On the day in question, she’d been excited to find a personal connection to the up-and-coming star. Miranda had tracked down his fiancée and knew the woman would open up if she could get a minute of her time. When Fiona McDonald got in her car and drove away, Miranda followed, intending to try again at her destination. More often than not, you could wear them down with persistence. She’d never imagined the tragedy that played out that day.
The inquisition had ruled it an accident, determining the driver had lost control of the car. When Miranda drove around the corner and spotted the overturned vehicle, she’d called the police like any good citizen would. McAlister had raised a stink afterwards, blaming Miranda, but the investigation cleared her of any misdeeds, proving it wasn’t her fault. She was just doing her job and bad things happened.
Miranda’s thoughts shifted to the present and his scathing retort a few minutes ago. Finley McAlister sure didn’t seem to think it was an accident. Was he still caught up in the events from that day? He’d racked up award after award and his career had skyrocketed, so no, he wasn’t mired in the past. This was definitely some personal problem specifically with her. Perhaps he was afraid she’d uncover whatever he was hiding. They were always hiding something. And a man that perfect coupled with such a strong aversion to the press set off all her reporter’s instincts.
Miranda squared her shoulders. It was time to take back her power. She’d let McAlister influence her career for far too long by barring her from events she had every right to attend. She resolved to dig out whatever ugly truth he was hiding and expose it for the world to see.
She had an inside lead to where he might be this Thursday night and she was going to follow through. She had a story to write and his local fling was the key feature. The headlines were already writing themselves in her head. “Too Good to be True” was her favorite at the moment.
Miranda stood and straightened her jacket. She didn’t have time for all this self-reflection. Celebrity scoops were happening everywhere and if she didn’t serve them up, someone else would. She’d rather see her name on the byline.
As Blake dropped him off,Fin spotted Eddie exiting Alex’s apartment with Felix in hand. Fin set his packages down and walked closer. Felix greeted him with a loud meow, and Eddie grinned.
“How’s the apartment working for you?” Eddie asked.
“It’s perfect. It’s a lovely place. Do you usually lease it or does it serve as a place for people to crash?”
“I prefer to have the place rented, but when I’m between tenants, it turns into a crash pad.”
“That’s handy.” Fin eyeballed the cat. “So, you’ve got Felix for the evening?”
“Yes, Alex called earlier. Her boss moved up a timeline and she’s working late, so we’re cat-sitting tonight. Felix seems to take it in stride. I sometimes wonder if we need to install a doggy-door between the two bungalows so he can go back and forth. Or should I say a kitty-door?” Eddie chuckled.
Fin smiled and scratched the cat’s head. “Well, I’ll let you go then. Thank you again for the use of your apartment. I wanted to remind you I’ll be vacating it on Friday.”
“Do you have plans for dinner tonight?” Eddie asked.
“No, I haven’t thought that far ahead,” Fin answered.
“Come over and eat with us. We’re having Cajun tonight. Have you had Cajun yet? Never mind, whatever you’ve eaten won’t be as good as Gabe’s. Dinner will be ready at six thirty. See you then.” Eddie waved and walked away, not giving Fin a chance to accept or decline the invitation.
“See you then,” Fin uttered as he headed back to his temporary home above the garage.
Fin worked on the business proposal he planned to pitch next week to Addie and Mac until it was time to join Eddie and Gabe.
While they ate, Fin learned how the two had met, the trials they’d seen as a gay couple, and listened to a few bawdy tales of their adventures over the years. When Gabe told the emotional story of losing his first love, Fin broke down and shared the story of Fiona’s car crash. The two men were so empathetic that Fin understood completely why Alex regarded them as family.
“You guys have made a lovely little family here with Alex. Do you see her as a sister? Or a daughter?”
Eddie answered, “It’s a good question. I think she’s too independent for either of us to feel like a protective daddy. She comes and goes as she pleases and doesn’t give a care what you think about it.” Gabe laughed at this, making Fin think the comment had a story behind it. “But, yes, she does feel like a little sister.” He looked at Gabe.
Gabe nodded. “She’s an interesting combination of strength and vulnerability.”
Fin snorted. “And she’s completely unaware of the effect she has on others. She’s quite contradictory, isn’t she? Confident, intimidating, and yet oblivious and kind all in one package. I’ve spent the last week trying to decipher the puzzle of Alex.”
“Mmm, I don’t think you can pigeon-hole her.”
“Agreed. Just when I think I’ve gotten her figured out, she surprises me. Here’s to strong women.” Fin raised his wineglass.
Eddie and Gabe raised their glasses as Eddie added, “And men.”
“Cheers!”
The evening continued with the couple entertaining Fin with stories about their adventures with Alex over the years. Their love for her showed through, and he was thankful she had such caring friends in her life. Midnight approached when Fin finally made his way back to his place, noting the empty spot where Alex’s car was usually parked.
Chapter18
Wednesday Dinner
