“Mum was a different matter altogether. She was a scheduler and meticulously kept track of even the smallest details. I was always prepared and never had to be asked twice for a permission slip or parent signature! The woman may seem as dry as toast but when you get her going she’s a hoot and a half and I know she loves me to the moon and back.”
“Studying was way easy for me. Maybe too easy. By the time I graduated from high school I’d been on an accelerated academic track for years and had already earned enough college credits to enter University as a sophomore. Ending up in Saharan Africa was a bit of a wild card to be sure but at the time my language qualification alone made all sorts of opportunities open up for me. I didn’t want to end up in some dry and dusty civil service job with the state department after college so I made sure to always keep my options open”.
Something subtle shifted in the air around them, Nick could feel it. His awareness moved up a notch as he sensed the change. The observant negotiator in him sprang to life and he considered every word, each inflection and noted how her eyes drifted slowly away from his as she spoke. It certainly didn’t take a rocket scientist to see that something significant was happening. She was being too cautious as if there was something big being left unsaid.
“There wasn’t a lot for me to do, school wise, after Africa.” Shannon, still clutching the pillow, said quietly. “The internship finished my degree, but …” sighing now she stared off into space, “things change, and, well ... y’know. My parents were surprised I suppose when graduation came along and I was awarded a simple arts degree.”
Well that was certainly a piece of information Nick was going to tuck away for later. What had brought about her change of heart? He wasn’t an idiot and knew what was going unsaid in her narrative was how they had finally parted once they were both back in the states. Guilt washed over him in waves because he knew there was more she was holding back. He was sure it involved the dreadful way he had acted toward their relationship. Silence hovered as they lost themselves in memories of a time which had obviously changed both their lives.
“I went off to California on a whim, really. One of mom’s science buddies needed a short-term research assistant in the archive at Cal Tech. I'd always heard that California is the home of fruits and nuts and I certainly found that to be true!” she laughed. “I met this eccentric old biddy who managed a storytelling program at the County Library and from there, as they say, the rest is history!”
“I loved volunteering for the readings and watching enthusiasm for books come to life in the children who came. Before too long the story days were full on tour de force events with costumes and props which eventually started bringing the parents in to the fun. When the research gig ended I took a leap of faith and started doing children’s parties. From there, everything just exploded!”
She giggled slightly and mugged for him with a self-deprecating smile. “It never ceases to amaze me that in Tinseltown where storytelling and fantasy is de rigueur that one small business among many others, doing basically the same thing, would take off so quickly and be as successful as it has! We are forever being approached by Hollywood production houses and studios to work in the movie making business but I like what we do now. It’s still personal and I have the last word in control.”
Nick understood what she meant and nodded in agreement, pleased that she hadn’t sold out for money or fame. What he had seen of her efforts at his nephew’s party had been more than impressive. She was obviously really good at what she did and it didn’t come as any sort of a surprise to learn that Hollywood had noticed her unique talents and come knocking at her door.
“Your parents, their anniversary celebration. With your expertise at running events, I’m curious why you aren’t more involved with that?”
Shannon tossed the pillow aside and stretched a bit before she answered. “I offered but Dad and Mom put a foot down. Said I was a guest and not an event planner and that I was to come and enjoy myself, period … end of story. Was kind of cute actually.” Shannon said as she smiled. “I didn’t realize till they called the other day how excited they were that I was going to travel east. It’s been a long time…” her voice quieted to a whisper.
Shannon was restless and needed to get up and move after their long stretch on the sofa. She was surprised at how easy and carefree their conversation had been. They’d always been great at communicating and had a natural ease and comfort with one another which was certainly helping them move forward from the past.
There was a niggling unease stirring in her mind that she was deliberately ignoring. Recalling for Nick how she had surprised her family with a change in direction after her time abroad had been difficult. Side-stepping any mention of their time together or how the events at the end had come together in a perfect storm of heartache, loss and despair, had made Shannon uncomfortable. She didn’t want to think about what was hidden in those memories. Not yet.
“Nick, I am going crazy being cooped up and stuck in one position like this. Could we maybe go for a drive? Hey, wanna’ go get an ice cream cone?” she asked with sing song enthusiasm as she wagged her eyebrows at him for effect.
Aware that she had neatly segued away from further reverie, Nick mock agreed with her that being stuck in one position wasn’t very exciting. The obvious double entendre of his comment was followed by a whoop of delighted laughter from the object of his desire warming him when she teased him right back saying, “Just like a man! Always with the one track mind!”
Getting a laugh from her and some back and forth teasing was proving to be their re-set position, something Nick decided he’d gladly accept. They were making progress although at times the past hovering nearby threatened to throw a damper on everything. He had a plan forming in his busy mind which he was sure would help bring closure to whatever pain and confusion still lingered from their disastrous past. Stick to the plan, Nick he muttered in his mind, and all will be well.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
They’d gone off on a driving adventure which helped lift Shannon’s spirits considerably. She loved early September in southern California. People joked that L.A. only had two seasons; green and brown but that was an exaggeration in her mind or evidence that people really didn’t slow down and smell the roses very much anymore.
They cruised up the coastal highway with the satellite radio providing classic rock ‘n roll music while Shannon rolled down the window of his behemoth SUV and joked that all which the luxury vehicle needed to be perfect was a convertible roof. Little did she know that her off-hand comment had Nick twelve steps ahead; mentally purchasing a sexy red convertible that would perfectly accentuate her glorious blonde mane.
They stopped at a cute outdoor café well north of Malibu that offered umbrella covered tables and a view of the Pacific Ocean that was worth the outrageous price of the organic fare on the menu.
Nobody could enjoy a burger quite the way Shannon did so Nick ordered up a feast of toppings and side dishes and then sat back and relished her enjoyment of their lunch. She was awfully damn cute as she tried to manage the over-loaded burger in her delicate hands and they laughed together each time catsup squirted or half the lettuce, tomatoes or avocado slices slide from the bun.
It was mid-afternoon when they made their way back to the canyon where Shannon lived. The smell of late summer sage hung in the air and a sense of well-being sank into each of them. This day, so far, was a check mark in the win column.
They hadn’t been back in the house for very long when the doorbell sounded. Shannon had been making her way from the bathroom after having insisted on using the crutches instead of Nick’s arms while Nick was standing in the middle of the living room, remote control in hand engrossed in whatever sporting event he’d channel surfed too when the bell pierced their solitude.
Raising an eyebrow at her as she appeared in the living room he asked, “Expecting somebody?” before he tossed the remote down and headed to answer the door.
&nbs
p; Bemused by the unexpected intrusion she called after him “Actually, no. I can’t imagine who’d come by out of the blue.” With that she hobbled further into the living area and plunked down onto a wing chair which gave her ample view of the door as Nick reached for the knob and pulled the heavy wood door wide.
A clamor of laughter and good cheer followed as Ned and Dominic stepped over the threshold followed by a worried looking Jules who had baby Amy cradled against her chest. After a quick bro-hug Ned swept right past his brother-in-law and headed to Shannon’s side as Domenic literally flung himself onto Nick’s legs which he bear-hugged with all the abandon a rambunctious six year old could muster while he cried, ‘Uncle Nicky, I’ve missed you!’
Laughing Jules stopped for a quick brother sister peck on the cheek telling Nick, “He’s been rattling on and on about the light saber you gave him for his birthday. Thanks a lot big brother! The darn thing makes the most annoying noise. I suppose you did that on purpose though, right?” Jules laughed as she too then headed for Shannon’s side. Smiling affectionately at her friend Jules added, “I’m thinking next year will be a Star Wars party Shannon! You up for it?”
A little embarrassed Shannon didn’t know what to say at first, this was new territory for her. This was the first time she had the reality of Nick and his family in her face. That the family was one she was friends with made the entire scenario a bit surreal.
Ned jumped in and distracted Shannon with questions about her condition and recovery with the focused precision one would expect from a lawyer as Jules sank to the end of the sofa nearby cradling Amy while she cooed contentedly in her mother’s embrace. Just like the last few hours with Nick, it all felt so normal and easy.
Finally Shannon laughed and suggested that Ned calm down since she wasn’t going to be suing them for her injuries which brought a round of laughter from the three of them. Yes, Shannon thought, I really like these people.
Ned, Jules and Shannon jumped into conversation then with a de-brief of Dom’s party with Jules putting Shannon’s mind at ease over having missed most of the affair by showing her pictures on her cell phone of memorable moments which happened throughout the day. Satisfied that Dominic’s party had been a success, Shannon lifted her eyes to the little boy she liked so much and found him engaged in some heavy-looking guy talk with his uncle.
Sensing her attention Dom’s little head snapped up at her smiling face and came running toward her. “Shanny, Shanny, thank you sooooooooo much for the cowboy day!” the little boy cheered as he launched himself into a hug. “You’re the bestest ever!” he gushed with total little boy sincerity into Shannon’s beaming face.
Shannon hugged him back and kissed him all over his face and then set him back saying, “Now there! You have stinky cowgirl kisses all over your face! Yuck!” as they all laughed together.
“Nah Shanny, it’s just Amy with the gooey baby kisses that are yuck.” Dom said in all seriousness. “You can kiss me anytime you want!” he declared to which his mother leaned in, ruffled his hair and said, “And there my friends is the Barrett Stevens charm in all its glory!”
Jules fixed her brother with a laughing grin declaring, “You might have a bit of competition going on here Nicky!”
Hearing that, Dom slid from Shannon’s hug and scampered back to his uncle’s side. “I want Shanny to be my girlfriend Uncle Nicky but mum and dad say that you lost something or Shanny took something…dunno’ which, but that you were gonna’ problee’ marry each other. I won’t mind if she can still be my girlfriend.” he baldly declared.
The whole room got eerily silent. Nick cleared his throat as he knelt down casually by Dom’s side and asked, “What did your parents say got lost Dom, hmmm?” thinking that the question would diffuse the sudden tension in the room. He expected the answer to be something silly or befitting a six year old but what he got instead was the earnest faced boy reverently whispering, “Your heart” with wide, serious eyes.
“They say you lost your heart or that Shanny took it. I don’t know what they mean Uncle Nicky but it’ll be okay. Just ask Shanny for it back and I’m sure she’ll make it better. She’s the bestest ever. Swear!”
Was that the sound of a pin dropping? Shannon couldn’t be sure because all she was aware of after that was the way Nick’s glittering eyes pinned her to the spot and held on for long moments. She couldn’t have looked away if her life depended on it.
Dom kept up a constant stream of chatter while Ned and Jules went back and forth, like watching a tennis match, between Nick’s helpless, longing gaze and Shannon’s blushing response. Eventually they looked at one another and smiled as if a huge weight had been lifted. Even baby Amy seemed to approve as she let loose a series of contented sighs and gurgles while her big brother and parents watched as Nick and Shannon struggled to behave normally.
Ned’s sweeping side glance to his wife was full of lascivious humor that Jules met with a lop-sided grin of her own. Looks like she’d been right after all and her big brother was finally falling down the rabbit-hole as she and Ned had done years ago. Ned and Jules both knew all too well about those looks of love and longing and each, in their own way, sighed a deep sense of relief.
Taking Dom by the hand, Nick moved over to the seating area where everyone else was relaxing and sat down next to Jules on the sofa. A Nick watched his favorite nephew with unabashed delight, Dom stumbled over his uncle’s long legs to reach his mom and baby sister where he proceeded to quietly baby-talk to little Amy the same way he had probably once done for his baby sister. Nick’s heart flooded with love for Jules and her brood. What she and Ned had was exactly what he was hoping for with Shannon. The sight of the sister he adored, happily teasing the husband who worshipped her and their two small children, tightened Nick’s chest.
After a bit Jules asked Nick, “Do you know if Mom is home yet? I called and left a message but haven’t heard anything back. Aunt Lizbeth sent a picture in an email the other day showing Mom looking like a deranged brown mummy all bound up in a spa mud wrap. It was hilarious! I’ll forward it to you Nicky. You have them checking out another health resort don’t you?”
Ned chortled at the description of his mother-in-law as a mummy adding a few comments of his own. “I read over the contracts your office sent last week bro and your mom will be well-pleased to hear that the Sedona spa is on pace to open with quite the splash next spring. Everything is in order but I’ll send Jason from my personal team to meet the spa coordinator in the next few weeks.”
“Thanks dude. You have no idea how convenient it is that my little sister married the best damn lawyer on the planet!” Nick announced. “And doesn’t hurt that I know where all your skeletons are buried, Stewart.” he added theatrically.
Both men laughed at that while Jules muttered something about how there better not be any skeletons. Shannon sat there smiling enjoying the easy repartee between the three.
“Shannon needs to be back east for a family occasion next week so we’ll be flying out together in a few days. We’ll stop in New York first so I can clear more of my schedule and then I thought we’d head to Connecticut for a few days with Alanna before continuing up to Boston for Shannon’s family reunion.”
Shannon sat there stunned for a moment when she learned that Nick had taken over once he’d heard that she would have to be in Boston next weekend. She shouldn’t have been surprised, since this was essentially what the Nick she had known and loved would do. There was a situation and he did what he always had, simply stepped in and put plans in place. This was something she’d have to get used to, a thought which let her know that in her heart, plans for the future were already a done deal.
“Oh Nicky, Shannon! How marvelous!” Jules cried. “You’ll love the white house, Shannon. It’s practically perfect in every way.” she added wistfully as she turned adoring eyes on her brother recalling the happiness of their childhood home.
“Ummm… the white house?” Shannon asked, clearly confused. “Sur
ely you aren’t talking 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, right?”
Jules laughed as did Nick and Ned. “Oh my, nothing quite so glamorous Shannon!” she exclaimed in delight. “You’ll see though. The white house is a lot like every other home in the neighborhood but there is something really special about it. Picture your standard colonial with dark blue shutters and climbing rose vines that cover the single story addition Dad had built. Really, the house is every kid’s dream and parents wish. There’s a basketball hoop down the driveway up against the garage and a tree house in the back yard that looks like it came out of architectural digest. Nicky, you must show Shannon the tree house when you’re there!” Jules cried happily.
“I remember that tree house.” Ned chimed in. “Isn’t that where we kept a crappy old box of ancient Playboys?”
“Daddy!” Jules warned. “Ixnay on the aboyplay.” she hissed while making the not in front of the kids face. Ned laughed and pressed a quieting kiss on his wife’s lips.
“Calm down, Mommy.” he said while nodding his head toward his son. “Young Master Stevens is blissfully ignoring the adults in the room as he quietly instructs his little sister how to stick her tongue out.”
Once again, laughter returned to the conversation as they sat for the next hour passing the baby around the group for quick snuggles and kisses while they chatted about everything from Ned’s current obsession with one of the reality singing shows to Shannon’s laugh-inducing awkwardness using the crutches; Jules’ annoyance with Dom’s first grade teacher over something stupid and insignificant and Nick’s admission that he actually hated surfing and couldn’t believe he’d even vaguely entertained the notion that this was something he wanted to do while on vacation.
The Billionaire's Second Chance Page 19