such an idiotic thing as go after your only true friend’s daughter. Especially with the age difference and circumstance.”
I dropped into the seat and leisurely draped an ankle over one of my knees. “That’s why I’m here.” One of her brows quirked. “We both know Della is the type of person who cares deeply about what people think about her and the choices she makes. The last thing I want is for you to say something that makes her feel guilty over doing something that makes her happy because you disapprove.”
She blew out a cloud of smoke. “You think I can be told what to do by you? Adele is too easily influenced by people which only proves my point. She’s only latching onto you because you were there for her during the worst. What happens when she meets a boy her own age and falls in love?”
Grinding my teeth together over the thought, I gripped the arms of her uncomfortable chair. “We’ll cross that bridge if we get there, but something tells me it won’t be a necessary worry. My concern is you.”
“Me?”
I cock my head. “You give little fucks about anybody other than yourself. If you try telling me that you paid off the reporter for the sake of the entire Saint James family name, I’ll call you out on your bullshit. You’re selfish, egotistical, and controlling. The thought of your niece doing anything remotely unethical by your standards puts your reputation at risk. That’s what I am to you. Unethical. The wrong choice.”
“Well, you’re hardly the right one for her. She’s an impressionable twenty-two-year-old who only just graduated college, Theodore. If you think anyone will think this is by any means all right, you’re mistaken.”
“Don’t be bitter, Sophie. It shows your age.” Her lips parted. The grip on her cigarette loosened and she almost dropped it on herself. Couldn’t say I wanted to explain to Della how her aunt caught herself on fire because of a conversation I had with her. “You don’t like the fact that I would never go for somebody like you. I rejected you and you never got over it. I’m only the wrong choice for her because you believe in that twisted, miserable head of yours that you’re the right one for me.
“And you know what? There wouldn’t be a day on this earth that I would ever touch you. Not just because you’re a married woman, but because I have better taste and judgement in character than your husband did. So, if you say something to dissuade Della from pursuing a path that’s going to make her happy for a change, don’t think I won’t ruin you. Because Sophie?”
Her nostrils flared.
“I’ll do it with a smile.”
“How dare you!” She narrowed her eyes at me and huffed as she put her cigarette out in the glass ashtray she probably spent hundreds on.
I stood, straightened my shirt, and smiled like I didn’t threaten her. Then again, that was why my lips tipped. She was scowling at me, trying to look scary. And failing. “I suggest when we come back together to announce the news, you say something positive. If not, I’ll happily share the reason you’re not supportive is because I wouldn’t sleep with you in my office the day you came to see me.”
She said nothing, but her jaw was locked tight as she glared. I simply nodded and began walking away, remembering another piece she needed to know. “Someday soon, we’ll be leaving the city. I don’t know where or when, but I’m sure she’ll bring it up.”
The shriek she gave was ear piercing. “I take it that was your doing. Are you trying to separate us and get her to stop talking to me?”
Scoffing, I turned to face her. “I would never tell her to stop talking to you. We both know Della isn’t the person to cut people out of her life. She cares too much. She loves you. But it would be better if she said goodbye to the only place she’s known for something fresh. A place where people can’t make her miserable. If you had any sanity, you’d do the same.”
“Leave New York?”
I shrugged. “Admit it, Sophie. You hate it here. You hate your husband and the life you live, so you bury it by buying pointless things. Leave your fucking husband and get a life. Take a page out of Della’s book and find happiness.”
There was a moment of hesitation before, “You honestly think you