by ANDREA SMITH
I could hear the shower still running in the bathroom. Trey would be at least another twenty minutes if he shaved. I went to the closet and grabbed a Nike hoodie of Trey’s. I didn’t want to go into the hallway off of the front foyer where the guest closet was for fear of running into a family member. I pulled the hoodie on over my head, threw my Blackberry and charger into my purse, and went out into the hallway. Everything was fairly quiet. I made my way down to the end of the hall, turning the corner and going quietly down the back staircase. It came out into the kitchen. Thankfully, no one was in the kitchen. I crossed the room, heading into the service porch then out the back door.
As I rounded the house, Becky was just pulling up into the circular drive in front of the house. I got into her car, immediately apologizing for disturbing her on Christmas.
“Listen,” she said, her tone serious, “Gina gave me a thirty second run down of what happened. As soon as she mentioned that drunken bitch Caroline, there was no way I was not going to come and get you.”
“I don’t want to cause any issues with you and the Sinclair’s though. You do work for them Becky.”
“My job description doesn’t say anything about me not helping someone in need. You are in need. I’ve seen Caroline in action before the few times a year they visit. Nigel married a drunken bitch that has methodically castrated him over the years. It’s no wonder he has had a fling.”
(What? Does Trey know?)
“Nigel has had an affair?”
"Now I am talking out of turn. Forget that I said anything, okay? That could definitely put a crimp in my
career.”
“But if it’s common knowledge, how could it?”
“I’m not sure just how common the knowledge is,” Becky replied. “I came up on it with my own two ears, and I’ve never mentioned it. It was a year or so back; Nigel and Caroline were here for a few weeks in the summer. I just happened to be at the right place at the wrong time I guess,” she laughed.
“What do you mean, with your own two ears?” I questioned.
“I was up in the supply room taking inventory on a Sunday. The place was closed. I heard an argument outside in the parking lot near the stables over at the ‘Belle. That’s how I found out.”
“Who was arguing,” I pressed.
That meant someone else knew, perhaps Trey?
“Nigel was arguing about it with that middle brother; I can’t think of his name.”
“Tristan?”
“Yeah, that’s it,” she said. “I’m not telling you anymore than that. I swear you are as pushy as Gina in your own way.”
It seemed out of character for Nigel, but really how much did I really know about him? Trey didn’t talk a lot about either of his brothers. It was apparent that he and Tristan had more of a bond if you could even call it that than he and Nigel.
Becky pulled into the driveway of her house. I could see their Christmas tree lit up through the window.
“Are you having company today?” I asked.
"Just my nephew Nate, his wife and their two kids. She just had a baby three weeks ago."
As soon as Becky mentioned a newborn I thought about our little baby who had been extremely quiet since the turmoil of the day before. My heart grew heavy wondering if an unborn could feel stress through the mother. I was sure my violent retching hadn't helped matters. I was ravenous remembering that I hadn't eaten since yesterday’s dinner.
It was as if Becky had read my mind.
“I have our traditional breakfast casserole just out of the oven. Have you eaten yet this morning, Tylar?”
“No, and I am starved.”
“Good,” she said as we entered her side door into the kitchen. “Everything’s ready, let’s eat.”
I had totally forgotten to text Trey as I had intended so that he wouldn’t be concerned when he came out and saw that I was not there. Becky’s breakfast casserole was delicious, complete with homemade biscuits and jam. I helped her clear and load the dishwasher then remembered my Blackberry. I fished it out of my purse, preparing to text Trey. I already had a text from him and a missed call. I forgot that I had put my phone on vibrate. I pulled up his text message. It was short and sweet.
'Where in the fuck are you??'
I immediately texted him back, letting him know that I was fine, I had just gone over to Becky’s. I told him that I felt it might be best if we had some distance today.
A few moments later I heard the beep from my Blackberry indicating that I had a text message. Of course, it was Trey.
'Distance? WTF?? Is this how you solve problems, Tylar? I will be right over to get you. We will discuss this further.'
I knew that Trey was flipping out but I just couldn’t go back right now. I felt relaxed for the first time since Trey’s bitch from hell sister-in-law had stepped foot into my life. I needed this R & R. I texted him back immediately.
'Trey, please. I need to be here right now. I can’t handle the stress at your house with Caroline. I haven’t felt the baby move at all since all of this happened. I need to relax and de-stress. I’m starting to flip out over this. Just saying . . .'
My Blackberry vibrated it was Trey.
“Hey,” I answered.
“Hey” he said. “I wish you hadn’t taken off like that. Are you okay?”
“I will be if I can just chill out here with Becky today. So far I’m zero for two at your family gatherings, Trey.”
“Yeah, it’s been pretty fucked up; I give you that but running scared is not the solution, Tylar.”
“I’m not running scared, Trey. I am simply taking a time out from the drama for awhile. I’m sorry that you don’t understand that. What time are you leaving for the Andrews party this evening?”
“Around seven, will you be back by then?”
“I don’t think so, Trey.”
“So you intend to avoid my family for the rest of the week? Is that your plan?”
“I’m not sure what I am doing at this point,” I answered truthfully.
“If it makes any difference, my mother has addressed the issue with both Nigel and Caroline. Mom was livid when she found out what drove you away from here.”
I sighed audibly. It appeared now as if everyone in the household knew of the humiliating scene that had taken place. It did make a difference. It made a bad situation worse as far as I was concerned.
“Trey, I have to go now. I’m helping Becky prepare Christmas dinner,” I lied. “I’ll see you later on after you get back from the party.”
“Have it your way, Tylar. I was hoping you would be up for accompanying the family to the Andrews’ tonight, but I can see that you’re not. I’ll let my parents know that you and I will not be attending.”
“Trey, no. There’s no reason for you to stay behind. Obviously Tess wants to see you for some reason. Aren’t you at least curious to find out why she called your office?”
“I already know the reason she phoned my office,” he replied as if it was inconsequential, not worth mentioning to me up until now.
(What the fuck?)
“So you talked to her? I thought you agreed that you weren’t going to return her call?”
“I didn’t return her call; she phoned me back at the office a couple of days later. I was in and took the call,” he replied impassively.
“I see,” I responded, coolly. “You didn’t feel that it was worth mentioning to me?”
“It has nothing to do with you, Tylar. She had a legal matter to discuss with me.”
“What kind of a legal matter?” I dared him to tell me it was none of my business.
“I’m not at liberty to discuss this with you, I’m sorry.” (Translation: It’s none of your business!)
“Fine,” I snapped at him. “I’ll see you later, Trey.” I hit the ‘end’ button, then powered off my phone.
I tried my best to put everything out of my mind for the day. I helped Becky set the dining room table for dinner. Her nephew and his family ar
rived mid-afternoon. I immediately fell in love with their newborn son, holding him as often as Nate’s wife Julie allowed me.
She was breastfeeding the baby; I pummeled her with questions that she was more than happy to answer. Seeing her holding her tiny son against her breast, witnessing the bond between them stirred something deep within me. What could possibly be more beautiful than that? I was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion and longing. I felt so alone and isolated from everything. How did things get so fucked up?
Becky drove me back to the manor a little after seven. The lights were lit at the front door, but I expected everyone was gone except for whatever servants were working today. I hugged Becky, thanking her for her hospitality. She watched making sure that someone was there to let me in the house.
I was surprised when Tristan answered the door, opening it wide for me. He was dressed in black trousers that fit nicely to his muscular frame. He wore a white oxford shirt, with a grey, black and white argyle v-neck sweater.
“Tristan,” I stammered, “Hasn’t the family left yet for the party?”
“They have,” he replied, smiling. “I stayed behind to take care of some pressing business.”
I wondered what kind of pressing business he would have to take care of on Christmas Day.
“Did Trey go with them?”
“He’s upstairs,” Tristan answered nodding toward the staircase, “waiting for you I expect. I’m heading out now so Merry Christmas, Tylar. Perhaps I’ll see you both later?”
I looked up at him seeing the warmth and compassion in his eyes. He knew as well. I felt my cheeks redden, quickly averting my attention away from him.
“You know, Tylar, sometimes things aren’t nearly as horrific as we imagine. I think Trey really wants to talk to you. I won’t keep you.”
He turned, grabbing his overcoat and was out the door. I climbed the stairs, feeling some apprehension as I did. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I saw Trey. Though I hated this feeling of isolation, I was still bothered by the fact that Trey had not felt compelled to share with me his conversation with his ex-fiancé. Was that really so unreasonable? Apart from Caroline trying to distance me from Trey and his family, I now had to contend with Tess?
Trey was lounging on top of the bed, fully dressed when I entered the suite. His arms were crossed beneath his head, something was on the television but his attention quickly averted to me as I entered. He got up slowly, closing
the distance between us. I gazed up at him, drinking in his nearness, wanting to initiate contact but unsure of what his reaction would be.
“I missed you today,” he said, softly, wrapping his arms around me, pulling me close. “I’ve been an ass, according to Tristan anyway.”
“What?” I said, looking up at him, puzzled by his statement.
Trey smiled, lifting my hand to his face, brushing his lips across my knuckles, not taking his eyes from mine.
“Yes, I received a well-deserved lecture from my older brother earlier. That’s why he stayed behind, insisting I do the same,” he responded, grinning at me.
“It seems you have captivated yet another Sinclair male, Tylar. Tristan was extremely succinct in conveying to me the error of my ways concerning my handling, or should I say, ‘mishandling’ with respect to Caroline’s antics yesterday.”
“Stop,” I said, placing my hand flat against his chest. He looked down at me, his eyes widening; confusion crossed his face.
“This is not just about the Caroline matter, Trey. This has just as much to do with the subject of Tess contacting you and you keeping it from me.”
“I explained that the matter is privileged, Tylar.”
“So she is your client then?”
“No, not officially; she did seek some advice from me.”
“Then there is no attorney client privilege, counselor.”
Trey could not hide his increasing frustration with me.
“Christ, Tylar, I am attempting to apologize here. If that is not acceptable to you, then fine. I am not inclined to allow you to interrogate me on a matter I have already told you is confidential. End of discussion; get dressed. We are going to the Andrews party and I expect you ready in fifteen minutes. I will be in the foyer. Please don’t keep me waiting.”
Trey turned on his heel, exiting the room leaving me red-faced and boiling mad. I gave myself a couple of minutes to cool down and collect my thoughts. I considered my options at the moment, a feeling of defiance coming over me. Perhaps a party was just what the doctor ordered I thought. This might prove to be an enlightening event. I was definitely not comfortable playing the injured party role, so I decided right there and then I would cease.
I went to the closet and pulled out the short black velvet cocktail dress that I had purchased in Atlanta before Christmas. It was sleeveless, with a sprinkling of silver sparkles in snowflake patterns on it. I put the plain black velvet bolero jacket over it, accessorizing with a plain silver chain and silver snowflake earrings. I pulled on my black lacey thigh highs, and stepped into my four inch black spiked ‘fuck me’ pumps.
I quickly brushed my teeth and touched up my make-up. I expertly applied grey eye shadow to my lids; adding smoke grey liner and mascara. I topped it off with glossy amaretto lip color. I released my hair from the french braid, combing it out now all wavy and free as it framed my face giving me a somewhat wild and dangerous look. Good. That was exactly the look I needed to survive this fucking party.
I grabbed a black clutch purse, transferring my essentials into it. My dress coat was downstairs in the guest closet. I descended the stairs noticing Trey pacing in the foyer, looking like a model for Vogue. He had put his jacket on and I noticed that he was impeccably dressed in black wool with silver grey pin striped suit. The trousers were double deep pleated in the front with a relaxed fit on his hips. His dress shirt was silver grey, with a matching grey silk tie.
He turned as I was coming down the steps, his face
still showing signs of irritation. His gaze was appreciative as his eyes slowly skimmed over me from top to bottom. They rested on my overflowing bosom. His eyes darkened discernibly. That was exactly the reaction I had hoped to
achieve. His eyes quickly looked to mine and I made sure I was unreadable to him. I glimpsed a slight frown crease his otherwise perfect forehead.
Trey went to the closet, pulling my long black wool coat out and holding it up for me. He watched as I fanned my hair out from underneath the collar of my coat as I buttoned it up.
“What did you do to your hair?” he asked.
“You gave me no time to flat iron it,” I replied. “I simply unbraided it and brushed it out. Why, don’t you like it?”
“No,” he replied quickly, “it actually makes you look, I don’t know, like a different person almost.”
“Good,” I replied, “that’s the look I’m going for at the moment.”
Trey’s eyes narrowed infinitesimally at me. He was not prepared for me to respond as such to his earlier demand; he had anticipated a different reaction. That was evident.
He placed his hand on the small of my back as he escorted me outside to the garage where his Lamborghini awaited.
We rode in silence to the Andrews house which was located no more than three miles from the Sinclair’s house. There were a multitude of vehicles parked on both sides of the circular drive leading up to the impressive mansion.
The Andrews had money that much was apparent. Tristan must have driven Susan’s BMW as Trey pulled his car right behind it. I guessed the others had arrived in Clive’s Lincoln Navigator. Even though Clive was from England he had been in the United States for so long he felt more strongly than the rest of his family about buying American products.
Trey helped me from the car, wrapping an arm around
my shoulder as we made our way up the drive to the well lit entrance. A servant greeted us at the door allowing us entrance into the front foyer. Trey helped me with my coat,
handing it
to the waiting servant. There was a huge room off to the right where the party guests were milling about. I
strained to see if I saw anyone I recognized.
My eyes fell upon Susan, who was waving me over to the group of people standing with her. Trey was handing his coat to the servant as I made my way over to Susan. I wasn’t going to be tied to Trey’s side all evening with us barely speaking.
“Here she is,” Susan beamed, wrapping an arm around me, “This is Tylar my soon to be daughter-in-law. Tylar, this is Lynette and James Monroe, our neighbors to the west of us."
“Oh, Rusty’s family,” I said, smiling, holding my hand out to each of them.
“You know our Springer Spaniel, eh?” James replied, laughing. “He does get around.”
“Yes,” Lynette chimed in, grinning. “He seems to have quite a way with the ladies as well. He’s sired a litter due anytime now, unplanned of course.”
I flushed wondering if the Monroe’s knew about Trey’s unplanned siring.
Music was flowing from an adjoining room. Clive approached the group, coming over and giving me a warm hug and kiss on the cheek.
“Merry Christmas, Tylar, we missed you today. Are you feeling better?” I could see the warmth and compassion in his eyes.
“Much better, Clive, thank you,” I replied honestly.
It was good to be out of hiding I decided.
There was a tap on my shoulder. I turned, looking up into the emerald green eyes of Tristan. He was almost as exquisite as Trey.
“May I have a dance with you before you become my sister-in-law and it’s hands-off?”
He gave me a mischievous grin, holding his hand out to me. I saw Trey approaching in my peripheral vision. I smiled shyly up at Tristan, placing my hand into his large one allowing him to whisk me off to the adjoining parlor where the soft strains of a slow melodic song was playing. As Tristan
led me onto the dance floor, I could see Trey frowning,