Heart of Clay (The Tanner Series Book 6)

by Jo Willow

  “It’s more than okay. Is your mom there?”

  “She is, but she’s crying. She cries all the time now. Scott says it’s cause you don’t love her anymore and you’re gonna leave like his dad did. He said she cried a lot then too. Did she cry a lot before I was borned Daddy?”

  Patty was killing him. Everything she said pushed Marla further away and it made him ache to get home. He was looking at what he’d almost done again and he could hear what it was doing to Beth and the kids. Business or no business, he had to get home.

  “Patty, put mommy on the phone honey. I love you.”

  “I love you too daddy. Here’s mommy.”

  The little girl thrust the phone at her mother who stared at it as if it would bite her.

  “It’s daddy. He wants to talk to you.”

  Rose looked at her and nodded toward the phone. Beth took it from Patty and held it to her ear.

  “Hello?”

  “Beth, stop crying. I’m coming home.”

  “You have to sell one more piece, you told me so.”

  “I don’t care about that. I’ll go back to welding if I have to. You and the kids need me and I’m coming home. Where are you?”

  “Mitch stay there and finish up. You’ll be done in two days and then you’re done with her for good. We lost the lease on the gallery.”

  “What? What the hell happened?”

  “Somebody painted a sign on the window that said we were opening a cafe. That violates the lease, so they shut us down.”

  Mitch started pacing and he ran his hand through his hair.

  “What do we do now?”

  “We found another one. You’ll like it and it’s ready to go. All it needs is a sign and it’s been ordered. It should be hanging by Wednesday.”

  “We’re still a team Beth. You still love me.”

  “It was a family effort, just like with the barn. Listen to me. You pushed her away on Saturday and that night the barn burned down taking your stock with it. The only person that had any of your stuff worth selling, managed to get you to herself in Europe. While you were both gone we lost the gallery. Or should I say, her competition disappeared. She’s betting that the only thing you can do is stay tied to her if you want to continue selling your work.”

  “Are you telling me that you think Marla’s behind all of this? Come on Beth, I know you’re jealous but this is low even taking that into account.”

  “Mitch, listen to me. She’s keeping you under her thumb damnit. She got you and then she got you away from me so that we couldn’t talk. Open your eyes.”

  “I am so disappointed in you right now Beth. You’re classier than this. You don’t have to drag her down, you already have me. I told you that I love you and I told you that I’m coming home. You don’t have to stoop to this level.”

  “Stoop to this level? I’m the one trying to save you, you horse’s ass! Wake up! She’s screwing you in more ways than one and if you don’t see it soon, she’s going to destroy everything you’ve built Mitch. And I do mean everything.”

  “Alright, I’ve heard just about enough. This is the most ridiculous pile of shit I’ve ever had shoveled in my direction and to hear it coming from you is starting to piss me off. Unless you’d like to apologize, we’ll talk when I get home.”

  “I won’t be there when you get home. Take your time, there’s no hurry. Me and the kids are nowhere near Savannah.”

  “Where the hell are you Beth? Put Patty back on the phone.”

  “She’s six years old Mitch. She thinks we’re in Disneyland. I’m moving and selling the house. Kids or no kids, this isn’t going to work. She’s got you so blind, you refuse to see reason. I wish you success and a happy life. Goodbye.”

  “Wait. Beth, wait...”

  She hung up the phone and handed it back to Rose. Patty was back to pouting.

  “Are you gonna cry again mommy?”

  “No baby. Mommy’s done crying.”

  “Is Daddy coming to get us?”

  “No Patty. He’s not. We’re going to stay here for a little while and give him time to think and work in the new barn. Then we’re going to move to a different house and go to a brand new school.”

  “I wanna see daddy.”

  Patty started crying and Rose held her and rocked her. Beth didn’t know what to do.

  Chapter Nine

  Mitch stood holding a broken lifeline. A little girl he adored only slightly less than her mother, had called him Dad and then was torn from his life. The little boy that had mimicked and looked up to him, was taken with her. The woman that worked harder for him than he worked for himself, was gone by her own admission. In one day, he’d lost it all. Who was he kidding? It was a series of days and a whole bunch of broken promises all wrapped around the woman that was walking towards him.

  “Is everyone okay Mitch? Is your family alright?”

  Everything Beth said came back to him like a hail of gunfire. He unlocked his room and pulled Marla in behind him. After he closed the door, he pushed her against the wall and started kissing her neck. She wrapped her arms around him and purred.

  “Let’s get the party started then, shall we? Where do you want me? Today belongs to you Mitch.”

  He kept up the assault, and when he felt her start to sag against him, he nipped her earlobe and whispered in her ear.

  “She’s gone and you’ve got me baby. Now let’s be honest for a minute.”

  His fingers slid across her silk blouse and her breathing sped up. He looked into her eyes and began to unbutton her blouse.

  “You wanted me so much you torched my barn, didn’t you?”

  “You wanted me too. I had to make you see that.”

  He started kissing her and his hand slipped inside her blouse. When he pulled back, he pulled her blouse from her skirt.

  “I lost the lease on the new gallery Marla.”

  “You didn’t need it, you had me.”

  “Is that why I’m here?”

  “You’re here to be with me. We needed time alone Mitch. You needed to see that I can do you proud. Mitch and Marla Tanner will be something no one can touch. Now quit talking and touch me.”

  It had taken him one week to lose everything that mattered and five minutes to narrow it down to one cause. She stood with her back against the wall, half naked and breathless, and he cringed at the sight of her. He fought her advances for years and in a moment of weakness, he allowed her poison to spread and destroy his life. He’d hit rock bottom and he knew it.

  Mitch stepped back from her and ran both hands through his hair. She knew something catastrophic had happened, but she had to tread lightly.

  “Mitch? Are you okay?”

  He played it cool and smiled at her.

  “I’m fine. That phone call is distracting me. Listen, you go to your room and wait for me. Change into something slinky and order up some wine. I need to call David and sort this out before I’ll be able to concentrate on nothing but you.”

  Marla smiled and quickly fastened her blouse. She kissed him and reached for the handle on the door.

  “Fifteen minutes Mitch. If you’re not there by then, I’m coming back.”

  “Baby, it won’t even take that long.”

  She winked and left. He waited a few moments, then peeked out the door. She was gone, presumably to get ready.

  He wheeled his luggage into the hall and walked quickly to the elevator. When he hit the lobby, he walked outside and hailed one of three cabs that were waiting nearby. It was time to see if he had anything left that he could salvage.

  Ten o’clock on Monday morning, David was standing in Mitch’s backyard in a pair of jeans and a Jackson Browne tour shirt. He was holding a cup of coffee and surveying the progress that had been made on the barn. He reckoned that it would be finished, stocked, and ready to go by Wednesday.

  When another presence holding a cup of coffee joined him, he wasn’t in the least surprised.

  “It looks great. Thanks
David. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help.”

  “It’s your barn Honcho. Your work comes soon enough. Wednesday by my calculations. Beth’s dad is in there hanging conduit and pulling wire. You might want to avoid him.”

  “You’re probably right. I imagine the whole family wants my nuts in a jar right about now.”

  David sipped his coffee and still hadn’t looked at his cousin properly. When he did, he saw a sleep deprived mess. Mitch had dark circles under his eyes and at least a two days growth of beard.

  “What gives? You look like you’ve been sleeping under a bridge.”

  “Close. I had to catch three different flights to get home. My damned phone hasn’t stopped ringing and Marla’s leaving threatening voice messages. Not one of those calls is from Beth. Not one.”

  “That’s cause she cut you loose. What do you want her to do Mitch? Wait with open arms and a brass band? She tried the best she could.”

  “So did I!”

  “Yeah? What did you try at exactly? Lying to her? Cheating on her with a whore that was hell bent on destroying you? Tell me where the effort came in that would benefit her, because I’m just not seein’ it.”

  Mitch emptied his cup on the ground and turned to his cousin.

  “Why are you taking her side? I thought we were family.”

  “Family got you a barn and everything in it. Idiocy lost you the best thing that ever happened to you. I don’t side with idiots as a rule.”

  “You know where she is. Tell me where she’s at David.”

  “I’ll do no such thing. You’re not ready for her yet. For some reason, you still think she owes you something. Maybe loyalty, maybe love, I don’t know. You need to line yourself out and realize that Beth doesn’t owe you anything. Not even the time of day. Excuse me Mitch but I’ve got a barn to finish.”

  David walked away and left him standing alone. Mitch went inside to lay down and think. His head was pounding and his eyes could barely stay open. He didn’t even have his work to distract him or the kids to chase.

  When he laid down on his bed, he put one arm over his eyes and tried to remember a time when his life was calm and he was happy.

  Marla waited fifteen minutes. Then she waited fifteen minutes more. When he never showed, she went to his room and knocked. Getting the distinct feeling she’d been had, she tried calling him and he didn’t answer. She went to the lobby and found that he’d checked out. The clerk had no clue where he’d gone.

  She went back to her room and stuffed her lingerie back into her suitcase. She phoned the client and apologized, then phoned the airport and booked a flight. She knew where he’d gone and she knew why. If he wanted war, he’d found a worthy opponent.

  Mitch waited another twenty-four hours before he decided he needed serious help. The barn was all but finished and they were moving his equipment in that day. He crossed the acreage between his place and Twelve Oaks, and walked in the back door. Rae was seated at the dining table, feeding a baby. The other one was sound asleep in a carrier.

  “Welcome back. You look like shit, want some coffee? It’s fresh and you can pour me one too.”

  Mitch did as he was asked and sat down in front of the sleeping infant.

  “Which one’s which?”

  “I’ve got J.J., Olivia’s sleeping.”

  “Where’s your evil half?”

  “In a studio in Atlanta. Rose is working on something new and she needed him for the next few days. He’s staying at Tara with everyone else. They’ve got a full house these days I hear.”

  “They’ve always had a full house. Everyone but Elvis lives there.”

  “Yeah? Well Elvis didn’t show up a crying mess with two little kids and proceed to win them all over. They’re like a fortress around our neighbor Mitch. Your leaf has been replaced on the family tree to hear James tell it.”

  Mitch cocked his head at Rae Anne and narrowed his eyes.

  “Are you tellin’ me that I’ve been worryin’ myself to death and Beth has the kids up at Tara? All this time I’ve been picturing her in some fleabag hotel and she’s living in a mansion with my family. Well that just tears it.”

  He stood up and rinsed his cup out in the sink.

  “Mitch, what are you gonna do? You can’t just storm in there and haul her out, they’re pretty sure you’re probably the anti-christ right about now.”

  “I’m not goin’ anywhere. Now that I know she’s alright, I can get back to work and let her figure out what she wants. She won’t take my calls and she won’t call me back. We’re at a standstill Rae. I’m to the point that I could care less if she loves me anymore, I just want my friend back. I gotta go.”

  Motivation came in the strangest forms and Mitch found his in the form of a stranger standing at his front door when he walked up the driveway.

  The man was slightly shorter than himself and had blonde hair and eyes that looked strangely familiar. He was good looking but Mitch could tell he’d had a rough life.

  “Mornin’. Can I help you with something?”

  The man held out his hand and Mitch shook it.

  “I sure hope so. I was told that Beth Stone lived next door. I’ve been trying for almost an hour to catch a glimpse of her or the kids, but it’s as quiet as Grant’s tomb over there. Do you know where I could find them?”

  “Who might you be?”

  “I’m Brian Stone, Beth’s husband.”

  “You mean Beth’s ex-husband. Why are you looking for her Brian?”

  “I’m not sure why that matters, but Scott’s birthday is in a few days and I’d like to see him and the little girl. I’d like to talk to Beth.”

  “The little girl is Patty. You’d know that if you’d bothered to check on them before now.”

  “How do you know I haven’t checked on them before now? How do you know so much about my wife and kids?”

  “She’s your ex-wife and you didn’t even know your own daughter’s name before I told you. Beth’s my best friend and business partner. I’ve helped her raise those kids, that’s how I know so much. She’s not home and I don’t know when she’s coming back. You’d best leave now Brian.”

  Brian rocked back on his heels and assessed the situation. He’d been gone awhile, but if he knew one thing, it was women. He was Beth’s achilles's heel. She’d do whatever he told her to do and she’d do it in short order. He didn’t know who this ya-hoo was, but somebody needed to set him straight on a few things.

  “Just because you slept with her a few times, that don’t make you an expert on what makes her tick Mr. Business-Partner and Best Friend. We’ve got history me and Beth, and we’ve got a lot more to make. I’ve straightened my life out and I want my family back. I suggest you stay out of the way.”

  Mitch had had enough. His nerves were raw and his head was throbbing. The man in front of him didn’t know a thing about him or his relationship with Beth, and he’d assumed they were sleeping together. He’d be willing to bet he was back for money or the house. He was certain he didn’t care a flip about the kids.

  “I’ll tell you what Brian. Beth’s father is out back in the barn, hanging lights. Why don’t you go on back and ask him where she is? I’m sure he’d be glad to see you. You two probably have a lot of catching up to do.”

  Brian went pale and started looking over his shoulder.

  “That’s alright, I need to go. Just tell Beth the next time you talk to her that I was here and I’ll be back. Tell her that I love her.”

  Mitch was unlocking the front door as Brian was backing down the driveway.

  “Oh I’ll tell her alright. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to hear it.”

  Friday came and went and by Saturday, Beth was ready to go home. The kids were getting used to a lifestyle she’d never be able to afford and she needed to get them back to reality and a routine. She missed the peace and quiet of her little house and Mitch had stopped phoning three days earlier. She thought that he’d probably made up his mind as well.

/>   She kissed and hugged every Tanner that was home, thanked them profusely and promised to bring the kids up from time to time for barbecues and swim parties. They’d become like family to her and she meant every word she said.

  She left with everything she’d arrived with, plus some hand-me-downs for herself and Patty. All in all, it was a nice visit, but it wasn’t home. She stopped at the Stop-n-Go to fill up with gas and then she started the long drive home.

  Traffic was hell and by the time she hit her driveway, her nerves were shot. Three trips later, everything was in the house and the kids were wired for sound. She forgot what it was like to be that young and have that much energy.

  “Mom, can I ride my bike to Jason’s house?”

  She looked at her son who looked bored out of his mind. He’d spent the last week with a Judo instructor and no one his own age. He sat there looking hopeful in his white t-shirt and his second best jeans.

  “Be careful and be home before dark. Don’t make me come looking for you. Understand?”

  He ran for the door yelling, “Yes ma’am” over his shoulder. Patty sat quiet and pensive at the table.

  “What’s up Patty-cakes?”

  “I wanna go out back and play on the swings.”

  “Well go on then. I’ll call when dinner’s ready. I’m making mac and cheese, your favorite.”

  “‘Kay.”

  She managed the back door and closed it behind her. Beth started unpacking and putting things to right.

  Mitch had been working like a demon since Wednesday. The distraction was welcome and he was glad to be doing something that didn’t require conversation. His new equipment made life easier and the new lighting made delicate work go ten times quicker. All in all, he was glad to be home.

  Something caught his eye and he looked up to see a familiar face standing in the doorway. She was moving side to side, obviously nervous, her hands gripped the hem of her pretty pink dress. He stopped the wheel and wiped his hands on a towel he kept nearby. He stood up and got halfway to her before he squatted down on his heels and opened his arms.