Beach Rental(68)

It felt like the battle for Ben, for the protection of Ben, had morphed with his death into a new struggle. She first sensed it after the funeral with Adela. Who had loved him more? Whom had he loved most? Grief and loss drove people to do bizarre things. It had been easier when she had no one for whom she cared deeply.

Easier not to care, but that didn’t seem as sensible and desirable as it once had despite the hazards.

Luke had something on his mind, but he didn’t share it. Instead, he returned his attention to the notes he was making. He listed Ben’s accounts, banking and credit, recurring bills, etc. “You’ll have to change these accounts over to your name, close others. You have a checking account in your name already as part of the agreement, right?”

“Yes, and he added me to his other accounts, too. In case of an emergency, he said.”

Luke nodded. “If you like, I’ll go with you to the bank to help sort out these others.”

It would be easier to deal with the bank with Luke there as the executor. “Thanks.”

“Do you want me to contact the life insurance company for you?”

The green kept rolling in, undeserved by her, Ben’s temporary wife. “Adela was his heir before, right?”

“Yes, she was.”

“Ben talked about a niece and nephew.”

“You don’t need to concern yourself about them. It was Ben’s right, and his choice, to change his will and his beneficiaries. They aren’t in need.”

“He said the kids are in high school, I think?”

“Yes.”

“I’d like to split the life insurance policy between them. Maybe in a trust for college funds? Could you help me with that?”

“Think about it. It’s a lot of money. I’ll help you in any way I can, but be sure it’s what you want to do.”

Luke looked at his watch. “I have to go. Call me when you’re ready to go to the bank.”

Juli walked with him out of the study and into the kitchen. “We can take care of it whenever it suits your schedule.” Had he heard her? He seemed distracted, fingering his keys absentmindedly. When he stopped abruptly, she tensed. Something was coming.

“At the Hammonds’ party back in April, I saw you. I didn’t look through you. I was looking for Ben.”

“Oh.” Something small and deep within Juli held still, listening. Luke was stern, growing more so as he continued, yet he was looking at the door rather than at her.

“When I went to the coatroom, it wasn’t to check up on the staff. I wanted to know if Ben had gotten his coat because he might have gone outside, or even gone home. I happened to see Frankie, and then you, while I was there.”

“Okay.”

“Ben had claimed his coat, so I went outside and spoke with the valet.”

“Who told you Ben had left.” She could imagine what else the valet might have hinted at.

“With a woman, he said. He insinuated Ben was drunk and you were…were doing the driving and…well, I knew Ben wasn’t drunk. Not drinking at all, in fact, but I didn’t know about you. Anything about you.”

He was out the door in a flash. For a tall man with such presence, he moved quickly. Juli was left, feeling astonished.

Maia had been talking. Juli went to the study window and looked down at the parking area. Luke opened his car door and paused. He reached up and pressed one hand against his eyes. If he was going to shed a tear or two, he didn’t want her to see.

She put her hands to the window. If she could reach through and touch him, she would. Without hesitation, she would wrap her arms around him with abandon, victimizing them both and slashing her self-respect into humiliated pieces that could never be glued back into their former state.

And Luke would not thank her for the emotional revelation or her sacrifice.

Fate was heartless. Always.





Chapter Twenty-Two



He was trapped, caught between Ben, Adela and Juli. They demanded time and energy he couldn’t spare. He had his own grief. Had businesses to run. Responsibilities.

Ever since Ben first told him the news, he’d been grieving. Every time he decided what should be done, something happened to shake it all up.

Ben’s marriage. Juli as the heir. Adela irate.

He was running an emotional obstacle course.

After the funeral, he’d taken Adela to the airport himself and stood by the exit ropes to ensure she didn’t come back. For the time being, she’d been dealt with. Sort of like the Dutch boy putting a finger in the dyke to staunch the flood.

Woefully inadequate.

And Ben.

Ben was gone. He’d do his best to abide by Ben’s wishes, including helping Juli. Luke understood why Ben wanted him to be friends with Juli. It was hard, though, to look at her without reliving the pain of Ben’s loss.