Chapter Twenty-Seven
This was it. The final culmination of all Jaya’s work. And the end of everything she'd started with he-who-she-refused-to-name-lest-she-have-to-find-him-and-shoot-him-between-the-eyeballs. The location was gorgeous. She’d been right. The industrial feel had been just what Adele was looking for. Though the old bird hadn’t said it was perfect. She'd only said passable. But Jaya knew what she'd meant.
Over the last six months, Jaya had gotten to know her better. She wasn’t as tough as she looked. Well, maybe a little, but it seemed they understood each other. Adele had never mentioned Alec. And Jaya had never mentioned that she knew of their relationship. They’d kept it professional. But having a client like Adele Westhorpe really did make your name. She already had three clients in the queue. She really was happier on her own.
Jaya had used some photos taken by a photographer from Paris to decorate, as well as lights. All kinds of tea lights hung from the ceiling and down from the artwork. Not too shabby, if she did say so herself. With a rush of pride, she stood on the platform overlooking the main party. The gallery had several semi-private balconies that patrons could use to view some of the artwork from above. It was really beautiful. Even the guest of honor put on her best. Not that Adele wasn’t always dressed to the nines. But tonight she'd taken special care. She looked feminine, pretty in her blush-colored dress. Monique Lullier. Jaya had seen it in a magazine. For once she looked younger than her actual years. Soft, somehow. Not that Jaya would dare bring up that fact.
Adele joined her on the balcony. “Miss. Trudeaux, I must say this event has shown to be…”
Passable, Jaya thought. After all, that was Adele’s favorite word.
But Adele surprised her, continuing with, “extraordinary. It's exactly the feeling I wanted. Outstanding job.”
Jaya couldn’t help it. Her mouth did a fly-trap routine as she stared at Adele.
“Don’t look at me like that, dear. You make me seem like I'm never nice.”
“I-I-I didn't say you weren’t nice. You are.” Jaya tried hard with the lie.
Adele shrugged and settled a beaming smile on her. “At least you tried.” She brushed at her skirts. “I know I can be…what do the assistants call me?” She tapped her finger on her chin. “A dragon lady.”
Even as Jaya tried to deny what they both knew was truth, Adele held up her hand. “I know. I'm deliberately difficult. I test the mettle of people. But I’m loyal and I love deeply.”
Jaya looked around surreptitiously. What had she done to deserve this level of honesty?
“You proved yourself over the last six months. And you put up with me, which means you have more patience than sense sometimes. Not to mention more than once you've stood up to me. It's a skill I admire in an employee.”
Not knowing what else to say, Jaya nodded and muttered “Th-Thank you, Miss Westhorpe.”
“And let's stop that Miss Westhorpe nonsense, call me Adele. Everyone else does behind my back.” She looked around at her guests. “I'd like you to stay on to do events for the hotel. All the top bill clients. If you're willing to think about it, we can discuss it in my office on Monday.”
Holy shit. This was the kind of job she'd dreamed about. Except she didn't necessarily want that anymore. “Miss—” she changed course, “—Adele. Thank you for considering me for a job but—”
Adele smiled. “You want to run your own place?”
Jaya frowned. How had she—
“He said as much. So I’d like to retain your services on a contract bases. Would something like that work for you?”
Jaya’s stomach knotted. He. He. He. Damn it. He-who-shall-not-be-named-lest-she-have-to-find-him-and-shoot-him-between-the-eyeballs was not behind this job offer. Could. Not. Be. Why did all her dreams come true feature him. Damn it. “Adele, thank you. Honestly, but—”
She laid a hand on Jaya's arm. “Think about it. I know you and my son aren’t exactly on speaking terms, but maybe it's time you were. Besides, I would have hired you without his prompting. Don’t let a man come between you and something you want. You’ll always regret it.” She turned and sauntered away to greet more guests.
Jaya watched after the woman a little surprised at their exchange. Until now, she’d never gotten the impression Adele particularly liked her. Maybe that was just her way.
“You did an outstanding job, sweetheart.”
Jaya whirled around to face her father. “I see you received your invitation.”
“I was a little surprised to see it.”
“Adele insisted.”
Pierre shifted to his heels. “I must say I was also surprised you turned down the offer to come back to Trudeaux. I thought it was what you wanted.”
Jaya nodded. “It was, but more about me not wanting to be a failure in your eyes than about me actually wanting to be at Trudeaux. I just wanted to be home.”
Her father rubbed his nose. “Jaya, I’m sorry if you ever felt you weren’t welcome at home. You were always so self-sufficient and such an individual, I knew Derrick would crush your spirit if you stayed.”
“You chose your son-in-law over me, Dad.”
“I know it doesn’t make up for anything, but as soon as I found out it was Derrick who blocked you from any interviews, I fired him. It’s not much. But I hope it can be a start.”
Jaya didn’t have any words for him. Of all the conversations she thought she‘d be having, this wasn’t one of them. “Dad, I don’t even know where to start.”
“How about over coffee. Monday?”
A real olive branch. From her father of all people. “I think I can manage that.”