Chapter 1

Elena

"Darling! Would you mind zipping me up? Oh and grab my Louboutin's at the end of the bed."

"Uhhh, you mean these red ones with a hole in the toe?"

Idiot. "Yes, those."

I have to roll my eyes. Jesus! My husband, who everyone calls Linc, is one of the wealthiest businessmen in Washington with a thriving timber business and yet when we're not talking trees, he can sound like a complete imbecile. If he weren't so heavy-handed and domineering in his own way, I'd love to beat the idiot right out of him! Hmmm… with what I wonder?

As the successor of the family timber business, Linc comes from a line of lumberjacks…yeah, literally the guys hacking down trees with hatchets and saws. As the current CEO, Linc's contribution has been to get beyond caveman tools and use technology to streamline tree removal. And since he is more of a salesman than a businessman, he has reached out to more investors in order to boost sales on an international level and so far it's working.

"Honestly Elena, I don't know how you get around in these heels. They're so high!"

"Linc, you say that every time I wear them. Now we need to get going or we'll be late for… what's tonight's event called?"

"Getting Together or Coping Together… something like that. I already sent Carrick a check, so we should be able to just sit back and enjoy ourselves tonight." He smiles at me as we both look in the mirror, then to my surprise, smacks my ass right as he walks out. I squeal, cracking up.

When I see Grace Trevelyan Grey we share the obligatory half-hug and fake kiss on each cheek.

"It's so nice to see you Elena. Thanks for coming," she smiles genuinely holding each of my hands in hers.

She nods at Linc giving him a silent hello as he does an about-face towards the open bar.

"Oh Grace, it's a pleasure to be here. It looks like you and Carrick have a great turnout. I'm confident your foundation will do well this year. Tell me, how is your family?" I don't actually care, but Grace is someone to keep in good graces and after adopting three kids and being a top Seattle Pediatrician to boot, clearly family is a priority for her, so I ask.

She smiles, a bit resigned. "Elliot, our oldest is doing well. He is always drafting some new idea to remodel our house." She laughs. "Honestly! He just can't leave well enough alone. Mia is still playing the piano and just started learning French. Christian, well, what can I say? He's 15, good looking and very independent. We're trying to find him some work over the summer, but he's…" she hesitates, "difficult."

She half smiles and I can tell this kid's running over her physically and emotionally. I smile inside knowing it's this kind of guy who I could take control of; bring him to heel. I am always up for a challenge. Shaking me from my thoughts, Linc reappears with three glasses of champagne. I nod as a thank you, but jump right back into my conversation with Grace.

Without a second thought, "You know what? Send him over to my place next week." Pointing a thumb at Linc, trying to include him in the discussion, "We've started an addition on the back of our house" and leaning in a with a smirk, "and there is shit everywhere." Grace laughs and smiles. "He could shovel scraps into the Dumpster."

"Really Elena! You wouldn't mind letting Christian help out around the house?"

Linc chimes in, "Grace, of course not. Besides, he might save me a few bucks." Linc winks. As if we need to save a few bucks on labor. Silently laughing, I smile and roll my eyes.

Grace and I exchange a limp handshake then we all make our way to our tables.