Page 102 of Lime Tree Hill

“Totally.”

“He’s pretty rough around the edges compared to Mitch, but he’s loving and kind. He hates confrontation. That’s hard for me. The need to fight overwhelms me sometimes. I get anxious and lash out until I calm down. Mitch couldn’t handle that.”

Prue stood and slipped her hands into her jacket pockets. “Anyways, I should go. Thanks for coming. Part of my recovery is making amends with people I’ve hurt. It’s been hard, but I’m getting there.”

“Before you go, can I show you something?” Tayla asked.

Prue sat back down. “Sure.”

Tayla took the envelope from her bag and handed it to Prue.

She pulled the contents free, glanced at the photographs, then back at Tayla. “Where did you get these?”

“Someone left them at the farm gate store, addressed to me. I thought you might have sent them.”

Prue shook her head and frowned. “That’s not my style. And you don’t know the woman?”

Tayla recalled the day she’d seen Mitch having lunch with the blonde at Fig Leaf. “No.”

“She looks kind of familiar.” Prue pulled a pair of reading glasses from her bag and put them on to study the top photograph more closely. “That’s Ella Stone. They’ve been friends for years, although they dated back in the day. I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation. Mitch isn’t a cheater.”

“Yes.” Tayla wondered if that was true. “I’m sure there is.”

“But look.” Prue passed the photo to Tayla. “She’s carrying that jacket, the one in the bag.”

Squinting against the sun, Tayla looked more closely at the jacket in the photo. It wasn’t CeCe’s. It was Ella Stone’s.

“Give him a chance to explain. Mitch is a straight-up guy but can be preoccupied at times. Ask him a direct question, and he’ll usually give you a direct answer.” Prue returned the envelope to Tayla and stood again. “Right. I have a client meeting, so…” She picked up her bag.

“What do you do?”

“Sales, for a power tool company. It involves a lot of traveling, which suits me fine. But I’d be lying if I said it keeps me out of trouble. Hot guys everywhere.” Prue laughed for the first time. “I’m glad you came. I really do wish you and Mitch well.”

“Thank you.”

Prue hunched her shoulders against the wind and walked along the boardwalk until she ducked behind the information center and disappeared from view. Tayla sat a little longer, and despite the unseasonably cool day, longed to strip naked and dive under the waves; to test her newfound freedom in the water. And as she watched beady-eyed seagulls squawking over the remains of a discarded lunch, a single thought prevailed.

Ella Stone. Chris Stone’s wife?

44

THE SHARE

Although the mustard-colored walls,natural wood paneling, and carpet were well overdue for a makeover, Simon Harrow’s office looked the same as it did ten months ago. And as she sat in front of his desk, waiting for him to join her, Tayla second-guessed why she was here. When Simon’s PA had called, she’d assumed it was something to do with the divorce. But if that were the case, why hadn’t Mitch said anything before he left?

But then, by his own admission, he disliked confrontation. Maybe he used Simon to do all his dirty work.

“Tayla, so sorry to keep you waiting.” Simon hurried into his office, running his hands through his hair as if he hadn’t had a chance to brush it. “Is Mitch joining us?”

“No, he’s away. Sorry, your PA didn’t say anything about Mitch coming.”

“Oh, okay. No problem.” Simon opened a file and removed the top pages. “Has he said anything about why you’re here?”

I’ll get my lawyer to sort it out.“No. He hasn’t mentioned a thing.”

Simon looked up from the file and rocked back in his chair. “I see. Okay, well, it’s in relation to Norman Harrington’s will.”

Puzzled, she asked, “Norman’s will?”

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