Page 38 of The Estate
“I was wondering if I could get your opinion on something.”
“Sure thing. What do you need to know?”
“Um. Actually, can I bring it to you?” She hedged.
“Sure,” Jess replied slowly. “Is everything okay?”
Before Rachel could edit herself, she told Jess about her time with Cal and his friends and now the plan that she’d just taken from Cal’s office. When she finished, she sighed and waited for Jess’ reaction.
“Whoa.”
“I know. I know.” Rachel moaned. “I mean, it’snotthat big a deal. If I had asked Cal to read it, he probably would have said yes. I briefly considered walking back out and doing just that, but I preferred not to interrupt again.”
“And you didn’t want him to say no,” Jess offered.
“And I didn’t want to risk him saying no,” Rachel agreed.
Jess was quiet a beat too long, making Rachel squirm. After what felt like a year but was probably only a few seconds, Jess replied. “Come over. Bring the plan. I’ve got pot roast in the oven and salad. More than enough for two.”
Rachel let go of a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. “Thanks, Jess. See you soon.”
Hanging up, Rachel shook her head. Today had suddenly turned into lots of unexpected ups and downs.Again with the roller coaster she hated.But being able to swing in spontaneously and see Jess made her heart sing.
When her sister had first come back, there had been so much distance between them. It was as if they forgot how to talk to each other. So this level of ease was something that Rachel didn’t take for granted. And when dinner turned into a lively discussion of the plan, she treasured every moment.
It also left her researching the distillery industry late into the night on Sunday, trying to confirm the data Cal had presented. When she finally went to sleep, she was happy that so far, everything she’d found backed up Cal’s information.
???
“So basically, you crashed his party, and mooched a meal,” Lisa said in her most sarcastic tone.
They were in the break room at work and Rachel was once again making a pot of coffee for the office. One day she’d walk in to find a full pot, but it hadn’t happened yet. It was beginning to feel like hunting for a unicorn.
“No,” Rachel laughed. “Well, yes, but…” Hearing Lisa say it like that made it all the more cringy, and it was pretty cringy to begin with. She’d just about cried when she realized she didn’t have her notebook at home. Seth had been so emphatic about wanting her notes this morning. She felt she had no other choice but to text Cal.
“I didn’t mean to.. I mean I didn’t want to…” Rachel said. “It just sort of happened before I knew it was happening.”
It was bad enough interrupting his friend’s weekend, but staying and having lunch was like doubling down on rude. Although Cal had been right. His friend Jacks was a force to be reckoned with.
She did have to admit, once she relaxed, she’d had a fantastic time. Cal’s friends were great and entertained her over lunch with so many amazing stories. She also heard some passing comments about Cal’s parents. She was reluctant to pry, so she had asked nothing further, but from what she gathered, they revered and missed Cal’s grandfather terribly, but almost everyone disliked Jay and Celeste Fitzgerald.
Together with Mrs. Mac’s assessment of the couple, a very unflattering picture was forming of who her clients actually were. It didn’t sound like Cal had an easy time of it growing up. And their times at the estate made her understand a little more why he was holding the property so closely. It wasn’t a simple case of legacy. White Hall Estate sounded like Cal’s refuge. One he’d invited his friends to share in.
“Nope. Sounds like a classic party crasher situation from what I’m hearing,” Lisa said, pulling Rachel from her thoughts.
“Lisa,” Rachel groaned. “You’re making it worse!”
“I’m not making anything, any certain way. I’m just stating facts,” Lisa grinned over at her. “Besides, it distracted you enough that I managed to sneak away with a cup of fresh coffee,” she lifted her mug and turned to go. “Fresh coffee in the morning is a requirement,” she called over her shoulder.
“You’re evil,” Rachel replied with no heat.
“Well, that’s true,” Lisa said, pausing at the door. “But it wasn’t me that invited myself to Cal’s this weekend. You should have just stolen some furniture from there and called it a day,” she laughed as she vanished down the corridor.
Rachel’s stomach dropped as Lisa’s words hit home. Grabbing a cup of coffee, she quickly added cream and sugar before retreating to her office. Frankly, she had no idea what came over her yesterday.
Which brought her to the moment that was still twisting her stomach into knots. Just taking Cal’s written plan without asking was insane. She still couldn’t believe she’d done it.
Rachel rubbed her forehead, feeling the dull throb of a headache brewing. She’d have to be honest with Cal, but for the moment, she was focused on the possibilities the plan laid out.
