by C. J. Harte
“No, that’s not it, but, yes, I do have business.” Teri’s voice had softened. She sounded upset. Well, good. Mia wasn’t happy, either.
“Please leave.”
“Mia?”
“Leave.” As soon as the door closed, Mia climbed into the shower. She let the water wash away her tears. As soon as this business arrangement was over, Mia was leaving. If she never saw Teri again, it was too soon. She was ready to let go. Completely.
Part Two
Losing Time
CHAPTER THIRTY
A cold shower and a change of clothes and Teri was clearheaded. She put on her gray pinstriped suit with a white silk blouse. She chose her matching gray heels. Putting on her work clothes was akin to putting on her armor. She was invincible. And protected.
She had wanted Mia. Then when Mia offered herself, Teri couldn’t follow through. This had never happened before. In those few moments she realized she didn’t want Mia for a few moments or even a night. She wanted Mia forever. That thought scared her. It didn’t fit in with her current life.
She continued to work in her office until right before lunch. It was what she needed to refocus. Finally, a little after twelve, she went downstairs. Laughter was coming from the formal dining room. She recognized the voices right away. Bren and Mia. She pushed the door open and found them just finishing lunch. Bren was dressed in a tan, silk pantsuit. Mia was wearing a royal blue suit with a pale yellow blouse. She was beautiful.
“I see you’re both ready to go. Where is Jeremy?”
“He’ll be joining us this evening,” Bren said.
“The car is outside.” She barely looked at Mia as she walked through and then out the front door.
“What is that about?” Mia asked.
“That’s Teri in her work mode. All the niceties of social convention are put on the altar of making money.” Bren looked at her. “I’m sorry she dragged you into this.”
“Don’t apologize. I agreed to this insane partnership.” Teri was standing by the open door waiting. “Come on. She may just decide to make us walk or sit in the trunk.”
*
Teri was on the cell phone during the drive to the helicopter. The flight into the city was too noisy for much conversation. The drive to the office involved Teri telling someone what she wanted to happen during this visit. Mia just nodded. Her job was easy. Translate.
While Bren and Teri were involved in a staff meeting, Mia lounged in the break room, drinking coffee and reading American magazines.
“Ms. Daniels, can I get you something else to read or something cold to drink?”
“I’m fine.” Mia stopped. She recognized the older woman who had come in. “You worked with my father, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I did. I remember you and your father. Your father was one of the best bosses and mentors I’ve ever had. We were surprised when your father requested the transfer to London. I’m retiring later this year, and hope I can visit your parents when I do. Please give them my regards.”
“I have no doubt my parents would be pleased to see you.” After the woman left, Mia sat fuming. Dad requested the transfer? Who spread that lie? Mia shook her head. Silently, she hoped it wasn’t Teri, but she couldn’t rule that out. She needed to take a walk.
“Would you tell Ms. Stanton that I’ll be back in an hour?”
Mia was longing for a small café to sit, sip wine, and think. The last several days had not allowed her much time to reflect on the various events nor the panoply of emotions she had experienced. She walked slowly, staring into windows but not really seeing. I don’t understand her. One moment she’s demanding, cold, and distant. The next she’s taking me on a picnic, kissing me. Maybe she’s bipolar. No, Teri doesn’t have the time. She just takes people for granted. When things are going well or going her way, she behaves like a queen tossing a few favors to the masses. When things are not going well, she’s a bitch.
That’s not fair. You don’t know what’s going on inside her head. And she certainly hasn’t made any effort to talk about what’s going on. I’m so damn mad right now, I’m not sure I care.
She stopped in the middle of the sidewalk while crowds surged around her. “This is getting me nowhere.” Instead, Mia focused on finding something appropriate for a Stanton dinner party that she could also wear for work events. It didn’t take long for her to find the right dress. She only needed shoes. She only needed to survive a few more hours.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
“Does your family have the entire top floor?” Mia asked as they rode up in the elevator.
“The top floor is two penthouse apartments. One belongs to my parents and the other is my sister’s.”
“Why don’t you have one, Jeremy?”
“I don’t spend as much time in the city. Besides, I’m not a city person. That’s another thing I love about Elaine.” He grabbed his fiancé’s hand.
“It’s one of many things I love about Jeremy.” Elaine’s love was written so plainly across her face. Mia was happy for Jeremy.
The elevator stopped. Mia reluctantly admitted she was nervous. She was confident of her translation skills. Her ability to get along with Teri was not as reassuring. Her feelings for and about Teri were everywhere. “Well, here goes.”
“You aren’t worried about doing this? If this makes you uncomfortable, just say so. She can figure some way to get a translator.”
“I’m fine.” The double doors to the parents’ penthouse suite were open, and already Mia could hear the sound of voices. This is just a work cocktail party, she reminded herself. She had attended many of those. She took Jeremy’s proffered arm. “Shall we put on our work faces and pretend we’re having fun?”
*
Teri looked at the open doorway again. For the last thirty minutes, she had expected to see Mia and Jeremy come walking in. She turned to talk to one of her guests when she heard Madam Garson gasp.
“Mia!” She moved quickly across the room and embraced Mia.
It was Teri’s turn to be surprised and aroused. She was surprised to see the easy familiarity between Madeleine Garson and Mia Daniels. They were chatting animatedly and, obviously, knew each other quite well. It was Mia’s knee-length, black cocktail dress, however, that was bringing heat to her body. The sleeveless dress had a V neckline that offered a hint of cleavage and a flowing skirt that moved easily as she walked. It wasn’t until she realized that Auguste was also greeting Mia as an old friend that Teri shook off the fog of desire. This is about business.
Teri walked over to the group. “Mia, I see you’ve met our guests.”
“How do you know this charming lady?” Auguste Garson asked.
“We’ve known Mia since she was a youngster.”
“Enough! Next you’ll be telling embarrassing stories.” Mia turned and spoke in French to the Garsons. They laughed and responded back.
“Somehow, I think you’re the one telling stories, Mia,” Teri said.
“Sorry, I was telling them that Jeremy and I have been friends for a long time and that we grew up trembling in fear of the older sister.”
Teri grinned, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Most teens have difficulty with any authority. Jeremy, please introduce your lovely guest.”
“Elaine, this is my older sister, Teri. Teri, this is my fiancé, Elaine Johnson.”
“Fiancé? Welcome, Elaine.” Teri stared briefly at Jeremy. “We’ll chat later. Please come in and let me get you a drink.” She was cordial, but the greeting wasn’t warm. Teri escorted Mia and the two couples to the bar. Her world was tilting again, just as she thought she had it balanced.
Teri handed out champagne. When did he have time to get engaged? Why didn’t I know he was even seeing someone? She plastered her business smile on, then turned and spoke softly to Mia. “Walk around with me while I introduce the Garsons. I’ll make the introductions in English and you can translate.”
Mia leaned close to Teri’s ear. “They speak English quite well
.”
“Are you going to do this?” It was more a command than a request. Mia’s soft breath whispering in her ear had ratcheted up Teri’s desire to a combustible level. It was taking every ounce of self-control to even speak.
“Of course.” Mia walked around the room with Teri and the Garsons. Her assistance was rarely needed, but it did allow for Mia to catch up with the Garsons and mutual friends whenever there was a break in introductions. When the introductions were done, Madeleine Garson grabbed her arm and walked with Mia to the balcony.
“Mia seems to be very familiar with our guests,” Teri’s father said. “She may be very useful.” He patted Teri on the back. “Good decision to bring her here. You can keep an eye on her and she can leave when they do.” He raised a glass in toast. “Who’s that with Jeremy?”
“That’s Elaine, his fiancé.”
“His what? Why didn’t we know about her? Find out what you can. We need to concentrate on this merger. Theresa, I want that girl out of here as soon as possible.”
“Father, what is your objection to Elaine? We don’t know anything about her.”
“Exactly. Jeremy needs to show more responsibility toward the family and our business. I want Jeremy to make a desirable match. I need one of you to marry, and it doesn’t seem that you are so inclined. I want acceptable heirs to continue to run this family.” He walked away and began talking to a New York congressman. He didn’t expect an answer.
Teri wanted to go in search of a Scotch. Am I that cold and calculating? One day, Mia is an unwanted guest, and the next she’s an asset. Just as quickly, she is again persona non grata. Even worse, Father is only interested in whether or not we produce heirs. She saw Mia out on the balcony laughing at something humorous that Madeleine Garson had said. In the summer twilight, she appeared as a chimera with her face, neck, and bare arms clear in the moonlight. There was a definite strength to Mia, but there was also an inner peace that Teri didn’t understand or possess. She’s beautiful, inside and out. What the hell am I doing with her? Am I just using her? For the first time in her adult life, Teri wanted something, or someone, more than she wanted work.
Once dinner was over, a small orchestra set up to play music. Auguste asked Mia to dance and led her out to a small dance floor. Mia was an excellent dancer. When the next song began, Jeremy led Mia back to the floor. For the next twenty minutes, Mia danced with different partners. Whether fast or slow, Mia had no trouble following. Teri was envious of every partner and aware that Mia was beginning to occupy a piece of her heart.
By midnight, the crowd had thinned to the Stantons, Mia, and the Garsons. Teri’s parents excused themselves. Teri moved the small group across the hall to her suite. Coffee was served and conversation was pleasant. Finally, she brought up the purpose of the visit. “I’m looking forward to our meeting tomorrow. If it’s okay with you, Auguste, I’ve invited Ms. Daniels to join us so that we won’t have any translation difficulties.”
“Non, although I think my wife was looking forward to the two of them shopping.”
“In that case,” Teri said, “I’ll try to conclude our business as quickly as possible.” She looked at Mia. “I know Ms. Daniels enjoys shopping.”
When everyone stood to leave, Teri asked Mia to stay for a few minutes. “I just wanted to talk about a couple of things.”
Mia was tired but acquiesced. “Only for a little while. I promised to catch up with Jeremy and Elaine.”
“Are you staying with Jeremy tonight?” Teri asked once they were alone.
“Yes. What do you want to talk about?”
Teri began to pace. Too many thoughts were running rampant. “Did you know about Jeremy’s engagement?”
“Yes.”
“What do you know about her? What does she do? How long have they known each other?”
Mia walked toward the door. “I know they love each other. Anything else you want to know, ask you brother.”
“Wait!”
Mia hesitated. “Why?”
Teri had no ready answer. “You’re a lovely dancer.”
Confused was the only descriptor for the expression on Mia’s face.
“Dance with me?” Teri held out her hand.
“No.” Mia put her hand on the doorknob. “It’s time for Cinderella to go home.”
“Stay here tonight,” Teri said.
“No!”
“Why not?”
“Why?”
“That’s not an answer.”
“I gave you an answer. No.”
“Doesn’t it matter that I want you to stay?”
“Teri, I don’t know what you want from me. Worse, I don’t think you do either. There was a time when that, or any, invitation would have been so quickly accepted. The last few days have been a roller coaster. It just reminds me of my promise to myself. Let go.”
Mia opened the door and left.
The door closing sounded like something in her heart shattering. Teri stared at the closed door. What did she mean “let go”? That can’t be about me.
Teri couldn’t remember the last time she was forced to face a problem she didn’t know how to solve.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Mia walked quickly out the door and then leaned against it. “What the hell am I doing?” She walked to the elevator and pushed the down button.
Mia found Jeremy and Elaine waiting for her. She went to the mini bar and found the cabernet. She poured the wine and watched it swirl, like her inner turmoil. Too many disparate images of Teri Stanton floated around in an undefined collage. There was no way to put together a coherent image. Sanity demanded that she get out of town as quickly as possible.
“Sorry, I’m so late.” Mia sat next to them. “I saw you arguing with your father. Is everything okay?” From the grim expression on Jeremy’s face, things were not okay. “What happened?”
“It’s okay,” Elaine whispered. She grasped Jeremy’s hand.
Jeremy took a deep breath. “My father made it clear he wants to know the pedigree of any future mother to a Stanton. I’m expected to produce the future prince of the kingdom.” Elaine caressed his cheek. “I’m sorry, El.” He turned to Mia. “This is one of the reasons I never said anything. He knows Bren and Teri don’t want kids or to get married.”
Elaine and Jeremy continued talking, but Mia was no longer paying attention. Why was she surprised? Did she really think Teri would change for her? Did she really believe those kisses meant something to Teri?
“What do you think?” Elaine asked.
“About?” Mia was back down to earth.
“Jer wants to find a job near me and never come back here. I don’t want him to lose his family.”
“Elaine is right. Your sisters love you. Don’t sell them short. Even Teri.”
“The only person Teri cares about is Teri. The only thing Teri cares about is work. She hasn’t done anything with Bren or me in years unless it was related to work.”
“Jer, in spite of that, Teri does care about both of you. I don’t know how I would have survived the last eighteen months without my family and my friends. I’d hate for you to completely cut yourself off from your family. Whatever you do, love one another. I’ll let you two talk.” She hugged them both.
Alone in her room, she allowed the barely contained tears to escape. She cried for all her losses. At the beginning and end was Teri Stanton. She was letting go in pieces. Fortunately, not many were left.
*
The meeting with Auguste Garson went so smoothly that Mia and the Garsons were being entertained at a late lunch by Teri while Teri’s assistant completed the final versions of the new contract.
Once coffee and dessert were served, Mia asked to be excused and she and the wife of the French official headed off for an afternoon of shopping. She was determined to end her visit to New York on a happy note. She couldn’t wait to go home. Hopefully, Michel’s passport would arrive soon. One more party tonight and I can leave Teri and this madness b
ehind.
Mia packed her clothes and waited for Bren. Teri had offered to fly Mia out in the helicopter, but Mia politely declined. She needed less of Teri. The drive out to the North Shore allowed her to relax. By the time she arrived at the Stanton estate, she and Bren were laughing hysterically.
“Unfortunately, he rushed into the courtroom without his usual suspenders. I stood up to ask for a continuance. He stood up and shouted ‘I object,’ and his trousers fell down. I promptly objected, and the judge granted the continuance. Her comment was that the plaintiff’s attorney obviously needed more time to address the court.”
“Bren, that is a YouTube moment.”
“Well, we’re here. Why don’t you come back to the city with me tomorrow and stay at my place? Jeremy and Elaine will join us for lunch. We’re plotting a coup.”
Mia laughed. “I’ll gladly ride back with you. I’ll leave plotting to the Stantons, though.” No matter what happened this evening, Mia would enjoy herself. Letting go had been freeing. Michel was a big part of that. If she found love, that would be great. If not, life would go forward.
“Come on, let’s change clothes and swim before the hordes start arriving.”
*
“Oh, no. I didn’t know she would be here.”
Bren looked around and saw Pamela Milton walking toward them. “You know her?” Bren whispered.
“Unfortunately.”
“Bonjour.” Pamela Milton sat in a chair next to Mia. “So good to see you. I was afraid the evening would be boring.” She tried to move her chair closer. She lowered her voice and switched to French. “I hope we can have a little private time. I’m in one of the guest cottages.”
“Hello, Pamela. I see you’ve met my guest.”
Mia looked at Bren and winked. She’d forgotten Bren spoke French fluently.
“Have you seen my sister recently? I know she wanted to talk to you as soon as you got here.”
