by Leanne Banks
“Well, it’s a great idea,” Vivian said. “But we’re not quite ready for anything that specific just yet, since we don’t have any definite bookings.”
“That’s okay,” Eliza said. “I just wanted to get my name in during the planning and preparation stage. I think I could offer some cool local jewelry appropriate for your resort.”
“I love the idea. I think I have your card, but give it to me again,” she said.
“Thanks,” Eliza said. “And my brother really likes you. I hope you like him, too.”
“I do,” Vivian admitted and wished Benjamin had made an appearance at the party. She hadn’t seen him in a few days. She wondered what that meant. If anything.
Chapter Eleven
The next morning, Vivian dragged herself from bed. Heavens, she felt so tired. Why?
She started the coffee and literally waited for the machine to produce a cup for her. Sipping despite the fact that it burned her tongue, she wandered to the porch, where Jilly did yoga.
“Want to join me?” Jilly asked, doing some kind of twisty pose.
“I can’t even begin to think of it,” Vivian said. “I want pastries, coffee and wine. In no particular order.”
“Was yesterday that difficult for you?” Jilly asked.
“It’s hard to be on all the time. I want this to be a success,” Vivian said.
“It’s not up to you,” Jilly said. “It’s part of what the universe provides.”
“I can’t wait on the universe,” Vivian said. “There are people counting on me.”
Jilly sighed. “I wish you would be kinder to yourself.”
“Me, too,” a male voice said from the doorway.
Vivian’s heart skipped a beat, and she looked up at Benjamin. “Well, early good morning,” she said.
He moved toward her and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Good morning to you. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it yesterday. I’d been away from the bar, and all hell had broken loose with our orders. It took two days to straighten out.”
Some part inside her eased. “Thanks,” she said.
“I think I’ll grab a shower,” Jilly said. “Good morning, Benjamin.”
“That was lovely and discreet,” Vivian said. “Get a cup of coffee for yourself. I’m too lazy to get it for you.”
“No worries,” Benjamin said and left the porch, then returned with a full mug. He sat down across from her. “So, how did yesterday go?”
“I think pretty well,” she said. “It was mostly an invite for the community, but I think we got a few bites for events. Your sister showed up.”
His eyes widened. “Oh, really?”
“I wondered if you had told her about the event,” she said.
“Not me,” he said.
“I was happy to see her. She presented the idea of a jewelry stall. I like the idea. I just can’t promise that I can provide her with any ongoing work here,” she said.
“That’s okay.” He frowned. “I don’t want you to feel like you need to sell her stuff. She’s an artist and—”
Silence stretched between them. “What do you mean?” Vivian asked.
He shrugged. “Her motivation can come and go. But she’s very talented.”
“Are you saying she’s not always consistent?” Vivian asked.
He paused and shrugged again. “Yeah, maybe.”
She smiled. “Being consistent is challenging.”
“Yeah, but—”
“Yeah, but don’t worry about it. I’ll do what I can for her. It may not be much, but I’ll try.”
“Thanks,” he said. “So, what’s wrong with you?”
“I don’t know,” she said. “I just feel yucky. I’m hoping it will pass soon.”
“Should you see a doctor?” he asked.
“Nah. I’m just a little off,” she said. “But I need to move past it. I’ve been invited to an event at the Biltmore Estate celebrating North Carolina tourism next week.”
“Me, too,” he said. “I heard from them a few weeks ago.”
Vivian laughed. “I must be an also-ran. I heard from them this morning.”
“They were slow to catch up,” he said. “Wanna go with me? Or are you ashamed to be seen with me?”
“Not at all,” Vivian said. “You know that was never the issue. I just didn’t want to be hassled by my sisters or anyone else. Like you don’t want to be hassled by your sister.”
“Fair enough,” he said. “We can go separately.”
“Let’s go together,” she said impulsively.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Yes,” she said. “Why should it be such a big deal?”
“Exactly,” he said and leaned toward her to press his lips against hers.
* * *
The following week, both Vivian and Benjamin were so busy that they connected only via phone. Vivian still wasn’t feeling great, but she tried to push it aside. Her sisters encouraged her to visit a doctor in town, so she made an appointment.
In the meantime, she prepared for the event at the Biltmore by getting a facial and a mani-pedi. She didn’t buy a new dress but wore one of her favorite formal dresses. A jade-blue V-neck cocktail dress that highlighted her rosy coloring. She hoped Benjamin would approve.
Temple and Jillian came into her bathroom as she applied last-minute eye makeup.
“More cat eye,” Jilly said.
“Less is more,” Temple said.
“Line your lips,” Jilly said.
“Gloss. Just gloss,” Temple corrected her.
Vivian glanced at her sisters, her mascara wand poised. “I’m not sure you’re helping.”
“You look gorgeous,” Jilly said. “I wish I was going.”
“I’ll pass the next invite to the Biltmore on to you,” she said.
“I’m glad it’s you and not me,” Temple muttered.
Vivian chuckled and gave her eyelashes one last swipe of mascara, then turned around. “I feel like I’m in costume.”
“You look like a princess,” Jilly said with a huge smile.
“You’re very sweet,” Vivian said and hugged both her sisters. “I wish I felt better physically.”
“You made an appointment with the doctor in town,” Temple said.
“Yes. I think I’m just a little worn down.”
“It won’t hurt to check, although I told you about my yoga and detox regimen. It has worked for me,” Jilly said.
“I may ask you more about that after I see the doctor. Just tell me you can’t see too many shadows under my eyes,” she said.
“None,” Jilly said. “Perfect camouflage.”
“Thanks. I hope it will last.”
The loud doorbell sounded. Vivian felt an excited jiggle in her stomach. “I guess it’s time to go.”
Both sisters gave her kisses on her cheeks. “That’s so sweet,” she said, feeling the threat of tears sting her eyes.
“Don’t fuss,” Temple said. “You’re perfect the way you are. Enjoy your evening. Tomorrow you’ll be painting and emptying trash.”
Vivian chuckled. “Thanks for the reminder. Later, my darlings,” she said and swept down the grand staircase. She almost felt like Scarlett O’Hara meeting Rhett Butler, except she was saving a fishing lodge and didn’t need his help. He was just as handsome as Rhett, though, she couldn’t help thinking.
“I’m almost speechless,” Benjamin said. “You are beyond beautiful. Almost as beautiful as you are when your hair is in a ponytail and the only makeup you’re wearing is paint.”
Vivian sighed. “I think that was the nicest thing you could have said to me.”
“It was just the truth,” he said and extended his arm. “Shall we go?”<
br />
She accepted his arm. “We shall.”
It was a magical evening. They traveled to the Biltmore, listening to country music on the way and chatting off and on. She almost forgot that she didn’t feel so great physically. As they arrived, the lights of the historic estate greeted them.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” she asked.
“Nice during the day, too. My school took me for a day trip,” he said.
“Really?” she said. “Very cool.”
“Did you go to Monticello in Charlottesville?” he asked.
“Of course,” she said. “Most school-aged children took a field trip there.”
“A few of us lucky ones in Carolina were able to visit Biltmore,” he said and pulled up to the valet service. He got out and helped her from her side of his SUV.
“I feel like Cinderella at the ball,” she confessed to him.
“I feel almost like a prince,” he said, looking deep into her eyes.
“Let’s go have a great time,” she said.
“We will,” he said.
* * *
The evening was full of great food, live music and toasts to businesses within the state. Vivian passed out a ton of cards and hoped the contacts would yield returns for Honeymoon Mountain Lodge.
More than that, though, she loved spending the evening with Benjamin. He was so natural. He didn’t put on airs. He just displayed his great sense of humor and sly observations.
Soon enough, they needed to leave. Exhausted, Vivian sank back again the seat of his SUV. “What a fabulous night.”
“For me, too,” he said and dropped a kiss on her lips before he started the drive home.
Vivian drifted off and was embarrassed when she jerked awake as Benjamin pulled to a stop in front of the lodge. He was frowning as his phone rang. He answered it quickly. “Is there a problem? Where is she? I’ll be there as soon as possible.”
Vivian stared at him and blinked, wondering who she was. “What’s going on?”
He shook his head. “Sorry. I can’t talk about it. I need to go. I’ll walk you to the door.”
He helped her from the car, clearly distracted.
“What’s wrong?” she asked. “I can tell something is wrong. Tell me. Maybe I can help.”
“Not this time,” he said. “I’m sorry. It was a great evening,” he said. “I’ll be in touch.”
Vivian stared after him, feeling bewildered. She wanted to help him. She sensed he was in pain. At the same time, it hurt that he wouldn’t share what was going on with her. Was this about his sister? Vivian was so filled with confusion, she didn’t know what to do.
* * *
The next morning, Vivian went to the clinic in town. The doctor took a sample of her urine and blood and examined her from head to toe.
“Good news,” the cheerful physician’s assistant said to her. “You’re quite healthy. And pregnant.”
Vivian gaped at the woman. “Excuse me?”
“You’re pregnant,” the PA said. “We need you to start on prenatal vitamins immediately. Otherwise, you’re in excellent health.”
Still reeling from the PA’s announcement, Vivian shook her head. “Excuse me. You’re saying I’m pregnant.”
“Yes, indeed,” the cheerful woman said. “Now, no alcohol intake and continue to exercise. Come in to be evaluated every month. Any questions?” she asked.
“Well,” Vivian said.
“Good,” the PA said. “Call with any problems,” she said and left the room.
Vivian stared after the PA for several moments. A nurse entered the room. “Can I help you?” she asked, probably because Vivian hadn’t moved from the examination table.
“It may be too late for that,” Vivian said and slid off the table. “Just give me a couple minutes, please.”
“Of course. Just let me know if you need my help,” the nurse said.
Vivian dressed and walked slowly from the room. Had she just had an out-of-body experience? Was she really pregnant? She stopped by the exit window.
“Here’s a small quantity of prenatal vitamins to get you started,” the clerk said and stripped off a piece of paper from a pad. “Here’s your prescription for the rest of them. If you need a laxative, let us know. These things can stop you up. Congrats and good luck,” the woman said.
“Thank you very much,” Vivian said, completely dismayed.
She walked outside the clinic, the sun glaring down on her. Well, what to do next? She was a modern woman. She knew she had options. She would keep this baby. The question was, would she raise it with or without Benjamin’s assistance?
* * *
Vivian arrived back at the lodge with a plan in mind. As soon as she entered the door, Temple greeted her. “So, did you find out what’s wrong?”
“I need some vitamins,” Vivian said. “I’m a little low on a few of them.”
“So they gave you a script?” Temple asked.
“They did,” Vivian said.
“Good,” Temple said. “In the meantime, the phone has been ringing off the hook here. Apparently people are all worked up after our party last week and your visit to the Biltmore.”
“Do any of them want to hold events here?” Vivian asked.
“I sure hope so,” Temple said. “We need customers.”
“I’ll get right on it,” Vivian said.
Temple caught her arm. “Take a nap if that’s what you need,” she said. “You’re still looking a little tired.”
Vivian pulled her sister against her for a big hug. “Thanks. Love you.”
Temple squeezed her, then pulled back in surprise. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine. I’ll be fine. I’m all about fine,” Vivian said.
“That sounds a little too fine,” Temple said.
“Don’t question me,” Vivian said.
“Okay,” Temple said. “No questions. Just take your vitamins, please.”
Vivian spent the rest of the day following up on calls. She had several big bites of interest for events at the lodge. Thank goodness, because she still hadn’t heard from Corinne Whitman Jergenson, and she was losing hope.
The next morning Vivian dragged herself out of bed, and it took all of her concentration to keep from getting sick to her stomach. She crept to the kitchen, popped open a can of ginger ale and grabbed some crackers. This kinda sucked, she thought. She felt a measure of sympathy for her mother. After all, she had gone through this three times.
Vivian wanted to get in touch with Benjamin, but he had been absent recently. Taking deep breaths and sipping soda, she returned to her room and called potential clients.
Halfway through the day, a knock sounded at the door. She opened it to Temple. “What’s up?”
“Mother,” Temple said, her eyes wide, her skin pale.
“What do you mean, Mother?” Vivian asked.
“She is here,” Temple said in a stilted voice.
Vivian muttered a series of swearwords she never, ever used. “I’ll be right out,” she said and grabbed her glass of soda and a cracker.
Taking a deep breath, she walked to the living room and nodded toward her spotless, stunning mother.
“Hello, Mother. How are you?” she asked.
Tinsley Ferguson stood in all her stiffly perfect auburn glory and looked at Vivian for a long moment. “You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”
Vivian silently gaped at her mother.
“Cracker, soda,” her mother said. “I’ve lived through this three times. Who’s the father? And why couldn’t you make it work with your husband?”
“I couldn’t make it work with my ex because he knocked up someone else while we were married,” she said. “But I’ve already explained that
to you. To what do we owe the honor of your visit?” she asked in her most Tinsley voice ever.
Her mother lifted both her eyebrows, which was quite a feat given all the wrinkle filler injected in her brows. “I’ve heard about your endeavors with the lodge. Corinne Whitman Jergenson contacted me.”
“I’m sure you recommended us,” Vivian said.
“Well, I was quite surprised that all of you were involved. Where is Jillian?”
“I hope in yogaland,” Temple muttered.
Her mother shot Temple a sharp glance. “You haven’t shown yourself in Richmond for ages,” she said.
“It’s not her sparkle place,” Jilly said as she entered the room. “Hello, Mommy.”
Vivian instinctively moved between Jilly and her mother. “Jilly, Mom made a surprise visit.”
“We’re so lucky,” Temple muttered.
Jilly stepped in front of Vivian. “Hello, Mommy. How are you doing?”
“Well. And you?”
“I’m thrilled to be reunited with my sisters,” Jilly said. “I’ve missed them.”
“Hmm,” Tinsley said.
“And you,” Jilly said.
Mother blinked. “I’m quite fine. It’s a surprise to see you again.”
“Yes. And you should know that I’ll never be what you wanted me to be,” Jilly blurted out.
Tinsley bit her lip. “I’ve had some time to think about that. Maybe I’m okay with that.”
“Maybe?” Jilly asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
Vivian held her breath. She had pictured this meeting, but in her imagination, it had never gone this way.
Mom took a deep breath. “I am okay with that. It’s hard because I always wanted the best for all of you.”
“But what you want may not match up with what we want or need,” Vivian said as gently as she could because her mother seemed almost more vulnerable than Jilly was.
“I know. It’s still difficult for me, but I’ve missed you all so much. I just don’t want us to be so separate from each other anymore.”
“I have tattoos,” Jilly said.
Tinsley cringed. “Okay. Just please don’t show them to me.”
