Stepping out of the coffee shop, Leanne tucked the old notebook into her bag.
Her Phantom was parked quietly by the curb, with Jake holding the door open for her as Skyler's call came through.
Leanne answered, and he asked, "Hey Leanne, you free today?"
"What's up?" she inquired.
"I wanted to apologize in person for what happened last time."
Skyler had been sorting through his tangled relationship with Grace. It had been nine years, nearly a third of his life, woven into every aspect of his existence, including emotions, finances, and career. Cutting ties was time-consuming.
It wasn't easy. Skyler's voice carried a hint of fatigue, not physical, but emotional exhaustion.
"I was planning to turn the villa at Majestic Meadows into our marital home, but that's off the table now. I'm throwing a farewell party tonight. I'd be glad if you could make it."
Leanne wasn't that close to him. If it weren't for Curtis, they'd probably be strangers. Skyler's apology was clearly out of consideration for Curtis, his lifelong buddy.
They grew up together, and their friendship was rare and precious. It would be a shame to have let Grace's actions drive a wedge between them.
Leanne knew she wouldn't want to lose her friend over anything if it were her and Joy.
"Send me the address."
Traffic was heavy, and the party was in full swing when Leanne arrived at the Majestic Meadows villa.
The long white dining table was with food and drinks. The pool's shimmering blue water reflected the lights, and a group was laughing as someone was tossed into the pool.
Joy and Selina were clapping and laughing by the poolside, and Skyler handed Leanne a glass of wine.
"Curtis is on his way. Should be here soon." His lip scabbed over, and the bruise near his cheekbone hadn't completely faded. His tone was sincere. "Sorry for the hassle, for you and Curtis."
Blame where blame was due. Leanne didn't hold him accountable. "It wasn't your fault. You shouldn't blame yourself."
"I brought her into this circle. Without my indulgence, she wouldn't have kept making mistakes. I'm responsible for whatever she did," Skyler didn't avoid his responsibility.
"It's not too late to realize that now." Joy interrupted.
Skyler said, "I was a bit harsh that day. But I didn't mean to. Don't take it to heart."
One thing about Joy was awesome. She was straightforward and clear about who she liked and disliked. She would argue if necessary, but if you sincerely apologized, she would be big-hearted enough to forgive.
She slapped Skyler on the back. "Bro, turning over a new leaf, huh?”
"I've got a project in Wonderland. Planning to spend a few years there to clear my head," Skyler tried to sound upbeat. "Next time I'm back, Curtis might have that little girl he's been dreaming about." Curtis always joked about having a daughter to pester his grandma, and Leanne thought he was joking. But it seemed he was serious about wanting a daughter.
Skyler turned to Joy, "Ms. Campbell, I'm counting on you to watch over Devin for me."
"What's this? A will? Why are you leaving him to me? Do I look like his mother?" Joy looked puzzled.
Skyler laughed, not adding anything more.
After he left, nibbling on blueberries with a fruit fork, Joy nudged Leanne. "Hey, Selina mentioned you were looking for a cop. Who's that?"
Leanne thought it over. It was better not to let her know anything until everything was clear. Joy wasn't great at keeping secrets.
She hoped more than anyone that this matter wouldn't drag the Richardson family into it.
"Just helping my aunt with some advice."
"Then why through Selina? Ask Curtis directly," Joy said. "What's the point of having a husband if not for things like this?"
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