The Chosen Heir (The Bolles Dynasty Book 3) (21 page)

His father’s real critics were not here this evening. If he wanted to seek them out then he would need to go elsewhere. Did it matter?

He smiled at his sister. “It’s important. How are you feeling?”

“I’m well but designing the right gown wasn’t easy.” She ran a hand over her round belly.

They spent several more minutes chatting until Olivia yawned. “I’ve been tired lately. Especially with travelling.”

Olivia and Bridget embraced and then he kissed his sister on the cheek.
 

Fionn shook his hand saying, “Good luck and let me know if you need help.”

He wanted to take Bridget upstairs, but instead he led her back to the dance floor. Fionn had a point: he had to be careful to not cling to the past.

It had been said many times that he was hiding out in Ireland. He didn’t see it that way, but it was easier than having to defend the Bolles name. When he returned he would seek out his brother and, if it was true, he would tell his sisters.

***

On her last day in New York, Bridget was invited to attend a luncheon at
Vogue
with Olivia. William had left early in the morning for a meeting and she used the hotel’s workout room and then spent time on her computer.

At eleven thirty, she took a shower and dressed in a straight grey skirt with a white silk top. It was a warm summer in New York so she didn’t bother with stockings, but she wore four-inch heels and added a few accessories. In her regular life, she was known as a fashion expert, but it was intimidating coming to New York and having to attend an event with people that were real experts.

Olivia met her in the lobby. “I’m surprised my brother has let you disappear for a few hours.”

Bridget laughed. “He has no interest in a lunch at
Vogue
. He is probably biking around the city.”

Olivia looked gorgeous in a silk dress. “Did he bring his bicycle?”

“I think so.” She had woken up after he left this morning and there was a cryptic note about escaping the world of suits and ties. It was possible that he was escaping the stress of the financial world by heading off on his bicycle.

“There should be a limousine waiting outside.”
 

The traffic was heavy and Bridget watched the pedestrians make their way through the crowded streets. New York had a pace that was unbelievable.

“When I first visited New York, I was mesmerized by all the activity.”

Bridget turned to Olivia. “I know. I can’t believe that I’m here and going to
Vogue
.”

“How are things at the Breen Hat Company?”

“It has been a struggle. Mainly it is the emotional side of the business that is tricky to manage. I understand the marketing and the numbers, but the employees have been living in a stressful and uncertain environment for some time.”

Olivia smiled gently. “It is difficult, but I’ve learned in business that emotions need to be honestly addressed and then put aside.”

“The owner, Patrick Breen, has good ideas, but he is exhausted and somewhat unwilling to change. William is ready to replace him, but I’d rather give him more time.”

“If you are protecting him from the consequences of his actions then I don’t think it will work.”

“It would be a shame to lose the connection to the past.”

“As a manager, you have to be willing to make hard choices or the company could go under. I’ve seen situations where a change, even if resisted in the beginning, was the best thing for the individual.”

The limousine left them off near the building and they were guided into an elaborate luncheon. There were less than fifty guests and they were placed at different tables.

A designer seated near her commented, “I saw your photograph with William Bolles. It was stunning. We are considering using it.”

It surprised her and the conversation turned into an inquiry about where William spent most of his time.
 

Another woman asked, “Where did the two of you meet?”
 

“We met through his sister, Olivia Bolles.”

The topic switched to the upcoming fashion week. She thought about William deciding not to spend too much time in the New York social scene and began to understand why.

She and Olivia arrived back at the hotel in the late afternoon.
 

Olivia said, “Do you want to have tea? I think the men are at a meeting.”

Bridget nodded. Did Olivia plan to interrogate her on William’s life? Or maybe warn her off from having a romantic relationship?
 

They were seated in the restaurant, overlooking the lobby, and the forest-like setting soothed her nerves. A waiter took their order and disappeared.

“It’s so lovely to have you in New York. When you went to Breen, I didn’t expect to see you for a year. You are very much missed at the studio.”

“It has been a transition for sure. I didn’t expect to be back in Dublin and I miss everyone terribly.”

The waiter returned and served a pot of tea.

“William said that your father lives near the golf course and that you see him often?”

“We used to talk on the phone all the time, but I would only get home twice a year. Now I see him a couple of times a week. He is living outside of Dublin and I found a flat near Breen.”

Olivia took a sip of her tea. “It sounds lovely. Do you have any thoughts on what will happen when the year is over?”

“I plan on returning to London.” How could she not? Her relationship with William would end well before the year was up and she would be counting the weeks. He was not into long-term relationships.

Olivia smiled at her. “But you seem to be crazy about my brother.”

“I am, but I realize that it was foolish to jump into a relationship with someone I work for. It’s not something I’m proud of.”
 

Olivia touched her hand. “Bridget, love can happen. It’s impossible to plan, and from what I can tell you are both unattached adults. So I wouldn’t be apologetic about it. Enjoy each other.”

She wasn’t sure how to respond so she changed the subject. “Can you tell me what is happening at the studio?”

Olivia smiled and then launched into a discussion of the plans for Fashion Week and the new collection.
 

William and Fionn joined them a short while later and they said their goodbyes. Getting onto the elevator with William, she couldn’t wait to be alone with him. This would be their last evening in New York and she wanted to make the most of it.

They were expected out in an hour but spent most of it entwined in each other’s arms until she insisted they spend a few minutes getting ready.

The dinner that evening was in the Gramercy Tavern's Private Dining Room.

Bridget showered in minutes and put on one of the couture black dresses she brought with her. She could hear William call out that he was ready. Putting on sheer black stockings, she slipped her feet into Italian heels and then went in search of earrings. Her face was flushed, so she added a touch of mascara and put her hair up in a messy updo.

They arrived a few minutes late and were shown to a private dining room. William kept his hand on her lower back and drew her closer when he introduced her to a dozen or more business contacts. The room was an intimate space with a single, grand table set beneath a wood-beamed ceiling with elegant chandeliers. They joined the others standing about having cocktails.
 

Watching him entertain various couples with stories of skiing in Switzerland and biking in Tanzania, she recalled the comments by a
Vogue
editor. William was recognized and sought after in New York. Was it possible that he worried too much about others disparaging his father? The scandals were years ago and she couldn’t imagine that many people could hold a grudge for that long.
 

One of the women asked her where she had met William and she explained it was through his sister.
 

All twenty people drew a slip of paper from a glass bowl and were asked to match the image to a place setting at the table. Her image was a bluebird and she took a seat near the end of the table. An advertising executive was seated to her left and a vice president of an investment brokerage to her right. Waiters came out and served a beet salad with almonds, fregola and Asian pear for the appetizer.
 

“Do you model, Ms. North?” the gentleman to her right asked.

“Bridget, please. I work in fashion. For the last few years, I’ve done the marketing for Olivia Bolles Designs, but I’ve recently shifted to managing the Breen Hat Company in Dublin.”

“I’ve not heard of Breen. Do you enjoy the work?”

“It is exhausting at the moment but also exhilarating.”

The conversation continued for some time and a waiter came around and poured wine. The conversation around the table flowed easily and Bridget was welcomed into the banter. She could feel herself relax and absorb the interesting ideas and discussions around her.

The woman to her left said, “It is unfortunate about William. He could have done great things.”

“What do you mean?”

“The Bolles name will always weigh him down.”

“I don’t agree with you. There is a new generation and they are all rather successful and talented.”

The next course was served and she enjoyed the delicious soup.
 

The woman’s voice held a trace of disdain. “Yes, but one can’t escape their father’s legacy.”

Bridget smiled and said, “I attended a gala last night for homeless and disadvantaged youth. Oliver Bolles had started the fundraiser.”

The woman took a sip of her wine. “He was a saint, wasn’t he?” The disdain in the woman’s voice was surprising. She must have had a negative interaction with Oliver.

She needed to be careful but couldn’t allow the comment to pass. “No. I don’t think he was a saint. He was human and made mistakes. William loved him but was aware of his flaws.”

The subject around the table changed to politics and the conversation drifted to other topics.

After nearly two hours and five courses, the meal ended and people slowly left the table and milled about the room.

William was talking with a blonde wearing a short red dress and who had wrapped her body around his arm. Instead of holding back, she walked up to them and introduced herself to the blonde.

The blonde said, “Would you give us a few minutes? I have something of a personal nature to discuss with William.”

Bridget looked at William, who unwrapped himself and said, “Your finances are hardly of a personal nature, Elaine. Why don’t you chat with Bridget? I have to have a word with someone.”

He kissed her cheek and whispered, “I won’t be long.”

The woman pouted. “How did you entice him into dating? I’ve tried for years and he has always been more interested in triathlons and outdoor adventures.”

“He does appreciate nature.”

She glanced at William and noticed he was speaking with the host of the event. She asked her companion, “Do you know who William is speaking to?”

“Walter Brown. He owns a large investment firm.”

She nodded. “The financial world in New York is a mystery to me.”

“You have a drop dead gorgeous dress.”

She smiled at the woman. She was friendly and harmless, even if she would like to dig her nails into William.

They talked a few more minutes until William joined them and said, “We must be going.”

They said goodnight to Elaine and politely excused themselves. Saying goodbye to everyone on the way out, he held her hand tightly until they were on the street.

William pulled her into an embrace. “It’s only a few blocks, can you walk?”

She laughed. “Maybe.”

“You look amazing, but wouldn’t you rather be comfortable?”

She gave him a quizzical look. “My clothing fits well and is comfortable, but the shoes are meant for hard surfaces not rough terrain or grass.”

“Did you enjoy yourself tonight?”