Duck Disaster by Vikki Walton

Author:Vikki Walton [Walton, Vikki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fiction
Publisher: Vikki Walton
Published: 2022-05-26T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

After agreeing to meet with Richard later, Anne and Hope headed into Denver for breakfast at Snooze before heading to the botanical gardens. They wandered the paths, enjoying the beautiful display of various plants, but Hope noted her favorite was a display of all wildflowers. Finally, they left the park and headed back to Cherry Creek, where Richard had his apartment.

A disheveled Richard answered the door. “Come in.” He motioned into the cool white marble hallway where large contemporary piece of art adorned the wall and a geometric sculpture sat near a doorway.

No English manor house style here.

Once they were inside, he moved past them into a large open plan living and dining area with a glimpse of a sleek, modern kitchen somewhat hidden behind minor wall partitions. “Please, have a seat.”

Anne and Hope both took a seat on a gray leather sofa while he sat in a black and chrome chair next to the couch.

Hope broke the strained silence. “Richard, is there anything we can do for you or that you need?”

He shook his head, and Anne could tell he was struggling against breaking down. He blew out a breath before replying. “Thank you. I think it’s finally hitting me. I’m trying to get it arranged in my mind, but I can’t seem to function.”

“Grief’s like that. Especially when you love someone so much.” Their eyes met.

“What gave me away?”

“Your face. Love was written all over it.”

He rubbed his hands against his cheeks, bolting up from the chair. “I, yes, why shouldn’t I admit it now? I love—loved—” His voice broke, and he took a moment to compose himself. “I did love Casey. But it wasn’t mutual.”

Anne’s brow furrowed. “What?”

He returned to his seat. “I guess I should start at the beginning.”

Hope reached over and laid her hand on his arm, signaling her empathy. “If you wouldn’t mind, that would be helpful.”

“We met at a gala event.” He smiled at the remembrance. “She was funny, witty, delightful. Of course, beautiful as well. We connected right away.”

“Did you meet Rayne then too?”

He shook his head. “No. I think maybe later in the evening, but we didn’t speak. She was at another table for the event. I asked if I could call Casey, and she gave me her number. We went out, and things were progressing well. Then…it all seemed to fall apart. She wouldn’t return my calls, ignored my texts. I couldn’t find out what I’d done. Finally, I saw Rayne at another event. She told me Casey hadn’t met someone else, but she didn’t want to get into a serious relationship because her career was taking off. I thought that was the end of that, but then Rayne started texting me. Little things. How are you holding up? Want to meet for coffee, things like that. We started seeing each other. I didn’t feel the same with her as I did with Casey, but she was so attentive, and it was nice to have someone who listened and appreciated the work I’m trying to do.

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