Page 60 of To Steal a Heart

Mom’s eyes glittered with excitement. “How do they look?”

“Great.” One thing she and Mom shared was a love of fashion. Arden had ordered the gown and matching mask from a boutique in Paris. “Did your gown and mask come in?”

Mom frowned. “Not yet. I’m getting worried. They were supposed to arrive yesterday.”

“Where did you order them from?”

“New York.”

“You should probably contact the seller.”

“I’ll do that now.” She made a face. “The gown and mask had better come in. It’s not like I have a surplus of pink gowns and masks laying around.” Madeline turned to Josette. “Did you order something to wear?”

The disdain on Grandmother’s face caused Arden to giggle. She put a hand over her mouth to squelch it.

“I most certainly did not,” Josette smirked. “I refuse to dress up in some idiotic theme.”

Odds were, Grandmother would wear her dreadful black dress and diamond necklace. Apprehension tugged at Arden as a new thought entered her head. Would Garrett try to steal Grandmother’s necklace? She wouldn’t put anything past him.

“See y’all later.” Not wishing to get stuck in the room by herself with Grandmother, Arden prepared to make a hasty exit. She was to the door when Grandmother’s raspy voice stopped her cold. “We need to talk.” Arden sucked in a breath and let it out slowly as she turned. “What’s up?” she asked casually.

Surprise flashed over Mom’s expression as she looked from Josette to Arden. “Is everything okay?”

Josette flicked her bony wrist in irritation. “Can’t I have a word with my granddaughter without people getting their panties in a wad?”

A startled giggle rose in Arden’s throat as she looked at Mom, who shook her head in weary disgust as if to say,I can’t do a thing with Josette.

“I’ll be in my office.” Madeline strolled out.

“Close the door,” Grandmother commanded.

“Yes, ma’am,” Arden clipped as she saluted. Talk about a worm on a hook. What was Grandmother up to now?

Arden sat down at the end of the conference room table, several seats from where Grandmother was sitting. She removed her purse strap from her arm and placed it on the table in front of her.

Josette rolled her eyes. “Come closer, girl. I don’t have the plague.”

“Are you sure about that?” Arden taunted.

The corners of Grandmother’s lips twitched in amusement. “Come,” she motioned.

“Fine,” Arden grunted. She might as well get this over with. In a huff, she got up and plopped down in the seat next to Grandmother, leaving her purse at the end of the table. “What’s up?” she prompted.

“What’s that under your sleeve?”

Arden nearly jumped out of her skin. “What?”

Grandmother pointed. “That thing you’re wearing.”

“It’s not athing. It’s a bracelet.”

“Let me see it.”

Arden made a face. “Why? It’s none of your business.”

Grandmother arched an eyebrow. “We can sit here all day.”

They eyed one another, a silent battle of wills taking place. Finally, Arden pushed up her sleeve and held out her wrist for inspection.