Henri grimaced. He then leaned forward and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks. He nodded, his caramel brown eyes shrouded with concern. “D’accord. Makes sense.”
She frowned and shook her head. “What makes sense?”
He met her eyes. “He was trés exubérant.”
She tilted her head to the side, confused. “He was very exuberant? Huh? When did you see him?”
Henri grinned. “London.”
She nodded. “You went to the Wembley show? Which one? The one a few months back?”
He shook his head. “No. Last year. We talked when they arrived in Europe first time. We agreed for London. He gave passes.”
She sat back and got more comfortable, then grinned. “Did you have fun backstage?”
He giggled. “Oui, bien sûr! Le soirée aprés was incroyable!”
She grinned. “You enjoyed the after party, huh? Yeah, the London after-parties are usually very good because that’s where the tour director is from so he’s got some hookups at the best clubs there. So, since you said he was exuberant, I’m guessing he was high as a kite at the party.”
He nodded. “Cocaine. Beaucoup beaucoup.” He sighed. “Like mon cousin.”
She cast her eyes down sadly. “Just like Joe. Yeah.” She met his eyes. “Did you party with Sull?”
He grinned and shrugged his shoulders. “Un peu.”
She chuckled. “A little? Ok. Answer this for me, did you have a good time with him? Wait, scratch that, I know you did. You’ve always liked Sully. Actually, I think you’ve had a crush on him all this time. Did your love, Gianni, get a little jealous?”
He sighed and nodded, stifling a giggle. “Oui. Sully is… trés charmant et trés beau. Gianni agreed! We all flirted!”
She couldn’t hold back her giggles. “Yes, my husband is very charming and very handsome. I’ll give him that and I’m happy to hear that you and your love had fun with him.”
She shook her head and looked away, keeping her focus on the sunlight as it bounced off the water. “And he’s a pain in the ass too.”
He nodded. “Oui, je sais, Cheri.” He took her hand and kissed it, pulled her toward him, embracing her tightly and kissing her on the cheek, whispering into her ear. “Je suis vraiment desolé.”
He held her tightly as she sobbed. She didn’t want to let go. She felt so safe in Henri’s arms. He gently stroked her back, letting her cry on his shoulder.
She finally pulled back and sniffled, wiping her now puffy eyes. “Merci, Henri. Things are a bit compliqué right now. I haven’t filed for a legal separation yet—timing is everything. We were married for three and a half years and together for nine. I want to be decent about this.”
Henri nodded and searched her eyes. “D’accord.” He put his hand atop hers and squeezed it gently. “I do not like him very much today, Cheri.”
She chuckled. “He’s a good man at the core, Henri. I think you know that. He’s a lost man right now who I don’t know anymore and we’re not seeing eye to eye. I’m responsible here too, though. I took care of him for years and years. Bottom line, it’s unhealthy for both of us to continue. He may not agree with me, but he will in time.”
She surveyed Henri and let out a sigh. He looked stunningly handsome. His skin was sunkissed, his body fit, toned and supremely healthy. His jawline chiseled and perfect in so many ways. His brown hair trimmed short and with stylish flair. He was dressed to the nines, taking casual male fashion to a whole new level.
She couldn’t stifle her giggle. “Henri, sometimes… actually most of the time I see you… I really wish you were straight and single.”
A jolly laugh burst forth from Henri as he doubled over. He got up and gave her a very demonstrative, lingering kiss on the lips. He then pulled back and stared deeply into her eyes. “Une autre vie, mon amour.” He winked at her and smiled.
She giggled again. “In another lifetime? Yeah, I agree. Maybe we’ll hook up in our next life.”
They erupted in laughter, enjoying the moment fully. After a few moments, they sat back, grinning from ear-to-ear, as he put his arm around her. He kissed her on the cheek. “Chaton, where shall you live?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “I dunno. I can move into Alexa’s new house in a month or two. I need to start looking for something to lease immediately.”
“Nonsense. Take mine.” He swept his arm out, motioning to the yacht.
She giggled. “Yours? Your what? Do you have other properties in L.A.? Although Marina Del Rey is gorgeous here, living on a yacht wasn’t what I had in mind, truthfully.”
He smiled and nodded. “Oui, je sais. I have friends. I’ll ask if their houses are free.”
She grinned and grabbed his hand, squeezing it. “Thank you. I appreciate that. Knowing you and all your friends, I’m sure you’ll find me a great place to stay for a few weeks while all of this drama blows over.”
* * *
Spencer sighed and got up to make himself a stiff drink in his suite at the Four Seasons while Edward and Steven sat at the table discussing the matter at hand: the default of Sully’s position as one of Tilly’s heirs.
He felt a mixture of anger and sadness about the situation. None of it felt right. He had been convinced that Sully and his sister would stay together forever. He didn’t want to take sides initially, yet he found himself struggling to stay impartial and not to be reactionary.
He and Sully had become close, like brothers, but his behavior lately wasn’t acceptable and he hated seeing Kit so upset. He wanted nothing more than to coldcock his soon to be ex-brother-in-law, but knew that wasn’t the best way to handle the situation.
As he took
