Tender Touch

by Emery, Lynn

  Chapter 16

  “Can you believe this zoo?” Shaena gazed around at the packed hearing room.

  Jade and Shaena were seated in the row right behind the table where those giving comments sat. The chairs were empty for now. A microphone was poised for those who would speak. Some yards away directly facing these tables and the audience was a raised dais. A long table in the shape of a half-moon, with microphones dotting its surface, was for the state senators. Soon all seven members of the Health and Welfare Committee had bustled in. Dressed alike in varying shades of gray, brown and blue suits, they all strove to look like serious statesmen on a mission.

  “And just think. We still have the Finance Committee to face.” Jade felt her nerves stretch tight at the very thought of having Finance Committee Chairman Senator Baham take aim at her.

  “Let’s fasten our seatbelts, babe. It’s going to be a bumpy ride,” Shaena muttered low so as not to be overheard by those surrounding them.

  “Thanks for coming. I know have other things to do.” Jade gave her a look of profound gratitude. She had not protested when Shaena announced she would accompany her.

  “Hey, most of the grunt work is being done by the baby sharks now.” Shaena referred to the pool of young attorneys fresh out of law school who were subordinates. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

  “Hi there.” A tall woman with red hair and pale white skin stood over them, wearing a smug expression.

  “Hello, Zelda,” Jade said with a slight frown. The woman had been antagonistic Jade had been promoted ahead of her four years earlier. This day was going south fast.

  “Smart move, bringing a lawyer. From what I read in the papers, you might need one soon.” Zelda moved away before Jade could respond.

  “Sheesh, you’d think with that hairdo she’d at least try for Miss Congeniality,” Shaena called out in a raised voice. Several snickers came from onlookers. Zelda shot back a poisonous look then dropped down in a seat on the last row.

  “That was so immature,” Jade said. She giggled with delight.

  “Yeah, but it felt good.” Shaena grinned back at her. “They’re about to start. Bill and Mike just slithered in,” she whispered close to Jade’s ear.

  Jade looked around to find Bill Lang watching her steadily as he made his way down the center aisle. He nodded to her with a curt dip of his head but passed by before she could acknowledge the greeting. They took their places at the table, apparently knowing they would be first.

  The chairman, Senator Thibodeaux, announced the agenda in a voice with a Cajun lilt. “Now before we get started, Senator Raymond has some opening remarks.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Chairman.” Senator Raymond cleared his throat—a signal that the conservative from north Louisiana was about to pin someone to the wall.

  After the first few sentences deploring the waste of the taxpayers’ money, Jade tuned him out. This was a familiar thread with the humorless crusader. Jade felt an urge to glance around. Damon stepped through the double doors, closing them behind him just as she turned. He did not see her and moved to stand against the wall since all seats were taken. This was the first time she’d seen him in almost a month now. She wanted to look back again but resisted. Shaena leaned an inch closer.

  “Raymond is out for blood,” Shaena mumbled. “And he looks like he expects a full course meal of raw meat to go with it.”

  Jade’s mind was full of memories that had nothing to do with work. She glanced back to find Damon gazing at her. He smiled and her heart turned over.

  “What? Did you say something?” Shaena followed her gaze. “It’s about time. He’s probably been just as miserable as you. I hope you two—” She broke off when Bill spoke into the microphone.

  “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First just let me say that we have provided each of you with the final report of Inspector General Dumaine. Many of your questions, Senator Raymond, have been answered.” Bill spoke in an even tone. He was the picture of calm. He delivered a bold offensive strike by anticipating the most difficult issues and addressing them first.

  Jade could not help but admire his audacity. It was a risk, but one that seemed to be paying off. Many of the committee members’ frowns were replaced with expressions of attentive thoughtfulness. But she also recognized in his words the escape clauses should wrongdoing be proven. Bill was careful to remind them that he relied on top staff for day-to-day operations. He expressed full confidence in their actions.

  “I will do everything I can to solve the Medicaid crisis.” Bill wore the serene look of a man with nothing to hide.

  “Mr. Lang, I have some specific questions,” Senator Raymond rumbled in his best statesman voice. It was obvious he wasn’t impressed with Bill’s performance.

  Much as he tried, Jade could not keep her attention on the proceedings. Just knowing Damon was in the room acted as a magnetic force, drawing her away from everything else. Why was he here? To see me? Her heart rate increased. Something Bill said caught her attention. He was referring to the grant funds. The grant to Grade Street Center is why he’s here. Besides, he would have called if he wanted to see me. Jade pressed her lips together. She would not make a fool of herself running after the man. He and Rachelle Balleaux Knight deserved each other!

  * * *

  Damon could sense the pull between them even across the room packed with people. More than once the voices of Bill Lang and the committee members faded to a distant hum as he stared at Jade. Even the smallest things, like the way her hair moved when she turned her head, ignited a glowing ember in his lower body. He wanted to make this crowd vanish so he could be with her. They had much to talk about. Yet he could sense resistance from her, too. Was it because she was angry about Rachelle? Then he would talk to her and make her see Rachelle meant nothing to him. Or was Nick firmly back in her life and heart? Maybe Rachelle was right. He tried to remember every expression, every nuance of Jade’s voice when she had talked about him. Could Jade still be in love with Nick? Stop driving yourself crazy with these questions! Damn, let’s get this thing over. Damon knew he should be concentrating on the hearing since the future of Gracie Street Center could hang in the balance. But all he could think of was getting to Jade.

  “Damon, I’m so glad to see you.”

  Damon blinked back to his surroundings to find himself being addressed. He glanced around. “Mrs. Wilson, so nice to see you.”

  “Now look here. You’re just the one we need on our task force to fight these budget cuts.” Mrs. Wilson launched into a whispered description of her latest crusade. The sixty-something social activist was in her element, taking aim at the powers that be.

  “If there is nothing further, we’ll adjourn until Friday afternoon at two-thirty.” The chairman dismissed the hearing.

  “Let me call you after I check my calendar,” Damon said. “I’ll be in touch.” He glanced to see Jade still seated behind Bill Lang. If only Mrs. Wilson would stop talking he could go to her.

  “Wait a minute, let me tell you this.” Mrs. Wilson put a hand on his arm.

  Damon suppressed a groan of despair. The woman rattled on while he tried not to make his impatience too obvious. Even more exasperating, the crowd lingered to discuss the interesting exchange between Bill and Senator Raymond. Damon was tempted to shout her name when Jade began moving in the opposite direction to the doors at the other end of the hearing room. Surely she must see him.

  * * *

  “You ought to go over there,” Shaena mumbled to Jade so Bill Lang and Mike Testor could not hear. “Talk to the man and sort this thing out.”

  “Did you forget what I told you? She was coming out of his office swinging her hips and acting like she owned the place.” Jade the cold memory of Rachelle doused the fire Damon’s presence had started.

  “Her uncle’s marketing firm is tops with black businesses in a four-state area.” Shaena tucked her brown leather portfolio under her arm. “Even I believe it was just business. And, honey, you kno
w how suspicious I am.”

  “He sure hasn’t come looking for me in the last four weeks.” Jade made it a point to keep her back to where Damon stood. She headed for the doors at the other end of the hearing room.

  Shaena grabbed her arm. “Come back here, you. I’m tired of this mess. You’re going to talk to that man today, or I’m going to whip both your butts for acting crazy.”

  Before they moved Bill approached. Worry lines etched furrows in his forehead. “Jade, we need to get back to the office. Might as well plan on a late night. Thanks to Senator Raymond, we have more documents to gather for the next hearing.

  “Sure, Bill.” Jade shot an irritated look at Shaena. She yanked free of Shaena’s hidden grasp on her arm to follow him.

  For the rest of the day, Jade’s emotions swung crazily. She went from supreme satisfaction that she had not given in to the desire to approach Damon to crushing uncertainty. Had she made the right choice? He looked so fine in his navy blue suit. If she closed her eyes, she could smell his brand of cologne. The rows of cream-colored file folders faded before her. Jade stood just outside Bill’s office where anyone looking would think she was intent on searching for something she needed. In fact she was several miles and days away, back in Damon’s apartment.

  “Jade, get me the file on Care Systems, Inc.” Bill’s voice cut through her musings.

  “Okay.” Jade was so startled, she jumped. She shut the file drawer and started down the hall.

  “You seem out of it. Want to talk about what’s troubling you?” Bill eyed her with speculation.

  “Just tired from reading page after page of tiny black print. I’m fine.” She spoke over her shoulder before continuing on.

  For once Bill’s clipped instructions that kept her occupied all day were a welcome distraction. Never mind that he was probably using mountains of paper to bury her while clearing an escape route for himself—which brought her back with a jerk to her predicament. In the last few days, she had not seen any direct evidence Bill had singled her out to take the blame, yet gut instinct told her to beware. Despite the odd moments when he seemed poised to confide in her, Jade sensed something wrong. She continued to gather her own set of files as protection she hoped she would not need.

  Jade had been a sincere admirer of Bill Lang—another disappointment that stung. Add to that the difficult family therapy she and her parents had begun as part of Lanessa’s treatment, Jade felt a desperate need to have someone she could turn to right now. The file room became blurred before her. Jade swiped at the tears before they trailed down her face.

  “Bill wants me to run up to legal for something. I’ll be back in a minute. One of the student workers will get the phones.” Aline stood in the open door.

  “All right.” Jade sniffed. She kept her face away from her.

  “Is there anything I can do to help?” Aline stepped in the room. “I mean...” She glanced over her shoulder. “I know where some other papers are that might help you.”

  “I’ve got all I need. Thanks.”

  “Yeah, but you really need to see these are folders on Health Tech.” Aline spoke each word with emphasis.

  Jade turned around to look at her. Something in Aline’s eyes made her know that she was giving her some kind of message. “Really?”

  Aline closed the door behind her. She pulled out a sheaf of photocopies folded and held against her side. “I’ve been trying for days to slip you these. I’ll deny it if you tell where you got them.”

  “I won’t. Never.” Jade gave her hand a squeeze. “Thanks Aline.”

  “Watch your back.” Aline winked.

  Jade nodded to her. She turned her back to scan the pages when she was alone again. “Thank you very much,” she murmured.

  * * *

  “Hello, Mother,” Damon said in a stiff voice.

  He had never felt this uncomfortable in his parents’ home. The revelations from his father had placed his parents in a whole new light. Oliver had always been the driven entrepreneur, his mother the graceful, socially well-connected wife of a successful man. He had never thought of them as having frustrated passions or dark secrets. Like most children, he’d seen them only in terms of himself. Their outward appearance seemed all there was to see. An appearance he would have sworn was real. Of course now he knew different. Oliver Knight, gruff workaholic, had once been a young man caught in a tragic love affair worthy of Shakespearean play. Marlene Cormier Knight was so desperate to have him that she had married Oliver despite knowing he loved another woman. Damon clenched his jaw. Still Marlene had no excuse for adultery.

  Marlene patted her hair with a nervous motion. “Hello, Damon. Have you eaten yet? I could fix you something.” She started to leave the den.

  “No, thank you. I had something right after I left the office.”

  “Oh.” Marlene, eager to please, was disappointed.

  Damon let the awkward silence lengthen. He searched for something to say. “Where’s Dad?”

  “He’s out with his friends. I... I wanted to talk to you alone.” Marlene got up from the chair. She twisted her hands. “Oliver and I have had our problems, but we never allowed them to affect you or Trent. You’ve always had our love and support. You always will.”

  “Okay.”

  “We have things to work out.” She rubbed her forehead.

  “I’m sure,” was Damon’s terse reply. He wore a frown of censure as though he were the parent of a wayward daughter.

  Marlene did not miss the message. She spun to face him. “How dare you pass judgment on me. I’m still your mother.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Damon put all the sarcasm he could muster in his reply. He sat stone-faced, not looking at her.

  “You look so much like your father, with that unforgiving scowl.” Marlene’s voice shook. “Oliver shut me out of his heart and a big part of his life. I married him thinking somehow I could make his feelings toward me change. Some days he’d look at me with a distant cold as ice expression; the way you’re looking at me now.”

  Damon felt a rush of regret for being so unyielding. His mother looked lost and despondent. He was in no position to judge her. How could he know what her life had been like? She’d spent years trying to win his father’s love and attention away from a memory. Damon was reeling with the new knowledge that her cool, elegant exterior had hidden such deep agony.

  “Mother, come here.” He got up and led her back to sit next to him on the sofa. Marlene rested her head on his shoulder.

  “I’ve done terrible things. But can you imagine what it’s like to realize that no matter what you do, the one man you love will never love you back?” Marlene sobbed quietly, her hand pressed to her mouth.

  “I wish there was something I could do.” Damon didn’t know how to comfort her or know what to say. The only person who could answer her was his father.

  Marlene wiped her eyes one final time. She sat up with her head held high. “I’m sorry for going to pieces. This isn’t something you or your brother should be burdened with.”

  “Maybe I could talk to Dad and...”

  “We’re the only two people who can fix what’s broken between us.”

  Damon took her hand and kissed it. “Of course you’re right.”

  “Thank you.” Marlene’s eyes pooled again with tears. She smiled at him with gratitude. “But I want to tell you how it’s been for us.”

  “You don’t have to. Dad told me a little.” Damon patted her back.

  Marlene’s eyes went wide with surprise. “He told you about Lisette?”

  “He blames himself for making you so unhappy.”

  Marlene hugged herself as though for warmth. She stared off. “She was beautiful, but I suppose he told you that. And I hated her on sight. From the first time I saw them together, I knew Oliver was infatuated. I thought it was only because she was loose. There were girls who did and girls who didn’t. Boys were expected to chase after girls who did. But they married nice girls from the right
families.”

  “Sort of like what you want for Trent and me,” Damon said in a low voice.

  Marlene wore a sad smile. “Yes, it’s how we were raised. But Oliver loved Lisette in a way he never loved me. I was glad when her name got dragged through the mud. But even dead, she has more of Oliver than I’ve ever had.” Several minutes of silence followed as they both thought about the long-ago events that seemed to still shape their lives in a dramatic way.

  “I think you underestimate how much Dad loves you.” Damon put his arms around her waist.

  “There’s so much I want to say to him. After all these years, we’ve got to find a way to each other. Before it’s too late.” Marlene took a deep breath. “And I owe you an apology.”

  “For what?” Damon rubbed her arms in a comforting way.

  “The one lesson I should have learned is how dreadful life is without the person you truly love. Instead I let my snobbish attitude, inherited from a long line of fancy-pants Creoles, rule once again. But at least you stood up to me. Good for you. I can tell you love Jade Pellerin with all your heart, and I’m happy for you.” Marlene put a hand on his face in a gesture of maternal love.

  Damon felt the familiar despair creep back. His mother was right to say he resembled his father. Like Oliver, he’d left important things unsaid. Instead of facing the problems between him and Jade head-on, he’d avoided them. Now it was probably too late.

  “Jade and I aren’t seeing each other anymore. At least not for the past month. We had an argument. Well, more of a disagreement really. We—”

  “About what?” Marlene raised her shapely eyebrows at him. The elegant sophisticate returned.

  “Well, she thought Rachelle and I were seeing each other again. And we had words.”