Page 27 of The October Arrangement

“I can’t believe what you did to his coffee table. Why is that pumpkin wearing a bow tie?”

“That’s Harold.” I smiled.

“Who?” His brows furrowed.

“The pumpkin. His name is Harold.”

“Strange. But I’ll go with it,” he smirked. He looked around the immaculate living room and then back at the coffee table. “Simon must hate this.” He grinned.

“He does. One hundred percent. Last night, he went off on me about making poor life choices.”

“I’m not surprised,” he sighed.

“So, what brings you here?” I asked.

“He has some documents I need for a meeting this afternoon. I’m assuming they’re in his office.”

“His office is down the hall,” I said.

“I know where his office is, Bella.”

“Right. Obviously, you do.”

He started toward the hallway and stopped.

“Bella?”

“Yes?”

“How long did you say you’re staying here?”

“Until October 31st.”

A grin crossed his lips.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing. I was just thinking how this might be the most interesting October my son has ever had.” He headed toward Simon’s office.

A few moments later, he returned to the living room with a file folder.

“It was nice to meet you, Bella,” he said.

“You as well, Mr. Montclair. If Simon asks, you didn’t see any of this.”

“I didn’t see what?” He winked.

I smiled and decided that I really liked Simon’s father.

Chapter Thirteen

Simon

I’d just finished my meeting. As I left the conference room, I saw my father walking toward my office.

“Got a minute?” he asked.

“Sure.” I stepped into my office, removed my suit coat, and sat behind my desk.