Page 74 of Lochlan

Jillian throws up her hands, almost crossing her eyes. “My bad. Of course the name would be Scottish. In addition to these lovely artist drawings of Catriona, you've provided us with this beautiful brand image.”

Kenzie's portrait appears on the screen in a round frame with the name Catriona wrapped over the top. I'm almost speechless, gazing at the painting I gave Fiona permission to use yesterday.

“We thought it would be fun to tell our audience interesting facts about the two of you. Lochlan, I'll start with you. You're the grandson of Ian MacTavish and the heir to the MacTavish whiskey empire.” I interrupt her before she thinks what she's just said is the truth. “Ian MacTavish has three grandsons and we are all heirs, as it stands today.”

Jillian shows her teeth in a brilliant, well-practiced smile. “Well, I've also been told that you and Fiona were childhood sweethearts. That you decided not to marry three years ago, but now you've rekindled your relationship and are working on the Catriona project together.”

I imagine that I look like a deer in the headlights, because I'm not looking at the camera, I'm looking at Jillian.

I've heard that television personalities have research staff that give them interesting information about the guests, but this is way over the top. I can't help myself; I walk right into the question.

“I just want to set the record straight,” I say, regaining some measure of calm. “Fiona and I have known each other for a long time, and it's true we had planned to marry but decided against it. Why would you think we've rekindled our relationship? Fiona is a part of MacTavish Distilleries and she's here as a representative of that company working on the project.”

Jillian hasn't turned off her smile and now she's shaking her head and wiggling her index finger at me as if I've given her the wrong information.

“It's obvious,” she says, throwing a hand at the screen. Even the crew is following her gesture.

“Your beloved Fiona is your brand image. It's plain that it's her in the MacTavish plaid drinking a glass of wine.” Jillian turns to Fiona. “How did you feel when you found out that you, your image would represent Lochlan's vision?”

Fiona doesn't glance my way before she responds. She looks directly into the camera, beaming like a demure bride. “I only found out a few days ago when he unveiled the painting to me in his office. I think he wanted to keep the portrait in his private collection until I convinced him to use the painting for the project.”

Jillian swings her gaze to me, a woman bursting with the joy of a secret.

“Is that true, Lochlan? Is that how you rekindled your relationship?”

I'm boxed neatly in a corner in front of not only the Bay Area but also national coverage. Denying what Fiona believes could hurt our brand and damage Catriona before it opens. I give a tight-lipped “yes.”

Jillian moves forward to capture both of our hands. “What a beautiful second-chance love story. I think you two make a cute couple and I hope this time, Lochlan, you and Fiona go through with the marriage.” Jillian looks into the camera. “It's time for a commercial break, but come back because you won't want to miss...”

“Were out, Jillian,” someone calls from behind the camera.

“Thanks, you two. That was a really fun segment; we should do this again.” Jillian turns away toward the mayhem, while people unhook our mics. I push out of my seat and head for the exit, knowing Fiona is on my heels. I burst through the back door into the parking lot.

“Lochlan, wait,” Fiona shouts. She catches up with me at the vehicle.

“That was pure shite. Nothing in that interview is what we practiced with Jonathan. You told me you had this handled. How could you allow them to dig up our past and use it as part of our announcement? This should only have been about Catriona, nothing else.”

“I can't control everything in an interview. We provided her regular bios on both of us and information on the project.”

“How did they get the portrait when I gave it to you only yesterday?”

“Let's not have this conversation in the parking lot; we don't want to give them anymore news to broadcast.”

CHAPTER32

COME TO THE QUEENDOM

KENZIE

San Diego was a two-day trip. The volleyball clubs I met with were enthusiastic about having me join. I spent a day looking at facilities and meeting with coaches and staff.

An interesting thing happened while I was down there. A husband-and-wife team who have two daughters that are rising stars on the circuit contacted me about a club in San Jose they just started. They'd heard that I was leaving Crimson Beaches and wanted to have a conversation about joining their club. I haven't made a commitment to anyone, and after the call with Ralph and Susan, I'm curious to see their facility.

Just before I got on the plane to go back home, Pru sent me a text that she arranged for me to see Poppy this afternoon at the Novik Mansion. I haven't given a formal withdrawal from the club, but if Ralph and Susan knew I was looking for a new club, Poppy knows I'm leaving. I almost text Poppy to thank her and say that I'm not interested, but I'm curious to see what she'll say.

If Poppy wants to kick me out of the club, she can do that over the phone or send an email and be done with me. No, Queen Crimson has something else up her sleeve, and God help me, I want to find out what that is.

I drive to the apartment to change from jeans to a dress and apply makeup for a meeting with Poppy at the Novik mansion. I do like that Poppy encourages us to look our best away from the court.

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