Sweet Fortune

with her open palm. “ Most times, I can get him to come through. I thought that he understood this science fair was really important to Elizabeth.”
    “I think he does understand.” Connie shrugged. “And I believe he genuinely regrets not being able to take her. It's just that with Vincent, business is always more important than anything else. Jessie, you should know that better than anyone.”
    Jessie winced at the accusation in Constance's words. “This is all my fault, isn't it? That's why you're here. To tell me that it's all my fault.”
    “Well, yes, to be perfectly blunt.” Constance sighed. Her eyes held a hint of sympathy beneath the accusation. “I've warned you before that unless you can guarantee Vincent's actions, it's far kinder not to set Elizabeth up.”
    “I didn't set her up.” But she had. Jessie knew she had done exactly that. She had set Elizabeth up for a bad fall. Guilt lanced through her, as sharp as any knife. “Oh, God, Connie. I'm so sorry.”
    “I realize that. But I'm beginning to think it would be better if you didn't try to create a relationship between Elizabeth and her father. Let the chips fall where they may. She'll survive it. You did.”
    “But it means so much to her when he takes her out for her birthday or to a school project. I don't want her growing up the way I did, with Dad as some distant, remote figure who occasionally pats her on the head and asks if she needs any money. You can't say all my efforts have been in vain, Connie. You know she has a much better relationship with him than I did at her age.”
    “I know. And I've been grateful for what you've managed to accomplish. But now that she's about to become a teenager, I don't know if it's wise to keep trying to arrange things between them. Teenagers take rejection and disappointment so seriously. They're so emotional at that age. She was really counting on him being at the science fair on Saturday. She's going to be badly hurt.”
    Jessie clenched her hand into a small fist. “Have you told Elizabeth yet?”
    Constance shook her head. “No. I'll do it tonight.” Her mouth twisted with brief bitterness. “By rights, I should make you do it, shouldn't I?”
    “Yes.” Jessie bit her lip. “Connie, this is Thursday. Give me until tomorrow to see if I can change his mind, all right?”
    “It won't work. You'll just be delaying the inevitable. Vincent said this was business , remember?”
    “Just give me a few hours.”
    Constance shook her head as she got to her feet and collected her purse. “I suppose it won't make much difference if I tell Elizabeth tonight or tomorrow.”
    “Thanks. I'll try to make this work, Connie. I promise.”
    “I know you will, but…Oh, well. We'll see.” Constance glanced around the shabby interior of Valentine Consultations. “So this is your latest career move, hmmm? When are you going to settle down and find a real job, Jessie?”
    “This is a real job. Why won't anyone take it seriously?”
    Constance went to the door. “Probably because of your track record. You're always getting yourself fired, remember?”
    “Well, I'm not planning to get myself fired from this job. This one is going to work out. Connie?”
    “Yes?”
    “You promise you won't tell Elizabeth until I've had a chance to talk to Dad?”
    “You're wasting your time, Jessie, but you have my word on it.” Constance paused before going through the door. “By the way, how are things going with the heir to the throne?”
    “Don't hold your breath. He's just like Dad. You wouldn't really want me to make the same mistake you made, would you?”
    Constance frowned. “I thought matters were getting serious between you and Hatch.”
    “Sheer idle speculation, rumor, and gossip. Most of it started by Dad. I wouldn't marry that man if he were the last male on earth.”
    Constance's expression relaxed. “Good. Sounds like it's all going to work out for the best, then. I'm glad. I like Hatch, and Benedict Fasteners needs him desperately. We all do.”
    “Dammit, Connie, I said I wasn't going to…”
    But further protest was useless. Constance had already closed the door behind herself.

CHAPTER SIX

    A t eight-thirty that evening Jessie was still sitting at the rolltop desk in the office. She finally forced herself to admit defeat. Her father had not returned any of her calls.
    She had not even been able to get past Grace, Vincent's secretary, all afternoon. No, at eight-thirty it was obvious