Secret Designs(49)

"Okay, I understand. But what do I tell Ari?"

He shrugged. "Can you tell her you won Lotto? Unfortunately, it's not first prize."

Sylvie laughed. "Yes. I guess I can tell her that. But how much exactly have I won? She'll want to know."

Dylan gave her an amount that would be enough to cover Kenny's needs for the time being, plus a little bit more to ease the cash flow for her and Ari. He didn't want to appear over the top, in case Sylvie thought it too generous and refused it. He'd just have to watch over them and concoct a new story when they required some top-up funds.

Sylvie slumped on the sofa, silently sobbing with...gratitude? Surprise? Relief? Disbelief? He couldn't tell.

"That's good," Sylvie hiccupped. "I can give Ari back the money she'd saved to start up her business."

Dylan felt happy about that. It helped mask the ache in his chest.





*******



"Why didn't you tell Sylvie the truth, Dyl?" Jasmine asked as they left Sylvie's apartment. "I thought you wanted Ari to know how much you care about her, and to enlist Sylvie to show her how ridiculous it is to hang on to her 'gold digger' issues?"

He smiled despondently. "I just realised I'm not important enough in her life, Jaz. She hadn't mentioned me once to Sylvie."

"But she has feelings for you," Jasmine insisted.

"Not enough to want me in her life."

Jasmine stared at him. "So, what now?"

He shrugged. "At least I know she and her family will be fine. Jaz, it's probably for the best that she doesn't know what I'm doing. This way, she wouldn't have the opportunity to decline my help."

"I don't think she'd decline if it's for Kenny."

"No, but she'd refuse it for herself if she knows it's from me."

"So you're not going to chase after her anymore?" Jasmine asked with surprise and consternation.

He felt his eyes sting and glanced away from Jasmine. Ari didn't want him. It would be better for her if he stayed away.

"No, Jaz. I'm not going to chase after her anymore."





CHAPTER NINETEEN





"Oh, this fits perfectly again, Ari. Thank you so much!"

"My pleasure, Linda," Ari said, running a critical eye over the dress she'd made for Dylan's mother to wear to Jasmine's wedding.

"By the way, I have a couple of phone numbers for you," Linda said. "I had a few women commenting on the dress I wore to Faye's wedding. I told them it was custom-made and two of my friends want to talk to you. They have events coming up."

"Oh, thank you, Linda. I really appreciate that."

"Don't mention it. You're very talented. You make beautiful clothes. You should set up your own shop one day."

Ari blushed as she graciously accepted Linda's praise.

"Well, I'll be off now," she said to Linda. "I'll see you at Kane and Jaz's wedding in three weeks."

"Please, stay for dinner, Ari. Jasmine and Kane are arriving soon."

"Um." She should decline. She didn't want to bump into Dylan, in case he was going to be there tonight.

"Thank you. I'd love to stay," she answered.

Shit. The part of her that missed him like crazy had managed to speak first.

"Great. I have to start preparing dinner. Feel free to watch some TV or something while we wait for the others."

"Can I help in the kitchen?"

"Sure, if you want to."

"Who else is coming tonight?" she asked casually.

"Just Kane, Jasmine and Dylan. It will feel strange not having all of my kids here tonight, but the twins can't make it and, of course, Faye and Ray are on their honeymoon."





*******



Ari was about to prepare some onions when the doorbell rang. Her heart started racing. Would that be Kane and Jasmine, or Dylan?

"I'll get it!" they heard Fred call.

"Thank you, sweetheart!" Linda called back to her husband.

A couple of minutes later, a woman walked into the kitchen and Ari went cold all over. It was Rosalie.

Fuck.

Suddenly she wanted to go home.

"Hello, Rosalie," Linda greeted the young woman warmly. "This is a surprise."

"Hi, Linda. I thought I'd drop by tonight and say hello to everyone. I hope you don't mind," Rosalie replied.

"Of course not. You're welcome to drop by anytime. Do you remember Ari, Rosalie?"

"Yes. How are you, Ari?"

"I'm well, thanks. And you?"

"Good, thanks."

Was it her imagination or was Rosalie's voice colder toward her?

"Rosalie, you're joining us for dinner, yes?" Linda asked.

"I was hoping you'd ask," Rosalie said with a chuckle. "I take it Dylan will be here, too?"

"Yes, he'll be here," Linda replied with a knowing smile.