Tough Love

Phil stood there glaring at her—and again Vanity ignored him while listening to Whitney coo and gush—oh-so-falsely—over Lynn. Had Stack been in love with that vile woman? Did he love her still? She couldn’t see it; it took little time in Whitney’s presence to know she wasn’t a nice person.

Yet Phil had brought her here for a reason, that much was plain. Did he expect Stack to weaken in Whitney’s presence?

Vanity figured she should probably come up with a plan. She was good at plans, at creating them and following through. It’s what she’d done when Carl passed, when she’d lost her family, and when her best friend left California and moved to Ohio.

What she’d done when she decided she wanted Stack.

If you thought things through, there was usually a way to make your goals happen. Plan. Carry through. Voilà—success.

She glanced toward the kitchen and saw Stack, his back to the room, his cell phone to his ear. The conversation was low, so she didn’t know who he’d called, but she did know not to intrude.

Whitney, apparently, didn’t.

Standing, she told Lynn, “I’ll just go see what’s keeping Stack.” Then to Vanity, “Stay put. I’ll take care of it.”

“Really?” Vanity said, all sarcastic sugar. “Thank you. I’ll treasure this moment of respite.”

Confusion had Whitney searching the room for an ally, but Phil was nowhere around, and Lynn just smiled at her. Without another word, Whitney hustled away. Vanity watched as the woman approached Stack, as her hand went to his back—as Stack stepped out of her reach.

Whispering, Lynn said, “Ignore her. Stack is smarter than that.”

Vanity nodded. She hoped so, but when it came to easy conquests, men could be ridiculous.

Lynn patted the seat beside her, so Vanity joined her on the sofa. So did the dogs. And unlike Whitney, she and Lynn enjoyed their company.

“Is there anything I can get you?” Vanity asked, then clarified, “Other than a drink, because no way am I walking into that kitchen.”

“Pride,” Lynn said with a grin. “I love it. And I like you. A lot. You say you’re wealthy...?”

“Yes.” It still embarrassed her a little to explain how easily, and how awfully, the money had come to her. She hadn’t earned it. And she had no one special to share it with.

“You don’t act like someone who is rich.”

Her dislike of stereotypes made it impossible for Vanity to keep the protests to herself. “Have you known many wealthy people?”

Lynn shrugged. “No. But I listen to the news, and I see how they’re portrayed in movies.”

“It’s mostly bunk. People are people, good and bad. Some poor and some privileged. But I’ve known really good people at every income level. My parents were...distant. My aunts, too. But I had friends who came from very close families. And some of my parents’ associates were major philanthropists. Very involved, not just by donating money but their time also.”

Looking more pleased by the moment, Lynn said gently, “I stand corrected.”

“I hope you don’t think I’m lecturing—”

“Not at all.” She took Vanity’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “But I’m starting to think you’re one of those philanthropists.”

Heat rushed into her face. “I wasn’t trying to brag, either.”

“I know that.” With a final squeeze, Lynn released her. “I’m just tickled pink that you’re joining us for the holidays.”

* * *

PHIL STOOD JUST around the corner, out of sight but within hearing range. And he’d heard plenty, enough that his mind churned with ideas.

So Stack’s new squeeze was rolling in dough? Fucking awesome. There had to be a way for him to use that to his advantage. Maybe with Whitney’s help—although that stupid bitch had already allowed herself to be done in.

Maybe it had been a mistake to use her to irk Stack. Maybe all he needed was to get on Vanity’s good side. She was so clueless, it shouldn’t be too tough.

Clueless, but incredibly hot.

He’d find out where she lived, pay her a visit and see what he could work out. Very, very soon.

* * *

WHEN SHE HEARD Whitney laugh in the kitchen, Vanity made up her mind. She was a pragmatist but not a masochist.

Time for her to go.

Hoping to make a strategic exit, she whispered to Lynn, “If you need anything, anything at all, please, let me know. And again, thank you for the invitation to Thanksgiving. I’m honored to be included.”