Looking for someplace near the window, they find a booth, and the lad climbs in first.
Before she can sit down, I make my move, bumping into her and spilling a pint right down the front of her blouse.
“Oh shit! How clumsy of me. I didn’t see you there,” I rasp out, turning on my full charm. “Here, let me.” I press napkins to her front while she swats my hands away.
“It’s fine, really. Just a bit of lager. It’ll dry.” She shakes her head, inspecting the damage.
“Oh, bollocks! I see you’ve got a little one with you! I apologize for my foul language,” I continue. “How about I buy you a pint?”
When she finally looks up, I see warm hazel eyes. Not the kind I could get lost in, but beautiful nonetheless. My mind drifts to Scarlett and her own unique shade of blue before I shut it down. Focus!
“No thank you,” she replies, sliding into the booth.
“Please, it’s the least I can do,” I offer, stalling.
“No, really. Thank you, but we’re meeting someone.” She nods to the empty seat across from her. Of course. Piers.
“Well, in case your someone doesn’t show up, my name is CJ, and if you change your mind, I’ll be at the bar.” I back away, desperately needing to get out of here before he shows up.
I’m not quite ready for that reunion just yet.
“All right then. Thank you…uh—” she stammers, “er…CJ.” I inwardly cringe. I’m not sure what made me say CJ, I just knew I didn’t want to tell her my full name. I better ask about hers, as not to seem rude.
“You’re welcome, uh…I didn’t catch your name.” I know exactly who you are, Willow Darling.
“I didn’t say,” she replies with a polite smile. Pretty and smart. And very immune to my charms.
“She’s Willow. I’m Drew. Did you know the big red busses here are called double-decker busses? That means they’re two stacked in one!” Drew excitedly says, pulling my attention away from his mum. Cute kid.
I smile at Drew. “Yes, and did you know you can take a ride on them, lad?”
“Oh, Mum, can we please?” His eyes light in excitement.
“We’ll talk about it later.” She turns her attention to the window, “look Drew there goes one now!”
“Mum, it’s Piers! Look!” Following his pointing, I spot Piers walking up to the pub.
Time for me to go.
Walking toward the back, I exit into the alley and shoot my driver a text telling him where to pick me up.
While I wait, I check my watch. It’s well into afternoon and I need to hurry if I’m going to make it to the retreat on time.
Part of me wants to swing by and follow Scarlett, but I’m sure she’s already on her way. Deciding against it, I have Harry stop by the hotel to grab my things and we head out of the city.
My mind wonders to Scarlett as I watch the city whiz by in a blur. If Piers is with Willow, that means she’s alone. The thought doesn’t sit well with me. I can’t figure out what bothers me more, the fact that Piers’ doesn’t want her…or that I do.
Chapter Seven
Scarlett
The ride out to the country is uneventful. Restless about how I left things and drained from my fight with Piers, I lay my head back, closing my eyes. After I sleep off a little bit of my hangover, I try to enjoy the scenery passing me by, but seeing all the trees reminds me of being at Everlend. Living there, playing in the fort we built behind the garden and the little dingy on the pond. I thinks back to one day in particular—the day she arrived and changed it all. I barged into the boys’ room, and Teddy was being all modest, as usual.
Hearing the crunch of gravel, I hop down from my perch on the garden wall where I’m playing tea party. I don’t really like the taste of tea all that much, but Wendy says proper ladies drink tea, so when the boys aren’t around, I play tea time and practice being a real lady. Ms. Anna from the kitchen helps me keep it a secret. I love being one of the boys, and I like girl stuff too…but I don’t dare tell them, afraid they’ll kick me out of their special club.
Seeing a dark car pull up out front, I rush to find the boys. I stop at the top of the steps to catch my breath, resting my hands atop scraped knees. A quick glance out the second story window reveals our visitors, and one in particular holds my attention: a girl about my age.
I feel relief that it’s not my mum. Jazz promised she could never hurt me again, but I can’t help the dread that fills my stomach every time a strange car pulls up.
I keep watching as the girl stands there, looking up. She’s got beautiful copper hair, like Wendy’s. She’s wearing a lovely dress, like something a princess would wear. Maybe we could be friends and I could be a princess too. I bet she likes tea parties.
I look down at my own plain, floral sundress and smooth away the wrinkles before running a hand over my hair. I try not to get my hopes up. Plus, I don’t really like tea that much.
Tearing myself from staring, I run down the hall to the boys’ room.
“Then she will be my friend,” Piers proclaims as I barge in.
“What are you idiots doing, practically hanging out the window? You trying to fall to your deaths?” I tease, bouncing into the room, trying not to let them see the excitement I feel.
“Scarlett, when will you learn to knock?” Teddy stands and asks nervously, pushing his tortoise frames up his pudgy nose. “I know you think you’re a boy, but next time, knock.”
“Oh, bugger off, Teddy Bear. No one is trying to see your little winkle dinkle. Plus, you keep forgetting, I am one of the boys.” I shoulder past him to go sit next to Piers at the window.
“Who’s the princess?” I as when I see him staring at her with a weird look on his face.
“Isn’t she beautiful?” he blurts. His cheeks turn a funny shade of pink, and all the excitement drains from me. He doesn’t just want her as a friend, he likes her the way boys like girls before they kiss and get married. He hasn’t even met her, and he already looks at her like she’s hung the bloody moon. Anger replaces any enthusiasm I feel for our new friend.
“Yeah, if you’re into hair the color of carrots and frilly dresses,” I mock, tugging on my spikey blonde locks.
“Well, maybe I am,” he fires back, angry at me for making fun of his perfect new friend, with her perfect hair and her perfect frilly, baby dress.
“Suit yourself. I’ll be in the fort if you need me.” I rush from the room before he can see the tears starting to fall.
I keep running until I’m down the back steps, out in the garden, and in my safe little spot. I drop to the ground and curl my arms around my legs.
“Are you okay?” a quiet voice asks, and I look up to see the little princess has found my secret spot. As if she can read mind, she replies, “I saw you run from the house, so I followed you.”
“Why?” I sniffle, untangling my arms from around my knees and staring at her.
“To see if you’re all right,” she whispers. She’s so pretty, I wish we could be friends.
“Well, I’m fine. So you can go.” I wipe my tears away and stand.
“Oh, okay. I’m Willow, by the way. Wendy’s niece.” She looks at her feet, and I feel ashamed for being so rude. Wendy won’t like it, and I’m sure she will tell on me and Wendy will take her side. After all, she Wendy’s real blood, not an orphan like the rest of us. Everyone will like her better, including Piers.
“Lovely to meet you, Willow. I’m nobody.” I turn to walk away.
“Is this your tea set?” she calls after me, not getting the hint.
“You can have it,” I reply, and keep walking. “I hate tea.”
I blink and see the blur of green out the window. I knew back then when I saw the look on his face nothing would be the same. I was the only girl; it was supposed to just be me and them. The three of us taking on the world. They were my friends, my boys, all of us sharing a common thread. We were lost or broken in some way—until Wendy found us and helped put us back together. Bu
t like the nursey rhythm says, “all the king’s horses and all the king’s men…” Some things aren’t meant to be put back together. After all these years, even with Wendy’s love, Piers and Teddy’s friendship, I still have many broken pieces. My past and present is a tangled web of lies and confusion.
We had the perfect thing going until she showed up. She was always so nice to me, trying to be my friend, but it never worked. Not when we she took my place, even without trying to. She was only there for her summers, but when she was back home, Piers spent all his free time writing her letters or doing guy stuff with Teddy. We were growing up, drifting apart. When her parents were killed in an accident and she came to live there, they became inseparable.
The closer they got, the more she pulled and the more I pushed, until we grew old enough to understand the difference between love and affection and I pushed him right into her arms.
Teddy always tried to be the peacekeeper when I would start a fight that ended with Willow storming off, Piers chasing after her, and me left by myself. Teddy would sit there looking so distraught and give me that knowing stare, like you’ve messed it up again, Scarlett.
Once, when we were kids, he asked, “Why can’t you just be nice to her?”
I kept my mouth shut. I didn’t know then, and I don’t know now. I just know it hurts that she’s always had everything I never did. Everything I wanted. It’s more than jealousy, I can’t even put into words, and I hate myself for it. I turn my attention to my lap. Enough scenery. I’d rather not have memories if they’re going to be tainted with her.
I take out my phone and catch up on emails for the remainder of the ride. When we pull up to the large stone estate where the Anderson retreat is being held, I see they already have several large white tents set up outside for the activities. I’d rather just go to my room and sleep, but that’s not what I’m here for. Glancing at my phone one last time, nothing. I still haven’t heard from Piers. I’m sure he’s too preoccupied to care.
After being shown a lovely en-suite room in the guest house, I quickly freshen up and change into a white linen shift dress with a bold floral print. I pinch my cheeks for color and apply some gloss before looking at myself in the mirror and deciding it’s good as it’s going to get considering my little binge last night.
I follow the tiki torches and head down to cocktail hour to find the party is in full swing. Huge white tents, filled with linen covered tables, overflowing with tropical flowers and lush greenery set the stage for a paradise themed dinner. The light breeze carries the sweet scent of ocean flowers around the room. Loud music, laughter, and booze might sound like the perfect way to let loose, but I would actually prefer some Adele, an espresso, and a warm bath—especially after getting so legless last night.
But instead, I’m walking into a crowded tent and a frothy drink with an umbrella is being pushed into my hand by Alan Anderson. Old man Anderson’s son is on me like a leech. He thinks he’s going to get a seat on the board, should the deal go through, but not if I have anything to do with it.
“Hey, love,” he breathes against my cheek as he pulls me in for a hug.
“Alan,” I reply stiffly, my guard instantly up.
“Let’s make the rounds.” Something about him makes me nervy, but I smile and act interested in what he’s saying, while very carefully pretending to sip the drink he handed me. When he’s not looking, I set it down on the tray of a passing waiter.
I finally break free when he gets stuck talking and make my way to the bar to order a vodka and cranberry, deciding I just might need that drink after all to make it through this evening.
“Vodka girl?” he says with a wink, and my skin crawls.
“Less calories,” I tease, not really giving two shits about calories. That’s one thing I’ve always been lucky with, I suppose: my tall, slim figure. The only thing I can say I’m glad to have genetically inherited from my egg donor…or my mum, as I would loosely refer to her.
“I figured you for a wine lover,” he slurs, brushing his cold tumbler down my bare arm. “I’d love to show you my family’s private cellar, if you’d like to take a walk.”
“Maybe some other time, thanks.” I walk away, not even caring if it was rude. I need a minute. Walking to the edge of the tent to get some fresh air, I sip my drink as that same tingling sensation that I’m being watched settles in my belly. Probably just Alan, the arse.
I’m used to dealing with men like him. There was even a time when I gave them what they wanted, in exchange for what I needed. Money, a new handbag, documents signed. I was my own personal commodity. Thankfully, those days are behind me. At least I hope so. I take a deeper drink.
The taste of alcohol burns my throat when I recall the night before. Did I throw up? It seems like I did, but I can’t quite remember. There’s still a lot of fuzziness to what went on the night before, which reminds me I need to figure out how the hell I got home. I make a mental note to check my purse for all my cards when I get back to the room.
I mingle with a few other guests, people I’ve seen at charity galas or events such as this. As the evening winds down, a light dinner is served, but the focus seems to be on the booze. Of course, Alan sits next to me at dinner, and I do my best to avoid his advances over the spread of delicious seafood and vegetables.
After dinner, when the men have their cigars and the ladies are supposed to retreat to do whatever it is that the plus ones do, I find myself standing on the veranda having a small glass of brandy with old man Anderson.
“So tell me, Scarlett, how do you think this deal is going to pan out?” He cuts to the chase.
“To be honest, sir,” I address him formally, “I think it’s going to be an awesome opportunity for all parties involved.”
“I’ve known James Black for many years, respect the tough old bastard even. So imagine my surprise to see one so young take him down, and then ask me to place my trust in him.” He takes a hearty puff of his cigar, and I wait for him to continue. “How do I know your company won’t do the same to me? How do I know Piers Nichols is the right man for the job?” The man who’s not here.
But there is no place for bitterness in this conversation, so I smile my biggest smile and prepare to close a deal that’s going to make us all very rich. “Mr. Anderson, you needed investors, and he has the money and wherewithal to take your business to the next level. I think we all stand to make a lot of money. It’s the smart thing. With the merger, you still hold a seat on the board, you’ll still have the power, but with sharing some of that power, you will also be sharing the risk and responsibility. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
He exhales and nods thoughtfully before taking a sip from his tumbler. “Smart girl. I can see why he keeps you around.” One thing I love about old Mr. Anderson is he treats me with respect and sees me as more than a pretty face—something I truly respect about him.
“Thank you, Mr. Anderson,” I reply, taking a sip of my own drink. This is going better than I could have expected.
“Please, call me Walter.” He smiles kindly before continuing. “And what do you think about having my son take my place, as the seat on the board?” His thick white eyebrows raise in question. There it is.
Taken aback by his bluntness, I take another drink of my brandy and stall, unsure of how to reply. If I offend him, the deal could fall through, but if we agree for Alan to have a seat, it could be a bad choice for all parties. Not wanting to come across as hateful, I tread lightly.
“Well, sir…Walter.” He nods expectantly, taking another puff. “I’m just not sure if it’s the right fit for the alternate seat. Maybe with some training and after time—”
“Enough said, young lady.” He holds up his drink, and my heart drops. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”
“Wha—I don’t understand.” I’m at a complete loss for words.
“Trust me, I get it.” He chuckles, exhaling. The thick smoke clouds the air around us.
“Sorry to put you on
the spot, but I needed to see how you would react. I’ve had to deal with Alan his whole life, so I know he’s a little twit, that’s for sure. He doesn’t have the sense God gave him. I blame his mother for coddling him all those years when I wanted to make a man out of him. The daft cow wouldn’t have it.” I nearly choke on my drink
“So, now he is an entitled little knob, and I’ll be damned if I turn over a company to him—everything I worked my whole life for. It’s enough to know he and Ellen will be cared for when I’m gone.”
“It was a test?” I mumble.
“Indeed, it was, my dear.” He clinks his drink to mine. “And you passed with flying colors.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You see, Scarlett, there is no place for emotion and family obligation in business, only instinct. This is one of those times. I want to build a company that’s going to be firm and strong, not buckle under the demands of personal favors and patting each other’s back. I don’t need to merge with you and have you always telling me what I want to hear. I want this deal to strengthen Anderson Alliance, by knowing you do what needs to be done. To make me money—make us money. You being willing to toss the whole deal to make the right choice shows you’re not a yes man. Or in your case, a yes woman.” He winks.
“You won’t regret it, Walter.” I smile as I shake his hand.
“Have the office send over the paperwork Monday and let’s lay this aside and enjoy our weekend.” He turns to greet some approaching colleagues.
I feel great, for the first time in a long time, and decide to stop by the dessert table and grab a couple sweets to take back to my room to celebrate. I wish I could call Piers, but decided against it. If he gave a damn, he could have called. I wish I had someone else to call. Teddy would just tell Piers, and I want to tell him, so I hold onto this victory a little while longer.
I’m walking back to my room, balancing a plate of jam tartes and pies in one hand and a bottle of water in the other, and nearly jump out of my skin when I hear a quiet applause
“Well, well, well, looks like you closed the deal. And without even climbing on your back this time.” Alan steps from the shadows, blocking my path. “Yet.” This pathetic wanker just doesn’t stop.
Never Say Never (Written in the Stars Book 2) Page 6
