The Game of Denial

by Brenda Adcock

"Monica?"

  She turned to face Joan and a sad smile crossed her lips. "Before you kissed me, which was wonderful by the way, you said you needed me."

  "I do," Joan said.

  "You didn't say you wanted me, or you loved me. You needed me. What do you need me for, Joan? To help you forget Martine. To relieve the sexual tension you've let build inside you for so long with no relief."

  "You think I came here to use you? I would never--"

  "I've practically thrown myself at you every chance I've gotten, but was rebuffed each time. Now suddenly you need my body? I don't think so." Monica's voice shook with repressed anger. "You can find what you need for a hundred bucks on several street corners around town."

  "That was never my intention," Joan said.

  "I saw the way you looked at that woman at Fran's wedding. You wanted her. I could see the desire in your eyes. Why isn't it there for me?"

  Joan set her glass down. "I'm sorry, Monica. I should go."

  Monica took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, too, baby. I would have loved you like no one ever has, including Martine."

  Joan managed a smile. "No one can love me like that again." She began walking toward the apartment door.

  "If you can't get over Martine, you'll never know real love again, Joan," Monica said to Joan's retreating back.

  Chapter Twenty

  EVEY WAVED AS the private jet emblazoned with the logo of Carmichael Industries taxied toward the small terminal. She fisted her hands together in front of her face as she waited impatiently for Brad and Fran to make their way down the steps of the plane and walk to where she was waiting.

  She greeted them with a warm hug. "It's so good to see you again," she said. Standing at arm's length, she added, "I see you managed to spend some time in the sun."

  "The beach was wonderful," Fran said as she clasped Brad's hand.

  "It's a private beach," Brad said. He leaned closer and waggled his eyebrows at Evey. "Swimwear was not required and Fran's tan is very even...everywhere."

  Fran pushed him playfully and blushed. "I don't think your mother needed to know that, Brad."

  "She was a married woman," Brad said. "She knows the score, sweetie."

  "Are you staying in the guest house?" Evey asked while Brad loaded their luggage in the Suburban.

  "Yeah, I thought we might, if that's okay," Brad answered.

  "I've already changed the sheets and put clean towels in the bathroom for you."

  Brad leaned over and kissed Evey on the cheek. "You're the greatest, Mom," he said.

  "I was young once myself, dear."

  "Were you a screamer too?" Brad said.

  Evey chuckled at the look of horror in Fran's eyes as she started toward him. He ran from her grasp, but laughter slowed him down. He finally wrapped his arms around her and picked her up, kissing her as he swung her around.

  FRAN AND BRAD joined Evey, Tully, and Ralph for dinner that evening and once again endless chatter filled Evey's dining room. Fran described the compound on the Caribbean Island where they had honeymooned for nearly a month. Brad went on forever about the seafood available on the island and tried to describe his first attempt at opening a coconut, which hadn't been very successful. Then some five-year-old came along and opened it with one swipe of a machete. Brad shrugged, "Guess I'm not really an island boy, but I tried like hell. Maybe one of these days Joan will let us use the compound again and you and Tully can go along."

  "Have you heard from your family, Fran?" Evey asked, trying not to let her curiosity show in her voice.

  "Why would they?" Tully asked. "It would be kinda rude to interrupt a couple on their honeymoon, wouldn't it?"

  "There aren't any telephones in the compound and not a cell tower in sight," Fran said, taking Brad's hand.

  "What if you got sick or had an emergency?" Evey asked.

  "It's a small island," Fran said. "There was a walkie-talkie if we needed help." Her eyes seemed to melt as she looked at Brad. She turned her attention back to her mother-in-law. "I did call Charmaine from the airport to let her know we were coming back."

  "How is your sister?"

  "Recuperating. It was an interesting conversation. We're planning to drive to Loganville in a day or two. Why don't you go with us, Evey? You can help me decide what furniture we'll need and what accessories might make it seem more like home. Brad has a few things here he would like to take, if it's all right with you"

  "Tully and Ralph can watch the farm for a couple of days." Brad said. "If you're lucky it will still be here when we get back." Brad dodged a punch to his arm from his brother.

  After dinner Brad left to help Tully with the horses while Fran helped Evey clean up and wash dishes.

  "I can't believe you've never gotten a dishwasher," Fran says as she dried dishes while Evey washed.

  "Never saw a need for one. I guess I just got used to hand washing them. Besides, in the winter the hot water feels good." She looked at Fran. "Comforting in a way and it gives me time to think."

  "Think about what?"

  "What needs to be done the next day or whatever comes into my head. It's very peaceful and I never had to worry about the kids interrupting me for fear of being enlisted to help," Evey said.

  "Brad helps me with the dishes," Fran said.

  "He's in love, dear. I suspect he'd do anything for you. He's a good man, as far as I know, and I'm glad he'll get the chance to do something he really wants. The farm has never been his first love."

  "We're taking a tour of the campus the day after tomorrow in addition to taking a few measurements at the house. Brad has an appointment to see the head of the English Department and maybe see his office. Please come with us. We can spend the night and come back the next day."

  "I'll speak to Ralph in the morning. There's nothing special scheduled and I can be back in time for the weekend riding lessons."

  TWO DAYS LATER, before noon, Brad pulled into a parking space near the English Building on the campus of Central Virginia University. Students walked casually along the sidewalks leading to various buildings. Brad walked around the car and opened the doors for Fran and Evey and inhaled air deeply into his lungs.

  "Ahhh," he said. "Can't you just smell the thirst for knowledge floating in the air."

  Fran laughed and wrapped her arms around his waist. "All you need is a pipe and one of those tweed jackets with the leather patches on the elbows. You'll be a regular Mr. Chips before you know it. All the coeds will swoon, but you're mine."

  "Forever." Brad smiled down at her, took Fran's hand, and began walking toward the entrance to the building with Evey following.

  Evey liked the look of the campus. It had been established after World War II and the sidewalks were lined with trees. Even though summer would soon be over, the trees hadn't yet lost their foliage and cast cooling shade over those passing beneath them. Students smiled and nodded at the trio as they moved by them. Evey was sure Brad would be happy surrounded by young adults eager to learn.

  They took a wide staircase to the second floor of the English Building and peeked into a classroom with auditorium seating as it quickly began filling. They observed a distinguished-looking older man step up on the small raised stage at the front of the room and wait for the students to settle down before beginning his lecture. He spoke in a casual voice. Evey noticed he seemed to be using a small microphone that was attached to his suit jacket. Brad was soon enthralled with the topic he was lecturing on. Fran tugged at Brad's arm and whispered to him. He reluctantly backed out of the lecture hall and they continued their self-guided tour. Eventually they found an office labeled as that of the chairman of the Department of English. Brad straightened his shirt and walked in, gripping Fran's hand a little tighter.

  "Can I help you?" an older woman asked with a smile.

  "Umm, yes, I hope so." Brad stuck out his hand and said, "My name is Bradley Chase. My wife and I were just walking around to get a feel for everything."

  The woman stood a
nd shook his hand warmly. "Of course, Dr. Chase. It's a pleasure to meet you. Dr. Simmons has been expecting you."

  Brad looked at Fran and smiled. "We've been on our honeymoon and just returned a couple of days ago."

  "Congratulations. I'm Mrs. Hastings, the department secretary." She leaned forward and said, "Your wife's very lovely, but you already know that."

  Fran blushed and said, "Thank you."

  "We're not a large university, Dr. Chase--"

  "Brad, please."

  "Brad, but we're more of a family. Dr. Simmons wants it that way. If you care to wait, or come back in about an hour, he will be finished with his morning session and I'm sure he'd love to meet you. In the meantime, I can show you where your office will be. This isn't exactly Harvard, but it's a nice office and you should be comfortable there."

  "That would be great," Brad said. He glanced to Fran. "I'll let you decorate it. Just don't fouf it up," he said.

  "Perish the thought," Fran said, rolling her eyes.

  Evey was impressed with Brad's office space, even though it was rather plain and bare. Mrs. Hastings left them to return to her office, reminding Brad to stop back by in about an hour. When Mrs. Hastings closed the door as she left, Brad grabbed Fran and hugged her.

  "I can't wait to start bringing my books in," he said.

  "Thank God I won't have to trip over them anymore," Fran said as she looked at the built-in bookcases.

  Evey looked out the window behind the old wooden desk. "You have a wonderful view, Brad," she observed. The office overlooked an open grassy area where students were gathered to relax and study between classes.

  Brad and Fran joined her at the window. "It's beautiful," Fran said. When Evey saw the look in Brad's eyes, she knew he had found his home.

  A LITTLE MORE than an hour later, Fran and Evey walked back to their car. Brad and Dr. Simmons had become engrossed in something neither woman had an interest in, or understood and it seemed as if it might go on forever. It seemed even more likely when Dr. Simmons invited Brad to join him for lunch. Fran took their car keys from Brad so they could get a look at the town near the university.

  Fran liked the historic look as she drove along the main street until she located a parking place. The two women walked leisurely down the street enjoying the freshness of the fall air. Fran remembered seeing a coffee house adjacent to their realtor's office the previous visit. There was outdoor seating and a small courtyard. The grass was still lush and green. A large tree, much older than the ones they'd seen on campus, was surrounded by benches and a couple of picnic tables. Fran was beginning to feel hunger pains and suggested a small restaurant across the street that looked promising. Before they left the area, Fran noticed an office space on the corner was vacant. She wandered over to it and peered in the front window. It was a relatively large open area with an entrance off the u-shaped enclosure and another on the main street.

  "This would be wonderful for a gallery," she said. "It's so open and light."

  Evey stepped back and looked up. "Looks like it might be two stories."

  "Depending on how much work it would be, it could be a great storage or framing area."

  "You've always talked about having your own galley one day," Evey said.

  "Yes, but this might not be that day. I'll talk to Brad about it though and see what he thinks."

  "Can you afford this and a house?" Evey frowned.

  "I promised Brad I wouldn't use my trust money. It's important to him that he support us on what he earns."

  "Surely he doesn't expect you to stay home all day and do nothing. It's just a thought, but perhaps you should contact your mother. Maybe she would come down and look at it and give you her opinion."

  "I would really have to gather some information first. Are there any other galleries or have there been? If they were unsuccessful, why? Mom's a serious stickler when it comes to background information and research, especially if there's money involved."

  "Sounds wise. Perhaps the university has an art department and could use such a gallery to display the work of their students."

  "That's a wonderful idea, Evey."

  Chapter Twenty-One

  JOAN NODDED AT Charmaine's secretary before entering her daughter's office. Charmaine was leaning over a work table examining photographs for possible inclusion in a fashion campaign she was working on.

  "I need a favor, Charmaine," Joan stated.

  Charmaine didn't look up from the stack of pictures in front of her. "Good morning to you, too, Mother."

  "It's after lunch, so good afternoon," Joan said.

  "So what's this big favor?" Charmaine asked. She picked up a picture and studied it.

  "I want you to fly to Virginia tomorrow."

  "I've already seen the boondocks. But thanks anyway."

  "Fran has located a place she thinks would be perfect for a gallery. She needs a second opinion."

  Charmaine tossed the photograph on her work table. "Why don't you go?"

  "I can't get away right now."

  "But it's all right to expect me to drop everything and jet back to the sticks," Charmaine fumed. "I have clients who depend on me, too, you know. Besides, it would be your big chance to see Mrs. Chase again."

  "I wouldn't be going to see Brad's mother," Joan said.

  "God, you're trying so hard to forget her you won't even say her name!"

  Joan closed her eyes and breathed deeply to dispel her anger before speaking. "I want you to stop this ridiculous fantasy you've developed regarding any kind of relationship whatsoever between Mrs. Chase and myself. Do you understand me, Charmaine? It's childish and I've had as much as I'm willing to deal with. She's a very nice woman, but I'm sure none of us will be seeing her again in the near future."

  "Oh really. When did you start reading Equestrian Magazine? I saw a copy of the latest edition in the magazine rack in your sitting room. I've never seen you read anything other than Vogue or Elle or the occasional National Geographic."

  Joan's mouth opened, but for a moment she wasn't sure what to say. "You've been snooping through my magazine choices?"

  "I wasn't snooping. I saw it when I was waiting for you to get ready for the advertising council luncheon last week. It was in plain sight and didn't require a warrant."

  "I'll tell Karina to expect you in the morning," Joan said sharply as she left Charmaine's office, slamming the door behind her.

  "DID YOU HAVE a nice flight?" Fran asked as they loaded Charmaine's overnight bag into the back of the Suburban the following morning.

  "Delightful," Charmaine said.

  "I asked Mom to fly down, but I didn't know she'd foist this off on you. I'm sorry."

  Charmaine smiled. "It's not a hardship, sweetie. It gives me a chance to see my sister again and hear all about her honeymoon."

  Fran looked across the front seat at Charmaine, "You know I'd never kiss and tell."

  "Was it everything you dreamed of?"

  "And more."

  "Good thing I don't have to get married to enjoy the "˜and more' part," Charmaine said.

  "Trust me, Char. It's even better when you know you'll have it forever."

  "I'm a little surprised Brad's mother isn't with you today."

  "Now that Brad is back to help around the farm, at least temporarily, she had a list of things that have to be done before winter sets in."

  "You like her, don't you?"

  "Of course I do. She's been wonderful to me and has welcomed me into her family as if I were her own daughter."

  "I bet she'd have been here if Mom had come instead of me," Charmaine said.

  "Evey likes you, too, Charmaine. She likes all of us. And she's crazy about Mitchell and Morgana. I think she'd steal them away if she could."

  "Mom likes Mrs. Chase."

  "Evey's a very likeable person."

  "No, I mean Mom really likes her."

  "What are you talking about?"

  "Oh, hell! I mean I think Mom has fallen in lov
e with her."

  "That's ridiculous! They've only known one another ten...no, nine days," Fran argued.

  "And I think Mrs. Chase feels the same way about Mom."

  "She does not!" Fran exclaimed.

  "Pull over," Charmaine said.

  "What?"

  "You heard me, pull over."

  While Fran checked the rear view mirror, signaled, and pulled to the side of the road, Charmaine pulled a photograph from her shoulder bag and handed it to Fran. "Tell me what you see," she said.

  Fran examined the photograph of Joan and Evey dancing at the wedding reception.

  "It's two people dancing," Fran said. "So what?"

  "Look at their faces. The last time I saw Mom look at another woman that way, it was when she was looking at Mama. And Mrs. Chase looks positively enamored."

  "Mom looked very handsome that day," Fran said in a low voice as a smile from the memory crossed her lips.

  "They're fighting their attraction to one another and both are in total denial. Mom thinks she'd somehow be betraying Mama and Mrs. Chase doesn't believe she could possibly be attracted to another woman, no matter how handsome she is."

  "I think you're wrong, Charmaine." Fran said without sounding convincing.

  Charmaine slid the picture back into her bag. "We'll see."

  "I THINK FRAN'S right about the location for a gallery. By tying it into the art department at the university and bringing in local artists from the surrounding area, I believe it could be successful," Charmaine said over dinner that evening. "I'm sure, based on the information Fran's collected, that Mother would agree as well."

  "How is your mother, Charmaine?" Evey asked before she put a forkful of food into her mouth.

  "Right now she's a little snippy and irritable. We're facing a few deadlines. Nothing we're not used to, but she's been more irritable than usual since she returned from the wedding."

  Evey didn't reply and continued eating.

  "What do you think of Fran's idea, Brad?" Charmaine asked.