Time's Secrets (Taylor's Girls Book 3)

by Sabra Brown Steinsiek

  “I think it’s just a matter of our schedules meshing. How’s the work coming?”

  “It’s really moving right along. Betta thinks we’ll be able to open by the end of the month.”

  “Betta?”

  “Boss lady,” Chris said with a grin. “I’m actually working with her mother on an article about the startup of a new designer. Her name’s Laura Collins Morgan. She’s married to Taylor Morgan, the Broadway star, but she’s a well-known writer on her own.”

  “And your boss lady—Betta?—is their daughter?”

  “She is. Betta and her sister Megan are opening the boutique.”

  Megan. After all this time, there she was just around the corner. He could stop in casual-like…

  “Earth calling Jamie. Where were you, man?”

  “Lost in the past. Chris, can you get me in to see Betta when her sister’s not there?”

  Chris backed off a little at the intensity of Jamie’s gaze. The man looked as if his life depended on the answer. “Probably—but I’d want to know why before I did it.”

  “I’m not a stalker, I promise you, Chris. Let me tell you the story. If you decide not to help me after hearing it, please just promise you’ll keep it to yourself.”

  Chris nodded, and Jamie began, “It’s going on a year since I broke Megan’s heart…”

  * * *

  Later that evening, Chris came to Morganna’s. Betta had moved into the barely livable loft so she could fuss around the store as she wanted. Meg had opted for the comforts of home until the loft was actually furnished.

  He rang the bell at the side door, even though he had his own key, he didn’t use it. He didn’t want to startle Betta into thinking he was a burglar. Her voice, and the sounds of a vicious dog barking, came through the speaker, “Yes? Who is it?”

  “It’s Chris, Betta. You can turn off the dog-in-a-box.” The barking abruptly ceased and he heard the buzzer that unlocked the door.

  He went in, pulling the door securely shut behind him, then ran up the stairs. Betta, wearing pajamas and a robe, met him at the top. Chris registered that she looked sexy as hell, even in flannel pajamas. “Chris, what is it? Is something wrong, someone hurt?”

  “No, nothing wrong. But there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

  “Now?”

  It was almost eight and Jamie would be off soon.

  “I’m sorry, this couldn’t wait until morning.”

  “Then let me pour some wine and we’ll talk.”

  Chris sat on the futon sofa that also acted as her bed. As he watched her get out the wine from the miniscule kitchen, he wondered if she’d ever notice him. Not likely. At least not before Morganna’s opened. He was patient. He could wait, because Betta was worth waiting for.

  She placed the wine on a small table then sat on a floor pillow facing him. “OK, what exactly is so important?”

  “That guy I told you about? From the bar around the corner?” She nodded and he continued. “Well, I had that pint with him today and he had quite a story to tell. It involves you and Meg. To start with, his name is Jamie O’Hearn.”

  Betta was speechless. Jamie? Meg’s Jamie? It had been so long and here he was out of nowhere. She couldn’t believe it.

  “Betta? You all right?”

  Taking a deep breath, she answered, “I’m just really shocked. I never expected to see him again.”

  “He told me what happened between him and Meg in Ireland. He’s still in love with her—the real thing, Betta.”

  “Meg’s been through so much pain because of him. So much confusion. She should have started med school, but she put it off because she was so traumatized by all of it. Meg’s always been vulnerable under that coat of confidence. He was the only man she ever fell in love with. The only one she risked getting close to. I don’t know if she could manage having her life torn up again.” Betta shook her head.

  “He wants to see you, Betta. I think he’s hoping you’ll act as an intermediary.”

  Betta stood up and refilled the wine glasses then sat back down, wrapping her arms around her knees. She was silent for a long time but Chris knew her well enough to wait.

  “Chris, do you trust him? He’s not here bent on some kind of revenge?”

  “I do trust him. I believe him. Just meet with him and see what you think.”

  “I guess I have to. Otherwise, I’ll never know if I spoiled Meg’s chance to be happy. When?”

  “Tonight?”

  “Tonight! You’re crazy, Chris!”

  “He gets off at eight. He doesn’t want to be here when Megan might stop in. I think he’s trying to protect her.”

  “So am I. But how do I protect myself? I’ve spent most of a year being angry at him,” Betta almost shouted the words at him.

  “I’ll be here. Let me do the protecting. If you want him out, all you have to do is say so. I’ll personally kick his butt down the stairs.”

  Betta laughed. “I don’t think it will be that bad, Chris. Just be here as mediator…and my friend?”

  “Does that mean you’ll see him tonight?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll go meet him at the pub and bring him back here. Half an hour or so. It will give you time to get ready.”

  “Ready? I’ll never be ready for this.”

  For the first time, Chris reached out to her as a person, not his boss. Hugging her lightly, he said, “It will be all right. You’ll see.”

  Then he turned and left. She heard him clattering down the stairs then heard the door slam behind him. For a moment she stood frozen in place. It had felt so right when Chris put his arms around her. As if she’d come home.

  She’d been thinking about him a lot lately. She waited for the sound of his voice when he dropped in every day. Not to mention some of the fantasies she found going through her mind when she should have been working or when she was trying to get to sleep. What was happening to her?

  * * *

  Jamie looked up, hope blazing in his eyes, as Chris walked through the door of the pub. When Chris nodded, he felt his knees turn weak. Seeing Betta was what he needed, but her reaction could mean it was all over. There would be an end to hoping.

  “What did she say?”

  “She was shocked. Seems what happened between you and Meg caused a lot more damage than you’d thought. And Betta’s still pissed at you.”

  “I expected that. She’s my only way to Meg so I’ll have to get her past that.”

  “You’d face anything for Meg, wouldn’t you?”

  “Aye, I have and I will. She’s the only one for me.”

  “Here we are. Let’s go talk to the dragon lady.”

  * * *

  She heard them coming up the stairs. She’d taken the time to get dressed, consciously choosing a black sweater and leggings and twisting her hair into a neat bun in an effort to appear severe. It worked on Jamie but Chris only saw the beauty she was trying to hide.

  “Hello, Betta. You’re looking well.”

  “Jamie. Chris said you needed to see me urgently?”

  “Mind if we sit down before we begin?” Chris asked as he sat on the futon and gestured for Jamie to join him. “Shall I pour some wine?”

  “None for me, thank you,” Jamie said. His stomach wasn’t going to tolerate anything until this was over.

  “Or for me, Chris. Help yourself.”

  Betta sat on the floor cushion as Chris poured his wine. Jamie looked older, even though it hadn’t been that long. And she saw the same shadows in his eyes that floated in Megan’s when she thought no one was watching.

  “So, Jamie, what is it that made it so urgent to see me?”

  “Megan, of course. I still love her and I want to marry her if she’ll have me.”

  “What about your family, your fat
her?”

  “I came to New York with the blessings of my family, of my mother and Sha’leen. Maybe not so much my father’s, he’s still afraid I’ll be hurt again. They hold no grudge against Megan. It was her father, not herself, who did the terrible things.”

  “Why didn’t you come to her that last day, Jamie?”

  “I was confused. It was a lot to take in. I started there several times but found myself in other places where I’d no idea I’d been heading…including her father’s grave, where I tried to understand what kind of man could have been the monster he was. By the time I made it to the house, you were gone. Even my father came by to try to make amends, but it was all too little, too late. My life changed after that. I stayed at O’Hearn’s for another few months in case she tried to reach me, but I’d left my father’s house and gotten a place of my own.”

  “It was my mother who talked me into coming here, into trying. She could see the good in Megan, just as Sha’leen did. It was only my own stubbornness and stupidity that kept me there. So, I came and found a pub job here.”

  “I swear I didn’t know Morganna’s was yours. It was just an interesting place to watch on my morning walk to work. Thanks to the Good Saint who led Chris into the bar for the pint I’d promised. He ended up hearing my whole story and agreeing to act as intermediary for me and I thank him for that.”

  “So what now, Jamie?”

  “I need to know. Does she speak of me at all? Is there any hope at all? Would I do more harm than good in coming back into her life? If it’s harm I’ll be doing, I’ll walk away before it can even begin. I love her too much to see her in more of a hurt than she already is.”

  “Oh, Jamie. I can see you still love her. She doesn’t speak of you but I see the same lost look in her eyes as I see in yours. Still, I can’t be sure she will want to see you. And I won’t risk hurting her again.”

  “What do you suggest we do next?”

  “Next, you leave me be. I’ll sound her out, if I can, and if there’s any hope at all, I’ll invite you to the grand opening of Morganna’s and I’ll see that you meet again there. I won’t tell her—you’ll be on your own to win her back.”

  “Whatever you wish, Betta. It will be a hard wait but no harder than what time has passed.” He rose to leave. “We’ve disturbed your sleep long enough now. We’ll leave and I’ll go light a candle in the church that the angels watch over your dreaming.”

  “Light another while you’re there. This one for hope.”

  Jamie headed for the door and started down the stairs as Chris slowly got up. Coming closer to her put his hands on her shoulders as he said quietly, “See, it wasn’t so bad.” His hands slid down her arms and behind her back as he pulled her close. Tentatively, she leaned her head against his chest and heard the beating of his heart.

  “Betta?” he whispered. As she tilted her head to look at him, he kissed her, a gentle kiss full of promise. Then he let her go and headed for the door. “Goodnight, Betta. See you tomorrow.”

  As they closed the door behind them and started down the stairs, Betta hugged herself, remembering those few moments in his arms and the kiss. “I think I’m falling in love,” she whispered to the empty loft. “How did that happen?”

  * * *

  When Meg came in the next morning, she and Betta began to do the displays for the two designers who would be featured for the grand opening in two weeks. “Two weeks!” Betta exclaimed softly.

  “You’re talking to yourself again,” Meg commented as she tugged a sweater by Liana over the model form and adjusted the cuff so that Liana’s signature monkey showed.

  “I am not,” Betta responded while she arranged a rainbow of Samantha Darcy shirts across the wall. “You’re here listening, aren’t you?”

  “Not when you start a conversation in the middle.”

  “OK, you win. I was talking to myself.”

  “Better get over that before the opening. Jennifer is going to think she’s working for a nutcase.”

  “She will be! I have the worst case of cold feet.”

  “I imagine Chris would be glad to warm them for you,” Meg said with a sly smile.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Chris. That guy with the camera who’s always hanging around? I’ve seen some of the proof sheets that Laura is going over. A lot of those pictures seem to be studies of you.”

  “Don’t be silly. He’s doing a wonderful job.”

  “Ask Laura. She’ll show you the pictures. Or you could just go and take a look in the mirror there—that blush should tell you something.”

  “Don’t push it. I still have to finish your dress for the Grand Opening. I got some totally yucky green silk in the other day. I was going to send it back but…”

  “Okay, you win this time.” She folded the last sweater and placed it in the rack. “I think it’s time for a break.”

  “Good. Want to try the new espresso maker?”

  “No way! That thing’s terrifying. I’ll settle for juice.”

  “Go ahead. I’ll be right there.”

  She took a look around at what they’d done. Things were really beginning to come alive. The colors, Sarah’s interesting furniture and mannequins—it really was all coming together just as she’d seen it in her head.

  “Hey, stop daydreaming and get over here,” Meg called from the area where the coffee shop would be.

  As Betta joined her, Meg said, “I brought you a surprise. Raspberry almond chocolate croissants.”

  “You must have been at the bakery at the crack of dawn!”

  “No, I was smart enough to order and pay for them yesterday so they saved them for me.”

  “This isn’t going to help either one of us fit into our dresses for the opening.”

  “We’ll work it off. Now, tell me what’s been on your mind that has you talking to yourself. And don’t try to tell me it’s just the opening, something else is up.”

  “You almost had it figured out with Chris. I think there’s something happening between us. It’s been slow but suddenly took a new turn last night when he kissed me.”

  “Good kiss?”

  “Very good kiss,” Betta’s eyes grew soft at the memory.

  “I’m happy for you. Things really are coming together for you. Morganna’s. Chris. All very good.”

  “But how do I know about Chris? I’ve never felt this way before.”

  “You just know. I did with Jamie. Sometimes it’s instantaneous. Sometimes it sneaks up on you slowly until you just suddenly realize you’re in love.”

  “Have you thought about Jamie?”

  “Too much. That’s what most of my therapy sessions are about. Despite everything, I’m still in love with him. I’m just too afraid to do anything about it.”

  “Has it occurred to you that Jamie might still feel the same, too?”

  “Maybe. But as I said, I’m too frightened to do anything about it. Instead, I’m here helping you open Morganna’s and that certainly wouldn’t have happened if Ireland didn’t happen. I’d be off in some lab watching an autopsy trying not to gag.”

  Betta laughed, “Such a lovely image. I’m glad you’re here, too. You’ve been so much help and it’s been fun having you here. I won’t let you give up on med school, but I promise not to push too hard.”

  “I love you, too. Now shouldn’t we get back to work?

  * * *

  Meg left at noon to go to her therapist appointment. When Betta was sure she would not be back for something, she went to the loft to make a phone call.

  “Betta! It’s good to hear from you. How is New York’s newest fashion designer?”

  “Overwhelmed, Abuelo. There’s still so much to do and the opening is coming up fast. You and Abuelita are still coming, aren’t you?”

  “We wouldn’t miss it. Bu
t I know that’s not why you called, is it?”

  “No. I had a visitor last night…Jamie O’Hearn.”

  “Jamie’s in New York? How did he find you?”

  “Pure luck. He works at a pub around the corner. He’s been watching what we’re doing in here and has made friends with Laura’s photographer, Chris. One day he was talking to Jamie and mentioned my name. He got Chris to come talk to me and I agreed to see him.”

  “And?”

  “And he’s looking for Meg. He told me he’s still in love with her and wants to marry her. So I sounded her out about him today and she admitted she’s still in love with him.”

  “So, what’s the problem?”

  “I don’t know what to do, Abuelo! I couldn’t bear it if she was hurt again.”

  “You can’t protect your sister from everything no matter how much you want to. I never told you but Jamie came to me after I’d taken you girls to the airport that night. He was looking for Meg and was heartbroken to find her gone. I’d promised not to give him any information to find her and I didn’t. But I did give him my address. He’s written to her here a couple of times but I knew she wasn’t ready for his letters so I never sent them on. My way of protecting her.”

  “So what do I do now?”

  “I think we have to let her know. She has a right to make up her own mind.”

  “And if he hurts her again?”

  “That’s a risk we have to take, Betta.”

  “You’re right. I guess I’ll go ahead and invite him to the opening for Morganna’s. If it all falls apart again, at least we’ll all be here to pick up the pieces.”

  Chapter 27

  Chris came by late in the afternoon. As he came through the door, he saw Betta up on a ladder stretching out way too far for it to be safe. He dropped everything and ran to the ladder. His precipitous arrival caused Betta to lose her balance and fall neatly into his arms.

  “You idiot! What would have happened if you’d fallen and I hadn’t been here to catch you?”