The Ivy House

chapter 37

Chase rolled the living room rug up to the legs of the couch and draped a drop cloth over it all.

“What are you doing?” Phoebe said, appearing in the doorway. She had slept later than she had meant to and woken to an empty bed and the smell of coffee. She had brushed her teeth, but skipped the shower. Her phone had been lying on the table next to her and she flipped through it. That’s when she had seen it.

“You said you’re ready to paint in here.”

“You’re painting?”

He looked at her. She had wrapped her robe tightly around her as if that could be her armor against him and the world.

“Is there something wrong with that?”

She forced herself to keep calm. “I take it you haven’t checked your phone today.”

He shot her a smile. “I was otherwise occupied.” He took a step towards her.

She held up her hand. “Don’t.”

Concern creased his face as he looked around. His phone was on the shelf and he walked over, flipped it on, and scanned it.

“Phoebe,” he looked up.

She shook her head. “This has your fingerprints all over it, Chase. How else would they have known where to get those photos! God, I’m practically naked in one of them.”

“You’re in a bikini. A really hot bikini, I might add,” Chase said.

Phoebe fought down the tears that had threatened to overtake her. The press had gotten a hold of their relationship and their business partnership. It was personal and detailed, rehashing everything about Savannah and Leland, Phoebe’s parents, Ivy House, and the deal she and Chase had struck.

There were half a dozen pictures of them kissing, holding hands, and sunbathing on Chase’s boat. There were even pictures of Savannah and Leland and the whole history.

“This is the kind of publicity money can’t buy.” Phoebe shook her head. “Sure beats dating the odd model for this kind of press. I hope you’re happy.”

Anger darkened Chase’s face and his eyes turned almost black. “You think I did this?”

“Who else? Who else would know this stuff? Where to find us, or all of these details about Savannah and my parents? They even have my favorite ice cream. I told you no press and you let them into our lives. Into this. I thought we had…”

Phoebe broke off before she embarrassed herself. Chase had never promised her anything more than a good time. Light and sweet. And she should have never expected more from him. But somewhere along the line, she opened herself up to him, thinking that maybe there could be something more between them.

“Look, Phoebe.”

“Save it. I asked one thing of you…that this would be private…”

“I’m sorry, I had…” Chase looked contrite, she would give him that.

Phoebe shook her head. “All my life, people have wanted to be with me, get close to me because of my family. They didn’t care that I collect salt shakers or that I love mint chocolate chip ice cream or that I’m ticklish. They never cared about me, only what I could do for them.”

“I’m sorry.” He was angry now. “Look, I’ll talk to my PR guy, straighten it out. Listen, babe.” He walked over to her and rubbed her arm. “I’ll take care of it. It will be fine.”

Phoebe swallowed hard and closed her eyes. She couldn’t look at him. “Don’t, please don’t. Just go. I can’t do this.”

“Phoebe!” Chase looked at her, but she turned and pointed towards the door.

“Fine.” He came closer to her. “I’ll give you some time to think it over.”