Kelly lifted her chin. “Seeing as I live here too, I personally would appreciate it if you waited until you’re actually invited in next time.”
Constance raised an eyebrow. “We’ll see what Peter has to say about that.”
“We both live here.”
“Honey, are you jealous or something?”
Kelly’s cheeks flushed, and she clenched her jaw. “Of course not.”
Constance smirked. “You seem way too concerned with our relationship.”
“I just don’t like strangers waltzing into my house.”
“I think you mean Peter’s house.”
Irritation bubbled up in Kelly’s chest. “Whatever.” She brushed past the other woman and headed to her room.
“Have a good evening,” Constance called after her, laughing softly.
Once inside her room Kelly sat down on her bed, her heart pounding. Constance certainly didn’t look like the average secretary, nor could she picture that woman hurrying around an office, filing, typing or fetching coffee. But if looks were all one cared about, she could certainly see why Stephen had found the woman irresistible. She undoubtedly was much friendlier to men.
Kelly showered and dressed in a soft green shirt and a pair of matching leggings. Her sun kissed complexion glowed, and she touched some Vaseline to her full lips. She sat on her bed, wrestling with whether or not to leave her room. While she didn’t want to run into Constance again, she also had no desire to hide in her room. Besides, she was hungry. She took a deep breath, and opened the door to her room. The house seemed empty, so she went into the kitchen. Peter had probably returned home to collect his little brunette package.
She whipped up a mushroom omelet in no time at all and sat down at the kitchen table to enjoy it. She poured herself a glass of white wine and toasted the room at large. “To an evening alone. Finally.”
After eating, she went into the living room and sat down on the couch to watch some TV. Nothing numbed the brain more than TV. She was relieved that she no longer had to worry about Stephen calling and trying to reconcile. She was so disgusted with him right now; she couldn’t even imagine a time when she’d thought she’d loved him. Constance appearing in her house hadn’t helped any.
As much as she perished the thought, she knew she had to call her family and keep them apprised of the situation. Her heart was in her throat as she dialed her mother’s number.
“Hello, the Martin residence.” Kelly’s mother’s voice was cheerful.
“Mother?”
“Gina, what a nice surprise.”
Kelly winced. “I’d rather you used Kelly.”
“Oh. Yes. Sorry.”
“I thought I’d catch you up on some stuff.”
“Are you back with Stephen?” Her mother asked hopefully.
“Um… no.”
“Oh Kelly, your generation is so fickle. Why can’t you just accept Stephen’s devotion to you, and get on with your life together?” Her mother’s voice was perplexed.
“He wasn’t as devoted as you think.”
“Meaning what?”
“Meaning Saint Stephen wasn’t really a saint.”
“Oh I can’t believe that.”
“Really? You think I’m lying?” Kelly’s tone was impatient.
There was silence on the other end of the phone and finally her mother answered tentatively. “I didn’t mean that.”
Kelly sighed. “Look, I know you really liked him. But I heard it straight from him that his lunch with that woman wasn’t actually so innocent.”
“He told you that?” Her mother sounded disappointed.
“Yes.”
“Oh, dear.” She sighed. “Well, how are you? Holding up okay?”
“I am. I actually think it was for the best. I feel like we were trying to force things. If you want to know the truth, I’m relieved.”
“That’s too bad. Your sisters will be heartbroken. We all loved Stevie very much.”
Kelly gave the phone a scowl. “Maybe in time you can all heal?”
Her mother laughed sheepishly. “We can’t help it if we liked him.”
“Maybe you can adopt him.”
“Very funny.” She cleared her throat. “We’re all on team Gina... er… Kelly.”
“Thanks, mom.”
“Love you.”
“Love you too.”
Kelly rang off and pouring herself a second glass of wine, she sat quietly on the couch. That had actually been less painful than imagined. Her thoughts drifted to Peter. They always seemed to be drifting in that direction lately. One could hardly think of Peter without thinking of Constance. The woman had not acted like a secretary. Her manner had been much more familiar, and she had implied Peter and her were having a relationship. Maybe they were. What did she care?
She heard the back door open and Peter came in. He didn’t see her at first, but then he straightened. “Evening,” he said.
“Hello.” Her tone was cool. After her run in with Constance she felt on edge.
“How did you amuse yourself today? Did you get a lot of work done?”
Kelly kept her eyes averted and stared in the direction of the TV. “Enough.” She answered.
Peter entered the room where she was reclining on the couch, and plopped down next to her, his leg brushing her foot. She pulled away quickly, but not before a spark went through her.
He noticed her jerky movement, and frowned, “Something wrong?”
“No. Why do you ask?”
“You seem a little grumpy.” He gave a coaxing smile.
“Do I?”
“Yes. You do. What’s going on?”
She kept her eyes fixed on the TV, her profile stiff. “Nothing is going on. I’m tired. Do I have to be the glee club or something?”
He frowned. “No, you just seem different. Is something wrong between you and Stephen again?” His voice sounded guarded now.
“Again, was anything ever right between Stephen and me?” Her tone was bitter, and she took a swig of her wine.
“Come on Kelly, talk to me.”
Kelly frowned at him. “Why would I talk to you? I hardly know you.”
“Well, I for one felt we were becoming friends. You seem upset, and I am here and willing to listen.”
Kelly raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.
“Did you and Stephen have a fight?”
Kelly turned to him, her eyes filled with irritation. “Yes, we had a huge and final argument. He turned out to be a rat, like every other male I’ve ever known.”
Peter’s expression was guarded. He looked as if he wanted to say something to her, but he held his tongue.
“Did you know your secretary was here today?” She changed the subject abruptly.
“Here?” His voice was incredulous. “When?”
“Earlier today. She said you wouldn’t mind if she let herself in.” She scrutinized his face for a reaction. There was none.
“Kelly, I never said she could just come in here unannounced. I’ll talk to her.” His expression changed to curiosity. “How did you know she was my secretary?”
“Stephen told me. He told me a lot of things.”
“What sort of things?” His voice was hesitant.
“She’s the infamous ‘other woman’ or one of them.”
“Is that all he told you?” Peter asked uneasily.
“What else would he have told me?” Her glance sharpened. “Is there something else he should have told me?”
“You never know what a cornered rat will say,” he smiled stiffly.
She watched him under her lashes. She was certain he was hiding something. “I have this odd feeling that everyone in the world knows something that I don’t know.”
“I wasn’t sure if you’d resent me because Stephen and Constance made a connection. She’s only in town because of me.”
“Why would Stephen’s betrayal be your fault?”
“I have a feeling that one day you might think a
lot of things are my fault.” His voice was resigned, and he stood up slowly. His gaze met hers, and her heart turned over in response. His gaze was oddly tender, and her cheeks reddened. No. No. No. She would not be taken in again.
She dragged her eyes away, and said coldly, “I wouldn’t be surprised.”
Chapter Six
The next two weeks passed uneventfully. Every time Peter entered a room Kelly was in, she’d find a polite way of excusing herself. It wasn’t easy. Kelly had to keep a tight rein on her emotions towards Peter. Part of her wanted to stay and laugh with Peter, get to know about him, his life before he came here. But she knew that to do that would mean becoming more and more interested in him, because he did interest her and it was a constant battle to not give in.
Stephen apparently knew better than to call Kelly. It seemed he had finally gotten the point that enough was enough. Oddly, she didn’t even miss him. She missed Peter’s companionship more, and she had only known him such a short time. She remembered the day they had gone to the museum together and the stirrings she had felt. But she reminded herself that all men come off as wonderful as possible when they are trying to capture you.
One good side effect of having no one in her life was that she was incredibly productive in her work. In fact, this was the morning she was to meet Fred at the Blue Lion Hotel, to look over the rooms they wanted her paintings for.
Kelly felt slightly nervous at the prospect of the meeting. She knew she had talent, but this was a large assignment. Up until now she’d painted what moved her. This project would be more about painting what she thought they wanted from her, it was a little more risky.
She met Fred at the gallery and motioned for him to join her in her car. “I’ll drive, Fred. Jump in,” she called out of the open window.
Fred ambled towards her vehicle, his tanned balding head gleaming in the sunlight. He was wearing a silk purple shirt and black jacket and pants. His gold jewelry was present as always.
“Well, that’s wonderful. My back is acting up, and I was thinking about calling a taxi. Can’t manage shifting clutches today I’m afraid.” He collapsed into the car.
Kelly grinned. “Just don’t forget to tip me.” She pulled out and drove down the main street to the edge of town towards The Blue Lion.
“Heard from Stephen?” Fred’s voice was too casual.
“No I have not, nor do I wish too.” She gave him a scowl.
“What exactly was the final straw dear, if you don’t mind my asking?”
Kelly paused, she didn’t mind him asking; she was just not sure how to answer. “It wasn’t just one thing. He probably thinks it was. Remember that little breakfast that was supposed to be so innocent?” Fred nodded. “Well it wasn’t. Apparently it was just the appetizer to a day of passion.” She snorted derisively.
“You know, Kelly, I could never see you with him.” Fred looked at her uneasily. “I didn’t want to say anything because you seemed happy enough.”
“I guess it beat being alone.” She sighed. “We had some good times though. It wasn’t all bad.”
“No. Of course not.” He smiled at her, a twinkle in his eyes. “But that leaves you free for Peter now, eh?”
Her face warmed. “Hardly.”
“But why not?”
“He’s not interested in me that way.”
Fred laughed. “Come along my girl. I may be old, but I’m not blind. He’s obviously smitten with you.”
“No. That’s not true.”
“Think what you want my dear. But I know what I know.”
“I think I’ll just be on my own for a while.”
“No. You’re far too young to hole up in your cottage.”
“I don’t have very good luck with men.” She shivered. “Let’s not forget Robert.”
Fred’s eyes were sympathetic. “Yes my dear, he was a brute. But he was also very unusual. Most men are not abusive.”
“No, but I keep running into manipulative types. What’s wrong with me?”
Fred smiled, shaking his head. “Kelly, there is nothing wrong with you, Stephen was nothing like Robert. There are just some not very nice people out there, and you happened to run into a few of them.”
“Exactly, I seem to have a beacon on my head that attracts them.”
“Well, I tend to be a good judge of character. I never liked Stephen, or for that matter any of the young men you dabbled with.” He sniffed. “If I were twenty years younger, I’d rob you from the cradle myself. But I’m not, so I must satisfy myself by living vicariously.”
Kelly gave a teasing smile. “Yeah, like you’d settle for someone like me. I could never afford to keep you in gold chains like you desire.”
Fred’s raucous laugh burst out. “My dear I’d snap you up in a minute. But since I am not a young man, it’s a moot point. However, I would choose Peter for you. I liked him immediately.”
“Well, may you two be very happy,” she said sarcastically. “You’ll make a lovely couple. But I don’t know if he can carry off the gold necklaces as well as you can.”
“Alright, if you’re going to be difficult, I’ll drop it. But Let me just say this one last pearl of wisdom.” He paused and looked directly at her as he spoke. “It’s very lonely to grow old by yourself.”
She bit her lip and reached out a hand to his. “I know Fred. I don’t mean to make light of these things.” Fred had never been married. He claimed it was because no one had accepted his offers, but Kelly knew that wasn’t true. He’d had his heart broken when he was younger.
“I just want you to be happy, my dear. I want you to have a big family, picket fence, a dog named Spot, the whole nine yards. So I can go on living vicariously for all eternity.” He patted her hand warmly.
Kelly pulled into the parking lot of The Blue Lion Hotel and parked in a space near the door. “Maybe someday.”
They were greeted by the manager of the hotel. He was a man in his late forties, salt and pepper hair and congenial eyes.
“So glad to finally meet you Miss Martin. I am Frank Packard.” He shook her hand vigorously.
“It’s my pleasure, Mr. Packard.”
He led them towards the hotel for a tour. The Blue Lion Hotel was Sea Light Cliff’s largest hotel. The new wing had about one hundred units. The floors were light marble and there were sumptuous tapestries from the south of France showing sun-washed villas and lush gardens. Queen Anne style tables with elegant spindle legs were placed in the lobby. Giant marble, resin caryatid planters sat atop the tables filled with gorgeous tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses.
They sat down in the manager’s office and decided exactly what themes the hotel wanted, and how many paintings would be required. The money they were paying Kelly was obscene in her opinion, but she wasn’t fool enough to argue. Fred, of course, was ecstatic.
After the meeting she dropped Fred off at his car by the gallery and went home. Peter’s car was in the drive, and when she opened the door, the delightful smell of garlic and pasta filled her nostrils. Peter was standing over the stove tasting a spoon of spaghetti sauce and turned smiling when she came in.
“At last you have arrived. I was about to cancel your reservation.”
Kelly was taken aback. She had been so aloof the past week, his friendly attitude was surprising. “What’s this?” She gestured to the table, set with plates and wineglasses.
“Why that’s a table,” Peter grinned.
She smiled unwillingly. He was looking even more attractive than usual, his green eyes flashing, white teeth gleaming against his deep tan.
“No, I mean what are you up to?” she asked, suspiciously.
“Why I’m not up to anything. I have to eat and you have to eat. Can’t we do that together?” he asked innocently.
Kelly felt herself being drawn to his charm. Fred had made her feel a little more open to Peter. Fred seemed so sure Peter was a great guy, what could dinner hurt?
Peter scrutinized her face, watching th
e play of conflicting emotions. His manner changed, and he walked over to her and took her hand. She felt a ripple of excitement at his touch. He peered intently into her eyes. “Kelly, I know you’ve been hurt, but can’t we at least be friends?”
She moved uneasily under his gaze. Her heart lurched at his soft voice. She cleared her throat and met his eyes. “Who said we couldn’t be friends?”
“Well, maybe I am just overly sensitive, but I feel like you have been avoiding me lately.” He gave her a gentle smile.
“I haven’t been.” She denied unconvincingly.
“You sure?”
She shrugged.
“Good, then let’s eat.” Peter dropped her hand and turned to serve the food.
He scooped huge portions of pasta and spaghetti sauce, placing a slice of garlic toast strategically on the side of the plate. Then he set the dish on the table where she always sat. “Mangia.”
“You speak Italian?”
He grinned. “Nope.”
Kelly laughed and slipped into her seat. She picked up her fork and took a bite of the fragrant pasta. “Mmm. This is great.”
“Thank you.” He bowed his head to accept the compliment. “It is an old family secret.”
“Oh, so you do have a family then?” She smiled.
“Yes. I’m the middle child; which could account for why I thought you were avoiding me.”
She grimaced. “I might have been avoiding you a little,” she admitted, her mouth full of pasta.
“Ah ha. I knew it. Why?” He frowned.
“I’ve decided to avoid men. I’m going to become a nun and join a convent.” She joked, trying to avoid his eyes.
“What a waste.” His eyes roamed over her body.
“Stop that.”
“Stop what?” Peter feigned innocence.
“You said we’re friends. Friends do not look at each other like that.” She lifted her chin and stared challengingly at him.
“Like what?” He grinned.
“You know what.”
“I don’t.” His lips twitched.
“The way you were looking at me.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
She laughed. “Yeah, right. Just stop whatever it is you’re not doing, ok?”
The Art of Hiding Page 8