Page 143 of Reputation (Tempt)

“We’ll pay her more.” The fuck if I cared about the money. This was Emerson we were talking about. “This is whateverwewant. She knows that, Em. She wants us to be happy, and we are paying well for her services.”

“I know,” she said. “I do. But…it’s just not what I’d envisioned. And changing everything at the last minute seems like even more work. I mean, you’ve got the movie premiere and awards shows. And I’ve got,” she sighed. Paused. “I’ve got a new product rollout for my athleisure line.”

She’d accomplished her dream of designing an inclusive and adaptive athleisure line. Enzo Mancini, the retired soccer superstar from the LA Leatherbacks, and Harrison Hayes, Juliana’s husband and a retired NFL player, had both invested in her vision. And all of Emerson’s hard work was paying off.

In addition to her clothing line, she continued to volunteer with Girls RUN the World. Brooklyn often went with her, and I loved that my daughter had gotten so involved with such a worthy organization.

Emerson had taught two more Peloton classes. And she’d been hired as a mental strength coach by three of LA’s biggest pro sports teams—the Hollywood Heatwaves football team, the Hollywood Hawks hockey team, and the LA Leatherbacks soccer team.

“Plus, December is one of the most important times of the season for the Heatwaves and the Leatherbacks,” she said.

I couldn’t be prouder of her, and I knew that she felt fulfilled in her new role. The only drawback was the fact that she was constantly surrounded by athletic, attractive men. I tried not to get jealous; I really did.

“Yeah, but the Leatherbacks would be done with the MLS Cup by then.”

“Still…” she hedged.

“I know,” I said, gliding my hands up and down her arms. “I do. But sometimes it feels as if we’re letting everything else come first.”

She frowned. “I didn’t realize our wedding was that important to you.”

I lifted her chin. “It’s important toyou.” By default, it was important to me.

I slid my hand down Emerson’s arms. “Just think about it. Okay?” I gave her hands a squeeze.

“Okay,” she said, but I could tell she wasn’t convinced.

“Did your meeting with Pierce go okay?” Emerson asked, heading for the kitchen. “I saw him on the way out.”

I nodded. “Yeah. Well, it was…surprising.”

“Surprising?” She tilted her head. “How so?”

“He— Well… Come see.”

She refilled her water bottle and then came to the table.

“Is that…” Emerson stepped closer to inspect the piece. Frowned.

I nodded, staring down at the glittering gems. Something I’d thought I’d never see again. “The Marie Antoinette necklace.”

She shook her head. “I find it hard to believe that Trinity would just decide to give it back all of a sudden.”

I barked out a laugh. “No. She didn’t. Well I’m not entirely sure how it went down. But Pierce delivered it and said he was returning it to its rightful owner.”

“He didn’t…” She lowered her voice. “He didn’t steal it from her, did he?”

“No. Pierce likes to skirt the rules, but he wouldn’t do that.”

“So then…” She lifted her hands. “Where did it come from?”

“I have a hunch, but I’m not sure,” I said, thinking back to my earlier conversation with Graham and his indignation at the injustice of the situation. Still…what had he done?

Trinity had always refused my offer to pay her the necklace’s estimated value. So, if anything, I had to guess that Graham had offered her something else. Or perhaps threatened something.

“Well, I’m glad you got it back. Trinity was wrong to ask for it in the first place.”

I didn’t want to talk about Trinity. She was no longer part of our lives, and she wouldn’t be again unless Brooklyn chose to have a relationship with her.

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