Why would she want to do that, Harper? This is a business deal, plain and simple. He shook his head to dispel his gloomy thoughts. Quit feeling sorry for yourself. She does love it there, maybe she would like to go…
Before he could talk himself out of it, he shot off a quick text to Liz. Want to go to Valhalla one last time?
Liz immediately responded. Is that a serious question? YES!!! Just say when.
Before he left for the night, he sent an email to Evelyn requesting she make all the arrangements.
The next morning, he met with Andrew Jamison again.
“Did you change the papers?” Harper asked as Andrew sat down.
“Yes. Harper, as your lawyer, I have to ask. Are you sure about this? Really sure? This is a lot of money,” he asked uneasily.
“Yes, Jamison, I’m sure. And I want you to add one more thing.” Andrew raised his brows as Harper turned and walked toward the window, his hands in his pockets and his eyes on the city. “Give her Valhalla.”
Andrew spluttered. “What?”
“You heard me.”
“But you love it there!”
“So does she.”
“How is she even going to get there? International tickets are expensive. Can she even afford the upkeep?”
“Good point. Add two trips per year on the Harper jet, whenever she needs them. And a small trust to keep the place up. It shouldn’t take much, I’ll check with the caregiver.” He kept his back to Andrew, his face to the window and his gaze steady.
“Harper, I have to ask. Why?”
Harper’s shoulders tensed. “I believe it’s your job to write up contracts, Jamison, not question my personal decisions.”
Jamison stiffened and stood to leave. “Point taken. I’ll have the new papers on your desk by the end of the day.”
“Thank you,” Harper said without turning around.
Jamison left without another word, the door quietly clicking shut behind him.
***
“You know, I’ve been thinking,” Will said that night over Chinese take-out.
“Yeah? ‘Bout what?” Liz asked.
“If we get divorced immediately after I get my ten-year green card, won’t that look suspicious?”
“It could,” she agreed.
“I mean, it would be pretty ridiculous to have put all this time and effort into it only to have it all fall apart at the twelfth hour.”
“Yeah, no, I see what you mean. We wouldn’t want that. So,” she said hesitantly, “do you want to stay together a little longer?” She kept her eyes glued to her lo mein as she waited for his response.
“Well, yeah, but only if you want to. I mean, we don’t have to. You’ve fulfilled your part of the deal and I don’t want to overstep or anything.”
“No, it’s all right. It’s not overstepping.” She smiled at him. “I could be married to you a little while longer.”
“All right. So, one more Christmas?”
“One more Christmas.”
***
They escaped to Valhalla a week later, though they could only stay six days. Whenever they got away, Will usually would spend a few hours each day on his own; early walks in the morning, solitary swims. This time, he never left Liz’s side. He felt slightly disgusted with himself and his neediness, and he was afraid his constant attendance would get on Liz’s nerves and she would tell him to leave her alone, but oddly enough, she seemed to like his presence.
She smiled when he joined her in the kitchen when she was making breakfast and happily chatted while she sliced fruit. When he asked if he could sit by her when she was relaxing by the pool with a book, she would set the book down and give him her attention. They talked about everything and nothing. What they were reading, his latest business transactions, their friends and family, whether Liz should run in Jenny’s 5K again this year and if he should do it with her.
She told him about the authors she was working with and how proud she was of the two that had recently finished their manuscripts and were now in final production stages with Taggston Publishing. He told her how well the new company with Helgsen and Covington Enterprises was going and how excited he was about the direction Taggston was headed.
Their dinners were quiet and intimate, often eaten outside at sunset or on the patio in candlelight. They made love every night, the sound of crashing waves in their ears and seaside breezes blowing through the open curtains.
Alone in the dark with her, William felt a sort of desperation, a craving he couldn’t describe. He knew his days were numbered and like a man possessed, he wanted to memorize every inch of her body and every constellation of freckles on her skin. He wanted to have every sigh, every moan, imprinted on his soul to remember, to take out and examine on lonely days after she was gone, when the warmth she brought to his life had left. With a strength he didn’t know he was capable of, he carried her to new heights and together they transcended the familiar and inhabited a world apart.
Liz seemed to understand his need and met him there, finding a well of vigor inside her rising up just when she thought she was ready to collapse. She dug her nails into his back, viciously hoping she could leave a scar and that every woman who came after her would know she had been there, she had made a mark on this man, she had left something permanent behind her. He may be the great William Harper, force of nature and unconquerable demi-God, but she, Elizabeth Barrett, had left her mark on him, at least for a little while, and that had to mean something. She had to mean something.
This meant something. She knew it did.
43
Desperate Measures
August
2 Years, 4 Months Married
A few days after they returned from Valhalla, Liz had a physical at the gynecologist. As she lay there in a paper gown with her feet in the stirrups, she told herself to relax and that it would all be over soon.
“All right, everything looks good,” said the doctor as she pulled her gloves off and stood up. “Do you have any concerns you want to talk to me about? Are you happy with your current contraceptive?”
“No, no concerns,” she shook her head, her mind suddenly filling with a desperate idea. “How’s my IUD?” she asked. “Still in the right place and everything?”
The doctor smiled reassuringly. “Yes, it’s fine. Have you experienced any discomfort with it?”
“Not really. My husband says he can feel it sometimes, but I don’t know if that’s true.”
“Some men say that, though they likely wouldn’t feel anything if they didn’t know it was there,” she said with a smile.
“Yeah, I’m sure,” Liz said. She tried to keep her voice light, but her mind was reeling. She could have her IUD removed. There was a strong possibility that she would get pregnant quickly. William would surely stay married to her if she was pregnant. Wouldn’t he? She wouldn’t have to tell him she’d had it removed; that was confidential. She could say the pregnancy was a fluke and that she had the device removed afterward. She was his best friend, surely he would believe her.
Stop it, Lizzy! You do not trick a man into marrying you! What kind of marriage would that be?! She scolded herself. An awesome one, like the one you already have, said her traitorous heart.
“Are you all right?” asked the doctor.
“Yeah, sorry, I’m fine. Just a little distracted today.” Before she could think about it, she added, “You know, I think I want to have my IUD removed. It’s really bothering my husband and we can just use condoms for a while.” What are you doing, Lizzy! Stop talking! “Is that possible?”
The doctor looked at her earnestly. “We don’t have any more time today, and it’s a serious step. You need to be completely sure and have alternate contraception in place.”
“Right, of course,” Liz agreed, unable to look her in the eye.
“You can schedule the removal at the front desk if you’re ready, but I want you to think about it carefully. Your body doesn’t handle chemical contraceptives wel
l, and the diaphragm just isn’t as effective. If your IUD isn’t giving you any trouble, it really is the best option for you. Maybe you could try different positions so your husband wouldn’t mind it so much,” she suggested.
Oh God, how had this become so horribly awkward? Because you’re a sneaky little liar, that’s how. “Got it, I’ll think about it. Thank you,” she said. She smoothed the sheet over her knees and kept her eyes on the buttons of the doctor’s coat.
“All right, you do that. Regardless, I want to see you again next year for a check-up. Call me if you have any problems before then.”
Liz nodded and got up to get dressed when the doctor left the room. Where had those thoughts come from? She was getting divorced in a few months. It was all planned, had been planned for ages. She had to get out of there, and fast. She dressed as quickly as she could and sped past the receptionist, not bothering to schedule another appointment.
*
“Oh, Jenny! It’s awful!”
Jenny held her hysterical sister while she sobbed. “What’s awful, honey?”
“Will!”
“Will’s awful? What happened? You’ve been getting along so well.”
“Exactly! That’s what’s so awful!” Liz sobbed again and blew her nose noisily.
“I don’t understand,” said Jen with a confused look on her face.
“He’s perfect! Don’t you see that? He laughs at my stupid jokes and he thinks I’m quirky and not weird and he hangs out in the kitchen while I cook. He gives the best presents!” she added in a high-pitched voice. “Where am I ever going to find another guy like that? Huh? He actually remembers the things I tell him and he’s such a good kisser.” She sank back dramatically on her sister’s sofa.
“Couldn’t you talk to Will, suggest that you stay together, at least for a little while to give it a try?” Jen soothed.
Liz shot her sister a look. “And have him tell me no? I don’t think so.”
“How do you know he’ll tell you no? Maybe he feels the same way. You’ll never know if you don’t ask.”
“I already know.” She sprang forward and leaned over her knees. “He’s made it perfectly clear from the beginning. He has to have a wife from the right circles,” she said disgustedly. “I don’t fit the bill.” She slumped back into the couch cushions again.
“But surely that doesn’t matter so much now? Your families have met and accepted each other, you know almost all of his coworkers, you’ve met all the society players. Maybe he doesn’t think that kind of wife is as important now. Hell, you’ve practically become that kind of wife.”
“I don’t think so, Jen. I mean, I suppose it’s possible, but I really doubt it. I don’t think he’d stay, even if he wanted to. His sense of duty is too strong. But more importantly, I can’t bear to see the look on his face when I beg him to stay and be really married to me and he makes that face, the one he makes when he feels sorry for someone that he has to give bad news to. I couldn’t take it directed at me, I know I couldn’t.”
“Oh, sweetie. I’m so sorry.” Jen put her arm around her shoulder and Liz snuggled into her sister.
“Me, too, Jenny. Me, too.”
***
“Lizzy, this is Laura, your lawyer. You really need to call me back. This is the fourth message I’ve left you. We have things to discuss. Call me!”
Liz deleted the voicemail and decided to finally bite the bullet and call Laura back. She knew her lawyer wanted to talk about the divorce settlement. She just didn’t want to think about it.
Deciding to be adult about this, she quickly sent a text to Laura and asked if she could come by her office the next day. Surprisingly, Laura asked if she could come to Liz’s apartment instead. Liz was confused but agreed, then waited on tenterhooks for the next morning to come.
When Laura arrived, Liz was in black yoga pants and a grey tank top with a long black cardigan hanging past her wrists and slipping over one shoulder.
“Going out? Or dressed for mourning?” Laura teased.
“I made tea. Want some?” Liz asked dully.
“Sure,” Laura replied. She grabbed her cup and followed Liz silently to her den and sat at her friend’s desk while Liz took the comfy leather chair in the corner and curled her knees up to her chest.
“I have good news for you!” Laura said cheerily.
“How could you possibly have good news? Don’t you have a briefcase full of divorce papers?”
Laura shot her a dark look. “Actually, they’re settlement papers, and yes, it’s very good news. You remember the agreed upon settlement?”
“Yes. How could I forget about my thirty pieces of silver?” Liz said darkly.
Laura rolled her eyes. “Quit being dramatic.”
Now Liz rolled her eyes but turned her attention to her friend in her smart navy skirt suit. “What’s your good news?”
“You, oh wayward friend of mine, are now a wealthy woman.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about your swanky new settlement, that’s what!”
“New settlement? Why haven’t I heard anything about this?”
“Maybe because you haven’t been returning my calls.”
Liz looked down.
“Now, according to the old settlement, you got five hundred thousand cash plus a house and the right to live here for a year while you shopped for it. Now you’ve got two million cash,” Liz’s head snapped up, “a house with no price limit, and you keep this apartment outright.”
“What? You’re kidding! How did this happen? Did you negotiate for this, Lar?”
Laura put her hands up in front of her. “No, not at all. It was all Harper. His idea to change it and he set all the new limits.” Liz was staring at the wall silently. “Apparently, he wants to make sure you’ll be okay,” she added quietly.
Liz just nodded and a tear tracked down her cheek.
“Hey, now! What’s this?” Laura grabbed a box of tissues and handed it to Liz. “Why the tears? This is good. Now you can buy a little house on the beach for summers, you could even rent it out for extra income when you’re not using it. Hell, this place is big enough to make money off roommates, not that you’ll need it now. Don’t you see what this means, Lizzy? You’re going to be okay! Like forever okay! Like the kind of okay our mothers always wanted us to be. You have a place to live and a steady income now, if you invest this properly, which I’m sure William will help you with. He’s a very decent man.”
Liz let out a ragged sob and hugged her knees. Laura knelt in front of her and rubbed her arms, asking what was wrong.
“Don’t you see? Doesn’t anybody see it? Oh, God, Laura! What have I done?” Liz cried.
“See what, sweetie? What are you talking about?” Laura asked in a soft voice.
“I love him,” Liz whispered.
Laura rocked back on her heels, eyes wide. “Oh, Liz.”
“I’m in trouble, Laura,” Liz said quietly. “What am I going to do now?”
Laura rubbed her arm again, and asked, “Are you sure? Totally sure? It’s not just really great sex?”
Liz snorted. “I’m sure. He’s so, he’s just so perfect, Lar. Not overall, he’s too sedate for you and too serious for Jen, but for me, he’s just right. He’s perfect for me.” Laura looked at her with wide eyes and Liz felt compelled to continue, to give voice to the thoughts that had been torturing her endlessly lately. “You know how I know it’s love? Because I’ve never felt anything quite like this before. I know him, so well, and I respect him. The more I know, the more I find to respect and like about him. He’s generous, and kindhearted, and so sweet to me.
“Josh was friendship love and Caleb was puppy love and Matt was strong like. Jeremy was passionate love, and everything I thought love was supposed to be, but this, this…” she trailed off. “This is so much more than any of that. It’s like the friendship I had with Josh, plus the passion of Jeremy and the sweetness of Caleb. It’s everything
I ever had before and so much more, more than I ever wanted or thought to want or believed I could have. He respects me, really respects me. He’s not intimidated by my mind or my grades or my crazy ideas.”
Laura made a sympathetic face and squeezed her knee, knowing that feeling all too well.
“You know what he told me?” Liz continued. “He thinks I’m smarter than him. Me! The head of HarperCo, heir to Taggston Incorporated with a degree from Cambridge, thinks I, Lizzy Mae Barrett from Virginia, am smarter than him. Can you believe that?! And he likes it! He LOVES it! He wants to talk with me and debate politics and throw around ideas. He actually asks for my opinion, and he listens, really listens.” She looked earnestly at her friend and lowered her voice. “How could I not fall in love with a man like that?”
“So what are you going to do?” Laura asked.
“What can I do? Take the money graciously, like I know he’d want me to, and try to move on.”
“Seriously? That’s it?”
“What? What do you expect me to do?”
“To at least try, to talk to him or make an effort or something!”
“You know how he feels about this. And since when are you so romantic?” Liz cried, rising from the chair and pacing across the room.
“I’m not, but you are, and you’re behaving completely out of character! What happened to fearless Lizzy, the one who followed her gut and would try anything?”
“She fell in love,” Liz said sadly. “I’m sorry, Laura, I hate to let you down, but I just don’t think my heart could take a rejection right now.”
“What if he feels the same way?”
“I don’t think he does.”
“How do you know?”
“Because he knows the only thing stopping this from being a real relationship is his need to marry the right kind of woman. He’s the one with stipulations, not me. If he changed his mind about that, he could easily tell me that he’s realized those things aren’t as important. Will is direct when he wants something. And he’s been completely silent.” She turned to the window and looked blindly, her fingers fiddling with the trim on the curtains.
Green Card Page 54
