The Main Attraction

by Dara Girard

  “Beth’s been miserable lately. First an ear infection and now teething. We just got word that our housekeeper decided to retire—”

  Corinne gasped in mock horror. “Oh my God! Does that mean she’ll actually have to...clean? She’ll have to touch a-a sponge?”

  “It’s not funny, Corinne.”

  “Actually it is. The sight of Lily holding a duster or washing dishes is quite a funny thought. Then again she could turn it into a workout routine.”

  He sighed again. “I just need you to take him while I arrange my schedule so I can talk to him about school. Please.”

  Harrison rarely said “please” so she knew he was desperate. Lily was probably driving him crazy. “Okay. I’ll see what I can do next week.”

  He hesitated. “Actually, I need to drop him off tomorrow.”

  “What? That’s in the middle of a school week. Why not wait—”

  “He’s been suspended for two days. Lily planned to see her sister and can’t look after him and I can hardly take him to work with me.”

  Brett’s workshop was this Friday. She’d managed to keep her distance from him for weeks. She’d already upset him by hinting at his past and lying about losing Martha. How would it be if she showed up with a surly seven year old in tow? “I can’t. I have a major event coming up. You know how crazy my days can be.”

  “This is an emergency.”

  “No, it’s not. Lily can visit her sister another time.”

  “You’re being petty.”

  “I’m being petty? This is my livelihood we’re talking about.”

  “You’re the one who didn’t want him living with me full-time. This is your chance to prove that you’re the right choice.”

  She fell silent. “That’s how you do it.”

  “What?”

  “That’s how you’ve always done it. The moment I feel like I’m getting myself together you drop a bomb in my life.”

  “Don’t be dramatic,” he said as if he were talking to a petulant child.

  “You’re always dropping little bombs in my life. You asked for a divorce and made it seem like it was all my fault. I wasn’t giving you enough time, I was too focused on my business, on Jason, you felt unloved. You always make me feel bad. You always come up with an argument that puts me on the defense.”

  “Corinne—”

  “But I didn’t fight you. I gave you what you wanted. Only a few months ago I gave in again. You came up with the reasons why Jason should stay with you and I said he could be with you for six months.”

  “I don’t—”

  “And you knew how hard it was for me to make that decision. But I wanted Jason to be happy. I wanted to work hard on my business so that when he was with me again things would be different. And finally, I feel like I’m getting my life back on track. I have an important event coming up and now you’re ready with another bomb. Now you’re telling me having Jason with you is inconvenient; you’re coming up with reasons it can’t work because that’s how you operate. The moment things start getting difficult you bail. You don’t give me a chance to fight back.”

  “This isn’t a fight.”

  “Then why didn’t you tell me Jason was having trouble at school? Why didn’t you call me before?”

  “I didn’t think it would get this bad. I didn’t plan any of this. You know how Lily can be when she—”

  “Doesn’t get her way? I really was a doormat. No wonder you lost interest in me. I should have been more demanding.”

  “Can’t he stay with your parents?” he asked and she heard the pleading in his voice.

  “They’re out of town. They won’t be back until next week.”

  “You can make this work. You’ve done it before. I promise I’ll make this up to you. I’m begging you. Please.”

  It was time to pull out her second pair of stockings. Before she’d left the Wildfire Spa Rania had suggested she wear the floral fishnets when she was ready for a fight.

  She was ready for one now. She wouldn’t let Harrison get to her. She wouldn’t pretend that she wasn’t angry. That she didn’t feel guilty. She loved her son. She never wanted to think of him as an inconvenience, but the timing of everything certainly was.

  However, she’d gotten this far. Over the past several months she’d faced a number of fears.

  She’d gone back to the Wildfire Spa after avoiding it for years.

  She’d put on a skirt again, more than once, and worn stockings that drew attention to her legs. It had been the same pair, but she hadn’t been ready to try the others yet.

  She’d made a decision and given Harrison and Jason a six month trial period.

  She’d pitched to the owner of Quest.

  Corinne opened her bedroom closet, reached for the top shelf and took down the box where she kept the remaining pair of stockings. She rested the box on her bed and opened it.

  She took a deep breath before she took out the floral fishnets. Only a few months ago she could never imagine herself wearing something like this.

  But now it felt right. She felt strong enough to try.

  She was a woman who wouldn't be cowed by her ex’s manipulation. She wouldn’t let this latest bomb destroy her. She’d admit to being shaken, to even being a little scared, but she wouldn’t fall. She would remain standing.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  In all his thirty-five years Brett had see a lot of things. But he’d never seen a child filled with rage.

  It wasn’t easy to see. Not at first. Especially for him. When Brett first spotted Corinne in the main entrance of the mansion he’d been taken by the sight of her. He knew today was important to her as the event planner, and she looked radiant and fierce wearing a burgundy long sleeved shift dress, perfect for the bright May morning, and a pair of sexy black stockings with a flower pattern that made him question why he hadn’t just grabbed and kissed her when he’d had a chance in his office.

  But then Corinne introduced him to her son, Jason, and he had to tuck away any images of her dress hiked up to her waist and the feel of her legs wrapped around him. She apologized for having to bring her son with her due to a scheduling mix-up with her ex and Brett quickly assured her that it was okay.

  He’d already been impressed by how the team she’d hired had transformed his simple workshop idea into an innovative creative experience. The workshop space boasted two large screens; comfortable seating with small group table settings to allow for interaction, plus the catering crew had already prepared a lavish breakfast buffet the attendees were enjoying with enthusiasm. He felt certain things would be fine.

  And at first it seemed that way. All Brett saw was a cute kid with a ready smile, but it was in one flash moment that he saw something in Jason’s eyes. His eyes told a different story. His eyes were guarded and angry.

  Brett knew all about anger. Understood it. He understood its many forms and shades. Especially young anger, the most destructive kind because it was fresh and raw and knew no outlet because it wasn’t seen.

  He couldn’t imagine how Jason felt being shuffled between parents. But he sensed something was wrong and that Jason didn’t have the language yet to understand his own feelings; to know that sometimes the people you love the most were the ones who could leave you with the most scars. That there were so many things in life that you couldn’t control; that being a good kid wasn’t good enough and being a bad kid won’t always get you the real attention you crave.

  Brett kept his observation to himself. He didn’t ask her why Jason was out of school or why she seemed so frazzled to have him there. He’d seen her nervous, terrified, angry, but never frazzled. He doubted her story about a parenting mix-up, but it wasn’t his place to pry.

  But throughout the morning he watched Jason with interest.

  Everything about him was typical. The way he flopped in a chair, shrugged when his mother asked him a question, once he even grinned at her, but Brett sensed it was all an act. When Corinne wasn’t looking, B
rett caught Jason watching her, studying her, seeing how his actions impacted her. Brett sensed the boy wanted something from his mother. He couldn’t guess what, but he saw a brief expression of longing that he knew only too well.

  During the lunch break Brett called his father before he sat down beside Jason and was greeted with a dark look, but knew the anger wasn’t directed at him. He saw the child’s fear—a fear that he would be replaced in his mother’s affection, but he was also afraid of making her upset.

  Such a heavy weight on a little boy’s shoulders. Brett couldn’t fix things, but he could distract him for a little while.

  He looked out at the crowd, pretending to be disinterested with the young boy sitting beside him before he nudged him with his elbow. The boy pulled off his headphones and stared at him curious.

  “I need your help,” Brett said in a low voice, keeping his gaze focused on the crowd.

  “What?”

  He turned to him. “Can you help me?”

  “Me?”

  “Yes, it’s a very important job. Are you up to it?”

  “I-I don’t know.”

  “Your mom told me you’re smart and that I can trust you. Is she right?”

  “I-I guess so.”

  “Good.”

  “My father is a volunteer at a local animal shelter and they’re doing a big fundraiser. Do you know what that is?”

  He shook his head.

  “It’s an event where they raise money. Anyway, he needs an assistant to help him promote it. They have to design a poster, but the person who was supposed to help got sick and now there might not be a fundraiser and the shelter might have to shut down. If they close then no one can take care of the animals.”

  Jason’s eyes widened. “What will happen to them?”

  Brett shrugged, sad.

  His eyes started to fill with tears. “Will they have to kill them?”

  “No,” Brett said quickly. “Not if you can help.”

  “What can I do?”

  “You can draw, right?” he asked even though he already knew the answer. He’d seen Jason drawing with colored pencils.

  He nodded vigorously.

  “Great. When my Dad gets here he’s going to bring some poster board and I need you to draw three posters. He’ll do the lettering—”

  Jason frowned. “The letter-what?”

  “He’ll write the words. All you have to do is draw the picture. Can you do that for us? Can we trust you to give us your best?”

  “Yes. Yes.”

  “And if you like cats, I could use someone to play with mine sometimes.”

  “I like cats.”

  “Good.” He noticed his father coming through the entrance and waved. “Here’s my Dad now.” When his father reached them he stood and said, “Dad this is Jason. The young man who is going to assist you with that very special project we discussed.” He sent his father a silent message.

  His father bit back a grin before he said, “Yes, I’m glad you found someone to help me. I know a place where we can set up and get to work. Well then young man, follow me.”

  “Okay.” Jason grabbed his bag.

  “Wait. We have to ask your Mom first.”

  Jason shifted from side to side eager to leave. “She won’t mind. She’ll know—”

  “Stay here.” Brett walked over to Corinne who was talking to the A/V person and said, “Please just smile at your son and nod your head, I'll explain later.”

  “What?”

  “Smile and nod.”

  She hesitated then did so. Jason smiled back then followed Brett’s father out the door.

  “Wait,” Corinne said, heading after him. “Where is he going?”

  Brett grabbed her arm. “It’s okay. I’ve given him a job.”

  “A job?”

  “Yes, he’s helping my dad with an imaginary fundraiser I just came up with. It’s another event I’ll have to hire you to set up for me, but it’s worth it,” he said with a chuckle. “It will keep him occupied. Don’t worry, my Dad’s good with kids.”

  “But—”

  “Please, he needs this,” Brett said. He knew Corinne would think he meant his father but he didn’t want to explain the truth.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “And he said my posters could help to save them!” Jason gushed as Corinne drove him home. Although it was late he was still full of energy. He’d talked almost non-stop about the afternoon he’d spent with Brett’s father, talking about the movie they’d watched together and the game they’d played on his game tablet, the chicken nuggets they’d had for dinner, but most importantly the drawing and posters they’d worked on together to save the animal shelter.

  She listened to her son amazed. She hadn’t seen Jason so animated in a long time.

  She was glad for the chatter. At least she didn’t have to fill the silence, plus his enthusiasm made it easier to not think about what had happened only ten minutes ago.

  She’d expected to leave the workshop feeling exhausted, a little sad, but relieved that the event had been successful. Instead Brett…

  “And Mr. Lattimore said he liked them all…”

  She took a deep breath. First she had to calm down. She had to get home and get Jason ready for bed and later call Harrison about next week.

  “He showed me pictures of his cats...”

  Then she’d think about the yellow sticky note Brett had put on the back of her hand, as she was tying up the event. She sometimes received handshakes, hugs or thank you notes at the conclusion of an event but never something like this. She’d glanced at it wondering what she might have forgotten...

  At first she’d stood there. She didn’t think the bold scribbled note was real. He’d been so casual about giving it to her. She read it slowly to make sure she hadn’t misunderstood.

  If you like vanilla almond tarts, I make the best. A token of my thanks. Plenty of food and dessert. My place next Saturday 7PM.

  She blinked. The words remained the same. She hadn’t misread them. He was inviting her out. He was going to cook for her. Really? Corinne had looked up to try to catch his eye, but he was talking to one of the attendees. He was only a few feet from her but felt miles away. She wondered if she was reading too much into it. It was merely a token of thanks, right?

  She looked at the note again. Her racing heart told her it meant much more. When he finished his conversation, she rushed up to him, but before he could say anything his assistant tapped his shoulder and reminded him he needed talk to one of the speakers who was getting ready to leave.

  “Thank you,” he told the assistant before he turned to Corinne and said in a businesslike tone, “Is that an event you think you can attend?”

  She blinked. Her mind racing. An event? Was she supposed to do another event for him? Another one besides the animal shelter fundraiser? Brett blinked and she briefly saw his gaze drop to the note in her hand. She realized he didn't want anyone else to know about it, but wanted to confirm her reply.

  “Yes,” she said quickly. “Yes of course.”

  “There won’t be a scheduling conflict?”

  She knew he was asking about Jason and appreciated that. “No, my schedule is free.”

  “Good.” He left the room.

  She read the note three more times. He wanted to cook for her. He wanted to have her come over to his place and cook for her? This was beyond anything she could have ever imagined.

  “Isn’t that great Mom?” she heard Jason say.

  Corinne grinned. “Yes, it’s wonderful.”

  “He asked you out?” Vivian stared at Corinne amazed. “Are you sure?”

  It had been nearly a week since the Quest workshop, five days since she’d had a talk with Jason and he’d clammed up about why he’d gotten into fights at school; four days since she got him to talk to her again about another drawing he wanted to do for the shelter; three days since she’d had a fight with Harrison about Jason spending another week with her (she told h
im no), and one day since she’d called Vivian to come over and help her select something to wear for Saturday.

  Vivian sat on Corinne’s bed and shook her head. “Are you sure?”

  “Of course I’m sure.”

  “It’s just he doesn’t seem the kind of man who dates.”

  “What do you think he does in his spare time?”

  “Men like him don’t usually have any. You’re certain he—”

  “Yes.”

  She didn’t want to show her the sticky note and felt even guilty that she’d said anything. Brett seemed to want to keep their date a secret, but she wanted Vivian to help her choose something to wear.

  “Just don’t be disappointed if it turns out to be a business dinner or something.”

  “I won’t. But promise not to tell anyone.”

  Vivian bit her lip. “Are you really sure—”

  “I’m sure!”

  She held up her hands. “Okay, okay.” She sighed. “I knew you two would get on professionally, but I really didn’t think it would lead to this. Remember, he still can be as cuddly as a porcupine.”

  “I know.”

  “But he certainly is a big change from Harrison if that’s what you’re after.”

  Corinne looked through her closet. “Right now all I’m after is the right dress to wear,” she said glad Rania had convinced her to take more than the one dress and two skirts she’d planned on when she’d had a chance at the Wildfire Spa. She now had seven. “I have two I’m thinking of.”

  “I’m still in shock that you’re thinking of wearing a dress. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a dress.”

  “I wore one to the Quest workshop.”

  “Yes, well I wasn’t at the workshop, was I?”

  “Doesn’t matter. This is important and I have my reasons.” She reached inside her closet and pulled out two different dresses—one a blue flare dress the other a red V-neck—and held them up. “Which one?”

  Vivian studied them then pointed. “Go with the red.”

  “Blue it is.”