Powerful: A Driven World Novel (The Driven World)

by Kathleen Kelly

  Mrs. Boswell laughs. “I did hear a rumor that you were spending time with Elizabeth Monroe.”

  “It’s different. There will only be one Olivia.”

  “She was a beauty.”

  “Inside and out. Just like Athena. Do you think she’s happy?”

  “I think she’s made the best of it. Do you remember how she used to be? Then when she was… well, she’s never been the same. But she seems to love writing. I just thought she’d leave here with Kris, and they’d conquer the world together. Funny how things work out.”

  Feeling like a peeping Tom, I make a noise and walk into Dad’s room.

  “Ahh, one sugar each, isn’t it?”

  “That’s right, son.”

  “Thank you, honey.”

  I put Dad’s on his bedside table and then give Mrs. Boswell hers.

  “Do you think you could watch him while I go get changed?”

  Mrs. Boswell wrinkles up her nose. “To be honest, the pair of you could use a shower.” She looks around the room. “Leonard, where do you keep your sheets?”

  “Why?”

  “Kris is going to help you into the shower, I’m going to change the bed linens, and then you are going to rest.”

  “All due respect, Betty, I don’t need you to change my sheets or my son to help me in the shower.”

  “Smelling as you do, you’d best do as you’re told.” Mrs. Boswell looks up at me. “Be a good lad and help him into the bathroom.”

  Being ordered about isn’t something I’m used to, but no one messes with Betty Boswell.

  “Come on, Dad. Mrs. Boswell is right. We stink.”

  “Now, Kris, I didn’t say that.”

  Dad puts his good foot on the floor and slowly lowers his injured foot down. “You might as well have, Betty,” growls Dad.

  Mrs. Boswell smiles at me and shakes her head.

  Dad places his arm around my shoulders, and we awkwardly make our way down to the family bathroom. When we enter, I’m surprised to see it’s been completely remodeled.

  “Dad, when did you do this?”

  The bathtub which had the shower over it has been removed, all the walls are covered in white subway tiles. There are grab handles on the walls and there’s no step into the shower. It makes it easy for anyone with a disability to be self-sufficient.

  Dad sighs. “Hurt myself last year, and Athena got the people in to do this.” He waves his hand around the room. “She figured I’d have a hard time getting in and out of the bathtub.”

  “She did a good job.”

  “Yeah, and she paid for it. Little minx wouldn’t tell me how much it was.”

  First, Athena gets attacked, and now my dad has had some sort of accident, and I didn’t even know. I point at the toilet and motion for him to sit. Begrudgingly he does, and I remove his work boot and sock followed by the medical boot.

  Dad touches my shoulder. “Thank you, son. I’ve got it from here.”

  “You sure? I don’t mind helping.”

  Dad smiles as tears well in his eyes. “I’m old, but I’m not that old. Now, get.”

  “Okay, Dad. I’ll get you some pajamas to change into. Yell out when you’re done.”

  I close the door behind me and go back into his bedroom where Mrs. Boswell has already put the clean sheets on and is bundling up the dirty ones for the wash.

  “I’ll put these in the machine but won’t turn it on just yet. Are you going to go change?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Just waiting on him to shower before I go, in case he needs help.” Mrs. Boswell nods and goes past me. “Why didn’t anyone contact me about the bathroom?”

  She stops and looks over her shoulder at me. “Why didn’t you know?”

  There’s no accusation in her voice, it’s merely a question, one I don’t have an answer to. Mrs. Boswell continues on, and I’m left feeling like a horrible human being. I wanted so badly to make it in the movie industry that I neglected everyone around me who was important to me, who is important to me. A pounding on the front door draws me out of my self-recriminations as I go to it.

  “Hey, Kris. Does your dad need help?” asks Ashlea.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I left work early. Doc doesn’t mind.” Ashlea pushes past me. “Is he in his room?”

  “No, in the shower.”

  “Kris!” yells Dad as if on cue.

  “Coming!” Ashlea smiles at me. “Could you go and grab him some fresh pajamas? They’re in the top drawer of his dresser.” As I take a step away from her, Ashlea grabs my hand.

  “Do you need help with him in the bathroom?”

  I frown. “I don’t think he’d like that.”

  Ashlea shakes her head. “I’ve been your dad’s nurse before. It’s not a problem.”

  “How about this time you grab the PJs, and I’ll make sure he’s decent?”

  “You know I’m a nurse, right?”

  “I can see why TB is marrying you.”

  Without waiting for an answer, I go in to help my father.

  ***

  I’m back at the motel sitting on the bed with a towel wrapped around my waist. Dad is with Mrs. Boswell and Ashlea, and they told me to take my time. Sophia opens the door between our rooms and walks in.

  “Do you know how to knock?”

  “Oh, please, you don’t have anything I haven’t seen before.”

  “Sophia,” I reply warningly.

  Ignoring me completely, she sits beside me on the bed. “Where have you been?”

  “With my dad. He hurt himself, and I’ve been at the medical center with him.”

  Sophia’s hand rests on my knee, and she turns into me, so her breast is on my arm. “Are you okay?”

  Tilting my head to look at her, Sophia reaches up with her other hand to cup my face, then she moves in to kiss me.

  I stand and walk toward my suitcase on the floor. “I’m fine, and my dad will be, too.”

  “Oh, don’t be like that.” Looking back at her, she’s leaning back on one arm while the other undoes the top button of her blouse. “I’ve been so bored.”

  “Did you hear me say my dad got hurt? I have to get back to him. There’s a nurse with him right now.”

  I don’t feel the least bit guilty that I haven’t told her it’s Ashlea.

  “What about me?”

  When I turn around, she’s undone another button and is pouting.

  “Masturbate?” Sophia stands and scowls at me “Besides, we are going out tonight, the press will be there. I thought you’d want to get ready?”

  “What time?”

  “Yacht club at six.”

  “What are you wearing?” I point to a long-sleeved white shirt and light blue pants that I have hanging on a hook. “Fine, I’ll wear that white dress with the low back.”

  “Whatever.”

  I pull out the clothes from my suitcase that I’m changing into—jeans and a black V-neck t-shirt.

  “How long will you be at your father’s?”

  “If he’s okay, I’ll leave him at five, come back here and change then go to the chapel. Do you think you can make your way to the yacht club?”

  Sophia’s lips turn down, and she fixes me with a stare. “We had a deal. Happy ever after until I say so. How’s it going to look if I go to the yacht club by myself?”

  “Sophia, my father is hurt. What do you want me to do?”

  Sophia walks toward me, places her perfectly manicured finger on my chest, and drags it down my body. “Keep up your end of the bargain.” Then she tugs on my towel, lets it fall to the floor, and stalks out of the room, slamming the door shut behind her.

  Well, at least she left. I change quickly, rap on the door between our rooms, and then open it. Sophia is sitting on the bed glaring at me. I toss the keys to the rental car at her, and she catches them in one hand.

  “At least you can turn up in style. I’ll be waiting in the parking lot, so we can walk in together. I’ll tell the press you h
ad errands to run. No one will be any the wiser.”

  Sophia licks her lips. “They better not be.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Athena

  I’m wearing a red dress that clings to my body and six-inch black heels that I’m not sure I can walk in. Todd helped pick out my outfit, and from the way Dad’s eyes opened when I arrived, I’m not sure if I look good or slutty.

  Walking into the chapel, TB is up talking to the priest. Keeping my eyes glued to him and not my feet, I walk up the aisle. He turns and smiles, then lets out a wolf whistle.

  “Dang, sis! You look good.”

  “Hush, TB, you’re in church,” admonishes Mom.

  The smile that breaks out on my face is so huge it hurts. I do a twirl for him, manage not to break my neck, and continue up the aisle where TB kisses my cheek.

  “Thanks, TB. I thought because we were going to the yacht club, I should dress appropriately.”

  “Definitely not a church dress, and I think he’ll like it,” responds TB.

  “Who?” I ask, feigning innocence.

  TB shakes his head and winks. “I guess no one.”

  The priest, Father Daniel, clears his voice. “Is the bride far away?”

  “No, sir. There was a medical emergency, and she wanted to check on a patient before she came here.”

  “Ahh, yes, I heard about Leonard.”

  Father Daniel is probably twenty-five, maybe twenty-eight but definitely under thirty, and to hear him call Mr. Livingston by his first name seems strange.

  “Poor Mr. Livingston,” I say.

  Father Daniel is also the town’s gossip, he knows everything. “Oh, you heard? Just terrible that a container dropped on Leonard’s foot. It’s not broken, but he’ll have to stay off it for a while.”

  I look from him to TB, a smirk on my face as I’ve stolen Father Daniel’s thunder by knowing about his juicy piece of gossip. “Mr. Livingston is okay. He’ll be fine in a few weeks.”

  “No one’s fault. The rope gave way. Kris was there and took him to Ashlea,” replies TB.

  Mom puts an arm around me. “He’s fine. Leonard even asked about you.”

  “You’ve been to see him?”

  Mom nods. “Ashlea phoned me. I thought Kris could use the help, but he had everything under control. He’s a good lad.”

  TB barks out a laugh. “He’s not a lad anymore and not so good either.”

  “Kris!” hisses Mom. “Remember where you are.”

  Father Daniel looks pleased with himself, no doubt thinking about who he can share this little spat with.

  “I’m sorry I’m late,” yells Ashlea as she bustles up the aisle looking flustered.

  And running behind her is Kris looking very tanned and handsome in a white shirt.

  “Sorry, my fault, I asked Ashlea to give me a ride.”

  “Where’s your car?” asks Mom.

  Kris comes to a complete stop about five feet from me, his eyes travel from the tips of my shoes to the top of my head, a smile splitting that gorgeous face of his.

  “Kris?” says Mom.

  Without taking his eyes from me, he says, “I left it with Sophia so she could get to the yacht club.”

  I feel like someone poured ice water over me at the mention of her name. The moment between Kris and I is lost, so I give Father Daniel my complete attention.

  “Where do you need us, Father?” I ask.

  He claps his hands together. “Where are your parents, dear?” he asks Ashlea.

  “They’ll be here on Thursday night. Dad has some club meeting he couldn’t miss.” Ashlea rolls her eyes and smiles.

  “Well, okay then. TB, you’ll be where you are. Kris, you will be on the other side of him, yes that’s right.” Kris stands next to TB. “Ashlea, you’ll walk up the aisle and stand where you are right now. When you get here, Athena will be waiting for you, and you’ll pass off your bouquet to her.” Father Daniel beams at all of us. “Then we recite the vows. Now, there are two ways we can do this. You can face each other—”

  “I want that,” interjects Ashlea.

  “Right, so TB, you’ll be facing Ashlea.” I giggle, and Father Daniel nods at me. “The bride always gets what she wants.”

  “Damn straight,” agrees TB.

  “If you get stuck, look to me at any time, and I’ll help. After all, it’s what I’m here for.” Father Daniel looks from Ashlea to TB, but neither of them are looking at him, they only have eyes for each other. “Now, repeat after me…”

  It’s at this point I realize Kris is smiling and staring at me. The world falls away as I become mesmerized under his gaze. Vaguely, I can hear Father Daniel talking, TB and Ashlea reciting their vows after him, but it’s Kris that I’m tuned into. The way his white shirt fits him, showing off his muscles underneath, and how even with a look, he can reduce me to an emotional puddle. I love the way he smiles at TB when he pretends to lose the ring, and the way he’s looking at me right now as if he knows how he’s affecting me, knows that I’ve always been his. When Kris mouths ‘I do,’ all the air in my lungs seems to disappear.

  “Athena? Athena?” repeats Father Daniel. I swiftly look at him. “This is where you pass the bouquet off to Ashlea, and they’d leave the church, okay?”

  “Okay,” I squeak out.

  Ashlea hugs me. “Thank you so much for doing this with me. You are the best sister-in-law ever.”

  I pull back and look at her. “Soon-to-be sister.”

  Ashlea’s eyes well up with tears, and she nods while TB puts a comforting arm around her.

  “Trust me, honey, she’s not so great. She’s been my sister forever, and I know.”

  Laughing at TB, I shake my head. “You don’t know how lucky you’ve been.”

  “She’s right, TB, our girl, is one of the best.”

  Our girl.

  It was a running joke all through high school that no one messed with me as I was their girl. Even after Kris left, the local boys kept away from me as TB would warn them off. He’s never done that with Todd, maybe he knows Todd doesn’t like girls?

  “Does everyone know what they have to do come Saturday?” asks Father Daniel.

  “Show up on time, say a few words, give my bride a ring, kiss her, and then run away. Sound about right?”

  Father Daniel smiles and shakes his head. “Yes, TB, that sounds about right. One last thing… I’ll have a microphone so everyone in the church can hear you but speak up. This is your day, and everyone who you’ve invited and a few who will sneak in, only want the best for you. So, make sure they can hear you. It is a day to be celebrated with those you love the most and God.”

  “Yes, Father,” replies TB as he gazes adoringly at Ashlea.

  “Dinner!” announces Dad as he claps his hands together. “Father, are you joining us?”

  “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  TB hands over his car keys to Kris. “I’m going with my bride. Can you drive Athena?”

  “It’s fine, I can walk,” I reply.

  TB looks down at my feet. “Not in those shoes, you can’t.”

  Kris nods. “It’d be my honor.”

  Mom smiles at me, and we all move to the front of the church.

  “Mom, can’t I go with you and Dad?”

  “Honey, that would leave poor Kris alone. What if he got lost?”

  “Mom, the yacht club is in the same spot it was in when he left.”

  Dad chimes in, “Don’t be rude, Athena. Show Kris the way. Besides, we’ll have Father Daniel in our car.”

  He makes it sound like they don’t have room. Their car can comfortably fit five people. Kris holds out his arm to me, and we leave the church arm in arm. The whole time, I’m concentrating on where to put my feet, so I don’t fall over and make a fool of myself. Kris opens the car door, and I slide into the passenger seat, relieved not to have embarrassed myself. Kris jogs around to his side of the car with a smirk on his handsome face.

  “What?” I ask.


  Kris chuckles. “I’ve never seen a woman so intent on walking a straight line.”

  “You try walking in heels.”

  His smile widens. “Can’t be that hard.”

  “Just drive the car, Livingston,” I mutter.

  Kris shakes his head, and instead of taking the direct route to the yacht club, he turns and heads up toward the bluff.

  “We’ll be late.”

  “So, let’s be late. You and I haven’t had a real conversation since I got here.”

  The thought of being alone with Kris scares me a little, and then Todd’s voice enters my head and reminds me I’m precious. He parks the car at what everyone in town considers to be lover’s lane as it looks out over the ocean. As soon as Kris turns off the car, I open the door, walk around to the front and lean against the hood. Kris joins me, placing his hand right next to mine. A little self-conscious, I cross my arms over my chest.

  “I’m sorry.”

  I move over a little putting some distance between us and look at him. “What for?”

  “Leaving as I did. I know I hurt you. I know I was a coward.”

  Sighing, I wrap my arms around myself tighter and look straight ahead. “It was a long time ago.”

  Kris lightly touches the side of my face with his knuckles, brushing them along my jawline. “Not that long ago.”

  As much as I want to give in to his touch, I push off the car and take a step forward away from him. “It’s ancient history. I have Todd and live here, and you have Sophia and live in LA.” I look at him and smile. “You’re this successful actor adored by millions, and I’m happy here.”

  “It was never about being adored. All I wanted to do was work as an actor and make enough money to live comfortably. And I always thought I’d come home one day.” Kris stands beside me. “I guess I thought I’d come home to you.”

  Staring straight ahead, to keep my resolve, so I don’t give in to him, I reply, “You left it too long.” Turning, I walk back to the car and open the door. “Come on, the others will be waiting for us.”

  Kris holds onto the car door while I buckle my seat belt.

  “I’m not giving up on us.”

  I’m reasonably sure my heart stopped beating as he closes the door and walks around the car to the driver’s side. Kris drives us to the yacht club. When we get there, reporters are all over the place.