderful. Suddenly Olivia felt hungry and she was glad they’d come.

  She had just fully relaxed and taken her second bite of the truly amazing risotto when a flash of red on her right caught her eye. Her heart jumped when she realized the red dress on the woman being seated across from them was worn by Catherine Elliott, one of Vivienne’s bosom buddies. Catherine hadn’t seen Olivia yet, but her husband, Arthur, had. He smiled and gave Olivia a little salute, causing Catherine to turn around curiously. When her dark eyes met Olivia’s, she inclined her head, smiled slightly, and pointedly turned her curious gaze to Austin. Her expression changed the moment she realized who Olivia’s escort was.

  No, Olivia thought, her heart now sinking. But she kept her expression even and nodded a silent greeting. Then she turned her attention back to her dinner and tried to ignore the fear the presence of the Elliotts had generated.

  Austin frowned. “What’s wrong?”

  Olivia forced herself not to show how disturbed she felt. “Don’t look, but the couple just seated across from us are very good friends of my in-laws.”

  “So?”

  “So Vivienne will now get a play-by-play description of our evening.”

  Austin shrugged. “We’re having dinner, Olivia. We’re not doing anything wrong. And I am your lawyer.”

  Olivia couldn’t help but think how Matt had said the very same thing the other day about them not doing anything wrong. And even though both men were right, somehow Olivia knew Vivienne wouldn’t see either situation the same way. Because, with Vivienne, even Olivia’s breathing was a punishable offense.

  She continued to eat her meal, but the lovely dinner now tasted like sawdust. Why had she agreed to come out with Austin? She knew that now Catherine Elliott would give Vivienne more ammunition to use against her, for no matter how innocent this dinner with Austin was, the two women would somehow make it seem otherwise.

  “Stop worrying,” Austin said.

  But Olivia couldn’t. She did manage to get most of her food down, but she refused dessert, and silently implored Austin to get her out of there. He sighed, and had just asked for the bill when Olivia’s cell vibrated.

  “I have to take this,” she said, glancing at the screen and seeing that it was Stella. Excusing herself, she hurried in the direction of the ladies’ room.

  “Stella?” she said when she was out of earshot of the diners.

  “Oh, thank goodness,” Stella said. “Liv, I’m so sorry, but I had to call you. Something’s happened.”

  Olivia’s mouth went dry. “Is Thea all right?”

  “Thea’s fine, but...oh, God. We...there was a fire.”

  “A fire! Where?”

  “In my building. We were just getting ready to leave to go to your house. I’d shut down my laptop and was packing my tote with my things. Thea was in the living room, and when I walked in there I smelled smoke. I couldn’t imagine where it was coming from.” Stella’s words were tumbling out, tripping over each other. “For a minute, I thought I’d left the stove on or something, ’cause earlier I’d made her some hot chocolate. Then, a second later, I heard sirens and when I looked outside, I saw a fire truck coming into the parking lot along with emergency vehicles. I grabbed Thea and my tote and opened the apartment door to run out, but the hallway was already filled with smoke, and I couldn’t see, so I shut the door again and stuffed my afghan under the door to keep the smoke out. Oh, God, Liv, I was so scared! My heart was just pounding like crazy! But we went out on the balcony where the firefighters could see us and they ended up rescuing us that way.”

  “The balcony!” Stella’s apartment was on the third floor of her building. “Is Thea okay?”

  “Yes, she’s fine. She thought it was an adventure, actually. She wasn’t afraid at all when the fireman took her down the ladder.” Stella was calmer now that she’d gotten the story out.

  “Ohmigod.” Olivia was shaking, just thinking about it.

  “She’s okay, Liv, I promise. Not a scratch on her. And I’m fine, too, but the apartment building is a mess. The fire started in an apartment on the second floor, almost right below me. There was a lot of damage, both from the fire and the smoke. I don’t know about my apartment, but I have a feeling it’s pretty much a loss.”

  “Oh, God, Stell. I’m so sorry. But I’m grateful you’re both okay.” Olivia was trembling at the thought of what could have happened.

  “Me, too. Thing is, looks like you or Mom are gonna have company for a while. I’m just grateful the firemen allowed me to take my tote bag with me when it was my turn to go down the ladder. And thank goodness my laptop was in it. If I’d lost that, I’d be in deep doo-doo.”

  “You can stay with me as long as you need to, you know that.”

  “Yeah, I know. But it might be easier for everybody if I just go to Mom’s. Okay, listen, I’m gonna go. I’ll see you when you get home. We’re gonna head over to your place now.”

  “All right. I’ll be there in thirty minutes or so. We’re leaving the restaurant soon.”

  Olivia waited outside the ladies’ room for a few moments after disconnecting the call. She still felt shaky and wanted to compose herself before going out and possibly being observed by Catherine Elliott. The last thing she needed was for Vivienne to find out that Thea had been at Stella’s apartment when the fire broke out. Even though nothing that had happened was Stella’s or Olivia’s fault, Olivia could only imagine the spin Vivienne would put on the night’s events.

  But as she headed back toward the dining room, she saw Austin approaching, so she didn’t have to see the Elliotts again.

  “I got worried,” he said. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m okay. Have you paid the bill?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll tell you about the phone call once we’re in the car. I need to get home quickly.”

  He looked as if he wanted to say something else, but he didn’t. He simply took her arm and walked outside with her. A few minutes later, the valet parking attendant brought Austin’s car around. Two minutes later, they were on their way back to Crandall Lake.
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br />   “I don’t think you have to worry,” Austin said when she’d told him what Stella had said. “Your mother-in-law won’t know about Thea being there unless you tell her.”

  “Don’t be so sure about that,” Olivia said. “One of the firemen could be someone she knows. Or a bystander might have recognized Thea. Don’t forget, Vivienne is very well-known.”

  “Well, even if she did find out, she certainly can’t fault you for the fire. And your sister kept her wits about her, made sure Thea got out safely.”

  But no matter what Austin said, Olivia couldn’t help worrying. Somehow Vivienne always heard the things you didn’t want her to. And Olivia was sure, if she did find out about the fire, she’d find a way to use it against Olivia in the custody suit. Bottom line, tonight’s events would be one more incident to show that Olivia didn’t keep a close enough eye on Thea or make good judgment calls when it came to her welfare.

  When they arrived at Olivia’s house, Austin asked if he could come in. “I’d like to talk to your sister. Make sure I have all the facts straight.”

  “Of course.”

  Stella must have been watching for them, because she opened the front door before Olivia could use her key.

  “Thea’s in bed, but she’s waiting for you to say good-night,” Stella said.

  “I’ll go up. Austin wants to talk to you.”

  “Okay.”

  When Olivia reached Thea’s room, Thea said, “Mommy, Mommy, did Aunt Stella tell you about the fire? I was carried down the ladder by a fireman!”

  “Yes, honey, I know.”

  “It was ’citing. Just like a story!”

  “Really? Exciting? Not scary?”

  “No, Mommy, I wasn’t scared.” Thea’s eyes shone. She loved drama. “And guess what? I was on television!” Olivia froze. Television? Oh, God. Now Vivienne was sure to find out about tonight. But she managed to tamp down her dismay and listen to Thea’s account, then give her daughter a hug and good-night kiss before making her escape.

  Austin and Stella were standing in the living room, talking. He turned at Olivia’s entrance. “Brace yourself. A television crew was at the apartment, and they filmed Thea being rescued.”