“May I ask you a question, Elizabeth?” she said when the men excused themselves.
“Sure. Is something wrong?”
“I don’t know. I wondered if after you and Mark started living together, did you get tired a lot? I seem to be exhausted.”
Elizabeth laughed. “With three kids, I can’t even remember when I wasn’t tired. But, yeah, it’s possible. After all, it takes a lot more effort to handle everything for two than it did for one.”
“Of course, why didn’t I think of that? I was afraid I was going out of my mind.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Unless you’re pregnant, of course.”
“No, that’s not possible.” She’d been on birth control for years, thanks to a terrible case of acne.
“I don’t think John wants children, does he?”
“No, not at all.”
“That’s too bad.”
“Yes, but at least he’s honest about it.”
“True, I hate men who lead you on.”
They heard the men coming back in and switched to a safer topic.
When they got home, John took her to bed and just held her. “I talked to Mark about you being tired a lot. He said Elizabeth was the same way. It just took her awhile to get used to making love.”
“I know. I asked Elizabeth, too.”
“So we’ll take it a little more slowly until you get used to it.”
“And how do we know when that happens?”
“You’ll be attacking me! Hey, that’ll be fun. I could pretend to resist.”
She slapped him on the arm. “Then I’d quit because I would think you didn’t want me.”
His expression went suddenly serious and his eyes darkened. “I’d never quit on you.”
Those five words went straight to her heart, melting it on contact. She pulled him to her and made love to him as if she’d never let him go.
A FEW DAYS LATER, Diane had gotten home ahead of John for a change. She put her briefcase down and went to the kitchen to get a drink. Then she saw the answering machine blinking with three messages.
“John, it’s Gladys. You need to call Mildred at once!”
“John, it’s Gladys. I’m so sorry, but your dad collapsed this afternoon. They’ve taken him to the hospital. Meet Mildred there.”
The last message confirmed Diane’s fears. Doug had died at the hospital.
Just then, she heard John’s key in the lock.
She wished more than anything he had come in first and she didn’t have to tell him the news. But that was a cowardly thought.
Fighting back tears, she went to the door. Her voice trembled as she spoke. “John, your father collapsed at work today. They took him to the hospital, but—” And then she could stave them off no longer. The tears fell.
She saw his face as he absorbed her words. He went pale and grabbed her shoulders. “What are you saying?”
“He passed away, John. I’m so sorry!”
He pulled her against him and buried his face in her hair. His body felt stiff, rigid, as if in shock. When he stepped back, he muttered, “What do I do now?”
She wiped her tears. “I think Mildred is waiting for you at the hospital.”
“Okay, I’ll go. I’ll let you know where I’ll be tonight. I don’t know if I’ll get back here.”
“I understand,” Diane whispered. She kissed his lips and let him leave, wishing he’d ask her to come with him.
But he didn’t.
JOHN WISHED he could’ve asked Diane to come with him. But he didn’t want her to have to deal with Angi tonight, or even himself, overcome by disbelief, then grief. His father had had many faults, but John had loved him.
He’d hoped his dad would get through this rough spell and be happy. But that hadn’t happened.
When John reached the hospital, he was directed upstairs, where he found Mildred sitting by herself in the hallway.
He whispered her name and she spun around, opening her arms to him as she always had when he’d been upset as a little boy.
“I’m so sorry, John. I brought him here as soon as he said he wasn’t feeling well, but…they couldn’t save him.”
“I know, Mildred. Did he say anything?”
“He said you promised to deal with everything. And he said he thought Diane was the one for you.”
“He never gave up, did he? He always thought I’d marry.”
“No, Johnny,” Mildred said, using the name she used to call him. “He only hoped you’d marry, like he did with your mother.”
John swallowed and sat down.
“I told him not to worry about you, when you were little. That I would take care of you. But he thought you should have a mother.”
“And you did take care of me, Mildred.”
“It wasn’t exactly a hardship, child.”
He held her hand.
“Mr. Davis? Do you want to see your father now?”
John’s head snapped up and he stared at the nurse in front of him. “Yes, thank you.”
“I’ll come with you, John,” Mildred said, taking his arm as they went in.
They spent some time in the somber room, sharing memories of the man they’d both loved. When they left, John thought to ask about the new widow. “Where’s Angi? Didn’t she want to come to the hospital with you?”
“Get real, boy! She said to let her know how things went and, oh, could I fix her a sandwich before I left for the hospital?”
“Damn! I’m glad Dad is out of his misery, even if I do miss him. That woman needs to go.”
“No, I’ll be the one to go. She’ll inherit the house and half his fortune, probably. She certainly won’t keep me around for any length of time.”
“You’re not going anywhere, Mildred. I’ll make it clear that I pay your salary. She doesn’t have the authority to fire you.”
“Whatever you say, John. But there’s no need to do me any favors. I can hardly stand the woman.”
“That makes two of us.” John took her hand and led her out of the hospital. “I’ll follow you home and we’ll face Angi together.”
“If she’s awake. I don’t know if she really goes to sleep or if she just wanted to get away from your father, but she’s goes up to bed early.”
“I’ll call her and have her stay up for us.”
In the car, with his teeth clenched, John called his father’s home. After a number of rings, Angi answered the phone.
“Hi, John. You haven’t been over to see us lately. When are you coming by?”
“Right now, if it’s not too late.”
“Of course not. I’ll get dressed and I’ll be right down,” she cooed.
“Right.” John ground his teeth. She’d never even asked about her so-called beloved husband.
John couldn’t wait to sink her ship.
Chapter Eleven
Diane didn’t know what to do with herself. She paced around her apartment, wondering when John would call. When the phone rang, she raced to it, hoping it was him. Instead, it was his housekeeper.
“Oh, Gladys, have you heard from John?”
“No, I haven’t, honey. He hasn’t called you, either?”
“No.”
“Have you eaten yet?”
“No, I—”
“Come have dinner with me. I’ve already got something fixed. There’s no point in you staying there by yourself.”
“You’re sure you don’t mind?”
“Honey, it would be a blessing to me.”
“I’ll be right there.”
When Diane reached John’s house, her first question dealt with John’s whereabouts.
“I still haven’t heard from him, Diane.” Gladys put a motherly arm around her. “Come on, let’s have some dinner. You look like you’ve lost weight.”
“I’m fine, Gladys. I just haven’t had much of an appetite lately. Been too busy, I guess.”
“You’ve got to take care of yourself, honey,” the wom
an told her, preceding her into the kitchen. “John seems so fond of you. He scarcely makes a move without you at his side.”
Diane smiled, but shook her head. “He’s still independent. It just happens that we both like the same things.”
“I guess that’s true. But it sure seems he’d rather have you beside him than anyone else.”
Diane smiled again but said nothing.
“I thought Mildred would’ve called me by now, but it could be she’s gotten mired down in paperwork. I’ve never handled a death before.”
“Maybe she had to go back home to be with Angi? Or maybe Angi went with her to the hospital and had some problems.”
“That woman wouldn’t move her big toe to help anyone out,” Gladys retorted sharply. “I’ll bet she didn’t even go to the hospital. And I’d bet more than John is glad his stepmother wasn’t there!”
ON THE WAY to his father’s house, John dialed Diane’s number. He didn’t really have much news, but he needed to hear her voice.
But there was no answer.
He couldn’t think where she would be. It worried him that she didn’t answer the phone. Should he swing by there to be sure she was all right?
No, he decided. That would show his weakness for her. He’d find her later…somewhere.
He followed Mildred’s car into the driveway, then followed her into the house, expecting his father to greet him at any moment. When he realized that would never happen again, grief assailed him once more.
“You all right?” Mildred asked.
“Yeah. I—I just expected him to come meet me.”
“I know. I’ll see him in every room, I guess, for a while.”
“Yeah. Where is the new widow?” he asked with heavy sarcasm.
Mildred moved to the intercom. “Angi, are you there?”
“Of course I am. Is John here?”
“Yes, he is.”
“I’ll be right down,” she said, enthusiasm in her voice.
John looked at Mildred. “I’m going to have to talk to her alone, but stay close. She may get out of control and I’ll need a witness.”
“I’ll put on a pot of coffee.”
“Thanks, Mildred,” he said, giving her a hug. Then he sat down at the head of the dining room table.
He heard running steps. Angi had never run to see his dad, as far as he knew. He squared his jaw.
“John, I’m so glad you’re here,” she said with a big smile. “How are you?”
“Not well, since my father just died.”
Surprise flashed across her face, followed not by grief but nonchalance. “Oh. Well, I’m sure he’s happy now.”
John didn’t bother to chastise her. All along he’d known she’d had no feelings for her husband. Now John just had to carry out his dad’s requests.
“We need to talk,” he said sternly. “Sit down.”
She pulled out the chair next to him.
“Do you remember the prenuptial contract you signed before the marriage?”
Angi blinked several times. “Yes, of course, but since Doug died, it doesn’t matter.”
“You did read it, didn’t you?”
“Yes, in front of that stuffy old lawyer Doug used. I had to sign a paper saying I did.”
“According to that agreement, all you are to receive is half a million dollars. The house, of course, belongs to the estate. You can keep your car and any personal items. How long will it take you to move out?”
“No! That can’t be true. I’m the widow. I get the house and maintenance. And—and half the estate.”
John shook his head. “You only get what I’ve offered.”
“You’re wrong! You’ve got to be wrong! I’m carrying his child! Your own flesh and blood!”
“The child will be provided for.”
Angi calmed down. “How much?”
“You will receive two thousand a month until the child is eighteen.”
“Two thousand? That’s absurd!”
“No, I’m afraid not.”
Mildred came in with a coffee tray.
“Thank you, Mildred,” John said. “You’ll need to pack a bag. You’ll be leaving with me tonight.”
“Wait! Who’s going to take care of me?” Angi demanded.
“How about you take care of you.” John’s demeanor remained calm. Angi, on the other hand, was becoming more and more agitated.
“But I can’t be left here alone! I need Mildred to stay with me!”
“No. I know how you’ve abused her in the past. I’m not leaving her here with you. If you want to go to a hotel, I’ll pay for a week there, and arrange a mover to pack your things. But I’ll need a place to send them.”
“Fine! I’ll go to a hotel. I’m certainly not staying here. Mildred, go pack a bag for me.”
But John shook his head. “Mildred is going to pack for herself. You’ll have to manage on your own.”
“Fine!” Angi exclaimed, and jumped to her feet. When she swayed momentarily, as if dizzily, John sat like a statue. He knew he couldn’t give in the slightest bit. After shooting him a furious glare, Angi stomped out of the room.
John slumped in his chair and buried his face in his hands. He couldn’t believe his father was dead. Now he had no one. Except Diane.
He pulled out his cell phone. When there was still no answer at her place, he sighed. Why didn’t she have a cell phone? He’d have to change that. Then he remembered he’d better alert Gladys that Mildred was coming to stay there until things were settled.
When she answered the phone, John related the news to her.
“I’ll fix up a room at once. Have you talked to Diane?” she asked.
“No! I can’t find her.”
“She just left here. I invited her over for dinner.”
“Thanks, Gladys. I’ll try her at home in a little while.”
After he hung up his phone, he heard Mildred coming down the stairs.
She came into the room. “I’m ready, but I don’t think we should leave until she does. She’ll probably pack up all the silver.”
“Good point. Would you mind going upstairs and helping her get her things together?”
“No, I don’t mind.”
“Thanks, Mildred.”
He looked around at all the silver stored in open display cabinets. What was he going to do with everything? Maybe he could sell the house furnished. He could have the silver packed and sent to his house. And he’d want some personal mementos of his father. Maybe a painting or two.
Mildred and Angi came down the stairs together, Mildred carrying three suitcases, Angi with nothing. John stood at once and relieved Mildred of her burden. Then he handed the smallest bag to Angi.
“I can’t carry it. I’m pregnant.”
“I know. Carry it or leave it here. It doesn’t matter to me.”
As he expected, she grabbed it at once. He figured all the jewelry she’d conned out of his father must be in that bag. Carrying Mildred’s case along with Angi’s, he led the way out of the house.
As Mildred was locking the door, he asked Angi for her key. She reluctantly handed it over before storming off to her car.
When John arrived at his house, he accompanied Mildred inside. Then he asked her to call a locksmith and get the locks changed first thing in the morning.
“I’ll take care of that, if you’re sure, you want to,” she agreed.
“I’m sure. I’m going to sell the house, and the proceeds will go into your retirement fund. Dad and I thought that would be some kind of reward for all you’ve put up with.”
Mildred was left almost speechless. “That—that’s too much, John!”
“No, it’s not, Mildred. You took care of the house for years under difficult circumstances. Dad left you some money, too, but that can wait until the will is read.”
John gave her a kiss on her cheek, thanked Gladys and hurried home to Diane.
When he got there, he looked at his watch. It was only ten-thirty, but
there were no lights on in Diane’s bedroom. Had she gone to bed early? He’d meant to call her again, but in the midst of trying to move Angi out and get Mildred situated, he had forgotten.
He went up the stairs and unlocked the door. The apartment was silent and dark. He made his way to the bedroom, undressed in the dark and slid into bed, up against Diane.
He eased his arm over her and pulled her just a little bit closer, giving thanks for the woman he’d found.
It was the first time he’d been warm since he’d gotten the news of his father’s death.
Diane awoke before the alarm went off. She could feel John stirring next to her, and was glad for his warmth and the fact that he’d come home last night. Turning toward him, she cupped his cheek in her hand. “Are you okay?” she asked him, sympathetic for all he’d gone through. How she wished she could’ve been there for him last night.
“I’m okay now that I’m with you.” He kissed her palm. “It was rough. I guess I never really thought what it’d be like to lose him. I was so young when my mother died, I barely even remember her. But my father…”
At the emotion in his voice, she reached out to comfort him. “I know, John. It must be hard. At least your dad didn’t suffer.”
“I know.” He nodded slowly. “I just wish we would’ve had more time. That I hadn’t let his wives keep me away.”
“I’m sure he understood, John. Especially if they were all like Angi.”
“Don’t even remind me of her,” he said, his eyes darkening. “She didn’t even bother going to the hospital with Dad.”
“I know. Gladys told me. I’m sure it made you angry.”
“Very. I moved her out last night.”
“Out of the house?”
“Yeah. I wouldn’t leave Mildred there to wait on her. And I couldn’t leave Angi there on her own. She would’ve packed up all the valuables before she left. So I put her bags in her car and sent her to a hotel.”
“And she didn’t complain?”
“No. She signed a prenup. Of course, she didn’t really read it, but she swore in front of Dad’s lawyer that she had and that she understood what it said. She thought that, as the widow, she would inherit everything.”
“That must’ve been a rude surprise,” Diane said, raising her brows.
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