Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
The Queen’s Arms was busy like it usually was, the low murmur of conversation mixing with the clink of glasses and the occasional burst of laughter from the bar. Music played in the background, rock and roll from when music was worth listening to.
At least in Paige’s opinion.
The pub sat squarely on Colony property, which meant familiar faces drifted in and out all evening, but the pub itself had its own unique rhythm. It was cozier than The Bee’s Knees and more focused on atmosphere than food and drink. Even so, the food was good and the drink selection was extensive.
Graham liked it because it reminded him of home. The dark wood, the proper chips, a bar that served the kinds of beer and cider a real pub would. And then, of course, there was darts.
Paige liked it because Graham liked it. She often thought his accent got just a little stronger when they were here, which she found adorable.
He slid into the booth across from her, setting down two menus even though they both already knew what they were going to order.
“You’re sure you don’t want to try something new?” he asked.
“I tried something new once,” Paige said. “I spent the rest of the meal thinking my usual was better.”
He gave a nod and tried to hide his smile. “Fair enough.”
They’d just ordered—fish and chips for him, shepherd’s pie for her—when Paige’s phone buzzed against the table. She glanced down without much thought.
A new message to the Queen Bees text group from Maude. Just ran into Gigi on the beach. She was walking with Darcy Lane.
Something inside Paige went cold. She didn’t answer right away, just stared at the screen, trying to decide what this might mean and how to reply.
Graham noticed. “Something wrong?”
“Maybe. Yes. I don’t know,” Paige said. She turned the phone so he could see the message. “That’s the woman I told you about. From the fitness center. Darcy Lane.”
“The one who confronted you,” he said. “And may have threatened you.”
“Yes.” Her phone buzzed again.
This time a text from Blaise. Who’s Darcy Lane?
That was followed quickly by one from Essie. Is that someone we should know?
And then Althea. I don’t know her, but that name makes my neck itch.
Paige snorted and started typing. Quick version.
I ran into Darcy Lane at the fitness center earlier this week.
She was friendly at first, then crossed a line.
She implied she knows the true reason my marriage actually ended.
She didn’t say it outright, but it was clear she knew. It felt intentional.
She added another message before the questions piled up. I didn’t want to make it a thing without more information. Maude’s been digging online. Cece reached out to her for a Buzz interview to see what she’ll say.
There was a pause in the thread, as if the women were gathering their thoughts and digesting. Then Blaise responded. Her doing that is not okay.
Essie came in right after her. No. It really isn’t. I’m sorry that happened to you.
Althea added her thoughts. Sounds to me like she’s trying to get some kind of leverage over you and that’s downright dirty.
Paige nodded at her phone. Leave it to Althea to get right to the heart of the matter.
Graham reached across the table and rested his hand over Paige’s. “Are you all right? How are you feeling?” he asked quietly.
“I don’t love Darcy teaming up with Gigi, but I don’t think either of them really want to hurt me,” Paige said. “I think Darcy is looking for some kind of control. Or access. Or both.”
“And Gigi?” he asked.
Paige glanced at Maude’s message again. “Gigi wants to be included, she’s already made that clear. Regardless, it’s not a great combination.”
Her phone buzzed again.
Another text from Maude. For what it’s worth, they definitely seemed friendly with each other. Although Gigi seemed to be doing most of the talking. Darcy got interested in me as soon as Gigi said my name.
Paige typed back. I appreciate you telling me. I suppose Darcy knows all about the book club then.
Maude sent another reply. I’d think so. She knew about my job, which means she probably knows who Cece is.
Cece finally chimed in with, No response from her on the interview yet. Sorry, just catching up.
With a sigh, Paige set the phone down and looked at Graham. “I didn’t tell the others right away because I didn’t want to stir things up.”
“And now?” he asked.
“Things are stirred,” Paige said. She shrugged. “So we deal with it.”
Their food arrived then, looking good and smelling even better. Paige picked up her fork. She wasn’t going to let Darcy ruin her life. “I don’t like that she knows something private,” she said. “But I’m not going to stop living my life because of her.”
Graham nodded. “Nor should you. That’s giving her power.”
“I agree.” Her phone buzzed again, this time with a text to the group from Althea. At least she’s showing her cards early. If she says yes to that interview, I trust you to dig deep, Cece.
Cece wasn’t long in responding. I’m going to do my best.
Paige smiled faintly at the screen, then set the phone aside. Early was good, she thought. If nothing else, that gave her time—well, Maude and Cece time—to find out what they could.
She and Graham dug into their food and the conversation shifted to lighter subjects. Cece’s new podcast, which Paige thought he’d be fantastic for. When they might go see Joe at Shooters again. Graham’s impending new role as grandpa.
She was glad to talk about something else. She honestly didn’t like giving Darcy so much mental energy. But as they finished their dinner, Graham set his fork down and looked at Paige over the rim of his glass. “Have you told Randi about this woman?”
Paige shook her head without hesitation. “No.”
“Because you don’t want her to worry,” he said. There was no accusation in his tone, but Paige understood this whole Darcy thing was bothering him. Maybe even more than it was bothering her.
“Because I don’t think it warrants worrying her,” Paige said. “Not yet. And maybe not ever.” She reached for her napkin and folded it once, neatly. “Randi has her own life. Her own stresses. I’m not going to give her more of that with something that will hopefully turn out to be trivial.”
“And if it’s not?” Graham asked.
“Then I’ll handle it,” Paige said. “Myself. She has enough bother with her father trying to insert himself back into her life. I’d much prefer to be the parent who protects her instead of the one who adds to her burdens.”
He nodded, considering that. “I suppose you’ve gotten good at that role over the years.”
“I’ve had to,” Paige said. “My ex is a lot for her to manage. He’s a very demanding man. Thinks he’s owed time with his grandson, which part of me understands, but it’s not exactly something he’s earned.”
“I can appreciate that.” Graham reached across the table and squeezed her hand once. “If this woman becomes a problem, I really think Randi should know. But I also understand it’s your business.” He sighed. “There were things I kept from Andrew that I wish I hadn’t.”
Paige nodded thoughtfully. She knew Graham wished his relationship with his son was stronger. “I promise, if it really becomes something, I’ll let Randi know.” And she meant it, but it would take a lot for her to lay this on Randi.
Graham took the bill before Paige could reach for it, glancing at it, then handing it back to the server with his credit card and a look that told Paige this wasn’t up for discussion.
“I can pay once in a while, you know.” She gave him a teasing glance. “In fact, it would only be fair.”
“Next time,” he said. Which was what he always said.
The server returned with his card, and he tucked it back into his wallet, then nodded toward the rear of the pub. “What do you think?” he said. “Fancy another go at darts?”
“Lead the way.” She got her purse and followed him to the board, amused. “You realize I’m terrible at this.”
“That’s all right,” he said, collecting the darts from the board before returning to her side. “So were most people when they started. You, however, have the benefit of an excellent teacher.”
She laughed. “All right then, teach me.”
He handed her a dart and stood close enough to adjust her grip, careful and precise. “Don’t throw it like you’re shooing a fly,” he said. “Plant your feet. Focus on the spot where you want it to land and really commit to it.”
She focused and did as she was told. The dart hit the board, but nowhere near where she’d aimed.
“See?” she said. “Terrible.”
“Not terrible at all. You hit the board. That’s better than the last time,” he said.
They took turns, Paige improving in irritatingly small increments. At least according to Graham, she was improving. She wasn’t so sure, but they laughed and had fun, the pub noises in the background adding to the moment.
Graham retrieved the darts and paused, eyes narrowed as though a thought had come to him. “There is another option for dealing with this woman, you know.”
Her brows rose. “I’m listening.” She was, too. He had a lifetime of experience to draw from, and his advice was often spot on.
“You could remove her leverage,” he said. “Whatever you think she has over you—come out with it first. On your terms. If you own it, she can’t.”
Paige weighed that as she lined up her next throw. She took a breath and threw. The dart landed closer this time.
“I’ve thought about it,” she said, straightening. “And it’s tempting.”
“But?” he prompted.
“But that still feels like giving her power and I don’t want to do that,” Paige said. “Not unless I have to. Also, it would affect Randi, too, and then I’d have to tell her what is going on because I couldn’t blindside her like that.”
He turned, eyebrows raised slightly. “I see.”
“I’m not going to preemptively burn my own privacy because someone hinted at knowing something,” she said. “If Darcy turns out to be an actual threat, if she starts pushing, or she tells me she’s about to make my secret public, then I’ll consider cutting her off at the knees.”
He smirked.
She handed him a dart. “But not before.”
Graham nodded approvingly. “Admirable strategy.”
“Thanks.” Paige added, “I don’t believe in confessing to things just to stay ahead of rumors. That way lies madness. And what if what she thinks she knows isn’t the truth after all?”
He smiled and threw, landing a shot just off the bullseye. “Well said. And a good point.”
“Nice one.” Paige positioned her next dart, squared her shoulders, and took her time as she aimed again. This one landed solidly in the middle ring. She raised her arms in triumph and grinned. “Look at that.”
“Practice makes perfect,” Graham said. “And commitment pays off. Which works in more than one context.”
“So does patience.” She gave him a smile, certain of one thing.
Darcy Lane didn’t get to rush her. Not in darts.
And not in life.