Chapter 7
Vee
Together, we rode the elevator to the garage level in hopes of missing any lingering reporters. There were only a few stragglers at Maker’s Mark’s gate when I left the football center. With the announcement of CEO and Dad’s funeral behind us, I hoped the number would go back to zero.
Holding onto Fin’s arm, together we walked northeast on West Vine.
Our route was dotted with trees, their leaves bright with autumn colors, and large pots bursting with yellow and orange flowers.
I lifted my chin to the fresh air. High above, the colors of the sparse clouds were morphing into vibrant shades of red and purple as they reflected the setting sun.
There were other people coming and going. No one paid attention to who anyone else was. We were all simply people enjoying the cooler evening.
Past large structures like Rupp Arena and the Hilton, we turned.
Tony’s of Lexington was in a three-story structure with a limestone facade. Fin opened the large wood doors as an array of delicious aromas filled our senses.
“Party of two for Graham,” Fin said to the hostess.
While I’d been inside the restaurant before, I stood in awe, taking the time to enjoy the beautiful woodwork, the large staircase that led to the second floor, the long bar to the left, and fine dining to the right.
“We can wait.”
I turned to Fin’s deep voice, missing the conversation.
He laid his hand in the small of my back and spoke low near my ear. “I asked for a private table upstairs. While we wait, we can get a drink.” His warm breath and deep tenor sent goose bumps scattering over my flesh.
Nodding, I allowed Fin to lead me to the left. Empty bar stools were available near the far end. After he helped me with my tall stool, Fin took a seat at my side.
“Have you been here before?” he asked.
“A few times. I always love how pretty the woodwork is.”
The bartender made his way toward us. “Welcome. I’m DeShawn. Would you like to see the drink menu?”
“I’ll just have a glass of cabernet,” I said.
“And a Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale for me.”
The bartender nodded and stepped away.
I took a deep breath and spoke low. “I’m assuming you heard about Aunt Rachel.”
Fin nodded. “I did. Consensus of the team is favorable. She’s a Hubbard and I assume you trust her.”
“I do. Honestly, it’s a weight off my shoulders for now. I know one day the position will be mine.” I shook my head and looked down.
Fin lifted my chin. “What?”
Blinking away tears, I pressed my lips together. “I feel like I’m letting Dad down by passing the position to someone else.”
“Your dad owned the Coopers. Why didn’t he coach?”
I stifled a laugh. “Dad was many things. An NFL coach wasn’t one of them.”
“So, you mean your dad could do his best for the Coopers without filling every position himself?”
“He used to say that it’s important to have the right people.”
Fin tipped his forehead to mine. “I think you just explained yourself. When the time comes for you to take over, you’ll be ready. And I’d bet Reid is proud of you knowing your limitations at this time.”
The bartender laid out cocktail napkins and placed my wine glass and Fin’s fluted beer glass on top of them. “I’ll check back.”
“Thank you,” Fin replied, lifting his glass. “To you,” he said to me, “the woman with the answers.”
I lifted my glass. “I’m not sure I can agree with your toast.”
His sexy grin quirked and his eyes shone. “To our bubble.” He lowered his voice. “And a lifetime of challenges.”
Warmth returned to my cheeks as I squeezed my thighs together and nodded. “I can drink to that.” We clinked our drinks before taking a sip.
“Tonight is supposed to be wine and dine,” Fin said, “but I have a few questions first. Have you heard more about Bre?”
“Oh, I did.” I recalled speaking to Leigh after Bre’s arraignment. “The judge posted a five-hundred-thousand-dollar bond.”
Fin’s eyes opened wide. “That’s high.”
“Remember Detective Oldson saying Bre had a plane ticket?”
He nodded.
“It was one-way. According to Leigh, the judge made the bond higher because of flight risk. They also ordered Bre to remain in the Lexington area, have regular check-ins with an officer of the court, and relinquish her passport.”
Fin exhaled. “How do you feel about her being out of jail?”
Running my finger around the lip of the wine glass, I considered.
“We still don’t know what evidence they have against her.
” I scrunched my nose. “I have a difficult time believing that she would maliciously plan Dad’s” —I didn’t want to say the word murder— “his death.” I met Fin’s stare.
“The night she told me about the affair, I believed she loved him. She was absolutely shattered. But then…today I spoke with Dad’s attorney.
” I shook my head. “Bre said Mr. Eads knew about their plans to marry.” I pursed my lips.
“If that’s true, Mr. Eads didn’t let on. ”
Fin hummed before taking a sip of his beer. “Who do you think is telling the truth?”
“I don’t know.” I turned, meeting his gaze. “Fin, I don’t want to keep anything from you, but I’m exhausted. Could tonight just be about us?”
“Vee.” A shrill voice pierced our bubble.
We both turned to the owner of the jarring intonation.
Daphne was halfway down the large staircase, waving and calling from the banister.
“Shit,” I mumbled.
“How the fuck did I choose the same restaurant?” Fin murmured.
Same?
“Daphne,” I replied with a nod of my head.
As the men following her came into view, I reached out, gripping Fin’s knee. Grant and Preston were a step behind her. “Why would Preston be with them?” I asked under my breath.
“I might have an idea,” Fin whispered.
Making her way down the stairs and weaving through the high-top tables, Daphne made her way toward us. The men following stopped at the front door.
“I never expected to see you here,” my stepmother said, holding on to the back of my chair. The sweetness of her perfume made it hard to breathe. “The filet with caramelized onions is to die for.”
“It is a surprise for sure.” I lifted my chin toward the door. “You’re dining with Grant and Preston?”
“Oh, you see I’ve barely left the house since” —she pressed her lips together— “you know. I was going stir crazy. Those two had dinner plans and invited me to join.”
“Grant and Preston had dinner plans…together?” I asked.
“Oh, well, Vee. Just because you broke things off with Preston doesn’t mean his company isn’t still enjoyed by others.” She patted Fin’s shoulder. “You’re in good company, it seems.”
“Mrs. Hubbard.”
“Oh, please, Fin, my name is Daphne.”
“Daphne,” he repeated.
She appeared practically giddy. “Have you heard about Bre’s arraignment?”
“I did. Leigh called me,” I replied.
“Isn’t that the best news you’ve heard?”
“I’m surprised you’re happy about her being out on bond.”
“She isn’t. She couldn’t make bond.” Daphne bounced up and down.
Before I could reply, she went on. “I didn’t know how any of this worked until today, but Joe told me that Kentucky was the first state to ban for-profit bail bond companies.
You know, they’re those places where you only need to pay a percentage of the bond.
With one of those, she could be out for as little as fifty thousand dollars.
He said that sometimes the judge can release the criminal on something called personal re… ” Her forehead furrowed.
“Recognizance,” Fin volunteered.
“Yes. That’s it,” she said. “But because they believe Bre would be a flight risk, the judge didn’t offer her that or even a percentage. To get out of jail, she needs to pay the full five hundred thousand dollars.” Daphne’s eyes twinkled. “If not, she’s staying in jail.”
I squirmed in my seat and looked at Daphne. “Do you really think it’s good to allow her to stay in jail?”
“Of course I do. She’s a murderer.”
“I didn’t know that Bre couldn’t make bond,” I admitted. “I assumed she was out.”
“Nope. Tucked away nice and tight.” Daphne leaned closer; the aroma of rum emanating from her words wasn’t enough to overpower the perfume.
“Do you think they’re making her wear one of those orange outfits?
” She shook her head. “No one looks good in orange. It’s a horrible color.
I’ve been able to make amber work, but orange is so harsh.
” She looked up. “Oh, I need to go. Grant has somewhere he needs to be.”
“Bye,” Fin and I said together.
After the three of them stepped through the doors, I turned to Fin. “Something is weird.”
“You think?”
I shook my head. “First, Grant and Daphne were acting odd at the funeral, and now she’s dining with Grant and Preston.
” I opened my eyes wide. “It started before that. Last weekend, I didn’t expect Daphne to join us to fly to the game in Vegas, but she did.
She said Grant told her when to be to the airport. ”
Fin lowered his voice. “I might have some information, but your request for a just-you-and-me night means I will need to share later.” He grinned. “Besides, you might lose your appetite for the delicious filet she mentioned.”
I lifted my wine and took a drink. “Daphne knows I rarely eat meat. She’s known that forever.
Bre is a defendant, not a criminal, until her trial.
Those are just a few examples of how Daphne speaks without thinking.
” Setting my glass down, I turned to him.
“I mean, why would Daphne be with Preston and Grant? And Grant and Preston had plans?” I shook my head.
“Since Dad’s passing, it seems Daphne and Grant are often together.
It’s just weird. Do you know what I mean? ”
“Shit, Vee. Maybe your dad wasn’t the only one with someone on the side.”
“Eww, Daphne and Grant?” I shivered. “I have enough disturbing images in my head due to Bre. I won’t be able to eat anything if I consider Daphne and Grant…”
“Mr. Graham?”
We turned to the hostess.
“Your table is ready.”
His grin quirked. “Saved by the bell.”