Cutting the Ties

by Francine Pascal

  She trusted in their friendship. And she trusted in Annie to do the right thing.

  Chapter Eight

  Caroline Pearce happily clacked away on her computer in her home office, sending out e-mails. Her ratio was pretty much one work e-mail to five personal ones, but that was her prerogative as one of the most successful realtors in Sweet Valley. She’d made two huge sales this month already, which gave her plenty of extra hours to dedicate to her favorite past time: gossip.

  Of course, if asked, she would say officially that she was just doing a duty, reporting on local Sweet Valley news for her blog, PEARCINGBITCHES.COM. How else would anyone keep up with news about their old classmates’ new lives? She provided a valuable community service. And if it so happened to upset the Wakefield twins, all the better.

  And right now, her duty involved digging deeper into the Annie-Bruce angle. She knew she was on to something. Annie wasn’t spending so much extra time in the south of France for the beach. And what better way to start than to go interview Anne’s ex-husband, Charlie Markus?

  After a little bit of snooping, and a few exchanges on Facebook, Caroline got him to give her his mobile number and gave him a call. He had no idea his ex-wife was cavorting with Bruce in Cannes, and the news irked.

  “Unbelievable,” vented Charlie as Caroline carefully transcribed every word. “I knew something like this would happen when I left her.”

  “What do you mean? And I thought Annie left you. She’s the one who filed for divorce.”

  “Only because she just beat me to the courthouse. And she gets this unfair settlement. Ironic, since I put her through law school working odd jobs, and then she gets successful and it’s my turn to work on my writing career and she tells me she won’t let me publish the book I’m working on.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because it tells the truth about Annie. About her problem.”

  “What problem?”

  “Well, remember back in high school? When we all called her ‘easy’?”

  “Sure do.”

  “Well, it was more than that, Caroline. I think she’s a sex addict.”

  “She’s what?”

  “Sex addicts are all over the place. It’s not just a couple of famous people with the problem, trust me. I’ve done my research. Annie would like you to believe she was just an insecure adolescent and made some mistakes a long time ago, but I think she’s got a problem. I kept trying to get her into treatment, but she’s deep in denial.”

  “Those are some serious allegations. Do you have any proof?” Not that Caroline cared if he did. The fact that he said it was evidence enough for her.

  “No. But how else do you explain all those boys in high school?”

  Caroline chose to ignore just how much Charlie sounded like a bitter ex with an ax to grind. The stuff he was giving her was just too good.

  “Did she have any affairs when you were married?”

  “Not that I know of, but only because I was always there for her—as her husband. I had to keep an eye on her 24/7. But she refused my help in the end, and now that she’s single, I’m sure she’ll be out of control again.”

  “Do you think she’s having sex with Bruce?”

  “I think if she’s alone with a man, she literally can’t help herself. And she’s always had a thing for Bruce.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Just the way she talks about him and his money, about how great he is and all that. I’m not surprised at all she went straight for him.”

  “You think there’s definitely something going on?”

  “Absolutely, and you can quote me on that.”

  “I certainly will.” And I’ll make sure Elizabeth gets an e-mail as soon as the news is posted, Caroline thought.

  Chapter Nine

  “Garbage,” Jessica muttered as she read through Caroline’s latest Twitter feed on her iPhone. “I hope Annie sues her for libel.”

  “Sues who?” Liam asked, taking his seat opposite Jessica in the dining room of one of the swankiest new restaurants in Beverly Hills. Liam had insisted they go. It was a testament to his growing popularity that he was even in this dining room on a Saturday night, which had already seen the likes of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt earlier that week.

  The waiters and busboys had taken note of him, as had a few other patrons in the restaurant. The sleek, modern dining room was filled with Hollywood types: producers, directors, and agents. Only a few of the other patrons were bold enough to stare right at Liam. Others sent more covert glances in their direction. Everyone, however, knew he was there.

  “Caroline Pearce,” Jessica muttered, and rolled her eyes. “She’s telling lies about Bruce and Annie.” At least, she hoped they were lies. Jessica had her own suspicions about Annie and Bruce. Annie did seem to be spending a lot of time there, but maybe it was just the case.

  “Well, at least she’s not talking about you.” Liam glanced over at their waiter, who was hovering nearby, and gave him a quick nod. Jessica assumed Liam was going to order drinks.

  “Right, but I know the gossip will hurt Lizzie.”

  “Jessica, I was hoping we could talk about us.” Liam reached across the table and took the phone out of Jessica’s hands and laid it on the table. Then he grabbed both of her hands and leaned over. His blue eyes bore intently into hers. He was handsome, strikingly so. It was no mystery why the camera loved him so much.

  Jessica put aside her annoyance that he’d taken the phone away. She let herself live in the moment a little. After all, since Michael and Cal had dropped out of her life without even an explanation, she was glad she still had Liam. He loved her, even if no other man did.

  “You know I love you,” Liam began. “I’ve loved you almost since the moment I saw you. Do you remember?”

  “How could I forget? You nearly ruined my grandmother’s birthday!” Jessica was only partly joking. That was three years ago, when news of Todd and Jessica’s relationship was still new. Elizabeth, heartbroken, fled to New York. She returned—with Liam on her arm—to Sweet Valley for her grandmother’s birthday.

  Liam, instantly smitten with Jessica, had drawn Todd’s ire and jealousy, which in turn, started an argument that somehow ended with the entire table of Wakefields shouting at one another at Sweet Valley’s posh country club.

  “I did no such thing!” Liam exclaimed. “Back then, I was just a lowly bartender from New York, hoping to get my big acting break.”

  “You got it,” Jessica said.

  “And then some,” Liam said, growing more serious. “Jessica, I’ve been successful beyond my wildest dreams. But it doesn’t mean anything to me if I can’t share it with the woman I love.”

  Suddenly, Liam let go of her hand and was kneeling in front of her in the restaurant, a small black velvet box in hand. It all happened so quickly that Jessica barely had time to react. The conversational buzz of the other diners at the restaurant abruptly died. Everyone took note of the famous movie star down on one knee.

  All eyes turned to Jessica. Her face flamed with heat and her throat went dry as she felt a surge of panic.

  She wasn’t ready. Not for this, not with Liam. Why is he always pushing so hard for what I’m not ready to give him?

  He opened the box, and a giant emerald-cut diamond in a platinum setting blazed under the restaurant’s lights. It was more diamond than Jessica had ever seen up close. Easily worth half a million dollars.

  “Liam…” She put up her hands. “Liam…the divorce isn’t final. I don’t even have the papers yet. I can’t marry you.”

  “I know, but you can be engaged. This ring is just a promise that you will be with me.”

  “Liam…I can’t accept that…I just…” Jessica felt like the walls of the restaurant were closing in. Suddenly, she couldn’t breathe.

  “Jessica, you can. Just try it on.” Liam pulled the ring out of the box and slid it on her finger without waiting for an answer. The enormous diamond glittered under the
lights. Beside her, she heard the pop of a champagne bottle and suddenly the waiter was beside them with overflowing glasses. Even though she hadn’t said yes, the restaurant exploded with applause anyway. It reverberated loudly in her ears.

  Jessica felt trapped, like she was riding a high-speed express train with no stops.

  Liam stood and waved to the other patrons, and then he sat back in his seat, while Jessica stewed. She didn’t like being boxed in like this; she didn’t like being told what to do.

  She slipped the heavy platinum ring off her finger.

  “Liam, I can’t take this,” she said, her voice soft but firm. The rest of the dining room had already turned their attention back to their meals.

  “You don’t like the ring?” His voice was almost plaintive.

  “It’s beautiful, but I can’t accept it.” She put the ring back into Liam’s palm.

  “Jessica.” Anger flashed in Liam’s eyes.

  “Liam, I’m not ready. You said you’d wait for me. Waiting doesn’t mean giving me a ring to wear.”

  “It’s a promise to wait. That I’ll wait for you and you’ll wait for me.”

  “No. It’s a commitment I’m not ready to give.”

  Liam’s face turned to stone, unreadable and hard. “I don’t understand you.” He got up from the table and tossed his napkin in his chair in disgust. “I don’t understand you at all.” Then he stalked away from the table.

  Jessica felt a stab of panic. What if Liam decided he’d had enough of her, too? Could she survive losing her biggest fan? She ran after him and caught him at the valet stand.

  “Liam, wait.” She put her arm on his elbow. He turned, and she could see the pain in his face.

  “I’m not saying no,” she said. “I’m saying just not right now. Let the divorce go through, okay? Let things get settled between Todd and me.”

  “I hate Todd,” Liam grumbled with a menace that took Jessica by surprise. “I hate the sound of his name. I hate everything about him. I hate that he ever had you.”

  “Liam. This isn’t about Todd.” Even as Jessica said the words, she wasn’t quite sure. Didn’t everything come back to Todd? “I have to get through this divorce before I can even think about getting married again. Jake is going through a lot, too, and he doesn’t get to see his father as much as he’d like and I don’t know about introducing a stepfather so soon.” Jessica moved closer to him and wrapped her arm in his, cozying up to his side. “Liam, you know how much you mean to me. You’re my…everything right now.”

  That got Liam’s attention. Now, he seemed all ears. “You have to give me something,” he said. “If you won’t wear this ring, then you have to give me something.”

  Jessica thought he might mean sex. He’d been pressing her since that night at the Imagine Hotel.

  “I don’t know what I can give you,” she said. She still wasn’t ready to jump back into a physical relationship. He seemed to sense that and changed tactics.

  “Tell me you love me,” Liam said. “Tell me you love me and that will be enough.”

  “Liam…” She felt a little helpless. She couldn’t do that, either.

  “Fine.” Liam’s mouth drew into a thin line. He turned away, but Jessica grabbed his arm.

  “Wait, Liam…I need you,” Jessica whispered. The truth slipped out without her even intending it to.

  “You do?” He turned and looked at her, his blue eyes hopeful. She hated feeling this vulnerable, this pathetic, but maybe this was just the new reality of her life right now.

  She swallowed what was left of her pride.

  “Yes, I do. I need you.” Nobody else was as steadfast and loyal as Liam. He was her bedrock. Jessica stood on her tiptoes and planted a small kiss on Liam’s mouth.

  The little gesture awakened a deeper need in Liam. He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss, showing her how much he wanted her. They kissed so long that by the time he pulled away, the valet was standing awkwardly in front of them holding open the car’s passenger door.

  “You’ll change your mind,” Liam growled to her as he stalked to the car. He added something under his breath that Jessica couldn’t quite hear.

  She wondered if she’d done the right thing running after him. Would it have been better to just let him go?

  But now, he was flashing her one of his brilliant smiles. He was placated, but Jessica couldn’t help wondering how long the peace would last.

  The next day, Liam came to her house bearing gifts—for Jake. While Jessica and Jake were having a lazy Sunday morning eating cereal in their pajamas, the doorbell rang. Jessica answered it to find Liam standing beside a giant motorized toy Hummer.

  “Surprise!” Liam shouted in his Irish accent. Jake stood beside her, peeking out through the door. “Hey, sport! Look what Uncle Liam bought you! Come on, you can drive this toy. Take it for a spin.”

  The black plastic Hummer was wider than the sidewalk and had big wheels and a streak of red and orange flames painted along the side. Jake had never seen a toy truck that big. Liam laid on the horn inside and scared the toddler. He jumped back and hid behind Jessica.

  “It’s okay, Jake.” Jessica patted Jake’s head. “Do you want to go see the truck?”

  Jake looked up at his mommy, a pleading look on his face. He shook his head silently. Jessica frowned. It wasn’t like Jake to be so shy, especially when it came to trucks or trains. Jake never met one he didn’t like.

  After a little more coaxing than should’ve been necessary, Jessica eventually got Jake to agree to sit inside the truck. He hit the accelerator once, drove about halfway down the driveway, and then stopped and got out.

  He frowned. The truck was big and unwieldy, and made for a four-year-old, not a two-year-old. Jake could barely reach the pedals, and he didn’t quite have a handle on steering it. Soon he got frustrated. Jake didn’t like the truck.

  And he didn’t like any of the other extravagant gifts Liam brought over the next two days. The huge, overstuffed bear sat in his room, unnoticed. Even the giant ride-on train with the indoor track that Liam bought got used only once. The huge backyard slide sat neglected in back.

  In fact, any time Liam came to the door at all, Jake would run and hide. Each big, new gift just seemed to scare him. Jessica saw that Jake wasn’t thrilled with the presents, but didn’t really know why.

  Until the afternoon she got a call from Todd. Jessica was at work, and she ducked down in her cubicle a little so that her assistant, Emily, the spy, couldn’t overhear.

  “Jessica? We need to talk.”

  “Sure. I have a few minutes.” She had more than a few minutes since Michael had all but reassigned every last one of her clients. Jessica’s team was down to two people: herself and Emily. And Emily was hers only part-time, not that Jessica could even trust Emily to do anything at this point since Emily reported everything back to Tracy.

  “I’m worried about Jake,” Todd said.

  Jessica sighed. This would be yet another Jake call. Jessica couldn’t help but feel disappointed. She always hoped that Todd would want to talk about them, about being a family again. But he never did. It was always about Jake having a runny nose or Jake not eating his vegetables.

  “What about Jake?” Jessica braced herself for the argument soon to come.

  “He’s afraid of Liam. And I don’t think he should spend any time with your”—Todd coughed—“boyfriend.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Jake told me that Liam scares him and that he doesn’t like him.”

  “You can’t be serious.” Jessica sat up a little straighter in her desk. “You expect me to believe that?”

  “Why wouldn’t you believe it? Jake doesn’t like Liam.”

  “Liam gives him presents all the time.”

  “That doesn’t mean Jake likes them.”

  The kernel of truth in this made Jessica even more defensive. “Jake is just shy,” Jessica said, trying to convince herself as much as Todd. She knew
Jake wasn’t always that excited to see Liam, but she wouldn’t say he was scared of Liam. And Jake had never told her a thing. “If he was really scared, he would’ve told me.”

  “Maybe he just thought you would be mad.”

  “Or maybe this is just you not liking Liam and has nothing at all to do with Jake.”

  “Ha! That’s rich. You think I’m jealous? Get over yourself.”

  That hurt a little more than Jessica would’ve liked to admit.

  “You can’t tell me what to do anymore.”

  “Oh, yes I can. Jake’s my son, and I say Jake doesn’t see Liam.”

  “You can’t decide who Jake sees when he’s with me.”

  “Jessica…”

  “No, it’s my life, Todd. And you’re not in it anymore.” The words were out, and she couldn’t take them back. The silence hung over them, like a thick, itchy blanket that both wanted to get rid of, but neither one knew how to throw off. For a second, Jessica thought about trying to apologize. Had she gone too far?

  “That’s right, I’m not,” Todd eventually said in a toneless voice. The next thing Jessica heard was a dial tone.

  Jessica sat there, phone in hand, blood pressure soaring. She hated that her life had become a constant battle with the one person she really loved.

  When had Todd become so unreasonable? And why couldn’t he see how much his words still hurt her?

  Chapter Ten

  By the time Elizabeth’s plane touched down in Lexington, Kentucky, she’d already spent the day traveling. There had been the flight from Los Angeles to Chicago, where she’d had a two-hour layover, and then the flight to Lexington. Having packed a light carry-on, she went straight to pick up her rental car. Ahead of her was the forty-minute drive to Richmond, where Robin Platt had grown up.

  By the time she arrived, it was late already, so she checked into a Days Inn and decided to begin her investigation first thing in the morning.