“How well do you know her?”
“She’s freelanced for me for several years from her home in Malibu. We’ve met face-to-face no more than a dozen times.”
“And her husband bought your company and filed for divorce,” Russ added. “I don’t like that she’s contacting Felicity the way she is. Is she obsessed with you?”
“Felicity basically just asked me the same question,” Gabe said. “I don’t think so. We’ve never had a relationship if that’s what you’re asking. It’s never entered my mind, and as far as I know it’s never entered hers.”
“Professional contact only?”
“Totally. I’d tell you if it were otherwise. Nadia believes I have influence over David, her ex-husband, but I don’t. I had no idea their marriage was on the rocks. I’m not sure she did, either. He seemed to dump her out of the blue. He’s one of those narcissistic asses who can turn on the charm when it suits him, but I don’t have anything to do with him.”
Russ nodded thoughtfully. “Sounds as if Nadia’s had a lot come at her at once. What about you and Felicity?”
Gabe drank some of his coffee. Yeah, he thought, what about him and Felicity? It was a damn good question. “We grew up together,” he said finally. “We stayed friends after we both left Knights Bridge. We drifted apart. This is the first time I’ve seen her in a few years.”
“Any big falling-out or just less and less contact?”
“There was a falling-out,” Gabe said, downing the last of his coffee. He set the mug on the counter, where one of Felicity’s helpers, already on duty, swept it away. “She got mad at me for giving her unsolicited advice.”
“Ah.” Russ pointed his mug at Gabe. “But you hired her to plan the party today.”
“Sort of. It was through Mark.”
Russ grinned. “I have a meddling big brother, too. He’s out in Hollywood pouring drinks and writing screenplays. Hates to fly or he’d come out here for a visit. Does Nadia know about your past with Felicity?”
“I didn’t tell her. My assistant knows, but she’s not one for spreading gossip, just listening to it. A lot of people in Knights Bridge know we grew up together and were friends.”
“Easy to find out that sort of history in a small town,” Russ said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if people here know more about what happened between you and Felicity than you two do yourselves.”
“And you’re only half kidding.”
“Not kidding at all.”
Gabe laughed, relaxing for the first time since he’d heard about Nadia’s package on the doorstep. “You’re getting to know your new town.”
“Bit by bit.” Russ turned serious again. “If Nadia is looking for reasons to be jealous, a history between you and Felicity could do it.”
“Nadia has a lot going for her. She doesn’t need to be jealous of anyone.”
“It’s not necessarily about that kind of need, Gabe. Maybe she just wants to see your life screwed up since hers is so screwed up. Maybe she doesn’t want to see you reunite with old friends in your hometown because she feels alienated and alone.” He set his mug on the counter. “I could go on, but I’m only speculating. Don’t worry about anything today, okay? That’s what I’m here for.”
Gabe nodded. “Thanks,” he said. “It’s got to be hard to get worked up about a present of a towel with a covered bridge on it.”
“You’d be surprised,” Russ said. “If you hear from Nadia, let me know.”
“Will do,” Gabe said, irritated that Nadia had inserted herself into today’s event.
“And don’t contact Nadia yourself,” Russ added as Gabe started toward the main room.
“No chance of that.”
When he entered the main room, Gabe noticed several people arriving for the day. Felicity was at the front entrance to greet them. He glanced back toward the kitchen, but Russ had slipped away to do his thing. Gabe had an urge to disappear, too. He didn’t like the limelight. He liked his work, and he wanted to help people—but he wasn’t a big networker. From self-made billionaire Noah Kendrick’s uncomfortable expression as he arrived, Gabe figured at least he was in good company.
He resisted an impulse to call Nadia and tell her to back off, but he’d do as Russ, the security pro, recommended and avoid contact. He didn’t want to think about her. That, he was certain, was at least one thing she wanted. Sending notes and towels to Felicity was Nadia’s way of exerting control. She might not be aware of what she was doing, but that didn’t matter.
He made eye contact with Felicity and smiled at her. She smiled, looking relaxed and confident. He figured now wasn’t the time to point out he was right about her not following her parents and brother into finance. She loved her work as an event manager. He could see it.
Or maybe her smile was meant for him—she was relaxed because her old friend Gabe was in town?
He grinned.
Not a chance.
Twelve
By six o’clock, the boot camp had wound down, and most of the attendees and speakers were on their way home. Felicity looked forward to handling future larger, more complex events out on Carriage Hill Road, but it felt great to have the inaugural boot camp behind her. She kicked off her shoes and sat out on the terrace at Olivia’s house with a glass of iced tea and a small plate of Maggie’s delectable hors d’oeuvres, leftover from the party. The cleaning crew had swooped in right on time and was doing their thing. Felicity would take a moment to catch her breath, then wrap up for the day. Olivia, Dylan, Noah, Phoebe, Maggie, Gabe and Russ were up at the barn, no doubt relaxing in their own way. Felicity had a feeling they would stay on for the evening to celebrate what had been a successful inaugural event.
She would go home, take a shower, have a glass of wine on the deck and head to bed
