Sorry, Stella, but I’m planning to dump your son as soon as I find somebody I’d rather be with. Oh, please don’t misunderstand. It’s a completely mutual decision—we decided to be frank about what we want. Well, at the moment it’s mostly about boffing each other silly. Oh no, no need to worry. I’m very discreet.
That would’ve gone over real well.
More guests arrived, all family. The atmosphere remained casual with people calling to each other, laughing and talking. Kerri watched it all, not exactly sure what to do in this happy bunch. This wasn’t something she was familiar with, and none of her fancy education prepared her for it either.
A heavy older gentleman took a healthy gulp of brandy and said rather loudly, “God, I’m going to have to sell my Betsy Doll.”
“You haven’t had enough time to get attached,” someone called out from the back of the room. Others laughed.
“Don’t you mock me. You’ll understand how I feel once you find a yacht you can’t live without.”
Kerri raised an eyebrow. The man didn’t sound all that heartbroken.
“Learn to downsize, old man. It won’t kill you,” the young man said.
“Don’t be so sure. My heart just might give out.”
“Tell you what, Uncle Tony. I’ll buy it from you, then you can sail on it whenever you want,” Gavin offered. “There’s no reason to give up the Betsy Doll.”
Her gaze zeroed in on him. He was in a dark polo shirt and even darker slacks. His tone was light and warm, in complete contrast to how he’d sounded in Houston.
“Bah! Then she’d be yours, not mine.”
“Who cares, if you’re the only one onboard?” Gavin said. “You can sail around the world enjoying your steamed broccoli and poached egg whites.”
The older man raised his glass amid general laughter. The offer was a generous one, Kerri thought, though to somebody like Gavin the cost of a yacht was pocket change.
The way he’d done it was very different from the way Barron would have. In her family, someone would have had to ask, and they’d be made to feel that if it weren’t for Barron’s good grace, they’d lose whatever standard of living
they enjoyed. Everyone did whatever Barron wanted. It was a miracle Justin was defying him, even by omission, by pretending not to know where she was.
If Barron ever found out… Kerri winced. Thank heavens Justin had his own money. Barron would cut him off without a second thought for such “disloyalty,” and to hell with whatever effect such action might have on Justin’s life.
A couple of young men stole Ethan away to ask his opinion on something, and she stayed behind, standing alone and sipping a ginger ale.
“Enjoying the party?”
She turned and saw Gavin leaning against the wall and watching her. “Yes. It’s lovely.”
“We didn’t really get to talk in Houston. Where are you from, Kerri?” he asked.
“The States—”
“Whereabouts?”
She pretended not to hear the question. “—but I spent a lot of time in Hong Kong.”
“Do you plan to go back?”
“No.”
“Ah.” A small muscle in his jaw ticked. “I understand you’re working for us temporarily. Or is it more permanent now?”
“I don’t know yet. I was thinking about getting a job on the west coast when Ethan offered the TLD position. I may yet do that.”
“West coast, huh?” His gaze was steady. “If you’d like, I can put in a word for you there with some of the people I know. They’re always looking for good help.”
“Appreciate the offer. I’ll keep that in mind when the time comes,” she said with a polite smile, though her instincts beeped danger.