Footsteps of the Past (Second Chances #2) - Felice Stevens Page 0,84

surprised to see his mother in an animated discussion with Spencer. Bianca returned to Quentin’s side.

“If you’d like to come upstairs with me later, Spencer, I can show you some of my vintage Chanel gowns.”

“Margery, I would love it. Maybe we can do a little business, and you could lend us some of your gowns to put on a display in the store. You might even like to model one or two. I’m friendly with our woman’s couture stylist.”

Oh, Spencer was barking up the wrong tree. His mother was so not like that.

“That sounds intriguing. We should talk.”

Could this evening get any more bizarre? He slid into his seat next to Chess.

“What did I miss?”

“Well…” Chess’s eyes twinkled. “Spencer and your mother started playing ‘Who Do You Know?’ and discovered that he once worked for one of her stylists. They’ve been bonding ever since. Wolf got a phone call and disappeared somewhere. How did your conversation go?”

He slid his arm around the back of Chess’s chair, and when he lifted his glass of champagne, he found Henry’s gaze on him. He tipped his glass and grinned, heart lighter at the returning smile.

“I hope you’re not going to get sick of me being home more, because it looks like things are going to work out exactly the way I’d hoped.”

“I could never get sick of you. It’s what I wished for as well.” Chess chewed his lip, and André could sense something still brewing.

“What’s wrong, love? You aren’t still worried about what happened earlier? I thought we ironed it all out.”

“I don’t want to talk about it at the table. But I do think it needs a longer conversation than we’ve had.”

André nodded, and though he smiled and chatted with everyone, listening to Henry and Bianca talk about the future roles they wished to take on, he wondered what else Chess had to tell him.

Chapter Twenty-One

The dinner over with, André and his mother, with Henry and Bianca in tow, had left to draw up an announcement for Kyle’s departure from the company. Wolf still hadn’t reappeared, and Chess sat with the rest of his friends, picking at the dessert carcasses and finishing up the wine.

“Mmm,” Spencer moaned around his fork. “This is the best thing I’ve put in my mouth all week, even if it is soft.”

Win choked on his wine, and Elliot patted him on the back.

“Still not used to him, are you?”

“It’s going to take years, I’m thinking. Every time I think I am…” Win yawned and rubbed his eyes. “I’m beat. I hate to be a buzzkill, but I’ve been up and out the door by six every morning for the past month, except for the weekend with Elliot at the beach condo. I need to get some sleep, or else I’ll be useless tomorrow night for the big engagement party.”

“Come on, babe. I’ll put you to bed.” Elliot slipped an arm around Win’s waist. “Night, everyone.” Heads together, they left the room.

Spencer poured himself another glass of champagne. “I think I’m gonna take a walk outside. Maybe to the beach.”

That sounded so out of character for Spencer, Chess raised his brows. “Are you okay?”

Already on his feet, Spencer finished half his glass and winked. “I’m the best. I need to walk off this dinner.” He gazed behind him. “Gotta make sure the goodies are in the best shape possible.”

With a wave of his hand, he walked away, and Chess decided he wasn’t about to sit by himself. He meandered into the kitchen to get a bottle of water. Dottie, Freddie, and Jasper were cleaning up.

“Don’t even think about it.” Hands on hips, Dottie pretend-glared at him. “I see that look in your eyes, Chester. You go outside and relax. It’s a beautiful evening, and Jasper will set up the firepit.” She nodded at Jasper. “We’re okay here now, honey. Can you get the pit started? And then you’re done for the evening.”

“Okay, Dottie, thanks.” He grabbed the igniter from the drawer and walked outside.

“I know you’re serious when you call me Chester.” He grinned and gave her a hug. “I’m just going to get some water, and I’ll take your advice. Sitting by the fire seems like a perfect way to end the evening.”

He took a bottle from the refrigerator, walked out to the deck, down the steps, and past the pool area, where Jasper already had the flames of the firepit dancing in the dark.

“Got it all ready for you. Nice outside to be by the