Heart Of Stone

by Hayes, S. I.

  “An apricot brandy sour!” Donavan called from the booth as he approached.

  Donnella jumped up holding her clutch to her chest, pulling her coat closed.

  “We’ll take it back here, Mick.” Donavan motioned for her to join him in the back booth.

  She remembered the booth all too well. The humiliating things he had made her do to him. The way he would toy with her not letting her make a sound, waiting until the tears streamed down her face before he would stop. She had put up with it because she thought she was in love, because she thought that was what she needed to do in order to keep him.

  “Hiya, love.” He smiled that pearly white grin at her. “Have a seat.” He motioned for her to sit beside him.

  She sat across from him instead. “What’s this about Donavan?” Her question was cold, her demeanor commanding.

  He cocked his head at her, “My, my has my little dragon learned to breathe fire at last?”

  “You’d be surprised, how easily I could burn you.” She peered straight through him. Not looking directly at him was easier than remembering him. Parts of him still scared her and she didn’t want him to see that fear.

  “The bridge burns both ways, dear. But I’m here because I was surprised to see that you put in a bid to buy out Mcloughlin.”

  “Not buy him out, I want a Merger, I’m willing to keep key portions of his staff and give well-padded severance to the rest of the employees who don’t make the cut. As well as offer re-training at my cost. He won’t see a better deal.”

  “Maybe not, but he’s still shopping. Not even sure if he wants out. Still holding out for some miracle, he mumbles about those useless kids of his.”

  “But there must be something or you wouldn’t be here, would you?” She leaned back as her drink was brought to her. “Thanks Mick.”

  “Curiosity? Would you believe me if I said I missed you?”

  “Not really.” She looked away, Mick had disappeared. A regular occurrence if her memory served, but it made her uneasy.

  “Come now, you were the best little cock sucker I’ve ever known.”

  “That’s not gonna happen.”

  “Then you can kiss your chances at getting a meeting with Mcloughlin good-bye. I’ll make sure not a scrap of paper with your letter head ever passes his machines.” He sat back, with his hands behind his head smugly.

  She stood up, throwing the drink in his face. “Fuck you! Donavan!”

  “Nah, maybe later.” He laughed as she walked away. “You know where you can find me when you change your mind, little dragon.”

  6

  She was late, or maybe it was just that he had come early, but Matthew couldn’t help but feel as though he were being stood up. It was already ten to eight and no word had come from Donnella as to her whereabouts. Harold had made a point of making sure he was at Jacoby’s for a seven-thirty reservation, and yet here he was still holding up the bar, on his third beer waiting for a woman with apparently no concept of time. Was she playing with him yet again? Watching to see just how long he’d hold out before leaving, once more? Harold had let that cat out of the bag while they were having him measured for several pairs of new slacks at one of the shops. The night in the gallery had been a test of his resolve, if he had left he’d have lost his shot. His desperation had paid off, or at least it was beginning to if Donnella would just show up.

  “Hi.” Her voice caught in his ear as her hand wrapped around his shoulder delicately. He turned and looked into her eyes. She looked beautiful, but tired. Her usually light make up was patted on just a little heavier to cover the darkened circles around her just puffy eyes. Most men wouldn’t have noticed, but Matthew wasn’t most men. He had an eye for these things.

  “Are you alright?” Concern filled him where annoyance had only moments ago begun to creep.

  “Why wouldn’t I be?” She pushed a stray hair back from her face, and handed her coat to the doorman. “Let’s get some food, I’m starving.” The maître d' met them at a flick of her wrist and they were seated. “He’ll take another of whatever he’s been drinking, and I’ll take a Bourbon, rocks, make sure it’s Jefferson’s.” She went to pull out her chair to find Matthew already at its place. She hesitated a moment, as though it broke her concentration, then nodded sitting down.

  Matthew wondered if it had been so long that a man had done anything for her, rather than her constantly doing for them. What kind of assholes has she been dealing with? He sat across from her with an easy smile. He had something of a buzz already and was certainly looking forward to some food to calm it down. They had a full menu, but the prices made his eyes bulge. $95.00 for a 12 oz. steak, potato and a small house salad. He shifted uncomfortably, it was her dime, but still, for that kind of money he could stuff her full of good foods and they wouldn’t have had to put on all the airs, or leave a tip for lousy service.

  “What looks good?” His silence drew her attention. “Something wrong?” She asked looking over the top of the menu seeing the furrow in his brow.

  “Nothing’s wrong, I just don’t usually do these kinds of places, the overpriced…” He trailed off, looking back down as she raised an eyebrow at him with a smirk.

  “You really are adorable. What would you rather do? It’s after eight, most places are crammed full of people and I already have the reservation. I went through a lot of trouble to get it too. It’s not easy to get in here on short notice.” Her tone was shortened, and he could see the temper beginning to rise up in her. The last thing he wanted to do was have a fight with her, especially in public.

  He looked down at the table then stood up pulling out his wallet. He tossed two crisp hundreds onto the table. And put out his hand. “C’mon. Let’s get out of here.”

  She stood up, glancing about, a few people looked up, but most seemed to be minding their own business. Letting his large hand eclipse her own she let him lead her back through the restaurant and to the front doors. They retrieved their coats and stepped out into the street.

  The weather reports talked of possible snow and you could almost taste it in the air. He pulled her in close as they waited for her car, she nuzzled into him as his strong arms held her tightly.

  “Where are we going?” She asked almost drowsily as the car pulled up and the driver opened the door.

  “Just get in. I got this.” He sided the driver whispering something and he nodded as Matthew climbed in to the car.

  She cozied up against him, putting a leg over his knee, and he put an arm around her. With a smile she stretched up to him. “I forgot to kiss you hello.” She licked her lips slightly palming his smooth chin to bring his mouth down to meet her own. He kissed her lightly, then pulled back.

  “Are you cross with me?” She asked trying to sit up, but he held her against him firmly.

  “Not at all, you just look tired. Rest a bit. It’s a little while to our destination, and I’d like you alert by then.” He smirked running a finger along her ribcage.

  ***

  By the time they arrived at The Stone Tower, Donnella was fast asleep. Matthew picked her up and with the driver and Xavier’s help as he had stopped for some Thai food, they managed to get her up to the apartment without waking her. He thanked and tipped both men generously, then went to find Donnella curled in to the center of the couch where he had left her. He smiled, as she let out a little mewling sound, and suddenly had to grab Pepper before she jumped on and woke her prematurely.

  “Shh.” He coaxed the pup, taking her out on to the terrace with a chew toy which she happily accepted. He had bought her a doghouse earlier that day with a heated blanket for such occasions, with food and water dishes outside as well she would be okay for a few hours if need be, later he would bring her in and let her have run of the house once more.

  Leaving the food in the bags he went upstairs to the master bathroom and collected a few items he bought that afternoon with Harold, at his request. Oils, lotions and bath salts, all from a French shop with a name
he couldn’t dare to pronounce. But it all smelled of lilies. Harold insisted that he keep it in the apartment for those nights should Donnella stick around. It would not be often, but in the rare occurrence she would appreciate it greatly. Matthew bought the lot. The price tag hurt him, but he wanted to pamper her. He got the distinct impression that no one ever really took the time to do anything for her, only to her. He wasn’t that selfish. At least he hoped he wasn’t. Taking the bath items to the secondary bathroom, which was only slightly smaller than the master bathroom upstairs off of his bedroom.

  The countertop was made of crème and blue marble with pale gold and white veins, up through to the back splash of pale blue tile with little hints of purple. The sink basin was a large clear bowl that sat fixed atop the counter with high shined chrome fixtures, and a mirror that ran the length of the wall. The tub filled most of the remaining space to the far left, sitting in the corner three steps led up into the deep recesses of the oval monster. The steps were rubber matted for safety, which he was glad to see, form and function didn’t often mix but it was nice when done right. He rather liked this room. The tub was large enough for even his large frame which was good, it had been a long time since he had taken a long hot soak where his knees and chest could be wet at the same time.

  He rolled up his sleeves and set the bath to fill, lighting a few candles and dimming the lights in the room. When he returned to the living room he found Donnella stirring at the edge of the couch looking around, reminding him of a kitten as she stretched her arms and wiggled her toes in her peep toed, sling backed heels.

  “I didn’t mean to crash out on you. That was… How long was I out?” She sat up finally, and shrugged out of her jacket. Her teal pant suit mussed from the nap.

  “A little while.” He smiled, walking over to her.

  “How did you manage to get me up here?”

  “Like this.” He scooped her up into his arms easily and she laughed, as he carried her toward the washroom.

  ***

  The smell hit her first, lilies and orchids. The heat from the bath had the live flowers releasing their heady scents. The oils in the bath comingling made her head swim, as Matthew undressed her slowly, kissing every inch of her as he moved along. Her skin tingled and a thin layer of sweat lay on it even before he stood her up helping her into the tub. The hot water rushed over her aching body and she settled into it with a longing sigh.

  “Nice?” Matthew asked, kneeling on the step so he was by her head.

  “You have no idea.” She half moaned. “I can’t remember the last time I took a hot bath, let alone a bubble one.” She blew a handful of bubbles into the air. “I usually only have time for a quick shower before I face plant on the bed.” She smacked her hands together in a falling motion. “I’m usually just too tired to go through all this trouble.”

  He nodded, going behind her. “Here, sit forward a bit.”

  She pulled her knees up and leaned forward.

  Reaching down into the tub with a loofa he let out a little chuckle. “That’s some serious ink you have there.” The tattoo was of a pale orange black and purple dragon wrapped protectively around a purple and black heart of what appeared to be cracked stone.

  She turned her head to better see him. “That? Yeah, I’ve had it a long time now.”

  He washed her back, the hot water running down over her shoulders, the smell of the lilies surrounding her. Then she felt both of his hands on her tense shoulders and she froze a second. The firmness of his hands startling. A memory of being held under by Donavan once bubbling to the surface.

  “You okay?” Feeling her anxiety, he lessened, pulling back his hands.

  “Yeah, sorry. I just, it’s okay.” She reached back searching for his hands.

  He hesitated. There’s something going on there. But it’s too soon to pry.

  “Really, go back to what you were doing, it felt really good.” She insisted, almost too eagerly.

  He took some of the oil form the vial on the tub sill and rubbing his hands together began to rub her very tight shoulders. Making deep firm circles with his thumbs into her shoulder blades, his fingers kneading at the edges of her clavicle. Within minutes she was leaning into his hands and her head dropped as he worked up to her neck. Her little groans of approval made him smile as she eased and finally began to relax. Afraid she was going to pass out on him, he stopped. She leaned contentedly against the porcelain, her pale skin flushed pink from the heated water and his firm caresses. The makeup of the day was washed away and he noted that she had the faintest sprinkling of cinnamon freckles running across the bridge of her nose.

  “Take all the time you need.” He whispered into her ear, kissing her on the neck smoothly. “I’ll be in the kitchen. There are towels just to your left and I put a robe there as well.” He stood up as she nodded with a sigh, sinking down into the bubbles.

  ***

  When at last Donnella emerged she wandered into the kitchen to find Matthew setting up plates and taking food from one of the ovens. She didn’t say anything only took to watching him move. He’d taken off the Hugo Boss Dress shirt and slacks, now he was in a black ribbed tank top and checkered pajama pants, his feet bare as he slid a pan onto the counter with an oven mitt. He was engrossed in the details as he piled the dish high with food stuffs, moving around the large kitchen as though he’d always been in its confines. Catching her silhouette out of the corner of his eye, he looked at her with a dimple filled grin as she pushed her hair back from her face.

  It was washed and hung down in loose dark red waves around her shoulders. The clip she usually used was clamped to the collar of the robe she wore, which was knotted loosely, letting the front peek open just enough on top to give him a moment’s pause in his tasks.

  “Have a seat. I stopped for Thai, on the way here. Hope that’s cool. You’re driver said the place was good. Speaking of which what is with those guys? They don’t talk to me, won’t even tell me their names for fucks sake.”

  “They are just like that. Try not to take it to heart. They are there for my protection, and to see to it that my life goes as smoothly as possible.” The Kitchen Island had two place settings in front of her as she sat, having to climb up into the stool, without her heels, her five foot two frame made everything around her seem huge. Especially Matthew, as he leaned over and kissed her. He must have tasted something spicy, because his kiss left a little burn on her lips, making her ache for more. The smell of food made her stomach growl audibly, reminding her that she had not eaten anything since the scone with her coffee that morning.

  He laughed putting the communal food dish in front of her handing her a pair of ceramic chopsticks. “For the noodles?” He responded as she took them slowly as though questioning him.

  “I know what they’re for, I’m just surprised you know your way around proper Thai food etiquette. This is all set like I’m at Spice.” She took the serving spoon and put some of the Panang Gai, on to her plate. Surprised to see the chicken dish simmered in red curry with a coconut crème sauce garnished with fresh lime, her eyes lit up and mouth watered seeing her favorite pork dish, Moo Dad Diew. She rarely ate the deep fried dish, drenched in a green onion chili sauce, but tonight she felt if Matthew had gone through all the trouble she could at least have a bite or two. Maybe three. The last thing she added to her plate was Pad See Eiu, a dish of thick rice noodles fried in garlic, with pork and broccoli, drowned in dark soy sauce and a scrambled egg for texture.

  She looked around the table setting.

  “What are you looking for?” He asked a crooked smile on his face, he was pleased to see she piled her plate. He had been afraid she was one of those women who didn’t eat.

  “Sugar, and vinegar, for the Pad See…”

  “I knew I was forgetting something, do you want chili flakes too?”

  She shook her head no. “This is good.” She stuffed a bit of chicken into her mouth, the richness of the coconut and lime exploding as it hit h
er tongue. “Hmm.” Donnella half moaned. “I love food. I swear I’d be as big as a house if it wasn’t for my hyperactive thyroid.”

  “Not to mention the schedule you keep.” Matthew added, taking some of the food now as well.

  “Don’t I know it?” She took a sip of the dark wine he poured for her. It was a smooth, round-bodied Merlot, she savored the hints of cherries, blackcurrants and mint as it flowed past her tongue and down her throat. “Oh, now that’s good. Where on earth did you get that?”

  “Secret family stash.” He smiled, also taking a sip. He pulled back. “She went heavy on the blackcurrants this time.”

  “She?” An interested but jealous crick took Donnella’s voice over.

  “My mother. Wine making is her hobby. She sends me bottles every few months to try out.”

  “Well I could sell this. It’s excellent. Where does she get the grapes?”

  “She grows them in the basement. I built her a greenhouse adjacent to the walk out.”

  “Such a good boy you are. Helping mom out like that.”

  “Well it’s always just been us. So yeah.” He pushed his food around with his spoon before taking another bite with a solemn smile.

  “I read that.”

  He nodded. “So you did do a background check then?”

  “I had to. I can’t let just anyone into my circle, you have to understand. I wasn’t prying, just needed to know that you weren’t some delinquent, or derelict just in it for a buck.”

  “And what did you find?” He sat back with his hands in his lap. He wondered how far she went back, wondered if her people had dug into his mother as well as himself. While his past was quiet, the relationship that led to his birth was spotty and supposedly well hidden.

  “You studied Law at Yale for two and a half years, and dropped it to study Art and Photography instead. Quite the gamble, I should say. Why the change? You could have made a great deal of money as a lawyer.”

  “I just didn’t have it in me. I was ready, I could have passed the exams, I just didn’t want that life. I wanted to make a statement, express myself, give people a voice who don’t usually have one. I got the idea for the wounded women while in school.”