Smokescreen

“She’s going to fight you like a wildcat. You better be prepared,” Dana says with humor in her voice.

“I’m counting on it. But she’ll do it.”

“Should I make arrangements for your funeral?”

“Nah, I can be very convincing.” I wink at her and grab my jacket off the back of my chair. “Will you do me a favor? Get some movers lined up for the week after we get back from South America. I’m ready for us to move to my place.”

“Yeah, but I’ll wait to see how tonight goes before I make that call.”

“Your lack of faith is disappointing. Do you not know how ruthless I can be when I want something?”

“Oh yeah, Max, but this is Stella we’re talking about and she’s not your everyday business associate. I’m waiting for the fireworks.”

“Oh yeah me too.” I wiggle my eyebrows and grin.

“You’re ridiculous!”

I wave and walk to the elevator. Edward is leaning against the receptionist desk reading over something. His eyes catch mine and I can’t believe the man looking at me. His face is pale and eyes blank of any emotion. He looks tired and sickly. Even his usual impeccable posture is slumped. We haven’t spoken very much since the meeting at his place.

“Edward.”

“Max. How are you?”

“Doing fine, you?”

“Good. I’m actually glad I caught you. I’ve decided to come with you to South America. It’s about time I showed my support.”

“Fine by me, you do know that Stella and her business partner are coming too right?”

“Yeah, I know everything. Apparently she’s a fucking saint down there.”

“Edward, don’t fuck with her. Thought we covered this?”

“That was as shitty thing to say. There’s no excuse for my behavior. Seems like I’m apologizing a lot to you these days.” He looks around uncomfortably and then changes the subject. “Rita mentioned you haven’t returned her calls. She asked me to speak to you.”

“I’ve had a lot on my plate since leaving your house last Thursday. I’ll call her on my way home tonight.”

“Yeah, we all saw the interview. Would have been nice to give me a head’s up.”

“Edward, let’s not get into this right now—or say ever. We dodged another bullet that could have sunk our credibility for good. Very few people know about your role in that plot.”

He nods his head dejectedly and I leave him standing there. As soon as I get in the car, I text Stella. Then I call Rita Hurst to see what the hell is so important.

“Maxwell,” she answers cheerily. “I was beginning to think you were avoiding me.”

“Been a little busy. What’s so important? I saw you last week.”

“Busy? Too busy to call me back but yet you can go on television and publically make a fool out yourself? Then to disappear where no one can find you for the rest of the weekend? Do you have any idea how many phone calls I received not only about the business but also you’re new flame?”

Anger fills me as my hands grip the steering wheel tightly and I take a deep breath. “Rita, I’m not exactly sure what you’re talking about, but I’ll warn you right now to watch your step here.”

“I’m talking about praising that woman’s work and linking her with the success of JOS! I’m talking about your public declaration of love. I’m talking about embarrassing Erica to death!”

“What the hell does this have to do with Erica? And you wanted to talk to me before the interview even aired.”

“Yes, and if you would have met me or returned my call on Friday, our conversation would have gone a lot differently. Now you’ve publically mortified my daughter and linked a no-name PR girl to Hurst & McCoy. How could you? What would your dad think?”

Fuck! “Listen to me, never mention my father again. And let me make something clear to you. Stella isn’t some girl or my flame. She’s none of your fucking business. We are none of your business. If you ever feel the need to question my actions again, think twice. This conversation is through.”