“Good evening, Miss Leroux,” Warner said from over the top of the limo.
“Ah,” Brigitte said, “but Warner is here. Is he not worthy of such a beautiful dress?”
She trotted in her heels around the car to throw herself in Warner’s open arms.
“Ignore her,” Beau said to Lola, rolling his eyes. “She’s that way with anyone who gives her attention. Warner took her to an event last week, yet she acts like he’s just returned home from war.” Brigitte stroked Warner’s suited arm, threw her head back and laughed. Warner looked stunned by her—and Lola had to admit, she was stunning. He smiled so hard his cheeks turned red.
“We don’t have much time,” Beau interrupted their moment. “No time at all, actually.”
“You’re always rushing me,” Brigitte said, turning her back on Warner without so much as a glance. She led the way up the sidewalk. “Is this the girl?”
“Brigitte,” Beau warned.
“What girl?” Lola asked. She followed Beau into the house through a front door twice as tall as them.
“Don’t be shy, brother.” Brigitte looked over her shoulder at Lola. The ordinary brown of her eyes should’ve been comforting, yet they were far too sharp for that. “It’s just that Beau rarely mentions anyone, except that he’s been talking about this one girl…”
Beau inhaled a deep breath and closed his eyes a moment. “Brigitte, sois sage. Is Louis in the study?” He looked at Lola. “Our lawyer.”
Lola’s attention was drawn up to the entryway’s chandelier. “Wow.”
“Ah, yes. It’s called a Montgolfier—after the brothers,” Brigitte said. “Do you know them? They’re French.”
Lola shook her head.
“They only invented the hot air balloon. That’s why it’s shaped like one but upside down.”
“It’s lovely,” Lola said, “just like your home.” Her heels, shorter
than Brigitte’s, clicked on the foyer’s marble floor.
“Technically it’s Beau’s,” Brigitte said. “He lets me stay here.”
“It’s our home,” Beau said to her. “I think after nearly a decade here, it’s okay to say.”
“I just hate for you to think I’m taking advantage.” She looked at Lola. “Beau must be careful about that sort of thing.”
Lola didn’t want to go down that road. She slid her hand from Beau’s. “I don’t understand. You live here?”
“Yes,” Brigitte answered.
Just moments ago, Lola had been thinking how well they knew each other for such a short time. She must not have known much if she didn’t even know where he lived. It hit her that maybe he wanted it that way. Why else would he bring her to a hotel when he had a home nearby?
Lola turned away to avoid Beau’s inquisitive look. The pearl-colored living room had matching drapes that framed long, French doors. Gold molding trimmed the room, complementing the gold accents in the lamps, vases and side tables. The walls were lined with simple, elegant artwork that continued into the hallways and up the spiral staircase. A large vase of white and purple Calla lilies sat center on the entryway table.
She’d done a complete turn and now found Brigitte with her arms surrounding Beau’s neck. Her eyes were large with admiration for him, and there was lip-gloss grease on his cheek. “Did you miss your baby sister?” she asked.
“Come on, Brigitte,” he said. “I saw you two days ago. Let me go check with Louis.”
She dropped her arms with a huff. “Yes, he’s in the study. I’ll keep Lily company.”
“Lola,” he corrected.
“Right.”
Beau leaned over and kissed Lola’s cheek. “Will you be all right?”
She nodded. “Go ahead.”
“A few minutes, ma chatte.”
Brigitte scoffed just loud enough to be heard.
He ignored her, winking at Lola before disappearing behind double doors.
Brigitte turned to her. “So, have you known my brother long?”
“A couple weeks.”
“Oh. That is long.”
Lola smiled thinly. “Not for most people.”
“Beau isn’t most people. But I’m sure you’ve figured that out.”
“I have,” Lola said. “He’s certainly unlike anyone I’ve ever met.”
“Don’t worry if you’re flustered by him. That’s normal. My brother isn’t easy to read unless you know him like I do.” She arched one thin, black eyebrow and looked from Lola’s feet to her face. “You, on the other hand, I’m not so sure.”
“Sorry?”
“My brother’s money gets many admirers. He has a good nose for bullshit, except when it comes to particularly studied actresses. That’s where he needs my help.”
Lola crossed her arms. “That isn’t me.”
“No?”
“No. And my relationship with Beau isn’t anyone’s business but ours. He knows exactly what I want from him.”
Brigitte circled Lola, watching her the entire time. “You aren’t Beau’s usual type.”
“If you’re trying to intimidate me, it won’t work.”
Brigitte came to a stop in front of her. “My, my. You truly aren’t his type.” Her knuckles brushed along Lola’s arm. “I can see why he’s attracted to you.”
Lola glanced at Brigitte’s hand and smiled faintly. “Are you coming on to me, Brigitte?”
“If it’s money you’re after, I’m no pauper myself.”
“As if you have the slightest clue what I’m after.”