“She’s amazing,” Cat Dane said, as she pushed her arm through his. “He usually doesn’t go with strangers.”
“Yeah. She’s good with people,” Mano said. “Everyone she works with, including the uni kids, like her a lot.”
Cat grinned. “Be careful, Mano. Your feelings are beginning to show.”
“What do you see?”
Cat looked him over. “That you’re in a good place.”
“Told your husband that I was fine, that he shouldn’t worry.”
“Not a chance he wouldn’t worry about you. You’re family. Thank you for coming down. If you hadn’t, we would have probably flown up.”
“I know,” Mano said. “Figured by meeting you lot here, it’ll save me from cleaning up the mess you’d have left at my house.”
Cat laughed then hugged Mano. “I like where you are now, Mano Palua. And I think Eden’s lovely.”
Later that night, as he watched Eden sleep, Mano agreed with Cat. Eden Pak was indeed lovely. She wasn’t intimidated by Steve’s interrogation of her swimming career, Cat’s not so subtle questions about “the-two-of-you,” nor any of the regular chaos in a house with seven children. She took everything in stride. It was as if she were always meant to be part of this family of friends.
But moments of perfection usually end before their significance can be truly appreciated.
With the weather warmer than usual, the decision was to move Thanksgiving lunch to the pool area. Veronica’s chef prepared an eclectic spread that gave a nod to both the American holiday and Steve’s birthday.
Afterward, Connor and Mano sat by the pool’s edge watching children while Veronica held the women captive with the latest designs for her baby-clothes collection, to be named after Natasha and Mark’s baby.
But so in tune they were to each other’s moods that as soon as Mitch appeared, his large strides making quick work of the distance from the mezzanine to the pool, they all stopped talking. Liana stood up immediately, her eyes widening slightly when Mitch stopped in front of Mano.
“Corrine is on Neela’s phone,” Mitch said, holding his mobile. “She wants to talk to you. I thought it was your cousin when it rang. Sorry, mate. I can hang up, if you want. But wanted you to know just in case you wanted to speak to her.”
It was as if the world stopped. All because of a phone call. Mano stared at Mitch then at the phone then at Connor. Even the children in the pool sensed a shift from the casual atmosphere of a few seconds ago.
Veronica frowned, cleared her throat and yelled at her son. “Max? Why don’t you get all the kids up and head to the games room?” She pushed her husband forward, unspoken instructions in her stare. Sighing, Steve whispered loudly, “But I want to stay – shit! Stop pinching me, woman! It’s my birthday! Okay, you win! Right, kids! Ice-cream, yeah? Last one out gets NO toppings!”
Liana exchanged a glance with Mitch then nodded. “How about the rest of us go inside as well? I’m ready for some of that lovely lemonade you made this morning, Veronica.” She helped gather the baby clothes while Cat packed up Levi’s gear.
“We’ll be in the kitchen,” Liana said as she touched Mitch’s arm. She looked at Mano. “Whatever you need, you have.”
Connor stood next to Mitch and looked at Mano. “Mate, if you want some privacy, we’ll go too.”
Mano shook his head as he took the phone from Mitch, his eyes catching Eden’s. “Corrine was Margot’s best friend. The last time we spoke, I was still trying to find out where Margot disappeared to.”
Eden guessed Corrine must have played a bigger role in Mano’s life than she suspected. And in watching Mano’s friends watch Mano, Eden realized he hadn’t exaggerated their fears for him. It was there, obvious and unapologetic: Mitch and Connor stood like bodyguards. Their friendly faces now taut and grim. A vein ticked furiously on Mitch’s temple, the only moving part on an impassive countenance.
Eden returned her gaze to study Mano; she didn’t see what they saw.
She didn’t see anything that scared her.
He looked serious; he paced; he clenched and unclenched his free hand, stopping whenever he spoke. She recognized the voice: moderated and clear. His coaching voice. No anger. “Look, Corrine, I wish I could help, but I don’t know if Margot will listen to me…. That doesn’t sound like a good idea. I’m not sure if I know her anymore... Yeah…no, stay in touch. You have my number now.”
No, there was nothing in front of her that surprised or scared her.
He frowned again and nodded. “No, no…don’t do that. Please don’t cry. It’s all right. Everything will be all right. I should talk to Antoinette first. It’s been awhile.”
He nodded then his eyes found hers again.
A second nod.
But it was for her this time. Just to let her know he was fine, that he was in control.
She moved towards him automatically, her hand slipping into his quickly.
He held it firmly as he continued to talk. She tuned out his conversation with the unknown Corrine on the other side of the world. They stood side by side: he faced his friends while she soaked in the view of Los Angeles, shiny and bright.
When he finished his conversation, he sighed.
“Corrine and Margot grew up together,” he began. He, too, kept his gaze on the city view in front of them. “She’s like a second daughter to Margot’s parents. She wants me to help bring Margot home.”
“Why?”
“Margot’s father doesn’t have much longer. He’s been ill for a while.”
“Does Corrine know where she is?”
“Yes.” Mano inhaled deeply. “Already tried to see her. Margot doesn’t want to go home.”
Eden squeezed Mano’s hand. “And Corrine called because she thinks you can help convince Margot to go home?”
“Yes, but I don’t know if that’s a good thing. Margot’s the part of my life I’m trying to forget.”
Eden turned and searched his face. “Who says you’re supposed to forget her? She’ll always be in your heart. Just because she’s not here, standing where I am, doesn’t mean you need to forget. She’s a part of your history, of your life…in making you the man I’m falling in love with.”
Mano’s head jerked; his eyes wide at her words. She put her fingers on his lips, wanting to continue before she became aware of what her confession could do to their relationship. This wasn’t the time to talk about it. He had his past to deal with. When she knew he wasn’t going to interrupt, she traced the contours of his face to his chest, smiling as her palm caught the increased rhythm of his heartbeat. “I think you’re ready to trust your heart again. Your brain is saying going back will hurt; your heart is saying it’s the right thing to do.”
“Do you mean that? That you’re falling in love with me?”
She smiled. “Have you known me to say anything I don’t mean? No filter, remember?”
She looked past him and smiled at Mitch and Connor. “You’re a lucky man, Mano Palua. Your family stands behind you, ready to help at a moment’s notice.”
He looked over his shoulder. A few weeks ago, she wouldn’t have seen it, the softening in Mano’s face or the warmth that simmered in his eyes. She kissed him quickly on his cheek. “Talk to them. They know you best. But deep down, you know what you need to do. Whatever the decision—stay or go—it’ll be the right one.”
She began to move away, to make way for the two men who continued to give them space, but Mano pulled her back into his arms, his lips claiming hers.
Los Angeles disappeared; Mitch and Connor disappeared; the sun disappeared. But not the heat that automatically flared inside her at his touch, or the sense of completion at being in his arms. Will it always be like this?
“Yes.”
Eden opened her eyes to see Mano grinning at her. “I asked that out loud, didn’t I?”
“Yes,” Mano repeated. His eyes emphasized what his words said. It was a promise.
She kept smiling as she made he
r way up to the main house, pausing when she realized she had entered an unfamiliar wing. Cautious curiosity led her forward. Wide tall windows suggested moving along the hallway would eventually lead her to where she was supposed to have entered.
She ran her fingers along the wooden paneling that encased the nearest window. On the opposite wall, art was meticulously hung in precise spacing. It was an eclectic mix of modernism, Romanticism, Dadaism, and other -isms she couldn’t identify. She tried to tell herself that not everything could be original. Surely not the Chagall that was mere inches from her face. The last time she saw the same image was in a college textbook.
The final grouping was personal but no less impressive in composition or impact. There was a shot of Veronica facing a full stadium of people, no doubt in her days with Impulse; then there was a large black and white photograph of Steve with a medal around his neck, arms raised in triumph; then there was a familiar looking magazine cover of the three Boyd children modeling clothes from Veronica’s new line. And, lastly… Eden eyes widened. No way…at the royal wedding!
Laughter guided her to the open kitchen where Cat, Natasha, Liana, and Veronica sat around a large island.
“Oh, there you are!” Cat pulled out a bar seat. “Got lost? Trust me, we all do at one time or another. Even Steve, and he lives here!”
“It’s quite a house,” Eden said.
“It’s a bloody mansion,” Veronica said, pouring a glass of lemonade in front of Eden. “I wanted something smaller, but my husband has a thing for grandeur, doesn’t he, Liana?”
Liana nodded. “Always has. When they got married, it was his idea to light up all of Glasgow with fireworks.”
“Most embarrassing day of my life,” Veronica muttered. “Mum loved it though. You’d think a woman who spent her entire life in a small village that had more sheep than people would hate all the fuss. But she and Steve are like two peas in a pod. Big, big, big. Fancy, fancy, fancy. I’m just a simple girl at heart.”
Eden didn’t miss the amused look exchanged by Cat and Liana while Natasha burst out laughing. “Yes, that’s you, Veronica. Simple!”
“I am!”
Eden drank her lemonade, recalling that the last time Veronica Boyd attended an awards show, the singer-now-designer made headlines by wearing an evening gown made mostly of crystals, pearls, and little else.
“We’re glad you’re here. I hope you’ve been comfortable,” Cat said. “We can be a lot.”
“Amen!” Veronica raised her glass. “Only the strong make it through a weekend with us! Way too many egos and competitive spirits in one house!”
Natasha rubbed her protruding belly. “Don’t mind them, Eden. They’re harmless underneath the glitz and glamor of it all. I’m the only one never to have made a cover of a magazine, and they still let me sit at the dining table once in a while.”
Eden grinned. “Mano calls you his family.”
“We are,” Cat edged closer to Eden. “He’s mentioned you as well. And Aidan, who we hope to meet one day. He never talks about anyone, especially the women in his life. We didn’t even know Margot existed for months, did we? And he’s brought you here with him? You must be special.”
“He’s pretty special to me and Aidan,” Eden said honestly.
“He’s proud of what you’re trying to do with your swimming. Says you came out of retirement and now you’re one of the top swimmers in the country?”
Eden shifted on her seat. “For now. Records don’t last. But I’ve decided to stick to just swimming at Masters level from now on.”
Liana frowned. “What do you mean? I thought you were headed to the National Championships. Alistair sends me the faculty newsletter.”
“No. I’d set myself a deadline to qualify at my last meet, and that didn’t happen. Also, my son needs me right now.”
“Fair enough,” Liana said.
“Yes,” Cat said. “If you feel there’s no more to be done, you should close that door. Move on.”
“Oh, yes. If you are done, definitely close the door,” Veronica said. “Forever. The End. Finito. Fini! Nothing worse than living with someone who keeps chasing a dream they just won’t give up. Steve’s always wanted to qualify for the World Cup with Scotland, but it didn’t happen.”
“He can always aim to manage a team to the —”
Veronica held her finger up at Liana. “Hush! No! Don’t say it! Don’t even suggest it!”
“But—”
“No! Retiring hasn’t been easy for him!” Veronica looked around then lowered her voice. “He’s a bit lost. His whole life was about perfecting his skills on the field, of being mentally strong…but no one talks about what happens next. When the contracts no longer come, when all they’re offering is being on the telly to talk about the game, to talk about other athletes.... That’s not Steve. I worry he’s going to spend too much time thinking about what he didn’t do instead of enjoying everything he has accomplished.”
“Has he given more thought about talking to Dr. Spurgeon?” Liana asked.
Veronica rolled her eyes. “Not really. If it were anyone else who’d suggested it, Liana, he would have chucked the card in the bin right away. All I can say is that he did put Spurgeon’s number in his mobile.”
“For Steve, that’s a good first step,” Liana said.
“Yeah, it is,” Veronica said. “One day at a time, yeah?”
“Is that the same Spurgeon Mano talks to?” Eden asked.
Cat’s eyebrows shot up. “He’s told you about Spurgeon, has he?”
“He has. Is he a psychiatrist?”
Liana shook her head. “He’s a psychologist. I’ve worked with him when I went through post-partum depression. He has worked with Mano and a lot of other athletes on how to deal with pressure and stress. He has a keen insight to who we are as professionals. Apparently, we’re a case study in itself!”
Veronica nodded and held up her glass. “You can say that again!”
Cat tilted her head. “You’re good for him, Eden. Six months ago, we had a hell of time worrying about whether he’ll see Spurgeon.”
Eden shrugged. “I haven’t done anything.”
“You’ve made him care again,” Cat noted. “That’s enough.”
Liana nodded. “To be honest, I wasn’t happy with Mitch for giving him Alistair’s contact information. I wanted Mano to stay close, to be with us.” Liana looked at Eden. “But Mitch was right. For Mano to get back to who he was, he needed to get away, to trust himself with people he didn’t know.”
Cat huffed. “If Margot didn’t do what she did—”
“Cat—”
“No! I’m not letting her off the hook. Yes, she was sick, but disappearing like that? Not a word to anyone? That was just immature and selfish. Her poor mum! Having cancer doesn’t give anyone leave to be mean!”
Liana sighed. “Oh Cat. Margot…well…Margot…it’s not easy to live in the shadow of someone famous. When they got together, Mano had just earned the captaincy.” Liana explained to Eden. “In New Zealand, the captain of the national rugby team is one of the biggest public figures. The captain’s face is everywhere. His opinions matter; he is, in a way, public property. And she was…uh—”
“Young,” Veronica interrupted. “She was young and unprepared for so many things thrown at her. Margot is beautiful and people loved the idea of her and Mano. There was a lot of attention. A lot of expectations of a happy-ever-after. It’s hard to be in a fairy tale when you live in real life.”
“You two are far more understanding than I am.” Cat blinked repeatedly as she studied the random lines of the marbled countertop. “I’ve known Mano for as long as I’ve known Connor, and I’d never seen him so hurt as when she disappeared. He always knew what to do. And then he didn’t.”
“He seems to know now,” Eden said. “He knows what he has to do; he’ll help Corrine.”
“You sure?” Liana asked.
Eden nodded. “That’s what he does. He helps people
.”
Three sets of eyes stared at her. “What?” Eden asked. “Why are you looking at me that way? What did I say?”
Liana’s dark eyes glistened. “The truth. And you reminded us something we’d forgotten. You’re right. That’s who he is: someone who helps people.”
Mano stayed in Steve’s study most of the evening, finalizing his plans to leave for Auckland the next day. Eden turned down the offer to stay the full weekend as planned, managing to secure a morning flight on Saturday. But she was unable convince Mitch that she was just fine taking the shuttle to the airport. His glare gave her insight into what he must have been like as a rugby captain. She made a mental note to quiz her dad about the man.
Sleep eluded her that night. Mano had stirred a few times, but her hand on his back seemed to settle him. She finally gave up, slipping out of the bed as quietly as possible and made her way to the small but comfortable living room. Pushing the curtain aside, she studied the bright stars then noted the stillness of the palm trees that stood over them. Her gaze settled on the pool where underwater lights kept it from being dark and mysterious.
It wouldn’t be the first time in her life she’d brave the cold air of winter to get to the pool.
She relaxed as soon as her body touched water, diving deeper until her body skimmed the bottom of the pool. She pushed forward, adjusting her movements fractionally to go as far as possible. Then she turned, angling upwards, but this time on her back. Blurred ripples passed her goggles. Slowly, she floated to the surface again, turning instinctively as her body cut through the surface.
Muscles took over; her mind went blank.
She only slowed when well-formed calves appeared in the water, their owner still absent from view.
“Did I wake you?” she asked when she reached him.
“No,” Mano said. “Watched you from inside. You’re a fish.” He held a steaming cup.
“You really know how to compliment a woman,” Eden smiled as she took the mug but remained in the water. “Thanks. This is great. Aren’t you cold?”
Always and Forever: Rugby Brothers, Book 3 Page 20
