Page 42 of Her Spanish Scandal

She swallowed hard and knew that this was one of those moments that would divide her life. Like her mother’s death had. There had been the years with her mom, and then the years without. And this was going to be the dividing line between when she’d been engaged to Gui and whatever happened afterward.

A part of her knew she was borrowing trouble, but another part was convinced that Juan’s death and Gui’s absence at home were tied to each other.

“I’m not sure that the wedding will take place as scheduled. Especially since there will be a funeral to attend.”

“I hadn’t thought of that. Let me know if you need me to do anything.”

“I will.”

“I mean it, Kara. This is probably going to be a hard time for Gui and his family, and I know how you try to take care of everyone. Lean on me if you need to.”

“Seriously, Katie. If I feel like I need someone, I will call you.”

“Good. Now go have a drink and try to unwind. Please give my condolences to Gui and his family.”

“I will. Thanks again for helping me out.”

“No problem, hon.”

Kara started to disconnect the line.

“Is everything else okay? With you and Gui?”

She took a deep breath. Intensely private, she kept most of the details of her personal life even from her friends. And right now, when she had a bunch of doubts and fears racing around her mind about Gui, she didn’t want to talk to anyone. Even Katie.

“Yes, everything’s fine. Just a little wired from the news of the crash and worrying about it being Gui’s brother. I met him last week.”

“I heard. Gossip has it that you charmed everyone in the royal family.”

“Well, I don’t know if that’s true, but I did have a good time.” Eventually.

“I’m sure it is true. You can be very vivacious when you forget to worry.”

“Is that a compliment?” she asked her friend, relaxing a little as they bantered back and forth. This was what she needed. Madrid was fine and a nice place to live when she had Gui by her side but she needed her girlfriends.

“Yes, it is. You need tough love.”

“Ha. You have a razor-sharp tongue, which is why you work in the gossipmonger industry.”

“Oh, so you’re going to hit me there after I just used my gossipmongering ways to help you out?”

“You know I was kidding.”

“Yes, I do.”

Kara wandered down the hallway to Gui’s den and stood on the threshold of his private sanctuary before going inside. She didn’t turn on any lights, just let the illumination from the hallway lead her way. She walked to his big leather chair and sat down in it.

“Kara?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes. I’m fine. The entire last two weeks of my life have been so fast. You know?”

“Yes, I do. You’re not really a speed of light kind of person.”

“Normally I’d agree, but with Gui…”