Page 152 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

I shrug. “I have to speak to her over the phone these days as she refuses to send messages. The temperature’s still frigid. She’ll take a long time to forgive any of us, that’s if she ever does. She sure as hell won’t ever forget.”

“So, she speaks to you, but not to our Eoin?”

I nod. “Jaine holds him responsible for the whole shebang. For separating them in the first place. For allowing this web of deceit to continue after it came to light. It’s my guess whatever she’s going to dish up is something she wants to serve to Eoin personally. So, for that reason, it won’t happen until she’s back in Manhattan. She wants to witness both the fallout and his reaction first-hand.”

Da nods. “And when is she back in New York?”

“She’s scheduled to return the month after Paddy’s wedding.”

“After? Not before?”

“Definitely after. That was one of the key reasons she left Manhattan in the first place. To keep out of sight and mind until he was safely wed.”

“And will she still honor that even after all this deceit has come to light? Or will she return earlier than planned to disrupt the proceedings and throw a spanner in the works?”

Eoin stares at him. “It’s my opinion she’ll stay away, Da. She may be upset with Paddy, but she would never harm a hair on his head. And she’d kill anyone else who dared try. She’d never put him at risk by making him a target for the Sicilians. At least, not intentionally.”

Da nods. “Let’s keep a close eye on this situation, boys. But this whole thing has gotten me thinking that maybe I should pay a visit to this Jaine Jones when she returns to the city. See what all the hoo-ha is over this girl.”

“You definitely should, Da,” I pipe up.

Because I know as soon as he meets her, he’ll know exactly what all the fuss is about.

“And your engagement party, Dyl?”

“Next month, Da.”

More’s the pity.

* * *

“Dylan,can I have a quiet word, please?”

Grace corners me as I’m leaving the meeting. I smile warmly at my future wife. This situation isn’t her fault, and it’s not of her choosing either. Grace is pleasant enough in her own way. Sadly, she’s as dull as dishwater, but she’s still like a breath of fresh air compared to Molly and Sophia.

At least for once, I didn’t get the short straw. Still, I feel sorry for the girl. She’ll be stuck in a marriage knowing full well her husband is in love with another woman.

She’s dressed in a cream twinset and black pants. A pair of flat black shoes finish off her almost librarian look. Grace really is a recluse. It’s hard to believe I was the same before I went into lockdown.

Before Jessie O’Brien infected my blood.

Did a new and improved Dylan O’Connell emerge? I like to think so. With Jessie’s influence.

“Of course, Grace.”

Taking my hand in hers, she leads me into my office.

Is it desk sex she’s chasing?

* * *

I closemy eyes and grimace as I dial Jaine’s number.

“Dylan.”

“Have you calmed down any yet?”

“You don’t deserve me to be calm. You should count your lucky stars I’m still speaking to you. You should also be grateful you’re still alive.”

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