Page 8 of Passion and Privilege

The way she was saying it told me she found something. Something that wouldn’t make me happy.

“What’d you find?” I asked with a sigh.

“The woman Scott has been seeing lives in Lake Placid.”

“You found her?”

She nodded. “Her social media is filled with pictures of them.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Catherine, they’ve been together for over a year.”

My heart plummeted to my stomach so fast I nearly vomited. How had I not known? The revelation struck like a dagger to the heart, and a wave of betrayal crushed me. I felt so stupid and foolish.

As Amber headed into the kitchen to pour us a glass of wine, I sat in the living room, my mind racing with questions that had no answers. How had I missed the signs? The lies? The deceit? The reality of Scott’s infidelity was a harsh blow. Five years. I wasted five years with him. How many others had there been?

Just as I sank deeper into the sea of despair, my phone rang. I glanced over at the caller ID. It displayed a name I didn’t recognize. Edmunson. I answered the call, unsure of who this person could be.

“Hello?”

“Is this Catherine Jacobson?” a polite, yet businesslike voice inquired.

“Yes. Who’s this?”

“My name is Bennet Edmunson, I’m the assistant to Mr. Timothy Hastings. Are you available to meet with Mr. Hastings tomorrow morning at nine?”

I almost jumped up and hooted with happiness. “Yes, of course,” I replied. “Absolutely. I’ll be there! Thank you.”

It was a chance to redirect my focus, to channel my energy into something other than the heartache that threatened to consume me.

“Who was that?” Amber asked, handing me a glass.

“Bennet, Mr. Hastings’s assistant. I have a meeting with Mr. Hastings tomorrow at nine! He got my bid!”

Amber’s eyes widened with surprise. “Mr. Hastings? The owner of Gloriana Manor?”

I nodded and quickly told her what I had done. Once she was done laughing, she patted my arm.

“Maybe this is a chance to focus on something positive, to turn the page,” Amber suggested, her voice carrying a note of encouragement. “Bye, bye, Scott. It’s time to move on to bigger and better things.”

Chapter Five

Catherine

I WAS FEELING GOOD, ready to plead my case with the owner of the mansion. I had dressed with the intention of both looking like a professional and someone capable of handling the remodel. I wore my good jeans and a tucked-in polo with the Jacobson and Sons logo, and I put on a little makeup. My hair always did its own thing. I left it loose, with the curls brushing over my shoulders.

I grabbed my leather portfolio with a copy of the bid. My tablet was in my little briefcase. “This is it,” I said to my reflection. I had one chance to make a good first impression. I was going to be assertive, knowledgeable, and kind. If a few smiles and casual flirting helped, I would use it.

I drove up to Gloriana Manor once again, this time with an invitation. There was a fire in my belly. I pulled up to the gate and smiled at the same security guard that rejected me yesterday. “Good morning,” I said, smiling.

“Good morning,” he said, nodding.

“Miss Jacobson,” I said. “I have an appointment.”

“Yes, you do,” he said, grinning.

This time, the grand wrought-iron gate swung open, granting me entrance, much to the amusement of the security guard. I couldn’t suppress the triumphant smile that played on my lips. Today, I was on a mission, ready to face Mr. Hastings and defend the sanctity of Gloriana Manor. I was going to fight like hell to get the project.