Free Fat Chance by Rhonda Pollero Page B

nodded.
    “Seven million.”
    “Ten,” Liv practically squealed with delight. “Can you imagine?”
    “No,” we all said in unison. Actually, Becky added the f bomb, but I figured that was more a result of her mood than anything else.
    “I thought you got passed over on that event last year,” Jane said.
    Liv nodded. “I did, but it turns out the bride felt that the previous planner wasn’t treating her with the appropriate amount of deference due a Palm Beach debutante.”
    “Maybe because she isn’t a Palm Beach deb?” I suggested. “Wasn’t Terri Semple Gilmore’s secretary or something?” The image of Tony flashed through my head.
    Liv grinned. “She was his secretary’s secretary. Rumor has itshe sabotaged the secretary, took her job, and six months later, she had a whopper of an engagement ring on her finger.”
    “Guess there’s hope for all of us,” I said on a long breath. “I think it’s easier to break out of jail than to break into Palm Beach society.”
    Liv leaned in closer and whispered, “Rumor also has it that if Papa Gilmore was still alive, he’d nix the nuptials in a heartbeat.”
    “Lucky for her he died last year,” Jane said.
    Becky added, “You mean lucky for Liv’s business.”
    I could sense Liv’s feelings getting hurt by Becky’s lack of enthusiasm, so I figured it would be best for everyone if I interceded. “Dane, Lieberman hired a new partner, and they tagged me to work for him.”
    All eyes turned on Becky. Quickly I said, “His name is Tony Caprelli, and he’ll be heading the new criminal division.”
    “That sucks,” Liv said, patting Becky’s hand. “You’ve worked your fanny off for that firm.”
    Becky shrugged. “I’m not a criminal specialist.”
    “Tell me they at least gave you a raise,” Jane said.
    Becky’s eyes met mine. “Nope, that would be Finley who got the raise. Congrats, by the way.” Her sentiment was sincere, but it lacked enthusiasm. Totally understandable.
    Holding up one hand, I waved it furiously. “Don’t congratulate me. The raise came at a very high price. I have to take classes at the community college two nights a week.”
    “You?” Liv asked, barely able to keep her laughter in check. “You hate school, you always have. Besides, don’t you have to rehab your house? Or at least get rid of the skeleton?”
    “No one seems too interested in the girl in the closet.”
    “So they know it was a girl?” Becky asked.
    I nodded. “A teenager, according to Liam.”
    The minute I said his name, three sets of eyes widened, and they stilled in silent anticipation. “He came by my office.”
    “And?” Liv prompted.
    I shrugged. “And nothing. Can we get back to the house?”
    Reluctantly they nodded.
    “Good. So this new job opportunity will earn me some much-needed overtime, and the raise will come in handy, since my new house is a money pit.”
    “Speaking of handy,” Jane said as she reached into her large Coach tote. “I made a list of contractors.”
    I took the piece of paper, then turned. I stared at my friend for less than thirty seconds before she broke and spilled her guts. “Okay, so I didn’t personally put the list together. Liam has some contacts, and it’s always wise to get references before you start any home improvement project.”
    “That man has it bad for you,” Liv opined.
    “No, he doesn’t,” I replied. “He just derives some sort of sick pleasure from toying with me. I’m completely immune to him.”
    “Liar,” Becky muttered. “If he walked in here this minute and crooked his finger, you’d go running.”
    “Trust me, his finger won’t be crooking anytime soon.”
    “What would you do if he did?” Jane asked.
    Run through fire. “Turn him down. The guy has too much baggage. There’s the whole thing with the ex-wife. I’d understand why they spend so much time together if they had kids, but they don’t. Which can only mean one thing—he isn’t over her, and after