Page 36 of All The Wrong Notes
Will swore he was no hero, that he’d get most of the money back eventually, but he would certainly accrue some losses. Elise knew enough of how these things worked to understand that. All Will had repeated was that he had done it to save the centre, and changed the topic, clearly embarrassed and not wanting the glory. She loved him for it.
Nor would she say anything about Gwen’s role in the whole sorry mess. That was something for her to tell or not, and Elise was honoured her friend trusted her enough to let Will recount it.
Elise considered what to tell her friends. Will would eventually have something to tell Carlos, and their stories should match. “He knew Kevin from a long time ago and suspected he was up to no good. When he discovered Kevin had a place in the Caymans, he went there and tracked him down, and got a local official or two to lend some weight. And he got the money back.”
“You make it sound like a school kid getting someone’s lunch back from a bully,” Carlos laughed, and raised his beer in tribute. “I’m sure there was a lot more to it than that. But Will is a good guy. Endlessly loyal to his friends, even if he doesn’t always wear it on his sleeve.”
“He’s got the biggest heart I know,” Elise replied. “He’s a gem.”
Janet grew serious. “I’m really sorry I had to ghost you. I hated not being able to answer your calls. Carlos was also speaking to the board about some fundraising initiative ideas he’s got, and they said I should stay away. I almost ignored them, but I knew you’d be proven innocent, and I didn’t want to mess things up for the future. I can’t imagine how much that must have hurt.”
“It did. I won’t lie. I didn't know what was going on at first. But I understand. And Gwen didn’t call either, for the same reason, since she’s doing that big art project.” And, Elise didn’t add, because Gwen was afraid if Kevin discovered they were friends, it might put Elise in danger. Some trauma would never be completely forgotten.
Elise raised her glass to her friends. “Now, you two? You said you have news.”
“In a few minutes,” Carlos said, but then looked up and grinned. “Ah, here’s Will.”
Elise lifted her eyes to see her favourite sight in the world. Will’s long legs carried him quickly through the pub, his grey eyes focused on her, an easy smile on his handsome face. He hadn’t smiled this much when she’d first met him. If he had, perhaps she would have given him a chance sooner.
But better late than never. She returned his grin and he slid in next to her, his thigh pressing lightly against hers. She relished the sensation. He pressed a kiss to her lips, a bit more lingering than was strictly necessary for a casual greeting, before turning to his friends and saying hello.
As soon as his own drink appeared—a cup of black coffee—Carlos and Janet made their announcement. Janet had sold her condominium and had moved in with Carlos. The matching smiles on their faces spoke more loudly than words ever could.
Elise showered them with congratulations, all heartfelt and sincere. This was time to celebrate with their friends. She and Will had news of their own, but it could wait. She understood Will well enough to know he wouldn’t want to rain on their parade either. A glance from the corner of his eye and a squeeze of his hand confirmed this.
“And isn’t it wonderful that Elise is singing in the concert,” Janet gushed when the conversation turned to other topics. “Even though the rehearsals are half the fun, the concert will go so much better with her in the alto section. Are you coming?
Another grin split Will’s face. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Gwen is joining me. We can all have dinner afterwards, but we can’t make it a late night. The fundraiser for the arts centre is coming up, and we have to rehearse.”
“We?” Carlos asked.
Elise leaned over and planted a kiss on Will’s cheek. “We. I can’t let a talent like this guy’s go unheard. We’ve just chosen one song. We don’t want to upstage the kids. But Will’s foundation is being so generous, I wanted to show him off a bit.”
“And the Eglinton Echoes will benefit, too,” Will added. “I’m setting up a separate charitable foundation just for the arts. It’s additional money, so it won’t take away from the other causes we help. I’m putting my aunt Catherine in charge, so it’s out of my hands entirely. I’m not quite an uninterested party anymore.”
His eyes caressed Elise, and she shivered deliciously. “She’s going to listen to one of your rehearsals, and if she’s satisfied, we’ll help fund your cross-Canada tour in the summer.”
The friends raised their glasses and toasted each other, their good fortune, and that awful day last June when Elise and Will were dragged so unhappily to a blind-dating event.
* * *
It was late. The stars had long since come out, and wispy clouds skittered across the black sky, now obscuring the quarter moon, now unveiling it as it cast its feeble light across the icy waters of the lake. The air was cold, and a wind teased its way through the trees and ruffled the surface of the water a short distance away.
Elise didn’t care at all. Here, in the hot tub on Will’s covered patio at the cottage, the water was warm, and the gorgeous male body beside her, warmer still.
They had driven up immediately after work the next day, to spend the weekend together in peace, quiet, and blessed privacy. This time, Will didn’t carry Elise’s bags to the comfortable room on the lower level, but rather, up the stairs to his own suite. It was airy and calm, with its understated and elegant furniture, large window, and pale walls, decorated with a gallery of beautiful and vibrant paintings.
Gwen. Elise knew her style, and approved.
“Do you like it?”
Was Will still anxious? She would have to tease him into the confidence he deserved. Later.
“It’s lovely,” she replied, meaning it.
“I cleared out half the drawers for you. We can get more furniture, if you like.”
We. She was part of this now.