"Hey buddy, how about a drink with an old friend." A hand clapped him on the shoulder. A familiar voice broke through his thoughts.
"How's it going, Marty?" Austin turned to shake hands. Marty was an all right guy in spite of the fact that he'd slept with Lisa while Austin was supposedly engaged to her.
"Where did you find that gorgeous babe? I can see why you dumped Lisa for her. Smart move bud." Marty was slightly inebriated already. "You know Lisa's engaged to Nick. It was a rather fast engagement, as she is, you know, that way."
"I'm not sure what you mean, Marty." Austin looked at him quizzically.
"She's pregnant man. Five months now. She says Nick is the father. Come on, let's get a drink."
Marty had a certain bitterness in his voice. Austin figured he was the loser in Lisa's little love triangle. Thank God she'd wanted their relationship to remain celibate until they got married. He knew it wasn't his child. Austin felt sorry for Marty. He was a rich snob, but not a bad guy. He couldn't help it that everything had been handed to him on a silver platter. He thanked his father silently for not doing that to him. Whatever his father may have been, he'd known enough not to indulge his son. He put his hand on Marty's shoulder. "Let's have that drink, Marty. I'm buying."
The two old friends laughed and talked about old memories as they threaded their way to the bar.
Kari was getting very warm. Mrs. Wright had introduced her to several people already and was pulling her along to meet others. She craned her neck around the find Austin. He was nowhere to be seen.
"Come along, dear. I see someone I especially would like you to meet." Kari sighed, allowing herself to be led.
Kari had already decided that this wasn't the life for her. She was like a fish out of water and she knew it. Not that Kari wasn't making a good impression. People had been whispering about her beauty and grace since she'd entered. Grace! What a laugh! She'd dealt with clients in Minneapolis that were of this same class of people, so she was aware of their habits and social graces.
"Hello dear. Kari, I would like you to meet Lisa Wentworth. Lisa, this is Austin's new fiancée, Kari McKinnon."
Kari froze as she stood eye to eye with Austin's former fiancée. A quick glance revealed a young, lovely blue eyed blonde who was obviously very pregnant. Lisa gave Kari the once over with a cool, elitist stare.
"Well, if it isn't Austin's little floozy. You must be good to have snatched him from under my nose. I've heard women like you have plenty of experience in those matters!"
Lisa spoke in her best southern belle accent. The handsome dark haired man next to her rubbed his hands together nervously. "Lisa, I don't think-"
Lisa swept her hand in dismissal in his direction. "Nicky, I didn't ask for your opinion." She waved a graceful hand toward another handsome young man hovering near her. "Devon, why don't you take Julia and get her some champagne. I'd like to get to know Austin's new fiancée better."
Devon took a protesting Julia by the arm, steering her toward the lounge. Julia turned to watch the two women as Devon dragged her off. She would have given anything to hear that conversation.
"I didn't take Austin from you, Lisa. No one can take anyone who doesn't want to go." Kari drew herself up proudly, disregarding the insulting remarks made by an apparently scorned and much younger woman.
"Well! What do we have here, Nicky. Our little charmer is a Yankee too." Lisa Wentworth had a smirk on her face as she continued her verbal assault. "He wanted me, make no mistake about it. It was his father that made him leave, not me. You just happened to be there when he needed someone."
Kari suddenly pitied the beautiful young woman who stood before her. She obviously had everything she wanted in the world, except Austin. Kari doubted that she really wanted him either. She wanted something she couldn't have, and the gorgeous young socialite wasn't used to that.
"Lisa, let's not argue over something that is in the past. I didn't know Austin was engaged to you when we met. If I had known, I wouldn't have gone out with him. I'm not that kind of person. I left him when I found out about you. He must have wanted me if he broke his engagement to you, and came looking for me. I'm sorry if I've caused you any pain. Austin told me that you never loved him anyway."
Lisa continued to stare coolly at Kari. "I broke the engagement, not him. If you don't believe me, ask Julia. It was in all the society papers. He wanted to come back, but I wouldn't let him. He lowered himself by sleeping with you, and I didn't wish to soil myself further. You are nothing but northern white trash from what I understand. What was your father, a janitor, or something like that?"
Kari's face flamed with anger. "I don't believe you. Be very careful what you say about my family. You are nothing but a snob and I don't have to take this abuse." She spun around, aware of the people staring at them with great interest.
Lisa reached out and grabbed her by the arm jolting her around to face her. "Oh yes you do sweetie! In case you haven't noticed, I'm five months pregnant. I was engaged to Austin for a year before he met you. Whose baby do you think this is?"
Kari turned pale. Nausea took hold of her. She struggled to retain her composure.
"I...I don't believe you!" Her voice was barely audible. Lisa had a triumphant, bitter look on her face that distorted her beauty.
"I was sleeping with him for months before he met you." Why don't you ask him yourself, honey? Did you ever wonder why he wasn't in a big hurry to come back to Houston? If he's any kind of gentleman, he'll stand by his duty, and acknowledge this baby as his. Sorry, sweetie. Once a southern gentleman, always a southern gentleman."
Lisa grinned wickedly, turning away in dismissal. Everyone who was anyone in Houston thought that the baby was Nick's. In fact, she and Nick were to be married in a week. Austin's ex-fiancée had her payback and it was most satisfying. Lisa Wentworth hoped she'd ruined Austin DuQuaine's life.
Kari stumbled blindly through the buzzing crowd toward the entrance of the palatial hall. She needed to gather her thoughts. The cool air streamed around her face and body as she stepped outside. No one had seen her leave. How could he have done this to her? How could he have lied? No wonder he had not wanted to come back to Texas! He knew she'd find out about his deceptions and lies. Texas sized ! Tears were streaming down her face.
Fiercely, she wiped her face with the back of her hands, lifting her head proudly. She could handle this like she'd handled everything else in her life. No one made a fool out of Kari McKinnon a second time! The lovely young woman in the elegant emerald gown hailed a cab and jumped in.
"Take me to the airport, please."
****
Kari decided what to do as they pulled into the terminal. She went to the first airline in view, asking about a flight to Florida.
"All flights have been canceled to Florida because of the tropical storm that is off the coast. I'm sorry Miss."
The young woman behind the counter could see this attractive lady was extremely upset. The young woman thought she must be desperate to come to the airport dressed like that. She leaned over and spoke in a low voice that only Kari could hear.
"You know, I'm not supposed to do this, but, there's a private pilot I think would be willing to take you, for a price."
"Price doesn't matter. It is urgent that I return home." Kari looked nervously around her. She was feeling sick on top of everything else.
"Give me a minute." The girl picked up the phone and mumbled into it. Kari watched her hopefully. She couldn't face anyone right now. She couldn't go back, not even with Jordan there. The girl put down the phone and smiled at her.
"I have a plane for you. See that exit over there?" She pointed in the opposite direction. "Go through that door. I've told him what you are wearing. You'll be on your way within the hour."
"Thank you so much." Kari reached over and held the girl's hands in her own for a moment. "You've been very kind."
"It's okay. You look like you need to get wherever it is you are going. Hurry up now.
That storm won't wait forever. Good luck!"
Kari smiled wanly and took off for the exit. It was hard enough walking in heels. With luck she would be home in a few hours. She would decide what to do then. Her hand went to her abdomen as she went through the exit and saw a young man waiting for her.
Nineteen
Austin weaved his way through the crowd, shaking hands here and there. He hadn't seen Kari for over an hour. Marty had cried in his beer over Lisa and Austin had lent a sympathetic ear, although he secretly felt Marty was much better off without her. Other acquaintances had stopped to talk and he'd gotten caught up in the latest gossip, including Lisa's impending marriage to Nick Nordstrom. Poor Nick! The life he was going to lead with her as his wife. Austin certainly didn't envy him.
He spied Jordan dancing with a another friend of his. She looked like she was having the time of her life. She'd fit in anywhere. He wondered what Jimmy was up to about right now. He hadn't been too happy about Jordan coming with them. Austin could see why, but he knew Jordan really liked Jimmy. This was just something different to pass the time as long as she had to be here. Jordan glanced his way and gave a little wave. He smiled and waved back.
A few scotch and waters hadn't had much of an effect on him, except to make him want to take Kari back to the house and remove that dress slowly and methodically. The thought of her lying there naked with the dress at her feet made his temperature rise considerably. Where the hell was she anyway? Austin observed Julia a few yards away from him. He wound his way through the crowd, taking her aside.
"Where is Kari? I haven't seen her for over an hour."
Julia squirmed under his gaze. "I haven't seen her in a while either. Oh, I see Marilyn. Marilyn! Marilyn! Over here. I'll talk to you later, Austin. I'm sure she's fine." Julia turned to leave when he grabbed her by the arm.
"What aren't you telling me, Julia. You were busy escorting her around. You never leave a prey unless there is a good reason. What is it? Where is she?" Austin was suddenly feeling numb, a chill running up his spine.
"I...Uh...Well....I...I introduced her to Lisa. The last time I saw her, they were.....conversing. Now, if you will excuse me!"
Austin released her. He looked around frantically. He spied Lisa with Nick. He pushed aside everyone in his path as he approached Lisa.
"Well, Nicky, look who the cat dragged in. Hello, Austin. What gutter did you crawl out of?"
Lisa looked like the cat who ate the canary, or maybe two. Nick stood by helplessly, a chagrined look on his face. Austin didn't mince any words.
"What did you say to Kari, Lisa. Where is she?"
"I have no idea where the little slut is. Maybe she went back up north, where she belongs."
Austin stepped closer to her. His voice was soft and very dangerous. He took her by the arm. Nick moved toward him. Austin gave him a warning look.
"Stay out of this, Nick." He tightened his grip on her. "What did you say to her?"
"Let me go. Nicky! Don't just stand there."
Nick took a step forward. Austin glanced at him, fury in his eyes. Nick backed off quickly.
"If you don't tell me now I'll take you out of here and we'll discuss this in private. I don't give a damn whether you are pregnant or not!"
Pregnant! It hit him like a ton of bricks.
"You little bitch! He bent closer so only she could hear. You fucking little bitch....you..." He couldn't finish the sentence. Austin straightened up, a dark angry look on his face. "You told Kari the baby was mine didn't you? Didn't you?" He nearly spat out the words.
"Yes, yes! I told that low class whore it was yours. I hope she chokes on it! I told you I'd get even, Austin DuQuaine." She jerked her arm away from him, hatred shining in her eyes.
Austin wanted to hit a women for the first time in his life, but he turned away instead. Fighting his way through the crowd towards Jordan, he ripped off the bow tie around his neck. His handsome face was still dark with anger and concern. He would deal with Lisa later. Striding up to Jordan, the angry young man tore her away from her partner, pulling her out the door after him.
"What's wrong, Austin? What is it? Where is Kari?" Jordan was suddenly worried for her friend. She had a furious man on her hands.
"You haven't seen her, Jordan?" He gripped her so tightly that her arms began to ache.
"No. I thought she was with that Mrs. What's-her-name, or with you." Austin loosened his grip. One hand jammed against his hip, he ran his other hand through his sweaty, gleaming hair.
"Mrs. Wright introduced her to Lisa. Lisa is five months pregnant. Obviously we were engaged when she conceived. She told Kari it was mine. She conveniently forgot to tell her that we hadn't been sleeping together. His face was dripping with sweat.
"Kari's not here. I've got to get back to the house. I knew something like this would happen if we came here, damn it! She must hate my guts about right now." Austin put his face in his hands. When he looked up his face was gray with worry and anger.
"Look, tell my father I took the limo. I'll send it back when I reach the house." He started down the steps.
Jordan followed him. "I'm coming with you. You may need me there."
"No, I'll handle this myself. You stay with my parents. Please Jordan."
"Austin. Austin. Stop. There is something you should know. Kari is pregnant too!" The words came tumbling out.
"She didn't want to tell you until you were home, because she knew how much a wedding meant to your mother. She was afraid that if you knew, you'd feel obligated to tell your parents you were already married. She didn't want to disappoint your mother. And.... she didn't know how you would feel about a baby so soon."
Austin stood like a statue on the steps. He turned slowly, and faced Jordan. She didn't like the grim look on his face.
"She could tell you though, Jordan. She couldn't tell me, but she could tell you."
"That's not important right now, Austin. Kari thinks that she and Lisa are carrying the same man's baby. Think about that Austin. Think about that! You should've told her!"
Jordan was practically screaming at him. He just stood there, his face expressionless. He looked at her with empty eyes. "I didn't know about Lisa. How could I know. If only Kari had told me." Suddenly, he turned and ran down the stairs. He ordered the chauffeur out of the limo. Jumping in, he roared out of the parking lot.
Austin gripped the steering wheel so tight his knuckles were white. Why hadn't she told him? He had a right to know. What must she be thinking now? He didn't want to think about it. God! The person he loved most in the world and he'd hurt her beyond measure because of his arrogance.
He should've told her everything about his relationship with Lisa, but he'd thought it wouldn't matter. He figured his ex-fiancée would get over their “break up” quickly, especially as she was screwing Nick and everyone knew it. Austin brought his hand down hard on the dashboard. Stupid pride! He pulled into the drive and ran into the house. Harriet looked up as he entered the kitchen.
"Has Kari been here? Have you seen her Harriet?"
"Why no, Mr. Austin. No one had come yet. I would've known if someone had come in." Austin slammed his fist down again on the counter.
"Damn it! Damn it! Where is she?" Holding his hand, his face grimaced with pain, he faced Harriet who was alarmed by his actions. She had not seen him get angry too often, and then it had always been with his father.
"I'm going to the airport. I'll call when I find anything out. If she comes home, don't let her leave. Do you hear me? Don’t let her leave." He ran out of the kitchen and out the door, grabbing the keys to his mother's Mercedes.
He'd barely parked the car before he vaulted out, running into the terminal. Surveying the area quickly, Austin didn't see his wife anywhere. She'd been here though, he was sure. He knew her escape route all too well. He could almost smell the herbal scent that always accompanied her. Approaching the first airline counter, Austin addressed the older man working behind it.
"
Excuse me. Did a redhead in a fancy green dress buy a ticket for Minneapolis or Orlando?"
"No sir. The last flight to Minneapolis left two hours ago. There are no flights to Florida tonight because of the tropical storm off the coast."
"You're sure you didn't see anyone here that fits that description?"
"Wait a minute. There was a woman in a pretty fancy dress, who came in about an hour ago. I'm not sure where she went, but I think she may have talked to that young woman over there."
"Thanks." Austin dashed over to where he'd pointed.
"Miss, please. Did a pretty red head in a green silk dress talk to you about an airline ticket? She was probably going to Minneapolis." Austin gripped the edge of the counter to steady himself. He realized he was shaking. The young woman looked at him suspiciously.
"No. No one bought a ticket to Minneapolis tonight. I'm sorry sir."
Austin put his head down on the counter. His face was ashen.
"Are you all right? Do you need some help?" The young woman came out from behind the counter.
Austin straightened up, his eyes dark with fear and anger. "I'm trying to find my wife. We're here from Florida and we had a... a disagreement. She is pregnant and probably ill. I need to find her and I don't know where else to look. Thanks for your time anyway." He steadied himself and turned to leave.
"Wait. Wait. I think I can help you. You say she's your wife?"
Austin came back, hope in his eyes. "Was she here?"
"Yes. My husband flew her to Orlando in our private plane. She seemed so desperate to get there, we decided to help. We would've said no if we'd known she was pregnant."
She didn't add that the trip was going to be a rough one. It was pretty obvious he knew that already by the look on his face.
Austin's Pleasure Page 17
