L.A. Dead (Stone Barrington 6)

"That's what I said. In fact, right now, you're a multimillionaire. You and Vance have a joint stock account that's currently worth more than fifteen million dollars."

"I suppose I thought that's what the whole estate would be worth. I guess I don't think about money, much. I don't even pay much attention to the trust Daddy left me."

"You don't have to think about this right now, but you will have to later on."

"I suppose so." She looked at him narrowly. "Are you troubled by my newfound wealth, Stone?"

"Well, yes. I guess I'll just have to get used to it."

"I was wealthy before, you know. Daddy's trust fund is a fat one, worth about twelve million, last time I checked. It never bothered you before.

"I didn't know the details," he replied. "I didn't know you were all that rich."

"Poor baby," she said, patting his cheek.

Stone took a deep breath. "Now, there's something about me you have to know."

"What's that?"

"You remember Dolce."

"Eduardo Bianchi's daughter? How could I forget that dinner party in Connecticut last summer?"

"Dolce and I were to have been married last weekend, in Venice."

Arrington sat up and looked at him, surprised. "Oh?"

He started to tell her about the preliminary, but thought better of it. What did it matter? "But before it could take place, I was on a plane to L.A."

Arrington placed a hand on her breast. "Close call," she said. "Whew!" Then she sat back. "Are you in love with her?"

"I'm… a little confused about that," Stone said.

She took his hand again. "Let me help clear your mind."

"I'll admit, I had misgivings, even before going to Venice, but she was pretty overwhelming."

"I can imagine," Arrington said tardy.

"Now, I think I must have been crazy. Dino has been telling me that since the moment I met her."

"Dino is a very smart man," Arrington said. "Listen to him. I know how overwhelming a moment can be; that's how I came to marry Vance. You're well out of that relationship."

"I'm not exactly out of it, yet," Stone replied. "I still have to speak to her; she's been… unavailable when I've called her. She's in Sicily."

"That's just about far enough away," Arrington said. "That should make it easier for you."

"I'm going to have to tell Eduardo, too."

"I can understand how facing him might be more daunting than telling Dolce."

"He's been very kind to me; he made it plain that he was very happy about my becoming his son-in-law."

"He's a nice man, but try not to make him angry. He would make a bad enemy, from what Vance has told me about him."

"Yes, I know; or, at least, that's what Dino keeps telling me. God knows, I don't want him for an enemy."