The Surprise

by Alice Ward

  “I’d like to visit with my mother again tomorrow. Why don’t I just come to your place tomorrow night?”

  Talen nodded. “Okay. That’s fine. I just need you to come with me on Friday. To the office.”

  “I can do that,” I promised.

  “Do you want me to come with you?” Talen asked. “To your mom’s place?”

  I blinked. Suddenly, all the exhaustion faded from my body. I was wide awake. Talen’s words took me by surprise, and I had no idea how to respond. On one hand, it was sweet of him to offer, but on the other hand, I couldn’t imagine introducing Talen to my mom. What would I even tell her about him?

  I bit my lip. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  Talen looked strangely hurt, but nodded. “Maybe next time.”

  “Talen, you’ll probably never meet my mother. I don’t want her hopes… you know, when…”

  Divorce. Why can’t I just say it?

  Talen’s face fell for a split second, but he recovered quickly. His expression returned to normal, and he smiled at me without emotion. “That’s fine. Good night.”

  “Look,” I said quickly. “It’s nothing against you, okay? It’s just, our arrangement isn’t normal. I wouldn’t even know how to explain it to her. We’re not really married, you know? She would just get confused, and I don’t want that. Her life is already hard enough right now.”

  “I understand,” Talen said, and this time, I thought he meant it. His expression softened slightly. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Dani. Good night.”

  “Night,” I said. Talen walked away, and I stepped inside my apartment. I was here to paint, but once inside, the inspiration to do so fell away.

  It was nice — or at least less stressful — to be home, but I felt strange as I undressed. I slid on some old pajamas and climbed into bed. The sheets were comfortable but now felt slightly itchy. I thought about the sheets in Talen’s guest room. They were soft and silky. As I laid my head down, I found myself missing Talen’s apartment. I didn’t think I would ever feel that way, but I did.

  Despite my earlier exhaustion, it took me almost an hour to fall asleep. I couldn’t get comfortable, and my mind raced. The more time I spent with Talen, the more confused I became. He wasn’t the man I once thought he was. I wasn’t sure who he was, but I knew I wanted to find out.

  CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

  Talen

  Friday morning arrived too soon. All week, I’d been dreading Dani’s first trip to the Gaston Pharmaceutical offices. My father and I had this day planned. It would be the first time anyone met Dani, and it needed to go well. Luckily, the investors wouldn’t be there, but everyone else would be. If they accepted her, then the investors surely would too. It was a test run, and we all knew it. I just hoped Dani was ready to enter the lion’s den.

  As we stepped into the lobby, her head swiveled from side to side as she took in the room around her. As she looked, I tried to see things through her eyes. The lobby was decorated and flashy. Floor-to-ceiling windows lined every wall, and sculptures had been placed throughout the room. Dani’s eyes moved immediately to the sculptures, and I could tell she was impressed. It was probably an artist’s dream. Everything in the lobby was meant to be visually appealing. My father’s interior decorators were the best.

  “This place is amazing,” Dani breathed.

  “It’s just the lobby,” I said, laughing.

  She lifted a shoulder. “It’s beautiful.”

  “I guess.” I shrugged and took her hand in mine. “Come on.”

  Gently, I pulled her over to the elevators and pressed the button. We stood back and waited for the doors to slide open. It was early. Not everyone was in the office yet, but a few people passed us and smiled. I didn’t introduce Dani to anyone yet. I was saving her for the executives.

  We stepped into the elevator, and I leaned against the back wall. I was glad Dani and I were alone for a few minutes. My nerves were quickly spinning out of control.

  “So,” Dani said. “I don’t really know anything about the company.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, if I’m supposed to be the perfect wife, shouldn’t I be informed?”

  “That’s a good point,” I said. “What do you want to know?”

  “It’s a pharmaceutical company, right? I mean, I’ve heard of you guys before, but I don’t really know what it is you do.”

  “Everything.”

  “That’s helpful.” Dani laughed.

  “I’m serious,” I said. “We have a finger in a number of pies, from hospitals to private practices to over the counter. We have almost seventy thousand employees worldwide and have award-winning education programs. We don’t jack up medicine just because we can and we offer sliding scale programs for those on fixed incomes. I don’t want an elderly person to have to choose between food and buying their medicine.”

  Dani had grown quiet as she listened to me. “That’s wonderful.”

  I lifted a shoulder. “Right now, one of my big focuses is on a new depression drug. You may have seen our commercials.”

  She nodded. “All the time. That one with the depressed teenage girl is always on.”

  “Yeah, that’s a good one,” I said with a smile. “We really pulled out all the stops for that one.”

  I didn’t tell her that the commercial damn near made me cry.

  The elevator dinged and we exited into the hallway, but stepped to the side to finish the conversation.

  “I always wondered if she was really depressed. I figured she was just an actress.”

  “She is,” I admitted. “But it was based on a true story, so I think that’s why it hits so close to home for people. Teenage depression is real, and it’s serious. People just roll their eyes thinking these kids are emo or drama queens. Some are. Others end up dead.”

  Or almost partying themselves to death, like me.

  “Maybe you could use real people instead of actors,” she offered. “Actors are wonderful, but I think that commercial would really pull at the heartstrings if it was narrated by someone who lived it.”

  I leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “That’s a wonderful idea.”

  Her arms circled my waist and I held her close. “One of the things we’re all really excited about right now is our planned merger with Pharm-Co.”

  “I’ve heard of them,” Dani said with excitement. Her eyes lit up.

  “Who hasn’t? We’re in the process of buying them out in a six-billion-dollar deal.”

  “Six billion dollars.” Dani’s eyes widened even more. “Holy shit.”

  I laughed. “You knew I was rich.”

  “I did,” Dani admitted. “I guess I just didn’t realize how rich.”

  “I hit the lottery at birth. I work hard, but I was born into his.”

  My family had more money than most people could spend in a lifetime. Future generations of Gaston children were set for life.

  “Must be nice,” Dani muttered.

  “Sometimes,” I admitted. “And sometimes, it’s not.”

  Someone called my name and I looked up to see Richard walking in our direction. I quickly waved him over. He was the perfect person to introduce Dani to first. He was kind and had a grandfatherly aura that put everyone at ease. I took Dani’s hand in mine and smiled brightly.

  “Richard,” I said. “Good morning.”

  He smiled. “Hey there. You’re here early today.”

  “I am,” I said with a nod. “Just introducing the wife around.”

  “Oh!” Richard’s eyes widened, and his head swiveled to Dani. “Wife?”

  I couldn’t keep the goofy self-satisfied look off my face. “Richard, this is Dani. Dani, this is Richard Jones.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dani,” Richard said and reached for her hand, holding it between both of his.

  She beamed at him, looking like the newlywed she was supposed to be. “You too. It’s great to be here, but I’m kind of in awe.
This building is huge.”

  Richard laughed. “Jacob doesn’t know how to do anything small.”

  “No, he doesn’t,” I agreed, circling an arm around Dani’s shoulders.

  Richard looked between the two of us. “I can’t believe Sheila and I weren’t invited to the wedding.”

  I opened my mouth to speak, but Dani gave me a squeeze to let me know she wanted to take the lead.

  “That’s my fault, Richard. When Talen proposed, I just wanted an intimate ceremony. Our parents weren’t even there.”

  “No?” Richard asked.

  Dani shook her head. “No. Not that we wouldn’t have loved them to be. I’m just not a fan of the spotlight.”

  “That’s understandable,” Richard said kindly. “My own wedding was a nightmare. Poor Sheila spent a year planning, and it still ended up a total disaster. You two had the right idea.”

  I smiled and glanced at Dani in thanks. She smiled back at me before turning her attention back to the older man. “I’d love to meet her sometime. We’ll all have to have dinner soon.”

  “Absolutely,” Richard said. “We would love that. You know, Sheila and I have always thought of Talen as a son. We’re thrilled for you both.”

  “Thank you.” His words warmed me. I didn’t realize he felt that way about me.

  “Are you on your way to see Jacob?” Richard asked.

  I nodded. “Yes. In fact, Dani had some great ideas earlier that I think I’ll share with him.”

  “Really?” Richard asked, looking at Dani expectantly.

  “Oh, it was nothing,” she said, blushing slightly. “I just suggested you use real patients in the commercials as opposed to actors. Real people, real experiences. That sort of thing.”

  Richard nodded. He seemed impressed. “That isn’t half bad.”

  Her blush darkened. “I mean, I don’t know anything about the business.”

  “Hey, most things in life are all instinct,” Richard assured her. “You seem to know more than you think.”

  “She’s special.” I grinned. Dani looked at me, her eyes searching mine. I tried to convey that I was serious. I did think she was special.

  “She is,” Richard agreed. “Hold on to her, Talen.”

  “I plan to.” I kissed her hair. “Well, we should get in there. Dad’s waiting.”

  “Yes, go,” Richard said. “I’ll see you kids later.”

  “It was nice to meet you,” Dani said.

  Richard beamed. “You too, sweetheart.”

  We watched him walk away, and I put my arm around Dani. I sighed in relief and leaned against her playfully.

  “He was nice,” Dani said.

  I nodded. “That went well. At least, I think so.”

  She squeezed my hand. “It did.”

  “Thank god,” I said, laughing. “All right, you ready for this?”

  Dani turned to face my father’s office. His name was written in big white letters on the black door. She took a deep breath like she was readying herself for battle. “Let’s do it.”

  Knocking softly, I glanced at Dani reassuringly. I didn’t want her to be nervous, even though my own anxiety was at its peak.

  “Come in,” my father called. I pushed open the door, and we stepped inside.

  Dani’s eyes traveled over the office, taking it all in. She looked impressed but mostly intimidated. I let go of her hand and wrapped my arm around her waist instead. I didn’t know what inspired me, but she looked like she needed the extra comfort. I didn’t blame her. Being in my father’s office always felt like a trip to the principal’s.

  “Good morning.”

  “Has she met anyone yet?” he asked without looking up. His attention was focused on a folder in front of him.

  “Just Richard.”

  “And?” he asked.

  “It went well.” I looked at Dani and she gave me an encouraging smile. “He loved her. He and Sheila want to have dinner with us sometime soon.”

  He nodded. “Good. Make sure she meets the rest of the execs today. Everyone needs to be familiar with her before the investors arrive.”

  “I know.” I bristled at the reminder. “They will be.”

  Dani stood silently by my side. Her shoulders were tensed, and when I turned to look at her face, I saw that she was glaring at my father.

  “The meeting with the investors is a week from Monday. You will both be here.”

  Dani tensed even more at my side.

  “Of course,” I said. “It’s already on my calendar.”

  “That doesn’t mean anything,” my father scoffed. “I can’t count the number of meetings you’ve missed.”

  I took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “I won’t miss it.”

  “I would hope not,” he said, looking down again. “But I’ve learned not to expect much from you.”

  “Talen wouldn’t miss something this important,” Dani snapped.

  I jumped when she spoke. The last thing I expected was for her to come to my defense. Despite her dislike of my father, no one challenged him, and Dani had now done it twice. I never appreciated her more than I did in that moment.

  His eyes flicked to Dani. “You, of course, won’t be expected to stay for the meetings, just breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” His eyes flicked down to her shoes and back up again. “Dress nice.”

  Her brow lifted. “Like a good little female?”

  It was hard not to laugh so I didn’t even try.

  My dad’s glacial eyes moved from her to me. “That’ll be all. You can go.”

  I gave him a snappy little salute and dragged toward the door Dani behind me. I laughed again when she said, “Good to see you as always, Mr. Gaston.” Then under her breath she added, “Asshole.”

  The moment the door was closed, I pulled her to my chest and kissed her hard. “You are brilliant.”

  And she was. Brilliant and brave. I’d never, ever, seen anyone stand up to my father.

  “Is he always like that?” Her voice was tight with anger. I smiled at the sound. Her eyes were narrowed, and her cheeks were flushed. She looked beautiful and ready to burst with rage.

  “Nah. He must have been in a good mood today.”

  Dani laughed, and I joined her. It took a little while for us to calm down. Dani shook her head and glanced around her, clearly searching for something to say. “I don’t know how you do it. He’s a monster.”

  “He is,” I admitted. “But he’s rich, so no one calls him on it.”

  I grinned so she would know I was joking. She laughed again, and I enjoyed watching the joy light up her face. She had a beautiful smile, and the sound of her laugh was even better. I found myself wishing she would keep laughing forever. I could have listened to her all day without getting bored.

  As we left the conference room and made the rounds, I found myself watching Dani’s face more than anything else. Every time she smiled, I smiled along with her. Not only had she faced off with my father twice, but the second time was because he insulted me. I didn’t deserve her support, but I had it, and I was grateful. Whatever else happened between us, whatever else the future held, I was sure we would be friends for a long time.

  CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

  Dani

  After our time at the Gaston Pharmaceutical building, Talen and I returned to his apartment and spent the evening hanging out and talking. It was nice. We were quickly becoming real friends, and I was glad. I no longer felt an animosity toward him, and I wanted to keep it that way. If we were friends, it would make our pretend marriage that much easier to fake. Things weren’t awkward at the office, but we had yet to put ourselves to a real test. I was worried about the meeting with the investors.

  I tried not to think about it. It was over a week away, and we had better things to focus on. Saturday morning, Talen surprised me in the best way.

  I woke up and walked out of the guest room, rubbing sleep from my eyes as I moved. When I stepped into the living room, my mouth fell open. My easel an
d all my art supplies were set up by the window. There was a tarp strewn across the floor beneath them, and Talen was standing beside my easel with a huge grin on his face. I was beyond speechless. I didn’t know if I would ever be able to speak again.

  “What do you think?” Talen asked, spreading his arms wide.

  “How did you get all this stuff?” I asked, the words barely coming out of my throat.

  “Don’t be mad,” he said. “But I sort of stole your apartment key and picked up all your things late last night. I wanted to surprise you.”

  I couldn’t believe it. “You did.”

  “I just thought this would be easier. You were talking about how important your art is, and I don’t want to keep you from it. This way, you can stay here and still get work done.”

  “Th-is is…” I stuttered. “I just… I can’t believe… Talen, I…”

  “Are you happy?” The grin had fallen away, and he was watching me closely. He looked worried that I would freak out.

  “Yes, I am. This is amazing. Thank you.”

  He shrugged. “It was nothing. I have to go out for the day. Errands and all that, but I had my driver pick up your car. It’s in the garage so you won’t be stuck here while I’m gone, or you’re welcome to use any of mine.”

  “Thank you,” I said again. The words didn’t seem strong enough for how I felt, but they were all I could manage.

  The grin was back. “I’ll see you later?”

  “Yeah,” I said with a slight nod. “Yeah, I’ll be here.”

  “Okay.” He smiled and walked across the living room. I watched him leave, still in shock. When I turned back to my easel, a smile slowly spread across my face.

  I’d been desperate to get some time with a paintbrush. I never felt like I had enough time to work, but now, I would have the entire day. My face felt flushed. I still couldn’t believe what Talen had done. Most of the time, I didn’t think he cared about me at all, but then he did something thoughtful like this.

  With a shake of my head, I tried to stop thinking. I poured out some paint and dipped my paintbrush in it. I squeezed my eyes closed for a second and forced my mind to clear, allowing my emotions to surface. Lately, I was determined to paint what I felt, not what I thought. It was difficult to do, but so far, it had been worth it. My newest works were the best I’d ever done. I wanted nothing more than to keep creating paintings using only my heart.