Time for Surprises

by Mette Barfelt

  "Only you and me. We're off on a romantic journey. It's precisely what we need."

  "What about the children?"

  "Kitty promised to mind them. They love her, you know. And they can play with the dog as much as they like."

  She looked at him, skeptical. It seemed he'd thought of everything. It was highly unusual, as she was the one to arrange their travels when they were going on vacation.

  "Three weeks will be a long time to play with a dog. I'm afraid they'll be bored here. When school's out in a few weeks, the days will be long. And it'll be tiresome for Kitty to mind them for weeks."

  "Don't worry about it. It'll be fine."

  She hoped he was right. There wasn't much she could do when he'd bought the airplane tickets and booked the hotel. "Good thing it's in July when it's quiet here."

  "That's what I thought," he said with pride in his voice. "You can leave your tasks to your buddy while you're gone. I'm sure he's ready to take over. Looks like that kind of guy."

  Miranda was thankful for the dim light which concealed her blushing cheeks. And even more grateful for Vidar not being observant.

  "It'll be okay, but I think we should work things out first. We can't just leave and hope everything solves itself." She would much rather stay at home this summer and make sure things went in the right direction at the hotel too. At the same time, she knew the hotel was fine in Gabriel's capable hands.

  She smiled at the waiter placing a bowl of strawberry soup with mascarpone ice cream in front of her. She took a spoonful and savored it to the fullest. Once again, she wondered why the restaurant wasn't packed. The food was superb and some of the best she'd ever tasted. She would think about it later. Right now, she had enough with worrying about the summer's big surprise. Maybe it was what they needed, to get away from everyone and everything. Just concentrate on each other and try to forget all the problems of late. Put it all behind them, basically. That must be their goal. She sincerely hoped it was doable.

  26

  Tired, Jasmine slumped down onto a chair in the beauty parlor. She'd deemed it necessary to take a few hours off and had just returned to work. Hugo had insisted on taking her to her ultrasound. She knew he wanted to make sure she was pregnant. She disliked that he didn't trust her but could see his point of view. It might not be fun to become a father again when he was still married. She hadn't told him that another man may be the father of her child. Hugo would be furious when he found out, and she was terrified of losing him. It simply couldn't happen. Besides, what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. It felt much better thinking like that. But she knew she had to tell him the truth shortly. All she had to do was find the right opportunity.

  Jasmine's face took on a blissful expression when she thought of her meeting at the doctor's. They'd seen the baby, all right. It was about eight weeks old and the size of a cherry. In a week, it would be possible to see proper outlines of the fetus. It felt much more real now that she'd seen the tiny baby growing inside her. She was to become a mother, for real. It would be strange to consider anyone but herself, not to mention being responsible for a little creature. So far, she'd had more than enough with herself, but that would change drastically. Come Christmas it would be a whole different situation, and not just for her.

  Jasmine felt dejection once again replace happiness and anticipation. Hugo had been awfully pale throughout the visit at the doctor's. He'd been nervous beforehand and seeing the fetus on the ultrasound didn't seem to help. She was utterly disappointed in him. He'd reacted to her pregnancy in a completely different manner than she'd expected. She didn't get him any more. He was leaving his wife, so what was the problem? They would be together before long, and what better way to start their new life together than having a child? Men were difficult to understand. She wished he would speed things up because she was running out of patience. She was restless and tired of waiting for someone who rarely had time for her. His visits were short and always on his terms. Why she bothered was beyond her. Her sisters, or half-sisters to be correct, had said the same.

  Jasmine remembered everything that had happened lately and sighed heavily. She felt guilty for what she'd done to Miranda, but regrets didn't undo anything. She'd ruined her sister's marriage. Hot tears welled within her eyes, and rolled down her cheek. She was alone in the room, and her first customer was due in an hour. Plenty of time to fix her makeup later.

  How complicated things were. Jasmine's only consolation was her getting a new father. What a shock it had been, but also a delight. He'd invited her for dinner again tonight, so they could spend time together. Hugo hadn't been pleased when she told him. He was available tonight since his wife was going out with friends. He'd planned a romantic evening for them, he'd informed her at the doctor's office. But it would have to wait. It would serve him right to learn how she felt, having to wait as she always did. For once she didn't have time for him. She would enjoy it for all it was worth.

  Jasmine suddenly had a brilliant idea. The hotel's finance manager was a handsome guy. She'd heard that he was coaching the handball teams in town and had been a top-level player himself. His muscles must come from handball. Far as she knew, he was unmarried and without a family of his own. In other words, he was suitable. Just the kind of man she should get to know. Someone who could be all hers. Now that would be something. It was about time she made an effort, now that she was to become a mother.

  She got up decisively and started doing her makeup. A visit to the hotel's executive floor was next on her list. She never went there, for fear of meeting Miranda's accusing eyes. But today she would.

  ***

  "Hi, I hope I'm not disturbing you." Jasmine went into Gabriel's office, smiling. "I was passing by and noticed your door was open."

  He sat by his PC, working, and gave her an astonished look that she chose to ignore. She pulled her hand casually through her long hair, which men liked so much.

  "No problem. How are things at the spa?"

  "Fine. It's quiet, but I guess that's always the case in the beginning."

  He nodded. "It takes time to get customers. When we get more conferences, you'll have more visitors. We're working on getting the locals to make appointments, too."

  Jasmine was fed up talking about work, that wasn't why she'd come. She went over to the window. "What an amazing view. It won't be long before you can watch the bikini-clad women on the beach."

  She turned around and burst out laughing when she spotted his crimson face. "Sorry, it slipped out. I thought you were single..."

  He presented a faint smile. "I am. It was just so unexpected."

  She gave him time to recover. "What I meant to say is that it's summer soon. What do you like doing in your spare time?"

  Gabriel seemed uncomfortable, but that wasn't surprising. They'd never talked before, other than greeting each other when they met. Was she too pushy? How else would she get to know him? Sometimes you had to take chances.

  "Well, I work out."

  She went over to his desk and stood close to his chair, where he was sitting somewhat tensely. "I can tell. I like men who are fit."

  She wanted to touch his shoulders, maybe give him a massage, but controlled herself. She'd better not frighten him.

  "Eh, I have a lot to do, unless there was anything in particular you wanted to discuss."

  "Not at all. See you around." She winked and let him be.

  ***

  Miranda heard a knock on the door and saw Gabriel walk in.

  "Got a minute?"

  "Sure." She remained seated by her PC.

  He pulled out the chair opposite her and sat down. "I've spent a lot of time trying to find out who's behind the break-in. It hasn't been easy to find any clues, but I think I've cracked it."

  Miranda felt her stomach tighten. Her hand squeezed the pen, and she laid it aside so as not to break it in half. She looked at his solemn face and didn't know how to interpret it. He should be happy he had solved the case. So why was he h
esitating?

  "Do tell."

  "The technical part is complicated to explain," he began.

  "Drop the technical stuff. I haven't got a clue about it anyway. All I want to know is who and why. And if it's someone I know." She popped a sour toad into her mouth and sat quietly waiting. Several seconds passed without him saying anything.

  "Should we call the police?" She looked at him, apprehensive.

  "No."

  "Then what do we do? Do you know the intruder?"

  Gabriel cleared his throat. "Unfortunately, it's Vidar."

  Miranda gasped for air and reached for her head. Hot and cold surges ran through her body at the same time, and she felt sick. "How is that possible?" She spoke in hushed tones and mostly to herself because it was impossible for others to answer. She closed her eyes and put her head in her hands. First Olivia, then Jasmine. And now this on top of everything. It was unbelievable. "Are you sure?" What a stupid question. She knew he was telling the truth, otherwise he wouldn't have said it. After all the meetings they'd had during these last weeks, she knew him well.

  Miranda looked into Gabriel's clear eyes, the ones she could get completely lost in, knowing it wasn't appropriate to dream about anything right now. She'd received one of the greatest shocks of her life and made a brave attempt at gathering her thoughts.

  He nodded. "Would you like to see the evidence?"

  "Absolutely not. I trust you. I assume Vidar managed to fool the cameras and trick the lock, giving him access to my office." She held back tears of disappointment.

  Gabriel nodded once more. "I'm so sorry. It seems there's no end to what you must bear. You need to talk with him tonight."

  "I know. We've had a few of those confrontations lately."

  "Let's talk about something pleasant instead. I had a visit from Jasmine earlier today." He looked at her, mischievously.

  "Not sure if I want to call that pleasant. In my experience, trouble always follows wherever Jasmine goes. What did she want?"

  "To get to know me, I think. I'm rusty on dating, but it seemed like she was flirting." He appeared uneasy, as if he didn't know what to believe.

  "You're kidding?" She laughed outright, amid the tragedy.

  "Is that so hard to believe?" He looked at her, confounded.

  Miranda laughed even more and thought how wonderful it was when a man had no idea about his attractiveness. "No, I didn't mean it like that. I was thinking of my sister. I thought she had enough men in her life."

  "Apparently not."

  Miranda felt a stab of envy. She liked Gabriel way too much to let her sister have him. Jasmine had her men, and a child on the way. It was time she settled down. But Jasmine might be innocent this time. She had no way of knowing that Miranda liked Gabriel and was beginning to have feelings for him, something she hadn't yet admitted to herself until this very moment. Miranda was married and had no claim on Gabriel. Problems were standing in line, and she needed to focus on sorting them out. Furthermore, Gabriel was free to be with whomever he wanted. But she didn't like it at all.

  Gabriel seemed to read her mind because he got up and walked around the desk, stopped her chair from swirling, and pulled her up. "Miranda, I'm not interested in Jasmine. You know that." He embraced her.

  She felt foolish for giving herself away so easily. Gabriel must know her better than she did. She rested her head on his chest. It felt good having his arms around her, and she wished he would never let go.

  "You need to stay away from me. I'm trouble. I won't be ready for anything for a long time, if ever."

  "No worries. I'm not going anywhere." He kissed her forehead and freed himself. "But I suggest you go home and get that conversation with Vidar over and done with. It's late."

  Miranda watched him leave, closing the door behind him. Vidar had left long ago. He never worked a minute longer than necessary. And today that was just as well. Her head was full of confusing emotions, not to mention questions. She would walk through the town center on her way home. She didn't look forward to the discussion waiting at home, but she needed answers. Why would Vidar want to ruin things for her? Had his jealousy gotten out of hand? Didn't he think she deserved to succeed at her job? There was nothing he could do about the situation. William had divided the positions between his children and Vidar, long before any of them knew about the plans their father had in store for them.

  With a heavy heart, she dressed and started on her way home. Deep down, she hoped that Vidar wasn't responsible for this.

  The evening turned out a whole lot differently than Miranda had anticipated. Dinner was eaten in a hurry, and the children biked to their tennis practice. She pictured a sad evening, just the two of them, but while she was clearing the table, Vidar disappeared to change into workout clothes. An extra session had popped up as part of the preparations for next week's bike race. She knew he would be home late and saw no point in waiting up for him. They could talk at work the next day, but this kind of conversation had to be had here. They had much to discuss, and she knew life couldn't continue stumbling along. Drastic measures were needed. It was impossible to pretend nothing had happened when her life had been turned upside-down, again. She was disappointed about postponing the conversation but persuaded him to have a serious talk the next evening.

  ***

  Miranda was incapable of making a single sensible decision the next day. She would have preferred to stay in her office, avoiding people, but she couldn't. They were expecting a large group the day after, who would stay for the weekend. The Swimming Association was having their annual conference and had chosen to combine meetings with pleasure at the new hotel in Solvik. It was perfect for them, according to Mrs. Wilhelmsen of the association. She'd been an active swimmer in her younger days and had a passion for the sport.

  The conference department was big and took up two stories, and half of the rooms were on the same floor as the offices. Miranda went to check on the preparations. It felt good to focus on anything other than her personal problems. She cheered up when she noticed Celine working hard at it, and yet again thought how smart William had been when he assigned her this position. It was easy to see that she appreciated her job.

  "Anything I can do to help?" Miranda looked at her.

  "How kind of you to ask, but we've got everything under control. The conference rooms are ready. The participants will use the Goldfish for their main meetings, being one of the largest. The smaller rooms will be used by the different groups, such as water polo, diving, swimming and synchronized swimming."

  "You've done your homework," Miranda said, smiling. "I can tell you're enjoying this."

  Celine returned the smile. "It's a lot of fun. The more I have to do, the better."

  "You'll certainly have your hands full with this group."

  "Nadia and I will share being here during the weekend. We don't want to leave the participants to fend for themselves, although they don't really need us. Kitty has kindly volunteered to mind Patricia."

  "That's great. I understand they've found each other. Grandma constantly talks about her great-granddaughter."

  Celine beamed. "So does Patricia. She hardly speaks of anybody but Kitty and the dog. And all the jewelry they're making together. When I pick her up after aerobics, she's got freshly painted fingernails and homemade jewelry all over her."

  "She's very creative, just like Kitty. I've never heard Grandma complain about long days, but now she's got company as well. She's better off than she's ever been. She has food in the restaurant, wellness in the spa, and people to talk with as soon as she leaves her suite. Who wouldn't want to live like that in their old age?"

  "It sounds fantastic," Celine said.

  "This is what you're doing. Chatting, while I work like a maniac." They heard Isabella's laughter from the door. She came over and placed her arms around them both.

  "I've offered my assistance, but Celine's got it covered. How are things with you? The flower arrangements you've made are beauti
ful and match the rooms perfectly."

  "I love white Marguerites and corn blue Campanula, but then I like most flowers. Pernille is working on an arrangement for the front desk. But I have to run, see you later," said Isabella.

  "I need to get moving, too. Menus and everything's agreed with Remy?"

  "Everything's ready."

  She hugged Celine as she left. "I'm glad you're my sister."

  Miranda slowly walked along the corridor toward her office. Vidar's office was at the other end, and for a moment she was tempted to stop by and tell him what was bothering her. But she controlled herself. This was not the place for such a serious talk. It would have to wait until they got home. She couldn't understand how they had ended up in this situation. Vidar hadn't hurt her physically as such, so there was no reason to worry. But she still didn't feel safe. What if he did something even more serious next time? Did he plan on making more mischief? Or was it a one-off? She had plenty of questions and no answers. It was frustrating having to wait so long to learn the truth. She felt a mix of fear and uncertainty and didn't know which was worse. These thoughts were making her paranoid, and she knew it wasn't constructive to dwell on it. Better to keep busy, leaving her no time to ruminate.

  Miranda changed her mind and turned before reaching her office. She went back the same way and up two floors to Kitty's suite. Maybe she could cheer her up. Her grandma was always in a good mood. Kitty had been in her life forever and was an excellent replacement for Elvira, who had never managed to sort herself out. It was good to have Kitty close enough to pop in during the working day. Miranda could make sure she had all she needed and was well. Kitty didn't own a car and William used to do her grocery shopping. Tony had offered to do it now, and they were all grateful to him for doing this. She didn't think Kitty felt the same way, as the selection of groceries had changed considerably after her grandson took over. Tony had many strange ideas and didn't hesitate to try them out on Kitty. A so-called super healthy Matcha tea replaced regular green tea. And the usual cookies that were always on display were gone. Tony was no fan of sugar. Instead, he'd filled a bowl with Chinese goji berries and placed it on the coffee table. They were chewy and sour but didn't taste bad, and Miranda knew perfectly well their diet could have been healthier. If only it were more fun to cook...