A Heart to Trust by A.L. Brooks (romantic books to read txt) 📗

Broderick returned with the wine, and they were off, heading to Central Park South and the luxurious apartment Katherine had inhabited since the death of her husband, Broderick Sinclair Sr., a little over five years ago.

The usual weekend doorman held open the large front door to the building, and they stepped into the marble-floored lobby. The elevator swiftly delivered them to the fourteenth floor and moments later they were outside Katherine’s apartment.

“Ready?” Broderick asked.

Olivia inhaled a deep breath and nodded.

Katherine answered only a few seconds after Broderick rang the doorbell. “Darling!” She threw her arms wide.

Broderick stepped into her hug, holding the bottle of Chablis out of harm’s way as he did so. “Hi, Mom.” He held up the bottle. “Your favorite.”

“Oh, how lovely! Just pop it on the table there, would you?” Katherine stepped aside to let him pass, then turned to Olivia and opened her arms once more.

Olivia held the older woman lightly, and they air-kissed each cheek. “You’re looking well, Katherine.”

“Oh, thank you.” Katherine stepped back. “I spent some time with Claude yesterday. I’m glad it shows.”

Olivia’s smile didn’t falter, even as her mind rolled its eyes and said, “More Botox. Really?”

Katherine Sinclair had made a name for herself as a TV presenter in her early twenties, reporting on fashion for one of the major news networks. She was beautiful—at least, she used to be.

Olivia thought the natural Katherine was a vastly superior beauty to this newer, manufactured version. She can’t even blink properly, for God’s sake.

“Philip and Mallory arrived only a few minutes ago.” Katherine led them down the hallway to the grand room, as she called it.

Olivia was thankful they were last; there was nothing like being under the microscope of Katherine’s undivided attention. She almost laughed out loud at the relief on Mallory’s face as they stepped into the room.

As the four of them greeted each other and Katherine fussed around pouring drinks, Olivia tried to relax her shoulders. It wasn’t that she disliked being here with Broderick’s family; they were all nice people and she’d always found them easy to talk to. It was simply that she could never fully relax, just in case she let anything slip. Even the wrong facial expression at the wrong moment could give the game away. It was also why she never drank alcohol in their presence.

“And here we go, a tonic and lime for you.” Katherine handed Olivia a tall glass.

“Thank you.”

Everyone else had small glasses of sherry, which they all raised in unison as Katherine said, “To family.”

When Katherine turned to speak to her sons, Mallory sidled up to Olivia. “Hey.”

Olivia slid one arm around her sister-in-law’s shoulders. “Hello. How are you?”

“Better now you’re here.” Mallory grimaced. “We’d barely sat down before she asked if we had any good news for her on the baby front.”

“Oh God.” Olivia swallowed hard. “I had a feeling it would be one of those days.”

“Yes. Brace yourself, I doubt you’ll be spared.”

Olivia’s stomach tightened. Wonderful.

“This lamb is delicious.” Olivia placed her fork back on her plate and picked up her water.

“Isn’t it?” Katherine dabbed at her lips with her napkin. “I’ve used this recipe many times and it never fails.”

“You’re a great cook, Mom.” Philip grinned. “So I think you can take some credit as well.”

Olivia had been surprised to discover Katherine still did all her own cooking. She’d expected someone so wealthy living alone to take the easy way out and employ a housekeeper-cum-cook to take care of things like that. But not Katherine. Apparently, she’d grown up watching her own mom in the kitchen, and even after she’d married into the money that Broderick Sr. possessed, it hadn’t occurred to her not to run her own kitchen. And Philip was right; she was an excellent cook.

Katherine blushed. “Oh, hush. I just enjoy it. And I especially love cooking for my family.” She sipped her wine, then placed her glass on the table. “Now, Broderick, Olivia, have you given any more thought to expanding the size of this family?”

Here we go.

Mallory smirked at Olivia when Katherine wasn’t looking.

Olivia looked at Broderick, and they shared the kind of gaze a loving husband and wife thinking about kids would share. Or at least, she hoped it was the right look.

“We’ve definitely thought about it, Mom,” Broderick said. “But we’ve agreed that while I’m pursuing the racing career, it wouldn’t be fair to Olivia. I’m away for weeks at a time, and—”

“But that’s what hired help is for,” Katherine said. “And me! You know I would help you as much as I could.” She looked at Olivia with beseeching eyes.

“I know you would.” The lamb sat heavy in Olivia’s stomach, her appetite lost. I hate this. I hate lying to this poor woman. “But we’re still young. And you know he’ll get tired of his car games one day.” She smirked when Broderick huffed in mock annoyance.

“Yes, how is that going?” Philip asked. “I saw you came in fourth in your last race, your best result yet, I believe?”

Olivia’s gratitude at the diversion must have shown on her face because Philip threw her a small wink when everyone focused on Broderick.

The rest of the meal passed in a blur of conversation about Broderick’s burgeoning Formula Three racing career, Mallory’s charity work, and Philip updating them all on the state of the family’s hotel business. He’d taken over as CEO when Broderick quit to launch his racing team, and it was clear to everyone it was the best for him, the company, and Broderick.

After eating, they retired to the grand room once more and sat drinking coffee.

Olivia had reached the end of her endurance for the day and exchanged an understanding look with Broderick as she drained the last of her second cup.

“Mom, I think we need to get going.” Broderick stood and held out his hands to Katherine. “I’ve got a lot of paperwork to get through this weekend to be