by C. J. Harte
“And I have swampland in Colorado for sale.” Mia laughed and climbed in the car.
In spite of the sarcasm, Mia suspected a sliver of truth. It wasn’t that Teri was always a bitch, she just expected people to do what she asked and that didn’t require politeness.
“If that’s what you want. I don’t mind and it’s not that late.”
“Good. We can get something to eat and you can relax. You must be tired from all the traveling. And shopping.” Teri held up her bags. “And I need to make a few calls.”
Ah, this has little to do with saying thank you or being polite, but the need to take care of business. “Of course.” Mia was irritated. She had almost let herself believe Teri could relax. “You have real work to do. There are quite a few good takeout places.”
“It’s not necessary to do takeout.”
Mia needed to be by herself. Teri was always about work. Slipping into old behaviors or letting her guard down would only resurrect the pain and the memories. “There’s a good steak house, but I’m tired. If you want to go out to eat, you can drop me off.” How much longer would she have to put up with Teri?
“Takeout is fine, then. I thought after all this shopping you might enjoy going out to eat.” Teri shook her head. “Women! What recommendations do you have?”
Mia’s preferred method of handling conflict was to resort to data. It was safer. She mentioned the name of an Italian, a Thai, and American restaurant.
After a brief discussion of likes and dislikes, Teri picked up Thai and drove back in silence. Mia stared out the window, lost in thought.
Once back at the house, Mia took her pad Thai and a glass of wine up to the sleeping porch. She sat in one of the recliners and put her feet up. The river lapping at the edge of the property restored some composure. Teri was shoved into a box for bad memories. Mia put her wine glass on the floor and closed her eyes. She loved the night sounds. It was so relaxing.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“I need those numbers! I can’t believe I’ve only been out of the office one damn day and you still haven’t run the analysis. Everything that the Miltons are into. I want it no later than tomorrow night. And I want a fax machine in our cottage in Maine tomorrow morning.”
Teri slammed down the phone. She should be in New York at the office. She poured another Scotch. She paced around the room. Milton needed them. And we need their core business.
Teri sat back down in front of her laptop and sipped her drink. She needed to review her notes. There were no holes, she was sure of it, but she needed the complete analysis first. Fuck it! She turned off the computer and went looking for Mia.
Mia was sound asleep. Her head tilted to one side with a slight smile that gave her an almost rakish look. She seemed so relaxed, so calm. Teri couldn’t help herself. She lightly pushed a strand of hair out of Mia’s face. The soft blond hair felt like silk. She picked up the nearly full wine glass and set it on the small table by the chair. She then sat across from Mia and stared.
She’s lovely. I can still see the remnants of the lanky teenager, but she’s definitely turned into a beautiful woman. Her eyes are so distinctive when she’s awake that it’s easy to forget how marvelous the rest of her is. Teri wanted to touch the lightly tanned cheek. It had been so long since she had touched a woman in an intimate manner. This is nonsense. I’m just tired.
No matter how much she tried to justify the feeling, she couldn’t completely dismiss it. Nor could she pull herself away from sitting and staring. She slid back in her seat and leaned her head back. She was able to carefully examine every part of Mia without qualm.
Nice. She felt a chill. Before she could question why, she stood and pulled a light blanket off one of the futons on the porch and then covered Mia. Her senses were filled with Mia’s scent, her body heat, her nearness.
She sat back down. She needed the space. The closeness was unsettling. Teri wanted to touch her, to taste her, to pull her close. She wanted to forget about anything but being a part of Mia.
Taking a deep breath eased some of the desire. Teri sipped her drink and enjoyed the view. She couldn’t remember ever just wanting to stare at a woman. What is it about you that’s so damn intriguing?
*
Mia’s neck was sore. She stretched. She had fallen asleep in an awkward position. When she looked around the room, she realized she was not alone. Teri was asleep in an Adirondack chair across from her. As she sat up, a blanket fell to the floor. Someone had covered her. Teri? Who else?
Mia returned the favor and covered Teri. She removed the empty drink glass from her hand and set it on the floor. “You surprise me,” Mia whispered. Even in sleep, Teri didn’t seem relaxed. Mia wondered when was the last time Teri did anything not related to work. When was the last time she really laughed? When was the last time she sat and enjoyed a sunrise? When was the last time she took a deep breath and was truly grateful for being alive?
The few times that she allowed a smile to slip out, Teri was beautiful. Her eyes sparkled. Her face relaxed. It was a fleeting smile, but Mia felt it deep within her. It was obvious that smiling, or joy, was not part of Teri’s everyday world. That’s too bad.
“Which one of the Teri Stantons will you be tomorrow?” She walked into her bedroom and hoped she could sleep soundly.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Bright sunlight woke Teri from a sound sleep. She looked at her watch. She had slept for nearly six hours. Her neck was sore, her back tight, but she felt rejuvenated. Teri couldn’t remember the last time she had slept that many hours. She looked around and realized she was alone. Sometime during the night, Mia had disappeared. Teri stood and stretched. She wondered where Mia was.
The rooms upstairs were empty, and Mia’s bed was made. Heading downstairs proved to be more fruitful. She heard Mia humming as she walked into the kitchen. Was this goddamn woman ever in a bad mood?
Sunlight streamed in the kitchen and danced around Mia. She looked like a goddess with her fiery blond hair and sundrenched body. Her jeans fit her body like a glove. The loose hanging top swayed with every move. Her movements were both graceful and sensual. Teri watched, mesmerized. She couldn’t remember ever being so hypnotized by a woman. A groan escaped before she could stop herself.
“Good morning,” Mia said without turning around. “I didn’t know if you ate breakfast, but I found a French bakery and got a fresh baguette and some locally made preserves. I also have bacon and sausage, eggs, yogurt. Coffee is already made.”
Teri scanned the kitchen. It smelled heavenly. The last time she remembered it smelling like this was when her grandmother was still alive. Buried memories struggled to surface. “Something smells wonderful.”
“I’m fixing an omelet. Peppers, green onions, mushrooms, and Emmentaler. Would you like one?”
How many times had her grandmother stood in this kitchen and cooked breakfast for her and Bren and Jeremy? How many times had she pinched Teri’s cheek and told her to smile more? How many times had her grandmother hugged her and said that she loved her? How long had Teri sat alone at night and cried for her Nana?
Teri felt some emotion rising in her throat. She quickly pushed it back down. She was beginning to hurt. “Where’s Mrs. Davis?”
“She had some grocery shopping to do so I told her I would fix breakfast.”
Just who does the staff work for? “What can I do to help?” Did I really just say that? Teri was on unsure footing and needed some semblance of control.
“Pour your coffee and sit. Tell me what you want.”
Mia still had her back to Teri. She was busy at the stove. Everything about her breathed life and strength. Mia seemed to belong wherever she was. No wonder her brother and sister liked her so much. She was an easy person to like.
“I’ll have whatever you’re having.” Teri poured herself some coffee. Mia’s hair was in disarray. She wanted to run her fingers through it. She wanted to feel those silken locks. Mia looked young and filled with all the hop
e and joy of youth. Teri had to remind herself that Mia was only six or seven years younger, her brother’s age.
“How’ve you been? Jeremy said you have some type of government job.” Teri needed to return her focus.
Mia put the food on the table and poured her own coffee with cream before answering. “I do work for the government. It fits well with my interests and helps me to enjoy living not far from my parents. I can fly there for the weekend.” She cut some slices of baguette and put them on a plate. “I hope you enjoy the food. In Europe, eating is an important part of living and socializing. A meal is always to be enjoyed. Bon appétit!”
“Whenever I was in Europe, meals were associated with business.”
“I don’t doubt it. Americans are often known for being in a hurry and not wanting to waste time with dining and enjoying.” Mia put butter and preserves on a slice of baguette. “Now, taste that.” She put the slice on Teri’s plate and then fixed a slice for herself. She leaned back and closed her eyes while she chewed. “These are locally grown berries, and you can almost taste the honey in them. The bread is crisp and fresh.” She opened her eyes and looked at Teri. “Savor what you eat.”
Teri took a bite of the omelet. She followed Mia’s example and closed her eyes. Mia was right. If the taste was incredible, the texture was heavenly. It was a sensual, almost orgasmic experience. She couldn’t ever remember enjoying food.
“This is amazing.” She opened her eyes. “You are a good cook.” She let the food melt in her mouth and then swallowed. Who knew eating could be so amazing?
“When my father was transferred to Europe, it was a real change for all of us. European food has some different ingredients, many much healthier. Living in Europe introduced us to another world, literally. Food, culture, lifestyle.” Mia appeared to be lost in some memory.
Teri was surprised when Mia’s father resigned within a year of being moved to London. And disappointed. More than once she had questioned moving him. His analytical skills were unmatched. It was old news, however, and not something she could, or would, do anything about it. The move seemed to be good for the Daniels family.
“So, do you take three martini lunches?”
Mia laughed. “That’s so American. In France, I’m more likely to have a glass of wine with my meals. Sip, savor, and enjoy. Dining’s a time to spend with friends, family, associates, or to meet new people.”
“Is that what you do for work?”
“Sometimes.” Mia’s smile was a knowing one.
When breakfast was over, Mia asked if Teri wanted more coffee.
“What are our plans?”
“Well, I’m going to have another cup and sit on the front porch.”
Sitting still was not something Teri did very well. “I’ll grab my cup and make a few calls. I’ll meet you on the porch in about an hour.”
Teri watched Mia leave the room, and as she did, so did the peace Teri had been feeling. Work again occupied her thoughts and actions. Teri needed to be more guarded around Mia. She was allowing her emotions to go unchecked. That was not acceptable. Work was her second skin. She donned it without thinking. Now she was comfortable.
“Jeremy, where the hell have you been? I’ve called the hotel and you aren’t even checked in.” Teri paced around the room, her Bluetooth firmly attached to her ear as she studied the printouts. “What do you mean you aren’t staying at the hotel? How the hell am I going to get reports to you?”
“Send them to the office. I don’t work twenty-four seven like you.”
“Fine. I’ll fax it to you now. Be at the office before anyone else sees it.”
“It’s six in the morning. I’ll be there by eight.”
Teri ran her hands through her hair. Frustration was too mild a word for what she was feeling. “I don’t want anyone reading those but you.”
“I thought you were doing things with Mia.”
“She’s fine. Can we talk about business?”
“Teri, the deal was that if Bren came out here, you would entertain Mia. Is she still there?”
“Of course she is. We just finished breakfast.” Teri took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep my end of the bargain. Just make sure you get this report before anyone else does.” She pushed the off button on her Bluetooth. “Is everyone crazy? Is anyone working? What’s so damn important about Mia?”
She put her papers away and went out to the front porch. “Fuck. Where is she now?” Teri wiped the raindrops off her clothes. “Well, I guess we aren’t going shopping.” Teri searched for Mia and found her sitting on the sleeping porch.
“Guess this isn’t hiking weather?” she said.
“Not today. Tomorrow is supposed to be much nicer.” Mia stared out at the rain. “I thought we would get up early and watch the sun come up on Cadillac Mountain.”
“How far is that?”
“About an hour away?”
“About?”
“About.”
“So what time does that mean we need to leave?”
“Around four thirty.” She looked up at Teri. “That isn’t too early, is it?’
Another day wasted. She would take her iPad. She stared down at Mia and was captivated by the blue eyes. She looked away. “Not a problem. I love wandering around in the dark.” Not.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Ah, the sarcastic Teri is back. This was the Teri Mia preferred. This Teri was easier to deal with. She closed her eyes and listened to the rain. Such a restful sound. If Teri wasn’t around, I could really enjoy the solitude.
“What do you want to do today?” Teri was again looking at her. Staring. It was disconcerting. Teri’s facial expression was a blank, but her eyes were telling a different story. There was definitely conflict. Mia looked out at the rain. It was safer.
“We could drive to Orono or just drive along the river. Or we could just sit and listen to the rain. It’s a great day for taking a nap.”
“I have a few calls to make and some e-mails to check on. Why don’t I take care of that, and maybe by then the rain will have stopped. We could go out for a drive.” Teri turned and headed out of the room.
“Why are you here?”
Mia’s question stopped her. Teri didn’t bother to turn around. She was getting tired of the question. “We have a deal.”
“I release you from the deal. Go home. Go to work. Isn’t that what you want to do?”
Teri spun around. “It’s what I have to do” Her volume was raised a notch. “Maybe government employees don’t understand how important work is, but I—”
Mia stood. “You mean I don’t understand how important your work is.”
“That’s not what I said.”
“What government employees were you talking about then? There’s only one in this room.”
“You can’t possibly understand how important my work is.”
“What I do understand is that you’re up by five every morning, making calls, writing e-mails, ordering people around. During the day, you’re texting or talking. Every night, you’re up until two or three doing the same thing. Every moment that we’re not doing something else, you’re working. Even the little time we are together your phone is glued to your ear.”
Teri’s expression was grim. “I do serious work. I have thousands of employees all over the world that depend on me to make sure they have a paycheck. My work supports my family, including your good friends, my brother and sister.”
“Oh, yes. Your family’s barely scraping by on the pittance they receive from your efforts.”
“Damn it! I will not apologize for having money or for the real work I do. If it takes long hours to get the work done, then I do whatever it takes. If I have to spend weekends and nights to make sure things are done correctly then I do it. You may not understand that. Your job may allow you to leave work at five, but my job doesn’t.”
Mia wondered why the hell she was even trying to have a conversation with Teri. Teri
had very strong opinions and wouldn’t listen to anyone. She was overbearing and opinionated. Mia’s calm was slipping. She struggled for control, but it was futile. She was allowing herself to be pulled into Vortex Teri in spite of her best intentions.
“How much money is enough?” Mia wasn’t going quietly. “You’re right. You have to work long hours, and my job doesn’t require any brainwork. Go home, Teri, and take care of your work.”
“Are you trying to pick a fight to get out of our agreement?”
“No, I’m just a lowly government employee. I don’t understand about work,” Mia said. She wanted out of this uncomfortable situation. “Be honest. Wouldn’t you rather be working than here?”
Teri glared at Mia for several seconds. “One of the things I appreciate about you is your directness. It can sometimes be annoying. Yes, I would rather be at the office.” Teri moved her shoulder length hair behind her ears. “We’re in the middle of a major acquisition, and there are too many loose ends I need to attend to. However, I committed to entertaining you this week, and, by damn, I will.”
Mia kept her mouth shut. She was tired of arguing. Tired of anger. Tired of the pain. Tired of the last year. She had promised a new start.
“No comment?” Teri asked.
“What do you want me to say?”
“Just a few minutes ago you had plenty to say.”
Mia shook her head, feeling years of pent up anger demanding to be free. “It seems that no matter what I have to say you have an answer. I’m releasing you from your commitment. Again. Then we can each go our separate ways. You can go do your real work.”
“I made a commitment and I plan on keeping it.” Teri’s voice was now booming.
“Fine! Go take care of your real work. I’ll find something to do until then.” Mia walked away. She would be damned if she would let Teri know how angry she was. Or how close she was to tears.
