A World of Change
by JM Dragon
© JM Dragon 2009
Part 4
Disclaimer
This story features presumed consensual sexual relationships between adult women. If this bothers you, is illegal in the State, Province or Country you live or if you are the under age of 18, find something else to read. There are loads of general stories out there.
Language: There is some occasional strong language.
Hurt/Comfort: There is definitely some hurt/emotional discomfort in this one, and some brief scenes of trauma to be dealt with by the characters.
If you like or dislike this story please let Julie know.
Chapter 31
Catherine followed Elena, allowing the child a few minutes inside the stables before she entered. Then her gaze transfixed on the spot where her child had stopped–outside her horse’s stall. She waited and watched as Elena allowed her horse to nuzzle her in the neck and saw that rarity these days on Elena’s face–a smile. She lowered her head and shook it slowly. In spite of DNA results, there was no doubt whatsoever, that Elena was one hundred percent her child.
She stealthily moved forward and her long steps took her to her daughter’s side within moments. Catherine took a deep breath and quietly said, “Hey, how you doing?”
Elena’s back stiffened and she tightened her grip slightly on the horse’s mane, more for her own sense of security than to spook the horse. “What do you care?”
Catherine held her breath. Even though she sorely wanted to, now wasn’t a time to chastise the child. Her current behaviour was becoming intolerable and needed nipping in the bud.
“I care. However, if you think I don’t or your mom or anyone else around here doesn’t then there isn’t much we can do about it is there.”
Elena moved slightly and released the horse she’d been holding to turn and face her mother. A sullen expression soured her features. With green eyes flashing, she replied, “I was right about Aunt Lucy. She doesn’t like us, does she? I know she hates you.”
Frowning, Catherine pierced the green eyes with her blue as their eyes locked in a battle of wills. “Your aunt and I don’t get on that’s true. Although, I think hate is a rather harsh expression, Elena. This isn’t just about your aunt though is it? Mom told me that you wanted to go live with your father, is that true?”
The sullen expression on the teenager’s face became more intense. “Yes.”
Scratching the side of her cheek, Catherine mentally sucked in a deep breath–the words hurt. “Have you spoken to your father about this?”
“No.”
“It’s your mom’s birthday tomorrow. Leave it until after that before you tell her that you’re calling your father to arrange to go live with him,” Catherine flatly replied.
Elena was stunned as her expression changed suddenly. She’d expected her mamma to react totally different. If she thought her aunt hated her mamma, she knew her father had a similar disposition to her too. She was right about one thing, they didn’t care it–it was all about them and their stupid arguments.
“Ok, is that all?”
That was the last straw. Catherine glowered at her daughter. “Actually, no it isn’t. I want you to be at least civil to your mom, our guests and your brothers and sisters. Do I make myself clear?”
Elena answered smartly, “You missed yourself out of the list.”
“I don’t need you to be civil to me young lady because if you’re not I’ll personally have you on the next flight out of here to your father’s and there won’t be a discussion.” Catherine knew she’d allowed her temper to flare and she wished the words unsaid as soon as she’d spoken them.
“There, I told you…what do you care. I’ll go after mom‘s birthday. I’d never hurt her like that, unlike someone else I know.” Elena scowled as her anger burst and she spit out the words vehemently.
The meaning of the words took Catherine’s breath away as she allowed the message her daughter was saying to permeate. For all her teenage faults, Elena could be the voice of reason at times. The only sound was the movement of hooves and the soft neighing from Elena’s horse. For once, she was at a loss what to say.
Elena watched her mamma’s expression, expecting the worse but instead she saw only sadness cross her face. She hadn’t really meant it, not like that but she hated being goaded and it sounded as if they wanted rid of her–at least her mamma did.
The waiting was proving hard to take and she was about to say ‘sorry’ when her mamma spoke quietly. “I think you’d better go back to the house and your bedroom, dinner is at six sharp.”
“Mamma I…” the rest of the words cut off as Catherine held up her hand.
“You’ve said quite enough, Elena, please go.” Catherine turned away. In the space of a week, her whole world was crashing down around her and she had no control of any of it.
Elena knew it was useless to argue. As she slouched toward the stable door and had to listen intently as Catherine spoke so quietly, she held her breath at the words.
“I love you, Elena, even if you think I don’t from time to time.”
Elena felt the tears welling up and instead of leaving, she gave a small cry and shot back to her mamma. Shr wrapped her arms around the tall frame. Sobbing, she said, “I’m sorry, Mamma. Truly I am. I love you too.”
Catherine held Elena close and whispered soothing words into the dark head of hair cradled against her chest. “I know baby, I know. Everything is going to be ok. I promise.”
Green eyes filled with unshed tears looked up into the profile of her parent and asked tremulously, “Promise?”
“Cross my heart and hope to die.” Catherine exaggerated the crossing of her chest. Once Elena moved out of her hold, she smiled down at her daughter.
“Don’t ever say that Mamma. I don’t want you to die–ever.” Elena said dramatically.
Catherine felt tenderness flood her heart at the words. “I can’t promise that Elena. We all die sometime. Although, I promise not to do anything foolish to might make it happen sooner rather than later. Is that a deal?”
“Deal.” Elena hugged her mamma again and then blinked back the tears. “I’ll apologise to mom and gran when I get back.”
Catherine grinned. “That’s my girl.”
The door to the stables opened and Jake strode in and gave them an apologetic look. “Hey, sorry I didn’t know you were having a little personal time together. I’ll go for a walk.”
Catherine chuckled. “Jake don’t be silly. I have a better idea…why don’t you and Elena go for a ride together. I’m sure you’re both itching to get away from the boredom of gossip.”
Jake’s smile made his dark features brighter and even more handsome. “I’m game. What about you El?”
Elena felt her world was brightening by the second then she peered around him to check for Helen Banks. Tentatively she replied, “Ok.”
Jake saw her less than discreet look over his shoulder and surmised the reason. “Just you me and the horses then kiddo. Want to come with us Catherine?”
Catherine smiled as she kissed the top of Elena’s dark head and gently pushed her toward her horse’s stall. “Sorry, my guests await. I’d be a poor hostess if I didn’t make a little effort. You two enjoy yourselves.” She walked toward the young man and patted his shoulder before whispering, “Thank you.”
Jake smiled and nodded his head. “Any mount you think I might try?”
Catherine studied the horses in the stable and chuckled. “Sacha could do with a run out. He’s just come back from stud in South America and needs to become acclimatised again.”
Jake sucked in a breath. Sacha was Tralargon’s off-spring and the brightest hope for Catherine’s future stud. Only Chaterine and the stable manager were allowed to ride him. “Are you sure I wouldn’t want…”
“Absolutely positive Jake. I know you’ll take great care of him. See you at dinner.” She strode out of the stable and glanced toward the house and the porch area. She saw three women, all who she loved in differing degrees. Their laughter floated toward her. A part of her wanted to go there, and allow the merry atmosphere to permeate and bring her the joy this occasion should merit. However, she decided to walk in the opposite direction. Hidden behind the stable building, she relaxed against the fence of the riding paddock and simply lost herself in thoughts –some good and some bad.
+ + +
Chapter 32
Dismounting her horse, Elena ran over to her mother, grandmother and Lisa and gave them each a hug and an apology for her earlier actions. She then politely asked if it was ok if she went for a ride with Jake–there was no dissension. Amazed at the transformation, Jace stood up, walked a few steps and smiled at Elena before she beamed with pride as she watched her child rode away.
As usual, Catherine had worked her magic on the child and even if it didn’t last at least for the next couple of hours, the wilful child of theirs would be happy. Her eyes scanned the paddock, stables and area in between and did not see Catherine. She hadn’t returned to the house for she would have seen her go by. If she’d gone for a ride on Tralargon, Elena would have said something–she didn’t.
Where is she?
Glancing in the direction of the stable, Jace mused over where Catherine might be. She moved back her chair smiled at her mom and Lisa. “Do you mind if I leave you for a few moments?” she asked. Once she saw the two women nod she said, “Thanks I won’t be long.”
When Jace had left the porch, Lisa whispered, “A few minutes…it’s more like an hour or more with those two. At least that’s one thing in life that isn’t going to change.” Both women smiled as they watched Jace begin to enter the stable before she went around the building.
+ + +
Jace purposely moved toward the stable, perhaps Catherine needed some alone time after her talk with Elena she knew she always did. Where better for her than with the beloved horses who at this moment in time probably were higher in her esteem than she was. A faint scuffling noise caught her attention from the vicinity of the equestrian ring that Catherine had upgraded recently–it sounded like footsteps. She turned away from the stable door and headed toward the sound.
As she rounded the building silently she saw Catherine slightly stooped over the fence rail with one booted foot resting on the lower rail. Her partner looked lost in thought as she stared into the empty arena. At the sight of the woman she loved, Jace sucked in a breath. After fifteen years, it never failed to amaze her that she still found this woman the most thrilling person she’d ever met. There was an aura about her that she suspected only she saw. It never faltered. Even after arguments and disruptions there was always that un-denying element that stuck them together–love. At least it was that way for her–she wasn’t so sure now about Catherine’s feelings. How had they gone so wrong in such a short space of time?
Without looking, a low husky voice quietly said, “You don’t need to just stand there. You can speak to me. I’m not going to bite you.”
Jace felt a smile that she couldn’t smother as Catherine had unerringly known she was there. “Hi, thank you.”
This time Catherine looked at her as she unhooked her foot from the lower rail and faced Jace, her blue gazed fixed on her partner’s face in silent scrutiny. “For what exactly, allowing you to talk?” She waved a hand. “To the best of my knowledge that’s a prerogative for everyone around here.”
These days, the low drawl of sarcasm would normally have Jace retorting with a similar remark. However, she decided against it. “Elena has gone for a ride. Although she and Jake had already saddled up, she came to ask permission. She apologised.”
Catherine inclined her head slightly. “Good.”
Silence filled the abyss between them as the cold intensity built–neither woman was prepared to speak.
Jace shook her head. “Before you leave, we do need to talk Catherine.”
Catherine’s jaw tightened as she spat out, “No, no we don’t…you’ve said quite enough to last me a lifetime.”
The intensity of the venom in her partner’s voice washed over Jace so she moved slightly hoping to be out of the direct line of fire–it didn’t work. The words punctured her heart and she felt mortally wounded.
Finding a voice in a dry mouth, she quietly replied, “From the first moment I saw you I’ve loved you. I’ve shared a wonderful life with you and I won’t let you destroy it because of a foolish act that meant nothing and one I didn’t instigate. After all these years, you still can’t quite make that final leap. You can’t trust me with your heart, soul and body can you?”
Catherine felt humble by the explanation. Jace was right about everything even her accusation. She had never trusted not completely anyone. Yes, they spent years getting to know each other on a physical level and that was perfect to the point where they almost talked for each other at times. Inside her mind, she had never been totally open. She knew that she tried. God knows how she tried. On the surface, everything between them looked as though they had the perfect harmony of a couple well suited. Nine times out of ten they were. She withheld that final barrier and now, on reflection, she’d been wise to do so. The pain she felt was devastating–how much worse would it have been if she’d allowed Jace to conquer her completely.
Jace could tell that Catherine was thinking. It was the twitch of her forehead and the narrowing of the eyes as her thoughts generated to fever pitch. Yet, now there were no words from Catherine and that, in a nutshell, told its story.
“I guess there really isn’t anything more to say except…do you still love me?”
Catherine’s head jerked at the question. She demanded the truth from everyone around her. Now, she was she going to be a hypocrite and give the question lip service and not her honesty.
“Yes, I love you I always will. I’m just not sure if I can trust you and that makes living with you impossible. I guess my going away is providential.”
A solemn bell rang out in Jace’s heart at the quietly spoken words. “Will you at least keep up appearances until you go?” The flow of blood that surged within her felt like a river of tears.
“I will.”
Jace turned and was about to leave with her heart broken into small pieces. How the hell was she going to keep it together until everyone had left?
Then Catherine spoke again. “I told Elena that we would contact her father and arrange her trip to see him after your party.”
The frustration she felt at her own circumstances flowed into the statement and she turned with glittering green eyes toward Catherine. “I’m losing you and my daughter! Why don’t you take the rest of the kids with you and make it a clean sweep.”
Catherine didn’t speak initially and then she traded glance for glance with her partner. “Perhaps that comes later.” Once the words were out, Catherine immediately wished that she could wind back the clock. She saw the pain on Jace’s face and the tears, that usually melted her resolve, flowed freely down her cheeks.
“Go to hell, Catherine! I wish I’d never met you.” Jace stormed away fleeing to the safety of the house ignoring the cheery waves from Allison and Lisa on the porch.
Catherine watched her go along with the happiness they had created in this place. Everything they had built together seemed to shred before her eyes until they were like ashes being blown away by the light wind that billowed around her.
“I’m already there Jace. It was always you that allowed me a foot in the door to heaven.”
+ + +
Chapter 33
Catherine watched the festivities with a heavy heart. There was laughter, music, food and drink. The whole barn was buzzing–it was a party to remember. For Catherine, it would be forever etched in her mind. Instead of being with the party girl enjoying herself, she was morosely sipping the lager she’d been indulging in since the first guest arrived. Needless to say, she wasn’t far from being drunk. At first, she figured it would help. However, as usual, that was a fallacy for it only made the situation even graver in her fuddled mind.
+
After her bitter words with Jace, the day before she locked herself in her study and only came out for dinner. It was hard to discreetly look at the pale features of her wife and not know who was responsible. Although no one commented, it was clear from the odd expressions that pretty much everyone around the table knew something wasn’t right.
She’d even slept in the study and around four in the morning had ventured to the master bedroom and left her card and gift by the bedside. Then, for a few minutes had watched as Jace slept. She looked just as she did the first time they’d met. Her quiet understated beauty was still evident. There was the odd line or two and she’d put on a little weight but that all disappeared in sleep. This was the Jace she loved and would always love no matter what. Perhaps, it was time to get over her own ego trip and simply listen to what Jace had to say. It would be so easy and the pain would go away–or would it? Jace’s movement in bed had her venturing back into the darkness. Moments later, she retreated to her safe haven–the study.
Breakfast had been a boisterous affair of present giving and general laughter. For the space of an hour, it had actually felt like the life was back in the old house. When everyone had left them alone for a few minutes, Jace had caught her glance and their eyes locked.
As sadness enveloped her features, Jace softly said, “Thank you for the present and the card. Although, under the present circumstances, I suspect the sentiment isn’t quite what it once was. I haven’t opened the present as we usually do that together…I guess I might have a long wait.”
Catherine tried to ignore the voice of her heart, longing to reach out and hold Jace close and say it really didn’t matter that all that did was them being together. As usual, she allowed her mind to control her and gave Jace an imperceptible nod.
Jace swallowed and a tiny smile of understanding crossed her lips. “I’m going with mom and the girls into town…we’re having a girl’s day out…I’d have asked you if…” she saw the frown, “No, I figured you’d rather be here or out riding. Will you entertain the boys and Helen until I’m back? Though it could be an all day session, don’t worry I’ll be back well before the party starts. Mom wanted to shout me a make-over.”
“Didn’t Jake say he and Helen were going out for a drive today? Colin and your dad want to take Nat fishing and they said they didn’t want to be around while we preen the place unless we needed the help…we don’t…the caterers have it all in hand.” Catherine felt herself rambling, which was an unusual occurrence.
“I guess that let’s you off the hook. I hope you enjoy your day.” Jace stood up from the breakfast table and started to leave.
Catherine closed her eyes for a second then reopened them and quietly said, “Happy birthday Jace.”
Jace’s back stiffened. Normally she would have been in Catherine’s arms and being kissed–it wasn’t going to happen. “Thank you,” she whispered before leaving the room.
+
“Hey good-looking why do I get the impression that you look like a wallflower?” Grace’s cheerful voice broke through Catherine’s musings.
“Hardly a wallflower, Grace. Are you enjoying the party?”
Grace chuckled. “You have got to be kidding me right? What about this party can’t you enjoy? You did yourself proud, Catherine. I haven’t seen Jace have this much fun for…well you know what I mean.”
Was that the truth? Had they become boring with no fun left in their relationship? That would make it so easy to jump to conclusions and, on reflection, she had a feeling it might be the case. “I know what you mean.”
“You know people will begin to talk.” Grace wished she’d brought a drink with her as she attempted to get through to her stubborn friend. She’d had all intentions of having a sensitive chat with Catherine last night but things had a habit of turning up and they never quite managed any time alone.
Dark eyebrows lifted quizzically. “About what. You just said Jace looks happy. I believe the party is going well so what more can anyone want?”
Grace cast her glance across the sea of friends and family, who were indeed enjoying themselves. “You normally get up and do a speech on these kinds of occasions. I’ve heard the odd murmur around the barn that it didn’t look like you were going to or had any intention of doing anything but get blind drunk.”
Hackles rose at the remark. “And who would have the balls to say that about me?” Even though it was true, she hated people talking about her behind her back.
Grace sucked in a deep breath. “Me…because that’s exactly what you’re doing…or…in your case right now, leaning against the wall because you can’t stand without swaying. Is that so totally off the mark?”
Catherine allowed some of her anger to dissipate. Grace was perfectly correct she couldn’t actually stand up straight without the room swaying. She also knew that her speech was probably impaired. What the hell. Who cared anyway? “You know me too well Grace. As it happens I have nothing to say that hasn’t already been said.”
“Oh that’s cold Catherine. What turned you into a callous spectator? Anyway, I’m surprised at one person who is a no-show. According to Jace she had to leave town urgently as someone in her family was sick,” Grace said casually as her eyes tracked Jace who was dancing a rather interesting version of the waltz with Nathan.
“Yeah, it’s providential.”
Catherine’s wavy vision followed Grace’s path and she allowed a tender smile to curve her lips at the sight of her wife and one of their youngest children. Their antics were bordering on hilarious as Nathan stood on his mom’s toes more often than the floor. Jace she was going to have sore toes but her expression was one of patience and love as she smiled down at her son.
“It’s a misunderstanding Catherine and if you looked beyond that damned pride of yours you’d see it for what it was. Jace has never looked at anyone as she does you and I doubt she ever will and you know it.” Grace cheekily took the bottle of beer from Catherine’s hand and took a long swig–she deserved it.
“Hey, that’s mine…get your own…it’s a free bar.”
Grace laughed. “Exactly, what’s yours is mine.” She winked at her friend and the frown that had begun to drive deep ruts into her friend’s forehead vanished as she smiled.
“I guess I’d better do my duty.” Catherine moved from her wall position and felt the room sway and she reached out and Grace grabbed her arm to steady her. “I might need some discreet help to get on the stage.”
Grace shook her head. She needed help in more than one direction. “Tell you what, I’ll take you to your room and you can have a short nap…it’s still early. I’ll come and get you before the last revellers have left. Deal?”
“That would be rude, especially tonight. I can sober up as quickly right here,” Catherine replied belligerently.
Grace frowned and then gently persisted. “Do you want the kids to see you like this? Unhappy and drunk.”
The mention of the children was catalyst enough as she allowed Grace to lead her out of the barn by a little used door. Within minutes, Catherine was on the bed of the master bedroom.
Catherine allowed the softness of the mattress and Jace’s perfume to envelope her in a safe cocoon. She slurred, “You promise to wake me Grace.”
Grace looked down at the prone half asleep woman and shook her head. “Remember, I promised.”
“Good, or Jace will kill me.” Catherine’s eyelids slid shut and her breathing indicated she was asleep.
Grace waited for a few minutes and then turned as she heard a sound at the doorway and Jace stood there looking over her shoulder at Catherine asleep on the bed.
Quietly Jace said, “I see you’re still picking up her broken pieces.”
Grace moved toward the door. “Yes, it looks like that. She’s the most pig-headed woman I know. In fact, the most stubborn person I know and I’ve met a few that can give her a run for her money.”
“She’s missing a great party. Even Elena and Helen are enjoying themselves, at least they are both smiling.” Jace moved toward the bed and pulled the coverlet over the sleeping form. She reached down to tenderly move the hair that had fallen over Catherine’s eyes. “I love you, you stubborn woman.” She bent and kissed Catherine’s forehead.
Catherine mumbled, “I love you too.”
Jace cocked her head, certain of Catherine’s words. A part of her felt the power of those few words melt any animosity she felt at their current situation. Straightening her body, she turned back to Grace. “Let’s go enjoy the party. Dad wants to do a speech. He said it was time he did one and was sure Catherine wouldn’t mind.” Jace cast a glance one more time at the sleeping woman. “I guess she won’t.”
Grace silently thanked God for small mercies at that piece of news. They shut the door both knowing there was no chance that Catherine would surface again until tomorrow.
“You know you’re going to have people asking where she is.”
Jace nodded. “I know and I’ll do what I always do. I’ll explain in the most appropriate way possible to eliminate any chance of her suffering embarrassment.”
Grace shook her head again. “I guess we’re both apt at picking up her broken pieces. I wonder if she realises that.”
They wandered off back to the barn and as they entered, Jace felt the swell of happiness of the party goers. For the next few short hours, Catherine and their problems were forgotten.
+ + +
Chapter 34
The clock ticked ominously loud by the bedside table as it flicked to three forty-five in the morning. Jace, sitting in one of the easy chairs in the room, she’d partly dragged toward the bed, her eyes moved to watch the sleeping profile of the woman she thought she knew–now she wasn’t so sure.
Her party had been a resounding success and Catherine wasn’t the only one she suspected had tied one on and would wake with a headache or worse in the morning. A tiny smile curved her lips as she recalled other times that Catherine had woken with a hangover. It wasn’t often and it was always associated with an event or good news. Most times, she had a couple of beers at the weekend when they chilled out on the front porch, but nothing excessive. From the moment she met Catherine, they had created memories, good, bad and definitely memorable in all shapes and sizes. Now, it was just another time of experiences and new memories even though she knew they’d end up in the bad category.
A yawn almost broke her jaw. Her day had started early as it did most days–taking the dogs and the younger kids for a walk and then whatever else was pencilled into her day. The day of her birthday had been totally different. She and her mom had dragged everyone into the city for a day of shopping. It had been hectic, but satisfyingly so. For those few hours, everything was normal in her life, she was enjoying her birthday and the planned party until the thing she had been dreading happened.
It was true she was worried about Catherine talking to Gillian, regarding that kiss, but it had been something she knew she could eventually handle. No, her real dread had been turning forty. She’d never said anything to anyone, not even Catherine, as her eyes traced the faint scars now softened in sleep on her partner’s face. She had hated turning forty it felt like a death knell of her youth. Her fear was unsubstantiated but it still made her edgy. Coupled with her other problems, the whole turning forty business was a change she didn’t want to happen. It made her want to stick a finger in the dam of time and stop the flow of years, much as the folktale about the boy placing his finger in the dam to stop it flooding the village below. Yet, the reality was that she was getting older and nothing was going to change that.
A rustle of covers and a murmur dragged Jace from her wandering thoughts and she moved out of the chair and sat at the edge of the bed. Catherine was muttering and that meant she was dreaming or worse having a nightmare. The nightmares thankfully were few and far between these days but in the first year of their relationship, it was every night before it gradually receded to almost never.
Jace reached over and touched Catherine’s forehead–she was hot but not excessively so. Then she bent and gently placed a kiss on the slightly lined skin. Catherine looked great for fifty-four and she hoped that she would look the same–she highly doubted it. As she glanced at her fuller figure, she groaned inwardly. Over the past few years she’d let herself go and it showed.
Tracing a soothing pressure over Catherine’s cheek, she felt her lover move toward her touch and knew at least that hadn’t changed. Closing her eyes, she wondered why things had to change. Why couldn’t things stay as they are? All she wanted was to have Catherine’s unconditional love. Was that too much to ask for?
“I love you. I wish you’d believe me.”
There was no answer from the woman asleep in the bed.
Jace moved away and went over to her desk at the far end of the room. As she sat in the chair, she looked at the contents on the desk top. Pens, paper, dictionary, a couple of photo frames, which showed her and Catherine taken on the Island of Xianthos and then one as a family group before Jake went away to University in London. Softly she said to the relatively silent room, “Time really does fly. Look at Jake, he’s a man now, engaged and ready to settle down.” Her finger touched the image of their eldest son and then traced to Lisa. “You captivated us all and it hasn’t changed even today you still do.” Then she looked at Elena who couldn’t have been more than eight. “How precocious you were then and still are now. I’m not sure I’m ready to let you go to stay full time with your father even if Catherine is.”
“I’m not.”
Startled Jace swivelled around in the chair and looked over to the bed sure she was hearing things. Catherine was sitting up right and looking remarkably attentive.
“I’m sorry if I woke you.”
There was a moment when they simply looked into each other eyes and words were needless.
Finally, Catherine said, “I thought it best that Elena decided her own fate. She hasn’t been happy for a long time.”
“She’s a teenager, Catherine, they go through those fazes and it doesn’t mean that we have to let her go!” Jace replied sharply and then looked away at the shocked surprise in Catherine’s eye.
“You can’t hold onto something that makes people unhappy even if it rips you apart inside.” Blue eyes located green and as they connected and something more was communicated.
Jace drew a deep breath and replied evenly though through gritted teeth, “I guess that’s that then.”
Catherine moved to extract herself from the bed clothes and seconds later stood towering over Jace at her desk. She looked down at the blonde hair and the woman who had made most of her dreams come true, just by being in her life. Wanting to reach out but steeling herself from that emotive action she shrugged. “Things change Jace, people too.”
Jace felt like her world was dissolving around her and the tall figure hovering over her like a hawk ready to take its prey didn’t help. “Do you love me? No bullshit now, Catherine. It’s just you and me. Do you? Enough to get us through whatever you think I’m guilty of?”
Catherine stood like a statue and frowned several times.
For Jace watching, it was that flicker of emotion across Catherine’s face working through a problem, similar to being in school and the weird maths problem that eluded you. “I guess that’s my answer.”
Jace stood up and moved to Catherine’s left. “It’s late…no early I need some sleep before the kids and dogs need me.”
Catherine forestalled the movement, as they were inches away from each other. “Jace.”
Jace stopped in her tracks. “Yes?”
“When I come back we’ll talk about it,” said Catherine quietly.
“As always, Catherine, you’re hedging your bets. One day you’re going to fall foul of that tactic. I’m going to bed.” She walked away toward the bathroom. Then turned and said, “Remember that not everyone is your enemy some of us love you. Also, remember that those that love you won’t wait forever.” Jace walked quickly to the en-suite and shut the door.
Catherine, with her head hammering like a train, wasn’t quite sure what that meant. All she knew was that no matter how many times she tossed the coin the answer was still the same–she was damned either way.
With a heavy frown, she glanced at the desk where Jace had been sitting and saw the birthday card she’d left for her along with the present. What caught her attention was that the small package. She wandered over to the desk and picked it up. It was just as she’d left it–unopened. Then it occurred to her that considering their current circumstances, it was as well she hadn’t. She picked up the package and dropped it in her pocket before looking at the still closed bathroom door. She shook her head and left the room. She needed aspirin and water, her head was beginning to protest her overindulgence.
+ + +
Chapter 35
Jake rubbed the stubble around his chin and looked at the magnificent sunrise that Cutters Ridge always awarded the patient. Here was the only place in his life that he felt he totally belonged. He had a niggling doubt that his feeling was detrimental to his relationship with Helen. After all, he should feel that for her–she should be his centre not Destiny. However, it had captivated him at ten years old and now fourteen years later it still held that binding magic. Except there was something primeval missing and at this moment he couldn’t put a finger on it.
The party a week ago had been great but he had noticed that his parents hadn’t spoken at all during the festivities and for Catherine to retire drunk so early had been a surprise. Jace always tried to make Catherine’s absence as innocuous as possible, but those who knew them the best, could figure it out. Even after being away so long, he knew something wasn’t right. Catherine doted on Jace to the point of obsession. It was noticeable at the party and the more he thought of it, he knew it wasn’t there before that too. Maybe he could do something but for the life of him, he couldn’t figure out what.
His thoughts moved to Helen. She was sexy, moderately intelligent and her father was the major shareholder of the company he worked for. It was the perfect match for a young up and coming professional.
“Am I that and is it enough?” His eyes traversed the sunrise and he knew it wasn’t.
Catherine was gone and Jace looked lost. Elena was on her way to Italy to her biological father. The twins were bewildered. And Lisa, there could never be any words for Lisa and that puzzled him.
Then it suddenly occurred to him. “Catherine needs help but won’t ask for it. If Xianthos goes belly up, which is what the forecasters are intimating, then she might lose everything. That could mean Destiny too! We can’t lose Destiny! Destiny is what our family is all about.”
At that moment, everything slipped into place and made perfect sense.
“Mamma needs us, no matter what she thinks.” He turned the horse back toward home he knew what he had to do regardless of the consequences.
+ + +
Chapter 36
“Mrs Warriorson, this is Raleigh Benedict the senior administrator we’ve assigned to you for the duration of the investigation.”
Catherine turned her blue gaze to the woman who entered the room as if on cue. She was a willowy brunette with shades of red weaved into the, what can only be described as spiky, hairstyle. Her eyes were a warm brown, which now looked at her with passive interest.
“Mrs Warriorson pleased to meet you.” A thin hand held out on an equally slender wrist and Catherine shook it briefly.
“Ms. Benedict.” Catherine’s eyes shot to the bespectacled man at the desk, his chubby cheeks reminding her off a gerbil that had recently fed. “Is this really necessary? I can assure you that I’m not going to run out of the US Federal jurisdiction.”
Joe Cregan lifted his head and peered at her out of his heavy framed spectacles with his watery blue eyes showing little emotion. “It’s a normal procedure, Mrs. Warriorson. Raleigh here will be your right hand shall we say in your business dealings. You will give her access to anything pertaining to the running of your financial affairs.”
“My financial affairs, you mean of course the Xianthos Corporation and not my personal fortune.” Catherine silently ground her teeth at being in this position.
The balding man stroked his clean shaven chin and said, “Your financial affairs are now an open book, Mrs. Warriorson, isn’t that what you agreed with my superiors to allow you a short time to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you had nothing to do with the tax evasion. If, of course, you’ve changed your mind we can proceed to freeze your assets and begin the judicial process.”
Catherine sucked in a breath she had sold herself to the devil before but it never felt this bad. Her eyes darted to the woman who had remained standing with her back to the wall of the tiny office completely silent. Her expression was unreadable. “If that’s the deal then yes, how long do I have before you freeze the assets?”
“Raleigh will decide.”
Catherine resented the intrusion into her life. “She’s barely out of school how the hell can she decide my fate or my companies and the people I employ.”
There was a slight movement from Raleigh as she moved away from her position and she came into the line of Catherine’s vision. “I’m twenty-eight, but that’s irrelevant, Mrs. Warriorson. I not only can shut you down, but I’m your voice here and trust me my opinion goes a long way good or bad.”
Catherine grimaced as she fought her anger. The woman who held her life, her employees and the lifestyle of those she loved was only a little older than Jake. God, she suddenly felt old. Finally finding her voice, she ground out, “I’m sure it does.” Catherine scraped back her chair. “I guess I’ll see you in the office tomorrow, Ms. Benedict. Good morning, Mr Cregan.” She didn’t wait to hear anything else as she opened the door and left the room–she needed air, fresh air.
Raleigh sat down in the chair vacated by Catherine Warriorson and look at the man opposite her. “She looked pissed.”
Joe Cregan rolled his eyes and snorted. “Those types don’t like you prying into their financials. She’s as guilty as the rest of them. I’d bet my next pay-check on it. She would have been better off staying in New Zealand. At least she might have salvaged something out of this. These kinds of people think they are so rich they can pull the wool over our eyes.”
Raleigh’s eyes scanned the tiny office. She was glad she had a corner office for this one was claustrophobic. “Some do, we shall see on this one. Have her file sent to my computer within the hour.”
Joe Cregan frowned. “I have it here.” He offered her the folder.
It was Raleigh’s turn to frown. “I don’t do paper, Cregan. You should know that by now. Besides, I still need to see the director about that last case.”
“Great work, Raleigh. You nailed them…they didn’t stand a chance in court and will end up in jail where they belong,” the man replied in awe.
“Everyone has a chance in court, Cregan. That’s our mantra–some just have a miniscule chance of success that’s all.” The woman stood up and left the room.
+ + +
Chapter 37
Jace collapsed on her bed and closed her eyes wearily. The twins had been even more troublesome than usual. They had been nagging her constantly about when they could talk to Catherine and why hadn’t Elena called. It wasn’t fair that they were left behind and everyone else could go away and have fun. It hadn’t helped when Jake had announced he and Helen, who had been like a hole in the head and moaned even more than the kids about nothing, were leaving for London the next day. Lisa was the only one she could rely on but she didn’t want to inflict her burden of what ever was happening on her daughter. At least, she was great with the twins and took them out and about when they came home from school. She too was due to leave at the weekend.
Her parents were still there for another week which under different circumstances would have been ideal but their constant questions about when Catherine was calling and why she hadn’t, irritated her more than she allowed them to see. Thank god for a patient personality.
Her thoughts traversed to the early morning that Catherine left.
+
“Were you going to leave without saying goodbye?” Jace stood in her pyjamas at the bottom of the stairs, her eyes moving over her wife, who was standing at the front door clad in travelling clothes a briefcase in hand and a suitcase on the floor beside her.
“It’s barely four AM, I didn’t want to disturb you.” Catherine dropped the briefcase next to the suitcase and a wave of pleasure washed over her as she looked at her wife standing there–maybe all wasn’t lost.
Jace shook her head. “That’s your excuse? Give me a break, Catherine. I’ve seen you off on trips earlier than this and stayed up all night to welcome you home. You’re not the woman I know Catherine. Something has changed and it isn’t about Gill, me or the kids.”
Catherine pondered the words and finally said, “You’re right…you are always right, Jace. I’ve changed and right now I need this time to sort out who I am and what I want.”
“You know what you want you’ve always known. All I want to know is, are we part of that, me and the kids?” Jace sucked in a breath and waited.
Catherine looked down at her baggage and then back at Jace before she finally said, “It’s integral Jace. I have to go the car is waiting.”
Jace moved like lightening and flung her arms around Catherine’s much taller frame desperately whispering, “I love you and I’ll always be here for you no matter what.”
Catherine fought the urge to forget her promises to herself and others and sink into the embrace. She could simply say it was someone else’s problem but she didn’t. Instead, she hugged Jace tightly to her for a few short seconds and whispered, “I love you too.” Then, she extricated herself from the tight hold and opened the door. She motioned for the ranch hand allocated to take her to the airfield to collect her bags.
As the man stowed away the luggage, Catherine turned to Jace. “This is something I have to do Jace. I know you don’t understand and I really wish you did because something tells me this is the hardest thing I’ll ever do in my life. I really could have done with my wife and family behind me but I understand why that can’t happen. I guess sometimes we live in a fantasy world.” Catherine heard the slamming of the boot of the vehicle. “I’ll call.” She turned away and was about to leave when a tornado overtook her or at least that’s what it felt like.
Jace raced across the few feet that separated them and flung her arms around the woman she loved as she sobbed almost incoherently. “We do understand. We love you. Be careful, be safe and most of all come back to us.”
Catherine bent her head and captured the lips she’d crave until the end of time and found a moment or two of complete happiness. As they broke apart, Catherine, with tears shimmering in the ice blue depths, brokenly said, “Take care of the kids and yourself as long as I know you are safe then I know we are.” She broke the embrace and retreated to the car knowing if she didn’t she never would.
+
Jace pulled the pillow around her ears and sighed heavily. “Whatever it is, Catherine, we’ll beat it…we always do.” She then attempted to count the numerous sheep she needed to lull her to sleep.
+ + +
Chapter 38
Catherine’s narrowed eyes gazed out of her top storey window to the street below as she considered her options. Six weeks had passed and they were no closer to proving she was innocent of the scam the government believed she was involved in. Her employees were getting the jitters at having everything they did double checked or worse, rescinded.
It was becoming a nightmare and she really didn’t know what to do. She’d almost holed herself inside her office and except for her secretary and Raleigh Benedict, she saw no one else. All she read in the reports were dire or worse. Right now, she had to accept that she might end up in prison and come out of there with nothing. Who would care? That was an even worse fate as far as she could see and really she didn’t. Her perspective was lost when she thought of Jace with someone else–she was floundering without a life saver.
The phone ringing on her desk startled her since it was ten and well after closing time. No one else was in the building except the security guard. Hell, she even knew his name since she stayed so late at the office. Picking up the receiver, she barked, “Yes?”
“Catherine?”
The distinctly male and familiar voice asked and Catherine felt a smile tug at the straight line of her lips that had been like that since she’d arrived here. “Jake, it’s good to hear from you.”
“It’s good to hear you too, but from my calculations shouldn’t you be at home and I say that tongue in cheek.” Jake chuckled slightly he’d tried the apartment several times in the last hour and always got the same message. Mrs Warriorson wasn’t in can I take a message.
Catherine looked at the clock on her desk and inwardly groaned. “Yeah, I suppose I should. Although that isn’t why you called right?”
“It’s Destiny isn’t it, Catherine?”
The bald words had Catherine drawing in a deep breath before she answered. “Actually, no, not now. Good deduction though. I could do with you here.” As wistful as it sounded she really did think that way. God I need…Jace.
Jake gave a heavy sigh before he replied. “Mamma, you wouldn’t bullshit me right?” As he said the words, he frowned at the temerity of his bravado. He’d never spoken to either of his adoptive parents in such a way.
Catherine smiled openly for the first time in what seemed like a decade. She answered quickly. “Absolutely not, Jake. Destiny is safe and the rest is debateable.”
“Mamma, do you need my help?” Jake asked knowing the first reaction would be a negative but he had to try.
About to say no emphatically, Catherine hesitated. She needed new blood. Someone who would understand today’s business dealings and takes chances. It could be Jake–how easy would that be. Then she realised that this was something she needed to do alone. No way was she going to implicate another member of her family in this mess.
“Jake, you have a job along with a new fiancée with a whole new life to discover together. Trust me everything will work out…it always does…right.”
Shaking his head, Jake felt the corner of his lips curl. “Don’t belittle me Mamma. You and I know Xianthos is in trouble and that by definition means you are. I can help. Please let me.”
Catherine felt a sense of pride revolve around her as she heard the words. Her eldest son had indeed become a man. “I wouldn’t do that Jake. Xianthos is in trouble that’s true but I’ll work it out.”
“Some things you can’t work out, Mamma. Does Mom know?”
“Sure she does. Your mom approves what I’m doing.” Catherine closed her eyes and almost crossed her fingers at the untruth.
Jake shook his dark head again. “I just bet she does…if you talked.”
The silence that encompassed his words had Jake on the back foot. He knew he’d hit a nerve. “Look if that was out of order…”
“No, no it wasn’t. Your mom doesn’t know the extent of the problems. I’m hoping that you don’t enlighten her. She doesn’t need to know…at least for now.”
Jake felt the anger rising with the irrational attitude of his parent. At the same time he knew he wouldn’t do different for those he loved. “When you need me, Mamma, I have a feeling you will call me. You gave me the chance to be what I am today. Allow me at least the opportunity to use the knowledge I have to help you. You owe me that, Mamma.”
Catherine sighed heavily. “You have my word I’ll call. How is Helen and the wedding plans?”
“Helen and I have decided to take a break and review what we want out of life,” Jake reluctantly admitted.
Catherine heard the sadness and disappointment in his voice and quietly said, “I hope that it works out Jake if you need…” She didn’t finish for how could she give advice when her personal relationships were hardly solid these days.
“Yeah, I know. Mamma, you don’t have to do this on your own. Please remember that. Go home and get some sleep.”
The door to her office opened and Raleigh Benedict breezed in. In her calm controlled voice she said, “Cat you promised dinner if I could find some information that didn’t implicate you in fraudulent behaviour. Opps, sorry I’ll be outside.” The brash young woman backed out of the door.
“Who was that?” Jake asked alarmed that his mother wasn’t alone.No one shortened Catherine’s name not even Jace.
Catherine heard the alarm in his voice and she smiled. It softened even more of the lines above her forehead if there had been anyone to see the change. “It’s no one that you need worry about. I have to go…who knows I might have good news for a change.”
Jake didn’t labor the point but it was sure interesting that whoever the woman was she was working late and was allowed to be so familiar with his mother. “Get some rest, Mamma, I love you.”
“I love you too son,” Catherine replied softly as the connection was severed.
Sinking back in her chair she looked at the clock –it was ten-thirty. With a heavy sigh, she closed up her computer and wondered what Raleigh had found. Dragging herself from the chair, she felt as though Jake’s call had invigorated her if only for a short time. Then, she opened her office door and looked at the government official who was now lounging with her feet on her private secretary’s desk. Catherine knew that her secretary would have a fit if she saw that.
“I keep my promises, Ms. Benedict. What have you found?”
+ + +
Chapter 39
Jace gazed unseeingly out of the study window and wondered what went through Catherine’ mind when she did the exact same thing. Her wife had been gone a long six weeks and she had the distinct feeling that she wasn’t coming back to her. Destiny, she’d come back to that and the kids without a doubt. But, coming back to her was doubtful. Their relationship it was gradually slipping beyond recognition. In the time Catherine had been away, they’d talked for less than an hour all totalled. It was hardly the foundation to make everything right. True, Catherine had said when she was home they would talk but she was finding the long wait interminable.
The perplexing thing was, the call she’d received from Jake the night before. He’d told her in no uncertain terms that it was time she went to see Catherine. He didn’t make it exactly plain what he was trying to say, it was more of an innuendo. He’d also asked her if anyone had ever shortened Catherine’s name and she’d adamantly stated there was no way Catherine would allow it. In that simple question, she’d received the biggest hint on what might be happening away from home.
Catherine had thought she was having an affair but in reality, it might be the other way around. She wasn’t going to sit by and allow that to happen without a fight. Even if her stoically well brought up partner would be as embarrassed as hell, she wouldn’t let what they had go quietly.
She’d asked Jake what was going on and pleaded with him to level with her telling him he owed her that. Finally, she was in possession of details that explained in part what was going on with Catherine and why she had been so damn crazy.
Over the years, Catherine had cosseted her so much that her partner forgot that she wasn’t without her own particular intellectual niche–albeit she hardly used it these days. Now, perhaps it was time for her to do what she should have all along. She would no longer allow Catherine to take the financial burden of their life together.
As her eyes traversed the view of the mountain that flanked the property before they turned left to the entrance to the stable yard. Finally, they came to rest on her garden. It was a great central point of their homestead and now she understood why Catherine locked herself away so much when she was stressed.
Closing her eyes, Jace considered her options. Like a general devising battle plans, she decided on her own strategy to help Catherine and win her back. Her thinking at that moment was that the winning might back might be harder than the actually helping to save her financially. She would do whatever it took to make things right.
“What the hell was that name? Cat-yeah Cat!”
Walking over to the desk, she pulled open Catherine’s personal phone and address book. There were numbers to call and favours to ask and she’d go down on her knees if necessary. As she focused on the desk waiting for her first call to connect, she noticed that two photos were missing from the desk. A tiny smile hovered over her lips as she reflected on which ones they were.
“Hello.”
Jace shifted her mind to the voice. “Constance it’s Jace I need a favour…”
+ + +
Grace paused over the washing up and motioned for Colin to join her –he groaned.
“Can’t it wait Grace? The rugby’s just about to start.”
“No, it can’t wait. You can do all that pause and replay stuff can’t you? Isn’t that why we pay all that money for the pleasure of you being able to watch sports whenever you want.”
Colin Montgomery shook his head and pressed the pause on his satellite box. “Yeah and you and George don’t have to fight over channels when I’m away.” Sauntering over to his wife, he picked up the tea towel and began to dry the draining pots used for their evening meal.
“Where is our daughter anyway?” Grace asked as she looked around the family room expecting their daughter to appear at any moment.
“Xena’s expecting her cria any day now and she wants to be there for the birth.
Grace snorted slightly but at the same time had to admit that inwardly their first attempt at breeding the Alpaca. They fondly called her Xena, after watching a marathon session of the old TV series when George had flu last winter. It was something she wanted to do too.
Colin gave his wife a discreet look. He knew that Grace wanted to be there at the birth as much as their daughter but she wasn’t going to admit it. He did wonder at women sometimes and living with two, he hoped to understand them better but he still didn’t. Women were nature’s early warning to men to take notice of the small mistakes in life and take care of them early–even if you didn’t understand why. For sure, as eggs were eggs they’d break over you like a tsunami if you ignored the signs just like women. There was one plus point, he loved them both and it grew exponentially each day no matter what.
“Ok, what is so urgent that you actually disturb the sacrosanct harmony of my rugby match?” he asked with a grin.
“Tomorrow we need to go out and buy more beds.”
Colin blinked and refrained from saying anything for a few seconds as he expected more. When more wasn’t forthcoming, he asked, “Why is there something you haven’t told me?”
Grace frowned and turned to him and saw him looking at her quizzically in the area of her abdomen. She chuckled, “I’m not pregnant silly. I’ve agreed to take care of Allison and Nathan for a few weeks maybe for the whole of the summer break. Jace is going to America to be with Catherine.”
Colin nodded. “I’d have thought she’d have taken the kids too.”
“Under normal circumstances she would have but I think they need a few weeks alone without the distraction of kids,” Grace admitted sadly.
The undertone wasn’t lost on Colin. “I had an idea it wasn’t going so well for a while now.”
Grace glared at her husband. “You knew and never told me? Men! I might have straightened them out before it got to this stage.”
Colin held up the tea towel. “Hey, I’m just a dumb bloke right. What do I know?”
Grace gave him a disparaging look. “My mother is coming too so we’ll have to do some major change around in accommodation. Alli can sleep in George’s room and Nat can have the study. Mom can have the guest bedroom. God we might have to buy some decent bedroom furniture if mom’s coming. Can you imagine her living out of suitcase after bring at Destiny.”
Colin heard the panic beginning to build in his wife’s voice. He dropped the towel on the kitchen bench and touched her shoulder. “Your mother won’t mind. She loves you and the kids and except for that easy chair she has and the expensive wine she drinks we can accommodate her.”
Grace looked up into her husband’s face and saw his teasing although his mention of the easy chair and wine wasn’t far short of the mark. “I love you and ...”
“And?” Colin asked easily as he looked into the warmth of the brown eyes of his wife.
“You’re not a dumb bloke. Now go and watch your rugby.” Grace grinned as she saw the smile etched on his face.
Colin bent his head and snatched a quick kiss. “I love you too, Grace. Are you going to join me?”
“Maybe for the second half. I think I’ll go and see how George is doing with the Xena watch.” Grace grinned as he headed for the lounge.
“Ok, I’ll bring you both a hot drink when the game’s over. We can take the kids camping to Lake Tekapo for a couple of weeks. I’ll hire us a boat. Nat and I can go fishing while you girls do what you girls do.” He disappeared into the TV realm and she knew she’d lost his attention.
Looking at his head, which was now balding at the centre, she smiled and whispered, “I really don’t know what I did to deserve you but I’m glad I did it.”
+ + +
Chapter 40
“Jake, Calvin wants to see you now.”
Jake nodded. “Thanks Sally. My ten-thirty is due anytime. Will you cover for me? Hopefully I won’t be gone long.” He strode off toward the senior executive’s office.
Calvin Frobisher frowned as he looked at the memo from his sleeping business partner. He didn’t like it and the only reason he was partially willing to go along with the recommendations was that with the current financial crisis, he had no choice. If he didn’t, Daniel Hunt was going to bail on the company.
The knock on his door had him barking, “Come in.”
He looked up as the door opened and Jacob Patterson stood in the threshold. He was a keen young man and intelligent too. Clients liked his brisk and no nonsense attitude to business. Though he wasn’t sure if that wasn’t partly due to his New Zealand accent and the romanticism that had some clients, especially the elderly women with nest eggs to invest, enthralled. However, that didn’t detract from his orders. Perhaps order was too harsh a word. Suggestions might be better–no, it was definitely orders.
“Jake, good that was quick.”
“Mr. Frobisher, how can I help?” Jake smiled. He liked the old man who spent the best part of forty years in the business and was the best. He couldn’t see the old man in any other profession although with the volatile economy it was tough. There was no way of knowing who knew what and who it was going to effect.
“Take a seat Jake.”
Jake frowned slightly. The old man was looking uncomfortable and Jake took it as a bad sign.
“I have to tell you I have Mrs. Rissen arriving for a ten-thirty appointment.”
Calvin sighed heavily. Emily Rissen was one of their biggest accounts and was taken with Jake. He’d made her portfolio rise higher than anyone else in the last ten years.
“You of course know that we are going through a terrible time with the collapse of the economy generally.”
“Yeah, but were doing quite well regardless of the trend,” Jake countered equably.
Calvin pulled at his long chin and allowed his grey gaze to look anywhere but at the young man. “I have to let you go Jake.”
Initially, Jake didn’t take in the intonation then as he looked at the man he held in great respect he understood perfectly. “I understand.” He stood up and turned toward the door he’d earlier entered.
“Jake this isn’t personal,” Calvin said distinctly.
Jake knew where letting him go was coming from. “I know it’s not you personally. I can hazard a guess…a good guess as to where though.”
Jake’s anger almost took control when he remembered what his mamma had taught him about not showing the whole deck of cards. Holding out his hand, he tightly said, “It was a pleasure working with you, Mr. Frobisher. I hope things work out for you and the company. I suspect you want me to go now?”
Calvin Frobisher wanted desperately to rescind his words for the young man was genuine and he hated this type of manipulation. “Personally, I’d like you to stay, but my hands are tied…there are other parties involved.”
Jake shook his head. “I just bet there are.” He left the office and as he closed the door with full force, the sound reverberated around the area causing a few heads to fly up in response.
Heading toward his office, he remembered his appointment. Turning, he gritted his teeth and quietly said, “I no longer work here. You’ll have to find another young pimp.” He walked into his office and fifteen minutes later headed out of the office suite with one thing on his mind –he was heading to his mother and New York.
+ + +
Lisa grinned, as the customer she was serving finally understood what she was talking about –at least partially. “Wonderful Mrs. Smith we’ll see you next month then.”
Ten minutes later, she was alone in her small shop and she looked around proud of what she had accomplished. But had she? All this was Catherine not her. She had been bent on being a petrol head and doing the circuits–she wanted that– it was her dream. True, she had an aptitude with the herbs and potions and was almost witch like at times with some. Now, she was going to spend the rest of her life doing this. It was great for later, but right now she wanted to be someplace totally alien to this and never more so since Jake’s engagement.
“Damn, I hate you Jake Patterson for making me feel like I do!” She slammed her hand on the granite top and winced at the pain.
She looked at the shop and all it represented. It wasn’t her and she had foolishly allowed people to think it was. She had two choices, Jace or Catherine. Jace had never fully approved of her racing around the circuit as a child or a young woman. She was hardly likely to approve the decision now. No there was only one person she had to convince to prevent a war breaking out in the family. She needed at least have ally in the camp.
“I’m going to New York and confront Catherine and tell her that I’m grateful but it isn’t me, not yet anyway.”
Decision made the burden of being something she wasn’t somehow made her feel ridiculously light headed-but oh so good.
JM Dragon author of the newly released novel Echo's Crusade.Published by Intaglio Publications
Available at SCP and Bella Books
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