Identity (56 page)

“It’s not just work, and you know it. There are easier ways to make a living. I know you like the excitement, but it’s more than that.”

The boys were debating another goal. Voices were raised for a moment, but then died down of their own accord.

“Maybe,” Fina conceded. “So you want me to be in touch with Greta?”

“Yes, and let’s set something up quickly. If I’m not going to help her—and I may not—at least we shouldn’t waste her time.”

“She doesn’t deserve you, Risa.” Fina struggled up from the step.

“Who’s to say what any of us deserve?”

“I don’t know. I think I’m a pretty good judge.”

Risa grinned. “Go home and take care of yourself.”

Fina gave her a wave and dodged a pass on the way to her car.

It was good there were people like Risa in the world. They made up for the Danielle Reardons.

•   •   •

Fina went home and took care of herself with a long nap, a few hours of bad TV, and a bag of miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups. She was feeling better when Scotty called and invited her to dinner. Moving off the couch didn’t hold much appeal, but she missed Patty, Haley, and the boys and thought that some quality family time might offset her recent encounters with Rand.

Dinner hit the spot—both the food and the company—and the Lego session after the meal reminded her why she loved her nephews and why she didn’t have kids. Patty shepherded the boys off to bed, and Haley plopped in front of the TV in the upstairs family room. Fina helped Scotty finish up the dishes.

“So you haven’t said anything about Rand,” he said, handing her a dish to dry.

“What’s there to say?”

“He went back to Miami. Flew out this afternoon.”

Fina suppressed a smile. “Glad to hear it.”

Scotty folded the dish towel and placed it on the counter. “What did you do?”

“Who says I did anything?”

“Remind me never to piss you off.”

She faced him and grasped his shoulders. “Have I told you recently that, of the two brothers I like, you’re one of my favorites?”

He patted her lightly on the cheek. “I’ve got work to do.”

Scotty retreated to his office, and Fina started to climb the stairs to the family room. She felt a deep sense of satisfaction. She’d done it, and it hadn’t even been that hard.

Fina’s steps slowed as she reached the top of the staircase.

Why hadn’t it been that hard? She leaned back against the railing for a moment. Had getting rid of Rand been her idea, or someone else’s? Had she risen to the bait yet again?

She felt a tingle in her hands and closed her eyes. Goddammit.

“Aunt Fina!”

“I’m right here, Hale.”

“Hurry up.
Romance Renovation
is about to start.”

Fina took a deep breath. “I’m right here,” she repeated, and started down the hall.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

“Thank you” seems woefully inadequate, but it’s a good place to start.

Thank you to all the readers, booksellers, and librarians who supported
Loyalty
. I hope this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship!

Once again, Davenie Susi Pereira provided terrific feedback and encouragement throughout this process, and Catalina Arboleda can always be counted on for guidance and support. Allison Walker Chader is the best cheerleader a friend could ask for, and Lauri Bortscheller Nakamoto contributed to the cause with insightful observations and restorative lunch dates.

I have been embraced by the Putnam and Penguin Random House family and couldn’t be more pleased to be a member. Katie Grinch, Christopher Nelson, Lydia Hirt, Kate Stark, Alexis Welby, Mary Stone, and Meaghan Wagner have helped me navigate this new world with tremendous support and good cheer. Alan Walker, Howard Wall, and Dominique Jenkins helped smooth my way at key events, which I won’t soon forget. I’m tremendously grateful for Ivan Held’s support and continued vote of confidence.

Mary Alice Kier and Anna Cottle have been Fina’s advocates in Los Angeles. Thank you for being such fierce protectors of my creative vision.

I’m immensely lucky to have two amazing women as my stewards
for this journey. Helen Brann is savvy and fearless, and I love having her in my corner. Christine Pepe makes me a better writer and does so with grace and humor. I have no doubt I hit the publishing jackpot with these two on my team.

My family has made this an even more joyful experience. Thank you to Kirsten Thoft, Ted Nadeau, Zoë Nadeau, Ella Nadeau, Escher Nadeau, Lisa Thoft, Cole Nagel-Thoft, Arden Nagel-Thoft, Erika Thoft-Brown, Chris Thoft-Brown, Owen Thoft-Brown, Sophie Thoft-Brown, Riley Thoft-Brown, and Sharon Padia Stone. You guys are fantastic!

Last, but never least, my mother, Judith Stone Thoft, and my husband, Doug Berrett, make all of this possible. Truly, since my mother gave birth to me, but that is the least of her contributions. Her love, humor, and endless enthusiasm sustain me each day. Doug Berrett is my go-to guy for everything. He is the best, and my heart still skips a beat when he walks in the
room.