Chapter 5: The Storm Gathers

Growing up, I could count on one hand the number of times I cried in front of others.

Seeing me cry in public probably hurt my father more than anything else could.

Ignoring appearances, Dad lashed out at Uncle Peterson, and together with Mom, took me back to our family home.

I didn’t forget to bring the BL contract with me.

Grant didn’t come looking for me. News about him and Allison still reached me, courtesy of my outspoken best friend.

Allison had cancer, little time left, but refused to be hospitalized. She insisted, almost obsessively, on staying in the marital home that belonged to me and Grant.

Such an outrageous demand—and Grant actually agreed.

Lila was so angry she practically bared her fangs at me:

“Natalie! Aren’t you going to do something? You’re not even mad about this?”

Am I angry?

I stopped working, pressed my hand to my heart, and closed my eyes to feel.

A little sad, but not much.

Seeing Lila almost purple with rage, I smiled and tapped her forehead.

“The BL contract has already reached the first payment stage. I have to keep an eye on it.”

“Money is a hundred times more important than men, my dear.”

Lila scoffed at me.

“Give me a break, Natalie! It’s not like you’re short on money!”

“Your Sullivan family and the Peterson family—either one stomps their foot and the whole city shakes!”

Seeing her about to faint from anger, I thought about it, then reassured her.

“Don’t worry, this isn’t over.”

“Allison should be coming to see me soon.”

I sipped my coffee and glanced out at the Spanish-mossed square below. In Savannah, no secret stays hidden for long. I could almost feel the storm gathering.