“Victoria, how old do you think I am?”
“I’m sorry, what?”
“I’ll tell you. I’m fifty years old—that’s not a child but not old enough to be in a nursing home. I don’t like being told what to do, where to be, and most of all what to wear. I respect your designing skills. Your dress and the bridesmaid dresses are lovely. But, the mother’s dresses look like they should be worn by an eighty year old. I don’t see me wearing that suit anywhere. Maybe I should just find something for myself.”
“What? Of course you’ll wear the suit. My mother is wearing it and so will you!”
“No, I won’t wear the suit. Don’t bother to make it for me. IF I come to the wedding, and at this point, it is a big if, I’ll find something to wear that is more suitable for my tastes.”
“Your tastes! Your tastes have no place here. This is MY wedding and you will wear—and do—what I say.”
“You obviously don’t know me very well. I don’t take well to demands.”
“Jon told me you might be hard to handle, but I never thought...” she stood with her hands on her hips, her voice trailing off. Her face became darker and she let out a long breath of air. “Well, I’ll just talk to Jon about this. Thank you for the tea,” she said, scooping up her designs into the valise and stomping to the door.
“Don’t forget your shoes.” Meg followed her to the door with the pumps in hand. She smiled. That felt good.
Chapter 23
“That woman is impossible!” Victoria paced the tiny room.
“Have a drink, it will all be over with soon enough.” Mike Fitzgerald slid the cheap rum across the tiny table in her direction. It sat next to a cloudy glass that could have been considered clean in some circles.
Victoria walked to the sink, washed and dried the glass, held it up to the dim yellow light and then filled it to the top with rum.
“You didn’t use to be so picky,” Fitzgerald said.
“I didn’t use to be an heiress.”
“Not yet, you’re not. You have to get him to the altar first, and not getting his momma there is hurtin’ your chances.”
“You don’t think he’d back out now do you? Over his mom’s pigheadedness?”
“Pigheadedness? I’m not sure that is a word that an heiress would use. In fact, I’m not sure it’s even a word.”
“Well, it’s the right word for her.”
“Just remember he’s a momma’s boy—and don’t scare him off! Now get over here cousin. I haven’t seen you in ages.”
She smiled. “I’m not your cousin.”
“As far as we know.” He pulled her down onto the dirty single bed.
They had grown up on the island together even though he considered her just the little girl down the street. He lost track of her when she moved away. But, that night after a few drinks they ended up back at his place. She complained that Sandhill Island always dragged her down. She wasn’t going to live her life as a nobody on a tiny island where she was just the daughter of a bankrupt shipper. That was the beginning of the idea they concocted to marry Victoria to Jon’s fortune. On the surface, Victoria was a successful fashion designer. She was talented as a designer, but not as a business woman. Her shop was in trouble financially due to some poor investment and business choices. She needed the money. And after the wedding, and a respectable amount of time, Jon would be disposable. If there was a child he would have to leave everything to her and the baby.
Fitzgerald, however, had other plans that didn’t involve Victoria’s marriage. He knew he couldn’t trust her to pay him, even though he was helping her get to Jon’s fortune.
Victoria’s father died a pauper and he always blamed his misfortunes on the shrewd business practices of Graham Stanford. Both of them in the shipping business on the tiny island, Stanford had weaseled his way out of every business deal they ever made and slowly, but surely, scooped up each square inch of real estate on the island, finally running Chung out of business.
The Fitzgeralds and the Chungs were working families on the island like most everyone else. The Stanfords, however, owned everything and rent was due to them each month for homes and businesses.
Mike Fitzgerald remembered Victoria’s cousin Robert Chung from his childhood, and he was always trouble. He was the cause of most of the problems on the island and that was why Mike admired him. Being younger than Robert, Mike looked up to him and his “bad boy” image. Robert and his friends made their livelihood stealing anything or swindling anyone. Just a younger and less successful image of Graham Stanford—Robert lived his life on the edge.
Then came the day that Graham Stanford offered money to Robert Chung to kill Evan—quietly, so it looked like an accident. After the accident, Robert was to leave the island and never return. Knowing Graham’s propensity for not paying, Robert got his money up front with a bonus due at the end. He never saw his bonus. But, with the deed done he left in case the authorities got wind that the accident wasn’t really an accident.
“You know,” Victoria said, lying on her stomach in Fitzgerald’s bed tracing the hair on his chest with her finger, “he may want a pre-nup. I mean, he is a lawyer after all and knows what divorce could do to him.”
“I thought you had that covered.” Fitzgerald placed his forearm behind his neck and propped up on the wall behind the bed.
“Well, I convinced him to move the wedding up and we only have a month—but still, at the last minute he could come up with the paperwork. What will I do then?”
“Tell him you’re pregnant? I am sure you could manage something, Victoria. You’re very convincing. Anyway, I did my part. I got you two together. I forged the invitation to the country club to get you in.”
“You did. However, I’ve done everything else. I seduced him and pursued him until he thought he did it himself. He was easy, actually—and not a bad lay—but, still, it hasn’t all been roses. He’s moody and like you said, a momma’s boy. If I can just get past her, I’m sure things will go well.”
“I’ve been doing some searching around and think I can find someone to get rid of him when the time is right. You just have to make sure that he keeps control of the Philanthropy Corporation and not Meg. You need to get in on that as soon as possible after the marriage.”
“His assistant is Joan. I’ve met her and I think we should go to lunch or something so we can get to know each other better. Then I can get access to his calendar and find out when the meetings are. There’s also more to the fortune than just philanthropy—there are real estate holdings and I don’t know what all. I’m sure it is all set up in a trust—I just need to make sure that I’m included in that trust. Meg wanted all the money to go to charity. Jon is not so charitable. He’s more sensible. I think I can make him see my way of thinking, especially if there’s a baby involved.”
She sat up on the side of the bed and reached for the panties on the floor. She stood, pulling them on and then fastened her bra. The dress was still hanging on the chair where he tossed it. Fitzgerald, still propped up on one arm, smiled at her as she dressed. Beautiful, intelligent, and as ruthless as he was; they made a good pair. Now if he could just trust her.
Chapter 24
“You’re getting married in a month?” Meg asked her son on her cell phone as she pointed out ripe vegetables to the chef. Sometimes Sam came to her garden to pick his own produce and paid her handsomely. He even purchased his own wagon from the hardware store after pulling hers back and forth a few times. His new green metal wagon pulled much easier than her old wooden one, but she still thought hers had more charm.
“You know how women are about changing their minds.” Jon loved poking at his mother when he got the chance.
“You know, you really should tell me these things when they happen and not leave me surprised by a visit from my future daughter-in-law.”
“I hear you two didn’t get along very well.”
“She was a little pushy and you know I don’t respond well to pushy
.”
“She’s strong willed—a lot like my mother. Maybe that is why I love her so much. But, I really do hope the two of you become better acquainted. Maybe become friends.”
“Well, I’ll try. But, that ‘you have to do things my way’ attitude is going to be a little hard to take. I don’t react well to that. I’ll find my own dress for the wedding and I’m not wearing something I don’t like just because she designed it.”
“Okay Mom, I’m not arguing about what you wear to the wedding. I just want to make sure you’re there and have a good time. You know we’ve made hotel reservations for the wedding party for the night before and the night after.”
“That’s what Victoria said. Jon, I wanted to mention something—and please don’t get mad—but do you have a pre-nuptial agreement drawn up? I mean, to protect the corporation. I know nothing will happen to the marriage, but just in case.”
“Yes, Mom. One of the partners who practices family law drew it up. I haven’t presented it to Victoria yet, but I plan to do that this weekend.”
“Okay, good. I just wanted to be sure. I know as a lawyer you always think of these things, but we hadn’t discussed it.”
“By the way, I checked out Mike Fitzgerald and found he has a record. Just petty stuff, he doesn’t seem smart enough to do anything major, but I wanted to let you know I was on top of it.”
“Thanks, I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’m sure the Corpus Christi Police are working on it, but I haven’t heard from them.”
“Well, I hope they are,” Jon replied.
“Oh, I almost forgot, did you get the name of the wedding planner? They need to know how many to plan for with hotel accommodations, etc. I’ll make sure you get her card and you can call her with your number. Do you plan to bring Alex, and does he need a room of his own?”
“Jon!”
“Mom, he said he spent the night and I don’t think it was on the couch. I am not judging, I just need to know a head count for the wedding.”
“I don’t know, I haven’t talked to him about it yet.”
“Well, I’ll send you the card and you can let the planner know. I gotta’ go. I love you,” he said and clicked the phone off.
Meg said she loved him too, but doubted he heard her before hanging up.
Alex’s baseball cap was becoming evident over the top of the sand dunes as he walked toward the garden and she waved. He waved back, smiling.
“Hey, Sam.” Alex strolled comfortably up to the chef with one hand behind him. “Nice tomatoes today.”
“Every day.” Sam smiled while filling his wagon with produce.
“Morning, Lady.” Alex reached out and took Meg’s hand, placing a quick peck on her cheek.
It was surprising how comfortable they were with each other. Meg would have normally run from such intimacy, but it just seemed ordinary for them.
“Good morning, Alex.” Meg smiled at the man holding her hand.
He handed her a small sunflower that he had picked on the way through the garden.
“How sweet! I’ll put it in water.”
Sam pulled the wagon to the back door and reached in his pocket to pay for the produce. “That reminds me,” he said, pointing to the sunflower, “we need centerpieces for tonight. I have some scissors, may I help myself?”
“Of course. The lavender is ready and there are always sunflowers and sea oats. Take all you want. They’re trying to take over.”
Sam walked to the back of the garden.
“I think I’ll attend my son’s wedding after all.” Meg turned to Alex. “I thought at first I wouldn’t with all that has gone on. I just didn’t want to go into Corpus Christi and deal with people. But, I’ve changed my mind. Jon is my only child and I need to be there to support him. I was wondering if you would like to escort me. Jon and Victoria have both asked if you were coming. They have room reservations for the night of the rehearsal dinner and the night after the wedding. It will be extravagant I’m sure, but might be fun. What do you say, want to go?”
“I’m honored to be your escort and would love to attend,” Alex said without hesitation. “But, I didn’t bring much with me and have no formal clothes. I’d need to go shopping.”
“Funny you should mention that, because I need to shop too and was going to ask if you could take me into Corpus Christi. We could shop and have dinner somewhere—my treat, of course. I just don’t want to do it on my own.”
“I can pay my own way. I’ve been selling a few paintings and besides, I need to visit the gallery where my latest art is being held captive. When do you want to go?”
“Well, I just found out the wedding is being moved up, so I don’t have as much time as I thought. There is a little boutique where I normally shop, and I could call them to let them know what I’m looking for and they could have a few things ready. Why don’t you contact your gallery and see when a good time to visit will be, and then we’ll work around that schedule.”
“Meg, can I have all this lavender?” Sam called out from the middle of the garden.
“You talk to Sam and I’ll call the gallery.” Alex pulled his phone from the pocket of his jeans and waved her away.
Meg walked up the hill to the lavender where Sam was loading his wagon. “Here, let me get you something to put them in. Here is a coffee can.” She took the lavender from the chef, placing it in the rusted and used coffee can.
“I have a wonderful lavender cherry sauce for pound cake or ice cream, and I could use them in the centerpieces too. You need to come by and try it.” He waved goodbye and began his journey back to the restaurant, pulling the cart behind him.
“I just talked to the gallery,” Alex said, walking up behind her. “What about tomorrow?”
“That would be wonderful. Maybe we could eat at Le Chez’s tonight? Sam keeps asking when we’re coming.”
“Sounds great, I’ll call for reservations.” Alex pulled his cell phone from his pocket again and dialed the number that had become familiar to him of late.
****
The scent of seafood filled the air as Alex opened the door for Meg. The cool intimate restaurant was filled with vacationers and the occasional local diner. Meg looked around the room for a familiar face when Sam came from the back, wiping sweat from his forehead. He ran a tight ship with the few employees he had. He did all the cooking. There were only two waiters, a busboy, and a young local girl working the front door as a hostess. Currently, she was in the corner flirting with the busboy as the door opened, and never looked up.
“Rachelle, customers,” Sam said with a quiet intensity and then walked quickly to greet Meg and Alex himself.
“My friends! Finally, you have come to let me cook for you. Meg.” He kissed her cheek. “And Alex.” He extended his hand and shook Alex’s firmly. “Meg, you won’t believe the lavender-cherry sauce I made from your garden. Be sure to save room for dessert. But, first let me start you off with my famous blackberry martini. It is a specialty of the house. Rachelle will seat you and I’ll get you started with some appetizers.”
Meg and Alex were quickly ushered to the table that faced the water. She was sure that the best table had been saved for them. The darkened restaurant overlooked the strand of water between the mainland and the tiny island. The sun was setting behind clouds and threw off a pink and orange glow to everything around it.
The waiter quickly brought dark martinis with a twist of lemon on the edge of the sugar coated glass and a plate of raw veggies with hummus. Meg knew she could make a meal off the appetizers and determined to pace herself. She was starving after the day working in the garden. The tartness of the martini surprised her and she savored the taste on her tongue before letting it slide down her throat.
“Great hummus,” Alex said as he dipped the cucumber and scooped up the mashed chickpeas and garlic. He smiled at her over the candle in the middle of the table. “This is wonderful. We should have done this earlier. What took us so long to get here?”
“You should never get too busy to have a nice dinner with friends.”
“You’re right. We’ll plan more time for dinner at Le Chez.”
They never saw a menu even though the specials were on a blackboard when they first entered the restaurant. She wasn’t offered a choice of items and the entre was served before Meg could fill up on appetizers. Sam had sent out his best Shrimp Scampi piled on top of a mound of homemade linguine pasta with a bottle of Chardonnay, warm garlic rolls, and butter. Before she could get too full, Meg pushed the plate of scampi aside. Alex refilled her wine glass and the sun made one final attempt before setting for the evening.
“Let me get you a box for that,” the waiter said as he took the plate and replaced it with a slice of pound cake with a cherry sauce over the top. From his tray he produced coffee and asked if she took sugar or cream. Meg knew she had to try the dessert even though she felt she might burst and she would take home the leftovers for later.
She looked at Alex and they both tried to hide the smile that said “I can’t eat another thing.” And they dove into the dessert. The buttery pound cake was moist without the sauce but the cherries had a hint of lavender to set it off so that it was spectacular. The scent of the lavender hit her nose first, and Meg wondered if she tasted or smelled the herb in the sauce. It was hard to tell.
Finally looking up from the dessert, Meg realized they were almost alone in the diner, when Sam emerged from the kitchen with a glass of wine in his hand. He pulled a chair up to the table and sat down with a plop.
“Well, tell me it was wonderful!” he said with a gleam in his eye.
“Oh, it was wonderful.” Alex patted his stomach and Meg agreed.
“Wonderful. But, too much. I have to take this home too. I can’t eat here too often or I’ll be huge.”
“Oh, like you have to worry about that.” Sam smiled. “I hope you liked the wine pairing. It is my favorite.” He held his glass up to the candlelight and swirled it around then tasted it. “I’m so happy you came for dinner. I want you to come back on Friday when we have lobster. I make a drawn butter with a hint of rosemary. I think you will love it.”
Secrets of Sandhill Island Page 11
