Change of Heart

by Jennifer Moore

  He lifted up his chin. “How you look doesn’t matter as much as how you feel. I want you to feel confident on Monday.”

  Val felt her insides squirm. She still felt guilty and thought she could probably return the clothes. “But I have so much money from working all summer. I can buy clothes. I can pay you back for all this. You don’t have to—”

  “Your money won’t last as long as you think, especially in Europe. Consider them a thank you for all you did for me and the kids.”

  Val blinked. Nobody had ever done anything so nice before, and she wasn’t sure how to respond. She was so touched he would look out for her and care about how she felt at her new job. Was Rachel right about Nathaniel? Did he love her like she loved him? She could easily give up Paris if he’d only ask. Would tonight be the beginning of something? Or would it be the end?

  He offered his arm, smiling.

  “Thank you, Nathaniel. I can’t tell you what it means.” She slid her hand into the crook of his elbow and allowed him to lead her out to his car.

  Nathaniel drove through the city and into a neighborhood with Colonial-style homes and large trees. He pulled through the high gates of a walled estate and drove to the front of the Sutherland’s house.

  Val thought it looked more like a hotel or a mortuary. The building was made of brick. White columns stood on either side of the front entry, supporting a small deck with a wrought-iron railing.

  He told her the house was over two hundred and fifty years old, one of the oldest mansions in the country.

  “It’s beautiful.” Val was grateful Rachel had helped her today. She may feel out of place, but she knew she didn’t look it.

  He smiled and raised a brow. “Wait until you see the grounds.”

  A valet opened her door and held Val’s hand as she climbed out of the car.

  Nathaniel joined her at the entry. “You really are beautiful, you know?” He slid his fingers through the ends of her hair that was now nearly a foot shorter, and barely reached her shoulders. The side of his mouth pulled into his crooked smile, and he took her hand.

  Val’s nervousness vanished, and all she noticed was Nathaniel’s hand and the way it made her heart trip when it clasped hers. How could something as simple as holding hands make her breathless? She hoped he wouldn’t release it when they encountered more guests.

  They walked through the doors and into an entry foyer. A large chandelier hung from the ceiling, and a glass sculpture sat on a pedestal in the center of the hall.

  Val slowed as they passed the sculpture.

  Nathaniel continued to hold her hand as they walked slowly around it.

  “It’s perfect.” Val made a curling motion with her fingers. “See how the swirls intertwine? It’s seemingly random, but each is placed in the exact right spot. The glass looks as if it’s moving, dancing. And the colors set the perfect mood with lavenders and aqua. I think it represents the unpredictability, and yet calmness, of the sea. “ She continued to admire the piece, amazed the Sutherlands had something this remarkable sitting in their front room.

  “You must be Val.” A woman spoke from behind her.

  Val hadn’t even noticed her approach, she’d been so intent upon the sculpture. She was accompanied by a man, and Val didn’t recognize either of them. How had the woman known her name?

  Nathaniel released her hand to shake with the man. “Jason, Lisa, we were hoping you’d be here. I’d like you to meet Valdosta McKinley. Val, this is Jason and Lisa Krauss. Lisa’s your new boss.”

  “Pleased to meet you.” Val was glad she looked so sophisticated. She held out her hand. Lisa’s dark hair was cut into a short bob, longer on one side, and her colorful dress was asymmetrical. Val should have known by her trendy appearance she was an assistant curator at an art museum.

  She shook Val’s hand and pointed toward the table. “The sculpture’s amazing, isn’t it?”

  Val nodded. “I’ve never seen anything like it.

  Lisa put her hand to the side of her mouth and leaned close to whisper, “We have much better pieces at the MFA.”

  She put on an expression that back home would be called “hoity-toity,” but smiled to let Val know she was teasing.

  Val liked her immediately.

  “I heard you describe this one. You really know what you’re talking about.” Her eyes narrowed as she glanced at Nathaniel and then back to Val, looking her up and down. “I have to say, you’re not what I expected at all.”

  Val wondered what Lisa meant. Nathaniel had called his friend and secured the job the day he’d met Val. Just thinking about that day—her teased hair, globs of makeup, torn skirt…She couldn’t imagine what Nathaniel had to say to convince his friend to hire her. She hoped Lisa wouldn’t regret it.

  Nathaniel seemed relaxed as he talked with Jason Krauss, and Val remembered he’d mentioned Jason was a college buddy. She was glad to see him smile as they spoke about mutual friends, baseball, and lawyer-y things, and she was relieved Lisa was friendly, even though her manner was abrupt. Val was realizing New Englanders were much more direct than she was used to. Lisa seemed like someone Val would enjoy working for.

  Lisa showed Val a few of the paintings in the Sutherland’s downstairs rooms, asking questions, and listening with her head tipped to the side to Val’s assessment of the pieces.

  Nathaniel opened a patio door and the soft sounds of a string quartet greeted them as they walked outside to join the party.

  Val shrunk back as she saw the number of elegant people gathered.

  Again, Nathaniel took her hand, squeezing it as they walked with the Krausses toward a vacant table covered in a long white tablecloth. He pulled out a chair for Val to sit, and then joined her.

  Lisa sat on her other side with her husband.

  Val couldn’t believe how beautiful the Sutherlands’ yard was. Manicured hedges lined paths leading beneath wrought-iron arches from one garden to the next. Each was a showcase of flowers and color. A pool was on one side of the patio with glowing glass orbs floating on the water. Pots and jars of plants ringed the patio and on the tables. A stream flowed down the other side of the yard, and the sound of trickling water reminded Val for a moment of the creek that flowed near her daddy’s trailer. She closed her eyes and listened until Lisa spoke again.

  “Nathaniel told me something about you moving to Europe in a few months?”

  “I’m applying for an internship in Paris. That’s why I wanted some experience in—”

  “At L’Académie de l’Art Magnifique? Lisa leaned forward and pressed her hands together. Seeing Val’s nod, she continued. “That’s where I studied. I’ll write you a glowing recommendation. Madame Bissette, the headmistress, is a good friend of mine.”

  “That would be wonderful.” Val hoped her expression showed the excitement she didn’t feel. Paris no longer held the same appeal, and she almost dreaded the idea of leaving, especially after what Rachel had said. She glanced at Nathaniel.

  He studied her.

  She wondered what he was thinking. Could he tell what was going on in her mind? Did he feel the same?

  A server brought hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and Val was grateful Nathaniel and Jason changed the topic to the Red Sox.

  Jason draped his arm across the back of his wife’s chair, and Nathaniel held onto Val’s hand as the men argued about sports.

  Val watched the people at the party. She’d never seen such beautiful dresses or so much sparkling jewelry. Elegant people clustered around holding goblets of champagne. The scene reminded Val of a red-carpet event on T.V.

  “You know…” Jason leaned in toward Nathaniel, lowering his voice. “Myron Quinn’s here tonight.” He darted his gaze in the direction of a man with thick gray hair walking between the tables.

  Nathaniel looked in Myron’s direction and then back at Jason. “I’d heard he might be.”

  Jason raised his brows. “Did you also hear an opening will be available soon in the Attorney General’s off
ice?”

  Nathaniel dipped his chin in a nod.

  Val saw the edges of his eyes squint, a gesture she recognized as nervousness, but he lowered his brows.

  “You’ve got to be one of the top on his list.” Jason chewed his lip.

  Nathaniel didn’t comment, but he looked back toward Myron Quinn.

  A moment later, Jason and Lisa excused themselves when they saw Jason’s parents.

  “See you Monday morning, Val.” Lisa waved and took her husband’s hand.

  Nathaniel leaned close to speak in her ear. “I don’t think you could have impressed her more if you’d whipped out an easel and painted a masterpiece.”

  His closeness and his breath on her cheek made Val shiver. She squeezed his hand.

  Nathaniel stood.

  Val turned to see a woman approaching them.

  Nathaniel took the woman’s hands and pecked a kiss on her cheek, and then turned. “Val, I’d like you to meet Mrs. Sutherland. Norah, this is my friend, Valdosta McKinley.”

  Norah tipped back her head and narrowed her eyes as she looked at Val.

  “How do you do?” Val shook her hands and tried not to fidget beneath the woman’s scrutiny. “Your place is beautiful.”

  “Marielle’s told me about you, Val. And what an interesting choice of companions, Nathaniel. Not many men would bring their nanny.”

  Val cringed back at the woman’s words. She was horrified her presence would cause Nathaniel any awkwardness.

  Nathaniel held her hand tighter, pulling her to his side. “Actually, Val works at the Museum of Fine Arts.”

  The sides of Norah’s mouth turned down, creating large wrinkles on her cheeks and neck and demonstrating perfectly why middle-aged women shouldn’t make that particular expression. “How nice.” She turned, her motion dismissing Val, and spoke exclusively to Nathaniel. “And did you know Myron Quinn is here?”

  “Yes, I saw him earlier.”

  “You’ll certainly want to speak with him before the night is over.” Norah raised a brow in a knowing look. She nodded once before she excused herself.

  Val and Nathaniel exchanged a glance as Norah Sutherland walked away.

  He rolled his eyes. “That could have been much worse. How about a walk around the gardens before it’s too dark to appreciate them?” Nathaniel led her away from the tables, down a shrub-lined path.

  Each garden was more magnificent than the last. Val wondered if she’d love them quite as much if Nathaniel were not holding her hand, walking next to her in a striking tuxedo. She saw women glance at him, and she felt proud he would choose to bring her to this event, and be seen so publicly with her.

  Nathaniel led her to a wrought-iron bench beneath a large tree next to the brook.

  She brushed her hand over the bench to make sure nothing would get on her dress before sitting next to him. The setting couldn’t have been more amazing if she’d planned it. The sun neared the horizon, and lights came on all around. The sky glowed with a golden tint, and a soft breeze carrying the fragrance of hundreds of flowers floated around them. Val sighed. “I can’t imagine any place more perfect.”

  He raised her hand, brushing his lips across her knuckles. “I can’t imagine any company more perfect.”

  The gesture sent waves of tingles up her arm. “Actually, I think I love the porch at Couthy Cottage better.”

  Nathaniel twisted toward her and rested his arm across the back of the bench. “That old place?” He shook his head, but then he winked.

  Val pretended to swat him. “Yes, that old place. It’s special.”

  His eyes lost their playfulness. “I think we can credit the memories more than the location.” He brushed his hand up her arm, bringing it to rest on her shoulder.

  “I wish—” Val began but couldn’t finish. Her thoughts were muddled as she lost herself in his eyes.

  Nathaniel’s gaze held hers. “What do you wish, Val?” His voice was raspy and deep as he bent closer, his mouth hovering over hers. “Tell me what you wish,” he whispered against her lips.

  Val’s heartbeat sounded in her ears. How could she tell him what she truly wished? That she loved him and his kids and wanted to be with them. “I wish summer wasn’t over.” She rested her hand on his chest, feeling his heart beat as he touched his lips to hers again, tentatively, as if he were waiting. She slid her hand to the back of his head, and in an instant, his lips moved against hers and the kiss changed from tender to urgent.

  Val’s heart pummeled against her ribs as Nathaniel pulled her closer. His hands were cupped beneath her jaw, his fingers threaded in her hair. A wave of fire moved from her lips, skittering over her skin. When their lips separated, they each breathed heavily. He rested his forehead on hers, and she didn’t want to open her eyes. Didn’t want to hear the music or the brook or the wisps of distant conversations or to feel the bench poking awkwardly against her hip. She didn’t want to wake up from her dream and have the perfect moment end.

  Nathaniel moved away and stood, pulling her up. “Think we should walk some more?”

  Val worried her knees wouldn’t support her, but she nodded.

  They strolled beneath arches and through the gardens until he led her back to the patio area.

  She wondered what he was thinking. Was he sorry he’d kissed her again? He didn’t seem like he was but how could she tell? He hadn’t kept kissing her which in itself wasn’t a good sign.

  They walked back toward the patio. In the darkness, the conversations seemed louder, whether the increase in volume was just a trick of the mind, or whether the night and champagne had freed inhibitions, Val didn’t know. She scooted closer to Nathaniel, but she felt him stiffen. She glanced at his face and then followed his gaze to Myron Quinn.

  Myron lifted his chin as he approached. “Nathaniel Cavanaugh, just the person I’ve been looking for.”

  “Good evening, Mr. Quinn. May I introduce my friend, Valdosta McKinley?”

  “A pleasure.” Myron shook Val’s hand.” Enjoying the evening, Miss McKinley?”

  She realized this man was the reason for Nathaniel’s tension. “It’s been lovely.”

  “I hope you don’t mind if I take Nathaniel away to speak privately for a moment?”

  “Course not. Y’all take your time. I’ll be just fine.” She squeezed Nathaniel’s hand, wishing him luck.

  He squeezed it back before releasing her and walking with Myron Quinn toward the house.

  Val wandered around the party. She tried a few hors d’oeuvres and scanned the group for Lisa and Jason, hoping to join someone who she knew. Finally, she sat at a table and watched people moving among the different groups, laughing and talking. She overheard bits of conversation and the more she listened, the more she realized this high society would never feel comfortable. She’d be much more at home if the band had a fiddle and the gardens had a mud pit. Her gaze moved over the gathering, and one woman caught her eye. Val’s stomach sank.

  Marielle Lassiter approached, her long blue gown swishing as she walked.

  Val stood and tried to smile calmly. “Hello, Mrs. Lassiter. Y’all look beautiful tonight.”

  Marielle didn’t acknowledge Val’s greeting. “I didn’t believe it when Norah told me. But it’s true. He brought his nanny to one of the most important events of the year.”

  Val was surprised by the offensive tone in the woman’s voice. “Actually, ma’am, I’m not working for Mr. Cavanaugh anymo—”

  “I don’t know what Nathaniel’s thinking. Obviously, he’s lonely and letting his hormones call the shots. He’s just not thinking straight since Clara died.” She tapped her finger on the diamond pendant at her throat, shaking her head.

  “Mrs. Lassiter, nothing inappropriate is happening. Nathaniel brought me tonight as a friend.”

  Marielle’s eyes narrowed at the use of his first name.

  Without Nathaniel next to her, any bit of self-confidence Val possessed trickled away under the woman’s glare. She looked dow
n and picked at her nail polish.

  “Listen, Val.”

  The sarcastic tone Marielle used made Val want to shrink.

  “We both know you don’t belong here. Are you so selfish you’d ruin his career?” She leaned closer.

  Val was reminded of a mad possum hissing and baring its teeth when it’s cornered. “I don’t understand what you mean. Course I don’t want to ruin Nathaniel’s career.” How could her presence at a garden party affect his career?

  “Let me put it as gently as possible. People talk. The two of you have been living together for months.” She held up a hand against Val’s protest. “Whether anything untoward has occurred or not, you’re still living in the same house. With his children.” Marielle paused.

  Val considered what she’d said, but she could not understand what Marielle meant.

  “He arrives with you here tonight, on the cusp of his political career. All that’s needed to ruin him is a few pictures of you in your “summer” attire, and the scandal would put a permanent blight on his reputation.”

  A surge of heat exploded in Val’s face. Her words couldn’t be true. But Val thought of news stories of politicians, movie stars, sports players, and knew Marielle was right. All these men with their pictures on magazine covers with headlines telling the world what scumbags they were. Nobody took the time to check facts. People just wanted a story, and even more, they wanted a scandal. She couldn’t let Nathaniel be smeared like that. Val’s stomach clenched into a tight knot. “I didn’t realize…”

  “Well now you do.” Marielle dipped her head in a quick nod and left to rejoin a group of women.

  Val’s unease grew as she gazed around the garden party. Were all these people speaking about Nathaniel? Did they think he was anything less than the perfect person for the Attorney General’s office? The thought that she could ruin everything made her panicky and light headed. She needed to leave. They hadn’t spoken to many people. Maybe if they left now, people wouldn’t wonder who she was or why they were together. She moved to another chair that was further shadowed, hoping nobody would notice her, and then after tapping her toes and chewing on her nails, she walked down the path deeper into the gardens where hardly any guests had wandered.