Pursuing Pandora

by Maggie Brown

  Winter bit back a sharp retort, determined not to let her get under her skin. “I imagine about seven. Is Michael with you?”

  “He’ll be here shortly with Tracey. I’ll see you later then. I can see Phyllis coming in,” she said, then disappeared into the crowd who were emerging from around the side of the house.

  For then on, Winter was busy greeting the flow of guests and accepting their best wishes. As expected, virtually all her relations turned up, and there was soon quite a crowd on the lawn. Michael appeared, looking very cool and smart, plainly going all out to impress tonight. Tracey, on the other hand, had made no attempt to tone down her gothic look, oblivious of the raised eyebrows. She greeted Winter with a, “‘Lo, Cus,” while her brother avoided her gaze.

  While she was mingling through her relations with the obligatory small talk and polite smiles, she caught snatches of the whispered conversations. It didn’t take her long to realize what they were discussing. She tapped her foot irritably, rather shocked. It seemed all the rellies knew about Michael and were avidly waiting for Pandora to appear. She felt like throttling Gussie. Her aunt, on the other hand, was showing no remorse as she greeted everyone as if she were the hostess.

  Most of Winter’s work colleagues had arrived, and when she spied Veronica and Fay, she headed straight over.

  Fay gave her a peck on the cheek. “Happy birthday, hun. Everything looks great.”

  “Thanks. Where’s Alan?”

  “Over at the bar having a drink with your father.”

  “I’ll catch up with him later. Hey, Veronica.”

  Veronica gave her a warm hug immediately. “Hi. You look great.” Then instead of letting go, she tucked her arm through Winter’s.

  “Have I been missing something?” asked Fay, regarding them with amusement.

  Winter felt herself blush, at a loss to know what to do. Veronica had obviously read a lot into their luncheon date. “We went out to lunch,” Winter said lamely, trying to keep the defensiveness out of her voice. Then before she could say another word, she caught her mother making a beeline straight for them.

  Damnit! Nothing escaped her.

  “Winter,” said Joyce, eyeing Veronica with interest. “Your father wants to know when you want him to start the barbeque.”

  Yeah, right. Good one, Mum.

  “I told him to start cooking at eight,” she said, squinting her eyes pointedly. It didn’t faze her mother, who hovered expectantly. Could she be any more obvious? “I’d like you to meet Veronica Randall. Veronica, my mother Joyce,” she said, quashing down the niggle of annoyance. Sometimes her mother tended to forget she was in her mid-thirties and her love life was her own affair. Selective memory loss and a desire for grandkids. Another reason her mother had disliked Christine. She hadn’t wanted children. Thank goodness.

  Veronica looked a little uncomfortable and slipped her arm away. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Carlyle.”

  “Please, call me Joyce, Veronica,” she said, beaming. She turned to greet Fay, chatted for a moment and then bustled off.

  Immediately, Gussie descended upon them with a handsome man in tow. “Winter, this is Cain Wilding,” she said with a tiny wink. Winter presumed this meant he was the backup plan. She studied him with interest. She had to admit that Cain was as hot as Tracey had claimed. He was over six feet tall, with a strong symmetrical face and a sculptured well-formed body. Several days’ growth stubbled his lower face and his dusty blond hair was spiked stylishly. A tattoo wound its way down his left arm giving him an edgy look. He also had a predatory gleam in his eyes as he peered blatantly down her front.

  “Hi, Cain,” she said politely, then recoiled from his beer breath as he leaned in closer.

  When she introduced him around, he flashed a practised smile of someone used to adoring fans. Where exactly he belonged in the music world, she had no idea. She’d never heard of him. She made a mental note to look him up tomorrow. As Gussie talked on, he didn’t say much, his gaze every so often flicking back to her cleavage. Veronica began to look annoyed. Thankfully, he eventually wandered off to find another drink. With a last wink at Winter, Gussie left too.

  “Thank God he’s gone,” muttered Veronica. “I was ready to tip my drink over him if he looked down your front one more time.”

  Winter just shook her head with a wry smile. “He was harmless enough.”

  “Not much up top, if you ask me,” Veronica growled.

  “Bet he’s hung like a Brahman bull downstairs though,” said Fay with a snicker.

  Winter poked her with her elbow. “Ugh! Now I’ll be drawn to look at his crotch.”

  Gales of laughter exploded from Fay. “Poor man. You’ll get him worked up for nothing. He probably has no idea he’s barking up the wrong tree there.”

  “Behave yourself,” she growled back with a chuckle.

  Then a voice echoed behind her, “What’s the joke?” and she turned to see Linda, accompanied by Dana holding Frankie’s hand.

  “Just Fay thinking she’s being clever,” she said, shuffling around to make room for them.

  But as they talked good humouredly, it wasn’t quite so much fun for Winter. Linda kept frowning at Veronica who had her hand resting lightly on Winter’s arm. She tried to ignore the tension, aware that Fay was watching the rivalry attentively. Winter snuck a look at her watch—they should be here any minute. As if on cue, the chattering around the yard died to whispers, and Jessie and Pandora walked around the side of the house, hand-in-hand.

  Winter’s eyes widened. Holy shit!

  Jessie was dashing in black jeans, and blue shirt with a grey waistcoat. But Pandora looked fabulous. Tight hipster slacks and a red silk sleeveless blouse that ended below her ribs showing her well-toned stomach. Her hair was swept up on top of her head, loopy earrings dangled to her shoulders and a diamond twinkled in her navel. Pandora looked hot enough to combust. Winter swallowed and shot a look across at Gussie. Her mouth sagging open, she was staring at Pandora.

  “Jessie won’t let that woman go in a hurry. She looks smitten,” muttered Fay in her ear.

  Winter stared at her longingly. Who wouldn’t be?

  And she also eyed Pandora with respect. It was perfectly clear to her that she was making a statement. And her message wasn’t hard to read. She wasn’t going to take any shit from Michael’s mother.

  Then out of the corner of her eye, she could see Michael heading toward them.

  Winter forced a smile. “Excuse me, I’d better say hello to Jessie and Pandora.”

  “I’ll come with you,” said Veronica quickly, taking her hand firmly as she moved off.

  Her mind on the impending drama, Winter barely registered the clasp as she wove through the groups of people who reluctantly moved to let them pass.

  When she reached the two women, Jessie’s eyebrows waggled as her gaze wandered to her chest. “Damn me, birthday girl. You’re looking very…sassy tonight.” She threw Veronica a knowing lopsided grin.

  “Hello, Jess,” Winter said ignoring the remark, then added with a shy smile, “Hi, Pandora.”

  “Hey there. Happy birthday,” she replied in her low husky voice. When her gaze dropped to their clasped hands, she stiffened imperceptibly. But then her body relaxed again, and she smiled affably. “Nice to see you again, Veronica. We must be the last to arrive. Is Michael here?”

  “To the right…closing rapidly,” muttered Jessie in her ear, then threw her arm around her shoulder.

  Pandora immediately sank into the embrace, tilting her head for a quick peek over her shoulder. Like a man on a mission with a determined look on his face, Michael was striding toward them from across the yard. Winter blinked at him. She’d expected him to watch the two women from afar and retire to lick his wounds. No such luck. She’d underestimated him entirely. This had all the makings of a major scene, and in front of his relations. The whole lot had turned to watch the drama. She had no idea how this was going to play out, or how to prevent a blowup
.

  Their plan was beginning to appear very shaky.

  As he neared, Winter moved forward to take the brunt of his anger but was stopped by a restraining hand on her arm.

  “Let me,” Pandora whispered and walked in front of her. “Hello, Michael. I was hoping to catch up with you tonight,” she said in a friendly low voice.

  His steps slowed, watching her cautiously, though his face was alive with anger. He jabbed a finger at Jessie. “What are you doing with her. I don’t understand.”

  “No, I imagine you wouldn’t,” Pandora said, and touched his arm lightly with her fingers. “I was hoping to see you, because we’re overdue for a frank talk. But let’s go somewhere private for that. It’s our business, no one else’s. Not even Jessie’s, and especially not your mother’s. This isn’t the time or place to make a scene.”

  He looked hesitant for a long moment then replied stiffly with a reluctant, “I suppose I could.”

  “You can use my office,” Winter offered.

  He whipped his gaze to her. “Bugger off, Winter. Everything was all right until you meddled.” Thankfully, he had the presence of mind to keep his voice down.

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” Winter snapped. Then bit off a scathing remark about his being a spoiled brat, when Pandora shook her head urgently at her.

  Pandora calmly took his arm and with infinite patience, somehow managed to steer him through the guests and into the house without him protesting. Winter was left feeling foolish but relieved.

  Ignoring the interested stares, she stuck her chin in the air and called out, “The barbecue’s ready, so get a refill before dinner, folks. I’ve a very nice champagne if anyone would like a glass.”

  “That’s it, babe. Ply them with alcohol and they won’t care who’s shagging who,” whispered Jessie in her ear.

  “How true. Everyone in the family loves free booze.”

  “Let’s hope Pandora can talk some sense into the little shit.”

  “I think he’s got the message. But at the moment we’ve got a bigger problem. Gussie is heading our way and she doesn’t look happy.”

  Jessie winced and took a swig of her beer. “Fuck!”

  “What was that all about?” Veronica asked, eyeing them curiously.

  “I’ll tell you later. Would you do me a favour and get us another drink. Jessie and I want to speak to my aunt alone.”

  “Do we?” Jessie squeaked.

  “I’m not facing her by myself.”

  Jessie huffed resignedly. “Okay.”

  Veronica smiled. “I’m off. Pity though. I’m dying of curiosity.”

  As she started to the bar, Gussie swept by her and gestured to the side of the house. “Come with me. I want a word with you two.”

  Winter wondered why her aunt suddenly felt the need for discretion—she’d already told the world. But she didn’t argue, dutifully following. Out of earshot, Gussie put her hands on her hips. “Really, Winter. Was Jessie the best you could come up with?”

  “Hey,” protested Jessie.

  “Nobody in their right minds would believe that…that hussy is a lesbian. She’s a man-eater. And the way she’s dressed. Flaunting herself in front of the boy.”

  Winter narrowed her eyes. “Her name is Pandora, and she likes women.”

  “Rubbish. She’s just experimenting. Tracey says a lot of girls do that nowadays.”

  Winter had to quash the impulse to shake her aunt. “As if Tracey would damn well know. And what does it matter? Now he’s seen them together, he’ll have to give up his obsession.”

  Gussie made a dismissive motion with her hand. “That’s my point. He’s not going to believe she’s a lesbian, so he’ll think he still has a chance.”

  For shit sake!

  There were a few times in her life when Winter wished she could just let go and scream. This was one of them. Instead, she forced a pleasant smile and said, “Pandora is having a talk with him now. We’ll see how that pans out.”

  “He’s alone with that hussy?”

  “That’s a bit rough. She’s my girlfriend,” piped up Jessie.

  Gussie gave her a withering stare.

  Really angry now, Winter had had enough. She straightened to her full height over the smaller woman and said with authority, “That’s quite enough, Aunt. No more. Pandora is a friend of mine, so stop bad-mouthing her or you’ll have me to contend with. She’s speaking to Michael, so we will wait and see what happens. Do you understand?”

  Gussie shrank back in surprise and said meekly, “Yes, Winter. I’m just worried.”

  “Then give him a little credit and stop interfering in his life. We have this under control.”

  Gussie sighed and shook her head in resignation. “If you’re really certain.”

  “Good, then let’s get back to the party.”

  “When they come out, you won’t mind if I introduce her…ah…Pandora to Cain, will you?” Gussie asked, eyeing her warily.

  Winter just shook her head.

  Unbelievable!

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Pandora settled down in the swivel chair at Winter’s desk and indicated with her hand to the seat opposite. “Sit down, Michael.”

  He did so cautiously, perched on the edge as if ready to storm out if provoked. She watched him closely, aware she had to move carefully. She had been trained in the art of persuasion, but she was going to need all her skill here. He wouldn’t be easy to reason with.

  “It’s about time we had this talk. This crush of yours has been going on too long, and I’ve never given you any indication that I’m interested in you,” she began, keeping her expression neutral, her voice scrupulously calm.

  “But I thought you really liked me that night we talked.”

  “That’s what I’m paid to do, Michael. Entertain guests…to make them feel comfortable and to have a good time.”

  “Then why did you single me out. What was I expected to think?” he asked truculently.

  She held his gaze calmly. “You were supposed to think it was fun, a mild flirtation with the hot singer to boast about to your mates. It was my fault—I thought you needed to be brought out of your shell, but I miscalculated. I didn’t realize you’d take it so much to heart, so I apologise for that. But now I’m asking you to stop.”

  He looked at her, wide eyes pleading. “But I love you, Pandora.”

  “No, Michael, believe me when I say you don’t. What you’re feeling isn’t real. You’re infatuated with a fantasy woman.” She shook her head slowly and said emphatically, “You’ve got your whole life ahead of you, so don’t waste it on someone who can’t love you. And never will.”

  “Why? Because you’re with Jessie now?” he asked, with a belligerent pout. “It’s all Winter’s fault for introducing you.”

  Pandora held her temper with an effort. “This has nothing to do with Winter and you know it. I’ve been into women long before I met Jessie.”

  “You really are a lesbian? Shit, you had everyone fooled at the club,” he said, eyeing her more now with curiosity than anger.

  She gave a half smile. “Yes, I am. I play a role on stage. It’s a fake. So, don’t look at this as rejection, just think it never could have happened.”

  “That arsehole Lawrence Partridge is going to get a shock. I see him looking at you all the time.”

  Pandora couldn’t help chuckling. “I’d like to drop him that clanger, but I can’t. I’d lose my job.” She leaned over the desk, lowering her voice to a quiet serious tone. “I want you to promise me you won’t come to the Silver Fox anymore.”

  “But—”

  She interrupted him impatiently with a wave of her hand. “It’s nothing to do with me. I’ve heard things, bad things. Boris, Yuri’s brother, has ties to the Russian underworld. They’re after young men like you and because you frequent the club, they’ve noticed you. Once you’re recruited—and you won’t have a say because they’ll threaten your family—you’ll never get out.” While the e
xplanation was rubbish, there was also some truth in there too. If he continued, the club could be a dangerous place for a boy as unworldly as Michael. And when the raid did go down, he’d be brought in for questioning if he’d been there recently. They’d been monitoring who frequented the club now for months, and his face would be on file.

  He turned pale and slumped back in the seat with a squeal. “Fuck!”

  Satisfied that she had scared the living daylights out of him, she went on in a more conciliating voice. “This is the real world right here, Michael, not the club. You have family and friends who care about you. You should hang out with people your age. A place like the Silver Fox is great for one night out, nothing else. I’ve seen a lot of lonely people there, people who sit and drink all night, or come to pick up someone.”

  Even though she was aware she was laying it on too thickly—most his age wanted alcohol and sex—Pandora knew from her own perspective, that there was truth in what she was saying. She, too, wanted more than drinks at a club and a lonely apartment. Then she couldn’t resist asking, “Why do you dislike Winter so much?”

  He looked at her, puzzled. “I don’t dislike her. She’s like a big sister. When Dad died, she helped Mum set up her finances and to buy the house. She’s the one Mum calls when there’s any trouble.”

  “Oh. I misunderstood by the way you talk about her.”

  “She’s bossy, that’s all. Likes to tell us what to do, especially about our credit cards.” Then he added with a hint of genuine apology, “I guess I must have been a bit of a nuisance with the flowers and all.”

  Understatement of the year!

  “Forget about it. Now, let’s go and talk to Winter and Jessie. Show your rellies you don’t give a damn what they think.”

  “Okay, but Mum’s on the warpath.”

  “Just leave your mother to me, Michael,” Pandora said, pursing her lips.

  As they walked out together, she hoped she’d gotten through to him, though it would be foolish to assume it would be instantaneous. He’d been wanting her for too long to shed his obsession that easily. But that was his problem now, not hers. She was confident that he would accept the rejection without doing something rash. Or self-harm. Being afraid to come to the Fox again would be the best thing to damp his ardour. Out of sight, out of mind.