Katelyn stares at me, her eyes growing wide.
I know I’m in a mood, far past the point where I should shut my damn yap.
If only I could take it back.
“Mr. Lancaster?” She waits for me to look at her, and I do with another sigh. “You can’t be responsible for Aster’s actions. What happened was an accident based on every report I ever saw. You know that, right?”
“Accident or not, our marriage was a dumpster fire. All thanks to me,” I say.
This conversation is also flaming trash. I’m about to stalk off when she speaks again.
“My sister’s first husband sucked—definitely not like you. She divorced his butt, took his money and his kids, and moved to L.A. She works for the Mouse now, and she and the kids get season passes to Disneyland every year. She chose how she responded to her situation. I know it wasn’t the same for you, but if the reports were wrong...then Aster made that choice.” She throws up a hand. “Not that I’m saying she did! If the cops said it was an accident, I bet they’re right.”
I turn my head. “Who the fuck knows. It doesn’t matter.”
When I look again, Kate’s staring at me.
“Is there something else?” I ask over my shoulder, annoyed.
She grimaces. “I need to ask you a question, but I’m not sure how without offending you.”
“Ask.” I’ve had enough drama today.
“Do you think maybe your inability to let go of this is why Destiny won’t go to the beach?”
Deafening silence.
“Are you saying Destiny can’t move on until I do?” I look at her sharply.
She swallows. “I don’t know. I’m no shrink, but I do know you’re the most important person in her life. If you have any lingering doubts, it’s likely she’s picking up on them. Kids are intuitive, and Destiny is smart as a whip. She deserves to be happy.”
“I know.” The words feel like solid lead.
“You deserve to be happy, too, boss.”
“Irrelevant. And I won’t be—not until I know what happened that night,” I say, shocking myself.
I didn’t realize that was even what I wanted until now.
“You’re a billionaire. You’re connected to every high and mighty moron in America,” she points out. “So, if you feel like you need answers for closure, go get them. This is the time and place. I guess I don’t understand, though... The police already gave you one set of answers you didn’t like.”
“What’s that mean?”
“Are you sure you need more answers? Or do you just need to accept ones you already have?”
I mull that over for a minute, stroking my beard.
Could that be the problem?
If the police just up and told me Aster killed herself, or they were looking for her murderer, would I have believed it?
Yeah, I would have.
I might’ve been a rotten husband, but I knew her well enough to know she didn’t just decide to go for a dip in the dead of night.
“I need more,” I say, more confident of that now than I was before she asked.
“If you insist. And speaking of chasing things down, I think your R & D girl is alone in her makeshift lab...”
I shake my head angrily. “For the last time, she’s nothing and you’re not goddamned cupid.”
She huffs out a breath. “O-kay. Stay here and mope then—”
“I’m not moping,” I throw back.
“Fine. Brood away, Mr. Heathcliff. I have to go fetch your reports for the next meeting, or you’ll make me look worse than I already do for getting personal.”
I laugh bitterly. “Isn’t it the other way around?”
“I’ve always known who the real CEO was.” She starts speed walking toward the wing with the guest rooms.
“Kate?” I call.
“Yeah?” She faces me, blinking slowly.
“Destiny and I would’ve been lost years ago without your help. You’ve done enough for us. Stop worrying, and leave the rest to me.”
“I won’t,” she says sharply. “And bossman, don’t you know? I won’t stop saying you’re a good man who deserves to smile until you actually believe it.”
Poor Katelyn.
She’s going to be waiting until hell freezes over.
11
Coffee Addict (Eliza)
This room is no fancy-schmancy superlab, but it’ll do.
Everything is set up and just waiting for me to add my creative touch. It’s a comfortable environment, almost like someone’s living room with homey wicker and rattan couches and tall lounge chairs surrounding the table with beakers, scales, and burners.
It’s a million times better than the beast lab back in Seattle in one way. Golden light pours in from the ginormous floor-to-ceiling windows. A few are slightly open, letting the sea breeze in.
I take a deep breath, scanning the room, and smile.
I’m about to brew coffee with an ocean view. I’ve come a long freaking way.
Let’s do this.
I go in, hand grinding lightly roasted peaberry beans for a shiny new batch of campfire brew. It doesn’t take long before the fresh aroma fills the room.