by Lacey Legend
Chapter 16
Spencer was surprised by Jenna’s suggestion that they meet at the Washington Square Arch. True, it was only a stone’s throw from her university’s campus, but given they were meeting for lunch, he wasn‘t sure where she was intending on taking him. Dressed in his usual suit for work, he smiled inwardly as Jenna came into his vision. She was dressed in jeans and an NYU slim fitting pastel pink t-shirt. It made him remember how young she was. She was lugging a wicker hamper.
“I wasn’t sure we’d be able to agree on a place to eat and I knew you’d be limited for time, so I thought I’d bring lunch.”
Habitually, as he did with all female friends, Spencer gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. He took the hamper.
“Any ideas on where the best place to sit is?” he enquired.
As it was the last of the summer season, the park was throbbing with people.
“There’s a fountain nearby. It’s crowded, but I find it sweet to watch the kids and carefree tourists playing in the water.”
Spencer followed her lead. Having found a suitable spot, Jenna laid out a blanket and opened the basket.
“I hope the wine’s stayed chilled. You get these gadgets that claim to keep them chilled, but you never know how effective they are. For all I know, it may have ended up making the sandwiches soggy.”
“She’s nervous,” thought Spencer.
He was filled with pity. She’d clearly gone to a huge degree of effort to pack the hamper and wanted everything to be perfect. He placed his hand over Jenna’s and felt it shaking.
“Jenna, it’s okay. I’m not in a rush and I doubt anything’s spoiled. Let’s take our time and unpack so we can relax.”
Jenna wanted to cry at how perfectly sensitive he was. They unpacked miniature scotch eggs, pork pies and Cornish pasties. There were cucumber, egg and lettuce, and smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, as well as cold chicken and quiches. For something sweeter, she’d included scones, Battenberg cake and strawberries and fresh cream. Jenna had a red and white wine, a rose and a flask of earl grey and breakfast tea.
“I don’t know what half this stuff is, but on the internet it said this was a British picnic hamper. Some of the bits, I could make at home, but other things I had to buy.”
Spencer was touched by her endeavors. The whole date was reinforcing in him their age gap and the error of judgment he’d made by contemplating a relationship with Jenna. It had nothing to do with money; she didn’t have the life experience for them to be a successful couple.
“Jenna, I can’t tell you how impressed I am by the effort. I can’t think of any girl that’s ever gone to this much trouble for me.”
Jenna’s smile was heartbreaking. Spencer girded his loins. Ending any relationship whether amicable or not was never pleasant.
They ate in silence and watched the children splash in the fountains and the tourists’ debate on whether they should paddle or not.
“If I didn’t have work to go back to, I’d be half inclined to join them,” said Spencer finally breaking the silence.
“Me too,” agreed Jenna.
It was the opening she needed to initiate conversation.
“Spencer about the weekend.”
Spencer wasn’t sure whether to make eye contact with her or not. He flicked his eyes towards her to acknowledge he was listening, but reverted back to the wet and wild scene in front of him lest he intimidate her clearly rehearsed speech.
“I haven’t been totally honest with you. The night we got back from Paris, it transpired that Leon, my ex-boyfriend, had been released from jail.”
Jenna could see Spencer’s body stiffen.
“I knew you already knew of his existence from the private investigator, and disapproved. I thought it prudent not to tell you.”
She saw Spencer hurl the remnants of his quiche towards a pigeon for it to finish.
“Leon and I made a promise to one another that when he was released we’d steer clear of one another, because together we’d been nothing but trouble. Apart, we both seemed to have made progress in our lives. With that in mind, I really didn’t think it worth mentioning. Only....”
“Only Leon didn’t steer clear of you and you didn’t keep your distance from him,” said Spencer frostily.
“How did you know? You had a private investigator on me again?”
“No,” said Spencer slowly. “It makes sense. It’s not even a lucky guess. A simple and correct deduction.”
“Leon was making a real effort when he came out. He got a job and he was behaving like a changed man. I think that jail sentence forced him to reconsider his life and make positive changes. The trouble was, he thought that because we’d both matured and changed that maybe our relationship had, too.”
Spencer sat as still as a statue.
“I didn’t feel the same way. At first I felt sorry for him. I figured he was lonely. His old friends were still part of the gang he once ran with so he couldn’t hang out with them. He had no new friends. It was natural that he’d gravitate toward me as the only person he knew. I want to be a social worker. I thought if I didn’t respond to his overtures for friendship or companionship, it may send him back down a dangerous path.
I didn’t want to see that happen. Not after all the effort he made. For me, it was nothing more than a professional desire to help. Maybe I felt some obligation because of our history, but nothing more than that. But Leon wanted more. When I said no, it felt like he was threatening me.”
“Did you go to the police?”
“No. I hoped it would go away. He’s started a new job. I figured he’d make new friends and get a new girlfriend. But he seems determined that we should try again. When you met me last Friday to go to Portland, he sent a text. I don’t know if he had a friend watching me or if he was following me, but it freaked me out. That’s why I turned my phone off.”
“And I told you to turn it back on again.”
“Yeah. But Mom and Liana only wanted to touch base; the excessive texts were from Leon. It may sound over the top, but I was worried about your safety. I thought if I kept my distance then maybe I could protect you. I drove a huge wedge between us, which has separated us, so I guess I did protect you, but I don’t want to be apart from you. I only wanted to make sure Leon wouldn’t hurt you.”
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions – isn’t that what they say?”
“Can’t we pave a road back to some place nice?” suggested Jenna.
Spencer was silent. In a way, he was glad he’d met Jenna. The conversation had cleared certain matters up. Jenna wasn’t using him for money and he obviously wasn’t as dull as clay in respect of being boyfriend material. The confession didn’t change anything. It didn’t make him want to be with Jenna. It just made him feel sorry for her.
“I don’t think so, Jenna. I’m glad to hear you’ve seen the light with this Leon, because however legitimate he may be since finishing his term in jail, I don’t think he’s the kind of guy who is going to be able to support your dreams in life. You need to wise up. Not every man that’s kind to you or speaks nicely to you is going to be Mr. Right. You can’t rescue everyone, especially if it’s at the cost of your own....”
“Happiness?” said Jenna, filling in the blank for Spencer.
“Were you happy with me?” asked Spencer.
“Intimidated, out of place, immature, patronized, lacking in manners – I was all those things around you, but I can promise you, I was never unhappy with you Spencer. I was genuinely happy with you when it was only us two.”
“And by reaching out to Leon you threw away your chance of happiness.”
Jenna’s heart beat faster and she felt she might be sick. This wasn’t how she wanted things to go. This wasn’t what she wanted to hear.
“What a waste,” said Spencer glumly.
He packed the hamper up for Jenna, signaling the conversation had ended. In his haste to pack, Jenna thought he might roll her clean off
the blanket and onto the grass.
“Can I ask you a question Spencer?”
“There’s no point now, Jenna. I really respect you explaining to me about Portland. It actually has put my mind at rest about a lot of questions and self doubts I had. And I’m sure you’re stunned by the fact that a billionaire could possibly have insecurities. Before you, I was content being a playboy. I tried dating with you and it went so horrendously wrong it got me thinking that maybe by nature I’m not designed to have one partner.
This conversation has made me realize that I am ready to settle down and I’m not a bad guy. I do have potential as a boyfriend, maybe even as a husband. Thank you for giving me that. If we hadn’t talked I’d have taken the blame for everything and maybe never tried finding love again. Now I’m free to and it’s an exciting prospect.”
“If I’ve given you all that, surely you can permit me to ask one question,” insisted Jenna, taking the hamper from Spencer’s hand.
“Go ahead.”
“If I’d been honest with you, from the very beginning, from the second I found out Leon was released from jail, would it have changed anything?”
“It would’ve changed everything.”
Jenna shut her eyes so she didn’t have to memorize the picture of Spencer Lawson walking away from her.
The Final Chapter
Spencer didn’t feel good about the way he’d left things with Jenna. It would be a lot easier if he could attribute his impulsive cold behavior at the end down to rage and anger, but that wasn’t the case. He was hurt and he was envious. Hurt that Jenna hadn’t trusted him. Envious that he’d finished things that left Leon in a position to win Jenna back. Leon would be waiting for her, sympathetic, understanding why her head had been turned by a billionaire and ultimately he’d be Jenna’s final choice.
Leon would be Jenna’s choice because Spencer hadn’t been prepared to give Jenna any other options. He hadn’t had the courage to accept that people are flawed and make mistakes. He felt she’d made a fool of him and he couldn’t let it happen a second time. In truth, there probably would never have been a second time. She’d have learned from that relationship mistake.
He’d been so self-righteous about Jenna’s actions, he hadn’t stopped to think that she may have had good reason to make particular choices regarding discussing Leon with him. After all, hadn’t Spencer been the one to have a private investigator explore Jenna’s past? Hadn’t he been overly vocal about his disapproval of her connection with Leon? Hadn’t he hidden her from the public eye and refused to be seen with her publicly to protect her from the paparazzi? Was that his decision to make or was it something he should’ve discussed with her?
She may not have become obsessed with a weekend in New York if he’d trusted her enough to explain that he had concerns that the attention he attracted in the tabloids regarding his social life might put her off wanting to date him. Jenna had omitted to tell him about Leon because she felt it made her a less attractive dating prospect. With time to reflect, Spencer could completely understand her reasoning, even if he didn’t fully agree with it.
He was therefore happy to find a couple of weeks after their picnic, he had an appointment scheduled in his diary by his personal assistant for a fifteen minute meeting with a Ms. Jenna King. There was no further information on what the meeting entailed, but Spencer was pleased Jenna had been able to convince his PA to allocate her a little spot in his busy diary.
To the outside world, Spencer remained calm and unmoved by the sudden disappearance of Jenna from his life. He acted as though she was no different to any of the other women that passed through his social diary. She was only the lucky one that lasted somewhat longer than the others.
Almost unwilling to admit it to himself, Spencer was hoping that Jenna’s wish to see him was to discuss how they’d left things after the picnic and whether there was room for negotiation so that they may pursue their relationship again. Another part of him was dreading seeing her in case she was there to gloat about reconnecting with Leon and reveling in an engagement to the ex-con or some such thing. He couldn’t imagine Jenna being that petty or small minded, but hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Spencer’s icy behavior toward her when she opened her heart to him in Washington Square did not make him come across as a particularly nice person. She was well within her rights to hold a grudge.
He was pacing the office in the half hour leading up to her arrival. When his personal assistant announced Jenna King had arrived, he took a deep breath and advised his PA to send her in. Jenna was dressed formally in a business suit. Spencer was unsure how to greet her. He’d never seen her in business attire. It was a simple navy skirt suit with matching blazer and respectable stockings and heels. She appeared older than her years and very confident and composed.
“Mr. Lawson,” she said offering a hand, “or would you be more comfortable with me calling you Spencer.”
There was nothing unfriendly in her tone, but Spencer had an urge to remind her that he’d made love to her and held her while she slept. He pushed the sentimental feelings aside.
“Given our history, Spencer is fine,” he replied. “Am I to call you Ms. King or is the informal Jenna acceptable.”
“Jenna’s fine,” she smiled.
The smile lit up her face and Spencer suddenly realized what a complete pig-headed fool he’d been with Jenna. She was twenty-one and juggling the responsibilities of someone much older than her years – of course she was going to drop the ball on occasion. How could he have been so unforgiving?
“Take a seat.”
Jenna sat demurely in the antique wooden chair. It looked impressive, but was distinctly uncomfortable. Spencer observed her wringing her hands. She was as nervous as he was.
“What can I do for you?”
“It’s to do with helping me out of a bind. One you predicted as it happens. My tendency is to see the best in people.”
“That’s not a bad quality, Jenna,” interjected Spencer.
“Perhaps not, but it’s not necessarily how the world works. If I run around permanently with rose-colored glasses on, I probably won’t advance too far. Trusting someone’s best qualities meant that I refused to acknowledge their not so good qualities. That lack of objectivity has ultimately left me in a very difficult situation.”
Spencer clasped his hands together and stared intently at Jenna waiting for her to continue.
“You warned me as soon as you discovered Leon’s background that his paying my university tuition may come at a price. You said however good his intentions were at the time, he’d have something to dangle over my head if he needed to.”
“Are you in trouble with the police?” asked Spencer sternly.
“No, of course not. However, he’s refusing to make the final two payments of my university course. The final payment for this term is due this Friday. If I can’t get the money together I’ll have to pull out until I’m in a position whereby I can afford the fees.”
“Why is Leon withholding the money?”
“Because I’m refusing to go on a date with him.”
“So if you go on a date with him he’ll pay the final fees for the course?”
“That’s correct.”
“But you won’t play ball?”
“No. I’m not going to prostitute myself out for anyone. The incentive to join you at the charity gala dinner wasn’t the $1000 check, it was the fact that you wanted my company. I was your first choice when your original date pulled out.
No matter how important the university fees are, I can’t compromise my own morals and date someone who I know isn’t right for me. Why would I want to even give my relationship with Leon a second chance when he’s stooped to such low tactics? I won’t lie, he has turned his life around, but there are certain characteristics to him that I don’t like. It would never work out,” explained Jenna.
“And you remembered I said I’d be your patron and cover the cost of your fees because I think
the skills you’re obtaining from this social work degree are worth endorsing,” said Spencer smoothly.
“I did remember that, but I’m here for a helping hand not a handout. Don’t worry, I’m not asking you to create a Jenna King College charity, you’ve enough on your plate with your other philanthropic works.”
Spencer maintained a straight face, determined not to give any emotion away.
“As I rightly highlighted, if I did accept your patronage I’d be putting myself into a position where I’d end up owing you a favor to be called upon at any time.”
“Except I’m not Leon and I wouldn’t do that to you,” he said quietly.
“I know. That’s why I decided to bring my proposition to you.”
“What proposition is that?”
“Spencer, it’s a huge thing to ask and if I thought for a second it would put any financial strain on you, I wouldn’t have made this appointment. You did, however, offer once and I need to take you up on it. I was wondering if you could loan me the money to cover my fees. It’d be such a waste to pull out of the course when I’ve nearly completed it. There’s no guarantee I’d get a loan from a financial institution and the repayments would mean me taking on extra work that would inevitably eat into my study time.
If I borrowed the money from you, I could pay it back once I’ve finished the course. I already have a placement for the summer that should lead to a full time job enabling me to make the payments, with interest included, pretty quickly after I’ve graduated.”
“You could just let me pay the fees. I could have a legal document drawn up saying that you are under no legal obligation to repay them to put your conscience at rest.”
“That’s very generous of you Spencer, but I can’t accept that. Is there any way you’ll consider my proposition?” reiterated Jenna.
“Yes, of course,” said Spencer vehemently. “There was never any question of that. Consider it done. I want you to finish the course and I’m really pleased you came to me and asked for help. It can’t have been easy, given how we left things. Your qualifications are paramount. I only wanted you to reconsider the terms.”
