“I love your new look,” London told her as they drew apart. “The cut really shows off your bone structure.”
“I needed a change,” Zoe murmured, feeling no less intimidated by the successful entrepreneur than she had at their last meeting.
“Come into my office.”
While London led the way through the reception area and down a hallway, Zoe couldn’t help but absorb the chic, elegant offices of ExcelEvent and find them far superior to the casual, eclectic styling of Second Chance Treasures.
“I think we both have a lot to tell each other,” London said as the two women settled onto the sofa in her large office.
“First, let me start by thanking you for getting the legal and banking documents from Tristan.”
“I didn’t,” London admitted. “I couldn’t. Harrison got them for me.”
“Harrison?” Although she liked her former brother-in-law, they hadn’t been close and she couldn’t imagine why he’d take such a big risk to help her. “Why? How?”
“I told him the truth. All of it. He knows what you’ve been through and decided to help you out.”
That’s where London had it wrong. He’d acted to help London. She knew London and Harrison had been seen out together. Until now she hadn’t realized they’d become involved.
“But this means he sided against his brother,” Zoe said. “Tristan isn’t gonna like that.”
Pride glowed in London’s eyes. “Harrison doesn’t care.”
“You’re in love with him.” Sympathy rushed through her. She knew firsthand how difficult it was to find yourself falling for someone you were working against.
“I’m crazy about him.”
“How does he feel about you?”
“The same.”
Envy speared Zoe straight through the heart. She wanted to be happy like London, forgiven, loved, eagerly looking to the future. Instead the man she loved despised her. Add to that her guilt over the damage she’d done to Ryan and his family, her financial challenges and the loss of her store. Her will to fight was gone. She might as well give up and return to Greenville.
“I’m happy for you both,” Zoe said. “Harrison is a great guy and he deserves to be with someone wonderful.”
“I don’t know that I necessarily fit the bill.” London’s expression twisted with remorse. “We’ve done a terrible thing.”
“I know,” Zoe admitted. “I really regret meeting Everly and agreeing to go after Ryan.”
“So do I.” London’s voice dipped into ominous tones. “I think she’s crazy.”
Zoe nodded. “And dangerous. She told Tristan what we’re up to.”
London looked more annoyed than surprised. “She sent Harrison a recording of me saying that I’d used Harrison as a way to get to Tristan and that Harrison meant nothing to me. I was trying to conceal from her that I’d fallen in love with him and he took my words at face value.”
The video of Jefferson and Patty Joyce flashed in Zoe’s mind. “What happened?”
“I told him everything and miraculously we’re still together.”
“I’m glad,” Zoe said, recalling her own stab at telling Ryan the truth.
“I’m really lucky he did. When trust leaves a relationship, it’s a hard thing to regain.”
“And sometimes you never can.”
Despair consumed Zoe without warning. The pain of it struck fast and hard, doubling her over. She buried her face in her hands as hot tears filled her eyes. A gentle hand rubbed her back, soothing her.
“It’s going to be okay,” London murmured. “Whatever you need, Harrison and I will help you.”