“What?” I seriously thought she might faint.
“Yes, yes… his father has disinherited him. He was to come into millions but they had a falling out and as a result, he was kicked off his father’s farm. He’s living with a decorator friend of his right now. It’s just awful. In fact, he was to buy the practice from his partner and now that’s all fallen through. I wouldn’t doubt that his partner will kick him out as well. He’s very tight with the senior Mr. LaViere. I’m afraid Worth is literally ruined.” I leaned forward, lowering my voice until it was nearly a whisper. “He probably told you to speed up so he’d have somewhere to go soon, but he will figure out some way to delay paying you. He’ll claim something is wrong, some wall is crooked or you put a window in the wrong place. I’ve seen him do it before… making a fuss over details until the contractor just walked away for fear of losing referral business from the senior Mr. LaViere.”
“Oh my God!” she cried out, alarmed completely. “I had no idea. I just assumed… well, you know… he is a LaViere, after all.” Her voice had morphed into a whine.
“You wouldn’t be the first to fall for his lines, I’m afraid. In fact, I’ve had to be on my own guard all these years. Why do you suppose he still lived at home with his parents? He’s a total failure. No money, no patients, his reputation is ruined.” I grabbed her arm, digging my fingers in until I was sure I had her full attention. When her glazed eyes turned back to me, I went on. “Now, remember… don’t tell him you heard this from me. I can’t help you if he thinks I’ve ratted him out. The best I can do right now is to get the contract you signed with him and sneak it out of the building at night so you can destroy it. Then, if I were you, I’d completely disavow knowing him in any way. Pretend you never met him. Did anyone see you meet him?” I asked, pretending great concern.
“No, I don’t think so,” she sighed with relief, tears gleaming in her eyes. I stomped down a wave of guilt. “I can’t thank you enough. This could have ruined my firm and my entire reputation I’ve worked so hard to build. Here, at least let me get the lunch. You’ve done so much for me. Woman to woman… I can’t thank you enough.”
“That’s quite all right — let’s just say we women stick together. Now, I’ll find that contract and either destroy it personally or get it to you. Deal?”
“Thank you again, so much, Ms. Langford. I’m quite indebted to you. If there was any way I could repay you…”
“Oh, that’s just fine.” I soothed, then kicked immediately into Part Two of my plan. “Oh, my goodness! I just realized!”
“What?” her eyes held alarm.
“I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before this. It just so happens I’m going to be hiring an architect myself. I have a charitable foundation with a new project at Sunset Village. All the best families are donating and it could really be quite a plum for the right firm to do the design work. But…” I slumped back into my chair, a sad look on my face, “then, we’re just starting out and there’s no way I could afford your fees, I’m afraid. Forget I said anything.” I began packing up my paper, pencil, and purse.
Beverly Dexter’s hand covered mine, stopping me from completing my task. “Ms. Langford, please. Would you allow me to donate my services? After all, you quite possibly saved me from ruin this afternoon. And… I happen to have crews on standby. I would only be too happy to donate everything I can do to help your worthy cause. Perhaps you could tell a few of the other patrons of my involvement and in that way, one hand covers the other, so to speak?”
I beamed. “Oh, Ms. Dexter, would you? I can’t imagine how generous that would be! The residents will be absolutely thrilled to be living in a property in which you had a hand. You are well-known for your creative insight and innovation. I just don’t know what to say,” I gushed all over her, even managed to produce a tear.
“Please… say no more. Just tell me who to talk to and we’ll get started this very afternoon.”
“I just don’t know how to thank you. Here’s my attorney’s card. Just tell him I sent you. I’ll fill him in on the details before you call him. Just give me a half hour.” I smiled and stood to hug her. “I just can’t thank you enough!”
“Say no more,” she gushed. “I’ve got lunch and I’m headed back to the office to talk to my crews and call your Mr. Knotts. I’ll be in touch with him this afternoon.”
“Oh, and Ms. Dexter?” I said as she was leaving.
“Yes?”
“I just wanted to tell you, and I hope it doesn’t embarrass you… but when you walked in I was struck by how beautiful you are. You have such a sense of style. May I ask where you bought your dress?”
“Oh… I bought it in New York, Ms. Langford. I’m sorry…”
“No problem. Have a wonderful afternoon and thank you again.”
She got no further than the door when I dialed Brandon and filled him in on the fact that the famous Ms. Dexter was calling him to begin architectural drawings. I knew this would go a long way toward getting the projects completed and still comply with the administrator’s concerns about excess noise and construction debris. “Don’t talk about Worth or me, Brandon. Not one word. Just deal with her. She’s donating all her services and she’s ready to get started today.”
“How in the hell did you pull that off?” Brandon asked, utterly amazed. “Good thing I already applied and received the permits.”
“It was Worth who made it possible,” I said dryly and hung up.
I quietly sat and sipped my iced tea, watching the minutes flip by on my iPhone. I gave her ten and she beat me by one.
My phone rang… and it was Worth.
“Hello?” I answered sweetly.
“Elizabeth Augusta…” was as far as he got before I hung up the phone, finished my tea and went shopping.
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
Auggie
The conference room was full. Brandon sat at the head of the table and Dad sat at the other end. Beverly Dexter, a few of Dad’s friends and some people Brandon had invited were also there, including the administrator from Sunset Village. I sat to Dad’s right.
Architectural drawings covered the table as well as various sheaths of paperwork which were being circulated for the appropriate signatures.
Everyone there, it seemed, had an ulterior motive for their participation, but the end result was that things were moving rapidly forward.
Brandon’s eyes were on me. He suspected Worth and I had a falling out and when the beauteous Ms. Dexter showed up in his office, he figured he knew the reason why.