“Ah, yes, Serena. How lovely to see you again. How is your sister Laurene? Has she had the baby yet?”
“Not yet. I wanted to speak to you about?—”
Miles caught up to us. His hand slid to the small of my back, the heat of his palm burning through the thin cotton of my dress. He began a slow massage, a wave of agonizing heat surging up my spine.
“Oh, Miles. Good to see you!”
Her wrinkled hands reached out, gripping his arms, before she leaned in to place a kiss on his cheek, her eyes crinkling with affection. I frowned, looking between them.
“You two know each other?”
Miles grinned smugly. “Mrs. Fontaine and I both go to a caregivers’ support group.”
“Miles was a great support during a very difficult time with my husband. How’s your father? Did he like my soup?”
“He loved it. Did you try that shrimp étouffée recipe I gave you?”
Mrs. Fontaine shook her head. “Too spicy for me.”
Miles laughed, and I felt my irritation growing. “A little cayenne pepper ain’t gonna hurt you.”
“You are a devil! Are you coming to our meeting next week?”
My stomach twisted slightly.
“Actually, Mrs. Fontaine,” I said, subtly shifting closer to her and moving him back, “Miles and I were hoping to speak with you about something. We recently got married?—”
“What? Congratulations! How haven’t I heard this through the grapevine yet?”
“Thanks,” Miles said with a strained smile. “I think the gossip mill is just running a little slow.”
I sighed. “We’re looking to make a deal?—”
“Oh, really? How…interesting.” She looked over at Miles, then back at me. “And when did your families start speaking again? I’m sure that would have made headlines.”
Before I could respond, Miles casually shrugged. “All things come to an end, don’t they?”
“I guess you’re right. Your families’ reconciliation will be an example for everyone.” Mrs. Fontaine just laughed like it was the most hilarious shit she’d ever heard.
“Would you be willing to sell your home? For a reasonable price?” I asked her bluntly.
Mrs. Fontaine’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“We’re ready to make an offer,” I continued, trying to clarify. “We’ve done our projections, and your property is a strategic cornerstone. It’s ideal.”
She frowned. “You think that’s how you ask someone for their home? Like it’s just…nothing?”
I paused. My mouth went dry. That hadn’t gone how I expected. I thought?—
“I didn’t mean to sound—” I started, but she cut me off.
“I’ve heard about your reputation, Miss King,” she said coolly. “Bulldozing over families who’ve been here for generations.”
My brain scrambled for a proper response, but all I could think about was how fast everything had shifted. I replayed the words I said. Was I too direct? Did I miss something?
“That’s not who she is anymore,” he said, voice warm and practiced. “Our companies are merging now, and we’re approaching things differently. More responsibly.”
He pulled me close, smiling at Mrs. Fontaine.
