A Somers Dream

by Patricia Isabel

  Penny walked into her house, took her shoes off, went to the kitchen to pour a glass of wine and went to the bedroom to take off her restrictive work clothes and slip on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. It was a long day and she was glad it was finally over. Trying to get as much done as possible before she left was leaving her on edge. She couldn’t wait to be on that plane and in Shane’s arms once again. Once seven o’clock came, she logged on and immediately began typing a message letting him know she was there but he beat her to it. Laughing, Penny clicked on the accept link for the video conferencing and Shane came into view. “Were you lying in wait or something? I was just about to send you a message” she said, still laughing. Shane began to laugh as well and felt a little foolish “What can I say? I was bored with no one around and once you popped in, I jumped” he should’ve waited for the message. Shane had been playing around on his computer for what seemed like hours until he saw her log in. He was so excited, he quickly sent the link to cam. “How was your day, dear?” Penny was still giggling to herself, he was too cute at times “It was long. Couldn’t wait to get out of there. By the way, what is it with the key you sent?” She held up the silver metal between her fingers. “Good, you got it! I was hoping you would get it today. I was gonna discuss it with you before but thought I should just send it first. Get the matter out of the way”. Penny looked perplexed “Get what out of the way? What are you up to, Shane?” She was becoming a little bit nervous. Giving a key was a big thing, wasn’t it? “It’s not what you think” he said “since I won’t be arriving until late on Friday, I thought that maybe you could let yourself in instead of waiting for me to show up. So, if you take a flight on Friday morning which you said you would, you could make yourself comfortable until I get there. Besides, I thought it would be nice to walk into a house with you there, waiting” Penny let out a breath of relief. She had hoped it wasn’t what she was thinking; she wouldn’t know what to say to something like that. But, now that it was explained, she agreed to his plans. They both laughed and continued the conversation on a lighter note until it was time to log off. Penny worked her way up to bed still thinking about the conversation she had with Shane. He always seemed to surprise her at every turn and at times, that scared her. Unpredictable men are just that, unpredictable and sometimes that wasn’t a good thing. As she snuggled herself into bed, she began to analyze her situation with Shane. She certainly wanted more but did he want the same or was this all a game to him? The distance did play a large factor, it wasn’t like they were next door. And she knew long distance relationships were stressful. This weekend she would certainly bring up their ‘involvement’ and hopefully shed some light on it. Penny turned off her lamp and tried to fall asleep, which was difficult since her mind was constantly swimming.

  As Shane logged off, he knew it was time to sit with Penny and discuss ‘them’. He definitely wanted more from their relationship but he wasn’t sure about how she felt. A long distance relationship was hard at best but he felt they could make it work. But, would she? It was time to move this to the next level or leave it behind and move on alone. He didn’t care for the latter and he was going to do everything he could to make sure that didn’t happen. It was time to admit he was crazy for her and let the chips fall where they may. As he lay in bed, thinking of every scenario that could possibly come from him divulging his feelings, he became nervous. He didn’t like the thought of her not feeling the same way as he did and he wasn’t about to delude himself into thinking she did. Shane knew it was going to be a long night. He rolled over and tried to force sleep onto himself but to no avail, his mind was going a mile a minute in every direction so to try and numb his thoughts he turned the t.v. on. Maybe watching some boring infomercial will dull his senses. The last time Shane looked at the clock, it was going on three a.m. So much for infomercials.

  CHAPTER 12

  Lynesse Somers had heard a rumour that Shane had been out of town during the week and is expected back tomorrow. She knew it wasn’t going to be easy getting Shane back but when Lynesse wanted something, she got it. Since her last encounter, she had been devising a plan on how to sway him back to her and the only thing she came up with was to wear him down. Lynesse knew it was gonna be tricky, seeing as how she is not his favorite person but she knew her way around a man and men were all the same. Show a little persistence and skin and before you know it, they were at your feet. She believed the history they had between them was too powerful to let go, so she just had to convince Shane of the same thing. She knew what she did was wrong five years ago but it was for her best interest. After all, no one could expect an heiress to marry someone below her stature and unfortunately, he was. Although he was born into society, it was a well-known fact that Holten Somers expected his sons to make something of themselves if they were to inherit. Lynesse never saw the drive in him to do so and he never believed his father would completely cut him out even if they weren’t much on speaking terms. No, Lynesse had to think of her future as well and she couldn’t count on Shane. When he had left for that fateful week, Lynesse had gotten to know her future father-in-law and had found him to be unscrupulous in more ways than one. He already had everything Lynesse was looking for in a husband, money and lots of it. Even though she had money herself, what she had was never enough. She wanted to be assured that in her golden years, she would never want for anything or ever have to worry. Markets collapse and companies go under, heiress or not, one never knew their future. She was going to secure hers. So, on a rainy day, she made up her mind to seduce the old man. Walking into his room wearing only a negligée, she began her process. When Holten saw her, she could’ve sworn she saw desire in his eyes but she was wrong. It was disgust and Lynesse began to feel foolish as her plot started to dissipate. Every man had wanted her, what made him so different? As she stood there, she lifted her head so as not to let him know just how foolish she really felt and crossed the floor. “You can stop right there, Lynesse. Your wiles won’t work with me” and she stopped where she stood, halfway between Holten and the door. This was not how it was supposed to be. He should be at her feet by now feeling grateful that someone, such as herself, has shown an interest. Even if that interest was financially motivated. Lynesse had to think and think fast “What wiles are you talking about? I’ve come here, practically naked, to throw myself to you. After this past week, I’ve realized that Shane is not the man I want to be with. It’s you, Holten. It’s you I really care for and love” Holten raised his eyebrows in surprise, this isn’t what he expected. “Do you now. And what about Shane? Are you just going to skewer him?” Lynesse could see that Holten wasn’t buying what she was selling. “I know what you’ve been up to” Lynesse was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the way the conversation had turned. What did he know? Lynesse was about to explain when Holten had cut her off “I know about all the other men you’ve been screwing with behind my son’s back” How did he know that? “Having me followed, Holten? That is so beneath you” Lynesse couldn’t keep the venom out of her voice “I thought you a better man than that” Lynesse walked over to a chaise and sat back. She was out of the bag, as it were, and she needed to know what he was going to do about it. Holten looked her over with much dislike. When Shane first brought her home he knew there was something about her he just didn’t trust. He made a call to his attorney and had him look into her. What he found out wasn’t encouraging. “Lynesse, I’m going to make you an offer. Shane will never believe what I have found out about you so I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands. I have a proposition for you, my dear. If you decide against it, word will be put out of your ‘indiscretions’, among other things, and you will never be accepted in any social circle again” Holten knew this was her life blood. Lynesse felt a cold chill and it wasn’t because of her lack of clothing. “If you accept my offer, your secret will remain a secret” Lynesse was curious “Alright Holten, I’ll bite. What is this offer?” Lynesse hadn’t realized she was holding her breath until she not
iced she was beginning to feel lightheaded. She was nervous about hearing his proposed proposition and was worried it wouldn’t be in any way conducive for her. She was wrong. What he proposed was far from what she could imagine but it gave her what she wanted. “You will marry me instead and receive all that you are accustomed to and expect according to your upbringing. I will not have you destroy my son because you are too obsessed with money. My lawyer can draw up the paperwork by tomorrow” Holten stared at Lynesse waiting for her to either object or agree. Lynesse wasn’t going to object, it’s what she was aiming for when she walked in here in the first place. But conditions needed to be applied “I see. And if I do agree to these terms of yours, what happens with me? You’re not going to live forever, darling. How am I safe and financially secured when you’re gone?” If Lynesse was going to do this, she needed to be sure it was to her benefit. “There will be a clause in the agreement that you will inherit when I die”. Lynesse liked the sound of that and agreed to the terms and three days later, they married. She did care for Shane and she had hoped that although she was married to another man, they would continue their ‘relationship’. She was shocked when he walked away from her. For years she had tried to get him to come to the house so she could talk with him and use her wiles on him. He ignored her and his father’s invitations and had never stepped foot inside his childhood home since. She had kept tabs on him, though. Keeping track of everything he did and everyone he saw, business and intimately. After five years of not committing himself to anyone, she read the hidden meaning and believed that he still wanted her. So, Lynesse came up with a brilliant scheme to get him back. She will be there for Shane, when he arrived from overseas, in his bed. He couldn’t keep his hands off her before and Lynesse believed he wouldn’t be able to once again. Their first encounter was a setback, she will admit that but it had been a long time since they have seen one another that she is willing to overlook it. He was in shock seeing her out of the blue and he didn’t want her to know that he still longed for her. She knew that was the case so this time, she would be ready. He, once again, won’t know she will be there but this time she will let him know she meant what she said and she did want him back. Lynesse saw no fault with her plan. She knew Shane still loved her and he just needed a push to see it himself. She was more than happy to give that push. Smiling to herself, she began to make preparations for a weekend and packed a bag.

  Penny had looked forward all week to this day and finally, it was here. After Cathy dropped her off at the airport two hours early (she really did need to stop asking her for rides), she took out a book and sat in the lounge until it was her time to board. She had decided to rent a car when she was there so that she could make a few stops on her way to Shane’s for a few romantic indulgences. Although not much of a surprise, she wanted to make it special when he returned. She wasn’t much of an expert on anything romantic but with all the romance novels she read, she believed she could pull it off. She knew there was a mall off the highway near the airport and that would be her first stop. She knew she would find everything she needed to make Shane’s return memorable and inviting. Once they announced her flight ready for boarding, Penny packed up her stuff and headed towards the gate. Finding her seat, she settled herself for the ride and closed her eyes while checking off the imaginary checklist of things she wanted to get when she landed.

  Lynesse arrived at Shane’s just before the cleaning lady was leaving. After a few words, some bribery to let her in, which included a couple hundred dollars and an assurance that Shane was expecting her, Lynesse was in. Looking around the place, she was still amazed at how stunning it was. She can definitely see herself living in such an environment and Lynesse had just discovered another goal…moving in. She was positive that once Shane came around, he would ask her to move in. Walking around smiling to herself, Lynesse began the preparations for Shane’s return. After taking out her travel bag and other things, Lynesse put her car in the garage (she didn’t want him to know she was there) and made her way back inside. She dropped off her bag of groceries on the hall table and, with travel bag and tote bag in hand, made her way up the stairs to the bedroom which she believed was his and placed candles that she had brought with her everywhere. After making sure all were placed properly for the effect she wanted, she made her way to the kitchen, picking up the bag of groceries she dropped off at the entryway earlier. She began to unload the bag filled with fruit, wine, flowers and chocolates. She cut up the fruit and placed them on a tray she found while searching through cupboards and put the chocolates in a bowl. With tray, bowl and flowers, she heading back towards the bedroom, she placed the tray on the bench at the end of the bed within easy reach. Taking the flowers, she pulled off the petals and started to spread them around the bed and on the floor, down the hallway and staircase. Returning to the kitchen, she opened the wine and placed it in the bucket with ice. Grabbing a couple of glasses, she went back to the room. Looking around, she was thinking about what was missing when she heard the front door open. Putting on her most dazzling smile, she turned around and made her way down the stairs to greet him. “Shane baby, you’re home. I wanted to surprise…” she said but soon realized that it wasn’t Shane that stood at the door but a woman.

  Penny’s flight landed, she believed, in record time. After making her way through gates, crowds and line-ups, Penny got into her rent-a-car and made her way to the mall. Once she got all that she wanted, she set the GPS and made the trek to Shane’s house. After the long flight, she thought that she would be tired but she was more awake than she had ever been. Even driving, which tends to be lulling, wasn’t tiresome but exhilarating. She couldn’t wait to see Shane again and that excitement was what was keeping her adrenaline pumping. As she pulled into the driveway, she began to get flutters in her stomach. She couldn’t understand why she would be nervous but she was. Sitting in the car for a few moments, catching her nerves, she went over her purchases sitting in the passenger seat. “Well, I’ll find out soon enough if it worked or not” she said to herself, popping the trunk as she grabbed the bag and got out of the car. Making her way to the front door, she fumbled in her purse for the key that Shane had sent to her and held it in her hand. Juggling all the bags in one hand, she slipped the key into the lock and opened the door. Once inside, Penny was about to close the door when she heard a voice coming from upstairs. It wasn’t Shane’s voice she heard but a woman’s… a tall, voluptuous, ebony haired woman.

  Penny stood at the doorway feeling like the deer caught in the headlights. What she saw she couldn’t wrap her mind around, didn’t want to. Feeling somewhat confused, Penny put her bags down and waited for the other woman, the gorgeous other woman, to say something. “Who the hell are you and what are you doing here? How did you get in?” Lynesse said through gritted teeth. Penny looked at the key still in the door lock and looked back at her, she was speechless. “Well?” said Lynesse, becoming impatient. Lynesse wasn’t aware of this one. Her contacts didn’t mention it and she really hates surprises. This little bird can put a huge hole in her plans. She certainly couldn’t have this person here when Shane showed up, it would ruin everything beyond measure. Penny finally found her voice “I’m a friend of Shane’s. He said I could stay here since my connecting flight doesn’t leave until the morning and told me where to find the key” Penny looked around her and noticed the petals on the stairs, she began to feel sick to her stomach. She wasn’t about to say anything more to this woman especially the real reason why she was there. “Shane didn’t mention that he would have another guest here” Penny was hoping she was a long lost sister. “I’m not a guest. I’m his fiancé” so much for sister, Penny thought. Lynesse needed to get her out and fast, making her way to the door, she opened it wider “Well, as you can see I wasn’t expecting anyone else aside from my fiancé. It has been awhile since we have seen each other. I’m sure you can find a hotel that is close by to the airport so you won’t miss your flight” Lynesse reached over and took the
key out of the lock. Penny didn’t quite know what to say, she felt rather awkward and humiliated. “Shane never mentioned he had a fiancé overseas, actually, I don’t recall him mentioning he had a fiancé whatsoever” Penny was beginning to feel faint. ‘What was going on?’ she thought ‘how could she have missed this?’ “Shane is a private person. He doesn’t like spreading his laundry out for all to see. Only our family and closest friends are aware” Lynesse wasn’t really lying, when they were engaged only a handful of people knew. Penny bent down to pick up her bags, she had to get out of there and fast, breathing was beginning to become difficult and she needed air. “Well, I’m sorry for the intrusion. As I said, I didn’t know. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials” Penny turned and walked back to the car. Hearing the front door close, she tried her best to keep the tears at bay until she got to the car. Feeling foolish, she wiped her eyes and drove away at a speed that would do Cathy proud. Once she got a few miles down the road, Penny pulled the car over and decided to let her heart have its way.