Chapter 67
Chapter Sixty-Seven
You are strong. You are grounded. You are fucking powerful.
Now dry your fucking eyes and get back at it.
—From Remy’s Badass Bitch Affirmations
Remy
Lila wrapped Remy in a hug. “I’ve always admired you, Doc. One of the most impressive, accomplished women I’ve ever met. Now, that’s grown exponentially. I’m so proud to call you ‘friend.’”
“Thank you, Lila. That means…more than I can say.”
“I realize no one can take Etta’s place, but just know you have a true friend in me. For life.”
Remy allowed Lila to tuck her into another fierce hug, inhaling the soothing scent of Lila’s shampoo. Green apples and maybe coconut? It was fresh and perky and so very Lila.
Look at me, Etta—making friends. And falling in love.
After Remy’s big reveal, Honor went into the primary bedroom to nurse Jude.
Sebastian—with Remy’s assent—disappeared into what used to be Brinder’s guest room to discuss public relations strategy with Melody and Slash.
Remy couldn’t bear to discuss it for one more second, trusting Sebastian to represent her with integrity.
Which she knew, beyond a doubt, he would.
Reporters on the hunt for a salacious story had managed to connect Arabella Remington to Arabella Torres. From there, it was an easy trail to follow, leading to Etta’s murder and the standoff with the SWAT team sent to rescue Remy, which ultimately led to Doug’s death.
It was an ugly story and the media vultures were salivating over the carrion of the tragedy.
The underbelly of the Internet had exploded in speculation and lies, no one seemingly interested in the truth and in the fact that actual people—whose lives were devastated and snuffed—were at the heart of the story.
Nell and Gen gathered her in their arms, murmuring words of friendship and support. Benny Tambeaux, who’d remained in the condo to prepare to-go plates from the food she’d ordered, surprised Remy with another hug.
“It’s not weird at all to be hugging the supermodel whose DVD of makeup tips was Etta Remington’s go-to source for nights out.” Remy grinned, still acclimating herself to the reality that the man she loved was famous, his sister was equally famous, and his sister’s agent was as well.
“Hashtag mind blown,” Lila chimed in. “So you’re living in this building now?”
Benny nodded carefully, her face neutral.
“My son is an incoming freshman at Boston University. He was recruited to play hockey. We’ve lived in London for almost twenty years, but my—” she halted, clearly struggling with word choice.
“My son’s father and I are no longer married.
I decided I didn’t want to be an ocean away from Rasmus, but that he also didn’t need his mother hovering over him in the same town.
Brinder mentioned his building. I just moved in a couple weeks ago.
I was going to buy his place, but it turns out, it’s about to be occupied.
” Her gaze darted to Grayton, who was back on his phone and speaking in a low, urgent voice.
“We’ll see. My lease is just for six months. ”
“You know what I’m thinking?” Gen turned to Nell, a slow smile spreading on her face.
“I believe I’m reading your thought bubble, Geneva Fox-Reyes,” Nell replied, gently wringing her hands. “But I don’t think we should impose.”
“And I think we should at least offer,” Gen replied, eyebrows high.
“Then we’re putting her on the spot. She’ll feel she has to accept just to be polite.” Nell cast a worried glance at Benny.
Lila raised her hand. “Um, hi. Lila Somerville. Longtime listener, first time caller. For the rest of us who don’t seem to have developed mind-reading skills or have your bestie-ESP—ha! BestiESP—does someone want to fill us in?”
With an affectionate chortle, Gen turned to Benny. “We’re wondering if you’d like to join the Red Wine Supper Club.”
Benny smiled, her gorgeous face becoming even more stunning, and Remy had the distinct sensation of feeling as trollish as Gollum from The Lord of the Rings.
“I’m not sure what that is, but I’m generally game for anything wine and friendship.” The former cover model, who’d graced more swimsuit editions than Remy could count, halted, tucking an icy blonde strand behind her ear. Could goddesses even get nervous? “But I don’t want to impose.”
“Impose away!” Lila practically shrieked, her natural exuberance taking over. “We’re all essentially new friends. Except for Gen and Nell, who’ve been friends since the womb—”
“True,” Gen nodded, shoulder-bumping Nell, who blushed adorably.
“I’ve known Doc for years,” Lila continued, “but our friendship is more recent. Before that, I was merely in awe of Darth Vadress and her effortless skill as a surgeon.”
Remy barked an amused laugh. “Join at your own peril.”
Benny smiled. “I’d like that. Other than Honor—who is basking in new motherhood—I don’t really know anyone here. It’s been tougher than I expected to start over.”
“Now you know four more,” Gen said, the look in her eyes conveying she wouldn’t accept no for a response. “While it’s early days in our little group, I can easily say there’s no friendship like Red Wine Supper Club friendship.”
“I can see that.” Benny’s cut-glass cheekbones had two spots of color. “Thank you,” she whispered, then cleared her throat as she pulled herself together. “But I really don’t drink much red wine. It’s been giving me migraines, to my deep disappointment.”
“Drink whatever you want. Or not at all. We just like the name.”
“It’s catchy,” Nell offered, her cheeks blazing bright pink.
“Then I’m in.”
“Yay!” Lila cheered. “Welcome to the Red Wine Supper Club, Benny.”
Her friends—including her newest one—returned to their homes.
With Sebastian still ensconced in the guest room, Honor and Brinder stayed with her, chatting randomly of everything and nothing, their little baby still sound asleep.
They kept the conversation light, all of them clearly emotionally drained from the retelling of Remy’s story.
Across the room, where he was sitting at the table jotting notes, Grayton hung up the phone that had been virtually attached to his ear since they’d arrived at the condo hours earlier. “Well, we’ve got her.”
“Who?” Remy froze, suddenly so weary and unable to take one more thing tonight.
“The person who vandalized your house, Dr. Remington.”
“Remy, please,” she insisted. “Who was it?”
“Just as Bash suspected, it was Maddie Hitchings, his longtime stalker,” Grayton confirmed, sighing and stretching.
“She was released?” Sebastian’s stunned voice filled the room.
Remy turned in her seat and held out a hand, which he quickly took, settling in next to her.
“Escaped,” Grayton corrected. “Two days ago. Someone pulled a fire alarm at the care facility. In the chaos, one of the security guards had her badge nicked. Maddie must have swiped it. It was dark, and she disappeared into the countryside, hitchhiking to DC, where she paid cash to ride a bus into Charlottesville. From there, she Ubered, right to your home, Remy.”
“How did they find her?” Sebastian asked, his brow furrowed.
“It was actually a member of the paparazzi who identified her.” Grayton consulted his notes. “Jerome Weathers.”
“Fucking A,” Sebastian breathed out. “Remind me to give that man a scoop.” He turned to Remy. “That’s the pap outside of the restaurant.”
Remy nodded. “I recognized his name.”
Sebastian scrubbed a hand down his face, suddenly looking weary. “It tracks, though. The man has been following me for decades. Of course he’d recognize my stalker. Damn.” He focused his attention on Grayton. “How is Maddie?”
His concern confused Remy. Wasn’t she a stalker? And one who’d violated their safety and privacy? And called her horrible names?
Sebastian smiled sadly. “I know what you’re thinking, my queen.
But Maddie really is harmless. After one of her Bash Wheatley stalking sprees, I testified in court.
While I was there, I met her parents. Two sweet, salt-of-the-earth types.
Maddie is their only child. They adopted her later in life.
She struggled from an early age with behavioral health challenges, which devolved into pretty severe mental illness.
They didn’t have much in the way of financial resources to help her, and I could see how devoted they were to their daughter, and how devastated and embarrassed they were at her stalking.
They kept apologizing on her behalf. I decided on the spot I’d help. ”
Heart bursting with love, Remy brushed her lips against his. “You’re a good man, Sebastian Wheatley.”
“Not all the time, but I try.” He shrugged with a tiny smile.
“As I’ve said many times, I’ve been more than fortunate in this life.
Helping others who truly need it is the least I can do.
” He paused, sighing deeply. “Grayton, can you make sure Maddie is treated well? And please be in touch with her residence. This can’t happen again, for her safety and the safety of other residents. ”
“Of course, sir. On it.”
“And I don’t wish to press charges. I’ll repair Arabella’s home.”
Grayton squared his shoulders, somehow looking both fierce and deferential. “Sir, that’s going to be a problem. My firm is taking care of it. We should’ve ensured coverage before Lewis left with Ms. Howes.”
Sebastian cracked a smile. “I’m not winning this argument, am I?”
“No, sir. You’re not.”
“So be it.” Sebastian stood and shook the former Ranger’s hand. “Also, I’m man enough to admit I’m slightly terrified of you.”
Grayton released a tiny huff of a laugh—which was likely the stoic man’s version of a belly-laugh—and Honor giggled from the circle of Brinder’s arms.
“Why don’t we get out of your hair.” Brinder eased to standing, keeping one hand on Honor’s shoulder, which he stroked tenderly. “You both could use some rest.”
Remy felt about two hundred years old, her neck and shoulders aching with tension. And, yet, she also had the sense of a massive weight lifted. “Thank you for letting us stay here, Brinder. You sure it’s not an imposition?”
“You really need to ask me?” He raised a brow and Remy hung her head, laughing.
“What about our things?” Sebastian asked.
Grayton waved his phone. “Text me a list tonight and we’ll get everything to you. Meanwhile, rest easy knowing we have a perimeter around your home and this building.”
“Thank you, Grayton,” Remy whispered.
“My pleasure, ma’am.” Grayton nodded. “And for the record, I also think you’re impressive.
I know Army Rangers who’d quake in their boots and collapse if they had to face the things you did.
And not only didn’t you collapse, you thrived.
You’re an impressive lady, Dr. Remington.
It’s an honor.” He offered her a deferential nod and headed for the door.
“My fiancé is a badass,” Sebastian echoed, then whispered in her ear, “and I’m beyond ready to make you my wife.”