by L. A. Long
“No, it would end his marriage, his career, not to mention the turmoil the media would cause in all of our lives,” she replied, keeping her answers short and to the point, trying to be the “better person” and not allow her personal animosity to influence her son’s decision.
“Thank goodness for that. I don’t want anyone knowing I’m related to that man. I know Jack Maxwell is gravely ill, but he’s an asshole, too.”
“I didn’t realize you knew him,” she said surprised.
“Yeah,” he said, getting up and pacing again. “He went to school at Georgetown before he got sick; he would have graduated with me this year, in fact.”
“I didn’t know, Nate. And Maxwell or Morris didn’t mention it.”
“Probably hoping I didn’t know him. Hoping Jack’s behavior wouldn’t color my decision to consider a bone marrow transplant or not,” Nate said testily.
She wanted to probe but didn’t know if she should.
“Why him of all people, Mom?” Her son was angry.
“I was his intern. I was young and stupid in the ways of men and love.”
“Did he ever tell you he loved you?”
“Yes.”
“You believed him and slept with him.”
Again, she thought they’d never slept together, but that wasn’t her son’s meaning behind the word, and she said, “Yes.”
“Jesus, how could you have been so stupid?” He was almost yelling.
Before she could stop herself, she responded abruptly, “I might have been stupid, but I have you. I never regretted having you. Even if you share Maxwell’s genetic material, you are my son, not his. You are nothing like your sperm donor.” Tears were welling in her eyes—she wasn’t sure how they got there. Blinking furiously, she was trying to keep them at bay.
“Oh, Mom, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to… I’m sorry.” He embraced her and held her for a minute.
She pulled away and looked at Nate.
“I’m sorry, Mom. You’re terrific, and I couldn’t ask for a better parent. But I figured you’d have hooked up with someone cooler than Byron Maxwell.”
She arranged her mouth in what she thought was a smile. “Sorry to disappoint.”
“What do you think I should do?” he asked her, calmer now.
“I’m probably not the right person to ask. I’m your mother and want to protect you from anything that could cause you hurt or harm.”
“But you’ve never been crazy overprotective either. Tell me what you think, both sides of the coin. I know you’ve thought of both sides.”
“I’ve thought of a lot of sides. But it’s important that you do what’s best for Nathan Held. I know that sounds like a parental copout but…”
He nodded, and then asked, “Maxwell paid you off to stay away?”
“Stay away, stay silent. His wife had the money and—”
“If he divorced her to be with you or acknowledged the fact he fathered an illegitimate child, she would have divorced him. Either way he would have been penniless and lost his political career as well.”
“Most likely.”
“The man was a spineless coward.”
“Yes, but I wasn’t. I was determined to have you and raise you to the best of my abilities. I think I did a pretty good job, too. I told someone the other day you were my magnum opus, my best work.”
“Sappy, Mom, but thanks.”
She laughed. “Maxwell’s money, most likely his wife’s, allowed me to finish grad school and get my writing career off to a solid start. Writing made being a single mother easier for me. I could work anytime, anywhere. If you needed me, I was there. If you were home sick from school, I could be there and not worry about having to take the day off. Even though I didn’t plan my life to be what it was, it worked out fine.”
“But you never had your own life until I left for college either.”
“My choice, not Maxwell’s or yours. I wrote and took care of you. It was what I did. Plus, you have a tidy nest egg to give you a solid start in life. Once I didn’t need Maxwell’s money for rent and food, I invested it for you.”
He nodded. She could see he wasn’t sure how he felt about Maxwell’s money.
“But you could have made millions if you went to the press. Sold your story to the highest bidder,” Nate came back.
“Not my style. I would have come off looking like a slut, home wrecker, gold digger, whatever term you prefer. I’m a private person for the most part, and going public was not my thing.”
“Did he ever contact you and find out how I was doing? Ask for pictures of me? Anything?”
“No.”
“He didn’t want to know me.”
“I don’t know what he wanted.”
They sat on the couch in silence for a moment.
Nathan said, “One day at school, someone thought I was Jack Maxwell. I remember I laughed and said, ‘Thank goodness I’m not,’ and the girl who confused me for him said, ‘No, your eyes are different, beautiful. Jack’s are ice-cold.’”
“You do look like Byron, so if you meet him, be prepared for that. The young woman was right; you don’t have cold eyes. Your father does.”
They talked a long while. Nate asked her tons of questions, and she answered them as honestly as she could.
Finally, Nate asked, “When do I have to decide if I want to meet him?”
“Meeting is set for ten in Connor Walker’s office. The ball’s in your court, honey. You’re in control; remember that regardless if you go to the meeting or not.”
“I’ll think about it. Let’s have dinner and talk about something else, like your new book project.”
“You’re on. Where?”
“Ruth’s Chris.”
“You got it.”
****
Lenore and Nate talked about the book at dinner. She even mentioned Michael Patrick and the fact that they were doing more than writing a book. Nate was happy for her. She knew he secretly worried about her being alone as he went on with the next phase of his life. Lenore thought it was sweet.
Then he shocked her by telling her about a young lady he was seeing, Kelly Hyde. He seemed to be smitten and wanted Lenore to meet her. It was only the second time since Nate went to college that he had wanted to introduce her to his girlfriend. She told him to let her know when, and she’d be there. He’d suggested she bring MP, and they could double date. They both shared a good laugh.
By the time dessert arrived, they were back to his father.
“I think I’ll meet him,” he said, stirring cream into his coffee.
She nodded.
“After I spent the last two years making you crazy. Trying to get you to tell me who he was. I hate to say it, but it’s pretty anticlimactic.”
“Sorry.”
“I still don’t get it.”
“I was young, honey. He was older and seemed so wise. People did try and warn me away, but I thought I was different. Thought he loved me…” She sighed wistfully. “It was the infatuation of a young girl.”
“He took advantage of you, Mom, and was old enough to be your father. It’s one thing when two coeds go at it and get in trouble, but he knew better. He was a pig.”
She smiled at her son’s defense of her. “You’re a smart kid. I’m lucky to have you.”
“We’re lucky to have each other,” Nathan said, lightly touching his mother’s hand.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Lenore had arranged for her and Nathan to arrive at the attorney’s office at 9:30. She figured that would give Nate time to settle in. He’d agreed that he wanted Lenore to be with him for at least the first part of the meeting.
“They say that you should always bring someone with you to the doctor’s when facing potentially bad news. So the other person can take in the information and ask questions. This is kind of one of those times,” Nate said.
“I agree, but I’ll leave if you want to discuss anything private with him.”
“We’ll
see. I’m not sure I want to discuss anything. And you know the chance of me being a match for the transplant is only about twenty-five percent. I was doing some research, and I’d guess the fact that we’re only half-brothers makes the likelihood of a match even lower.”
Lenore nodded. She’d been doing her own research on the matter. “I think Maxwell is desperate. It’s my understanding that Jack is critically ill.”
“Did they check the National Marrow Donor Program?”
“Yes. There are no matches.”
“He’s grasping at straws.”
“Yes. As a parent, I understand wanting to do everything you can to save your child. Plus, if you’re a match, the concern over contaminated blood is lessened.”
“Come on. They test that blood extremely well. There are strict protocols. Chances are more likely that I have an STD. Don’t worry, I don’t,” he added with a wicked smile.
She gave an exaggerated eye roll.
“You need to remember to have safe sex. You can still get pregnant and/or get a sexually transmitted disease.” Nathan was carrying on with chatter as he did when he was nervous, so she played along.
“Thanks, but you are twenty years too late with that advice. Would you like a brother or sister?” she added.
That stopped him. “You’re not…”
“No, I’m not.” She openly laughed at the horrified look on his face.
“Phew,” he said with an exaggerated swipe of hand over his brow. “I never thought about siblings. If you met someone and wanted more kids, I don’t care. But don’t ask me to change diapers or babysit.”
“Deal.”
“So this thing with you and the guy is pretty serious?”
“It could be. I’m not good with trusting men.”
“I guess you can thank the senator for that.”
“I suppose. But I’m working on it. MP’s had a crazy life too, so I think we’re evenly matched in that department. There’s an article coming in The Times Book Review section tomorrow. Read it. It will make my saga look like a fairy tale.
“Okay,” he said, warily raising an eyebrow.
There was a knock on the conference room door. Connor Walker came in to join them.
“I wanted to let you know that both Maxwell and Morris are here. They’re using the facilities at the moment.”
“Morris wasn’t part of the deal,” Lenore said hotly.
“That’s why I’m here. If you want him to wait in my office, I’ll keep him out,” Connor Walker said.
“Keep him out,” Nate said. “I don’t know him, but I don’t want him to be part of this.”
Walker looked at Lenore. “Keep him out,” she agreed.
Several minutes later, Maxwell joined them.
While both father and son were aware of the fact that they looked alike, coming face to face stunned both of them into silence.
“Nathan Held,” Nate finally said.
“Byron Maxwell,” the senator returned. “Lenore,” he continued, acknowledging his son’s mother.
She nodded and said nothing.
Maxwell went on, “You look good, Lenore.”
Lenore nodded again and thought he looked like shit but didn’t say it.
No one spoke.
Lenore thought Maxwell was afraid to speak, so she kicked off the meeting.
“Senator Maxwell, why don’t you explain to Nathan why you wanted to meet him.”
“I didn’t want to meet him. You said he had a right to meet me if I wanted him to be tested to see if he’s a suitable match to be a bone marrow donor for Jack.”
Strike one and two, Lenore thought.
Nathan looked at his father with a combination of annoyance and hurt.
Maxwell blurted again, “So will you do it?”
“Get tested?”
“Yes.”
“I suppose, but not because of you or Jack, but because it’s the morally right thing to do.”
Maxwell let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
Lenore was surprised he had the grace to string those two words together.
“But,” Nate said, “if I am a match, before I agree to donate the bone marrow, I want to talk with Jack.”
“I don’t think that can be done. His condition is precarious, and I’m sure you’re aware that your existence has been kept under wraps.”
“Of course, and I don’t want anyone to know I’m your biological son. Trust me on that, Senator, but I do know your son, even been mistaken for him once.”
Maxwell gave a pained look.
“Not to worry, Father. Once the person saw my eyes, she knew she was wrong. I have your former intern’s eyes.”
Wow, Lenore thought, her son was pissed at both Byron and Jack.
Nate continued, “I have a few things to say to Jack, and if I’m donating part of my body to save his life, I want to make sure it’s a life worth saving.”
Lenore had no idea what Nate was talking about but could tell that something he knew about his half brother set him off.
“You’ve met Jack?” Maxwell finally asked.
“Yes.”
“I see. I still don’t think it’s a good idea. You meeting him.”
“Don’t you trust him to keep his bastard half brother a secret?” Nate asked.
Maxwell’s silence was telling.
“I see,” Nate said. “If that’s the case, maybe you should make other arrangements, because that is my condition for considering the procedure.”
Byron’s color was bright red.
“I want to make sure your son, Jack, does not plan to live his life the way he did before he got sick.”
Lenore’s interest was piqued. Maxwell must have known what Nate was referring to, because he didn’t ask what Nate was talking about.
“Why don’t we see if you’re a match and then discuss this further if you are?”
“No problem, Senator Maxwell. I needed to be up front with you about the conditions.”
“Did you put him up to this, Lenore?” Maxwell spat at her.
“I don—” Lenore began.
“My mother has no idea what I’m talking about. She didn’t even know that Jack attended Georgetown.”
Strike three, she thought.
“Sorry, Lenore,” the senator offered grudgingly.
Like hell you are, she thought.
“Nate do you have anything you want to ask the senator?” his mother asked when the silence dragged.
“Nope. Nothing I want to know and nothing productive to say.”
“Senator Maxwell?” She looked to him now.
“Can’t you call me Byron?”
“No. Anything else?”
When he didn’t respond, she said, “Give my attorney the information Nate needs to be tested.”
“It has to be done ASAP,” Maxwell said.
“I understand and will do it in an expedient manner,” Nate assured him.
“I’ll get the info to Walker.”
“If there’s nothing else, I think we’re done here. Mother? Senator Maxwell?”
When neither spoke, Nate got up, and so did his parents.
Connor Walker met them in the hallway.
“Senator, your chief of staff is in the guest office up the hall on the right.”
“Thanks.”
“Lenore, Nate, if you’d come to my office for a few minutes, I have some things to discuss while you’re here.”
“Sure.”
Connor closed the door behind them.
“I wanted to give them a minute to leave before you. Morris thinks someone might be following one or both of them.” The attorney left mother and son to talk in private.
“Great,” Nate said sarcastically. “I’m serious. I don’t want anyone to know he’s my father. There’s no need, and if word gets out that my mother’s alter ego had his love child, the media will go wild. And Mom, I’m sorry, but you most likely are not the only young woman he took advantage of.”
; “No apology needed, honey. I know I’m not.”
“Those other women start crawling out of the woodwork and—”
“Do not go there, Nate. I’ve had nightmares about it.”
Fifteen minutes later, mother and son were on their way.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Corrine detached the media card that was taped under the ATM at the health club. She couldn’t believe she’d resorted to this type of behavior. If it weren’t for Morris, she wouldn’t have to. Maxwell wasn’t bright enough to have her followed and investigated, but his chief of staff was.
Once home, she popped the card into her laptop. She waited for it to load.
Pictures, lots of pictures, while they confirmed her suspicions, were useless for her purposes.
They showed Morris and Maxwell going into a Philly office building thirty minutes after Lenore Held and her son entered the same building. She wanted pictures of Maxwell and Held and her son coming and/or going together. While she could infer plenty from them both being in the same spot at the same time, it left room for argument and question.
She cropped one of the photos and zoomed in on Nathan Held’s face. The resemblance was unmistakable; even without DNA evidence, Lenore Held’s son was Byron’s. She had long suspected he was.
Byron and she had fought bitterly and violently over Lenore Held. Corrine was convinced he was having an affair with her, and he vehemently denied it. The memory was still devastating.
“I know you’re having sex with your intern, and I’ll not be the subject of gossip and pity because you’re a cheating pig.”
“I’m not fucking Lenore Held, Rin. She has better taste and class than to screw me.” Implying that Corrine didn’t.
“Bastard,” she had spewed and had hauled off and slapped him.
He had grabbed her wrist and held her fast.
“But if I was sleeping with her, no one could blame me. You’ve denied me since before Carter was born.”
He pulled her closer, taking her mouth with a bruising force, pushing his tongue through her unwilling lips while he plunged his hand into her dressing gown, grabbing her breast roughly. He pinched her nipple hard and twisted it.
Corrine tried to push him away, bringing her hands to his shoulders. But she was no match for his strength, anger, or desire.
