Love With A Stranger

by Taylor, Janelle

  Peter quelled the revulsion that almost gagged him as he recalled what he had witnessed on the sly that day in the gym between the naked, writhing males. Those sights and sounds were indelibly branded into his mind forever, and he despised his father for imprinting those hateful images there. After reviewing his father’s calendar and phone book and checking locked drawers in desks in his residences elsewhere, he had learned more than he had wanted to know from letters and Polaroid shots. He had destroyed all of them, and hoped no more were in existence.

  Tom’s screwing around with other women didn’t bother Peter, but his father’s bisexual affairs did. He couldn’t imagine how Thomas Ethan Grantham could have taken such risks with his life, reputation, and wealth. Maybe his mother hadn’t run off with another man as he had been told many years ago; perhaps she had discovered the dirty truth and couldn’t bear it. Knowing Tom’s proclivities, she had left a male child with him, who might grow up to emulate his father’s behavior, and that was unforgivable! Even so, he had been sent to the best boarding schools and college available and been given everything he desired, except a mother’s love. His father had educated and groomed him to step into his shoes, but it turned out the last thing he wanted was to be anything like the real Thomas Grantham! He would feel sorry for the betrayed Cass if he wasn’t sure she had only married his father for his money and social status, so she had gotten what she deserved!

  Cass’s mind was racing as swiftly as Peter’s was. She suspected Tom had included that marital stipulation to prevent her from falling in love and wedding too soon after his death; perhaps he wanted everyone to think he was so wonderful and irreplaceable and she was so grief-stricken she had to mourn him for a long time! Tom owed her for humiliating her, betraying her, and for endangering her life with his bisexual cheating. She would take his money and use it to obtain freedom from her past with him. Now that she knew what kind of man he had been, she was surprised he had left her anything. Perhaps he had loved her in a strange way.

  At least, she realized, he hadn’t exposed his dark side by bequeathing anything to any of his lovers! Nor had anything been left to his first wife, a woman she had been told had run off with another man.

  She wasn’t envious of what Peter had inherited; after all, he was Tom’s only child. Nor did she have any desire to exchange this house for one of the other residences where Tom might have entertained his lovers, so she hoped Peter didn’t make that suggestion. One point he hadn’t elaborated on was her position in the eight companies; as the only other stockholder, surely she had some say in how they were run, and had a vote in business matters concerning them. Since Peter had controlling interests, was in charge of them, and they were profiting nicely, she wouldn’t press that point any time soon and risk antagonizing him. She wouldn’t even mention it to the lawyer when she met with Simon so neither man would realize she was knowledgeable in that area. They didn’t have to know she had been an administrative assistant in a large company before she got married.

  Cass looked up from the pages and told him, “I sent Inez over to your place for that box of messages, letters, and cards you mentioned on the phone. I have them upstairs if you want them returned.”

  Peter was surprised that was what she chose to remark on after what she had read and heard today. Obviously the extent of her wealth and the demands placed upon her collecting it were too much for her feeble mind to absorb so fast. He forced out a smile and said, “Good, I’m glad you handled them. Has anyone else called or written that I need to thank?”

  “Not unless a message came in on your answering machine at home. I assume you stay in touch with your office here when you’re out of town, so your secretary has probably passed along any that came in there.”

  “You’re right, and she did. I should warn you, if anybody tries to bill you for something they claim Dad owed or ordered, refer them to me; that’s a scam some con men try to pull on grieving widows or other family members while they’re still dazed. You might even get bills and magazines from subscriptions they’ll claim he ordered before his death. I immediately canceled Dad’s credit cards and had all business charge accounts changed to my name so they can’t be used illegally. I also closed his bank account but left enough in it to cover any outstanding checks; we don’t want a forger dipping into it. Do you need any money to tide you over until all of this is settled?”

  You did it “immediately” after his death but you’re just now telling me? Were there charges or checks you didn’t want me to see? Perhaps some you made or wrote? Or enlightening ones about your father? “I don’t think so. I have money in my personal checking account and several credit cards with high limits in my name. They’re still open, right?”

  “Yes, but I took Dad’s name off of them and added mine as the person who’ll cover any overdrafts and excessive charges you make. If that happens, you can repay me later.”

  “Thanks, Peter. Should I take over my personal finances or let our accountant continue to pay the household bills as usual?”

  “Either way, whichever you prefer; but if it were me, I’d let Harry Dredger do the work, at least until everything is settled and you’ve fully recovered. When you get ready to take over, meet with Harry and let him teach you how to handle your bills and records.”

  Cass had handled her budget for years after her divorce from Brad, but only her income and bills had been involved, not an enormous estate which could be beyond her management skills. “That’s excellent advice, Peter, thanks. I don’t think I have any questions at this time, but I’ll let you know later if I do. Would you like to join me and Linda for dinner?” she asked, but hoped he wouldn’t.

  “Thanks, but I’m exhausted after my long trip and I ate a late lunch. I’m going to grab a snack, take a steam shower, and turn in early. When you see Doctor Burkman next time, thank him for me for all he’s done for you. Good night, Cass, and I’m glad you’re doing better. If there’s anything you need, if it’s only to talk, just call me at home or at the office.”

  “Thank you, Peter, and good night.”

  Cass watched him leave via the patio door rather than going through the kitchen where Linda was working. Peter, Peter, Peter, should I trust you or not? Tragedies do have a way of bringing people closer together or healing old wounds, and your concern and advice seem sincere, and contradictory to what would benefit you most. You could have let me go off the deep end three weeks ago and legally gained control of my estate, but instead you quickly sought medical help for me! It’s fortunate that you inherited fifteen percent more than I did, because a vice-versa decision or a fifty/fifty split would have angered you. Since you’re the major stockholder in all eight companies, I can’t really cause significant trouble to you with them. Your change of heart is so confusing! If you’re being deceitful, what are your motive and intentions? And how far will you go to obtain your goals?

  But if you’re truly offering me an olive branch, Cass reasoned, I don’t want to risk damaging it because we do have business connections and we’re still neighbors. I just wish I wasn’t so leery of you! I suppose the only thing I can do is watch and wait to see what happens, and pray it isn’t bad.

  She halted her rambling thoughts and joined Linda in the kitchen. She pasted on a smile. “How is it coming? Do you need any help?”

  “Just about finished. Is Mr. Grantham joining us?”

  Cass noticed how Linda glanced toward the den. The nurse had clearly groomed herself, and three plates were waiting on the counter. “No, he was tired. He’s already gone; he left by the patio door. I’ll set the table.”

  Later as they ate, Linda remarked, “Mr. Grantham seems nice, and very concerned about you. To be frank, he wasn’t what I was expecting.”

  Cass recalled how Linda had watched Peter in the den. She chose her words with care. If the nurse became interested in Peter and started dating him, it wouldn’t do to say something bad that Linda could repeat to him. She laughed as if jesting and asked, “Better or worse t
hat you anticipated?”

  “Much better. Are you aware he has a reputation as a ladies’ man?”

  Cass saw a faint rosy flush on Linda’s cheeks and sparkle in her large green eyes. Please be careful and go slow with him, my friend, and I wish I could say that aloud, but I dare not. “I haven’t made friends here with whom I exchange confidences, so I’ve only overheard idle gossip and heard Tom tease him about his.reputation a few times. Since Peter lived here and Tom and I resided elsewhere for the first two years after we married, I wasn’t around him enough to witness anything to give me that impression. After we moved to Sea Island, he was always a gentleman when we three went out together or attended the same social occasions. I’ve never observed him being overly flirtatious with women, and I’ve never seen him have an overnight guest. In fact, he’s usually home before midnight even on weekends.” That much is true.

  Cass laughed and clarified, “I don’t spy on him, but it’s impossible not to be aware of his comings and goings since he lives in my backyard. I do know that he’s charming and captivating to a lot of females, and he is considered to be a valuable catch because of his looks, status, and wealth. Actually, I’ve seen women go after him at parties or dinners or business events with such boldness that it almost shocked me.” She shrugged. “In all honesty, he doesn’t appear to take unfair advantage of their weaknesses for him, but I can’t say for certain if he deserves a playboy reputation.”

  “I suppose when such a desirable man is still single at his age, people assume there’s a dark reason. Maybe he just hasn’t met Miss Right.”

  “What about you, Linda? Have you met Mr. Right? Do you have a boyfriend here or back home? Unless that’s too personal to ask.”

  “I don’t mind, since we are friends. I thought I’d met my true love years ago, but he fell for one of my sisters when I took him home to meet my family. For a while I was bitter toward both of them, downright furious with them, but I realized he and I didn’t have a commitment and they were perfectly matched. They’re happily married with children now. That’s part of the reason why I moved here; it was painful seeing them together. But I got over him and got to love it here, so I stayed.”

  “I would imagine it’s hard to meet eligible men in your line of work, especially since you often move in with your patients until they’re well.”

  “Yes, it is, and most of them are married or too old for me. Even the younger women I nurse have sons too young for me, and the older ones have sons who already are taken. Of course, that doesn’t stop some of the men from flirting with me behind their wives’ or girlfriends’ backs. Maybe I’ll be like you and not marry until I’m in my thirties.”

  Cass felt moved by Linda’s revelation and disclosed the sad details of her first marriage and the husband who had cheated on her.

  “That’s a shame. Men can be such asses at times.”

  “Yes, they can, and often, by the time we realize what a sorry bastard one is, we’ve already fallen for him.”

  “I know what you mean; I’ve had a few soured romances. Sometimes I fear I don’t know how to choose the right kind of man.”

  Now, I know what you mean! “I only had one slightly serious relationship between my divorce from Brad and marriage to Tom, but experiences like those can cause us to doubt ourselves.”

  “Do you dread getting back into the dating game?”

  “Absolutely, and it will probably be a long time before I do.”

  Sorry about that, Jason, Linda thought, but she could change her mind; you could change it for her. I’ll have to whisper in your ear about her bad experiences with men so you’ll understand why she’s gun shy about romance.

  On Thursday, while Inez cleaned the house and grocery shopped, Cass and Linda followed their established routine to return Cass to physical and emotional well-being.

  Jason did not come over, but he phoned to check on Cass. While she had privacy, Linda told him about Peter discussing business and Tom’s will with Cass last night but that her patient hadn’t seemed to get upset and her vital signs were good afterward. She related how solicitous Peter was, and how well he and Cass seemed to get along.

  When Cass was summoned to speak with Jason, she told him that Peter sent his thanks for her excellent care and speedy recovery. And she told him she was feeling stronger each day, thanks to him.

  Jason wondered why Peter was not upset by or suspicious of the fact that the man whom he had helped cuckold was the physician who was treating his stepmother. He couldn’t deduce why Peter had not mentioned to her that they knew each other and how; of course, Peter’s doing so would expose his perfidious deed in the past. Then again, neither had he told Cass. He intended to reveal the truth to her as soon as she had time to get to know him better, because he didn’t want to risk her misjudging his motive for reaching out to her.

  After her talk with Jason ended, Cass realized the call had been too short and formal to suit her. Many grim tasks loomed before her, and she had missed his enjoyable visits. She dreaded calling the gynecologist tomorrow, and wondered how and what she would tell Jason if any of those tests came back abnormal or positive.

  Chapter Nine

  Friday afternoon while she was supposed to be resting, Cass phoned the gynecologist’s office for the report on her recent blood tests. She almost cried in joy after receiving the good news that all results were negative or normal. At least Tom had spared her a sexually transmitted disease. She had one enormous worry off of her mind and burden off of her shoulders.

  As soon as Linda departed next Tuesday and while Inez was gone for the night, she planned to get rid of those repulsive videos and risqué lingerie from Tom’s briefcase and car. She also needed to do a thorough examination of the house and Tom’s belongings to make certain there were no other revealing items secreted elsewhere. The bracelet Tom had purchased—perhaps or perhaps not for her—needed to be returned or exchanged, as it was too expensive to give to Linda as a farewell gift, and she certainly didn’t want it after what she had learned about the man.

  She was disappointed that she hadn’t heard from Kristy by now, and hoped that wasn’t a sign that her friend wouldn’t forgive her. If Kristy didn’t write or call within another week, she would make another overture. If that one also failed, she would cease trying for a while.

  Inez…Cass didn’t know what she should do about her housekeeper. The older woman had been too quiet and watchful this week. Although Inez had not been belligerent to either her or Linda, she had continued to notice the woman’s offensive expressions when Inez didn’t realize she was being watched. Cass wanted to be happy again; and she didn’t think that was possible with Inez working for her. Yes, she was grateful for all the woman had done for her, especially recently, but that didn’t mean she had to make herself miserable.

  As for Jason, according to Linda, he wasn’t coming by today to examine her, but was to phone for an updated report on her condition. She couldn’t help but wonder why Jason hadn’t been over since Tuesday, after coming to see her for the four previous days. He had seemed to enjoy himself. Perhaps he thought Peter might not approve of a housecall, since they were both single. Or perhaps he was worried about her misreading his interest in her. She hoped she hadn’t scared him off by allowing her feelings to show!

  Cass was in the shower when Jason phoned later that afternoon, so she didn’t get to speak with him. Yet, she was delighted when Linda told her that Jason was taking them to a wonderful restaurant on St. Simons Island, tomorrow night. He told Linda to tell her that she needed to get out of the house that it was her “doctor’s orders” to be ready to leave at six o’clock.

  Cass decided that since Linda would be their chaperone and Peter had also advised her to get out and have fun, she would do just that! She already knew what she was going to wear: a special outfit from Gruppo Americano Studio that she had purchased last spring from Neiman Marcus. It had a white double-breasted jacket in satin-back crepe with navy buttons and piping around th
e pockets and lapels. A navy bustier with white trim went underneath, and its pleated pants had navy-and-white stripes in a seersucker pattern. She would complete her attire with navy Calvin Klein strappy “Sabrina” heels, matching camera bag, and pearl studs in her ears. She would shampoo her hair tomorrow and set it with large hot curlers. She would apply her makeup and perfume with subtlety so it wouldn’t appear as if she were trying to impress and ensnare Dr. Jason Burkman, which could be exactly what her contradictory thoughts had in mind.

  At Blanche’s Courtyard on Ocean Boulevard on the next island, Jason opened the front and back doors for Cass and Linda to get out of his BMW sedan. The restaurant was seemingly nestled in a cool and shady spot with lots of greenery, and its a bayou Victorian atmosphere appealed to locals and tourists.

  Jason held the door for them. They were seated immediately in a raised section of booths whose benches had floral padding for comfort. Tables were decorated with striped cloths in mauve, green, blue, and gold which matched the colors on the benches. Other areas were more casual with wood tables and kitchenstyle chairs in a pink-and-aqua color scheme. The decor—pictures, mirrors, art objects, some furnishings, woodwork, wallpaper—again reflected that bayou Victorian air.

  Their waitress took their cocktail orders. While she left to fill them, they studied the menu and read the daily specials from a chalk board on a nearby wall. Cass decided on grilled snapper; Linda, on mahi mahi; and Jason, on steak.

  “Are you sure I’m allowed to have a drink tonight?” Cass asked him.

  “You deserve one to celebrate getting better; that’s why I told Linda to skip your medication today. I hope you’ll like that special I ordered for you.”