by Donna Hill
Justin’s brows flicked. He stepped closer, head lowered in thought. When he stopped, he looked at her, concentrating on the intense expression on her face, and he knew she needed whatever truth he could offer.
“Because,” he began on a quiet note, “somehow you believe that whatever Janice and I had is infinitely different, maybe better somehow, than our love, our marriage. That no matter how long you and I are together, the years that I know her will continue to add up as well. And that Samantha will always be the link that binds us no matter what.” He came to her and bent down, taking her hands in his. “And you know what, if you think all those things, you’d be absolutely right.”
Vaughn sat completely still, but her gaze moved away.
“Look at me, Vaughn,” he coaxed gently. Reluctantly she did, hurt swimming in her eyes. “The most important thing, the thing that makes us special, is what we build, our love, our dreams. Neither of us can go back and make the past disappear. It’s there for all time and we can either put it in perspective or let it overshadow our future. Every day that we’re together pushes all the yesterdays farther into the distance to make way for the future.”
She shook her head as if snapping from a trance. “I know you’re right. I…I’m just letting my imagination run away with me.”
Justin pulled her to her feet, then lightly kissed her lips. “Just remember, doll, if things were so great between me and Janice, we’d still be together, wouldn’t we?”
Vaughn rested her head against her husband’s chest and gave in to the comfort of his arms, steady heartbeat and reassuring words. All her good sense told her he was right, she had nothing to worry about, he was her husband, not Janice’s. But…there was that other voice, the little one, the emotional one fueled by old wives’ tales and too many talk shows: time heals all wounds, while absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Chapter 26
Simone rolled over in bed, felt the cool, empty space and came fully awake. She blinked against the earlymorning sun and listened intently for any sounds of movement. Silence. Except for the sound of rain tapping against the window.
She shut her eyes and sucked in her bottom lip between her teeth. Gone. Why did she think last night would be any different from all the other nights she’d spent with a man? Like vampires—they vanished with the dawn of a new day, sucking the life out of her in the process.
Since she’d become involved in politics, running for office, she’d had to be extremely careful of who she allowed into her life, who she allowed herself to be intimate with. Other than Chris Walker, there’d been no one significant since Chad—until last night with Adam.
What was it about her that made men think it was okay to sleep with her, but no more was required?
“The hell with it.” She sat up, tossed the tangled sheets aside and sniffed loudly. She snatched her robe from the armchair near the bed and pulled it around her nude body. The hell with all of it. Some people weren’t cut out for all that relationship crap, she thought vehemently, tossing her clothes out of the closet and onto the bed. She tugged open her dresser drawer and blindly pulled out a handful of satin and lace lingerie. Her eyes filled.
She stomped off to the bathroom and turned the shower on full blast. In moments, the jasmine-scented room was filled with steam, and her reflection in the mirror soon misted over and disappeared. Disappeared. Tears of regret and humiliation slowly slid down her cheeks. She stepped beneath the pulsing spray, letting her tears mix, slide along her body and down the drain.
Samantha found him in the kitchen, staring intently into a mug of steamy coffee. The richness of it, the scent of fresh grounds with a hint of mocha floated through the kitchen and teased her nose. She leaned against the door frame and folded her arms, studying the man before her.
What was he thinking? she wondered. Did he think any less of her this morning than he did last night? Briefly, she shut her eyes. The more time she spent with him, the deeper she cared, and the more she wanted him. There was no denying that fact. What she was feeling day by day was not a young girl’s fantasy come true, but the wants and desires of a woman for a man. But she had no clear idea of how he truly felt about her.
Sighing, she opened her eyes and found him staring at her, with an expression in his gaze she’d never seen before: acceptance.
“Mornin’.” He stood.
“Hi.” She felt suddenly warm.
“How’d you sleep?”
She raised her chin a notch. “Fine. And you?”
He came toward her. “I’ve had better.”
She looked beyond the kitchen into the living room. “You, uh, did a great job straightening up.”
“Told you I’d take care of it.” He placed his cup on the counter and came closer.
Samantha swallowed over the sudden knot in her throat.
“I try to be a man of my word.”
He was right up on her now, close enough for her to see the fine hairs that lined his upper lip.
“Chad…”
“I thought I’d drive you to Justin’s office. Hang around…meet your mother.”
“You really don’t…”
“I figured you’d need someone…later, to talk.” He shrugged. “Or not. But my plan was to be there, however it goes down. Is that okay with you?”
She nodded. “Thank you,” she whispered.
He tenderly stroked her cheek, searched her face. “I’d better get dressed.” He kissed her lightly, once, twice before leaving her there in the doorway.
Flight 862 from Atlanta had just landed when Justin and Vaughn entered the waiting area for arrivals. The door of the jetway opened and the passengers began filing out, searching over heads and in between bodies for the familiar faces of loved ones, or at least someone willing to carry their bags. An array of greetings in many languages bubbled like a fountain, building in volume and intensity.
Vaughn spotted her first. Though she’d never laid eyes on the ex-Mrs. Montgomery, she’d know that face, those eyes, anywhere. Samantha. They possessed the same alluring gray-green eyes, set against a nearflawless sandstone complexion, full, sensuous mouths and a head full of thick mink-brown hair. They even shared the same stunning body and dancer’s legs, hers flashing from beneath her opened gun-metal-gray trench coat. The differences between them were subtle but significant. There was a hard look to Janice’s eyes, and tiny, tiny lines around her mouth that even her artfully applied makeup couldn’t hide. And even though her stride was strong and provocative, she gave off an aura of world-weariness, of having been around the block one time too many, of understanding the full measure of loneliness.
Vaughn took a quick breath and squeezed Justin’s hand. “I think that’s her.”
He snatched a glance at his wife, wondering how she’d know Janice, then quickly scanned the disembarking crowd, and his gaze connected with his past. In that instant, he knew the answer to his question— Samantha looked just like her. He’d forgotten how much, forced himself to forget, didn’t want to remember.
Vaughn looked up at him, saw the memories swim across his face and touch his body, which grew suddenly rigid.
“Hello, Justin.”
She had one of those voices that fill the confines of smoky jazz clubs, hushed, heavy and sensual, but strong enough to penetrate the senses. She turned those eyes on Vaughn.
“You must be the congresswoman.” She spoke the word as if it was dirty. She almost smiled. Cocking her head to the side she said, “Looking well, Justin. But I wouldn’t expect anything less.” She glanced from one to the other and smiled, flashing even white teeth and a dimple that could be endearing on someone else. “Ready?” She possessively linked her arm through Justin’s and turned to Vaughn as if they were the best of friends. “How are things in Washington? I’m sure what we read in the papers is nothing close to the truth.”
Vaughn smiled smugly. “Sometimes you can’t even believe what you see up close and personal.”
Janice’s eyes darkened for
an instant, then her smile returned in full bloom. “Politicians are quick on their feet, aren’t they? But you can hardly believe a word they say.”
Justin saw the tight mask descend over Vaughn’s face and knew she was a breath away from cutting Janice to shreds with her tongue. Though he’d love to see Janice’s demise, this was neither the place nor the time.
He gently removed Janice’s hand from his arm and slid his around Vaughn’s waist. “The car is in the lot and I’m sure Sam will be waiting at my office.” He lifted her overnight bag with his free hand and moved off with Vaughn, never looking back.
Pam heard the distinctive click of Simone’s heels and wondered what she was doing at the office so early. It was barely eight and Simone rarely arrived before nine-thirty.
“I’ll have to call you back,” she whispered urgently into the phone. “Yes. Tonight. Fine. Me, too.” She hung up and shoved some papers into a manila folder, stuck it in the bottom drawer of her desk and locked it.
Simone walked in, holding her dripping umbrella at arm’s length. She barely acknowledged Pam’s presence other than to tell her to hold all calls, headed to her adjoining office and shut the door.
Pam sat there for a moment, staring at the door, debating on whether she should go in or wait it out. But she had to know. She stood, straightened her suit jacket. After all, how could she be expected to effectively do her job if she wasn’t aware of everything? She tapped lightly and stepped in.
Simone had her back turned. She stared out the window, seemingly unaware of Pam’s presence.
“Simone,” she called out softly.
Simone mumbled something unintelligible. Pam closed the door and slowly approached. “Are you all right?”
“Fine.”
Pam came to stand beside her. “You don’t sound fine. Everything…okay with Samantha?” Her stomach momentarily clenched with passing anxiety.
“I’m sure she’s just dandy.” Simone folded her arms.
“Simone…what is it? Maybe I can help.” She reached out to touch her when Simone turned suddenly, her eyes dark and foreboding.
“The only person who can help me is me. At least when I figure it all out,” she said in a tight voice. She pressed her trembling lips together as she sucked in air through her nose. She turned away, tugged in a long breath and reached someplace inside herself for a reserve of determination.
“Since it seems we’re both here early, we may as well get this day started.”
Pam watched the transformation in amazement. The darkness around Simone’s eyes seemed to vanish, her posture straightened and a veil of total control descended over her. She’d never known a woman like Simone, someone who could, at a blink of an eye, rein in her emotions and focus on what was necessary. She never used her looks to gain attention. She used her mind and her connections. A lethal combination. And her sister Samantha was the same way. Powerful and attractive.
Her insides twisted for a moment. What did it feel like to be in the limelight, the public eye, to have that much clout, to have people trip over themselves to do as you asked—to have everything?
Pam adjusted her glasses. “If you want to go over your calendar first, I can bring it in.”
“Sure. I want to tie up any loose ends this week since the hand shaking and elbow rubbing begins again next week.”
They both heard the sounds of voices, doors opening and closing and the beep and hum of computers being powered up.
“Another day,” Simone commented dryly.
“I’ll get the calendar.” Pam headed for the door.
“Thanks. Pam…”
She turned, her hand on the knob. “Yes?”
“Why are you here so early?”
“Uh, just wanted to get a head start.”
Simone looked at her a moment, then nodded.
The windshield wipers swished rapidly across the pane, futilely attempting to keep the rain at bay. Adam drove around the block several times, passing the city council office and prime parking spaces. But he knew that once he stopped he’d have to get out, walk into the office and eventually face Simone. A roll of thunder hammered the heavens. What could he possibly say to her?
Chapter 27
Chad held Samantha’s hand as they walked down the corridor to Justin’s office, and she soaked up every minute of the comfort it gave her.
Low voices could be heard coming from behind the partially opened door. She recognized her mother’s voice instantly and felt her chest tighten. Then she heard Vaughn’s distinctive alto and was both surprised and alarmed. It never occurred to her that Vaughn would want to be there, especially in what must be an uncomfortable situation. But knowing her stepmother, she shouldn’t have expected anything less. If there was anything to be said about Vaughn, it was that she didn’t stand around and wait for things to happen. She was right in there.
Chad knocked once, pushed the door open farther and ushered Samantha inside. Before anyone could blink, Janice was out of her seat with her arms wrapped around a stiff Samantha, who hadn’t gotten any farther than the threshold.
“Baby, baby,” she nearly wept, holding Samantha in a body-locking grip, her long fingers stroking and stroking Samantha’s locks. “I’ve been worried sick about you. You have no idea. Oh, Sam. Are you all right?” She backed up and held her at arm’s length for observation.
Samantha stared into eyes identical to her own, into the face that would surely be hers in years to come. Her voice was flat and expressionless.
“I’m fine. There was no reason for you to come here.”
She brushed by her, kissed her father’s cheek and repeated the greeting with Vaughn.
The muscles in Janice’s throat tightened like twisted rope, but she said nothing, turning instead to Chad and flashing her smile.
“You must be Chad Rushmore.” She thrust out her hand, which Chad briefly took. “My husband’s told me wonderful things about you.”
Chad’s right brow arched sarcastically. “I didn’t realize you’d remarried. Who’s your husband that’s been telling you these wonderful things?”
Chad watched her sanctimonious expression slowly collapse under the weight of his carefully placed barb, while the rest of the occupants of the room held their breath.
Janice laughed suddenly, a tinkling sound like a glass bell being struck. She clutched his arm in that familiar way that people who don’t know each other, but pretend otherwise, often do. “Oh, you. You know perfectly well I mean Justin. Husband, ex-husband…” She shrugged in dismissal, then whirled away.
Chad closed the door. “Morning, everyone.”
“Thanks for bringing Sam,” Justin said.
“My pleasure.” He passed Vaughn and pressed her shoulder in greeting. She looked up and winked, holding her grin in check.
“Before anyone says another word,” Samantha began, “I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying right here in Washington. So there’s no need for discussion.” She turned to her mother. “The only reason I came is out of courtesy to my father,” she said, glaring at Janice. “And because Chad convinced me. It has nothing to do with you.” Then she addressed the room. “So if you’re all here to gang up on me, forget it.”
“Samantha, be reasonable,” her mother snapped. “You’re in danger here. And I may not agree with your father on a lot of things, but on this I do.”
“Mother, after all this time, after everything you’ve done, do you really think I give a damn what you think—about anything?”
“Sam!” Justin cut in.
Samantha shot him with a look but backed down.
Vaughn stood. “I think Chad and I should wait outside.” She picked up her coat from the back of the couch. “But before we do there’s one thing I want to say.” She looked at Samantha, then at each person in the room. “Samantha is a grown woman. One who knows her own mind. Yes, she’s been threatened. I’m sure she’s scared. We all are. But if every time we were frightened, and ran off, where would we be? At some po
int, you have to take a stand. Samantha is taking hers.”
“This is none of your damned business,” Janice shouted, ready for a showdown. “She’s our child.”
Vaughn crossed the room and walked right up to Janice, a slow, dangerous smile easing across her rich mouth. “When I married your ex-husband, she became my child, too. So this is my damned business.” With that, she spun away and walked out. Chad followed shortly behind.
“Now maybe we can talk like a family,” Janice said in a huff.
“Janice, we haven’t been a family since you ran off with Samantha more than twenty years ago, so cut the crap,” Justin said nastily. “I thought I was doing the right thing by calling you, letting you know what was happening with Samantha. Which was more than you ever did for me.” Janice stiffened. “But the fact remains, it’s Samantha’s decision, whether I agree with it or not.”
Janice turned pleading eyes on her daughter. “Sam?”
“It’s a little late to show so much motherly concern. I’m sorry you came all this way for nothing.”
Janice pulled herself together. “You’re never going to forgive me, are you? You never understood.”
“Understood?” Samantha questioned, her voice rising an octave. “You lied to me. You took me from my father, told me he abandoned us, that being a father and husband was too much for him, that he didn’t love us anymore. And for what? So you could sleep around with any man with money?”
Janice’s face quivered as she spoke. “It wasn’t like that, Samantha. I swear to you it wasn’t. I wanted the best for us. I thought I did. Your father…he was just starting out, struggling. We struggled for everything. I was tired of not having, of waiting…for his big break.” She swallowed hard. “All my life, all I’d ever had was nothing. And all I could see was my life being repeated all over again with you. I didn’t want that for you. Whether you believe it or not. I…love you Samantha. More than you’ll ever know.”
