Page 25 of Reckless Chance
“Even if that’s true, it’s not worth the risk. Dad completely broke Mom’s spirit when he abandoned us. She never recovered emotionally. It destroyed her ability to love anyone.”
“I know. That doesn’t mean the same will happen to you. Remember, I wasn’t looking for love, but it still found me.”
“It did, and I’m super happy for you. So, let’s concentrate on the amazing changes in your life. The next one is your restaurant opening. What type of food will be on the menu?”
“As you know, the restaurant will be called Pinot & Pie because wine and dessert are two stress relievers for me. Therefore, I was planning a wine bar vibe with upscale comfort food and fabulous desserts. But after spending time in Catalinius with Evan, I’ve decided to incorporate more fresh fish and vegetables into the menu for a lighter and fresher version of comfort food. Of course, we’ll still have outstanding wines and scrumptious desserts. I can’t wait for you to try everything. Please promise me you’ll stay for the opening.”
“Wouldn’t miss it. I’ve already arranged to work from here for the next two and a half weeks. And I’m available to taste test, particularly if it involves desserts.”
“Deal. By the way, you should use your influence to convince Sean to serve something other than this foul-tasting water. Does anyone actually like cucumber-flavored water? Yuck.” She grimaces, shaking her head.
“Not me.” I laugh.
There’s yet another reason we’re best friends. We don’t automatically follow trends. We form our own opinions.
17
SEAN
Gabe Santini will be here in five minutes. We’ve been loyal friends since childhood. In those early days, we managed to get into plenty of mischief together. If one of us was caught, we never ratted out the other though. As a result, we built a strong bond of trust that’s never been broken. That’s the reason Gabe’s my lawyer. He’s the only one who I’m certain will be completely discreet in delicate personal matters, such as my accidental marriage. He’ll minimize who else at his law firm knows about my situation, which adds a degree of comfort that’s worth his premium billing rate.
Before the five minutes are up, Emily shows Gabe into my office. He’s prompt—another plus.
“Gabe, thanks for meeting me here today. This is a matter that I’d rather not discuss at your place.”
“No problem. I welcome an excuse to get out of my office.”
“We should grab drinks soon. But you’re charging me by the minute today, so let’s get down to business. How soon will my marriage be annulled?”
“Slow down, Sean. First, tell me how you came to be married and why you want an annulment.”
“Why the hell does that matter? Lowri and I want the marriage annulled.”
“There are forms to fill out to justify an annulment. I can only help you if you give me the required info. Start by telling me the circumstances that led to you being married.”
After sighing heavily, I go through the drunken details of the escapade with Lowri that led to us exchanging unintended vows. To Gabe’s credit, he tries not to laugh. He doesn’t completely succeed.
Finishing the story, I say, “My understanding is that being intoxicated is grounds for an annulment.”
“That’s correct. If one or both of you were intoxicated, then the marriage lacked consent and can be voided. It’s not automatic. A judge must approve the annulment.”
“We were both intoxicated. That should make it even easier. File the forms today.”
“I don’t recommend doing that.”
“Why the hell not?”
“I’m sure you remember that the Grand Athena is in a trust, and you are the trustee.”
“Yes. What does that have to do with annulling my marriage to Lowri?”
“When you turn 40, the ownership of the Athena will transfer to you personally, and the trust agreement will be dissolved.”
“Understood, but why are we discussing the hotel’s ownership? That’s not why you’re here.”
“The ownership of the Athena will only transfer to you if you have complied with all the terms of the trust agreement. One of those terms relates to your marital status. The trust document requires that if you marry before age 40, you must remain married and live with your wife for a minimum time period before an annulment or divorce.”
“You’re joking, right?”
