by Jo Willow
“Ma’am, could you give me just a minute please? I think we might be able to help you but I need to talk to my manager.”
Beth shrugged and tried her best to look nonchalant. She hated to drop names, but it wasn’t like she was borrowing money on the Tanner name, she was shopping for deals. Mitch was a Tanner and she figured if there was ever a time to capitalize on the name, it was now.
The salesman disappeared into the back of the store and she looked at her watch. It was closing in on two o’clock and she still had to collect the urn and get back home. If she managed to pull this off, they’d be ready to roll again next week. When the man reappeared, he had someone with him that walked with a little more confidence and she knew it was time to shrivel or shine. She cleared her throat and straightened her spine.
“Mrs. Tanner? I’m Jonathan Devereaux and I manage this place. Chuck tells me you’re building a barn and are anxious to get it underway.”
Beth shook his hand with confidence and a small smile. She wasn’t sure how the other half lived but she’d given enough of them massages to know how to impersonate the look.
“Mr. Devereaux, it’s nice to meet you sir. I’m Elizabeth Hamilton-Tanner and my husband and I are anxious to get this barn up and functioning. His cousins in Atlanta are involved in the project as well and together we’ve decided that it has to be underway by Friday and for not a penny over twenty-thousand. Are you able to help me or not?”
“Mrs. Tanner I can see why your family is famous for it’s business sense. You’re not one to waste time and I can appreciate that so let me tell you what I can do for you. In exchange for future Tanner business, I can get you your lumber and fixtures by Friday and I can do it for seventeen thousand. If that’s acceptable, we can make the deal on a handshake and we’ll bill you for the cost.”
Beth’s heart sped up and it took every ounce of self control she possessed not to throw her arms around the man and hug him to within an inch of his life. She managed a cool appraisal and appeared to weigh her options instead.
“Mr. Devereaux, may I make a quick phone call please? My husband makes all the money decisions, I’m sure you understand.”
“I do indeed. Take your time Mrs. Tanner.”
Beth walked outside and hit Mitch’s cell contact.
“Beth Marie, where the hell are you?”
“Hush and listen. I need David’s number fast.”
“David? Why the hell do you need to talk to David?”
“Because he’s the carpenter on this project and he knows more about what it should cost than any of us. Do you know what it costs to build a damned barn?”
“No. Have you got a pen?”
“Shoot.”
She scribbled the number quickly, glanced over her shoulder to see the two men deep in conversation, and then dialed David.
“David here.”
“David it’s Beth. I need a quick opinion.”
“Shoot little sister. What can I do?”
David was on bluetooth and Kevin was listening closely.
“I’m at a lumberyard and this man thinks I’m Mrs. Tanner. Odd, but true. Anyway, he’s offered to cut the lumber to specs, have it delivered by Friday and do it all for seventeen thousand. Is that a good deal?”
“Beth, are you sure you heard him right? For the list I gave you, that amounts to doing it for cost.”
“That’s what he said, seventeen thousand. He even said he’d bill us. He wants future Tanner business though. I reckon I could let ‘em put up a fence or something, hell I don’t know I can’t think straight right now.”
“Beth, can you let me talk to the man?”
“Hell yes I can. I’d appreciate it as a matter of fact.”
Beth approached the manager who stopped his conversation with the salesman at her approach. David heard her speak as she held out the phone.
“Mr. Devereaux, David Tanner would like to speak to you personally. He’s in charge of this project and my husband has authorized him to speak on his behalf.”
The manager took the phone and did his best not to appear nervous. Once again, Beth marvelled at how much respect the Tanner name inspired.
“Mr. Tanner, Jon Devereaux here. How are you today sir?”
“Mr. Devereaux I’m just fine and yourself?”
“I’m good. Thank-you sir. How can I help you?”
“Our Elizabeth just told me that you believe you can have our lumber and fixtures delivered for seventeen thousand by Friday. Is that correct?”
“Yes sir, it is. I’d be interested in future opportunities to help the Tanner family with their building needs and I think this would get us off to a good start in building that foundation.”
“Mr. Devereaux, I’m in total agreement. As a matter of fact, there’s a housing project we’ll be needing assistance on in the next year or so and if you can help us with this barn, we’ll be contacting you directly.”
“Mr. Tanner, if you’d be willing to do that, I’d be willing to get you your barn in for fifteen.”
“Now Mr. Devereaux you and I both know that at that price, you’re taking a loss.”
“I’m glad you recognize the sacrifice Mr. Tanner. I’m serious about being the lumber supplier for the Tanner family sir. Do we have a deal?”
“We have a deal. Mr. Devereaux, I wonder if you could do me a favor. I’d like for you to send the bill to the Tanner home in Atlanta. My sister-in-law is an accountant and is in charge of this build. It would be easier for her if everything came directly to one place.”
“Of course Mr. Tanner, whatever is easier for you. Thanks for your business and it’s good to know we’ll be talking in the future.”
“We will indeed Mr. Devereaux. Have a good evening.”
David hit the disconnect button and the truck cab went quiet for a few minutes. When Kevin spoke, it was with the voice of authority.
“Mitch is going to have a fit if he doesn’t get a bill for his barn.”
“You leave Mitch to me. We’ve got a bigger problem than a barn on our hands.”
“What kind of problem? What are you talking about David?”
“Were you not listening to that conversation? I just told that guy we were gonna be building a house in the next year. Somebody better be needing a house in Savannah pretty damned quick.”
Kevin started howling with laughter and David shot him daggers.
Beth studied the foot traffic on River street on a Sunday afternoon. She recognized affluence and disposable income when she saw it and she believed that if they could get the gallery open, they’d make a killing.
She fumbled with the keys until she found one that worked and entered the quiet gallery. The urn was still wrapped in the blanket and still sat where she’d put it on Friday. She did a quick walkthrough to make sure the gallery was as they’d left it and when she got to the room where she’d found Mitch kissing Marla, she stopped. The picture was still clear in her mind and because of that, she could picture them in his kitchen as well.
Tears fought to escape and she fought to keep them in place. If Mitch knew how much he’d really hurt her, things between them would change and maybe not in a good way. They were making progress and she didn’t need an uncomfortable wedge working to pry them apart. She personally believed that Marla was evil and that Mitch was truly sorry. She also believed he’d never do anything like it again. She had to believe that because the only things she loved more than Mitch, were her kids. Beth wasn’t ready to tell Mitch that and he wasn’t ready to hear it. So for now, she’d keep it to herself and be grateful for what they had.
Beth cradled the precious urn in her arms and locked the door on her way out. She wedged the piece in the van as she’d done on Friday and started the trip home.
Chapter Five
Marla passed the envelope containing a sizable check to the man she found distasteful, but necessary. He wore sunglasses to hide his expression and dressed in a business suit to hide his occupation. He said very little,
preferring instead to allow the woman in front of him to do all the talking. She was nervous and he found that gratifying.
“Feel free to proceed with the next phase of the plan at your leisure. They’re still reeling from the workshop, but they’ll never recover from the next loss.”
“If you’re sure, then it’ll be done this week. How far are you prepared to take this Ms. Simms?”
“He’ll be on his knees before I’m finished. He has no clue who he’s dealing with, but he’s about to find out in ways he never imagined possible.”
The man smiled in acknowledgement and wondered what had happened in this woman’s life to make her such a bitter and vindictive person. He pocketed the check and strolled out into the Savannah sunshine.
The excitement and drama of the previous week had caught up with her by the time she pulled into Mitch’s driveway. He met her on the porch and took the urn from her hands.
“You look tired Beth. Are you alright?”
“I’m no more tired than you are, have you eaten?”
“I had a sandwich with the guys at noon, are you hungry?”
“I think so. I’ll go in and fix dinner.”
“Tim will be here in an hour or so. Pam’s going home to be with Jace.”
“Jace?”
“Their little boy. I’m gonna ask Tim if he’d like to spend the night. It’s a three hour drive back home and he worked all day.”
“I’ll make up the guest room and start dinner.”
Mitch followed her inside and he put the urn down on the sofa. He caught up with her in the guest room and pulled her into his arms. She settled against his chest and sighed.
“You’re exhausted Beth. Why don’t you lay down and take a nap. I can take care of this.”
Beth smiled and looked up at him.
“If you really want to help me, go in the kitchen and peel some potatoes. I’ll take care of this and join you in a few minutes.”
He was still staring into her eyes, and she saw that he was searching for something.
“Mitch, I’m fine. Really.”
“I can’t believe how much I’ve laid at your doorstep in the last few days alone. If you kicked me to the curb I wouldn’t blame you in the least.”
“I’m not known for my curb-kicking capabilities Mitch. If you’re trying to tell me you need to slow down, then just say it. You can say anything to me you know. I can take it.”
He kissed her and felt her relax in his arms.
“Are you happy with the way things are?”
“I’m good if you are, yes.”
“I’m more than good. Sounds like you had a successful outing today.”
“I need to talk to you about that.”
She had guilt written all over her face and Mitch was enjoying her discomfort. He locked his hands around her waist and waited.
“I had to mislead people again Mitch. I don’t like doing that, but they treat me differently when they assume I’m Mrs. Tanner. How do you deal with that all the time?”
He smiled when he thought of her playing Mrs. Tanner. He’d watched her in action with the realtor and she wore his name well. Better than he wore it in fact. She wasn’t comfortable with the deception though, and that pleased him more.
“It’s easy most of the time. It’s not like the last name is Corleone. Most people in Georgia have heard of the Tanners. I don’t flaunt the association, but I don’t back down from it either. They’re known as good people and I’m proud of my family.”
“You should be. David got us a hell of a deal on the barn and the guy at the pottery shed was familiar with your work. I wrangled a thirty-percent discount off of him. We should be set to go soon enough.”
“We’ll be working for the next ten years just to pay off this debt. This is starting to feel crazier and crazier all the time.”
“It’s not crazy at all. Look, the next ten years are gonna pass whether you do this or not. Give it a shot Mitch. If you don’t do it now, you never will.”
“Are you saying this because you love me or because you believe it?”
“Both. Now go peel potatoes and I’ll be in in a few minutes.”
Mitch moved his hands to her bottom and leaned down to kiss her below her ear.
“I’ve got a better idea. Join me in the kitchen. There’s a countertop with your name on it.”
He realized what he’d said two minutes too late. The revelation of his last kitchen experience was too fresh and he saw it in her eyes. He fumbled for words and he finally just wrapped his arms around her.
“Beth, I’m sorry. I didn’t think. I was remembering you and me and I wasn’t thinking about anything else, honest.”
“I believe you and it’s alright. It’s still raw, that’s all. Don’t worry, I’ll get over it in no time. We’re good. We’re fine.”
“I don’t think you’re fine at all. Beth look at me.”
She kept her face against his chest, fighting for her composure.
“Beth, look at me please.”
Unable to put him off, she brought her eyes to his and he saw what she’d been trying to hide. He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and wondered why she was still in his arms.
“You went to the gallery.”
She swallowed hard before she answered.
“Yes.”
“You walked around and went into that viewing room, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Will you ever be able to forgive me? Will you ever be able to look at that room or walk into my kitchen and not see me with her?”
“I’m going to try but I’m not sure why it matters. You don’t owe me anything Mitch. We’re both single and if you want to kiss or sleep with other people, then that’s your right. I need to remember that and move on.”
“Except that’s not exactly true, is it?”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“I mean, we’re a team. Remember? What affects one, affects the other. We can’t be single and still be together, it won’t work.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying you’re my girl. When we’re both ready, we’ll take it farther. But for now, we belong to each other. You and the kids are my everything Beth. I love you. I’ll never let anyone come between us again. Okay?”
“Okay. I love you Mitch.”
He kissed her and it was different. It was warm and settled and passionate. It was a kiss born of belief and good intentions.
Dinner was over and the urn was in the center of the kitchen table. Tim examined it, even though he’d talked to David and knew the plan. He’d seen photos of his cousin’s work, but nothing up close. He ran his hands over the piece and looked closely at the glaze and technique.
“You really did this?”
Mitch wasn’t sure how to take the question.
“Yes, why?”
“Mitch, this is a beautiful piece of work. The technique is flawless, the color is rich, layered, and deep and the form is pleasing to the eye. Anyone would be proud to own this. Can you reproduce it?”
“I don’t make moulds if that’s what you’re asking me. I could do one like it, but every piece is hand thrown and shaped. No two are identical, that’s why it’s so time consuming.”
Tim was smiling as if he’d struck gold.
“If you don’t open the gallery, I’ll open one just to feature your work.”
Beth wrapped her arms around Mitch’s waist and he pulled her into his side.
“You really think it’s good?”
“Good? Pam is gonna flip when she sees this! I can get a sizable amount for this beauty. Let me take it and see what I can do for you. I’m betting I can have it sold in the next couple of days, I just need to make a few calls.”
In the last twenty-four hours, Mitch had seen the benefits of his family and his name.
“Take it with my blessing. We’ve got a barn to build and stock. Every little bit helps. Thanks for coming all this way Tim, we appreciate it.
”
Mitch shook Tim’s hand and Beth pulled him in for a hug.
“Thanks Tim. Are you sure you can’t spend the night?”
“I appreciate the offer Beth, but I look forward to tucking my son in every night. They’re only little once. Thanks for dinner though. You could give Rose a run for her money, but don’t tell her I said that.”
Beth sucked in a deep breath and looked at him with huge eyes.
“Rose cooks?”
Tim winked and started wrapping up the urn.
“Don’t let the guitar fool you. She’s just Rosie to the rest of us. You have to make Mitch bring you and the kids to Tara to spend the weekend sometime. There’s loads of stuff for the kids to do and there’s always stuff to keep us busy too. Now that Rose and Ian have little Charlie as well as Jem, they’ve slowed down quite a bit. Amber and Phil have Alex and Faith, Kevin and Carie are chasing around Will and Julia and our Jace has just started to walk. Your Patty and Scott will fit right in.”
He’d finished with the urn and was holding it in his arms.
“I appreciate the offer Tim and maybe once we’ve lined all this out, we’ll take you up on it. Mitch?”
She was looking up at him and he smiled at her in response.
“We’d like that Tim. Thanks. Y’all are welcome here anytime you like as well. Savannah’s closer to the beaches than Atlanta, it could be fun.”
“I’ll bear that in mind. You take care and I’ll get back to you on the urn.”
Mitch and Beth walked him to his car and waved him off. Once he was gone, Mitch put his arm around her shoulder and started leading her toward the door.
“It’s a little after seven, what do you want to do now?”
“We could go out back with a bag of marshmallows. I think the barn is still smouldering.”
“That’s a thought, but I’m not hungry. Any other ideas?”
“I think I’ve got something on the DVR we could watch if you want.”
“Television? Pass. What else you got?”
Beth moved in front of him and started walking backwards, her fingers hooked in the waistband of his jeans.