“It was like the media would just make up their own version of my world. That’s what they do.” He sighed wearily. “They twist their narrative to make a story.”
Miss Eleanor leaned forward and touched his hand. “Yes, sometimes the media can cause trouble. And I don’t blame you for wanting to avoid them. But… don’t you think that Tori is doing the interview to get some publicity for the theater? Not for herself?”
He frowned, considering her words. “I honestly don’t know. Maybe I did mix up my feelings about Anna and her always wanting media attention with Tori’s motivation.”
“Yes, I think you did. Tori doesn’t strike me as a woman who craves attention. She’s level-headed. And a hard worker. I peeked in the theater the other day while the workmen were there and it really has turned out nicely. She’s done a wonderful job. And I appreciate you overseeing it and making sure it was restored back to how it was.”
He nodded. It was true. Tori had poured her heart and soul into the theater. “To be honest, that was mostly Tori’s doing. She’s organized and demanded exceptional work from everyone involved in the restoration. She’s got things planned for the grand opening. It’s all her. All I did was help.”
Miss Eleanor eyed him for a moment, as if she could see right through him. “So you admire her?”
A crease formed on his forehead. “Yes.”
“And you have a fondness for her.” It was a statement, not a question.
“Sure, I like her.”
Her gaze didn’t waver. “And did you storm out of the theater like you came raging in here?”
A self-deprecating smile tugged at his lips. “I might have. It might have been a dramatic exit, fitting for a theater.”
Her eyes twinkled with amusement. “Then I presume you’re going to head back and apologize?”
He laughed, his anger starting to abate. “Yes, I do believe I’ll head back there and apologize. I’m afraid I let my past color my perception of the current situation.”
Chapter18
Tori’s annoyance was starting to move from a rolling boil to a simmer. Maybe.
Gavin and his opinions and attitude were too much to take sometimes. She yanked open the desk drawer and grabbed a pen, contemplating throwing it across the room in frustration. Instead, she dropped it on the desk, and it clattered and rolled across the surface.
She grabbed her purse, pulled out a key, and unlocked the bottom desk drawer. She took the pendant out and stared at it, wondering what secrets it held. Why had someone hidden it in the dressing-table drawer? Her desk lamp caught one of the diamonds just right and it sparkled in appreciation, as if glad to be out of its hiding place and out in the world again.
She slipped the chain around her neck and fastened it, fingering the pendant as it rested on her chest. Who wore this before her?
“Hi.” Gavin’s voice startled her. Again. Why did he always do that?
He moved through the door with tentative steps.
“What do you want?” She knew her voice sounded impatient and annoyed because… well, shewasimpatient and annoyed with him.
He crossed over and stood at the other side of the desk, staring at the pendant for a moment before raising his eyes to hers. “I just came to… to apologize.”
“Really?”
“Yes, I’m afraid I overreacted.”
“You think?” She rolled her eyes.
“I just didn’t want to talk to anyone from the press.” He shifted his weight from foot to foot.
“You made yourself perfectly clear.”
“I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions.”
A look of contrition hovered in his eyes.
But this time, she wasn’t buying it. Wasn’t willing to be appeased. It still stung deeply that he’d accused her of doing this all for some kind of attention. Personal attention was the last thing in the world she wanted. Did he not know her at all after all this time working together?
