Escaping Reality (Hart Ranch Book 1) Read online

  Her friend ran trembling fingers through her silky raven hair. “I came to apologize. I’ve been a horrible friend. I-I never should have trusted Jared. He’s a snake in disguise.”

  Addison chuckled in spite of herself. “Well you’re right about that. I should have recognized it from the beginning.”

  Victoria sniffled and wiped her eyes. “After you left…I fell for his charm at first. I won’t make any excuses for what I did. But you need to know that after I found out that he used that picture against you I broke it off with him. But not before finding out something else.”

  Addison leaned forward in her chair. “Finding out what?”

  “He was using you and your family. He only wanted to marry you for your money.”

  She blinked hard. “My money? That doesn’t make sense. He’s just as wealthy as I am.”

  Victoria shook her head. “No. He’s completely broke from gambling debts. It’s all a façade. He’s been embezzling from your father’s company since the day he made him a partner.”

  Addison’s eyes widened. “What…how? It doesn’t make any sense.”

  “When he released that photo to the media it opened my eyes to his tricks. So I snuck into his secretary’s office. I found suspicious emails and bank statements to prove he’s been having someone transfer money from the company’s account little by little so it wouldn’t draw suspicion. But it wasn’t enough to pay his growing debts. Now loan sharks are demanding money and Jared is panicking.”

  Addison rested her head in her hands as the news solidified in her brain. “All this time,” she whispered. “I can’t believe I let him string me along all this time. And he got away with it too.”

  “Never again, Addie. I have enough evidence to prove what he did. I just wanted to tell you the truth first.”

  “Well thank you for that.”

  Victoria bit her lip and a tear dripped down her cheek. “Can you ever forgive me for what I did?”

  Addison leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes for a moment, thinking of Gramps’ sermon about letting go of baggage. The old Addison might have chosen to hold a grudge but it wasn’t worth it. She needed to let it go.

  Peace washed over her soul as she opened her eyes and smiled at Victoria. “Of course I forgive you, Vic. We were both just pawns in Jared’s little game.”

  Her friend rushed across the room and hugged her. “Oh, thank you, Addie. Now, what are we going to do? I know he’s making up horrible lies about you.”

  Addison wiped away her tears. “We need to call my father first. He’s coming home today. Can you tell him everything you told me? He’ll know what to do.”

  Victoria’s eyes narrowed. “Yes, but don’t you think we should contact the police?”

  Addison nodded while formulating a plan in her mind that would protect Brie. “Of course, but we’ll need to wait for just the right moment.”

  ~ ~ ~

  After fuming about the photographer all the way back to the ranch Logan took a walk down his parents’ long driveway to clear his mind. However the further he went the more jumbled his thoughts became. After reaching a fork in the path, he chose the scenic route by the creek.

  With November just around the bend, it was surprisingly warm. The cool air still required long sleeves but the sun warmed him from above. It was the perfect day. Too perfect. It made him think of how nice it would be to take a nice autumn walk with Addie.

  He shook the thought from his mind and knelt, gathering a hand full of pebbles in his hand. As Logan walked he threw them into the water one by one and tried to make them skip across the surface—an old game he used to play with Nathan when they were kids. Where had the time gone? It had washed away with the rushing waters of the creek.

  At a bend in the trail Logan saw the loop of a fishing line whipping through the air and Gramps’ tan fishing hat. It brought a smile to his face as he approached. “Enjoying yourself?”

  The older man turned and grinned at him. “Oh, yes. It’s a fine day to do some fishing. God’s surprise gift to me for this season.” He nodded toward the tree behind him. I brought an extra pole just in case someone showed up. Care to join me?”

  Logan smiled and nodded. Gramps always seemed to have a gift of sensing when someone might show up for a divine appointment, as he called them. Today that appointment was with him. He crossed to the tree and lifted the pole in his hand. “It’s been forever.”

  “That’s all right. It’ll come back to you.”

  A few minutes later they were fishing side by side, spaced far enough from each other so their lines wouldn’t snag.

  Gramps changed his lure. “Any word from the medical programs you applied for?”

  “Not yet. I was hoping I’d receive at least one letter by now.”

  “Just be patient. It’ll come.”

  Logan nodded and continued casting. After a few mishaps he made a perfect cast right by an overhanging branch. A large trout snagged his lure. Logan grinned as he reeled it in and caught the fish in a net.

  Gramps smiled. “See, I told you it would come back.”

  Logan beamed as he held up the fish, guessing it was probably about a three pounder. “Yeah, you were right. I forgot how much I enjoy fishing.”

  “Did you know Addie caught her first fish in almost exactly the same spot?”

  His smile faded. “Oh really?”

  “Yep. She let it go free.”

  Logan studied the fish in his hands. While it was probably impossible that they would catch the same one, it still made him wonder.

  Addie’s salvation story came to mind. She told him it happened right here by the creek after she caught a fish with Gramps. Was that a lie too? Logan scolded himself for the fleeting thought. He couldn’t know her true heart and it wasn’t his place to judge.

  Instead of giving into any more bitter thoughts, he knelt at the edge of the creek and let the fish wriggle out of his hands. A smile tingled at the corners of his lips as he saw it cross to the very same spot he’d caught it from. “Today’s your lucky day, friend.”

  “Have you spoken to Addie since she left?”

  Logan stood and dried his hands on his pants. “No. I don’t think that would be a very good idea. She has a fiancé.”

  Gramps continued fishing. “You know, there are always two sides to every story. The way this guy just swooped in from out of nowhere seems strange to me. From what I’ve seen on TV, he doesn’t seem like a very nice fellow.”

  Logan stared at the older man. “Wait, did you recognize who Addie was when she first came here?”

  Gramps chuckled. “Well, your mom figured it out first and confided in me. She wanted to tell you but thought it would be best to let you make up your own mind about her. You really didn’t know who she was?”

  He put his hand on his forehead. “No, believe it or not, I didn’t. She even told me that her father was in the movie business and I never caught on. I guess I was blinded by love.”

  A smile crinkled the corners of Gramps’ eyes. “Oh, so you do love her then.”

  He scoffed and shook his head hard. “Did is the correct word, Gramps. I’m not sure what I feel now. She lied to me. Even worse, she used me to further her career. I don’t know if I can get past that.”

  “Be careful, Logan. Don’t let bitterness take root in your heart. Pray about it and listen. God will show you what to do.” Gramps reeled in his line and patted him on the shoulder. “I’m going to move upstream. See you in a little while.”

  Logan smiled. “Thanks for the talk.”

  “Any time.”

  After Gramps left, Logan sat by the creek for a long time with his eyes closed. Being quiet in nature brought him some peace. What Gramps said about not letting bitterness take root in his heart kept weaving through his thoughts.

  He was bitter, and not just about Addison’s betrayal. He blamed himself and God for Nathan’s death and his mother’s injury. Could he find a way to let it go?

  Chapter t
wenty-eight

  ~ ~ ~

  Addison’s morning swirled by in a hurry. When she arrived at the mansion all the housekeepers were scurrying around like crazy chickens, dusting stairways and chandeliers. Despite being worried about what Jared would do after Victoria’s confession, she had trouble bridling her own excitement as well.

  Brielle rushed down the steps in a fancy business outfit and fiddled with her updo. “How do I look?”

  “You’re gorgeous, just like always.” Addison glanced at her own outfit, a favorite pair of dark blue jeans and leather boots from her trip to the mountains, dressed up with a nice blouse. Compared to her sister’s outfit, she felt underdressed. “Why are you so fancied up, Brie? It’s just Dad coming, right?”

  “Um…not exactly.”

  Addison squinted at her in confusion. “Spit it out, sis. You know how much I hate surprises.”

  Brielle bit her lip. “Now, don’t panic. Dad arranged to have a short live interview right here in the foyer.”

  She gasped and fiddled with her casual French braid. “Brie, you should have told me. I would have dressed more formally. They don’t want me to be involved, do they?”

  Brielle shook her head. “No, just Dad and I.”

  Addison’s eyes narrowed. “You? Why would they just want you and Dad?”

  Just then the limo pulled up in front of the mansion and her sister rushed to the door to meet their father. He entered with his security guards, looking all business in his suit, but the façade melted away when he hugged Brie. Yes, he was a famous movie star, director and business owner, but always a father first.

  Addison braced herself against the banister, overcome by waves of emotion. Sure, they’d talked over the phone several times since her return to LA a month ago but it was different seeing him in person.

  He caught her gaze and opened his arms wide. “Addie. Come here my sweet daughter.”

  She let the tears flow and rushed into his embrace. “Oh, Dad. I’m so glad you’re home.”

  “Me too.” He pushed her back gently and studied her face. “Well, you’ve changed, my girl.”

  She grinned and wiped her moist cheeks. “Yes…and I have so much to tell you.”

  He nodded. “We’ll catch up tonight. Right now we have to prepare for this interview.” He turned to Brie. “Are you ready, sweetheart?”

  Her sister’s chin quivered as she nodded.

  Addison’s suspicions rose. “What’s going on? What’s this interview about?”

  Brie managed a brave smile. “It’s about disarming Jared before this awful snowball effect gets any worse.”

  The truth almost blew Addison over. “No. Brie, you can’t. I won’t let you sacrifice your reputation for me. This is all my fault. Jared was my fiancé. I should have realized what a snake he was.”

  Her dad shook his head. “No. it wasn’t your fault. Jared’s father was a good friend of mine for years. That’s why I thought I could trust Jared when he inherited the company after his death. He was bad news from the start and I should have seen the signs. I never should have agreed to merge the companies. Now we’re going to be stuck with a big mess to clean up I’m afraid.”

  Addie covered her face. “So what are we going to do? I don’t see any way out of this.”

  Her dad’s green eyes radiated with confidence. “I talked to Victoria this morning. She’s headed to tell the police everything she knows about Jared. Meanwhile, we’re going to tell the truth in this interview. All the gritty details.” He reached for Brie’s hand and then Addison’s, uniting them together as one unit. “Your sister went through a hard time after your mother’s death. We got her the help she needed and came through it together. It was difficult but we became even stronger as a family in the end. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

  Addison pursed her lips. “And what do your advisors think about this?”

  “They’ll get used to the idea. I can’t run a successful business without being truthful. No family is perfect and that’s okay. I’ll stand by my girls no matter what.”

  Brielle’s eyes widened as the camera crew came through the door. “Here goes nothing. Wish us luck.”

  Addison kept a vice grip on her sister’s hand. “If you two are going into the lion’s den I’m coming with you.”

  Their dad’s eyes narrowed. “Are you sure, Addie? They might ask you some uncomfortable questions about your time spent in Montana.”

  She nodded. “We’re family and we’ll face this problem like we’ve always done in the past. Together.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Static from Logan’s radio brought him out of his peaceful moment by the creek. He unclipped it from his belt and turned up the volume.

  His sister’s voice came through. “Logan, come back to the house quick. There’s something you need to see.”

  Logan rushed back to the house, worried it was something to do with his mother but when he entered the front door everything was quiet. He made it down the hallway to his parents’ room, only to find his mom and sister transfixed in front of the television.

  He sighed and leaned against the wall, trying to catch his breath. “You called me up here to watch a TV show?”

  Belle turned and shushed him. “Just be quiet and watch.”

  Logan focused on the screen and drew in a ragged breath as Addie’s beautiful face appeared. She sat on a couch with her famous father and sister. He shook his head, wondering why he’d never realized who she was. She’d dyed her hair back to its natural rich honey brown color, so there was no mistaking her identity now.

  Judging from the interviewer’s questions and the seating arrangement, it seemed that Addie was just there as moral support for her sister.

  The interviewer started off with some light-hearted small talk. “So Brielle, I’m sure you’re happy to have your big sister home.”

  Brielle smiled and took Addie’s hand. “Yes. We were very worried, but she just needed some time to recharge her batteries. I’m sure anyone can understand that.”

  “Yes, of course.” She shifted toward Addie. “Now before we get started, would you care to comment on your relationship with Jared Kingsley? Have you two called it quits?”

  Addie’s face remained calm and cool but she kept tugging at the hem of her sleeve. He’d learned quickly that it was one of her nervous habits. “I won’t go into detail as this interview is for my sister, but yes. Jared and I have parted ways.”

  The reporter leaned in. “I don’t mean to pry…but did your breakup have anything to do with Logan Hart? He’s the man you were seen with in Montana, correct?”

  Logan’s blood boiled. Of course the reporter meant to pry. They always did. His heart softened a little, wondering how Addison could stand having to deal with reporters and paparazzi twenty-four-seven. It had to be exhausting.

  On the screen Mr. Lewis’ face remained calm but his eyes flamed at the reporter. “Addison will not be commenting any further on this subject at the moment. Please respect her privacy.”

  Addison lifted her hand and glanced at her dad. “No, it’s okay. I’ll take the question. “She turned back to the reporter. “I want to make this very clear. Logan had nothing to do with my breakup with Jared. That happened before we even met.”

  “So, do you see a future with this young rancher?”

  Addie looked down and gulped. When she looked back up, her eyes glistened with tears. “I’m afraid I can’t answer that question at the moment. However, what I can tell you is, my time at the ranch with the Hart family changed my life. I’ll never regret the time I spent there and I thank God for bringing them into my life.”

  Belle peeked over her shoulder at Logan. “Well, she sounded very genuine, didn’t she?”

  His heart clenched as tight as a fist again, remembering her betrayal. “To be honest, all I heard was an award winning performance from a very talented actress.”

  “That’s a little harsh, don’t you think?”

  “What I think…is that
I need some fresh air.”

  Belle rolled her eyes at him. “Well, I’m going to start making lunch after this is over. While you’re out, could you go down to the creek and ask Gramps to come inside? He’s been down there for a while.”

  Logan agreed, grateful that the short walk would give him some time to think. Was he being too hard on Addie? Did she deserve a second chance from him?

  When Logan reached the creek he veered off to the left, knowing his grandfather’s normal fishing spots. He caught sight of Gramps’ fishing hat a few yards away. He was sitting on the ground with his back resting against a tree trunk.

  Logan smiled and sat beside him on the ground, anxious to ask Gramps his opinion. Maybe he’d have some more helpful advice. “Did you catch anything good?” Logan opened the basket and smiled, seeing it full of fish. “Well you really made out I see.”

  Logan waited, expecting to hear his grandfather’s light-hearted chuckle.

  Only silence followed.

  Gramps eyes were closed. He appeared to be sleeping but his face seemed unusually pale.

  Logan’s heart sank as he moved closer. “Gramps? Come on. Let’s go back to the house.”

  He was still. Too still.

  Logan drew in a ragged breath and gave his shoulder a gentle nudge. “Gr-Gramps? Please don’t do this…not now. Please…” His voice broke and he hung his head, struggling to comprehend the awful truth. His fingers trembled as he checked his grandfather’s wrist for a pulse.

  Nothing. His skin already felt cold to the touch.

  Logan leaned against the tree and concentrated on the rushing water of the creek and the colorful array of leaves scattered on the ground. At least Gramps died peacefully in the woods that he loved so much.

  A choked sigh escaped his throat. “I wish you would have told me. I wish I would have known that would be our last conversation…”