Irresistible by Susan Mallery Page B

sure.
    “You already know the answer to that question,” she said instead.
    “You’re right. I do. I know many things, but I’m wondering if I can say the same about you. Say, for instance, about my grandson. He is a wealthy and important man. He is going to be taking over the family business very soon.”
    The wealthy and important didn’t surprise her, but the business part did. “He hasn’t mentioned it.”
    “Why would he discuss such a thing with you?” Gloria asked.
    She ignored that. “What’s your point?”
    “You are in over your head, Ms. Towers. Far over your head. Do you know who I am?”
    Elissa suspected she meant more than just being Walker’s grandmother. “You’re dying to tell me, so go ahead. I don’t mind listening.”
    “I am the reason our family is as successful as it is. I have single-handedly grown our four restaurants into—”
    “Restaurants?” Buchanan? Buchanan’s the steak place? She’d heard of it, but never eaten there. She would need the cash value of the old bag’s shoes for that.
    “We have four establishments,” Gloria said smugly. “Walker was born to money. Something you were not.”
    “You’re stating the obvious,” Elissa said, both confused and annoyed. “Would you get to the point of your visit?”
    “I want you out of his life.”
    Elissa hadn’t known what to expect, but it wasn’t that. “Are you crazy? You want me out of his life? This isn’t 1890. You don’t get to dictate who your grandson is friends with. Besides, how did you even know I’m friends with Walker?”
    “That is not important. What does matter is who and what you are. Do you think I want a former drug-using groupie in my family? Does he know, Ms. Towers? Have you told him how you slept around? How you slept with men to get jobs?”
    Elissa held in a gasp of shock. How the hell had Gloria found all that out? “I never used drugs. As for the rest of it, no one cares.”
    “A lot of people care. A lot of people would be interested in knowing your daughter’s father isn’t dead. He’s alive and as addicted as ever. I understand he gets in touch with you from time to time, asking for money. Wouldn’t your life be awful if he wanted custody of his daughter? The child you stole from him?”
    How had Walker’s grandmother found out Elissa had told everyone, including Zoe, that Neil was dead? How did the old woman know about the money?
    Elissa took a step back. She could handle her past coming back to haunt her, but no one threatened Zoe’s safety. “Get out.”
    “Not yet. I have more to say. You will avoid my grandson at all costs. You will refuse to have contact with him. Do you understand me?”
    This wasn’t happening, Elissa thought grimly. It couldn’t be. Her life was normal, boring even.
    “I have a lot of friends in the community,” Gloria continued. “Good friends. Mr. Frank Church, for example. A very charitable man. He and I serve on several committees together. I believe he owns the restaurant where you work.”
    Elissa felt hollow and more frightened than she’d ever been before. Frank was a big supporter of several local charities. He was on the board of two. He could easily know Gloria.
    “If you don’t get out of Walker’s life, I’ll have Frank fire you,” the old woman said calmly. “I’ll enjoy doing it, as well.” She paused and looked at the craft table. “Tell me, Elissa. Does your landlord know you’re running a business out of your apartment? I’m sure you’re aware it’s a violation of your lease.”
    This wasn’t happening, Elissa told herself. There was no way this woman was threatening her livelihood and where she lived.
    “I don’t believe you,” she said. “Not any of it.”
    Gloria’s gaze turned icy. “Do not stand against me. I will crush you like the bug you are. Walker will be moving soon. Until he does, stay away from him. If you don’t, I will destroy you and I will destroy your child. Do I make myself