Chapter 18
Danika hadn’t been to the Hotel Harrison in months, despite passing it almost every day. It flanked the end of Aldon Lakes
Boulevard, nestled along the east side of Lake Minnetonka. It was pretty from the outside; she would give them that. It had
a large deck that faced the water, light-bulbed lettering that glowed like an old-time movie theater, endless balconies.
The lobby was also pretty. It had custom built-in sculptures and herringbone floors, a long brassy counter with a mirrored
top. But that’s where Danika’s compliments ended. The whole space needed more texture, more light. It did not give the impressive
first impression one would expect. Again: Mallory should have let her help.
Danika and Bill had never stayed at the hotel, and Danika was surprised when the bellhop greeted them by name as he called
the elevator. They headed to the fifth floor.
Alone in the elevator, Danika and Bill studied each other’s reflections in the mirror.
She looked exquisite: her eyes charcoaled and vivid, her hair shining and coiffed to one side, falling over her bronzed, bare shoulder.
Bill winked at her in the mirror. It was like when they’d met.
Danika reached for Bill’s hand. On nights when she was this confident, she carried her beauty around like a piece of jewelry, a gemstone she held up to the light.
Danika was also on a high from the Uber ride over—from Bill finally telling her what had been going on. He’d started by saying
that while he knew it was not ideal, and he was sorry to have to ask, he needed her to be amiable toward Joshua Mike.
“Look,” he started, talking with his hands, “I know you hate him—trust me, I do too.” He’d grabbed both his knees. “And I
know the Fourth was a lot to ask, but the truth of it is, he’s the biggest shareholder in Briar Ridge, and he’s been a real
pain in the ass. He’s making it difficult for all of us. The way he wants to do the dividends—well, it’s confusing, but he
wants to reinvest the money into the development, and I need my payout now. We just need to appease him. We need him to follow
our lead.
“I need your help.” He pulled a flask from his pocket. “We all know how much he likes you. He wants to know more about the
interior design. To talk to you about it. So, if you could schmooze him a little.” Bill rubbed his forehead. “I really hate
to ask. But I’m stuck. We have a vote coming up about financing in a few days, and while he said he’s agreed to our terms, you know how hotheaded he is. I need to keep him happy until then. So tonight, please play along.
Be nice. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. I hoped I could fix it on my own.”
Danika looked from Bill to outside, watching the highway lights stream by in blurry, disorienting lines of light. “Should
I be worried about this?”
Bill took a sip from the flask. “No, no. I think—we’re good.” He wiped his mouth. “We’re good. I just need Josh to stay in
his lane. Then, we’ll be all set. We’ll be back.”
Danika tensed. “Back?”
“No, I mean we’ll be great.” Bill reached out for Danika’s knee. “I’m really glad to have your help. That you’re working with us.” He pressed his shoulder into hers.
Danika took his flask, took a sip. That’s right, she thought. No matter what, she would always be his greatest asset, his most reliable partner—his oldest soul. He would
always need her. “Okay,” Danika agreed. “I’ll play nice. You know, I can usually get men to do what I want.”
Bill laughed. Then, for the first time in months, he leaned forward and kissed her.
Danika and Bill unlocked their room, dropped their bags, grabbed a drink from the minibar, and touched up their outfits as
they prepared to return downstairs. Danika paused and studied herself in the mirror, pretending to speak. She liked to watch
her mouth move, wanting to see how she appeared to others while talking. Silently, she told herself, “You look perfect.”
For a moment, she considered the white bed frame—too boring and stark—and debated whether she and Bill should have sex. But
she didn’t want to mess up her hair. Instead, she stepped to the window and stared out at the darkening water of Lake Minnetonka.
The sun would set in an hour or so, and after, the lake would disappear completely—turn into a flat expanse of black.
The moment before every party felt like gearing up for a performance, and Danika focused as they made their way back to the
elevator.
Danika and Bill walked toward the back of the first floor, and finally, they stepped inside Alondra.
Danika sucked in a breath, realizing, suddenly, that she had not been prepared for the design to be so impressive.
She had allowed herself to believe it would be tacky—that as a result, she’d feel better about herself.
This was not the case. Despite the theme, the decor was perfect—full of clean lines yet intense character. Danika felt a pang
of insecurity as she scanned each detail: the gold-and-white-tiled floors, the jade green tables, the low bamboo chairs, the
incredible braided vines and macramé adorning the walls. The ceilings were retractable glass, and another equally impressive
flower and wire installation cascaded from the center to the floor.
It was all so gorgeous and alive, Danika barely registered the guests. But, to her dismay, she noticed the Greenes nearby.
They looked attractive as always, Robin, Wyatt, and their daughter—that young, pretty blond—all dressed in black. Danika squinted
as she saw the girl talking into a headset. Was she working this event? Of course, Danika thought, indignant. They were all so incestuous.
Out of nowhere, Holly Fravel grabbed her arm.
“I’m not sure I’d call it magical realism, per se”—she handed Danika a martini—“but it is something, huh?”
Danika took a bitter sip. She knew Holly also felt bad for making fun of it all.
“Look at you,” Holly crooned. “Stunning as always.” She paused. “You good?”
“What? Yes, of course.” She gave Holly a quick side hug.
At least the rain was going strong. Danika was glad for the storm now; she didn’t want the party to be perfect. And as the
crowd continued to grow, she moved toward the windows, which were huge and pressed right up against the water. Danika imagined
that if they were only a few feet lower, it’d be as if they were in an aquarium.
The rain was calming, and Danika felt a bit better until she felt a hand on her—a hand that went straight to her lower back. Instantly, she knew who it was.
“As usual, you’re the most gorgeous woman in the room.” Joshua Mike moved next to her, facing outside. The rain slid in thin
lines down the glass like roads on a map.
Danika readied herself. She dipped her head in thanks. “I like your tie. Hermès?” It was easier to play along now that she
had context, a reason. Regardless, they both seemed taken aback by her compliment. Joshua Mike slid the tie through his hand,
grinning.
“So, what do you think of the place? What’s your expert opinion? A bit too kitschy? A bit too Jungle Book? I do love that bar.”
“I have to say, it’s lovely. Though not exactly my personal style.”
Joshua Mike lifted his tumbler. “For what it’s worth, I prefer your personal style. I love that cabin. Can’t get enough of
it. I can’t wait to see the model home. I’ll tell you, this little Briar Ridge project, it’s been a trip.”
Danika took another sip of her martini, buying time.
“It’s going to be great. I trust Bill’s vision.”
Joshua Mike curled his mouth in a half smile. Danika couldn’t help but wonder if he was trying to play her too—it felt like
he was hiding something, or after something.
“I trust your vision more than Bill’s, if I’m being honest.” A new, playful look crossed his face. Danika couldn’t place it. “And let me
know”—he smacked his lips—“if you ever need a second opinion. On the model home, your design business, mortgages—hell, anything.
I’m here for you. I know you’re working now, and, I have to say, it’d be smart to get your personal finances in order. I’m
happy to help. Just say the word.”
Danika’s brow furrowed. She looked out to the water, the rain now pummeling the top of the lake.
“Thank you. Cheers.” She raised her glass, hoping it would end the conversation and the bad feeling pitted in her stomach.
“You have my number, don’t you?”
Danika didn’t think she’d ever saved it, but she told him yes.
“Okay. I’ll text you now in case. Really, feel free to reach out anytime. For anything. I’m at your service.” He gave a small
bow.
Danika didn’t know what to say—and was relieved when Mallory and Malcolm appeared beside them. She gathered herself, thanking
them, congratulating them.
As the night continued, Danika replayed Joshua Mike’s words in her mind. Something about his offer, his mention of their finances,
mortgages, made her feel nauseous. For the first time, she wondered if Bill was the one lying. She told herself not to be crazy. Why
would she trust Joshua Mike over her own husband? Yet, there was something she could not shake.
Time moved slowly from there. As the clock ticked to ten, everyone paused to listen to Mallory and Malcolm’s speech. They
stood at the center of the bar and rambled on about how Alondra was their dream come true. Danika hadn’t seen Bill since dinner,
but as they spoke, she spotted him across the room with Wyatt Greene, laughing and drinking. He seemed too relaxed. Or maybe
her anxiety was unfounded—maybe she’d simply had too much to drink. She needed to clear her head. She slipped away to the
bathroom before the speech had wrapped.
As Danika stepped inside, she set her purse on the counter and checked her phone for the first time that evening—and saw Joshua
Mike’s text.
Here for you. X, JM.
Danika twisted her face in disgust. He just wanted to sleep with her. That was it, she decided. She snapped her purse shut.
As Danika turned to leave, the bathroom door swung open, and to her dismay, Jackie walked in, shimmying in her bedazzled seafoam
dress. It hugged her frame so tightly, pushed her breasts up so far, she looked like a mermaid. Without speaking, she sidled
up next to Danika at the sink.
Danika washed her hands, waiting.
Jackie leaned closer to the mirror and turned her head from side to side, but eventually, she blew out a long breath and faced
Danika, propping her hip against the sink.
“Okay, so, D.” She wobbled her head. “I need to be straight with you. Woman to woman.”
Danika pulled her shoulders back.
“I know Josh has a thing for you,” Jackie said, her gold earrings jingling. “And I know you and Bill are having some financial
hiccups. I just want you to know, even if Bill goes bust and Josh helps you out, he is not going to leave me for you. No matter what.”
Danika couldn’t help it—despite everything, she laughed.
Jackie’s face turned colder. “I mean it.”
“I mean, I don’t know what you’re talking about. We don’t have financial hiccups,” Danika scoffed, defensive, desperate. “I would never be with Josh. He’s repulsive. He loves to make trouble.”
Jackie tightened her mouth. She leaned closer to the mirror, touching her top lip, her tone growing to match Danika’s. “You
women think you have everything and everyone all sorted, all wrapped around your finger. Maybe you do have some sort of hold
on Joshy . . . I know he’s obsessed with you, always saves photos of you . . . but he will not leave me. I want you to know that for certain.”
Danika’s whole body felt off balance. She had the sudden urge to shove Jackie—along with everything she was saying—away.
“I get it, okay, you’re hot,” Jackie continued, gesturing to her body. “That dress is—” She kissed the air. “So, if you want
to join us sometime, say the word. If he does give you that loan, and you feel like you owe him, we could all get together.
We’d all get what we wanted.”
Danika pivoted away, pressing her hand to her stomach, sick.
“Just as long as you remember: I’m not going anywhere.”
A loan? A threesome? Danika felt violated, horrified. And, worse, she had no idea what was truly going on—or how to fix it. Danika hated feeling
trapped. All she knew for certain was that she had to get out of that party.
She had to get home.