Chapter One
Embrace it or fight it until your last breath; change is life’s only constant.
Or more succinctly:
Change sucks.
Pacing her uptown Manhattan apartment, Alethea paused to look out the window at the busy street below. It was one of her many homes, but since her New York-based company was doing well, it had been a natural choice for her to settle in the city. It was also where Lil Dartley, her best friend, spent most of her time. A friend whose sister was about to have a baby. Today or tomorrow, if the doctor’s predictions were correct.
A second Dartley having a baby.
The first time, I was needed.
This time, I’m not even welcome.
Still, Alethea felt she had to be nearby, in case Lil or her family needed her. No, they hadn’t forgiven her yet, for what, even she had to admit, had been poor handling of “the Jeremy situation.” Is there anything worse than someone telling you how horrible you are and realizing they’re right?
I’ve hurt people I cared about.
I’ve been selfish.
Being sorry isn’t enough to make things right. I have to remove the stain of my mistakes. If that’s even possible.
Some mistakes are unforgiveable.
Alethea scowled. Especially if Saint Abby declares them so.
Alethea gave herself a silent lecture. Shake it off. Don’t hate her. Be glad she and Lil have each other again. She’s a part of Lil’s life. Don’t give up. For Lil.
The ringing of her cell phone pulled Alethea out of her dark thoughts. She smiled when she saw the caller ID. Speak of the imp.
“Al, Abby called.” Lil’s voice vibrated with excitement. “She just went into labor. She and Dominic are heading to Mount Sinai Hospital right now. This is it.”
“Do you need someone to watch Colby?” A smile spread across her face as she mentioned the little girl she considered her niece.
“No, she’s coming with me. There is a whole suite for us. You know Dominic, only the best. I’m sorry I didn’t call you earlier. Things have been crazy the last couple of days. The press is everywhere. They really want a picture of this baby. I’ll tell you, I almost miss the calm of no one knowing me. They literally block you in sometimes. No wonder Dominic has so much security. I used to think he went overboard, but I would be worried about how they’d get to the hospital without it.”
Instinctively Alethea asked, “What’s the security plan for the hospital?”
Lil said, “I have no idea, but I’m sure it’s top-notch.”
By whose standards? Alethea frowned. “I hope so. People take advantage of chaos.”
“You worry too much, Al. There’ll probably be a swat team guarding the door. It’ll be like Fort Knox. No one is more paranoid than Dominic.” Lil laughed. “Well, maybe just you.”
Alethea cast her eyes heavenward. Vigilance isn’t a suggestion; it’s a necessity for survival. “It’s not paranoia if people are actually out to get you. You know as well as I do that something is brewing.” With an exasperated wave of her hand, she added, “I know you don’t think I have enough proof yet, but my gut tells me that trouble for Corisi Enterprises is only just beginning. The glitches in their system. The rumors that there’s someone working on the inside. Now a lull in the software issues while Abby has her baby. It doesn’t feel right. The two shouldn’t be related.”
“Because they aren’t.” Lil sighed. “Listen, Al, I love you, but I can’t talk about this right now. Everyone is heading to the hospital. Let me simply enjoy this time. I don’t want to talk about conspiracy theories or computer glitches. I want you to tell me that my sister is going to have a healthy baby and an easy birth. That’s all. Be happy for Abby. Be happy for me.”
Alethea shifted her attention to her new Jimmy Choos—stylish, with four-inch heels that could double as a weapon. “I am happy for Abby . . . and you.”
“Are you? Are you really?”
“Yes,” Alethea said defensively. I sent a shower present. A password-protected, close-range, encrypted, recording-enabled teddy bear nanny cam. I bet it’s still in the box. I wouldn’t know since I wasn’t invited to the shower, nor to Abby’s home since.
When will they give me credit for trying to save Corisi Enterprises? How long will I have to pay for losing my temper at Jeisa?
Instantly contrite, Lil gushed, “I’m sorry, Al. You know I wish I could bring you with me today. Everyone is going to be there today. Everyone, but you. If you would just tone it down a bit, they’d see the you I love. It’s your intensity they don’t understand.”