by Dara Girard
She pounded his back with her fist. "You rotten bastard. Don't you dare try to sound gallant."
He walked out of the room.
"Van?"
He took a deep breath then turned to her. "Yes?"
Sylvie sat on the bed and flashed a watery smile. "I feel sorry for whoever she is. You'll never be true to anyone Van. It's not your nature. The moment things get too permanent you’ll bolt. Whoever she is, you're going to break her heart. One day she'll find herself in the same shoes I'm in. Losing you to someone else."
***
Greta had been taking a nap when a loud banging woke her. Don't answer the door. That had been one of Vance's rules. The pounding continued.
"Van! Answer this door. You can't hide from me. Van?"
Greta opened her mouth to tell the woman that Vance wasn't there, then decided not to.
"I know you're in there." She pounded harder. "I know what you're doing. Van! You can't treat your mother this way." She pounded again then stopped. "Okay, if that's how it’s going to be. I'll talk to your father."
Greta rested her ear against the door and heard his mother's footsteps grow faint. She rushed over to her phone and dialed his number. He picked up on the first ring. "Is something wrong?"
"Your mother was here."
His tone sharpened. "You let her in?"
"No, I didn't open the door."
His tone softened. "Good."
"But she sounded really upset. She said she's going to talk to your father."
He sniffed. "Some threat."
"What's going on? What if she comes back?"
"Don't worry, I'll talk to her later. I'm still trying to figure out how to make the repairs to your house. I'll share a few options with you soon."
Greta didn't care about her house, she cared about him, but she knew she couldn't tell him how much.
Chapter Ten
Sylvie worked fast. Vance stared at his cell phone, amazed that his mother had already made her move. He looked around the hotel room where he was staying. He knew the fall out would be bad, but he hadn’t expected it to be so swift. Unfortunately, he couldn't face Greta. At least not yet. He needed to plan his next steps. Tomorrow he'd have to finalize one major project before he handed it over to Thomas Clint, his right hand man. He knew he’d be out of a job soon. Cordell would not take Vance's breakup with his daughter well.
He had enough savings to coast for a while and he'd always wanted his own business but he hadn't planned on starting from scratch. If he presented himself to Greta now she'd probably just think of him as a loser. No, he had to get things off the ground before he made his move. He'd planned to use his connections with his present company to fix Greta's place but he couldn't do that now. He'd have to pull in some favors and spend his own money to get it done. It was not a smart business move to start in a hole, but he couldn't leave Greta's house in the mess it was.
He had to focus on what was important. He'd hand in his resignation. Look for projects he could bid on, then see what happened. He knew it would be painful. He admired Cordell. Cordell had been the father he'd really wanted. His real father was too soft hearted and weak willed, and had sent most of his money back home to family and relatives who didn't care if he lived or died. They were always sending letters, calling over the phone, or sending emails, always needing money for this and that: “Please send me some money, I need a surgery.” “I’m getting married, and I need a little help” “Things are so bad, you have to send some money, now.” His father’s inability to say "no" had been the reason they’d lost everything. Vance didn't want to be a disappointment like his father, so he'd fight hard to build his business.
Of course his day of reckoning came sooner than he'd expected. The moment he closed his eyes to sleep his phone started to ring. First from Sylvie, then his mother, then Cordell. He ignored them all.
But Cordell wasn't a man to be ignored and the following day, he met Vance in his office while Vance tried to clear up the billing.
"I had a chat with Sylvie last night. She was in tears. You know how I feel about men who make my daughter cry."
Vance folded his arms. "I know. I didn’t want this to happen, but we've grown apart and I'm not being fair to her."
"She says there's another woman."
Vance glanced down at the papers on his desk.
"My girl said you've been acting strange lately. Have you hit your head or something? Are you really going to let my daughter go so you can screw some woman who looks like a comic book character?" Cordell laughed at Vance’s look of surprise. "I saw the way you looked at that woman, who came by with the large plant, and it was far from just 'friendly', although I honestly don't know what you see. You must have a nun fetish or something, because I bet she'd be about as exciting as a log in bed."
Vance gripped his pen determined not to be provoked.
Cordell sat. "The problem is you're not thinking things through. Just imagine what your parents are going to think, especially your mother. She's going to love this. And I know someone else who will love it too."
Vance set his pen down and kept his voice low. "You leave her out of this."
"Does your new lady love even know about her? No? She looks rather prim and proper. I think it will be a shock to her. I wonder what she'll think of you when she finds out."
Vance picked up his pen again. "I'll be out of your hair in a minute. I'm just--"
"I know what this is all about. You're feeling a little rebellious and want to use this poor woman to shock us. Fine. I think it's a little cruel. But I understand."
"You don't understand anything."
"If she's so special, why doesn't she know everything about you? You know I can make her life miserable. I can let her know that she's just a rebound relationship for you. We both know you've had plenty of those--you just didn't call them that. I can let her know about your one night stands and married women. "
"That was in the past. A long time ago. You know I've changed and she knows it too."
"I bet you she doesn't know about--"
"That's none of your business."
Cordell flashed a cold smile. "That's where you're wrong. My daughter is my business and you're running my business. I own it, not you, and we had an agreement."
"Yes, my job comes with the marriage. You'll see my resignation on your desk. I just wanted to clean up a few things first."
Cordell stared at him in stunned silence.
"I'm not being rash," Vance said. "I know it seems that way, but I’ve thought about it."
"Look, every man hits this point. The thought of spending their whole life with one woman can be a scary prospect, so here's what I suggest. Get this woman out of your system. Keep her on the side if you like, but let's go ahead as planned."
Vance shook his head. "I can't do that."
"You're throwing away a prime opportunity."
"I know. But I like Sylvie and she deserves better."
"I invested a lot in you and you're just going to throw it back in my face?"
"I won't use Sylvie to improve my career."
"You want a second car? How about one of those homes in--"
"No. I respect you too much to use you or your daughter. I have to be fair."
"I was afraid it would get to your head. You've become too proud. What are you going to do?"
"Start my own business."
"You think it's easy to start from scratch? You think you can earn yourself a decent salary in just a year?"
"I know what it takes."
"Because I taught you everything you know. All of this." He gestured to the room. "It’s because of me, not you."
"Cordell you know I respect you."
"Don't tell me that. Show me how much. Get this woman out of your system and marry Sylvie as we agreed."
"I can't."
Cordell's mouth formed into a hard line. "Fine. You don't have to finish up here." He reached over and slammed the accounting book shut. "I'll hav
e Thomas take care of this. Just leave."
He'd expected the outcome, but that didn't make his situation any easier, Vance thought as he left the office. He'd have to call in a lot of favors to fix Greta's house. But at least now he was free to start his own business and make Greta his own. He left the building and crossed the parking lot and saw his BMW. One thing he knew for sure, was that in order to make his new life work, his prize possession would have to go.
***
She'd killed it. She was a plant murderer. Greta stared at Vance's plant in dismay. Its leaves drooped and its stem looked sickly. She'd have to find a way to get him another one. He wouldn't know the difference. She'd spent a week at his place already, and he'd called and said he needed three more weeks, claiming he knew what to do about her house, but not elaborating. She'd cancelled her mail delivery and had a neighbor watch the house for her.
She'd grown comfortable at his place, so another few weeks didn't bother her. She had returned to work, although she'd missed last weeks' orchestra rehearsal and she wasn't sure when she would return. The sight of her ruined clarinet case only brought pain. She knew that she would soon hear Vance announce his engagement, and that would invite a different kind of pain, but she wouldn't think of that now. Right now she had to do something about his plant.
That Saturday, Greta went to the nursery where she'd bought the plant for Vance. She searched to see if there were others so she could make the switch. She couldn't find any. She walked up to a clerk. "Do you have any more Phoenix roebelenii?" That was the scientific name for Pygmy date palm.
"No, sorry. We'll get another batch next month."
"Next month?"
"Yes, they are very popular so we run out fast."
In a month Vance would see his dead plant. Maybe he wouldn't notice.
"We have to stop meeting like this," a voice said behind her.
She spun around and saw Eric. "This is a surprise."
He grinned. "Plants are my passion. Now, what's the problem?"
"How do you know there's a problem?"
"I watched you talking to that guy and then you looked as if you'd been kicked in the stomach."
Greta smiled. The description felt accurate. "I was looking for a replacement for a plant I killed."
"Are you sure it's dead?"
"It looks dead."
"Looking dead and being dead are two different things. If you show it to me--"
"I can't. It's not at my place."
"Are you house sitting?"
"Something like that."
"Okay, why don't you bring it over to my place and I'll have a look at it."
"Really?"
"Yes, really." He scribbled his address on the back of one of his business cards and gave it to her. "Come by after three today."
Greta arrived ten minutes early. She set the large plant down outside Eric's apartment, leaned against the wall and waited. She didn't want to interrupt his schedule.
The door opened and Eric peeked his head out. "I thought I heard you. What are you doing out here?"
"Waiting. You said come after three." She held up her watch. "It's not three o'clock yet."
He grinned and lifted the plant. "You're still adorable." He walked inside.
Greta followed him. "I'm not ad--" Her words fell away as she looked around his apartment in amazement. It burst with an amazing green beauty. There were several small indoor trees, exotic plants, and vines, all expertly arranged. "This is incredible."
Eric set the plant on a table he'd cleared. "Thank you and you're in luck. The plant's still breathing."
She rushed to his side. "What should I do, Doctor?"
"First tell me what happened. I think I can guess, but I want to know for sure."
"I saw it neglected in a corner so I decided to water it every day and give it lots of sunlight."
He winced. "You burned it and then drowned it." He lightly patted the side of the pot. "Poor baby." He looked at Greta. "I want you to leave it alone. Get it back in its corner and don't water it for two weeks. Once it starts to come back, then use this plant food." He grabbed a packet. "A plant can die from too much attention."
"I'll remember that."
"But I want you to play music and talk to it once in a while."
"Really?"
"It's sad. It needs positive energy. It will do you good too. Do you still play the clarinet?"
Greta hesitated. She hadn't touched it since the drug bust. Actually, before then, when Vance had left. "Something happened and it's been hard getting back to it."
He nodded. "You've been pouring all your energy into this plant and neglecting yourself. And now you're both withering away. Play. Plants are my passion and music is yours."
"Yes, Doctor."
"Are you seeing anyone?"
Her mouth fell open. "Why?"
"Can't a man ask?"
"A man's never asked me that before," she stuttered.
"Well one is asking you now."
"No."
"Would you like to go out sometime?"
Her mouth fell open again. "Why?"
He laughed at her expression. "Why not?"
"Because...oh I see. You mean as friends, right? I'm sorry I misunderstood you."
"No, you didn't."
"But you're seeing someone. At the restaurant you were--"
Eric shook his head. "That's over."
"And you want to go out with me?"
"If you want me to be completely honest. I want to sleep with you."
Greta blinked, then threw her head back and laughed until tears streamed down her face. No man wants you her mother had said. At least he'd proven her wrong. She wiped away the tears. "I think you're the only man in the world who's ever been interested."
"That's not true. I'm just bolder than most."
"Jamaican arrogance?"
"Confidence." Eric closed the distance between them and lowered his voice. "I'm older and wiser now and my technique has improved."
Greta felt her pulse quicken. "It certainly has."
"So, what do you say?"
"I can't. I used you last time."
"To get close to my brother? I know that."
She'd suspected it, but was surprised to hear him admit it. "And you didn't care?"
Eric rested a hand on his chest. "Do I look broken hearted? I can pretend to be if that will change your mind."
"No, because I'd be using you again."
His brows shot up. "You're still interested in Drake?"
"No, someone else."
"Does he know?"
"No. He's engaged. At least he soon will be."
"I don't mind being his substitute. Just don't shout out his name in the heat of passion."
Greta laughed. "You're incorrigible."
Eric’s mouth twitched in amusement. "Is that a no?"
"You deserve better." She tilted her head and stared at him in wonder. "Don't you want a woman who likes you for you?"
He shrugged. "I'm not picky."
His offer was tempting. Could he be the man from her past her grandmother had hinted at? She didn't have strong feelings for him, but she did like him. If she were with him, she wouldn't think about Vance. Vance would soon be married and celebrating his honeymoon and she'd be alone again. Without Rita, her house would be completely hers. Minnie was right. She needed her own life. But when she looked at Eric it still felt wrong to use him that way. To be with him, because she was unhappy, lonely, or desperate was wrong. She wouldn't repeat her past with him. Greta playfully patted him on his cheek. "You're the one who's adorable."
"How about a kiss for old times' sake?"
Greta narrowed her eyes, and looked around the room. "Now I know what this place reminds me of. The Garden of Eden." She shot him a glance. "And you're temptation." She picked up the plant. "And I'd better go."
Eric took the plant from her. "I'll take it to your car. I swear I'll be good now."
Minutes later, he helped her set
tle the plant snuggly in the backseat then straightened. "Now remember what I said."
Greta got into the driver's seat. "I will."
Eric pulled out a card from his wallet. "And this is my ophthalmologist, make an appointment when you're ready to get new glasses."
Greta glanced at her reflection in the rearview mirror. "You think I need new ones?"
"I said when you're ready and you'll know when." He kissed her lightly on the mouth. "And if you need anything, you know where to find me."
***
Vance traded in his car for one that would fit his new lifestyle. Twice he'd thought of going to his apartment and talking to Greta about his plans, but he couldn't face her yet. Not until he'd gotten everything in order. He was no longer ‘Van the Man’, with the expensive car, the lucrative job and sexy girlfriend. Now, he was just Vance. A guy starting his own business, driving a five year old car and hoping the woman he was interested in felt the same way. He knew that Greta would accept him as a friend, but what about as a potential lover?
How would she feel about him not pulling in a regular salary until a year or two? He could bet, she made a lot more than he did. He knew getting reestablished would take time. Would she still respect him if his business took longer than expected to take off? Vance pulled up to a gas station of fill up his tank. It was too late to go back now, and he didn't want to. He felt an energy and excitement he hadn't felt in years. He was going to find out what he was made of.
He'd just finished pumping gas when his cell phone rang. Vance glanced at the number: His mother. He knew if she was this upset about him losing his job and Sylvie, she'd have an aneurism when she saw the car he was driving. He answered. "Hi."
"You've ruined everything!" she screamed. "You won't believe the conversation I just had with Cordell. How can you start your own business?"
"I'll hire Kojo." He knew that by mentioning his mother’s favorite son he could allay some of her anger. His younger brother had graduated with an MBA and had yet to find a job that allowed him to use any of his acquired knowledge. He'd just been made redundant at his last three jobs and Vance knew he'd need the work.