Heavenstone 02 - Secret Whispers

to promote your business or your career. They just won’t have the same passion. There’s no shame in being proud of your accomplishments, and more often than not, we have to blast our own headlines.”
    “You’re right,” Ethan said. “I see that now, especially in this competitive environment.”
    “Precisely. Ah, here she is!” Daddy cried. “Ethan, this is—”
    “We already met, Teddy,” Lucille said.
    I was surprised she had gone strapless as well and put on one of her more elegant black satin dresses with a pleated bust. She complemented it with a pair of emerald and diamond earrings and a four-leaf clover emerald and diamond necklace strung on gold.
    “Well, look at that,” Daddy said. “Lucille’s wearing a special gift I gave her. You should be honored, Ethan. Those earrings and necklace marked a little anniversary of ours.”
    Lucille laughed. “Your father insists on giving me gifts every month to celebrate our first real date,” she said.
    “I don’t blame him,” Ethan said.
    Lucille’s eyes seemed to glitter when she looked at him and gave a little nod of thanks.
    “Glass of your white wine?” Daddy said, pouring it.
    “Yes, my dear.” She moved to the bar.
    I stepped closer to Ethan. “Their little anniversary was the first night I met you,” I whispered.
    “Then I’ll have to start giving you a gift, too,” he replied.
    “Well, then, let’s toast the hope that Ethan enjoys his visit,” Daddy said, raising his glass.
    Lucille held her smile. “I think I can safely say he’s already done that,” she said.
    Ethan blushed and drank rather than speaking.
    Our conversations that night both during cocktails and at dinner moved through more topics than ever. I could see that Daddy was quite impressed with how much Ethan knew about the current retail scene, including some favorable and not-so-favorable business tax laws. Whenever the conversation got too dry for her taste, Lucille changed the topic to something to do with their upcoming wedding. Discussion of food and music led to more about the wedding menu and the choices she had made for the orchestra.
    “This sounds like the wedding of the century,” Ethan remarked.
    “To us, it is,” Lucille replied. “But you’re very nice to say so.”
    To my surprise, she gave Mrs. Dobson a compliment on the dinner as well, but afterward, she did saythat for real lobster Alfredo, we would have to go to Eva’s Bistro in Lexington.
    After dinner, we went into the den, where Daddy showed Ethan all of his fine electronics, his stereos and high-definition television.
    “Not that we have that much time to spend on home entertainment these days,” he said.
    “It’s no one’s fault but your own, Teddy,” Lucille gently chastised. “You should have better executives on your staff so you would feel more comfortable about assigning responsibilities. You’re no different from a president and his cabinet.”
    “Take note, Ethan,” Daddy said. “A good woman sees where her man needs to be strengthened and subtly, perhaps not so subtly sometimes, makes sure that’s what happens.”
    “Maybe that’s because we take criticism best from those we love and those who love us,” Ethan said, focusing on me when he said it.
    “Well said,” Daddy replied.
    Soon after, Lucille suggested that Ethan and I go for a walk.
    “After all, Teddy,” she told Daddy, “they don’t need to spend all their time with us. I’m sure they have lots of catching up to do.”
    “Oh, sure, sure. Go on. Show him the pool,” Daddy suggested. “All the ground lights are on. Enjoy.”
    “Thank you, sir,” Ethan said, and then looked to me. I rose and led him out.
    “My soon-to-be stepmother has a way of taking over everything,” I muttered. “Even our agenda.”
    “Actually, I’m glad she made the suggestion,” Ethan whispered. He laughed and hurried us out of the house. “But don’t misunderstand me. Your father’s a terrific guy. He made me feel comfortable from the moment I met him.”
    “I’m glad, Ethan.”
    “I can see why he’s so successful. And your future stepmother’s quite a nice surprise, too.” When I didn’t comment, he added, “Don’t you like her?”
    “What is it they say? The jury’s still out.”
    He laughed and then grew serious, his eyes narrowing and focusing on mine. “No one can replace your mother, I’m sure. That’s what your father’s going through. It’s not easy to marry someone who was happily