Chapter Twelve
When she arrived home she was physically tired but mentally wide-awake. She’d spent the afternoon working on plans for the Davis family’s celebration. This only rekindled her desire to find out about her parents—who they were and why they gave her up. She had been a baby, from what records she could find. Were they so poor they couldn’t afford to take care of her? Was her mother alone with no support, no other options? Were they like the Davis family, loving and thoughtful? So many questions and absolutely no answers. She’d been searching for answers since she graduated college nine years earlier. Now at thirty-four, she was no closer than she had been then.
The search always ended up the same—empty. She might not know who she was, but she was positive she wasn’t an alien. There had to be a record somewhere. Someone had to know who her parents were. Over the years she’d tried Google searches and found nothing. Then she’d tried looking at local census reports from the time she was born, but that have proved difficult because she was not sure what state she’d been born in. There wasn’t much she remembered about her first foster family. She knew she’d stayed with them until she was almost ten. They were an older couple and unfortunately had developed health issues and could no longer care for her. Things after that weren’t so easy. Finding a permanent foster home as a preteen had been challenging. Over the next eight years she’d gone through three additional homes, each in a different state. Every time she was relocated, she’d felt as though she’d become simply disposable goods. The emotional scars had only begun to heal when she had been on her own and had entered college. Elaine couldn’t say she’d had a happy childhood, but she knew she had been luckier than others who had gone through the same system.
The only thing she still had was a few school pictures. Growing up like that, one place to the next, one family to another, had been very difficult. She’d never let herself get close to anyone, learning quickly it would be only temporary. When she looked at the pictures now, she knew that some of the families had given her what they could, even though it had not been what she’d hoped for. She’d spent many nights in front of her computer looking at those old pictures. What a sight she’d been, so tiny with a mass of dark curls that were as unruly as she had been.
What a little terror. She’d always bucked the system and had always gotten caught. I never seemed to stop back then. Now she understood—she’d wanted attention. She’d gotten it but not the kind she’d wanted. Or needed. When she’d entered high school, her focused had changed. For the first time she’d begun to think of her future. There’d been one special teacher, Mrs. West, who hadn’t put up with any excuses. She had believed in Elaine and had pushed her to be the best she could be, nothing less. All that pushing had paid off; she’d earned a full scholarship to Bryant University in Rhode Island. Elaine would never forget Mrs. West for her never-ending kindness. Every year, a birthday card had arrived, and she’d known who it was from before opening it. And even though she had retired after Elaine’s last year of high school, Mrs. West had come to her college graduation with a bouquet of flowers when she earned her master’s degree. The card inside had stated, I always knew you could do it! Though the flowers were long gone, she’d carried the card in her wallet ever since that day.
Mrs. West was the closest she’d ever come to having a family. When she’d passed away five years ago, Elaine once again had felt alone, abandoned. That was when she’d begun her search again, but she’d thought she would leave it to a professional, so she’d hired a private investigator. Almost two thousand dollars later, he’d come back with exactly the same results: a roadblock or records restricted.
It had now been almost a year since she’d worked on finding her parents. She had been very busy running Another Chance, but that had been only an excuse. Reality was, she couldn’t handle hearing the same thing over and over again. Sorry, we have no information. Somehow hearing Trent talk about his family had reignited the fire within her. How could she have a future with him or anyone else when she didn’t know her past?
Her stomach growled in protest as it dawned on her she hadn’t eaten since lunch. Elaine went to the kitchen, poured herself a glass of red wine, grabbed a bag of crackers, and headed for the living room. Before she knew it she was sitting on her couch, her laptop opened, staring at the screen. What is left to try?
Maybe social media was the way to go. Why not? Her fingers trembled as she searched for the hottest social media trends. Here she was, thirty-four, and never had a Facebook account or a Twitter account. I’m so behind the times. Maybe it was time. She created a user ID and uploaded one of her childhood pictures. She then searched for groups of people also looking for their loved ones. Elaine spent the next several hours reading page after page. There were people looking for their parents, but many others were looking for missing children. It was heartbreaking, and it didn’t take long for her compassionate instincts to kick in. She wanted to help every single one of them. Soon she was connecting them with agencies to help in their searches and forgot the reason she was there in the first place, to find her own answers. She closed her laptop and dragged herself to bed. As she faded off to sleep she thought, maybe tomorrow.
Only Wednesday? Elaine rolled over in the bed and shut off the alarm clock. She dragged herself to the coffee pot and cursed herself for not remembering to set it the night before. This was a bad way to start the day. Pressing the on button, she decided to make her usual bagel while waiting. When she opened the refrigerator it dawned on her, she was supposed to stop and pick some up on the way home from work last night. This was all Trent’s fault for getting her so upset before she left work. Well, maybe not all his fault. She laughed while she searched for an alternative. Grabbing a jar of peanut butter and a spoon she said, “I really need to do food shopping someday.”
When a day starts this way, there is only one thing to do. Picking up her cell phone, she called Wendy, letting her know she’d be working from home the remainder of the week. Elaine couldn’t believe it when she heard herself say, I’m fighting a cold. What a lame excuse. She knew truthfully she was avoiding Trent.
Her job really could be done from anywhere so why shouldn’t she do it from her apartment in pajamas? Going into the office only added to the cover story of working for Davis Enterprises.
Her cell phone rang, and she knew exactly who it was without even looking at it.
“You didn’t look sick last night,” Trent said teasingly.
Pretending to cough, Elaine replied, “I must have caught a chill last night.” She knew she wasn’t fooling him one bit, but she really wasn’t trying to either.
“And here I was thinking you wanted me to come and warm you up.”
I won’t get any work done if he is here. “Thank you, but I’m all set,” she said.
“I’m glad you are taking it easy and resting up for Friday night. Everything you need for the Masquerade Ball will arrive at your apartment Thursday, so work the rest of the week from home.”
Elaine wished she could control the burgeoning excitement as she thought about the upcoming ball. You would think I’m sixteen, going on my first date. At least he wasn’t standing in front of her to read her thoughts. This would be the first time she and Trent could be publicly together without revealing their relationship. She couldn’t wait to see what he had chosen for her. When a woman called for her measurements it had felt odd, but then she had realized the other option would have been to give her measurements to Trent, and that hadn’t appealed to her either.
“Thank you. Will you be picking me up?”
“No, your driver will pick you up at six. He will have your entrance ticket.”
“What will you wear so I can find you?”
“Ah, my sweet Elaine, don’t worry, I shall find you. See you Friday.” Laughing lightly before he disconnected the call, Trent added, “Hope you feel better.”
Getting up from the couch, she went to pick up her work laptop then stopped. Maybe she
would take a half-day off. There was a bit of shopping she wanted to do for Friday as well. He wasn’t the only one who could be full of surprises.
***
Trent was concerned when Wendy informed him Elaine had called in sick. He didn’t believe she actually was sick. More likely still pissed off from yesterday. Oh, that’s right, she’s not mad. He shook his head thinking back on how angry she had been. Her eyes had turned dark green, and she’d begun to tap her foot. He had been tempted to laugh because no one ever stood up to him like that, especially not someone so damn beautiful. Or sexy. But she was so much more—intelligent, strong, and at times, displayed one hell of a sense of humor. She needs one to be around him.
Sitting as his desk he began scribbling a few ideas down. Flowers? No. Candy? No. Jewelry, car, private jet? No. No. No. How do I make up for a fight we didn’t have when she is mad but says she’s not?
Trent brushed the notepad away in frustration. This was why he didn’t do relationships. They required thought and work and until now he seemed to have been able to avoid them nicely. How was it the one woman who claimed to not want to be involved has found a way to distract him from the one thing he was totally committed to? Work.
He had no intention of apologizing for something he didn’t do. He did however want to show her he cared about her. Wendy, his ever-helpful assistant, would know just what to do here. When he had her on the phone, he said, “I need you to get me numbers of a few people.”
After he rattled off the list, Wendy asked, “Would you like me to reach out to them for you? I would be happy to make the arrangements.”
He was tempted to say yes, as Wendy probably could have done this in her sleep. “I’ve got this one. Thanks.” This was something he wanted to handle himself. Picking up his cell phone, he called the first number on the list. Hopefully Elaine was going to enjoy what he had planned for her.
Chapter Thirteen
When packages arrived on Thursday evening, she felt like a child on her birthday. Not that she’d had that experience as a child. Her birthdays had barely been acknowledged, a fact she’d always tried to ignore. As soon as she signed for them, she rushed to her bedroom, laid them on the bed, and contemplated which one to open first. Trent only let her know everything would arrive, but had refused to give her any more information. It wouldn’t be long now before hisplan for her was revealed—she could barely control her excitement.
Elaine opted to start with what looked like a shoe box. She removed the lid and the layers of white tissue paper to reveal a pair of four-inch red and black leopard-print stilettos. Holding them up in front of her, only one thought came to mind. Wow. Though Trent was several inches taller than she, Elaine was happy he hadn’t chosen anything higher, or she wouldn’t survive the night. There are women who seem to be able to not only stand and walk in them, but also dance in them. She wasn’t one of those women. Her legs got wobbly just thinking of wearing six-inch heels. Elaine placed the shoes back in the box. One down, two to go.
The second largest box was a round hatbox. This was going to be what allowed her to act freely with Trent at the ball. A gold, satin ribbon sealed the box. It was almost too pretty to open. Almost. The satiny tissue slipped away to reveal one of the most beautiful things she’d ever laid her eyes on. She gasped with surprise. The mask, entirely outlined with gold and red gemstones, would cover most of her face, only exposing her eyes, lips, and chin. Extravagant. Elegant. Large black feathers adorned the right side, curling delicately to the left and slightly forward. Soft feathers cascaded over the edges. Magnificent.
Given the shoes and mask, she couldn’t imagine what he had chosen for the dress. There’s only one way to find out. Placing the mask gently back in the box, she proceeded to open the largest box. Her hands fumbled with excitement as she lifted the lid. Oh my God!
Slowly she lifted it out of the box and held it up in front of her. Sleek red satin slid over her fingertips. The beautiful mermaid-shaped dress had a sweetheart neckline, and elegant ruching from the bust until it began to flare just above the knee. Layers of black lace escaped from inside a slit, enhancing the flare farther. A trail of black appliqué meandered around the flare and up the left side of the gown to her hip. There was another band of black appliqué below the bustline that would emphasize her fullness.
Elaine had attended many formal events in the past; she’d never seen anything as beautiful as this dress. Had Trent seen this dress and imagined it on her? Did he know the colors would suit her complexion? Why did he make such an extravagant gesture? Do I mean more to him than I think?
She hung the gown on the outside of her closet door. This was not a gown to be hidden away.
She cleared the boxes from her bed and sat staring at the dress. It is going to be impossible to sleep.
Her cell phone rang. Jumping from her bed, she ran to the living room to pick up the call. “Hello.”
“Hi, Elaine. You sound out of breath. Hope I’m not interrupting anything,” Lizette said teasingly.
“No, I was only putting things away in the other room.” She hoped the disappointment at hearing Lizette’s voice wasn’t apparent. It was the deep, sexy rumble of Trent’s voice she wanted to hear right now.
“I was calling to confirm you’re still coming Saturday night for dinner.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” She was looking forward to getting together with Lizette and Jon, but right now it was hard to focus on anything past Friday night with Trent.
“Great. I’ll let you get to bed; you sound tired.”
“Yes, I am. Say hi to Jon for me and have a good night.” Disconnecting the call, she walked back to her bedroom and then it hit her, she really was tired. It had been an emotional day. Pulling off her clothes she climbed in between the cool sheets, and turned off the lamp on the nightstand. Call him? Text him? She wanted to thank him. Tomorrow. Surprisingly she easily faded into a deep ever-so-needed sleep.
The next morning Elaine woke fully rested and ready for the day and night ahead. She took a long, hot shower and decided not to turn on the computer. She picked out some nail polish and headed for the couch. Before she could sit, the buzzer rang for her door. Eleven o’clock. She wasn’t expecting anyone.
Using the intercom, she asked, “Can I help you?”
“I’m looking for Elaine Manning.,” a woman’s voice answered.
“This is Elaine.”
“Mr. Davis sent me.”
Elaine buzzed her in. Trent hadn’t mentioned anyone coming on Friday. When she opened the door, there was a tall woman carrying what looked like a table of some type and a bag. “Please come in.”
“Thank you, Ms. Manning. Is there a place you would like me to set up?”
“Set up what exactly?” Elaine asked.
“The massage table.”
Massage? She showed her where she could set up and within minutes was on the table enjoying a perfect Swedish massage. This was a new treat. This beats flowers!
Perhaps I should do this more often. Her hands were incredible. Meg, the masseuse, pulled out an envelope as she was folding her table. “I was told to give this to you when I left. Have a good day.”
Elaine waited until she was alone before opening it.
I wanted to make sure you had a stress-free day. I would have told you about this,
but I know you like secrets. More to come.
See you at the ball.
Trent
She laughed softly. She had a secret for him, too. Elaine finished the bottle of water the massage therapist had given her and decided she would attempt her nails again. As she opened the polish the buzzer rang again.
“Can I help you?”
“I’m looking for Elaine Manning. Mr. Davis sent me,” a man replied.
What now? She buzzed him in and waited by the door. When she opened it she found a young man in a baseball cap, jeans, and a T-shirt standing there. He handed her a paper bag then left promptly. She smiled as she recognized the logo on the b
ag. It was from the local Italian restaurant she’d become acquainted with over the last several weeks. Reaching in the bag, she pulled out an antipasto salad. He’s starting to know me too well.
Elaine was sitting at the kitchen table, finishing her food when the buzzer went off again. She looked at the clock, 2:30 p.m., and she really couldn’t afford any more interruptions since she still needed to get ready.
This time she just buzzed them in. Within minutes there was a knock on her door. Nothing could have prepared her for the three people at her door, carrying all types of equipment. What is he up to now?
“Let me guess, Mr. Davis sent you?”
“Yes. Where would you like us to set up?”
“What exactly are you here for?”
One of the ladies replied, “I will be giving you a manicure and pedicure. Maurice is going to do your hair, and Sue will be doing your makeup.”
He’s thought of everything. She led them to an area in the kitchen where they began their regimen. As she was getting her pedicure, Maurice used a number of products on her hair, making it a mass of curls even greater than her natural ones. It was almost five o’clock when Sue finished her makeup. “Ms. Manning, I will help you get into your dress when you are ready.”
Brides don’t even get this treatment. She was embarrassed having Sue there, but happy for the help once she started getting in the gown. When she was in and zipped up, she turned to look in the mirror. Wow! She had never worn makeup like this. Her eyes were dramatically smoky, with shades of red and gold shimmer mascara. Her lips were red with a gold glitter outline to match the mask. She felt it was almost a crime not to be seen looking like this.
The door buzzed again. She looked at the clock, 6:00 p.m. She thanked them for their remarkable help as they left. She informed her driver she would be down, grabbed the mask, and headed out the door. Why had he done all of this today? He knows I’m attracted to him—hell, I keep ending up in bed with him. So, why such lavish attention? It’s one night. One ball. She’d never been so spoiled in her life. No one had ever tended to her every need. Have I even sent him a text to thank him? Today had been amazing. More than amazing. She actually felt . . . cherished, which could be placing too much emphasis on what this really was. Perhaps this is how he treated all women in his life. Don’t even think it. Everything had been perfect, and she was not about to let doubts or jealously spoil it. He may have made today all about her, but she had her own set of plans for him later that evening. Oh yes, tonight is going to be all about you, Mr. Trent Davis.
The Billionaire's Masquerade: Betting On You Series: Book Two Page 9