Love Redesigned Page 25

  Chapter Thirty

  Alex

  I watched her climb the stairs, hoping against hope she’d be able to get to the dress without too much groveling. I hated the thought of her kissing up to Sasha, especially knowing what Sasha really was.

  Dani paused at the top of the stairs and turned back, her hand gripping the railing. She looked beautiful. I smiled and offered her a nod of encouragement, then reached up and tapped my ear, a reminder that I was only a phone call away. She nodded, then disappeared down the hall.

  Seconds later, my phone buzzed with an incoming call. I pulled it out, smiling to see Dani’s picture filling the screen. I had my own tiny Bluetooth paired to my phone, so I tapped the earpiece once to answer the call.

  “In trouble already?”

  “What if you stay with me the whole time?” she asked me. “Just in case.”

  “A good plan until you’re talking to Sasha at the same time that I’m talking to Alicio. That would be a lot to keep straight.”

  “I know. You’re right,” she said, with a grumble of complaint. “I’m just freaking out a little.”

  “You’ve got this, Dani,” I said. “I’ve got to go back to the pool house to get the folder, then I’ll find Alicio.”

  “You left the folder?” she whisper-yelled. “Out in the open?”

  “Relax,” I said. “It’s in my suitcase.” As soon as I said the words, I wondered if they were true. Was it in my suitcase? Or had I left it on the counter when I helped Dani put in her Bluetooth? The fact that I couldn’t remember said a lot about how distracted I was. I was a perfectionist. A planner. The guy who always remembered the details. I swallowed my doubts. Either way, it was too late to do anything but go get it. I couldn’t confront Alicio without it.

  Elaine emerged out of the kitchen, a mug of coffee, and a plate of muffins in her hand. She shot me a questioning look. And rightly so. I wasn’t going anywhere, just standing in the hallway talking to myself.

  “You need anything?” she said.

  “Actually, I was looking for Alicio. Do you know where he is?”

  “He isn’t here. He and Victor went to play an early round of golf this morning. They should be back by noon.”

  “Ah. Okay. Maybe I’ll wait for them in his study.”

  “Could you possibly—?” Elaine held up the coffee and muffins. “These are for Sasha. That woman’s been bossing me around all morning, and I have a thousand other things to do to make sure the house is ready. If I walk this upstairs, she’ll find something else to ask me to do.”

  I hesitated. “So you want me to carry them up?”

  “Say yes!” Dani whispered into my ear. “Bring them to me and I’ll take them in.”

  “Actually, sure,” I said to Elaine. “I’d be happy to help.”

  She shot me a weird look, but it didn’t last. She was clearly happy to be free of the unwanted obligation. “Thanks. She’s in the master suite upstairs.”

  “On it,” I said.

  Halfway up the stairs, I paused. “You still there?” I said to Dani.

  “Yep,” she whispered. “Coming to meet you. You gotta work on sounding more casual.”

  “What? All I did was ask where Alicio was.”

  “But your voice sounded like you were elbow-deep in the cookie jar.”

  “We are elbow-deep in the cookie jar.”

  I found her at the top of the stairs; she smiled and reached up to end our phone call. “This is perfect,” she said, taking the coffee and muffins from me. “I’ve been hiding in the hallway, trying to muster up the nerve to knock on Sasha’s door.”

  “And you say I need to be more casual? When you’re hiding in an upstairs hallway?”

  She grinned. “No one saw me; it’s fine. And now—” She held up Sasha’s breakfast. “I have an excuse to be here.”

  “Be careful,” I warned her again. “And stay in touch.”

  She nodded, then disappeared down the hallway one more time.

  I quickly headed back to the pool house to retrieve the folder of evidence I’d prepared for Alicio, which was, gratefully, still in my suitcase. I dropped off the bag, as well as Dani’s, in my car—we likely wouldn’t have time to retrieve them on our way out—then went to Alicio’s study, settling into one of the leather wingback chairs to wait for his return. I hadn’t had a conversation with Alicio since I’d walked out of his New York office, not unless you counted our brief encounter on Christmas Eve.

  I half wondered if he’d even give me the chance to show him what I’d discovered. It was possible he’d shut me down before I began, especially if Victor was with him when the conversation took place. It would be better if the two of us were alone, but how could I guarantee that would happen? I could always ask to speak to him privately, but would he allow it?

  If he didn’t, or if I couldn’t manage the conversation before Dani was ready to leave, would I be willing to walk away? I could always send the information to the authorities without confronting Alicio directly. In a follow-up email full of additional implicating evidence, Angelica had offered to do just that. But my pride had made me say no.

  I wanted to see Alicio’s face when I showed him the truth, when he saw that I had been right all along. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew it probably wouldn’t make me feel better. It wouldn’t fill the gaping hole left by my lack of family. It wouldn’t make the LeFrancs the kind of people I even wanted as my family. But I still had to try.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Dani

  The door to Sasha’s room was slightly open, so I pushed it with my knee, stepping into the lavish bedroom and trying to look like I belonged there. “Good morning,” I said, my voice light. “I ran into Elaine downstairs and she asked me to bring this up to you.”

  Sasha looked up from where she lounged by the fireplace wearing a silk robe. “Dani? Oh, thank God you’re here. I’ve been completely surrounded by idiots all morning.”

  An older woman wearing glasses and a tight smile sat across from Sasha. “I’m actually still sitting right here, Sasha. I can hear what you’re saying.”

  I placed the muffins and coffee on the small table next to her. “Well, I don’t mind sticking around a little while if you need some extra help.” I looked at the woman wearing glasses. “I’m Dani. I used to work with Sasha.”

  “Katrina,” she said. “I remember you. I’m Alicio’s assistant.”

  “Oh. Right. Sorry.”

  “No omelet?” Sasha said, rubbing her fingernails across the silk of her robe. “I asked Elaine for an omelet.”

  I froze. “The kitchen is pretty busy with all the wedding food prep; I’m sure this is the best Elaine could manage.”

  “That’s right. I’d forgotten.” She eyed my figure and picked at the corner of one of the muffins. “You’re one of those women who think carbs are an acceptable choice.”

  Think of Paige. Think of Paige. Think of Paige. “The coffee’s still hot,” I said, nudging the mug toward her.

  “When are you coming back to New York?” Sasha asked, finally picking up the coffee.

  I swallowed. “Um, I’m not sure exactly.”

  “Well, when you do, come and see me first. You know how much I appreciate your attention to detail, and you were such a great assistant. Maybe we can talk about you getting your job back.” The woman was actually serious.

  “I’d like that,” I lied. Apparently my groveling the week before had done its job.

  Over the next hour, Sasha’s bridesmaids arrived, and I became the go-to errand girl. To the kitchen for more muffins—seemed carbs weren’t so offensive after all—and several bottles of champagne. To the store for more bobby pins, except I didn’t go to the store. I just went to Alex’s car and retrieved my own stash. To the back door to meet the florist who was delivering the bouquets. By noon, my feet were killing me and possibly all for nothing. Sasha hadn’t left the room one single time. And she had to be minutes away from putting on her dress; the weddi
ng started in less than two hours. I had to act. And fast.

  Back in the room, I put the flowers on the bed and pulled out my phone to text Alex. There was a message from him already waiting for me.

  Decoy is upstairs. Linen closet across the hall.

  You’re my favorite, I texted back. Is Alicio back?

  Just now, he responded. I’m waiting for Victor to leave him alone, then I’ll confront him. Are you ready?

  My stomach tightened. It was now or never. Ready, I responded. Let’s do this.

  I felt both completely invigorated—one doesn’t get to star in her own spy movie every day—and completely nauseous all at the same time. I looked around the room, trying to calculate my first move. The room bustled with activity and no one was particularly paying me very much attention, but if I up and grabbed the dress, hanging on the outside of the closet door across the room, and walked out, someone was going to notice.

  Sasha’s phone rang. She reached for it, a flash of something like anger crossing her features before she stood and hurried to the balcony where she answered the call.

  I only wasted a second wondering who had called her and why it had seemed to bother her so much. I didn’t care why she was upset. I didn’t care about anything but getting Paige’s dress and getting as far away from the LeFrancs as possible. Digging deep to find my very best acting skills, I crossed the room and reached for the dress.

  I had an excuse at the ready—Elaine had texted me and asked that I bring the dress to her for one more quick steaming before Sasha put it on—but no one even asked. I’d been helping them all morning. I’d apparently earned their trust. Or, maybe just their disinterest.

  I paused outside the door, heart hammering in my ears and took a deep breath. Almost there. Crossing to the linen closet, I pulled it open. Towels, towels, towels, sheets, sheets, sheets. No dress. I scanned the shelves up and down, shifting things this way and that, but it’s not like a wedding dress is an easy thing to hide. There was nothing in that closet.

  “Looking for this?”

  I spun around. Elaine stood behind me, the decoy dress, in all its tacky glory hanging from her hand.

  “Um . . . I . . .” I had nothing. No explanation. No reason for why I’d hidden a spare wedding dress in a linen closet. Or why I had Sasha’s actual wedding dress in my hand.

  Elaine stepped toward me, fire in her eyes. “I think you better tell me what you’re up to.”

  “It’s not what you think,” I said, taking a step back. Except, it probably was. It didn’t take a genius to realize I was trying to swap out one dress for the other.

  Before either of us could say another word, Sasha’s door flew open and the bride herself tumbled into the hallway, her cell phone still in her hand. Her eyes darted from me to Elaine, then back again. I pulled Paige’s dress tighter against my chest.

  “Solomon, dear,” she said into her phone. “Find Alicio. Tell him we have a problem upstairs.”

  I stilled. Solomon. Solomon her brother who was helping her embezzle funds? It wasn’t a very common name. But that meant . . . Solomon knew Alicio?

  Time slowed. With sickening clarity, everything clicked into place.

  Alicio hadn’t caught Sasha in her embezzling because Alicio was in on it. That’s why he’d threatened Alex when he’d come close to discovering the truth. He wasn’t trying to defend Sasha. He was trying to protect himself. I didn’t have any hard and fast evidence, just a feeling in my gut. But I was right. I knew I was right. Which meant the conversation Alex was about to have with Alicio was going to go very differently than Alex expected.

  “You little sneak,” Sasha said, her voice low and menacing. “You better give that to me right now.”

  I took another step backward. “No.” It was stupid to back up. I was cornered. The only way out of the house was to get through Sasha and Elaine. What did I think I was going to do? Fight her for it? Six months ago, I might have argued I was capable of out-punching the impeccably dressed Sasha Wellington. I mean, she didn’t even like to open her own coffee creamer for fear of breaking a nail. But I had a feeling I’d underestimated the Alabama-born and bred Sally Mabel Rivers. If she’d made it this far, she was used to fighting for what she wanted. Fist for fist? I didn’t stand a chance.

  “You seriously think I’m going to let you walk out of here with that dress? Are you completely delusional? You’re a nobody. One phone call and Elaine could have this whole place on lockdown. You’re not going anywhere.”

  “I know who you are,” I said, willing my hands to stop trembling. “I know who you are, and I know what you’ve done.”

  She narrowed her gaze. “You don’t know anything.”

  My Bluetooth buzzed in my ear and I reached up, answering the call in a move that I hoped looked like I was simply tucking back a loose curl. Isaac’s voice filled my ear. “I’m at the back door ready and waiting.”

  I closed my eyes. I could make a run for it. Push past Elaine and try and make it to Isaac before security could slow us down. But that would leave Alex on his own. And the thought of that? Suddenly the dress didn’t seem all that important.

  Paige had already forgiven me once. She didn’t need the dress to know how much I loved her.

  My hands dropped and the dress slid to the floor. “I have to go,” I said softly.

  Katrina appeared in the bedroom doorway, my clutch and phone in hand. “Heads up,” she said, before tossing them my direction. Whether she was actually trying to help me, or just be rid of me sooner, I’d never know. But as I raced down the hallway toward Alex, I hardly cared. I had to stop him. I had to keep him from humiliating himself in front of Alicio. At the bottom of the stairs, I scrambled for my phone. Isaac was still on the line.

  I ducked around a corner, pressing myself into a darkened alcove. “Isaac?” I whispered.

  “Dude, what just happened?” he said. “Do you have the dress?”

  “No. The dress doesn’t matter. I have to find Alex.”

  “What do you want me to do?”

  “Just get out of here. Call Chase and let him know. I’ll get Alex and meet you back at the hotel. I’ll explain everything there.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Alex

  I paced around Alicio’s study and watched the clock. He’d returned from the golf course, I knew that much, and had agreed to speak with me, but he wanted to dress for the wedding first. His timing couldn’t be more terrible. I’d told Dani to move on the dress, assuming that now that Alicio was back, I could confront him immediately. The delay might be the undoing of our entire plan.

  The study door opened, and I turned, but it wasn’t Alicio standing in the door, it was Gabriel.

  “Gabe,” I said. “Hey.”

  He was already dressed, at least. “Alex,” he said. “So you came after all.”

  “I don’t know why everyone expected me not to show. I told you I was coming.” I didn’t even try to hide the irritation in my voice. I was tired of pretending it didn’t hurt to have his family cast me aside.

  Gabriel’s face softened. “Alex, I think I know why you’re really here.” He glanced at the folder sitting on the coffee table in front of me. I willed my eyes forward, keeping them trained on his face. If I followed his gaze, he’d know for sure he’d figured me out.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “I think you do. I’m not going to stop you, but I do think you should reconsider. The situation—it isn’t what you think.”

  “It isn’t Sasha embezzling millions of dollars from LeFranc?” I said, crossing my arms across my chest. I was done playing it safe.

  “It’s a lot more complicated than that,” Gabriel said. “As a friend, Alex, I’m telling you. Don’t get messed up in this. Walk away.”

  “Walk away when I was right about Sasha all along? How can you stand for this, Gabe? How can you let her do this to your family?”

  “Alex, he’s right.”

  I turned bac
k to the study door. Dani stood there, her hand resting against her chest and her breathing heavy. Had she been running?

  “He’s right,” she repeated.

  I stilled. “What?”

  She took a few steps into the room. “It wasn’t Sasha embezzling the money. Or at least, it wasn’t only Sasha. Alicio knows, Alex. He knows Solomon Rivers.”

  I looked at Gabe.

  “Like I said. It’s not what you think,” he said. “If you go public with what you think you know, Dad’s going to have a lot of reasons to make your life miserable. Walk away now? Nobody has to know you had plans to say anything at all. You go on with your life, and we’ll go on with ours.”

  Dani was in front of me now. “Alex. Let’s go. You don’t need this. You don’t need Alicio’s approval.”

  I closed my eyes, her words cutting like knives. Because that’s exactly what I wanted. And the realization made me sick.

  She reached up and cupped her hand around my cheek. “Listen to me,” she whispered. “Look at me.”

  I forced my eyes open, my heart instantly swelling at the warmth I saw in her expression.

  “You don’t need them, Alex. I’m your family now, okay? Me. Isaac. You aren’t alone if you have us, right?”

  “I know, Dani. I know. But this is—”

  “Alex, I’m still in love with you.” She closed her eyes for a moment and took a long, slow breath. Then she looked at me again, her eyes so full of love and hope I nearly lost my breath. “I never really stopped being in love with you. I don’t need LeFranc. I don’t need New York. I don’t need Paige’s dress. I don’t need anything but you.”

  Before I could even process what she’d said, Alicio pushed into the study, a wide smile on his perfectly tanned skin. “Well isn’t this a nice family gathering,” he said.

  I reached for Dani’s hand, her fingers gripping mine with an intensity that kept me grounded. “Actually, we were just leaving.”

  “You aren’t staying for the wedding?” Alicio said. “Isn’t that why you came?”