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TangledinTemptation TheBillionaire'sDynastySeries,Volume2 LexyTimms
PublishedbyDarkShadowPublishing,2024
Thisisaworkoffiction.Similaritiestorealpeople,places,oreventsareentirelycoincidental. TANGLEDINTEMPTATION
Firstedition.February26,2024.
Copyright©2024LexyTimms
WrittenbyLexyTimms
@Copyright2024ByLexyTimms
ALLRIGHTSRESERVED Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinorintroducedintoaretrievalsystem,ortransmitted,inanyform,orbyanymeans (electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recording,orotherwise)withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofboththecopyrightownerandtheabovepublisherofthisbook. Thisisaworkoffiction Names,characters,places,brands,media,andincidentsareeithertheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously Any resemblancetoanactualperson,livingordead,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental Theauthoracknowledgesthetrademarkedstatusandtrademarkownersof variousproductsreferencedinthisworkoffiction,whichhavebeenusedwithoutpermission.Thepublication/useofthesetrademarksisnotauthorized,associatedwith,or sponsoredbythetrademarkowners
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ByLexyTimms
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TangledinTemptationBlurb PEOPLEWHOHAVENOlifewillalwaystrytostartdramainyours...
CatherineJacobsenhashernewhouseandisgivingitherfullattention,usingitasadistractiontokeephermindoff Timothy.Sheishurttoknowhisex-wifeisstillhangingaround.ThenPaisley,Timothy’sdaughter,showsupinarainstorm,and CatherinehastocallTimothy Shepusheshimaway,butTimothycomesback Heinviteshertogotoagalawithhim,whichsheaccepts.Whileshe’sinNewYorkCitywithhim,Regina,theex,shows uponceagain Onceagain,sheleavesonlytohaveachangeofheartandgiveTimothyanotherchance Justwhenheartsarebeginningtomend,anditfeelslikelifeisgivingthemachance,Paisleygoesmissing.
TheBillionaire’sDynastySeries
FindLexyTimms: TangledinTemptationBlurb
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
ChapterFifteen
ChapterSixteen
ChapterSeventeen
ChapterEighteen
ChapterNineteen
ChapterTwenty
ChapterTwenty-One
ChapterTwenty-Two
ChapterTwenty-Three ChapterTwenty-Four
ChapterTwenty-Five ChapterTwenty-Six
ChapterTwenty-Seven
ChapterTwenty-Eight
TheBillionaire’sDynastySeries SleepingWiththeEnemy DeadAheadFREECOPY
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Contents ChapterOne Catherine
THERAINDROPSTAPPEDonthewindows,creatingacomfortingbackdroptomymelancholy.Iwanderedthroughtherooms ofmynewhouse,makingmentalnotesaboutwhatIneededtodofirst Myfather’sthoughtfulgiftwasarefugefromthechaos thathadenvelopedmylifeinrecentdays.Thewideplankfloorboardsweremyfavoritestyle.Theywereoldandauthenticand indesperateneedofbeingsandedandrestored Itookamomenttobounceupanddown,checkingthesturdinessofthefloor Thehousewasn’tasoldasGlorianaManor,butitwasoldenough.Itwasbuiltwell,andIcouldn’twaittoputmypersonal touchontherestoration
Ilikedtoimaginethehistorythatthesewallshadwitnessed.Ilikedtocomeupwithmyownstoriesaboutthefamilythat hadoncelivedinthehome.Ilikedtoimaginekidsatthetabledoinghomeworkandtheirmomintheold-fashionedkitchen makingamealfromscratchwhilewearingacuteapron Basically,IlikedtofantasizeaboutthefamilyI’dneverhad The motherIneverreallygottentoknowbeforeshedied.
Itwasabigproject,butIwasreadyforthechallenge Thishouse,rightinthecenteroftown,wouldbemysanctuary a placetorebuild,toheal.Ineededanotherprojecttoabsorballmyattention.Ididn’twanttothinkaboutTimothylivingup thereinhisbeautifulmansionwiththatwoman.Thatwholesituationmademesomadandhurtatthesametime.Thetwo emotionsfedofftheother.
Iwasstillfurioustoknowthatwomanwasenjoyingthefruitsofmylabor.NotthatIeverhadachancetoliveinthehouse, butIdidhaveatasteofthemanofthehouse Amanthathadledmetobelievehewasavailable Ihadnoideahewasstillwith thewomanhepretendedtohate.Ihadthoughttheremightactuallybesomethinghappeningbetweenus.
Andthenwe’dhadsex,andhe’dpracticallyrunaway Thatwasneverthereactionawomanwantedafterhavingthebest sexofherlife.Yes,heswoopedinandsavedmefromScott’stiradeinmydad’sshop,butIcouldhavebeatenScottaway.And mydadwasthere.HewouldhavekickedScottouteventually.So,whileitwasverychivalrous,itwasn’tlikehestuckaround totalkaboutit.Onceagain,hewalkedaway.Themanhadabadhabitofgruntingandwalkingawayfromasituationthat warrantedatleastabriefconversation.
IdismissedTimothyfrommymind Ididn’twanttothinkabouthim Hewasinmypast Theonenightwe’dhadtogether washistory.Itdidn’tmatter.Ithadbeenaquickieinthekitchen.Therewasnothingbetweenusandneverwouldbe.Irefused tobetheotherwoman Iknewhewasdivorced,butafterseeinghisexandgettingtowitnessherinaction,Iwantednothingto dowiththatsituation.Noway.Iwasn’tgoingtobehissidechickwhilehestillbangedhiswife.
“Enough.Stop.Nomore.”
IgavemyselfamentalshakeandwentouttomytrucktogetthecleaningsuppliesI’dbroughtalong.Myfurniturewouldbe deliveredsoon.I’dactuallysplurgedandboughtanewcouchwiththemoneyI’dmaderestoringthemanor.Therestofmy thingsweregoingtobearrivingfrommyoldapartmentthathadofficiallybeencondemnedafteritwasdiscoveredthemold situationwasfarmoreseriousthananyonethought.Myfatherbuyingmethishousecameattheperfecttime.EventhoughIwas stillalittlefrustratedhe’dwastedthemoneyhemadewiththemanorprojecttobuymeahouse Iwishedhehadboughtitfor himself.
ButIwasgrateful.Ilovedthehouse,andIcouldn’twaittogetstartedworkingonit.Igotbusywipingdownthekitchen counters,preparingforthetediousprocessofunpackingallmykitchenstuff Thesoundofamovingtruckpulledmefrommy thoughtsthatimmediatelywentbacktoTimothywhenIwasn’tactivelytryingnottothinkabouthim.NomatterwhatIdid,he wasinmyheadtwenty-fourseven
Irushedoutsidetodirectthemovers,eagertotransformthishouseintomydreamhome.Theraincontinuedtofall,butmy excitementovershadowedanydiscomfort Together,webroughtmymeagerbelongingsfromthecondemnedapartmentupthe creakystairstowhatwouldsoonbemybedroom.
“Thankyouguys,”IsaidwhenthesmallU-Haulwasunloaded.Igavethemeachfortybucks.Ithoughtitwasmorethan enoughgivenIhadalmostnofurniture Ilookedaroundattheboxespiledupandwasactuallykindofgratefulforthemess Thishadtokeepmymindoffthemanthatwouldnotbementioned.Ididn’tneedupbeatmusicfrommyplaylist.Thiswasa momentofquiet Thesoundoftherainwastheperfectsoundtrackformymood Icarriedtheboxesforthekitcheninandput themonthecounter.Iopenedoneaftertheother,noticingthecabinetdoorswouldneedtoberefinished.
Later,asIunpacked,myphonerang,interruptingthequiethumofrainoutside IglancedatthescreenandsawTimothy’s nameonthescreen.Threedaysinarow,andeachtime,I’dchosentoignorehiscalls.Thewoundwasstillfresh.WasIjusta distraction?Afleetingamusementinbetweenmomentswithhisex-wife,orwhatevershewastohimnow?Shewasin Germany,andheneededtosatisfyhisneeds Whynotfuckthewillingwomantakingadvantageofhiskindness?I’dknownit
wasabadideatomoveintothehouse.Itwasinevitabletherewouldbeamomentbetweenus.Thechemistrywasobvious.I justassumedhewassingleandthechemistrywasokay.
Iletthecallgotovoicemail,butmyfingerslingeredoverthescreen Thetemptationtoanswerwasstrong,butIresisted I couldn’taffordtolethimbackintomylife,notafterwhatI’dseen.HisbetrayalstungmorethanIexpected,andthisnewhouse wasmychancetoescapetheshadowsofGlorianaManor Ineverwantedtothinkaboutitagain
AsIcontinuedunpacking,therainoutsideintensified.Ifoundcomfortinthesound,eachdropareminderthatlifegoeson, evenafterthestorm Ilikedthatitwasadownpour Anangrystormthatreflectedmymoodaswell ThememoriesofTimothy lingered,butIpushedthemaway,determinedtofocusonthefreshstartthenewhouserepresented.
Iwentupstairstounpackmybathroomandsomeofmyclothes.Ididn’twanttodotoomuchbecauseIwasjustgoingto havetomoveitaroundandre-boxitwhileIpaintedandworkedonthefloors
“Catherine!”Mydad’svoiceechoedthroughthehouse.
“Uphere,”Icalledout
Imademywaydownstairstofindhimstandinginthefoyer,aproudsmileonhisface.Iknewgivingmethishousemade himjustashappyasitmademetogetit
“Dad.”Igreetedhimwithaquickhug,notwantingtogetwetfromhisslicker.“Whatbringsyouhere?”
Hegesturedaroundhouse.“Justcheckingonhowthingsaregoing.ThisplaceislookingmoreincredibleeverytimeIvisit. You’vealreadycleanedupalot”
Inodded,appreciatinghissupport.“It’salotofwork,butI’mexcitedaboutmakingitmyown.Ican’twaittorefinishthe floors Ipricedoutwindowsyesterday Andthatstonefireplace,IthinkI’mgoingtopaintitwhite”
Hechuckled,glancingaround.“Yougotthatdeterminationfromyourmom,youknow.Shelovedturningahouseintoa home.”
Aswetalkedaboutthehouseforaminute,aseriousexpressioncrossedmydad’sface.Heclearedhisthroat,andIcould sensethatsomethingelsewasonhismind.“Catherine,Timothycalled.”
Ifrowned,mymoodshiftingatthementionofTimothy’sname “Whatdoeshewantnow?” “HehasanotherjobforyouatGlorianaManor,”mydadsaid.
Isighed,myfrustrationbubblingup “Dad,you’llhavetofindanothercontractor I’mnotgoingbackthere Allthemajor stuffisdone.Ifhewantssomethingelse,youcandoit,orhecanhiresomeoneelse.IdidwhatIsetouttodo.I’mdone.” Mydadfurrowedhisbrows.“Whathappened,Catherine?You’vebeenavoidingTimothy’scallsfordaysnow.Isthisabout theconfrontationwithScott?”
Ihesitated,reluctanttosharethepainfultruth.“Hisex-wife,orwhateversheistohim,she’sback.Iwantnothingtodo withherorhim She’s,well,she’snotsomeoneIwouldeverworkfor”
Heletoutadeepbreathandsqueezedmyshoulder.“IknewTimothywastrouble.I’llhandletheGlorianajobsfromnow on Youdon’tneedtoworryaboutthatplaceanymore Ishouldhaveknownthiswouldhappen” Hiswordsbroughtasenseofrelief.“Thanks,Dad.Iappreciateit.Idon’tmeantobeunprofessional,butthatwomanisa bitch.”
“Catherine,”hewarned
“I’mserious,Dad.Idon’tthinkyou’regoingtowanttodealwithhereither.She’snotnice.Amberquit,andshe’snotgoing backtofinishthejobeither Thatwomanishorrible Timothycanhaveher” Hesighedagain.“Ididn’tliketheguywhenIfirstmethim.Ihadafeelingsomethinglikethiswouldhappen.Ishouldkick hisassforbreakingyourheart”
“It’sokay,Dad.Hedidn’treallydoanything.Igotcaughtupinthefantasy.Itwasnevergoingtohappen.Ilovedgettingto dotheproject.That’swhatI’mgoingtofocuson.Timothy,hishouse,andhiswifecanallhaveeachother.I’mveryproudof theworkwedid Wesavedthehousefrombeingcompletelygutted Alittlepieceofhistoryhasbeensaved Idon’tregretthe experience.”
“Itwasabeautifulrenovation”Hesmiled “Youdidyourolddadproud IwilladmitIwasn’tcrazyabouttheideaofsuch abigproject,butyouknewwhatyouwerecapableof.Thestudenthassurpassedtheteacher.” Ilaughed “I’mnotsureaboutthat,butIhadagoodteacher Ihavesomethingtoaddtomyportfolio I’mthinkingabout puttingtogetherawebsiteforthebusiness.Itwillshowcasesomeofourwork.Ithinkitwillbeagoodwaytobringin business.Picturessayathousandwords.Letcustomersseewhatwecandoinsteadofustellingthem.” Hecringed,stillnotthrilledwiththeideaofmovingintothetwenty-firstcentury “Isupposeitwillallbeyoursoneday Youhavetodowhatyouthinkisright.”
“I’mnottryingtotakeover,”Iassuredhim “Notyet WhileIwantyoutoenjoyretirement,Idon’twantyoutojustyet” Hechuckled.“Idon’tplanongoinganywhere.” Iforcedasmile,doingmybesttohidesomeofthepainthatlingered.Asusual,hesawrightthroughmyfaçade. Hepattedmybackbeforeheadingtowardthedoor.“Youfocusonmakingthishouseyours.I’lltakecareoftherest.”
Asmydadleft,Ireturnedtothetaskofunpacking.Iwascarryingaboxdownstairswhenasuddenknockonthedoor disruptedthequietsolitudeofthehouse.Mydadwouldbehomebynow,whichmeantitwouldbeAmber.Nooneelseknew whereIlived NotevenScott Ipeekedoutthewindowandsawasmallfigurewithahoodiepulledupandtheirheadhanginglow.Thatwasodd.I openedthedoor,revealingafamiliarface “Paisley!”
ChapterTwo Catherine “CANICOMEIN?”SHEasked.
Ididn’tknowwhatthehellwasgoingon,andthelastthingIwantedtodowasgetinvolvedwithwhateverwashappening betweenherandherparents.Thiswasnothelpingmetoforgetallaboutthem.
IreluctantlyletPaisleyintothehouse Shewasdrenched,waterdrippingfromherclothesandformingsmallpuddleson thefloor.Amixtureoffrustrationandconcernwashedoverme.
“Stayhere,I’llgetyouatowel Doyouhaveashirtunderyourhoodie?” Shenodded.“Yes.”
“Takeoffyourhoodie.”
Ijoggedupstairstothebathroom,whereIhadjustfinishedputtingawaytowels Igrabbedacoupleandwentback downstairs,silentlyhandingthemtoher.
“Thanks,”shemutteredandstartedtodryherhair “Whatareyoudoinghere?”Iasked.
“Thanksforlettingmein,Catherine.It’slikeamonsoonoutthere.”
Shewasclearlygoingtoignoremyquestion.“Howdidyougethere?” IhopedlikehellTimothywasn’tlurkingsomewhereoutthere.
“Irodemybike”
”Whatpossessedyoutorideyourbikeinthisweather?”
Shegrinned,asifherdaringadventureamusedher “Ineededtogethere,andIdidn’twanttowaitfortheraintostop” Ihandedheranothertowel.“DoesTimothyknowyou’rehere?”
Paisleyshookherhead,waterdropletsscatteringaroundher.“Nope,he’snotevenintown.I’mstuckuptherewithsomeof themaidsandmymom.”
Myeyebrowsfurrowed.“Butwhyareyouhere?”Iaskedagain.
“BecauseIdidn’twanttobethere It’sjustlikeitalwaysis Ihadtogetaway”
“Paisley,she’syourmom.Youcan’tjustrunaway.I’lltakeyouhome.”
“No!”
“Paisley,”Isaidandtookadeepbreath.“Yourmomisgoingtobeworriedaboutyou,andquitefrankly,Iwouldrathernot havehercometomyhousetopickyouup.AndIdon’twanthertothinkIencouragedyoutorunoffinthemiddleofa downpour.”
“She’stryingtoconvincemetogobacktoboardingschool,”shecomplained.“Idon’twanttogo.Mydadsaidheasked herifIcouldstaywithhim Nowshe’stryingtomakemegoback”
Isighed,realizingthecomplicationsthissituationcouldbring.“Paisley,thisisnotagoodidea.Wecan’thaveyoustaying here It’llonlygetusbothintrouble Yourparents,they,well,they’reyourparents”
ButPaisley,beingPaisley,madeherselfrightathome.Shelookedaroundthehouse,noddingslowly.“Thisplaceiscute.I likeit.It’sold,huh?”
“Yesitis,”Ireplied
Shesatdownintheoldchairinthelivingroom.“You’regoingtorestoreit.”
Shewastryingtostall,likeshecouldmakemeforgetshehadrunawayfromherparents Ihatedkickingherout,butthis wasjustnevergoingtowork.Ididn’twanttogetdraggedintothemiddleofTimothy’snot-marriageanymorethanIalready was Iwastheonethatwasgoingtogethurt Ididn’twanttodealwithRegina Ihadafeelingshewouldhaveanopinionabout herdaughterhidingoutatmyhouse.
“Paisley,seriously,Ican’tcoverforyou.Whatifsomeonefindsoutyou’rehere?”
Sheflashedamischievousgrin “Don’tworry IcanbestealthywhenIwanttobe” Irolledmyeyes,notamusedbyheraudacity.“Paisley,thisisserious.Youneedtogobackhome.Icandriveyou.”
Shecrossedherarms,herexpressiondefiant “Noway I’mnotgoingbacktothatboardingschool,andI’mdefinitelynot facingmymomrightnow.I’mstayinghere.”
ArguingwithateenagegirlwasnotsomethingIhadanticipatedfortheevening Isatdown,tryingtoreasonwithher “Paisley,listen.Youcan’tjustrunawayfromyourproblems.Youhavetofacethem.”
Shepouted,sinkingintothecouch.“Ihateitthere,Catherine.Ican’tgoback.” Isighed,realizingthecomplexityofhersituation “Look,Ican’tletyoustayhere”
Paisleyglaredatme,butIstoodmyground.“Please,justforalittlebit.Ican’tbreathewhenI’mthere.Sheruinedthat house.”
“Ruinedit?”Iaskedwithhorror
“Thevibe,”Paisleysaid.“It’ssostressfulnow.Shecomplainsabouteverything.Shefreakedoutwhenshesawthemural.I just,please,Catherine Justforalittlebit”
Theteenageyearssucked.Iknewthat.“Fine,foralittlebit.LetmefindyousomedryclothesandI’lltossyoursinthe dryer You’reluckyyoudidn’tcrashonyourbikeinthisstorm Assoonasthisweatherletsupandyourclothesaredry,I’m drivingyouhome.”
Shegrinned,acceptingthecompromise.“Thankyou.”
Shefollowedmeupstairs IquicklyfoundherapairofmypajamastochangeintowhileIcalledTimothy Heansweredon thesecondring.
“Catherine,Ineedtoexplainwhathappenedafewdaysago It’snotwhatyouthink” Icuthimoff,notwillingtorevisitthatpainfulmoment.“Timothy,Paisleyisatmyhouse.Sheranawayfromhermom.I understandyou’reoutoftown Ican’thaveherstayhere,soI’mdrivingherbackonceherclothesaredry Ifyoucanletyour wifeknow,Iwouldappreciateit.”
Therewasaheavyexhaleontheotherendoftheline.“She’snotmywife.” “Idon’tcare Ex,whatever I’llmakesurePaiselygetshome Idonotcaretogetinthemiddleofyourfamilydrama” Heletoutanothersigh.“I’monmywaybackfromthecity.I’llcomegether.Justdon’tgouptothehouse,okay?” Iunderstoodwhyhedidn’twantmeathishouse Regina AfamiliarhurtblossomedinmychestatthethoughtofTimothy andhiscomplicatedrelationships.Hedidn’twantusmeetingandtalking.HewasworriedIwouldtellReginaaboutournight together.AsifIwantedtoadmitthattoanyone.Buthewasright.AconfrontationwithReginawouldn’tdoanyoneanygood. “Allright,I’llwaitforyoutogethere.”
Beforehecouldsayanythingelse,Ihungup.“Doyouwantsomehotchocolate?”Iaskedher. “Sure”
Idugouttheboxthathadmylimitedgroceries.Istillneededtomakeatriptothegrocerystore.IfoundtheboxofSwiss Missandquicklymadeheracupandthenoneformyself “Idon’thavemarshmallows,”Isaid.
“Thisisgreat,thankyou.”
Iwentbacktogetmycupbeforereturningtothelivingroom.
“Thisisareallycoolhouse,”shesaid.“Isthisyourhouseorareyoujustfixingitupfortheowner?”
“Iamtheowner,”Isaidwithasenseofpride
“It’sprettybigforjustyou.”
“GlorianaManorisprettybigfortwoorthreepeople,”Ireplied Shelaughed.“It’sprettybigfortenpeople.”
“Isthatthekindofhouseyou’reusedtolivingin?”
Ishouldn’thaveasked Itwasn’tmybusiness IguessedIwasjustcuriousaboutwhattheirliveswerelike SomuchformedismissingTimothyfrommythoughts.NowIwasinterrogatinghisdaughtertogetinformation. Wesatinthelivingroomsippinghotchocolate Whileitlookedallcalmandnormal,Icouldn’thelpbutfeelasenseof unease.Theraincontinuedtostreamdownthewindows.ThiswastheexactoppositeofgettingTimothyoutofmylifefor good
“I’mreallysorrytoshowuphere,”Paisleysaidquietly.“Ididn’thaveanywhereelsetogo.” Ifeltbadforher.“It’sokay.Ijust,well,I’mworriedaboutgettinginthemiddleofyourfamily’sbusiness.Idon’twantto dothat”
“Ijustdon’tunderstand,”shesighed.
“Whathappened?”Iheardmyselfask,eventhoughIknewitwasnotagoodidea Thegirlneededsomeonetotalkto “Ifeelsosuffocated,”shesaid.“NothingIsaymatters.It’slikeI’mstillababy.ShethinksIdon’tknowmyownmind.” Irememberedbeingfifteen Itwasastruggle “Youdoknowyourmind,”Isaid,tryingtooffersomecomfort “But sometimes,asparents...oradultsingeneral...wearen’talwaysgoodatrecognizingthat.Yourmomprobablyseesyouasher littlegirl.”
Sherolledhereyes “I’veneverbeenherlittlegirl Shedoesn’tevenknowme ShehatesthatIpaintordoanythingthatshe hasn’ttoldmeto.OneofmyfriendstoldmeIwasanaccessory.”
“Anaccessory?”
“WhenIwasyounger,shealwaysmademeweardesignerdresses.IhadahugeclosetofdesignerstuffthatIhated.She alwaystrottedmeoutattheholidaysorwhatever.I’manaccessory.AtleastIusedtobe.ButnowthatI’mtoooldtobecute, I’mapaininherbutt.”
“That’satoughplacetobein,”Iadmitted.
Inthatmoment,Ifeltasurgeofcompassionforthisteenagerwhowasstrugglingwithheridentityandindependence. “You’renotanaccessory,Paisley.You’reapersonwithyourownthoughts,feelings,andambitions.”
“Iknowthat Butsometimesit’sjusthard Idon’twanttogotothatboardingschool Theydon’tcarethatIlikepainting Theyareallaboutmannersandstudying.”
Itookadeepbreath Iabsolutelyfeltbadforher Ihatedthatshewasbeingusedasapawn “I’msorry,”Isaid “Maybe youcanwritealistofreasonswhyyoushouldn’tgo.You’refifteen,andit’ssuchanawkwardtime.You’renotanadult,but you’realmostthere Youknowwhatyouwanttodo,andyourmomknowswhatshewantsyoutodo WhenIwasyourage,my dadwasadamantIdidn’tgointowoodworking.Hewantedmetogotocollegeandhavesomekindofninetofivebankerjob.” “Really?”
Ismiled “Yes Ihatetosayit,butyouareinoneofthetougheststagesofyourlife AllIcantellyouisitdoesgetbetter Allofthisstuffyou’redealingwithsucks.Igetit,butIthinkifyoucankeepyoureyesontheprize,you’llgetthrough.” “Idon’tknowifIcangetthrough,”shewhispered “IfeellikeI’mgoingtowitheraway” “Iknow.”Inodded.
ShestartedtorambleonabouteveryoneofRegina’stransgressions Alotofitwasthetypicalteenagerstuff Everyone wentthroughit,whetheryouwererichorpoorwithasingleparentortwoparents.
Ilistenedhalf-heartedly.Itwasn’tthatIdidn’tfeelbadforher,becauseIdid.ItwasjustIresentedherforpullingmeback intoherfamily IfIcouldhavearelationshipwithPaisley,Iwould,butIknewitwasimpossiblegiventhecurrentsituation Andofcourse,Regina.Reginawouldneverallowherdaughtertohaveanykindoffriendshipwiththewomanshethoughtshe obeyedallofherorders
Icouldonlyimaginehowshetreatedherdaughterifshetreatedperfectstrangersthewayshedid.Ihadonlyspentthree minuteswiththewoman,andIcouldn’thandleher.Paisleywasarebelliouschildasitwas.Itwasn’tabigsurpriseshewas clashingwithhermother.
ChapterThree Timothy ITWASLATEATNIGHTandtherainjustkeptcomingdown.IpulledintoCatherine’sdriveway.Thesightofhernewhouse stirredacomplexmixofemotionswithinme Anger,disappointment,andanunspokenlongingforthewaythingsusedtobe Glancingatheroldtruckinthedriveway,Icursedundermybreath.Iwantedhertruckinmydriveway.
Iclimbedoutofmycarandrushedtothedoorwiththerainpouringdownonme Irangthebell,brushingtherainoffmy hairasIwaitedforhertoanswer.IhopedPaisleywasstillthere.IthadtakenlongerthanIexpectedtogetbacktoSleepy Hollow IfCatherinehadtakenRegina’sdaughterhome,Icouldonlyimaginethefireworksthathaderupted Iwasn’tsureI wouldhaveahousetogohometo.
Catherineansweredthedoor,barelymeetingmyeyes.Shesteppedoutofthewaytoallowmeinside.Inthedimlight,I noticedPaisleyfastasleeponthecouch,wrappedinablanket CatherinewordlesslyhandedmePaisley’sclothes,hergaze piercingthroughme.
“I’llloadupherbikeinmytruckandbringitovertomorrow,”shesaid,hertonecurtandbusinesslike “Shecankeepthe pajamas.”
Inodded,alumpforminginmythroat.“Thanks.”
Thetensionhungintheair.Thismightbemyonlychancetotalktohersinceshewasn’ttakingmycalls.IfeltIwaslosing mychance.“Canwetalkforamoment?”Iasked.
Catherinehesitated,hereyesreflectingapainIhadn’tseenbefore “Ispoketomydad,”shesaidwithnoemotioninher voice.“He’stakingoveranynewprojectsatGlorianaManor.Iwon’tbeinvolvedanymore.”
“Thisisn’taboutthehouse,”Isaid
Apangofguiltstabbedatmelookingintohereyes.Icouldfeelherhurt,herdisappointment,andIknewthatthedamage wasdeeperthananythinganapologycouldfix.
“Idon’tcareaboutanythingelse,”shesaid.
“Iwouldjustlikeaminutetoexplain.”
“Idon’tneedyoutoexplainanything,”shesaidirritably “Myworkwithyouisdone We’redone” Itwasbrutal.IknewIhadtogetoutthewordsbeforeshepushedmeoutofthehouseandtherewasagoodchanceIwould neverseeheragain
“ReginacametotheStateswithoutmeknowingshewasgoingto,”Isaid.“IcalledhertotalkaboutPaisley.”
Herpainedexpressioncutrightintomyheart.“Paisleywantstostay,andReginaishighlyagainstit,”Icontinued,my wordsrushingout.“Itoldhersheneededtostayinthecityfortheremainderofthetrip.Idon’tknowwhyshestayed.”
“Paisleysaidshe’sstillatthehouse,”Catherinesaidwithaccusationinhervoice.
“Justuntiltomorrow,”Iassuredher,knowingitprobablywouldn’tmakeadifferencenow “I’vestayedawayasmuchasI can.AllofthiswasjustmyattempttoconvincehertoletPaisleystayherewithme.”
Cahterine’shardlookcutrightthroughme Shewasnothearingmywords
“We’renottogether.She’smyex,andthat’sit.There’snothingbetweenus.” Catherineonlynodded,hersilencemoreprofoundthananywordscouldconvey.TherewassomuchmoreIwantedtosay, buttheweightofthesituationpresseddownonus Iwilledhertosaysomething,anything,butshejustlookedatmelikeshe’d neverseenmebefore.
Paisleystirredonthecouch Catherinesteppedaroundmeandintothelivingroom “Yourdadishere,”shetoldPaisley “He’sgotyourclothes.I’llbringyourbikeuptothehousetomorrow.”
“TellCatherinethankyouforlettingyoucrash,”IsaidtoPaisley “Thanks,”Paisleymutteredasshegottoherfeet.
“Thanks,”Isaid,lookingatCatherineonelasttime. IusheredPaiselyouttomycar,lookingbackonlyonce Catherinehadalreadyshutthedoor Therewasn’talastlookora wave.Sheclosedthatdoor,anditwassofinal.
“Wanttotellmewhatthatwasabout?”IaskedPaisley “Itdoesn’tmatter.”
“Iwouldsayitdoesmatter,”Ireplied Shewasn’tgoingtoanswerme.Ithadbeenlikethelastfewdays.Shewasn’ttalkingtomeorRegina.Paisleystaredoutof thecarwindow,seeminglylostinherthoughts,andIkeptmyfocusontherain-drenchedroad.Therewouldbetimeforthe inevitableconversationwithhertomorrow
conversationwithoutReginayellingandPaisleypouting.Sofar,that’sallithadbeen.Istilldidn’tknowwhyReginafeltthe needtodragherassallthewayherejusttofuckupmyworld.
Theridehomewassilent IglancedoveratPaisley,herpalefaceilluminatedbytheglowofthecar’sinstrumentpanel For hertorunoffandmakeitallthewaytoCatherine’shousetoldmethingswereprettybad.Ididn’tunderstandwhyRegina couldn’tseewhatshewasdoingtoherowndaughter Paisleywasstruggling Itwouldn’timpactRegina’slifeinanywayif Paisleywasallowedtostaywithmeandgotoschoolhere.Shelikedithere.Icouldgiveheragoodlifewithsolidfooting. Reginawastoofuckingselfishtolookbeyondherownwants Iknewtheonlyreasonshedidn’twantPaisleywithmewas becauseherso-calledfriendswouldbeshockedtolearnherdaughterwaswithherex-husband.Itwassomuchcoolertosay Paisleywasatboardingschool.
Wepulledthroughthegateanduptothehouse Ipulledintothegarageandturnedofftheenginebutdidn’tmakeamoveto getout.“Weneedtotalkaboutthis,Paisley,”Ifinallysaid,breakingthesilence.
Paisleydidn’trespondimmediately Shecontinuedstaringoutthewindow,herhandabsentmindedlyplayingwiththehem ofherborrowedclothes.“There’snopoint,”shesighed.“You’regoingtolethershipmeaway,justlikeyoudidlasttime.” Sheopenedthedoorandslammeditshut,causingmetowince Shewasoutofthegarageinaflash Islowlygotout myself,walkingintothesilenthouse.Icouldhearthemuffledsoundofmusicandknewshehadgonetoherroom.Ifeltthe sameway.Ineededamomenttogathermythoughtsandastiffdrinktosoftentheedgesofmyfucked-uplife.
Onmywaytomyoffice,Istoppedatthefootofthegrandstaircase Somethingwasoff Itwasthedistanthumofvoices thatcaughtmyattention.Curiosityhadmefollowingthesoundtooneofthedownstairssittingrooms.
Tomysurprise,Reginawasholdingcourt,surroundedbyagroupoffinelydressedmen Theroomwasadornedwiththe lingeringscentofcigarsandtheclinkingofglasses.Regina’seyeslitupwhenshesawme,andshegesturedformetojoin them.
“Timothy.”Shesmiled.“You’rehome.Comein.I’llpouryouadrink.” ItfeltlikeIhadwalkedintoanotherhouse.Thiscouldn’tbemyhouse.Ididn’tentertain. “What’sgoingonhere?”Iasked,mytonesharp,asIsurveyedthescene Regina’slaughterrangthroughtheroom.“Justalittlegathering,Timothy.Relax,darling.Youlooklikeyouneedadrink.” Shesaunteredtothebarandreachedformybottleofscotch Iwalkedin,glaringatthemen “Thepartyisover,”Igrowled Theyhastilygatheredtheirbelongings,mutteredgoodbyes,andlefttheroom.
“Timothy,”Reginapouted.“Whydoyoualwaysinsistonruiningmyfun?You’resuchakilljoy.”
Ishookmyhead,growingtiredofthisroutine.“Thisisn’tyourhouse,Regina.”
Shewavedawaymycommentdismissively,pouringherselfanotherdrinkandoneforme.“YoujusthatewhenIenjoy myself YouhatewhenIhavefun What’swrongwithyou?”
Ipulledoutmyphonetocallheraride.“Youneedtoleavetonight.Idon’twantyouhere.”
Reginascoffed “Soyou’rekickingmeoutofourmaritalhomenow?”
Iclenchedmyjaw,frustrationbubblingbeneaththesurface.“Thiswasneverourmaritalhome,Regina.Youdon’tlive here.You’veneverlivedhere.Youhatedthisplace.”
“It’sbeenourhome,”sheargued
Ishookmyheadwithfrustration.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Whyareyouhere?Iknowyou,Regina.You’reupto something”
Shelovedtoplaygames.ShewasoneofthemostmanipulativepeopleIhadevermet.Istillcouldn’tbelieveIhadbeen dumbenoughtomarryher
“You’realwayslookingforanexcusetofightwithme,”sheaccused.
“Youarealwaysveryreadytogivemealotofexcuses,”Iscoffed.“Ineverhavetolookfar.”
“You’rejustmadI’mhereintrudingonyourlittleparty,”shespat “Ihadnoideayouwereshoppingforyournextwife” “It’snoneofyourbusiness.”
“Idon’twantthatlittlewhoreinatoolbeltaroundmydaughter,”shehissed “Don’tdenyit IknowaslutwhenIseeone, andIknowyoucan’tresistaprettyyoungthingbattinghereyelashesatyouandshakingherass.Thewide-eyedinnocentthing issooverdone”
IfeltasurgeofdefensivenessforCatherine.Regina’swordsstruckanerve,butIheldmyground.“Catherinehasnothingto dowiththis.ThisisaboutPaisley.”
Reginachuckled,findingamusementinmydefenseofCatherine “IfIleave,Paisleygoeswithme Sheisgoingtoboarding school.”
Myheartsankattheultimatum Icouldn’tbearthethoughtofPaisleybeingsentbacktotheboardingschoolshedespised “WeagreedthatPaisleywouldstayforthesummer.That’sfinal.”
Regina’sgazenarrowed,andsheleanedin,hertonecuttinglikeaknife.“You’restillplayinghousewiththatlittle handywoman,aren’tyou?Howpathetic.She’sjustaplaything.”
“You’recrossingaline,Regina,”Isnapped,theedgesofmycontrolfraying.
Herlaughwaslikeshardsofglass.“Andsincewhendidyoustartcaringaboutlines?You’vealwayshadatalentfor blurringthem.”
“That’senough!”Iretorted,myvoiceechoingthroughtheroom Icouldfeelthetensionintheroomrising “I’mnottheone thathadahardtimestayingwithinthelines.You’retheonethatseemstostrugglewiththat.”
Reginasnorted,downingherdrinkinonego “Youcankickmeoutifyouwant,Timothy Butrememberonething Paisley ismydaughter.She’snotyours.She’sonlyherebecauseI’mbeingnice.”
“You’resuchaselfishbitch,”Igrowled “Getoutofmyhouse Getahotel Butyouwillnotstayhere Paisleystillhas sometimehere.Don’tyoudaretryandtakethatfromher.I’mtheonethat’sbeenplayingnice.Donotpushme,Regina.”
Regina’seyesnarrowed,hergazeatoxicblendofamusementandresentmentasshetossedbacktheremainderofherdrink. Theiceclinkedagainsttheglassasshesetitdownhardonmymahoganybarcounter “You’resoconvincedyou’retheknight inshiningarmor,aren’tyou?”shesneered.
“Ineverclaimedtobeperfect,”Ishotback “ButatleastI’mnotrunningofftopartieseveryothernightandleavingour daughteralone.”
“We’renothavingthisargumentagain,Timothy,”shecutmeoffdismissively “Keepthatlittlewhoreawayfrommy daughter.”
Shestompedoutoftheroom.Thetemptationtothrowmyglassatthewallwasstrong.Shewoulduseitagainstme,claimI wasviolent Instead,Islammedmydrinkandlefttheroomtoretreattomybedroom IfReginahaddaredtomoveherselfinto myroom,Iwasgoingtoneedbailmoney.
ChapterFour Catherine
IWASNOTLOOKINGFORWARDtoseeingTimothyoranymemberofhisfamily.Iconsideredaskingmydadtodropoffthe bike,butthatwouldjustbringhimintothedrama MydadwasgoingtobetheonehandlingthefuturebusinessatGloriana Manor.Heneededtofocusontheworkandnotthepersonaldrama.Myintentionwassimple dropoffPaisley’sbikeand avoidanyconversationswithanyone Idrovethroughthegatewithmyheartinmystomach
JustasIpulledtothefrontofthehouse,Paisleyrushedoutofthehousewithtearsstreamingdownherface.Timothy steppedoutrightbehindher IwatchedasPaisleyranaroundthesideofthehousewithTimothywatching Helooked concernedandfrustrated.Ihadneverseenhimlooksodisheveled.HewaswearinggraysweatpantsandaT-shirtwithno socksorshoes.Hishairwasstickingupeverywhichway.I’dthoughtshowingupearlyIcouldavoidseeinganyone.
Clearly,somethinghadhappened Igotoutofmytruckandslowlyapproachedhim “What’sgoingon?”Iasked,myeyes flickeringbetweenhimandthedirectionPaisleyhadfled.
Timothysighed,hisgazestillfixedonthespotwherePaisleydisappeared “ReginaistakingherbacktoGermany” Ifeltalumpforminginmythroat.I’dneverseenhimthisfrazzled,thisundone.Heseemedtocarrytheweightoftheworld onhisshoulders,andforamoment,myresentmentmeltedintoconcern.Yes,Iwasangrywithhim,butmyconcernforPaisley trumpedthat.
“I’msorry,”Imurmured.
“Thankyoufordroppingoffthebike,”Timothysaidcurtly,turningtogobackinside “Wait,”Icalledafterhim.“Areyouokay?”
Heturnedtolookatme,andhisexpressionsaidhewasn’t IthoughthemighttellmetogotohellafterIwassocoldtohim lastnight.
“No,Catherine.Noneofthisisokay.”Heranhishandthroughhishair,explainingwhyitlookedthewayitdid.“Ididn’t anticipateReginarefusingtoleaveandthenusingPaisleyagainstme.I’mlivid.I’mlividbecauseIdidn’tknowthiswas coming.I’mfuckingpissedthatthisishappening.So,no.No,Iamnotokay.Paisleyisn’tokay.I’mpissedthatshe’shereand won’tleave I’mfuckingfuriousthatit’sgoingtotakeanactofheaventogetthiswomanoutofmyhouse Andyouknowwhat else?I’mpissedthatyougotsuckedintoallofthis.”
Iwascaughtoffguardbytherawhonestyinhiswords Theangerradiatingfromhimwaspalpable Butitwasn’tjust anger.Hewashurting.Hewastornup.Ifoundmyselfwantingtocomforthim.Thepoormanwasgoingthroughit.ButIdidn’t knowwhattosay.Ididn’twanttogetinthemiddleofwhateverdramawashappeningwithinthosewalls.
“CanItalktoPaisley?”Iaskedhesitantly,mygazesearchinghisforpermission.ShewasoneIcouldtalktowithout worryingaboutgettingmyheartbroken.
Timothynodded,lookingalittledisgustedasheturnedandwalkedbackinside,thedoorslammingshutbehindhim Ihated thatIcouldn’tcomforthim.IwascertainReginawasstillinside,andIdidn’twanttokickthathornet’snest.Ihadafeelingme comfortingTimothymightjustmakethingsworseforhim Ididn’twanttoaddtohissuffering
IfollowedthepathPaisleyhadtakenintothegardenthatlinedthesideofthehouse.Paisleysatonabench,herfaceburied inherhands.Iapproachedherslowly,unsureofwhattosay.“Paisley,areyouokay?”
Shelookedup,hereyesredandpuffy “MymomistakingmebacktoGermany Ihateitthere Idon’twanttogo Idon’t speakthelanguage.Ihavenofriends.”
Asurgeofempathywashedoverme “I’msosorry,Paisley IsthereanythingIcando?”
Sheshookherhead.“There’snothinganyonecando.I’mherprisoner.Ihavenorights.Nosay.” “Isboardingschoolthatbad?”Iaskedgently “I’msureyou’renottheonlyAmericanthere Haveyoutriedtomake friends?”
Paisleynodded,hervoicechokedwithemotion.“Ihateitthere.Ihateeverythingaboutit.Ijustwanttobeanormalkidand gotoanormalschool Ihatethecliquesanddrama” Itriedtooffercomfort.“Maybeyou’llcomebacksoon.Itmightnotbeforever.” “Yeahright,”shemuttered “I’mscrewed” “I’msorry,”Isighed.
Paisley’seyesflashedwithanger “I’mmadatyou,youknow?Youmovedout,andnoweverythingisallmessedup” Itookadeepbreath.“Paisley,itwassupposedtobetemporary.Thiswasnevermyhome.”
Sheshookherhead,herfrustrationevident.“Hehasneverbeenhappierthanwhenyouwerearound.Noweverythingis fallingapart He’ssadnow”
“Ididn’tmeantocauseanyofthis.Ineverwantedtohurtanyone.”
Paisleycutmeoff,hervoiceaccusatoryassheturnedherangeronme.“Youbrokehisheart.Helovedyou,andnow everythingisruined”
“ButPaisley,”Istarted,myvoicefalteringunderheraccusations.“Loveisn’talwaysenough.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”sheasked,herexpressionpuzzledbutstillflamingwithanger “Sometimes,therearethingsthatgetintheway.Thingsyoucan’tcontrol.”
“Likemymother?”
Inodded,swallowinghardagainstthelumpforminginmythroat.“Yes,likeyourmother.Butnotthatshe’sinthewrong.I don’tknowwhatthatrelationshipis.Therearealotofotherfactors.Youguyshavesomefamilyissues,andIamnotapartof that Idon’twanttogetinvolved”
Paisleywassilentforamoment.Whenshespokeagain,hervoicewassofter.“Youcouldhavetriedharder.Youcould havestayed”
IopenedmymouthtotryandexplainthatIknewIhadhurther,andthatwasthelastthingIwanted.Butthereweretruths shedidn’tknow,realitiesshehadn’tlived Shewasyounganddidn’tunderstandthatnoamountoflovecouldsolvecertain issues.
AsIsatthereinthequietgardenwithagentlebreezewashingoverme,adeepsadnesswashedoverme.Ifeltguilty, regretful,andachinglyalone I’dthoughtIcouldloveTimothy Ihadcertainlyfallenforhim,butIhadalsorespectedhim enoughtowalkawaywhenstayingmeantcausinghimpainandcomplicatinghislifefurther.Hehadenoughdramainhislife.I didn’twanttogetsuckedintoit Ilikedmylifewithoutcomplications
IlookedupatthehouseIhadlovedforaslongasIcouldremember.Whatthehellhaditdonetome?ToTimothyand Paisley?Itwascursed.
“Areyoucursed?”Iaskedthehouse.“Doyoumakepeoplegoinsane?”
“Ifyougetananswer,Ithinkthatmeanswe’reallinsane.”
IjumpedandturnedtoseeBennetwalkintotheareafromoneofthepaths “Bennet!”
“Sorry,”hechuckled.“IhopeIdidn’teavesdroponyourconversationwiththehouse.” Ismiledandsatbackdownonthebench “You’reright Ifthehouseanswered,Iwouldhavealotmoreproblems” Hesatdownonthebenchbesideme.“Howareyouholdingup?”heasked. Isighedandshookmyhead.“I’mfine.IjustfeelbadforPaisley.”
Bennetnodded.“ReginaleftforNewYorkCitythismorning.SheessentiallytoldPaisleyshehasuntiltheendoftheweek topackupandbereadytoleave.”
“TellmemoreaboutRegina What’sherstory?Imean,whyisshesodeadsetonmakingPaisleymiserable?Thegirlis destroyedoverthisboardingschoolstuff.Idon’tunderstandwhyshewon’tjustletherstayherewithTimothyandgoto school Itjustseemslikeitcouldsaveeveryonealotofpainandsuffering”
Bennetshookhishead.“Reginadidn’twanttogetdivorcedwhenTimothycaughthercheating.She’shelditoverhishead eversince.She’sspiteful,danglingPaisley,whoTimothyloveslikehisown,asameanstogetintohishead.Shethoughtshe couldmakeafooloutofhimandsleepwithanyoneshechosewhileallowingTimothytosupportherlavishlifestyle Shehada strongsocialpresenceinNewYorkCity.Herconnectionsareconsideredvaluabletosome,butTimothycouldn’toverlookit. He’snotthetypeofmantobemarriedformoney Hewantedloveandarealmarriage Hehadhopedtohavechildrenwithher, butshedidn’twantanyofthat.Timothywasapowermove.Ithadnothingtodowithlove.”
Ifrowned “DoesshewanttogetbackwithTimothy?” “Ithinkthat’sherendgame.”
Myheartdropped.“Butshe’sremarried.”
Hescoffed “That’snotgoingtogetinherway Sheknowswhatshewants,andshe’lldoanythingtogetit”
Isatandtriedtodigesttheinformation.Bennet’swordshungintheairlikeathickfog,cloudingmythoughtsandstirringup astormofemotions Icouldn’thelpbutfeelanoverwhelmingsenseofpowerlessness Ididn’tknowwhyIfeltlikeIwas losingamanIneverhad.Maybethat’swhyhehadstayedaway.HeknewthathewouldbegoingbacktoRegina.Iwasexactly whatI’dthought adistraction
Iswallowedthelumpinmythroat.“DoyouthinkTimothywilleventuallygiveinanddowhatReginawants?”
Bennetsighed,alookofconcernonhisface.“I’mworriedhemight.She’sgotawayofgettingunderhisskin.He’sagood man,butsometimesthat’shisdownfall HelovesPaisley,andhewoulddoanythingforher Evenifitmeanssacrificing himself.”
Iglancedaway,processingthegravityofthesituation Ididn’tknowwhattosay Icouldfeelmyheartpoundinginmy chest.Hewasn’tminetolose,butthat’swhatitfeltlike.IfeltlikeIwaslosingthemanormissingoutonwhatcouldhave been.Wedidhaveaconnection.Webothfeltit.
Bennet’seyesmetmine.“Talktohim.Hetrustsyou.Maybeyoucanhelphimseereason.”
Ihesitated,myownreservationsaboutapproachingTimothybubblingtothesurface.“Bennet,Idon’tthinkit’sagood idea.”
IhadafeelingBennetwasunawareofwhathadhappenedbetweenmeandTimothy
Hedidn’tunderstandthatIhadsome realfeelingsonthematter.Icouldn’tbeimpartial.IhadmyownreasonstoaskTimothynottogobacktohisex.
Bennetwaspersistent “Sometimestalkingcanmakeadifference Giveitatry Timothyhasalotofrespectforyou I’ve neverseenhimreallytalktoanyoneelsebesidesme.Ithinkyoucanhelphimseereason.I’mafraidhe’sgoingtocommit himselftoalifeofmiseryifyouorIcan’ttalkhimoutofthis Itwillkillhimtobewiththatwoman Youmether Shesucksthe lifeoutofeveryonearoundher.”
IlookedatBennet,notinghisconcern,andfeltmyresolvewaver.“I’llthinkaboutit,”Isaid.“It’scomplicated,and honestly,IthinkIjustmightmakethesituationworse IfeelhorribleforPaisley,andyou’reright,IthinkTimothyisthekindof manthatwouldstepupandsacrificehimselfforherhappiness.ButIworrythatifIconvincehimnottodoitandPaisleyends uprebellingordoingsomethingdrastic,Timothywillblamehimselfandultimatelyme I’mjustnotsureI’mthepersonforthe job.”
“Please,”Bennetsaid “Thinkaboutit Atleasttalktohim Ifhe’smadeuphismind,there’snothingyouorIcandoto changeit,butheneedstotalktosomeone.”
“I’llthinkaboutit,”Imurmured.“Ihavetogo.I’llseeyoulater.”
Ipracticallyranoutofthegarden,feelingverymuchlikePaisleyinoneofhermanyescapes
ChapterFive Catherine
THENEXTDAY,IFOUNDmyselfatAmber’soffice.Ineededtotalktosomeoneaboutthesituation.Lastnight,Ihadtossed andturnedinbed,thinkingaboutTimothyandwhathewasgoingthrough Iwantedtohelphim Itrulydid,buttherewasno wayIcouldtalktohimwithoutmyownfeelingsforhimbeinginplay.Iwasn’tarobot.Iwasn’taprofessionaltherapist.I couldn’tturnoffmyfeelingsandgivehimanunbiasedopinion Iwantedtotellhimnottogobacktoherbecausenotonlywas sheaworld-classbitch,butthatmeantIcouldneverseehimagain.
Theverythoughtkilledme Yes,Iwassupposedtobestayingawayfromhimandnotlettingmyselfthinkabouthim,butthat wasstupid.Ofcourse,Iwasalwaysgoingtowanttheman.Icouldn’tjustdismissthatnight,nomatterhowhardItried.
Iwalkedintohersmallofficewithvariouspicturesofherworkonthewalls.Hugebooksofsamplepaintcolorsalong withfabricswatchesandwallpapersampleswerelinedupononetable Amber,immersedinapileofpaperwork,lookedup asIentered.“Hey!Ididn’tknowyouwerecomingby.Areyoureadytoletmehelpyoudesignyourgorgeousnewhouse?”
Ilaughed “Notyet Istillneedtogettheplacedcleanedupandfigureoutmyplanofaction”
“Icannotwaittoseewhatyoudowithit.It’sgoingtobesopretty.”
“Thanks,”Isaidandsankintothechairoppositeherdesk.
“What’swrong?”sheaskedwithconcern.“Doesthishavesomethingtodowithsomerichdudelivinghighuponthehill?” “Ithaseverythingtodowithhim,”Isighed.“I’msoscrewed.Idon’tevenknowwhatI’mdoing.”
“Whathappened?”
“Paisleyranawayfromhermomandendedupatmyplacetheothernight.IhadtocallTimothyandlethimknowshewas safe ReginaismakingPaisleygobacktotheboardingschoolshehates TimothyhasbeentryingtogetReginatoreleaseher claws,butshewon’tdoit.Ifeelsobadfortheguy.Nowhe’sbasicallybeinggivenanultimatum.Paisleycanstayherewith him,butshecomesasapackagedeal.”
“Whatdoesthatmean?”
“IguessReginawantshimtotakeherback.That’stheonlywayshe’sgoingtoletPaisleystay.Andthepoorkidisjusta wreck Idon’tevenknowherallthatwellandIcanseethepainshe’sin He’sconsideringit,accordingtoBennet Bennet wantsmetotalktoTimothyandtrytoconvincehimnottodoit.”
Amberraisedaneyebrow,herexpressionskeptical “Don’ttellmeyou’regettinginvolvedinthatdrama” Isighed.“I’mworriedaboutTimothy.He’snothimself.”
Amberleanedback,crossingherarms.“Youneedtobecareful,Catherine.Reginaleftabadtasteinmymouth,andyou don’twanttogetcaughtupinthatmess.Shedoesn’tstrikemeasawomanthatwouldappreciateanyonegettinginherway. Youdonotwanttobecollateraldamage.”
Inodded,acknowledgingthetruthinherwords “IjustwanttohelpTimothyandPaisley”
Ambersighed,hereyessoftening.“Catherine,you’recrazyforfallingforthisguy.He’snotreallysingle.He’sgotanexwifelivinginhishouse That’snotwhatyouwanttomesswith Lettherichpeoplehandletheirbusiness”
“He’snotabadguy,”Iprotested.“Ithinkhe’sagoodmanthatmarriedthewrongwoman.”
“Maybe,butthatdoesn’tchangethefacts.You’rebetteroffwithoutallthisdrama.”
Ibristledatherwords Shesoundedjustlikemydad Theydidn’tunderstand Ididn’tunderstandwhytheythoughthewas sobad.Hehaddonenothingtoanyone.Hewasjusttryingtohelpoutateenagegirl.“Amber,youcan’talwayscontrolwhoyou fallfor Timothyisagoodman,deepdown”
Sheshookherhead,herdisapprovalevident.“Justbecareful.Thatmancomeswithalotofbaggage.Idon’twanttosee yougetonRegina’shitlist Thatwomanisamonster Ionlyhadtospendanhourwithhertorealizeit Iknowyouhadtosee it.”
“I’mnotinterestedinRegina,”Iretorted.
“Packagedeal,”sheremindedme “WhatdoyouthinkisgoingtohappenifyoustartseeingTimothy?DoyouthinkRegina isgoingtoletthekidstaythere?Notachanceinhellandyouknowit.Thenwhat?You’rehappy,andthekidismiserable.I’m notsayingit’sfair,I’mjustsayingIdon’tthinkyouwanttogetyourselfinthemiddleofsomethinglikethat”
“It’samess,”Iadmitted.“Ihateit.”
Shegavemeasympatheticlook “Iknowyoudo,andyouhaveabigheart Iknowyouwanttohelpthem I’mjustnotsure it’spossible.”
“Iknow,”Isighed.“I’mgoingtogo.Ineedtogetsomematerialforthehouse.I’lltalktoyoulater.”
“I’msorry,”shesaid “Iknowhowmuchyouwanttohelp”
“Thanks,”IsaidandleftherstorefeelinglikeIhadtheweightoftheworldonmyshoulders. Idroveuptotheshop,anxioustogetthematerialsIneededtogetstartedonmyhouserenovation.Itwasridiculoustothink itwouldhelpmeforgetaboutTimothyandPaisley,butatleastIcouldhavesomethingtofocuson SomethingthatIcould actuallycontrol.ThefamiliarscentofwoodandsawdustgreetedmeasIentered.Mydadwasengagedinconversationwitha maninthebackcornerdiscussingdifferenttypesofwood Iassumeditwasaclientandwentaboutmybusiness Dadlookedupwhenhesawme.“Catherine,comemeetLuke.He’snewtotown.”
Iwalkedovertoshakehishand “Hi”Ismiled Lukelookedatmewithacharmingsmile.Hewasanattractiveman.“It’snicetomeetyou,Catherine.Yourdadtoldmea littleaboutyou.”
“Didhe?”IsmiledandlookedatmyfatherasIpulledmyhandback Dadseemedpleased,hiseyesconveyingamessageIknewalltoowell: Now this is the kind of guy you need to be with. Mydadwasplayingmatchmaker IsupposedifIhadmetLukebeforeTimothy,Imightbetempted Hehadstronghandsand lookedlikehewasingoodshape.Brownhairwithwarmbrowneyesthatseemedtosayhewaskind.
“Hementionedyouarethenewownerofahousethatmightneedsomeupdating,”Lukesaideasily
“Itdefinitelyneedsupdating,”Ilaughed.“Ijustcamebytopickupsomematerialtogetstarted.”
“I’manelectrician,”heexplained.“Idon’tmindcomingbyandtakingalooktoseewhatneedstobedone.I’mcheapbut good I’llgiveyouagreatdeal”
Iraisedaneyebrowinsurprise.“Thatwouldactuallybereallyhelpful.Idon’tknowmuchaboutelectricalwork,andthe houseisprettyold”
Lukegaveanassuringnod.“Soundslikemykindofchallenge.Justletmeknowwhenyou’rereadytogetthingsstarted.” “I’lldefinitelykeepthatinmind,thankyou.”Itookanotherlookathim.HewasdifferentfromTimothy,andmaybethat’s whatIneeded.Amanwhocamewithoutbaggage.
Dadseemedpleasedaswell,hisgrinwideashewatchedourinteraction.HeclappedLukeontheback.“I’mgladyoutwo aremeetingnow Catherineneedsallthehelpshecanget”
Hethenturnedtomewithaproudsmile.“AndCatherine,youshouldfeelfortunate.Luke’sthebestintown.” Icouldn’thelpbutchuckleatmydad’senthusiasm “Allright,Iwillkeepthatinmind”TurningtoLuke,Iadded,“I’llgive youacallwhenI’mreadyforyoutotakealook.”
Luke’ssmilewasgenuineashenodded.“Surething.Lookingforwardtoit.” “Dad,I’mjustheretopickupthatstuffIordered.Diditgetdelivered?”
“Suredid.”Henoddedandpointedtothebackwhereourmaterialswerestored. “Itwasnicetomeetyou”InoddedatLuke “I’llletyouguysgetbacktoyourconversation”
IstartedtowardthebackandrealizedLukewasfollowingme.“Ican’tjuststandaroundandwatchawomandoabunchof heavylifting”
Ihadtolaugh.“Idon’tthinkit’sallthatheavy,butthankyou.Iappreciatethat.”
Hehelpedmeloadthematerialsintomytruck,provinghewasagentleman.AnotherplusthatIshouldbeconsidering. Beforehewentbackinside,heleanedagainstmytruckandlookedatmewiththatwinningsmileofhis “Wouldyouliketoget adrinksometime?I’mnewintown.Idon’tknowmanypeople.I’dlovetomakeafriend.”
Ihesitated,noticingmydadstandingwithinearshotinthedoorwaywithasatisfiedgrin Hewasplayingmatchmakerand lovingit.“Sure,”Isaid,notwantingtoappearrude.“Justgivemeacall.”
“Idon’thaveyournumber,”hesaidwithacheesysmile “Doyouhaveyourphone?”
Hequicklypulleditout.Igavehimmynumber,andhepromisedtocall.AsLukewalkedaway,Ishotmydadalookthat clearlycommunicatedmydisapprovalofhismeddling Hejustchuckled,seeminglyunfazedbymysilentprotest Ilefttheshop andheadedhometounloadthematerialintothehouse.Thispartoftheconstructionphasewasalwaysalittlemessy;itwas difficulttolivewithpaint,wood,trimandotherconstructionparaphernalialyingaround Butitwasanecessaryevil Itwasa signofprogress.
Laterthatevening,asIsatinmynewhousesurroundedbyboxesIstillcouldn’tunpack,Ipouredmyselfaglassofwine anddecidedtostartremovingthekitchencabinetdoors.Thankfully,atwo-cargaragehadbeenbuiltoutback.Itwasthe perfectwoodworkingstudio.Icarriedthedoorsoutandstartedtheprocessofsandingthemdown.AsIworked,Iwondered whatTimothywasdoing WashehavingaheartfeltconversationwithRegina?Wasshepromisinghimthemoonandthestarsif hetookherback?Ormaybetheywerehavingabrutalargument.
AndPaisley PoorPaisley Shewascaughtinthemiddle Itwassadthatshewasbeingusedaswhatseemedlikeblackmail againstTimothy.Ifonlythecourtscouldseewhatwashappening.Thenagain,IwasmakingajudgmentaboutamanIhadonly knownforacoupleofmonths,andwiththewaythingshadendedbetweenus,Icouldn’treallyvouchforhim.ThemanI thoughtIknewmightnotbethemanhereallywas.Maybehewasn’tcutouttobeafather.MaybeReginaknewsomethingI didn’t.
