“You did a story last year about a charity, Living Ruff New York. Do you remember it?”
“How could I forget?” Warmth filled her voice. “I looked at every aspect of it and met so many amazing people. And don’t get me started on that gorgeous vet.” She chuckled. “Wow.”
Right? Felicity wanted to say. It wasn’t just her who appreciated the aesthetics of Dr. Sandy Cooper, but damn if she’d admit it to a living soul. “Yes, well, I’m sure Dr. Cooper’s gorgeous, but I need to ask you about Harvey Clifford.”
“Who mentioned Cooper? She’s not the only vet there.” Amusement filled her voice. “So you noticed her, too? How interesting.”
“Can we please focus? This is important. I need to know about the charity director. Is he honest? Aboveboard? How deep did you go into researching him?”
“Pretty deep,” Maddie said, sounding more serious now. “He dotted his i’s and crossed his t’s on everything. He was really honest about anything I asked about. He’s so passionate about his charity, it’s not funny. And then there’s his wife…” She made a faint choking noise.
Felicity frowned. “What about her?”
“She’s…” Maddie paused. “Let’s just say Rosalind Stone is definitely the brains of the foundation. And she’s not easy to forget.”
“Why not?”
Maddie laughed. “She’s like Elena, if Elena were a kick-ass socialite with a sole mission to help animals.”
“Oh. I see.” Well, now Felicity had to meet her. “Back to Harvey. Did he mention being interested in starting a new program? Even just as an idea?”
“No. What sort of program?”
“He won’t say. He’s very tight-lipped about it.”
“That’s odd. He was upfront about everything with me. Maybe it’s just too new to discuss?”
“Maybe.” Felicity was unconvinced.
“May I ask why you’re digging around some charity I wrote about once?”
Maddie didn’t know? Well, if Elena had wanted her to know, she’d have told her. “It’s just something on the side for work. I need to know if Living Ruff is on the level.”
“They’re good. Really good. The homeless adore them. The local government supports them. Other charities say they’re exceptional. If you’re thinking of donating or Bartell Corp is, I can’t think of many better causes.”
A muffled voice sounded in the distance that wasn’t Maddie’s. Felicity frowned. Oh. She hadn’t even asked if Maddie had company. She glanced at the clock and did a quick mental calculation, then gasped. “Oh! I’m sorry I called so late, Sydney time. What was I thinking!”
“Hey, relax. I’m not in Sydney. I’m in New York this month.”
“You are?” Felicity blinked. “Why?”
“Visiting an old friend.” Maddie laughed. “Well, I better not call her old. Anyway, I think you might know her quite well.”
“I suspect she probably does,” an unmistakable voice said in the background.
Elena? Elena was with Maddie? At…ten in the evening?
“Why is Elena there?” Felicity blurted out.
“She lives here. I’m visiting her, remember? Netflix night. I wanted to see her movie pick. You’ll never guess.”
Oh, Felicity was quite sure she’d never guess. Elena had been a mystery to her for years. “I have no idea,” she said faintly.
More murmuring sounded in the background.
“Okay, I’ve been instructed not to tell you to maintain Elena’s mystique.” Maddie laughed. “I better go. Popcorn’s getting cold. Hope I helped. ’Night!”
Felicity mumbled a goodbye, then stared at her phone.
In all the time she’d known her boss, Elena had never once suggested they do anything together in their downtime. That old curl of jealousy swirled up that Maddie had somehow broken through Elena’s walls, but she forced it down again. No. Elena could choose whoever she wanted for friends. Even annoying Australians whom she repeatedly fired.
With a growl, Felicity turned on her TV and tried to watch Jeremy’s World. The man was attempting to tame a hissing Bombay cat. She rather admired the animal. Nothing like a bit of attitude.
* * *
Hours later, after tossing and turning and getting precisely no sleep, Felicity sat up in bed.
It took her a moment to focus her thoughts and realize what her brain had been picking over all night.
And don’t get me started on that gorgeous vet. Wow.
Felicity had been vaguely aware that Maddie was into women. Something about a French designer’s daughter kissing her months ago came to mind. But tonight Maddie had more or less confirmed it. Felicity wondered if Elena knew about Maddie’s sexuality. Would it matter to her either way? Probably not. Elena’s best friend, Style International’s art director, Perry Marks, was gayer than a Xena convention.
Besides, maybe it hadn’t even come up. Why would Maddie ever discuss her interest in women with Elena Bartell, media god? Those two probably spent their time together analyzing geopolitics and how it influenced the news or some such thing. In between, apparently, watching Netflix together.
Suddenly Felicity wondered what movies Elena liked. Maybe something classic, like Roman Holiday. Thrilling romances with zippy Vespas and beautiful fashion and Italy.
Then she wondered what movies Sandy Cooper enjoyed. Probably something involving truckers or lumberjacks, given her clothing choices. Felicity’s mind tumbled into a fabulous abyss. Oh yes, sweaty women lumberjacks in tight tank tops chopping down trees. Her breath caught, and suddenly it was Cooper holding an ax, sweat running down her biceps, a smear of dirt on her brow. Tank-Top Cooper turned to Felicity and asked her to wipe it off, her voice a sultry tease.
