Once Upon a Friendship

Not one second, of any of that time, had dissipated her anger one iota.

Or intimidated her, either.

The man was beneath her contempt. He just didn’t seem to get that yet.

“Are you ready now?” she asked with utmost politeness as she left her tea to cool untouched beside her.

To her shock, Walter Connelly bowed his head to her. “Go on, if you must.”

If she must? If she must? Oh, she must. He had no idea how much she must.

She’d been planning to sit calmly, her hands in her lap, but Gabrielle jumped up and planted her hands on the edge of the older man’s desk.

“What in the hell are you doing? The FBI brought Liam in for questioning today. They told him not to leave town. As I’m sure you know. They actually think he could have done this. How could you throw your own son under the bus like that?” she spat.

His raised eyebrows didn’t slow her down a bit.

“That’s right, Mr. Connelly. I have no class. No training or tutoring or manners or whatever else you want to call the behavior that allows you to smile at a man while you stab him in the back.”

The words were deeply satisfying. More so than she’d ever imagined they could be. They weren’t what she’d come for.

“I just want to know why. What’s Liam ever done to you? What’s happened in your life to create this monster that would stab his own son in the back?”

Nope. Not what she’d come for, either. Well, except for wanting to know why. But the rest of it...

She took a deep breath. Sat down. Put her hands in her lap.

“Liam’s a good son to you.” She tried to get a sir out but couldn’t do it. “He majored in finance as you wanted him to. Joined the family business and worked hard at every job you’ve ever given him, no matter how menial. He’s done his best to respect you. He’s also become the type of man you taught him to be. One who is finally able to stand up for his right to have his own place in the world.”

She loved him, this man she was describing to his father. Had probably always loved him. In some place deep inside herself where she knew her love would be safe. Some place that would allow her to love him from afar, without hope of ever having him for herself.

And then he’d gone into business with her and Marie. Given them a legal tie. He’d moved into their building.

He’d been in trouble and needed her in a way he’d never needed her before.

He’d touched that place deep inside her, reaching into it and exposing her feelings for him...

“And because he dared to want what he wanted...” She shook her head. The truth was, if Liam had ever wanted her, his father would have put a stop to it. Or sucked the life out of Liam until he finally gave in.

The man had yet to say a word. Or take another sip of his drink. She’d made another blunder. But it wasn’t as if she could hurt Liam’s chances with the man. They couldn’t get any worse.

“I believed in you.” She shook her head. “All these years, even that first night in the dorm room, when I overheard the despicable way you were manipulating Liam into going home with you, I thought your motives were good. All these years...” She shook her head again as she repeated herself. And then she looked him right in the eye.

“I’ve always thought you loved him.”

Walter didn’t blink. Just stared at her as though he was seeing right through her.

Gabrielle stood.

Turned her back on the man.

And left.

* * *

STANDING AT THE WINDOW, looking down to the street below, Liam waited. Marie had talked him into coming upstairs with her to have dinner with her and Gabi.

She hadn’t had to twist his arm as much as he figured she should have. Nor had she agreed to watch out for Gabi for him. She’d just told him they’d find a way to love each other through what came and then asked him to dinner.