Deceptions Revealed (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Lillith Payne

  “Maybe not in your world. Do you want to hear the rest?”

  “There’s more? What the hell? Joey, I didn’t send her.”

  “Well, I certainly didn’t invite her!” JoAnna laughed aloud and suddenly the world wasn’t so bleak. “She came to appraise me and relate her perspective of everyone’s future.”

  “Oh, this I’ve got to hear. Tell me, I can use the laugh right now. Please, let’s talk it out. You know deep inside I didn’t arrange this or you wouldn’t be telling me now. You’d hold it in and use it against me one day in anger.”

  “In the spirit of trying to clear the air, I was told to make sure my child isn’t unruly or he’d not be tolerated. Your wedding is still on for the spring, and Pilar’s not going to let a little thing like a child cancel her plans. Oh, and after you two are married, once her family starts, we shouldn’t expect to see you at all.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding.”

  “Carol overheard the whole conversation. Ms. Drake made it a point for everyone in the store to hear her terms.”

  “No, I don’t mean I don’t believe you, but, my God. She actually drove up there and confronted you in your store? I’m sorry. I’ll talk to her and tell her to leave you alone.”

  “Actually, I’d prefer you didn’t. Right now, I believe you didn’t know about her visit and didn’t arrange it. Let’s not give her the satisfaction of knowing I told you.”

  “All right, so it must have been Ben.”

  “That would be my guess.” JoAnna sipped from her mug and didn’t hold back. “I’m sorry, but this is what Benjamin does best. He arranges a situation to his liking. He manipulates people with his money and power. Only I wouldn’t deal, so he found a new way to get rid of me.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Never mind. Just keep your girlfriend away from Daniel and me. My shop is off limits. She won’t be waited on.”

  “Of course. Joey, I didn’t set this up.”

  “Someone did. Benjamin was just hedging his bets, adding a little fuel to the fire.”

  “Look I know you hate him, but he is still my grandfather. I know what he did to all of us with the tests and I’m coming to terms with his betrayal, but…”

  “James, I’m not giving you ultimatums. I’m just telling you what I think is happening to all of us. And it is all of us, you, me and Daniel. Pilar has her own stake in your future, and so does the Old Man.”

  “Could we just drop this for a tonight? It’s a lot of information to process.”

  “You poor thing, you must be tired, while I rested and relaxed all week. Screw you! Try having her confront you in your place of business. See how you feel then.”

  “There was never an engagement or a proposal, never a ring. Never any wedding plans even hinted at. Pilar was merely an escort on occasion.”

  “Ben’s choice of escort. I don’t really care, James. All I ask is you stick to your promise from the first meeting. You can spend time with Daniel. Not Ben and not Pilar or any other women friends or escorts until it becomes permanent. When you’re married, Daniel will be free to meet your wife but no girlfriends.”

  “Feel better you got that out? Just a bit of frustration built up, needing to be vented?”

  “Vented? I’m just sharing my week with you. And how was your day, dear?”

  James had the good sense to laugh aloud, forcing JoAnna to also. “I should let you go. It’s time to get Daniel settled for the night.”

  “All right. I’m sorry you had a rough week. I’ll see you Friday at Helen’s.”

  “Night,” she said, then laughed again, adding, “Better double check your schedule for June.” JoAnna disconnected the line, feeling lighter and freer than she had in ages. Technically, they’d only been back in each other’s lives for a few weeks. They would all need a lot more time to connect with each other again.

  It was apparent both JoAnna and James were strained. Alan glanced to Helen who tried to settle them down a bit. James gave the condensed version of the condo and work schedule changes. He did give an accurate account of his meetings with JoAnna and Daniel. JoAnna added she was concerned by the lack of Daniel’s reaction to finding out about his father.

  “Somehow I think he feels betrayed by me. I’ve asked if he wanted to talk or had questions but I didn’t want to push. He seems disinterested in the situation except for seeing James.”

  “He’s probably just processing at his own rate. I’m sure he’ll startle you both with a dozen questions at the most inappropriate time,” Helen said. They all smiled, and the tension faded.

  “There was another situation I’d like to clarify. Joey got a visit from an acquaintance of mine in an attempt to make her believe we were getting married.” He turned to look directly at Joey. “I never sent her, and my schedule for June is clear.”

  Joey inclined her head, but didn’t elaborate.

  “I’ve spoken with my secretary,” James continued, “She’s had no calls from Pilar.”

  “So she went directly to Ben, or was called by him.”

  “Yes, it’s what I believe. I’m also looking into the private investigator he’s using. I don’t see how else he’d know about the condo. The coffee, I figure, was an opening line. You’re a coffee shop. I’d drink something while I was there.”

  “I don’t like having my life monitored.”

  “Neither do I. I’m working on it, Joey. Give me some time. Ben was distinctly distant this week. I didn’t push, was just thankful for the reprieve. Now I see he was just working in a different direction.”

  “Fine, at least you’re beginning to see how the Montgomery system works.” She didn’t care that her tone was sarcastic.

  James gave Joey a strange glare, and she laughed. “Helen, James is supposed to meet Daniel at school this afternoon. He’s going to introduce himself to the principle and Danny’s teacher. I’m sure some of his friends will notice, not to mention the staff. I suppose we just have to ride it out from here.”

  She was grasping for magical words that would dissolve the situation. There were none, and James knew only time and patience would see them through this.

  “Don’t worry about the gossip, JoAnna,” Alan said.

  “I feel like I’m being thrown to the wolves,” James said under his breath.

  “Basically, you are.” Joey’s comeback startled him. “And as soon as they realize who you are in relation to Danny they’re going to want to know the rest from me. So, if you’re being thrown, I’m already in the pit, waiting to be eaten alive. Want to switch?”

  “Hell no,” he said, lightening the mood.

  “Did you plan to bring him to the shop after school or go somewhere else?” JoAnna asked.

  “I hoped we all might have supper tonight. I could bring a pizza, or we could take Danny to the arcade for burgers.”

  “Let’s see how you fair this afternoon. Drop by with him after school and then we can decide.”

  “If that’s all, you two seem to be managing. How about we talk in a month, unless something comes up? Until then, James will have access to Daniel with consideration of JoAnna’s life and work schedule. If things are working out we can draft the temporary custody orders.” Helen started gathering folders.

  James noticed Alan taking her aside and whispering to JoAnna, his hand on her arm for comfort. It didn’t last long. She seemed uncomfortable by the gesture and ended their conversation.

  “Helen, I want his name changed back, as quickly as possible.”

  If he was expecting an argument from Joey, he got none. She offered to give him a copy of Daniel’s birth certificates, the original and the corrected one. “You can pay the fees to have them changed.” Joey said. Then in an odd tone JoAnna asked James, “Are we changing it, correcting it or fixing it?”

  Everyone in the room stilled, all watching her face as if she’d suddenly turned purple.

  James finally saw the lift in her smile, and he smiled back. Ultimately Helen and
Alan were becoming extraneous.

  “I thought we might let Daniel decide what parts of his name he’d like to use,” she added.

  “For a while, but by the time school opens next year, Daniel will be known as a Montgomery.” He saw her face and knew he’d pushed too far. She was trying to be a good sport even under the circumstances, and he was pushing again. “Look, once it gets out I’m his father, it’s better he carry the name. It will mean fewer questions in the future. When this all becomes old news, he’ll just be Montgomery.”

  “With Pilar’s visit to town, I’m sure you’ve made an interesting impression already,” she said.

  James cocked his head as if to ask for more.

  “It seems she was in the area most of the day, had lunch, did some window shopping and got a spare key from the realtor to check your condo.” Joey waited for the information to sink in. “Veronica has a daughter Danny’s age, she comes to the Thursday workshops.”

  “How in the world did she get into the condo?”

  “Simple, she started talking with Veronica at the rental office and told her you sent her up to take care of your personal details. You apparently assured Pilar they’d have a key waiting for her. She made a fuss in the office. They gave her a quick tour and locked her out. They didn’t give her the key itself, but they did let her get a glance. That’s what Veronica told me.”

  “Why would they do that? My lease is in my name only as a single man.”

  “Your fiancée figured they’d bend the rules, after all, you wanted her to make the place feel like home. As far as I can gather, she wasn’t spouting Danny’s name or mine, only that she was engaged to you. And she gave the definite impression she’d be spending time up here with you in the condo.”

  “Well, now I know why you had such a strange attitude today.”

  “It’s been a long few days, James. People are kind and malicious at the same time. There were customers in the shop when she came by and gave her loud speech. Just be careful at the school today. Don’t let the comments bother you, especially in front of Danny and his friends.”

  “I’ll be careful.” He watched her, realizing she’d hesitated. “There’s more?”

  “Yes, Pilar made several references to the money you’re giving me. We’ve never discussed any money, nor am I planning to ask you for it. But for some reason Pilar is insisting payments are being made to me and I’m taking them. I’d like to get that clarified as soon as possible.”

  “We’ve never discussed money, nor have you asked for any.”

  “One more thing, I’m saying this now so there’s no misunderstanding. Presidents week Daniel always spends up on the farm with Aunt Alice and Uncle Henry. He has a new pony Daniel can ride this year. He’s done it the last three years, and I’m not going to tell him he can’t this year. For the long weekend, please make other plans.”

  James didn’t quite swallow his tongue when he realized JoAnna was telling him he’d not see her or Daniel on their anniversary weekend. They would have been married five years the Sunday of the long weekend, exactly two years after they’d met. It never happened. As if reading his mind, JoAnna added, “It’s usually a crazy busy week here, the last long weekend of the season. Danny gets a week on the farm, and I work without worrying about him.”

  “I spoke with Henry and Alice last night, Joey.”

  She turned and stared at him.

  “Yes, I did. I called to apologize for all the damage I let happen and to ask them to cut me some slack where Daniel is concerned.” He seemed relieved by his confession.

  “I don’t think they harbor any real hatred, none they’d ever say in front of Danny.”

  “I know. I just felt it was the right thing to do.”

  She had no answer. Instead she became intent on putting on her coat. “Since you did make the call, then perhaps you’d like to pick him up on Monday? It’s just a thought. It’s a long ride, and I figured maybe you two could talk. If it’s inconvenient, it’s not a problem. I’ll drive him up on Tuesday then bring him home the following Tuesday.”

  “Why am I picking him up on Monday?”

  “Because Monday is a busy day for me, and I couldn’t get away. I’d drive up Tuesday instead. If you go, he doesn’t have to miss a day of school. This is the first time it’s been an issue.”

  “Sounds reasonable. We can talk about his trip on the ride home.”

  “And it leaves you the rest of the holiday to yourself.”

  Direct hit, James decided. She was bluntly telling him she didn’t want him around her during the anniversary. He wasn’t sure where he wanted to be. All of a sudden the walls were closing in. He threaded his hands through his hair.

  “Enough of this for today. JoAnna, you’re exhausted and, James, you’re just shell shocked. Betrayal can be a hard master. I’m sure you know that already. You two have had your share, now you have to focus on Daniel’s acceptance and deflect as much gossip away from him.” Helen tried to smooth their fears.

  Joey went on to tell Helen about Daniel’s comment about a friend leaving out the name, only relaying the inference the children were sharing. Helen clearly knew who she was talking about. James listened with rapt attention, realizing he was moving into a newer version of Peyton Place.

  “Call me if you need anything.” Helen picked up her briefcase and headed out. They were on their own for four weeks

  Chapter Eight

  Life for JoAnna was calmer than anticipated. Two weeks had passed, and while she’d received a few side-long glances and a few outright stares, Carol and Pearl had headed off most of the talk. They had a pat answer, “James’ job changed, and now he’s able to spend time with his son again. A good situation for all involved, don’t you think?” Anyone would be rude to answer anything but positively, so it was on their repeated declarations the gossip eased. Feeling a strange peace about her situation, the only harsh words were for the lady in the white who thought she owned the road in her white Jaguar.

  James had relayed his conversation with Veronica at the rental office to her. He gently reprimanded them, politely giving them no doubt as to who was allowed in his condo. Other than himself, Daniel and JoAnna Sheridan were the only visitors he’d received. Joking with a boyish charm he told them to call the police if anyone else approached them. While it was all done with good natured humor, it was understood, don’t overstep your bounds again. She was relieved he’d taken care of it on his own.

  James drove Daniel to the family farm on the Monday evening of his vacation week, altering Joey’s plans. Tuesday he and Joey drove into Manhattan to clarify Daniel’s birth certificate. Once the papers were duly filed she started to relax. It could have been handled without her, but James told her he wanted the symbolism of the act to stay with them both. It was a good excuse to spend the day together. Joey was glad to be back in the city even if for just one day. It was all very surreal to her, being in Manhattan with James. It brought back a flood of memories, good and bad and she tried to live in the moment not in the past.

  Originally they thought to do this on Wednesday, but Joey didn’t want to be away from the shop, so they decided Tuesday would work. Crisp and cool for February, to Joey is was a great day. No rain, snow or wind hampered their movements. They ate lunch in an out of the way cafe James knew about where the Italian food was warming and hearty. The two glasses of wine they both consumed with it warmed them more. One quick stop at his apartment for extra clothing for the week and they’d head back to the mountain before traffic started to mount. It gave her an odd chill to be ignored by the doorman.

  “I’ll just be a few minutes. Make your self at home as best you can. I’m going to jump in a quick shower. I won’t be long.” He headed toward his bedroom and hesitated when he heard her laughing. Walking quietly back to the living room where he’d left her, he watched her. “What’s so funny, Joey? I know you always hated the place.”

  “It’s exactly the same, James. The furniture, its placement, the onl
y thing that’s changed is the date on the magazines tossed on your coffee table.”

  “I never spent much time here. It wasn’t a priority.”

  “For six years, it should have been.”

  “Don’t worry, I’m already looking for a new place in a neighborhood Daniel will be comfortable in.” She stilled but didn’t retaliate with words. “Probably a town house.”

  “Why now?”

  “Because I want a clean break from Ben. I don’t want to keep running into him in the lobby or the elevator, and I hate the idea Bernard or one of the door men has been going through my mail.” He smiled adding, “I should have done it years ago.”

  Too many possibilities struck him. Joey in the shower with him. Her stretched on the living room floor before the fire, naked and wanting him. James had to clear his mind. His intention was to take her back to his condo at Hunter Mountain, neutral ground he considered it, and then he’d see if his powers of seduction still worked. Only with Joey it had never been his prowess as a man, she’d taken as much from him as she gave back.

  He could recall several occasions when she scared him with her intensity. In reality, he’d learned a lot more about love and sex with Joey than any other woman had taught him. The look she was giving him said too many things.

  “I thought you were going to shower? We have a long drive back.”

  Joey wasn’t sure what the look meant. His eyes were heavy lidded, his smile almost a dare. She had decided she was an adult, and if they wound up in bed together it would be because they both wanted to be there. From the glances she was getting, James was of the same mind. Only she saw it as a possible closure. Making love with James again would bring reality crashing down around them. It would be something to put behind them and move on with their new lives, each individually with Daniel part time.

  It had been a long time since they were together. Her pregnancy had been easy, she was young and healthy and in love. They had been planning a small wedding for Presidents weekend in February, two years to the day they first met. By then Daniel would be five months old and her body would be healed from his delivery. They’d made love often while she carried him, her creativity going beyond any book. They’d made love the morning of his birth, her contractions starting later in the afternoon. He was born just after nine that night. How was either of them to know it would be the last morning they shared together?