Reluctant Deception - Cambria Smyth Page 0,68

is now, Libby thought ruefully. And Chris would never trust her again after she confronted him with the truth. She wanted him out of her life, and thoughts, once and for all.

"I'll keep that in mind," was all Libby could answer.

"If Mr. Fulbright was around, I'd introduce you, but he's not in today. Next time you're here, remind me, OK? I know you'll be making the final preparations for the big event. If you need my help, just let me know."

Edwina paused. "Oh, yes, Chris wanted me to tell you the entrance hall will be off limits for the next few weeks. The ceiling by the staircase finally came down over the weekend. You remember, that area where the bathroom above it was leaking? Well thank goodness no one was here when it fell. Made quite a mess, too. Mr. D. had me block it off until it could be patched up. He knew you'd want to use the hall for the fundraiser."

"No wonder I couldn't get in the front door," Libby chuckled. "I'm sure the last thing he wanted was to spend money on a place he's going to tear down weeks later."

"I can tell you he was very concerned about it, but he said the repairs should be finished in time."

"That's kind of him, isn't it?" Libby said, relieved to know she wouldn't have to scramble to rearrange the circulation plans. "Can I take a peek at the damage?"

"Sorry, but I've got strict orders not to let anyone near there. Insurance and liability reasons, Mr. D. says. He even had me board up all the doorways in case more plaster comes down before it can be fixed. You'll just have to settle for using the kitchen door like the rest of us 'servants'!" Edwina laughed at her own joke.

"I get the hint," Libby replied, then added, "I meant to tell you that the historical society wants to invite you and your husband to the dinner dance as our guests. We'll also be sending Chris two tickets and I'd better include two for Mr. Fulbright as well. Just a small token of our appreciation for all the trouble we've caused."

"No trouble at all, Libby, and you don't have to mail a thing. Mr. D. already bought a table of ten tickets so I'm definitely coming."

Libby looked at Edwina incredulously. "He bought ten tickets?"

"Sure did. Told me I had to come. Of course, I was coming even if I had to pay my own way, but I didn't tell him that!"

Libby swallowed hard. "D-do you think he plans on attending?"

"I can't say for sure. Why don't you ask him when you see him next week?"

"Yes, I'll do that." And Libby would, because if Chris was going to be there, she'd much rather stay home and read a good book. The thought of seeing him with a date, or even without one, made her blood boil. Maybe she'd even go away for the weekend. Anything so she wouldn't have to be in Harte's Desire with him again.

"Well, I'm going to go cut some roses and head back to my office," Libby stated. "Do you think Chris would mind if I dug up a few of the bushes to put in my own garden? I'd hate to see all of them get bulldozed."

"I'll ask him next time he calls, but I doubt he'll object." Edwina looked at Libby warily. "What do you want me to tell him when he asks why you're not returning his calls?"

"You can tell him the truth," Libby countered as she prepared to leave. "Tell him I don't have anything to say to him until next Tuesday."

She watched Edwina digest the meaning of her tersely delivered message, sorry that the kindly woman had to be caught in the middle of their personal warfare.

"OK, Elizabeth, I'll take care of it," Edwina offered, turning back to her keyboard. "Remember, I'm here if you need me," she called to Libby's departing figure.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Libby squinted under the harsh glare of light reflected by the mirrored windows of the skyscraper in front of her. She gazed up at the ultra-modern, forty-story structure of polished metal and glass, noting dryly how much it looked like every other building Christopher Darnell erected.

As the revolving door spit out an interesting variety of secretaries, business men and women, and delivery personnel, she gathered the courage to go inside. Although she'd been busy the past week, the days had ticked by too slowly to suit her. But now