Free The Secrets of Paradise Bay by Devon Vaughn Archer Page A

have,” Trey said, realizing just how much he hoped Grant did ’til the day he died.
    Helene colored. “I’m sure Grant appreciates me, even if he doesn’t always show it.” She removed her hand. “So when do I get to meet this brother of yours—or do I?”
    Trey didn’t want to add fuel to the fire by suggesting to Clyde that he was still seeing Helene. On the other hand, she was a good friend and there was no real harm in introducing Clyde to her.
    â€œOf course you do. I’d be happy for you to meet Clyde. I’ll arrange it.”
    Helene gave Trey an understanding look. “Has it been rough for him trying to adjust to being on the outside?”
    â€œSo far, so good, knock on wood. Clyde seems to have mellowed out a bit. Maybe through years of soul-searching, he’s ready to finally get his act together. I’ve given him a job in hopes that he might want to someday partner up with me. Or at least stick around long enough to get some stability in his occupational life.”
    â€œThat’s wonderful, Trey. I’m sure your brother can use his big brother’s support right now. Working together is a nice way to build bridges.”
    Trey agreed. “There’s been too much water under the bridge, so to speak. I hope we can put our differences behind us and just go from here.”
    â€œI don’t see why not,” Helene said, lifting her drink. “Family is supposed to stick together, through thick and thin. Just like true friends . . .”
    â€œI’ll drink to that,” Trey said, and hoisted his wineglass. “Here’s to family unity and unbreakable friendships.”
    Their glasses clicked and Trey felt better for it. Now for the hard part—trying to figure out precisely what it would take to win Ivana over on every level while remaining true to himself.
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    â€œThis is our showroom,” Trey told Clyde, displaying an array of shiny new cars on multiple levels.
    â€œIt’s cool,” Clyde said, trying hard not to feel resentment toward his brother for making success seem so easy, while his own life had been so damned hard with every step he took. Maybe things were finally about to change for the better.
    I won’t get too excited in that respect ’til I see it with my own eyes.
    â€œEdwin, get over here,” ordered Trey.
    Clyde watched the thirtysomething, stocky man in a tight-fitting navy suit approach.
    â€œClyde, this is Edwin Turner, my top salesman.”
    Edwin stuck his hand out. “So you’re the little brother Trey can’t seem to stop talking about?”
    â€œNot so little.” Clyde grinned crookedly while looking down on him. “And don’t believe everything you’ve heard.”
    â€œOnly the good things, right?” joked Edwin.
    â€œYeah.” What bad things has Trey said about me? Does every one of his employees know I’ve just gotten out of prison ?
    â€œWell, if you need any pointers on sales technique that Trey can’t answer, come to me.”
    â€œYeah, I’ll do that.”
    Trey indicated that a customer had come in, and Edwin excused himself.
    â€œLooks like you run a tight ship here, bro,” Clyde said, unsure whether to be impressed or concerned that he might not fit in.
    Trey made no apologies. “Wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t.”
    â€œI suppose not.” And maybe I’d be somewhere different at this time in my life if I didn’t always have to stand in your shadow .
    â€œLet me show you the rest of the place.”
    Clyde followed him as they entered Trey’s office, which included various framed awards and photographs with local civic leaders and celebrities.
    â€œNice,” Clyde said, as though compelled to.
    â€œJust comes with the territory,” Trey downplayed.
    In the next office over, a woman was talking snappily on the phone. “Those cars were due