Perfect Stranger (Novella) Page 8

  The irony was Nicole hadn’t been talking about Victoria, merely making a not-so-subtle joke.

  “Darling, you need to call Tyler and beg him to forgive you.”

  This, Nicole had heard before. “No.” And she had more important things to worry about than her mother’s reaction to her breaking her engagement. Like the illegal activities Nicole had overheard her ex-fiancé’s father and his accountant discussing—and what she was going to do about them. Considering, as her mother reminded her, that the partnership of Farnsworth and Stanton Financial Investments affected both families, Nicole needed distance to study all the angles.

  Such as, did Nicole’s father know that his partner was accepting money from mob-connected companies and funneling that money into investments from which they all made millions? Did her ex-fiancé Tyler know?

  “Nicole,” her mother said, snapping her fingers in front of her face. “You’re not listening to me.”

  “Because I have things on my mind. Like moving.” Not just so she could get away and think, but so she could forge a new life where people would get to know and like Nicole for herself, not her family’s connections.

  Her mother’s face flushed red at the reminder. It was amazing how the woman could ignore the evidence in front of her: the boxes, packing tape, and clothing covered by heavy-duty bags. “You have to reconsider. This whole situation is humiliating in the extreme. Not to mention, you have a job. Tyler’s mother is running for borough president and you’re her number one fund-raiser. She needs you.”

  “I gave her notice. My assistant is capable and ready to take over. She’ll be fine.”

  “You’ll cause a rift between the families,” her mother pushed on.

  Nicole stiffened, not missing the irony. Growing up, she’d sought her parents’ approval and attention by being good and kind and perfect—without success. But now, when she no longer cared what her family thought of her choices, she’d accomplished her goal. Her mother was here, paying attention to her life, begging her to help them.

  “The Stantons won’t hold my choices against you.”

  “Nicole!”

  “No. Stop it. I told you before. I am not going back to Tyler. I don’t love him. I should have realized it long before now.” And the reasons why she hadn’t were glaringly obvious in light of her mother’s callous disregard of her daughter’s feelings.

  She’d desperately wanted someone to love and approve of her, and Tyler, unlike her parents, had been kind and caring. He paid attention to her and he’d given her everything she’d yearned for in her emotionally deprived life. Unfortunately, Nicole had mistaken her gratitude toward him for love, and she’d hurt Tyler in the process.

  It had taken her sister’s downward spiral and Nicole’s resulting meeting with a sexy small-town cop to point out to her exactly what she didn’t feel for her then-fiancé. Desire, excitement, the pounding of her heart every time he was near. She’d settled for less every minute of her childhood. She couldn’t bring herself to do it in marriage.

  Nicole realized her mother was still staring at her with frustration and disappointment in her expression.

  “It’s better I made the decision now than after the wedding,” Nicole told her.

  Marian huffed. “Just when did I teach you that fairy tales come true?” she asked in disgust.

  Nicole met her mother’s gaze. “You never did.”

  Without so much as a word, not good luck or even good-bye, her mother turned and stormed out the door.

  Nicole swallowed the lump in her throat. Her mother hadn’t changed in all of Nicole’s twenty-eight years. But Nicole had. With this move, she wasn’t looking for some improbable happy ending. All she wanted—no, craved—was a life of her own that fulfilled her dreams and desires, not those of her impossible-to-please family.

  So she was heading to the one place where she’d found a sense of peace despite the insanity—no pun intended—that had brought her to the sleepy upstate town. She hoped that once there, she’d figure out the right thing to do about the information she’d stumbled over.

  Nicole was ready for Serendipity. She just hoped the people in Serendipity were ready for her.

  * * *

  One of the things Nicole liked about Serendipity was its old-fashioned charm. Where else could you find a diner-slash-restaurant named The Family Restaurant? After spending the morning moving into her new apartment over Joe’s Bar, she decided to eat dinner out and go food shopping tomorrow.

  She sat at the counter, happy to just soak in the atmosphere, and had just finished a delicious plate of meat loaf and mashed potatoes when a dark-haired woman approached her from behind the counter.

  “Wait. I know you,” the woman said, her gaze narrowing.

  Nicole met the other woman’s concerned stare, well aware of the reason for the worry in her eyes. The one thing that had concerned Nicole about moving here was being mistaken for her twin. But the pull of the small town had been strong, and despite Victoria’s actions, people here hadn’t judged Nicole, at least not once she’d tried desperately to help them find her twin.

  Nicole wanted to give them the same benefit of the doubt. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”

  “I’m Macy Donovan. Occasional hostess, waitress, you name it. My family owns the restaurant. Aren’t you—”

  “Nicole Farnsworth,” she chimed in quickly.

  “So you’re not Victoria? The psychopath who—”

  “No,” Nicole said, cutting her off before she could elaborate on Victoria’s crimes. When her sister went off her medication, anything could happen—and had. “She’s my twin.”

  Macy’s cheeks turned red in embarrassment. “Sorry, but she hurt a friend of mine and . . . Never mind.”

  Nicole winced. “I expected to deal with the fallout if I moved here.”

  Macy raised her eyebrows. “And yet you decided to settle in Serendipity?”

  “Yes, I did.” She squared her shoulders, intending to communicate to Macy Donovan that not only was she sure of her decision but she wasn’t about to be bullied because of her sister’s illness. Her twin was in a criminal mental health facility, living with the consequences of her actions.

  “Listen, I’m blunt but I’m not judging you,” the woman said. “Erin Marsden’s my best friend, and your sister stalked her for months.”

  Nicole grimaced at the reminder.

  “But Erin told me you helped them find where your sister was hiding out, and she said you came to town in the first place to warn her and Cole. So . . . truce?” Macy held out her hand.

  Letting out a deep breath, Nicole accepted the other woman’s peace offering. “Thanks.” From inside her purse, her cell phone chimed, calling for her attention.

  “I’m going to do a few things in the back. I’ll come out again in a few minutes,” Macy said, leaving her alone to take the call.

  A quick look told her it was her ex-fiancé, so she blew out a breath and hit Decline. She’d explained everything in person and there was no reason to rehash things over the phone. His call only reminded her of what she still needed to deal with, but she wasn’t any closer to a decision. Should she confront her father and ask what he knew of his partner’s accounts? Should she ask Tyler?

  She’d stood outside the office of her own father—a man she didn’t know all that well, as he certainly never made an effort to spend time with her as a child—and as she raised her hand to knock on the open door, she’d heard. There’d been no question that she’d mistaken the spoken words.

  Robert Stanton and the firm accountant had specifically said they were laundering money from the Romanovs, a father and son who were known art dealers in Los Angeles. The Russian mob, she thought, her stomach churning. Their entire business could crumble, not to mention they could all end up in prison. Her stomach in knots, she’d turned to run, but Nicole’s father stro
de up to her at that very moment. He’d called out her name, which in turn brought Robert and Andre, the accountant, out into the hall to greet them.

  The look Andre had given her chilled her even now. She told herself he couldn’t possibly know she’d heard anything. But she had. Which meant she didn’t need to worry just about her family and the business, but also about the men on the other side. Dangerous men.

  Should she go to her father with the truth? If he already knew about his partner’s illegal dealings, she wouldn’t accomplish anything except to out herself. If Paul Farnsworth was in the dark, he probably wouldn’t believe his daughter’s word over his longtime partner’s. Nicole’s own mother would remain in useless denial even if confronted, and Tyler’s mother’s main source of campaign funds was her husband. No way would she risk using dirty money. So she ruled out her being aware. Which left the police—and she wasn’t ready for that yet.

  And what about Tyler? She knew he was honest to a fault. She couldn’t imagine him allowing illegal dealings to go on, any more than she could envision his father involving him. He’d grown up as heir to the proverbial throne—entitled, privileged—and to his credit he rarely acted the role they’d bestowed on him. She had to assume they’d keep him squeaky clean.

  But again, she couldn’t rely on assumption. The unknown players were just too dangerous.

  Macy picked up a towel and wiped down the counter. “So what brings you to Serendipity?”

  Easy answer, Nicole thought. “A fresh start.”

  Macy grinned. “Because you liked it so much your first time around?”

  Nicole laughed, grateful for this chatty woman and the distraction she provided. “That too. Seriously. Considering the reason I was here, the place and the people made an impact.”

  Macy leaned on the counter. “It just so happens that there’s a fund-raiser this weekend to raise money for women’s heart health. I’m selling tickets and you should come!”

  Nicole hesitated; the thought of walking into a big event all alone was not something she was ready to face. “I don’t know. I mean, I’m new in town—”

  “All the more reason to go where you can meet people! Dates aren’t required. I’m not going with anyone, so we can hang out. What do you say?”

  Nicole figured Macy was right, as far as it being a good way to get to know people, and now that Macy had invited her to join her, she felt more comfortable.

  Before Nicole could answer, her new friend chimed in once more. “It’s for a good cause. The police department is co-sponsoring the event, and since this place is basically like a doughnut shop for Serendipity’s Finest, I agreed to pimp tickets for them. Please?” Macy was nothing if not persistent, and her enthusiasm was infectious.

  So was the fact that the police sponsorship guaranteed Sam Marsden would be at the event. And she’d like to see him again . . . “Okay.”

  “Yay!” Macy’s smile dimmed. “But it’s expensive since it’s a fund-raiser.”

  “How much?”

  “Seventy-five dollars.”

  Nicole nodded. She had a plan for her life that included opening her own bake shop, but not right away. She needed to research the area, see if it could sustain what she had in mind. Which meant she needed a job while she plotted her future. In the meantime, she had the trust fund her grandparents had left her, something that irked her parents to no end, since it meant they couldn’t control what she or Victoria did.

  Nicole didn’t plan to blow through the money frivolously, and she’d need it for her business venture, but it did enable her to rent the apartment and cover the cost of living until she got on her feet. As far as she was concerned, getting to know people in her new town and supporting a worthwhile cause certainly fell under that heading.

  “No problem.” She met Macy’s gaze, and the other woman smiled wide.

  “Great! Oh. Another thing.”

  Nicole leaned forward on her arms and waited. Clearly she’d met someone in the know.

  “Cocktail attire.”

  “Also not a problem.” She’d packed up everything she owned, which, thanks to Tyler and his mother’s world, included formal and cocktail dresses, but she’d kept out a few favorites.

  “That was easy,” Macy said.

  Nicole grinned. “I try.”

  “So are you interested in a primer on your new hometown?”

  “I’m all ears.”

  Macy propped a hip on the counter, relaxed and happy to chat. “Wednesday night is Ladies’ Night at Joe’s. You should join us—the us depends on who is free because there’s been way too many marriages and babies lately, so the ladies and the men are dwindling. But not for you because you’re new to all the men and they’ll all be new to you. So you’ll come to that too?”

  Nicole nodded, pleased to have plans. “Absolutely.”

  “Great.” Macy looked toward the front door and the family who’d entered. “I have to go seat people. If I don’t have time to talk more today, I’ll see you Wednesday? Seven P.M.”

  Nicole smiled as the other woman headed off to do her job.

  She liked Macy Donovan, and it seemed like Macy had already accepted Nicole. She hoped everyone else in Serendipity felt the same way.

  * * *

  As on a typical Wednesday night, Sam met up with some guys from the station at Joe’s Bar. Josh Mercer had bought the current round and the jokes were flowing freely. Mike and Cara walked in, followed by his sister, Erin, and her husband, Cole.

  “Looks like it’s family night,” Sam said, calling them over. “How did you two get away?”

  Erin had had a baby six months ago and rarely left her daughter’s side.

  His sister greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. “Mom showed up and practically shoved us out the door. She said we needed a break and she needed time with Angel.” The hazel eyes she shared with Sam lit up when she mentioned her baby daughter.

  Cole slipped an arm around Erin’s waist, greeting Sam with a nod. “She’s already called home twice to remind your mother about the time of her next bottle and what to do if she cries.”

  “Like she didn’t raise three of us?” Sam teased his sister.

  “Funny,” Erin said to her brother. “And he”—she poked her husband with her elbow—“already called Mom to make sure she had our cell phones on speed dial.”

  Sam still couldn’t believe they’d gone from his sister getting pregnant after a one-night stand with Cole Sanders, undercover cop with no intention of remaining in town, to being a happily married couple and overly concerned parents.

  “All my favorite people are here!” Sam turned at the sound of Macy’s voice.

  Erin spun and gave her best friend a hug.

  “How is that adorable goddaughter of mine?” Macy asked.

  “Cute as ever.” Erin beamed.

  “Hon, want to go get a drink?” Cole asked her.

  Erin nodded.

  “Anyone else want anything?” Cole asked.

  “I’m good,” Macy said.

  “Me too,” Sam added.

  Erin and Cole walked toward the bar, leaving Sam alone with Macy. She was his sister’s best friend, so he was used to her being around.

  “Hi, Macy. How are you?”

  “Hi yourself.” Her smile, as usual, was infectious. “I’m good. Busy as usual. You?”

  He shrugged. “Same old.”

  She shook her head, her long dark hair falling over one shoulder, and sighed. “You so need to get laid.”

  Sam rolled his eyes, not surprised by her outgoing ways. In addition to her blunt manner, she was beautiful, sort of exotic, her Italian heritage showing through. If she hadn’t been like family, he might have looked twice—until she started busting his balls, that is. She wasn’t for him, but no doubt she’d give some guy a run for his money.

  She g
lanced around, a frown furrowing her eyebrows. “Where’s Nicole?”

  Sam whipped his head around to meet her gaze. “Who?” He had to have heard wrong. That or it could be another Nicole. It was a common enough name.

  Macy scanned the crowds before refocusing on Sam. “You probably know her? Nicole Farnsworth, the stalker’s sister? She’s new in town and renting the room over Joe’s. I invited her to meet me here tonight.” Macy glanced at her watch, and her concerned expression turned to a frown. “She’s late. You haven’t seen her, have you?”

  Sam expelled a harsh breath. Nicole had moved here? Months of thinking about her and she was now as close as upstairs?

  “Maybe she’s uncomfortable, not knowing anyone . . . and considering I mistook her for her crazy sister at first . . . I should go check on her.” She shoved her glass at Sam. “Hold this for me?”

  Sam shook his head. “I’ll go.”

  Macy narrowed her gaze and stepped into Sam’s direct path. “So you do know her.”

  He nodded, his heart racing at the thought of seeing her again. No woman had ever made him feel so many things in such a short time. Protective, aroused, attracted . . .

  “And you’re interested,” Macy concluded in the wake of his silence.

  “No comment. I’m going upstairs. You can hold down the fort here.” This time he handed her his beer bottle.

  Macy watched him, her stare too perceptive for his liking.

  “And do not give my sister or brother the wrong impression. I just want to say hi and welcome her to town. Make sure she feels comfortable enough to come down and join us.”

  “If you say so, Detective,” she said, using his brand-new moniker.

  He still wasn’t used to the title or the promotion, but he’d worked hard for it, and nepotism—his brother being chief—had nothing to do with his new position.

  He turned and headed for the back entrance of the bar and slipped out the exit. As soon as he hit the top of the stairs and stood outside the apartment door, he paused. Everyone he knew had lived here at one time or another, from Faith and Kelly Barron, to his brother, Mike, and then Erin’s husband, Cole. The place was a revolving door, a pit stop before people settled down for good.