by Lacey Legend
“I’d be well up for that.”
“So would I,” sniggered Jenna.
The thunderous dark cloud of Spencer ditching her because of babysitting duties came biting back at Jenna.
“What he was basically implying is that I’m using him for all the good stuff that riches can buy and have no interest in getting to know him, which just isn’t true.”
“I guess with someone like him, that probably is a major concern in dating.”
“Whose side are you?”
“Yours,” assure Kelly. “I’m merely saying sometimes our insecurities prevent us seeing things clearly. Let’s be honest. You are petrified of upsetting your mother and sister and rocking the boat. You muck in and never complain or put yourself first. You’ve done that for as long as I’ve known you. Spencer comes along and challenges that thinking and you call him unreasonable. Why instead of using Liana as an excuse, didn’t you find an alternative whereby you do something nice for yourself while still fulfilling family duties?”
“Like what?”
“Why can’t the two of you babysit together? Liana has nothing to moan about then and the kids should go down at a reasonable hour with the nanny, leaving you guys plenty of time to jump into bed and get to know each other.”
The idea didn’t just sound feasible and practical, it sounded positively enjoyable.
“Remind me why you didn’t go to college?”
“Lots of common sense, but no brains whatsoever,” answered Kelly matter-of-factly.
“I’m not so sure about that. You came up in seconds with a situation I probably never would have considered.”
“Such flattery.”
“Guess I shouldn’t send this text to him then.”
“What’s it say?” asked Kelly shrewdly.
“Spencer. I look forward to our forthcoming trip to the Bahamas. Have you thought about which club you will be attending the night before and whether you’ll be taking two or three dates this time?”
“Don’t send it,” warned Kelly.
“Why? He slammed the phone on me acting like I was some money-grabbing harlot.”
“If you like this guy, that’s a discussion to be had face to face. You’re fuming right now and I completely understand that. Sending things in anger is a bad idea because you might feel significantly different when you’ve calmed down. I said to you earlier you don’t know for sure what those photos are about. You know the paparazzi will find or make up a story to sell magazines – it’s how they profit.”
“He’s ignoring my calls.”
“Because he’s calming down, too. If he’s got a temper on him and he likes you he doesn’t want to expose you to him when he’s in a rage; especially, as I suspect, when he’s settled down and realizes he’s behaving like a spoilt child that can’t get his own way and is being mean to the people he cares about so they hurt, too.”
“What would I do without you, Kelly?”
“Probably have a cheaper phone bill,” laughed her friend as she blew Jenna a kiss down the phone to say goodnight.
Chapter Ten
“The girl is infuriating,” said Spencer aloud as he terminated his call.
Rupert looked over at his brother, unsure whether he should enquire as to the problem or not. His youngest brother Spencer was clearly very prickly about the new woman in his life so he was treading on eggshells.
“You good, old chap?”
Spencer considered Rupert. He was taller and leaner than Spencer, but they shared the same dark brown eyes, square faces and curly hair. Spencer had lost the majority of his Englishisms when he moved to New York, but he noted his brother still adopted phrases from his days at world-renowned private school Eton.
He rubbed his temples. “American girls are....”
“Difficult?” guessed Rupert.
“Actually I haven’t found them to be until now, but maybe that’s because this is the first one I’ve been in a relationship with.”
“I didn’t think two dates constituted a relationship.”
Spencer sighed. He’d said so himself on Friday night when he hit the town without Jenna, but the thought of her doing the same to him filled him with fury. He hadn’t enjoyed going out by himself that night. The women frequenting the club were as adoring as ever, but he couldn’t interact or converse with them. Flirting came naturally to Spencer, but anything deeper and he tended to retreat - except with Jenna. Having someone to laugh and talk to as well as have sex with, gave Spencer a sense of fulfillment.
“Perhaps not, but it’s headed that way,” he asserted to his brother.
“Dare I venture further into sensitive territory and ask how this Brooklyn beauty is infuriating you?”
Spencer grunted. He sat on the kitchen bench and stared at his brother. “She babysits her niece on weekday evenings. Her younger sister is a single mum and goes to night school during the week. As you can imagine, this situation makes things difficult for us to see each other aside from weekends. As you’re leaving Rosie with the nanny tomorrow night, I thought Jenna could leave her niece with the nanny too and we could spend a bit of time together.”
“Jenna? She has a name then?”
“I put this proposition to Jenna and she refused the idea because her sister wouldn’t like the baby being left with a stranger. As if Nanny Merton isn’t up to the job. We’ve used her consistently in America since Rosie was diagnosed and she’s a qualified nurse. How can leaving a child with Miss Merton not be a sensible idea?”
Rupert looked at his brother quietly. “If you told me you were leaving Rosie with Jenna’s sister or mother, I don’t think I’d be overly comfortable,” said Rupert thoughtfully.
“That’s different. Rosie needs special care.”
“Even if Jenna’s sister or mother were trained nurses to deal with Rett Syndrome, I still wouldn’t like the idea. I’d want to meet them and assure myself, my wife and Rosie they’re in safe, competent and capable hands. I understand what you’re saying about Miss Merton’s credentials, but leaving your child isn’t based solely on someone who looks good on paper. It’s about seeing with your own eyes and trusting your own instinct.
You’ve put Jenna in an awkward position. If her sister’s forbidden her to this she can’t just defy her. It could cause havoc at home. How much do you know about Jenna’s niece? Rosie’s condition might disturb her. She may only be used to family so a new face would be frightening to the baby. I know this sounds patronizing, but if it was your own child you wouldn’t be blasé about the whole scenario.”
Spencer discovered a spot on the floor to assist in him not having to make eye contact with his older and seriously mature brother. He sniffed and kicked his heels on the bottom of the kitchen counter.
“Put like that, I can see why there might be reservations,” he conceded.
“Why don’t I call Nanny Merton and arrange for her to babysit Rosie’s at yours? That way Jenna can bring her niece around, Miss Merton can do the work and Jenna’s on hand if her niece needs her.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” mused Spencer. “Only don’t bother calling Miss Merton to change locations. I’ll ring Jenna and tell her to come here. I can cook her dinner or something. It’s not like there isn’t enough spare bedrooms.”
“Wouldn’t you be more comfortable in your own pad? You’d know your way around the kitchen?”
Spencer wrinkled his nose. Rupert had a valid point but he didn’t want the paparazzi poking round and risk being photographed with Jenna again. Conducting the early stages of a relationship in the public eye was one pressure the twosome would rather not have.
“Given how we left things on the phone, here would be better. It’s neutral ground. Plus it means Rosie isn’t being carted around from house to house at all hours of the night.”
Rupert nodded. “That makes sense.”
Spencer hopped off the kitchen bench with renewed vigor. He hated initiating phone contact with women. It made him feel open to an unsu
spected attack. Spencer preferred being in control with his walls up to protect him. Having spoken to Rupert, he realized his reaction at not getting his own way with Jenna didn’t put him in a good light, nor did his accusation that she was only interested in him when he had cash to spend on her. The truth was, she deserved an apology and he had some serious groveling to do. If he wasn’t man enough to stand up and admit to being rash, he didn’t deserve a girl like Jenna.
Spencer made his way to the guest room. He paced back and forth for some time as he scrolled slowly through his contact list. Taking a deep breath, he hit the call button for Jenna’s cell phone.
“Hey, it's Jenna.”
“I may have been unreasonable earlier and said things that were uncalled for and untrue.”
Best to get the apologies out of the way first, thought Spencer.
“Go on.”
“That was it to be honest. You’ve every right to be weary of leaving Zada with a stranger and it was totally thoughtless of me to tell you to lie to Liana.”
“You’re inviting me to the Bahamas then?” asked Jenna playfully, reminding him of the insinuation that her eye was on Spencer’s wallet not his heart.
“Sadly not. I’m inviting you to a townhouse I own off Fifth Avenue. I decided to showcase my culinary skills and make you dinner.”
“And when’s this taking place?”
“Tomorrow, if you’re still free. My family stays in the townhouse when they are visiting. As they’re out, I wondered if you and Zada might visit. Rosie’s nanny will be here. We could see how Zada interacts with Rosie and the nanny. If everything runs smoothly, we can let the three of them get on while we eat. That way you’re here if Zada needs you, but I get you to myself if everything works out.”
“My friend suggested a babysitting date. I realize it isn’t cool or sexy, but it does mean we can be together. So, yeah, I’d love to come.”
“Is there anything you don’t eat?”
“Nothing too posh like frog’s legs or snails. I’m a simple girl, really.”
“I wish you were.”
“Wish I was what?” asked Jenna.
“A simple girl.”
Jenna’s mind flew to Leon and then how she’d broach the subject about Spencer’s night out without her.
“The people around me are complicated,” she said truthfully. “I genuinely am a simple girl.”
“Should I send a car to pick you up tomorrow?”
“I’m fine with public transport.” Spencer’s comment regarding Jenna only being available when overseas trips were involved still hurt, irrespective of the apology.
“Jenna, don’t be like that. I said something stupid and I apologized. Let me send a car for you.”
“The fact is you said it. It must’ve come from somewhere. You must’ve thought it.”
Spencer fought to control his voice; the conversation was emotionally demanding. Spencer didn’t really do emotions. He didn’t like dredging up the past. A sorry should have been an adequate end to the matter. Now it seemed Jenna wanted to dissect the squabble.
“I said it,” said Spencer carefully. He stopped; surprised an excuse didn’t immediately roll off his tongue to direct the conversation back to where he wanted it to be. Forced to examine why he said it, he was able to give an honest answer. “I said it because I knew it would hurt you. Because you aren’t that kind of girl, I was certain my suggesting you are driven by money would offend you. I was upset because I didn’t think I’d be able to see you and I wanted to upset you as a punishment.”
“I wasn’t expecting you to be that honest.”
“I wasn’t expecting to be, myself. I said it to be mean and I’m sorry. Please accept the car.”
Jenna gave it some thought. It was too easy to accept everything Spencer offered as part of his billionaire lifestyle. It was important Jenna keep two feet on the ground to remember how different her circumstances were from Spencer.
“I’ll accept a car to drop me home afterward but I’ll make my own way over there.”
Spencer sighed. “There’s no point in me arguing is there?”
“None at all,” said Jenna firmly, but friendly.
“Tomorrow night then,” confirmed Spencer.
*
Jenna had decided on a casually sexy outfit to wear on her babysitting date. It was time to show off her slim, toned legs in skintight black jeans with whopping great high heels to give her a few extra inches. The loose cream knit top was matched with a faux black leather bomber jacket. Twirling in the mirror Jenna decided she’d achieved the perfect look of effortlessly sexy. As she was applying some light makeup, there was a knock at the door. Surprised, given Liana had left for classes and her mother was at work, Jenna checked the peephole.
Leon was slouching comfortably on the rail outside her front door.
I really don’t need this right now. Trouble is he’s the kind of guy who will wait unmoving until he sees me. Better get it over and done with. She unbolted and unlocked the sturdy front door.
“You’re very brave, risking my mom’s temper and my sister’s tongue.”
“I know your mom’s at work and Li’s at evening classes. Figured now would be the best time to catch you,” explained Leon knowingly.
“To catch me for what?”
“Are you going to invite me in?”
“Actually now’s not a good time, Leon.”
“You busy or something?”
She sighed. Dealing with Leon was like peeling off a band-aid very slowly. The more sensitive she was to his needs, the longer it would take.
“I’m busy and doing something. I’m off out on a date.”
“Oh.” His face dropped, but only for a second. “I got a job. You were the only person I could think of to share the news with.”
Leon produced a bottle of sparkling wine from behind his back. It wasn’t quite champagne, but it wasn’t a cheap label either. Jenna felt guilty.
“Is your mom not in?”
It sounded pathetic to her own ears suggesting he break open the bubbly with his mother. She knew he was making a concentrated effort to steer clear of his old friends because they were still tied up in illegal activities. It meant he had no one his own age if he wanted to hang out. Making new friends could be hard at the best of times. Jenna was his only link to the past that had a clean record.
“No, mom’s at bingo. When I was banged up, she created a new social life and stuff. Suppose when I was safe behind bars, she didn’t have to make herself available to bail me out every time I got in trouble and we know how often that was. I’m pleased for her though. It’s good she’s got friends and activities to do outside work.”
Jenna could see the sincerity in his eyes. Her heart felt as if it were cracking. Leon was making such an effort. She should be encouraging her childhood sweetheart, not abandoning him because she’d been swept off her feet by some billionaire. She checked her watch. Because she’d declined Spencer’s offer of a private car, she had to accommodate for the unavoidable delays she’d encounter on her way over to his, which meant she didn’t have any time for Leon. Manners forbade her from closing the door in his face.
“Is the job with the garage that fixes bikes for that dodgy motorcycle club?”
Leon grinned. Pleased he could surprise Jenna. “No. A local place I left my CV with. The friend I did some work for put in a good word and they agreed to take me on. Not bad going, given I’ve been out less than a week.”
“It’s incredible,” admitted Jenna.
“Shows you what I can do when I put my mind to something.”
“It sure does.”
“Feels good that it’s something I can be proud of.”
“I’m proud of you, too.”
The hand holding out the bottle went slack, as if Jenna’s words of approval were enough for Leon. “Maybe I should hang onto this for another time, when you’re free to celebrate. I don’t start till next Monday so there’s plenty of time between now
and then.”
Jenna desperately wanted to remind Leon that sharing a celebratory glass of sparkling wine was not her idea of keeping their distance from one another. Then again, wasn’t her career as a social worker to improve the quality of life and well being of those who needed it – and didn’t Leon need that right now?
Do I follow my vocation as a social worker or force myself to only see Leon as my criminal ex-boyfriend, she wondered. Be vague. Be noncommittal. That way, you aren’t letting him down, but you aren’t making him a promise you can’t keep either.
“Given we live in the same block, I’m guessing we will see each other before you start the new job.”
“I’ll keep the bottle on ice then.” Leon stepped out of the frame way of the front door. “You have a nice night then, Jenna. I hope he appreciates his time with you.”
The comment tugged at her heartstring. She remembered Spencer confessing he’d been deliberately mean to her because he hadn’t got his own way. Watching Leon walk away, she couldn’t help but compare the two men.
Lost in thought, she realized she’d been staring into space for over ten minutes. She dashed inside to prepare Zada. It was inevitable she’d be late now. Rather than ring Spencer and have him reprimand her over not accepting his offer of a car, she settled for an impersonal text. With Zada set up to go, she locked up the apartment and made haste.
Fortunately, the Gods of public transport had been smiling on Jenna. She had a smooth ride and was only quarter of an hour late. Pushing the pram along Fifth Avenue, Jenna was amazed by the size of the houses. Reaching her destination, she was nervous ringing the doorbell.
Spencer opened the door in beige chinos and a maroon polo shirt and brown suede shoes. He was impossibly handsome. As he kissed her on the cheek, she felt her stomach doing flip flops. Crouching low, he extracted Zada from the pram and lifted her high in the air. Zada was laughing and gurgling. Spencer’s smile was boyish as he relished the baby’s joy at his antics. He landed a kiss on the top of Zada’s head.
