Chapter Four
Whoever invented GPS was an absolute genius. And best of all—not having to fold it back up when you arrived at your destination. When Reid made the first turn out of Oakville, he knew he would have been hopelessly lost without that smoothly competent voice emanating from his dashboard.
Proud of himself for only yelling at the device twice—he found it annoying to be told when not to turn—he whooped when he heard, “You have arrived.” Tyler had not been kidding when he had said, “come to the country.”
Then he rounded the final curve and let out a low whistle. Hayward House had that effect on people.
Sprawling amid a manicured expanse of lawn, the structure was a study of contrasts, a delightful, if somewhat eclectic mixture of styles. Classic Greek columns stood guard over the centrally located entrance while elaborately decorated Gothic wings complete with stained glass windows and steeply peaked roofs flanked each side. Framed by blazes of autumn—fall had come late enough this year that for the end of the first week in November, there was still a lot of color--the gleaming white house sat under an impossibly blue sky.
Tyler had also not exaggerated when he had said they had plenty of room. My entire place would fit on that porch, he thought.
Reid grabbed his bag from the back seat and barely managed ten paces before a tawny blur rounded the left corner of the house. Lola was about to make first contact. He couldn’t help but grin through his unease as she ran toward him at full tilt, her powerful hind legs nearly outrunning her front ones so that her gait was uneven, graceless. He thought she looked a bit like a cartoon character—half baby giraffe, half dog—but there was nothing funny about the fact that he had nowhere to go.
Simple logic had him convinced there was no way the dog could stop in time so he closed his eyes and braced himself for the onslaught. If those teeth were anywhere near as big as they looked from a distance, he was in deep trouble.
Beads of sweat broke out on his forehead as he heard the pounding of feet getting closer and closer. Yet, unable to help himself, he opened one eye to see the dog veer and pass him before skidding to a stop several feet away. Brown, seemingly sad eyes, at odds with her relaxed body, lolling tongue and wagging stump of a tail, met his and he felt an overpowering urge to pat himself down—make sure all his parts were intact. Not the manliest of urges, so he resisted.
A sigh of relief slipped out. The dog was not a threat. Still, her head was bigger than his was so he thought it best to keep his distance—let her make the first move.
At that moment, Tyler opened the door, strolled across the porch, and pointed, “That’s Lola. She’s mostly harmless.”
“Mostly? How comforting.” He held out a hand and after shivering once. Lola took a sniff, then decided he passed muster and pressed herself against his leg as he scratched the velvety softness behind her ear.
Turning his attention back to Tyler, Reid said, “Nice place. A little subdued and understated for your tastes, I’m surprised you could settle for something so quaint,” he teased.
“Well, it was the only thing available in our price range,” Tyler joked. “Come inside and meet Julie. Her great grandfather was the one responsible for all this.”
“Ah, a visionary.”
“You have no idea.” Tyler smirked as though at a private joke and led Reid into the house.
***
“Hey Jules,” Tyler called out as he heard the patio doors closing. He knew Julie had gone to the gazebo to look for Estelle. Getting the chance to know the grandmother who had raised his bride-to-be, even as a spirit was an experience to be thankful for but as much as he had come to love Estelle, the ghost had some serious boundary issues. Out of necessity, he had gotten used to her popping up at the most inopportune moments.
There was no doubt her motives were pure; Estelle loved her granddaughter and wanted nothing more than to see Julie happy before moving on to wherever it was that spirits go when their time on earth is done.
When Julie stepped around the corner, he caught her eye and with nothing more than an eloquently raised eyebrow asked if her mission had been successful. Her answer, a slight nod, went unnoticed by Reid.
“Julie, this is my friend Reid. Reid, my fiancée Julie.” Tyler introduced the pair with a smile.
“Welcome. It’s lovely to meet you.” Julie held out a hand and greeted Reid warmly as Tyler slid an arm around her shoulders.
Reid, seeing the love radiating between them, battled the jealousy that often arose when he spent time around happy couples. . Once, he had possessed that kind of love but no longer. He missed Jane. Everything about her—her sense of humor, her inability to cook, her warmth—had all been vital to his happiness.
Dragging his attention back to the present, he declined the offer of refreshment, instead opting to unpack his things.
“I’ll let Tyler show you around, he knows as much about the history of this place as I do.” Julie smiled ruefully. “I have some friends coming by in a little while; we have a lot planning to do. I’m sure Tyler will fill you in on that as well.” She reached for Reid’s hand again and squeezed it. “I hope you will be comfortable here. Now, I’ll get out of your way and let you two talk.” Then she left the two men alone.
A besotted grin on his face, Tyler watched her walk away. He really is happy, Reid thought, I could see why he would change careers to keep from having to leave her all the time.
“Follow me,” Tyler started up the stairs, “we’ve put you in the room adjoining my office. It’s one of my favorites.” He opened the door and motioned Reid to enter the room.
The room he walked into was the epitome of art deco styling. Wallpaper in a wide black and gray stripe above simple white-paneled wainscot served as a backdrop for a large mirror in a gleaming silver frame that made him think of a bird in flight. The bed’s headboard echoed the wing-like shapes, as did the dresser and a pair of nightstands.
A turquoise duvet provided just the right amount of color to keep the room from being too stark. On the wall across from the door, a stained glass window commanded his attention. Its winter scene echoed the colors in the room; white snow on a black tree below a blue sky was exquisitely wrought in glass.
Reid dropped his bag on the bed and turned to Tyler, “Nice digs.”
“When Julie’s great grandfather renovated the place, it seems he made a deal with a furniture designer; each room was decorated in a different style then photographed for print brochures. Julius got everything at a discount and at the time, since he was a bit of a notable figure, the designer got a publicity boost. Great for his pocketbook but it made for an eclectic house. Not that I’m complaining, I like all the different styles.”
At Reid’s approving nod, he explained, “There are four of these windows, one for each season. The whole house was remodeled in order to add them. Anyway, make yourself comfortable, I’ve got some research going in my office, first door on the left. Come on in whenever you’re ready. I’m glad you decided to come.” Though he still wondered what had caused this sudden visit, Tyler suppressed his journalistic instincts and elected not to pry. Reid would fill him in when he was ready.
***
Tyler was off showing Reid the rest of the house and grounds when Amethyst and Kat arrived with Gustavia pulling in right behind them.
One look at Julie, her eyes glowing with anticipation and excitement, told Amethyst she would probably be kissing that tenner goodbye. Finding a new clue would not have put that look of blissful anticipation on Julie’s face.
Her arm linked companionably with Kat’s, Amethyst guided her friend inside. As many hours as she had spent here, Kat could probably navigate through most of the rooms without help but it had become second nature to offer a bit of unobtrusive assistance. Besides, the physical touch helped Amethyst feel more connected.
Lola entered the room at her usual pace and seeing Fritzie, Gustavia’s canine companion, immediately launched into the “Lola dance.” Body twisted sid
eways, she leapt straight up, wiggled, then with her front legs pounced and repeated the process. She looked both joyful and ridiculous. Fritzie, a longhaired Jack Russell terrier ran laps around the boxer as she danced, then the two of them trotted out of the room.
Shaking her head, Gustavia laughed at the spectacle then asked Julie, “What’s the big news? You look like the cat that swallowed the pigeon.”
“Canary,” Kat corrected.
“Whatever,” Gustavia replied with a wave of her hand. “My cats never once brought home a canary. Mice, frogs, snakes and pigeons—no canaries. I don’t think I’ve ever even seen a canary.”
Conceding defeat, Kat said, “Pigeons it is.”
Turning her attention back to Julie, she said, “Now, spill.”
“All in good time.” Julie led the way into the living room where she had already set out a tray with glasses and a pitcher of lemonade. Nearby, a stack of wedding magazines rested on the table and without even waiting for Julie to say another word, Amethyst pulled out the ten and pressed it into Kat’s hand.
“What’s that for?” Gustavia raised one eyebrow.
“Just wait for Julie’s news and you’ll see.”
Before Julie could get a word in, Kat spoke triumphantly, “They’re getting married.”
“That’s not news,” Gustavia replied. “We were there when he proposed, remember?”
“She means they’ve set the date.”
“December 27, right after Christmas.” Julie’s confirmation was followed by excited squeals and hugs of congratulation.
“Kind of short notice, is there anything else we need to know? You’re not…” Amethyst rubbed her belly.
“Pregnant? No, I’m not pregnant,” Julie finished the thought. “Tyler’s grandfather can’t travel this year—his health hasn’t been good—so most of his family is coming in for the holidays—that’s one reason.” She began to tick them off on her fingers. “I’ve always dreamed of being a winter bride—that’s another. When all this business with finding Great Grandfather’s cache is over, Grams will have to move on. If we get married now, it will mean she can attend.”
All sensible reasons.
Julie continued, “But mostly, we just want to be married. It feels like the right thing to do. We’re already committed to each other; why not celebrate that at a time when his entire family will be here anyway? I love him, he loves me, it’s just that simple.”
Tears stung Amethyst’s eyes and as she looked over at Gustavia and Kat, it seemed she was not the only one battling the urge to blubber. She remembered that feeling of eagerness, anticipation—the overwhelming desire to belong to someone and the absolute certainty that the someone you wanted to belong to was the right one for you. Each of those feelings was still fresh within her. Even after all this time. Even after the divorce. Sometimes that feeling welled up and nearly choked the breath from her body. She missed him, plain and simple. Deciding there was no sense in raining on someone else’s picnic; she forced those emotions back into the box, ruthlessly tamped down the lid, and then turned her attention back to Julie.
“So we decided to go for it and I knew I could count on your help to pull off an intimate wedding. Here at Hayward House. Just picture it—candles and flowers everywhere. That huge room Estelle used as a studio space is about the size of a small banquet hall so the caterers could set up in there.”
Getting into the swing of things, Amethyst suggested, “We could use one of those heated party tents on the patio for dancing. And string fairy lights all over the gazebo. It would look spectacular against the snow.”
“I’ve got a cousin who can play the wedding march beautifully on a harp and my uncle owns a print shop so we can get a rush job on the invitations,” Kat offered.
Julie just beamed. She had known her friends would pitch in to help her plan a beautiful wedding even with this short deadline. In the meantime, she had already asked Tyler to make one of his famous lists—guests, invitations, caterers, cake, music, and decorations. With her friend’s help, she had a lot of choices to make.
The four women made quite a picture. Julie with her hair pulled back, face bare of makeup and casually dressed smiled delightedly at something Gustavia said. The fixed gaze of Kat’s blind eyes still managed to be expressive; their warm blue a startling contrast to her peaches and cream complexion as she raised a graceful hand to tuck silky strands of sable hair behind her ear.
Gustavia presented a feast of color and texture; her blond hair dipping just below shoulder length dressed in a coronet of braids at the crown was interwoven with bright red and orange beads in homage to autumn; her skirt was bright yellow shading to orange at the hem.
Seeming thoughtful and slightly less animated then the others; Amethyst was fully outfitted in her signature color. Blunt-cut, chin-length hair in palest lavender matched a pair of elegantly arched eyebrows that framed crystal, green eyes. Dressed from head to toe in her favorite color, she wore comfortable jeans the color of orchids, an aubergine, striped tee and bright purple, high top Converse sneakers.
That’s how Tyler and Reid found them.
Chapter Five
Amethyst looked up as Tyler walked into the room saying, “Hello ladies, I’d like to introduce you all to my friend Reid.”
Her eyes locked on him and the world turned over.
All the blood drained out of her face, her stomach lurched and lodged itself firmly in her throat as she tried to swallow with a mouth gone dry.
After stopping for an endless moment, her heart thumped hard against her chest, then began to beat so quickly she thought the others surely could hear it.
This couldn’t be happening. What was he doing here of all places? She turned her head away to try and get the raging emotions under control before anyone noticed.
Completely oblivious to Amethyst’s distress, Tyler continued, “Reid, these are our very dear friends Kat, Gustavia and Amethyst.”
Dimly through the sound of blood rushing back into her head, face flushed, Amethyst listened as Reid was greeted warmly by the others.
A jumble of thoughts arced through her mind. Had he tracked her here? And why would he bother after all this time? Three years. It felt like a lifetime had passed since she had seen his face.
No. Tyler seemed to know him so this must be a coincidence. Some cruel twist of fate.
That face, she sneaked a peek—as familiar to her as her own—he looked older, tired. Unexpected sadness welled up in her as memory after memory played through her mind like a film. Now she knew what it meant to have your life pass before your eyes.
Defiantly she lifted her head and said, “Hello Reid.”
That voice. It was his turn to goggle and turn pale. He hadn’t recognized her, she’d changed her hair—well, that was inevitable. And even her eyebrows were dyed to match—but that voice, that unmistakable voice. “Hello Jane.” Elation shot through him but he ruthlessly controlled his face, blanking it so she wouldn’t see.
“No one’s called me that in years.” For someone so slight, the husky, silky depth of her voice was always a surprise. It sent a chill up his spine.
***
Looking from one to the other, Gustavia quickly clued in to the situation. This was the ex-husband; the one Amethyst had never gotten over. Clearing her throat she stood and gently grasped Kat’s arm and pulling her to her feet, “Let’s give these two a moment to catch up.” And, with a series of exaggerated eye movements and the slightest of head gestures, she herded Kat and Julie toward the kitchen door.
Even though all three women had already made the mental leap, Tyler was still totally in the dark. He glanced at Reid with a questioning look only to see his friend’s shocked focus still trained on Amethyst. Taking a step back toward him, Julie nearly yanked him into the kitchen, explaining in a whisper. “They used to be married.”
“She’s the one? Amethyst? But, she did a number on him,” surprise made him speak louder than he had meant to. Tyler genuinely li
ked the woman but now, he was indignant on his friend’s behalf.
Voice uncharacteristically sharp, Gustavia cut in, “She was not the only one. He asked her to stop seeing auras. To betray her gift.” That part was news to Tyler. “But...”
“Butt out, Tyler,” she warned, leveling her sternest gaze at him.
“We have to let them deal with their own problems.”
Kat took two steps toward him, reached out, and then waited for him to bridge the distance. He did so, then taking her hand, laid it on his arm where she could feel the tension vibrating through him. “It will all work out in the end. Trust me. Its way past time that they got some closure. One way or another.”
“I had no idea when I invited him here. They were already split up when I met him. This is way beyond coincidence.”
Gustavia tried to keep her face solemn as she intoned, “Trust the universe,” then, unable to help herself, she grinned, “to throw in a monkey wrench when it wants to.”
“Don’t worry; we’ll all be here to pick up the pieces. For both of them.” Julie could tell Tyler was bothered by the prospect of having to choose sides between two friends he cared a lot about.
Going to the door, Gustavia pressed her ear against it to try and hear what was going on in the other room. She ignored Julie’s hissed, “Gustavia, stop that.”
Unrepentant, Gustavia waved her away and continued listening.
***
In the other room, there was dead silence as Reid and Amethyst faced each other.
Even after all this time, the sight of him touched her. He’d always had a way of making her feel safe with nothing more than a look. That ability had made his betrayal even more painful, more unexpected.
She Shall Have Music (The Psychic Seasons Series Book 3) Page 3
