Total pages in book: 144
Estimated words: 147540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 738(@200wpm)___ 590(@250wpm)___ 492(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 738(@200wpm)___ 590(@250wpm)___ 492(@300wpm)
She was in such a tizzy, the winterberries in the enormous dahlia, mum and winterberry arrangement that sat on the grand table in the middle of the even grander foyer trembled as she stormed by.
I turned to my father.
“Dad—”
His head came up. “I do. You are correct. I let her push my buttons. I’m so furious with her for…for everything, I hang on to that and argue with her to remind myself of what an excellent decision it was for me to finish things with her. Did it occur to me once what you girls would think? How you would absorb that? It is impossible that my answer to that is no. But until you mentioned it just moments ago, it was no. And I will admit to you, I feel that like a blow. And now that it does occur to me, as your fiancé suggested, I need to ponder that.”
“Okay, but I’m here for a visit. I’m not home very often. Maybe you can do that later, and we can spend the morning together,” I suggested.
And for the last time that day, he looked me in the eyes.
“I’m very glad you spoke your truth, Alex, but this is mine. I was a terrible father. I know that. I live with that every day. Even as I was being that when you needed me, as my mother warned me to have a better mind to my children, I was torn between family obligation and just simply family. I chose poorly. Even so, all three of the most important women in my life at one point abandoned me. You did it when you were a little girl, and I’ve missed you since the moment I lost you.”
My frame locked and my throat closed.
Rix growled unintelligibly.
I knew Dad heard it, but he ignored it, turned…
And walked away.
Chapter 23
The Agreement
Elsa Cohen
“The Elsa Exchange”
Celebrity News and Interviews
YouTube Channel
* * *
“Oh, my wonderful watchers, we have a special report! As ever, I wanted to get the news to you as quickly as I could, though as yet I cannot say what’s causing these unusual happenings. However, under not one single hat could be found the head of the bride who will be a Head in but a few days. Yes, I’m talking about the most anticipated brunch of the autumn season, given by the Marchioness of Norton for her daughter Blake as part of the festivities leading to the big event this weekend, Blake Sharp marrying Chad Head.”
Zoom in on Elsa.
“Or should that sentence end in a question mark?”
Zoom out from Elsa.
“I ask because the blushing bride was not there. The towheaded groom was nowhere to be seen. The bride’s father was not in attendance. And the maid of honor, Blake’s sister and her fiancé, well…”
Picture on screen of Alexandra Sharp in gray cords, a cross-front, ribbed green sweater with matching shawl-style cardigan and side-notched, D’Orsay styled, low-rise black booties standing next to John “Rix” Hendrix in a black cashmere sweater over which was a weathered canvas jacket atop dark-wash jeans. They’re at the 9/11 Memorial looking solemn.
Cut back to Elsa.
“They seemed to have better things to do. Though, this isn’t a surprise, considering Mr. Hendrix’s former occupation. And if I had been invited to this brunch, which sadly I was not, and I’d known that neither bride nor groom would show, I might also find something else to do that better serves my time. Thus miss the twittering of the guests wondering what could possibly cause the happy couple to be no-shows at their own gathering. Or perhaps, I wouldn’t miss the twittering. Because, of course…”
Photo on screen of Chad Head at a party with a party girl in his lap. Chad is ogling her breasts.
Cut to photo on screen of Chad Head pouring a bottle of clear liquor on the mostly naked body of a woman laid out on a bar. Chad’s face is very red, his eyes are very bloodshot, and his mouth is wide open, appearing like he’s shouting.
Cut to picture on screen of Chad Head looking quite sweaty, sloppy and disheveled while grinding against a woman on a dance floor.
Cut back to Elsa, who is now leaned toward the camera.
“We all know, twittering is one of my favorite things to listen to.”
Elsa leans back.
“Now, do tigers change their stripes? Do little boys ever grow up? I can promise you, wonderful watchers, I will keep my ear to ground and let you know the answers to those questions the moment I find out.”
Elsa hops in her seat and claps.
“I just knew this week would be interesting. Now, until our next exchange, keep it positive. Elsa is signing off.”
The branded Elsa wink and blowing of kiss.
Sign off.
Rix
They were in yet another limo.
This one, though, was sent by Jamie to pick them up for dinner.