Gold Coast Read Free Page A

hesitated. She saw him, for part of a moment, unprepared.
    “I think it stops.”
    “You’re not sure?”
    “I don’t recall. Maybe Dorado Management has to approve. I don’t mean it like that, like you have to get permission. I mean in that case we’d have to assign the bonds to you, if there’s no stipulation against it.”
    “Why would there be?”
    “I’m not saying there is. I just don’t recall all the details, how it’s set up. Why?”
    “Why what?”
    “I mean are you interested in somebody?”
    “No. Not at the moment. I’ve barely seen anyone,” Karen said, with a little edge now in her tone. “I just want to know what my rights are, what I’m allowed to do and what I’m not.”
    “It was Frank’s money, Karen.”
    “And I earned a share”—still with the edge—“wife subject to the husband, faithfully living up tomy end—if you want to make it sound like a legal contract.”
    “Hey, Karen—come on.”
    She didn’t say anything, but continued to look at him.
    “He’s dead, Karen. You want him to come back and apologize? The man left you a house, couple of other places, quarter a million a year tax-free— What do you want?”
    “I don’t know. I feel . . . tied down. Maybe I should get away for a few months.”
    Ed Grossi hesitated again, forming the right words or a relaxed tone. He said, “You don’t have to run off, do you? Get involved in something here, some kind of club activity. Spend your money, enjoy it.”
    “You sound like Frank.”
    “That’s very possible,” Grossi said. “Frank and I were together a long time. He says something, this is his wish, then it’s my wish, too. You understand what I mean?”
    Karen was watching him, not sure, hoping he would say more and reveal something of himself.
    “I don’t have to agree with Frank entirely about something,” Grossi said. “But he let me know this is the way he wants it, okay, it’s the way it’s gonna be. What I feel—well, it’s got nothing to do with it, it was his business.”
    Karen waited.
    “What’re you trying to say?”
    “Nothing. I’m repeating myself.” Serious, then making an effort to smile as he pressed a button on his intercom. “What else can I do for you, Karen?”
    Almost telling her something, how he felt. Then aware of it and backing off.
    There had been no interruptions, no phone calls, until Grossi’s secretary came in and asked if they’d like more coffee. Karen said thanks, no, and picked up her handbag from the floor. The secretary said, “Roland is here.”
    “Tell him to wait,” Grossi said. He took Karen by surprise then. He said, “Vivian, you know Mrs. DiCilia? Karen, this is Vivian Arzola.”
    The secretary extended her hand to Karen and smiled. “I’m very pleased to meet you, Mrs. DiCilia. I’ve heard so much about you.”
    Like what? Karen wondered, still surprised; and yet she knew the girl meant it.
    A very attractive Cuban girl about thirty, neatly tailored, hair pulled back in a bun, large round glasses, a beige pants suit Karen decided was a Calvin Klein or a Dalby. Vivian seemed to linger. She said, “You are much more beautiful than your picture.”
    Beautiful? Karen raised her brows to show a little surprise. She said, “Well, thank you. I think I’ll come back more often.”
    Vivian left them, and Grossi said, “What do you need? Anything at all.”
    Karen settled back. “Why don’t you want me to go away? Do I have to have permission?”
    “No, of course not. I didn’t mean it that way. I’m suggesting why don’t you take it easy. Anywhere you go now it’s hot. Stay here by the ocean. But keep in touch. Let me know what you’re doing and if I can help in any way.”
    “I’ll tell you right now what I’m doing,” Karen said. “Nothing. I see someone two or three times—like Howard Shaw, do you know him? He’s an investment consultant, belongs to Palm Bay, recently divorced—”
    Grossi was shaking his head. “Karen, you’ve