Page 123 of A Legal Affair
Daniela frowned. “What girls’ trip?”
“Glad you asked. The four of us are going to Cyprus!”
“Wait, what?”
Kennedi laughed, slinging a perfectly toned arm around Daniela’s shoulders. “One of my clients is generously letting us use his beachfront villa through the weekend. And before you even ask,no, I didn’t have to give up no ass. He’s a Turkish billionaire who respects my business acumen and investment strategies. I’ve made him a lot of money over the past few years. To show his gratitude, he enjoys lavishing me with gifts and favors. He’s arranged for a personal chef to cook for us during our stay, and he’s flying us out on one of his private jets. As you can see, I’ve already packed your bags, and the driver’s waiting outside to take us to the airport.”
Daniela smiled weakly. “That all sounds wonderful, Kenn. I appreciate your client’s hospitality, and you’re so sweet for thinking of me. But I’m really not up for an impromptu vacation.”
“You can’t be serious. Who the hell turns down an all-expenses-paid trip to Greece?”
“A heartbroken one,” Daniela mumbled.
Her mother and Aunt Phyllis exchanged sympathetic looks.
Kennedi heaved a long-suffering sigh. “Okay, sis, I didn’t want to go there, but do you honestly think Caleb has holed himself away these past two months? Do you seriously think his friends would let him? I mean, even if he’s as heartbroken as you are, at the end of the day he’s still a man—a gorgeous, sexy,wealthy man with lots of options. I’m sure someone has already reminded him that the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.”
Daniela flinched, her heart twisting at the thought of Caleb sleeping with other women.
“Kennedi,” Aunt Phyllis chided. “That’s not helpful.”
“Sorry, Mom, but y’all know I’ve never sugarcoated my words to make them easier to swallow.” Kennedi took Daniela by both shoulders and peered into her eyes. “You made an epically stupid mistake and seriously fumbled the bag. But that doesn’t mean you deserve to wallow in guilt and misery for the rest of your life. You’ve been moping around for two whole months. Some fun in the sun will do you a world of good.”
Daniela sighed. “You’re probably right?—”
“Of course I am.”
“—but I can’t just take off on vacation in the middle of the week. Things have been hectic at the office, and I have so much work to?—”
“I knew you’d say that.” Kennedi whipped out her phone and scrolled through her contacts. After stabbing the button to make a FaceTime call, she shoved the phone right up to Daniela’s face.
She was surprised to see her eldest brother on the screen. “Kenny?”
“Uh, hey, El.” His smile was a little crooked, his eyes a little uncertain. “Kennedi told me about the girls’ trip to Greece, and I think it’s a great idea. Not that you need my blessing or anything. You’re a grown woman and an equal partner in the agency. You don’t need anyone’s permission to take vacation time you’ve rightfully earned. But if you’re reluctant to go because of work, don’t be. I want you to have an amazing time. You deserve it. We’ll hold down the fort while you’re gone.”
A soft smile touched Daniela’s mouth. “Thank you, Kenny. That really means a lot. I haven’t decided whether I’m going, but I appreciate what you said.”
“I meant every word.” He paused and visibly swallowed. “I want to say something else. Something I should have said a long time ago. I was wrong for pressuring you into taking the assignment. Noah had reservations about Philbin. He’s never completely trusted the guy, which is why he didn’t vote for him back in the day.”
“What?” Daniela exclaimed in surprise. “I didn’t know that! Philbin was so popular with the police department! You guys used to call him a cop’s cop, so I just assumed he had everyone’s support.”
“Not everyone’s. Definitely not Noah’s.”
“Oh, wow.” Struck by a sudden memory, Daniela narrowed her eyes. “Is that what you guys were arguing about that day in your office?”
“Among other things. Anyway,” Kenneth went on grimly, “I pulled rank and convinced Noah to get onboard. I’m not proud to admit it, but all I could see were dollar signs. Philbin was offering us lifechanging money, enough to buy Mom’s dream ranch and expand our business. I had tunnel vision; nothing else mattered but getting my hands on that check.” His jaw clenched and he glanced away for a moment. “I was wrong about Philbin. He’s a worthless piece of shit and a total fraud. I should’ve trusted Noah’s gut instincts. Not only that, I should’ve taken your feelings into consideration, especially at the beginning when you told me you were having doubts. I should’ve realized what was on the line for you. I should have known you’d get hurt.” Remorse softened the hard angles of his face. “I let you down, Daniela, and I’m truly sorry for that. It’ll never happen again. You have my word.”
Daniela was stunned. She’d never seen her brother looking or sounding so contrite. Had hell actually frozen over? Had she been transported into some upside-down world?
“Are you okay, Kenneth? Blink twice if you’re being held hostage.”
“Haha, very funny,” he said with a wry chuckle. “This isn’t a hostage video, though Kenndidthreaten to show Janie some hella embarrassing pictures of me from summer camp.”
“That’s right,” Kennedi crowed, grinning diabolically. “Got ’em locked, loaded and ready to release anytime you piss me off.”
Kenneth scowled at the threat. But Daniela was smiling. She and her brother had just made a major breakthrough in their relationship, and it felt good.
“Thank you, Kenny,” she said quietly.
