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I nod. I’ve seen the newspapers. She calls herself an influencer, but our youngest sister also enjoys getting her name splashed across the headlines with her antics. She’s in pain, and I get it, but the current self-destruct button she’s hitting is not helping her, only fuelling the fire.
We sigh in unison.
“Have you heard from Kat?” Caleb asks suddenly as we arrive at the restaurant.
“No,” I say, realising it’s been a while since Kat and I last spoke.
Lunch is not as arduous as I feared. We find a quiet table and discuss both his work and mine. He fills me in on the latest project he’s looking to undertake, a redevelopment of one of the city’s poorer areas, filled predominately with old warehouses and empty shops. Caleb, for all my ribbing, is a shrewd business mind and one of the few people I trust with my money other than myself.
“So, how’s it going with Leah?” he asks
“Why all this sudden interest in Leah and me?” I ask, taking another mouthful of food to stop myself saying something I shouldn’t.
He quirks a brow in my direction. “I don’t know. The fact you haven’t dated in, let’s say, forever, and now you’re in a relationship with someone from the office, something you swore you’d never do. Why the hell is she wearing an elastic band around her wrist instead of the silver bracelet she always wore? I asked if that bastard of an ex took that back too. I can’t believe what a jackass that guy turned out to be.”
I smart at the level of annoyance my brother has on Leah’s behalf. I’ve observed her missing bracelet but didn’t think it was appropriate to inquire. People often use elastic bands to lessen their anxiety levels. Caleb doesn’t have the same level of boundaries. He doesn’t answer the question, and I jump in before I can help myself.
“What happened to her bracelet?”
Caleb looks up and frowns. “Oh, apparently, it’s in her drawer. It was a present from him. She doesn’t want any reminders. Not surprising. She said she just needs to get around to buying herself a replacement but hasn’t with everything that’s gone on.”
I remind myself to make sure a replacement is arranged.
We finish lunch, and I head back to the office. Lighter in step and in mind. I drop into my chair and pull up the St Clare website.
CHAPTER 28
LEAH
Istare at the package in front of me. The concierge gave it to me when I arrived home. Apparently, someone has delivered it with my name on it. The vibrant green of the bag lets me know where it has come from. St Clare’s is one of the most exclusive brands, alongside Gucci and Chanel. The question is, who and why?
Caleb better not be the culprit, as that would create problems, especially given Gabriel’s intrusive entrance into my office when he visited earlier. My stomach knots. What was Gabriel playing at? It’s not like Caleb doesn’t know about us. Then again, what was Caleb thinking?
To prevent any misunderstandings, I left Caleb’s flowers at work in a vase, not feeling it appropriate to bring them home. My office smelled lovely. The gesture showed kindness and thoughtfulness. I stare at the bag and bite my lip.
I busy myself making dinner, my eyes drifting to the little green bag. It’s addressed to me. The gift card is very clear. Well, I’ll not get any answers staring at the bag. If it is Caleb, I’ll put it in my drawer and wait until he visits the office next. I’ll thank him, but tell him I can’t accept it.
It’s been somewhat awkward between Gabriel and me since our sexual encounter a few days ago. We’ve both walked around on eggshells, not sure how we’re supposed to act, or at least I have. He’s been Gabriel and disappeared into his man cave.
The whole thing is a little embarrassing, and I’m not sure how to broach it with him. It was as far removed from the disconnected, clinical act we discussed. Who knew the man I worked with all these years has such impressive moves and a physique reminiscent of a Greek god. Mythology tells us that Greek gods possessed irresistible charm and were rumoured to have numerous offspring. I can only hope and pray.
I finish dinner, a vegetable bake, placing it in the oven. Gabriel will be home soon. Otherwise, he can have it when he gets in. He told me he had work to finish up, and then he’d be going for a swim.
Avoidance? Probably.
I drop onto one of the island stools and pull the parcel towards me. I’ve missed my jewellery, but it seems wrong to wear something Vince bought me, especially after everything. The memory of them has forever been tarnished.
I breathe a sigh of relief as I open the gift card.
Leah
Caleb mentioned your bracelet. I took the liberty of buying you a replacement.
Gabriel.
I stare at the note, reading it repeatedly, unable to keep the smile from my lips. Only Gabriel, so matter of fact. Giving Caleb the credit, when I saw his eyes wandering to the elastic bands I’ve been wearing around my wrist, I half expected him to say something, but he never has. I reach into the bag and pull out the vibrant box, sliding the lid off. I gasp at the beautiful bracelet with its intricate links, I run my finger over it. Who would have thought Gabriel would have such exquisite taste in jewellery, or did Caleb help to choose? I don’t care. It comes from Gabriel.
I slip the bracelet onto my wrist, twisting it around.
