by Jill Snow
“Why?”
“They believed I was more interested in being Mrs. Specter than being Noah’s wife. He had money, prestige and one day would be a high flying attorney. I was the daughter of a mechanic.”
“Oh.”
“Yes oh.”
“But if Noah loved you , surely that didn’t matter?”
“I don't think it did, to be fair to Noah. At least not then. But…” Zoe took a deep breath trying to keep the tears at bay.
Declan didn’t say anything but squeezed her hand tighter.
“My dad died. He had a heart attack. One minute he was here and then he wasn’t. Noah was wonderful, he helped me arrange everything. You know the funeral and stuff like that.”
“He sounds like a nice guy.”
“He was. Maybe he still is.”
“So what happened?” he asked softly.
“After Dad passed, I found out Dad had nominated me as Dominic’s guardian. Made sense really. I was nineteen and there was nobody else. Kathy couldn’t afford to take on another child despite loving us both. Noah was furious. He told me I had to put Dominic into care. There was no space for a five year old child in his plans.”
“He couldn’t have meant that. Surely?”
“I didn’t think so at first. He kept saying how his mother was talking about it and how much pressure a child would put on our relationship. How young we were and how much he had going for him. I guess you can imagine the rest.”
“I am so sorry Zoe. Dominic is a cool kid. I can’t imagine anyone trying to split up a family.”
She glanced at him and he pulled her closer into a hug. They stayed like that for a few minutes then she pushed him back. He held onto her hand.
“We decided it would be best if Noah went to Boston alone. I would sort out everything here, with the garage and all. It worked for about a year. Noah came back regularly at first and then he couldn’t make it as often due to his commitments. But he came back for the summer and we had a great time. He seemed to enjoy being around Dominic. We spent days at the beach and everything. Then he went back to Harvard and told me to sell the business and follow him. We would make it work.”
“So he came round to Dominic?’
“He did or at least it looked that way but then his mother came to the garage.”
Zoe fell silent, remembering as if it was just yesterday. A large sleek car had driven up. Jim and herself watched as the chauffeur opened the door and an immaculately dressed woman walked into the garage. Zoe had been taken aback, not because she didn’t recognize the woman but because she looked so out of place in the garage.
“Let me guess, she told you to leave her precious son alone?”
“In a manner of speaking. She offered me money to stay away from Noah. To tell him I didn’t love him anymore. She told me, I would ruin his future and it wasn’t fair for anyone to expect a twenty-one year old to take responsibility for a child. She said other things, ugly stuff but I won’t repeat them.”
“Please tell me you told her to get lost.”
“I did but then I thought about it and despite her attitude, I knew she was doing what she thought was right for her son. I loved Noah, I didn’t want to trap him or ruin his career. He wasn’t coming home as often, said he was studying too hard and all that. So the next time he came home I suggested to him we take a break. I told him he should concentrate on his studies. He tried to argue but even then I knew he was relieved. Next I heard, he was engaged to some society girl and that was that.”
“Oh Zoe, I am so sorry. He was a fool.”
“He came back a couple of years ago. He wanted to apologize, told me he had make a mistake. All he wanted was for us to get back together and everything would work out.”
“And?”
“I was tempted, I am not going to lie. I still loved him. I hadn’t dated anyone since we broke up. I got carried away with his plans for our happiness. He told me he had broken off his engagement as he was in love with me. He told me lots of things.” Zoe’s voice dropped to a whisper. “What he didn’t tell me was he offered Kathy money to adopt Dominic.”
“Oh, I want to slap him.”
She moved slightly. “Thank you but he isn’t worth it. It was all lies. Well, not all of it. The part about him offering money to Kathy was true. He didn’t want Dominic. But he hadn’t broken his engagement. The girl had as she got a better offer. Noah hadn’t done as well in his exams and didn’t get the top job offers or something. “
“She sounds like a deep meaning individual and that they were in a committed relationship. Not!”
Zoe smiled.
“Zoe I am so sorry you met that eejit but he is in the past. He can’t hurt you now.”
“No, he can’t but you can.” Zoe stared into his eyes. “I have feelings for you Declan and I am terrified. I don’t want to get hurt like that again but more to the point, I don’t want Dominic to get hurt. He likes you, a lot. He doesn’t remember Noah but at the time he used to cry and ask why he wasn’t coming by to take us to the beach.”
“Zoe, I swear to you that if we don’t make it as a couple, it will be nothing to do with Dominic. I think he is a great kid and I would never do anything to split you guys up. You are family and family is hugely important to me. So whatever fears you have on that score, forget them. As far as I see it, you and him come together in a package.”
“What about your family?”
“Are you kidding me? My mother is like a cat on a hot tin roof waiting for grandchildren. She loves children and will be delighted to include Dominic in our family.”
Startled Zoe pulled back.
“Don’t you dare pull away from me. I am not proposing. We don’t know each other well enough yet but I am promising you Ms. Clark, you and Dominic will be welcome in my parents home. My mother would no sooner act like Mrs. Specter than Superman would turn into a bad guy.”
Zoe wanted to believe him. She knew he believed what he was saying as everything about his body language screamed the fact he was being honest. But what about the future? God gave couples babies for a reason. By the time they grew into teenagers, their parents loved them unconditionally. Dominic may be fine at the moment but what if he became a grunting obnoxious teen.
“You are doing it again. You are miles away despite sitting beside me. Zoe, stop trying to find problems. Let’s just see how this goes okay? I want you and Dominic to come to LA.”
“You haven’t changed your mind?”
“No, of course not. I like you and you are not getting rid of me that easily! Now come here and give a kiss.”
She did just as he asked.
After a while had passed, Declan pushed her gently away.
“Much as I am enjoying this, there is only so much temptation a man can take. Are you all packed and ready to go?”
“Yes.”
“Great, I’ll get your bag. Where do we pick up Dominic?”
“His school. They know we’re coming so they’ll have him ready. They weren’t happy about the fuss either.”
“Oh well. Even more reason for us to get out of here.” He whistled as he went to get her bag, making her smile.
“I can see why you had to turn to acting. Music isn’t your thing, is it?” she teased
He clutched his chest, staggering back against the wall. “You wound me!”
She couldn’t stop laughing. He kept clowning around until she begged him to stop.
“Next time, maybe you’ll just let me whistle.”
“If my ears can stand it.”
“After we spend a whole week together, if all you can’t stand is my whistling I think we’ll be in good shape,” he said.
She forced a smile. With the way she was feeling now, she would be completely in love by the end of the week. Which was terrifying, because what if he didn’t love her back?
“Come on, slow poke. Let’s get going,” he urged.
“Will the reporters follow us?”
“Ha, no. W
e’ll be on private property so they can’t gain access. Anyway, if they did they’d have to deal with Maria and she is like a Rottweiler with lipstick. “
“I am so looking forward to meeting her!”
“She can’t wait to meet you. After seeing your picture, she said you need fattening up. Maria and her husband, Joseph, are two of the best people I know. She kind of reminds me of Gertie.”
“You think she’s a cantankerous old lady?”
“Gertie isn’t cantankerous. She is direct but her heart is in the right place.”
“I know that. I don’t know her very well, but I think I would like her a lot. She doesn’t stand any nonsense.”
“Yeah, I seem to like that in women. Must be a fault I have,” Declan said, winking at her.
“Yeah right. Now come on, who’s being slow now?”
She opened her front door and then immediately closed it again.
“I forgot they were out there. How are we going to get to your car?”
“Like this.” He kissed her quickly. “Trust me, okay?”
He opened the door and let her follow him before waiting for her to lock up. Then he took her hand and they walked slowly toward the car. Then he stopped.
“Gentlemen, this beautiful lady is my girlfriend, Zoe Clark. Please let us through as we are already late for our next appointment.”
Zoe waited for the buzz of questions, but instead the reporters stepped back. Amazed, she glanced at Declan but he was staring straight ahead of him. He opened the door for her when they reached the car and then went around to open the door for himself.
“Thank you Gentlemen. I promise a full statement shortly but for now please do us a favor and leave us alone.”
He got into the car.
“Wow you do have a way with those people,” Zoe said as the car moved away unhindered.
“I just treat them with respect and hope they return the favor. Sometimes it works, other times I want to punch them on their noses. But today it worked. You must be good luck.”
Zoe sank back into her seat, impressed by how comfortable it was. Relieved she had told him about Noah, she couldn’t help wishing she had told him before. All that worry and he hadn’t batted an eyelid. He was fine with Dominic. He knew they came as a package. She wasn’t sure about being his good luck charm, he seemed to be hers. But what if his parents weren’t on board with the idea? He was wealthier than Noah could hope to be.
“You ok?”
“Yeah.”
“Try saying that with a smile on your face and I may believe you. Zoe, forget the past. I am not Noah and my friends and family will love you. The both of you.”
If he hadn’t been driving she may have kissed him but for now she contented herself with giving him a grade A smile.
They drove to Dominic’s school and picked him up without any major hassles. The teacher wasn’t happy at first, but one smile and a hug from Declan and she was beaming.
“Can’t even go to school without running into your fans, can you?” Zoe teased him once they were all back in his car.
“Apparently not, but anyway we’re going to have a couple of days away so let’s enjoy it. What do you say, Dominic?”
“Where are we going first?” he asked.
“To my house.”
“In LA? Wow. That’s awesome. Do you have a pool?”
“I do.”
“What about a movie theater?”
“Yep.”
“Awesome.”
“Well, at least he’s happy. How are you doing?” Declan asked Zoe.
That was a good question. How was she feeling? Mesmerized, amused, excited, scared and all of the above.
“Bit all over the place, to be honest.”
“Me too. Fun, isn’t it?” He reached over kissed her lips and then put his car into drive and took off. Dominic spent the first part of the journey pointing out sites or asking Declan questions. Then he fell asleep. Zoe was almost asleep too.
“Want to stop for something to eat or wait till we get home?” he asked her.
“Home, please.”
“Sure thing. Why don’t you take a nap? We’ll be there in about an hour.”
She closed her eyes, convinced she wouldn’t sleep but the next thing she knew Declan was waking her up.
“We’re here. Welcome to my home.”
She stared out the car window. Outside stood a giant mansion. It looked just like the ones in the pictures in the magazines at the hairdresser’s. She couldn’t move, afraid that if she did, she would wake up back in her own house with this all having been a dream.
Chapter 45
A lady stood waiting at the door for them.
“Welcome to Declan’s home. I am Maria, and my husband Joseph is somewhere in the gardens. Let me show you to your rooms.”
Zoe trailed after Maria, but Dominic had run straight for the pool. Declan followed him.
“I hope you will be comfortable. Please ask me if you need anything else,” Maria said.
Speechless, Zoe just stared. The room was bigger than anything she had ever seen. The best part was the big, comfortable looking bed facing the windows out onto beautiful gardens. How fabulous it would be to wake up to that view every day.
“Is the room okay, Ms. Clark?”
“Call me Zoe please. Oh Maria, it’s amazing. I have never seen anything like it.”
“Wait until you see Declan’s room,” Maria replied. Zoe turned to put her stuff on the bed. She didn’t want the housekeeper to see her blushing.
“Would you like to see where your brother is sleeping?”
“Yes, please.”
Maria took her to a smaller room that was still bigger than Zoe’s bedroom at home. It was an adult room but she noticed a couple of toys scattered around. Maria caught her gaze.
“Declan asked my husband to pick up some things. He said your brother loved basketball, so we set up a net in the yard. We also have a tennis court. Does he like to play tennis?”
Zoe nodded, unable to speak. This had to be a dream, it just couldn’t be real. She had read about people living like this but had never come close to a house this luxurious before.
“This is Declan’s room.” Maria went to open the door but Zoe stopped her.
“I’m sure he doesn’t want me poking around in his private quarters.”
Maria took her back toward the front door where she showed her the kitchen and dining area, the lounge and what she called the den.
“The TV screen is almost as big as the one at the local movie theater.”
“Yes, it is huge. And it rarely gets used. Such a waste, but Declan prefers to read.” Maria plumped up a cushion before asking, “Would you like to freshen up or are you ready for dinner?”
“Could we eat, please?” Zoe was worried her stomach would make rude noises.
“Yes of course. Everything is ready.”
“Thank you for being so welcoming,” Zoe said, and meant it. It was intimidating to be in a house where everything inside of it cost more than she made in a year.
“It is my pleasure. Declan has been on his own for too long. He needs a good woman.”
Maria walked toward the kitchen leaving Zoe to stare after her. Had Declan discussed her with Maria? It sounded like he had.
“I will call the boys if you want to take a seat.”
“This smells delicious Maria, thank you.”
“I love to cook. And I love having people to cook for. Which means today, I am a very happy lady.”
The thought, ‘me too’, popped into Zoe’s head. She was happy, despite her concerns. Declan’s home was like a piece of heaven.
Declan came back in with Dominic, who was chattering up a storm. Everything was “awesome” or “cool”. Declan walked over to Zoe and kissed her lightly on the lips.
“You okay?’
“Yes, thank you. Maria has been very kind.”
Declan moved closer to Maria and put his arm around her waist. “She is a
wonderful woman, my Maria.”
“Keep your hands to yourself, Declan, or I will get my Joseph onto you,” Maria said before shrieking with laughter as Declan tickled her. “Stop that, do you hear me? That’s abuse.”
“Zoe, this place is so cool. Can we live here forever? Did you see the size of the pool? I can’t wait to swim and did you see Declan got me a basketball goal? I can practice every day. And—”
“Whoa, slow down kid. We can see everything later. For now, eat your meal,” Zoe said.
“Yes ma’am,” Dominic answered, picking up his fork.
Maria joined them at Declan’s insistence. Then he went to call for Joseph. Moments later, a grey haired older man arrived with a smile as wide as Maria’s.
“So nice to have some people around the place,” he said as he shook Zoe’s hand. He patted Dominic on the head. “We met already out in the garden. Your son—”
“He’s my brother.” Lord, what age did the man think she was?
He looked so embarrassed, she hastened to explain.
“It’s okay, it happens a lot. Our parents died a few years back, so I’ve kind of taken over their role.”
“I am sorry to hear that. I was just telling Declan what a good boy your brother is. Nice manners.”
Dominic colored as he sat with his hands clasped ready to pray. Joseph lead the prayers and then they all started eating. The meal passed with lots of laughs. The familiarity and affection between Declan and his so-called employees was a joy to watch. He treated them more like parents than servants.
“Maria and Joseph are like a surrogate family to me. I hated it when I first moved over here. I had lots of people who knew me but no real friends. Then I met Joseph and Maria and next thing we were all living together. It’s been about five years now and they haven’t thrown me out yet.”
Maria laughed while Joseph added “We’ve been tempted, but it’s your house so it’d be difficult to send you packing.”
Zoe watched Dominic’s face. He looked so happy and relaxed. There was no sign of the sulky, moody child whom she had gotten used to over the last few months. Her glance met Declan’s and he smiled at her, his eyes twinkling.