False Pretenses - Kathy Herman [120]
“I still want it to be nice.”
“I do too. I just don’t want you to set yourself up for a big disappointment. This woman sounds wonderful. But somehow I don’t see us swapping life stories over dessert. This is a serious business arrangement, regardless of how gracious she is.”
Zoe sighed. “You’re right. I’m just so fond of her, and I realize how much I’ve missed her. For six years, she was the only family I had.”
“I understand that. I do. But you owe this woman a great deal of money. And right now, you need to keep your business hat on.” Pierce looked over her shoulder. “Take a deep breath, babe. I think that might be her now.”
Zoe turned around and saw a familiar silver Rolls Royce sitting out front with its flashers on. The chauffeur, dressed in a charcoal gray uniform, got out and walked around to the passenger side and opened the back door.
“That’s Julien,” Zoe said. “He was her chauffeur when I worked for her. I saw him when I drove to Alexandria.”
Julien helped Adele out of the backseat. She said something to him and then started walking toward the front door, a brown envelope tucked under her arm.
“Attractive lady,” Pierce said.
“Always.”
Adele was dressed in a powder blue skirt and jacket that complemented her snow-white hair. She wore sandals instead of pumps and took small steps instead of strides. But she was as classy as ever.
The bell on the front door jingled as Adele came inside. Through the window Zoe saw Julien drive away in the Rolls Royce, evoking double takes from several people on the sidewalk.
“Hello, hon.” Adele smiled with her eyes. She took Zoe’s hand and kissed her on the cheek. “You’re looking well.”
“Thanks. So are you.”
“And this must be Pierce.”
“Hello, Mrs. Woodmore.” Pierce took a step forward and shook Adele’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“I hear you are a marvelous chef.”
“Thanks.” The corners of Pierce’s mouth twitched. “Your source is undoubtedly partial. But I do enjoy it.”
“He made a surprise dessert for you,” Zoe said. “After we’re finished with business, maybe you can stay a while longer and enjoy it with us.”
“I’d like that.” Adele glanced around the dining room. “Charming.”
Zoe felt guilt jab her conscience. Was Adele thinking that it was the anniversary diamond Zoe stole from her that had made this place possible?
“Why don’t we walk to the office and take care of business,” Pierce said. “Then we can come back out here, and I’ll serve you dessert. Right this way.”
Zoe accompanied Adele and followed Pierce out of the dining room into the alcove and stopped at the office door. He put the key in the lock and pushed open the door, then flipped the light switch.
“Ladies first.”
Zoe filed in after Adele. “Let’s sit there at the table. Can I get you something to drink—a soft drink, juice, bottled water?”
“Nothing for me, hon.”
“I’m good,” Pierce said.
Pierce held out a chair for Adele and seated her, then joined Zoe on the other side of the table.
Adele set the letter-sized brown envelope on the table, the gold cross around her neck reflecting the fluorescent lights overhead, her blue eyes the kindness in her heart.
“Before y’all give me the contract”—Adele folded her hands—“there’s something I want to say. I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe that everything happens for a reason. Our Creator knows the plan He has for each of us, and somehow He makes it all come together in His perfect timing. He knew Shelby Sieger was going to steal my ring long before my sweet Alfred got the idea to have it made for our fiftieth anniversary. Everything I have belongs to the Lord. And whatever happens to any of it is His business.”
Adele looked into Zoe’s eyes. “I forgive you for taking the ring, Zoe, and for lying about it. That’s not to say I condone what you did. It was more hurtful than you’ll ever know. But like I said, whatever happens to anything the Lord has given me is His business. I do thank you