‘I... I don’t know what you mean.’ So much for her not bothering me.
‘Oh, come now, Star. Don’t pretend to be as dumb as all that. I know all about Marshall’s offer.’
I ignored her insult, but an unpleasant shiver traversed my spine. ‘You? You set that up?’
She laughed, and the mirthless sound recalled to my mind a villain from the movies. ‘Oh, absolutely not. Why would I do anything good for the woman who stole my son?’
Why indeed. ‘Then how... why?’
‘I know Marshall Davies. I had no idea he was in the city until I bumped into him at the Balmoral last night. We had drinks, and he happened to mention a talented young female photographer he was trying to contract. When he said your name, I couldn’t believe my luck.’
I bristled at her words. The fact that Marshall had any connection to that witch made me think more than twice about accepting his business proposal.
I sneered at her. ‘So, I would be working with a friend of yours?’ I couldn’t help the scrunching of my nose as if a bad smell had appeared beneath it.
‘Oh good heavens no. Marshall is more... how should I put it? More of a business associate. You would be insane not to take him up on his offer, Star.’
I pushed myself away from the table and began to stand. ‘Well, thank you for your concern, but I can make up my own mind.’
She reached out and grabbed my wrist. ‘Think about this, Star. It really is the opportunity of a lifetime. You get to move on with your life and do something you love.’
I snorted and yanked my arm free. ‘Meaning I’m out of the way of your son.’
She smiled again. ‘There have to be some perks.’ Her smile disappeared and she stood to face me. ‘Look, Star, I don’t dislike you, as such. I’m sure you’re very sweet in your own, quirky little way. But I think Fin needs someone who understands his position in the family. His life. His reputation. If you’re gone, I think he could reconcile with his father and move on with his life in a direction befitting him. With someone befitting him.’
My eyes began to sting. ‘My God. How many insults can you indirectly insert into one goddamn monologue?’ I placed both hands on the table and leaned towards her. ‘Isobel, I loved your son. I was in love with him. I didn’t care if he had pots of cash or not a single cent. All I cared about was him. His happiness. But he didn’t think we could be together, so I think you’re safe. It seems you’re more bothered about appearances than your son’s happiness and what he wants. And believe me when I tell you he has no desire to be back at the family firm. No amount of cajoling on your part will change that.’ My voice wavered. ‘My break is over. I have to go.’ I turned and began to walk away.
‘He never really loved you, Star.’ I stopped and turned my head to glare at her as she continued. ‘He may have thought he did, but it was all an illusion. You were something different. The novelty would have worn off sooner rather than later. Do yourself a favour and save yourself the heartache. Take the opportunity in New York. It’s the right thing to do. For both of you.’ For a split second, I thought I saw compassion in her eyes, but as if she sensed my awareness, the mask dropped again.
Turning away once more, I stormed back inside the coffee shop. Alec was cleaning down the main machine when I stomped past him and into the back room. My eyes were blurry with unshed tears, and I knew he would follow.
Sure enough, he appeared in the doorway seconds after me. ‘Who was that? Why are you so pissed off? Are you crying?’
My chest heaved as I fought the threatening tears of anger that were ready to overflow. ‘That was Isobel Hunter.’ Alec’s expression said who? ‘Fin’s witch of a mother.’
His nostrils flared. ‘What did that bitch want?’
‘To encourage me to take the New York job offer.’ I laughed derisively. ‘She thinks if I’m gone, Fin will reconcile with his father and he’ll meet some lawyery, wifey type who’s befitting of him, and they’ll have little befitting babies, and they’ll all live happily ever after in a house that’s befitting of them all.’ A sob escaped my chest, and I crumpled onto a chair beside the small table in the back room.
Alec dropped to a crouching position before me. ‘Hey. Hey, Twinkle,’ he said softly, but I continued to sob. ‘Star Mendoza, look at me right now!’ I jerked my head up at his harsh tone and he cupped my face in his huge palm. ‘Star, you are the most beautiful, kind-hearted, thoughtful woman I have ever met. If I wasn’t as gay as a teapot, I’d be asking you out. If she thinks you’re not good enough for her son, that’s her problem. You’re more than good enough. But you need to move on now. Just like I told him at the gal—’
I widened my eyes and my heart leapt. ‘What?’
He shook his head and stood quickly. ‘Nothing. But remember you’re—’
‘Wait, no. Back up. What were you going to say?’
He plopped back onto the chair opposite me and ran his hands through his hair. ‘He was at the gallery. On your opening night.’
I exhaled rapidly as I said, ‘What?’
‘He was going to come and speak to you but... I advised him against it.’
I clenched my fists and spoke through gritted teeth. ‘You did what?’
Holding his hands up in surrender, he tried to explain his reasoning. ‘Look, Star, it was for the best. All he does is break your heart, love. I can’t watch him do that to you again. Not for a third time. You deserve better. Don’t you agree?’
The bottom suddenly plummeted from my whole world. ‘And... he just... he walked away?’ Tears overflowed from my eyes, and I wrapped my arms round myself.
