“Hadley,” he said in his deep voice. “I’ve been thinking about you often.”
Hadley felt the usual draw towards him, and had to step back so that she wouldn’t step into his arms for a hug.
She tucked her long bangs behind her ear and bit her lip. “I’m sure you have,” she said apologetically. “So much has happened since the photos in Millennium Starz.”
He nodded. “It has,” he said. “It has. I suppose you’ve been seeing it all on the news?”
Hadley nodded. “I had no idea, Jack. No idea you’d been through something like that. I was aware that there was someone you loved… but I didn’t know you had a daughter with her.”
“And now you know,” Jack said. “Jane is twenty-one now. I don’t know where the years have gone, to be honest. And I didn’t know how much keeping her existence a secret was weighing on me. It was affecting everything I did.”
Hadley heard the lightness in his voice as he said this. “Really?” she asked. “So, you are glad that this happened?”
“In a way,” he said, rubbing the thin line of facial hair along his jawline. “Yes, I am. I have to admit that I am. I’m glad it happened. I can’t believe I’m saying that,” he said with a burst of honest laughter.
Hadley found herself joining him with a light laugh of her own. It was amazing what time had done for them. She thought of the saying ‘time heals all wounds’ as she looked at him tentatively. The last time she had seen him, she didn’t know he was a father. The confused emotions had been wrapped so tightly around both of them that she felt she couldn’t breathe. With time, the confusion had unraveled, and now she felt the energy of him as if it was a warm, buzzy cloud that encompassed both of their bodies. The anger that had been so apparent in their last visit had dissipated, and for that she was grateful.
It was good to see him, so tall and strong standing in front of her. She tried to act casual as she searched through her shopping bags.
“Here,” she said, finally finding an invitation. “I don’t know if this would be too public for you, but just in case you are in town and want to attend… it should be a good party and I’m making my meat pies. That’s why I’m here.”
“Thank you,” Jack said, opening the invitation and reading it briefly.
“It’s in my backyard,” Hadley explained as she saw his eyes traveling over the information within the card.
“This is your address?” Jack asked.
“Yes… for now. I may be moving soon.”
“Right,” said Jack. “Business hasn’t picked up?”
“Not even a little,” Hadley said. “I’ve been a bit distracted,” she said, stumbling over her words slightly. “Lately, that is. What with…”
Jack nodded. “It’s been quite a few weeks,” he agreed.
“You’re not the easiest man in the world to get over,” Hadley admitted.
“And you’re not the easiest woman to get over,” he said simply.
Hadley felt some sadness at the thought that they had each been letting the time heal their wounds, and that with more time they may completely heal, severing the tie that they had. But maybe that was what they both needed. She wasn’t sure.
“Well then,” she said, standing straighter. “I’ll be off. You’re welcome to attend the wedding. I’ll understand if you don’t. I’m sure you’re staying out of the public eye these days,” she said.
“Yes, go get your gravy. I’m sure your pies will be delicious.” He held up the invitation and waved it back and forth twice in the air. “And thank you for this.”
With that, he was gone.
Phew, thought Hadley. Well, he is better than I expected. Seems that getting things out into the open is a good thing.
This thought stuck with her as she picked out the gravy. As she made her way back out through the store, Jack was nowhere to be seen. She stepped out onto the sidewalk, and Cassy smiled at the sight of her.
“Did you get it?” Cass asked.
“Yes,” said Hadley, still thinking about getting things out into the open. “Cass, baby, I need to tell you something. I haven’t been completely honest with you about my finances.”
Cass frowned, and Hadley started walking. Cass followed.
It will be easier to say this if I’m moving, thought Hadley.
“I haven’t really been honest with myself, either,” Hadley said. “That’s why I need to say this. Out loud. You’re the first person who I’m actually saying this to, out loud. I’m in a lot of debt, and I think I might have to move out of the house.”
“Oh,” Cass gasped, clutching Hadley’s upper arm. “When?”
Hadley breathed out. It did feel good to be saying this to her niece. “A month or two after the wedding, I think. Don’t worry, we’ll still have it in the backyard for the wedding. This will happen… after.”
“Where are you going to move?”
“I don’t know,” Hadley said.
“You can move in with us!” Cass said. “You can stay while you figure out your next adventure. Seriously!”
Hadley looked at her niece with love. “Thank you,” she said. “I don’t know if it will come to that, but I appreciate it nonetheless.”
They walked in silence for the rest of the block. As they turned the corner, and their subway stop came into view, Hadley asked, “Do you think I’m a failure?”
“No!” Cassy said emphatically. “Aunt Hadley, you are anything but a failure. I look up to you. I always have.”
Hadley wrapped her arm around her niece's shoulder. “Thank you, sugar,” she said, giving Cassy a peck on the forehead. “I needed that.”
“I mean it,” Cassy said with a smile. “And you know what? If this party is going to be the last one we ever have in your house, it better be a good one. Mom spent a lot of happy years in that house with you, and I’m sure she’s gonna be watching. Let’s not let her down.”
“She sure did,” Hadley said, remembering how excited Schuanne had been when Hadley made the purchase. “We’re going to throw one hell of a party. Let’s celebrate love,” she said.
“And life,” Cass agreed.
Chapter 11
Hadley watched her niece's eyes tear up, and felt tears welling up on her own lower lids. She wiped them carefully away, to protect her mascara, smiling as she did so.
“I do,” Cassy said softly.
The minister turned to Cassy’s man. “And do you...” the minister began, and his voice faded into the background as Hadley turned her attention to the rapt audience. She looked out to the crowds of family and friends seated in her sunny yard. Her parents were no longer alive, but her aunt and uncle on her father’s side had traveled from Florida, and her cousins were there as well. Many of Cassy’s friends were among the smiling faces, and Hadley felt eager to meet those who she didn’t recognize.
The yard looked beautiful. All of the work she had put in, throughout September had paid off. The house was two stories tall, part white colonial siding and partly brick. The white siding complemented the white chairs that were set up in rows on the healthy, green grass. Purple lilacs in thick clusters drooped from the massive bushes that edged the yard. A towering oak in the corner of her year seemed to guard the whole scene with its fiery orange and red leaf-covered branches.
Cassy’s in-laws had rented a large, white tent for the dinner hour, and heaters stood by to make it warm when the day cooled off. The afternoon was clear, sunny, and nearing seventy and the guests looked happy and comfortable as they watched the nuptials.
“You may now kiss the bride,” the minister announced. Hadley turned just in time to see Cassy and her new husband kissing grandly, he sweeping her off her feet, and she tipping back dramatically, her bouquet high in the air.
Hadley had to smile.
She scanned the crowds again, but the one face she was hoping to see was not there. She sighed as the exiting song began to play, and the happy couple started down the aisle. He’s not coming, she thought. Finding
her way to the end of the aisle, she met Cassy for a long hug. She kissed Cassy on the cheek and squeezed her shoulders.
“Congratulations,” she said, tearing up again as she looked at her happy niece.
After photographs, a champagne toast, and appetizers, the meal was served. Hadley bustled in and out of the kitchen, bringing hot meat pies out of the oven to add to the caterer’s spread. Though the caterer’s southern comfort food options were delicious, Hadley’s pies were the clear favorite amongst the guests and they went quickly, and she had to bring out all that she’d prepared.
The evening was going smoothly, and soon she was able to forget her disappointment about Jack’s lack of presence, and really settle into the joy and air of celebration that the wedding had created. It felt good to have so many people joined in her home for such a beautiful cause. The evening air began to cool, and she and Cassy’s mother-in-law began switching on the heaters.
“Honey child, you’ve been doin’ enough runnin,’” Cassy’s mother-in-law said sternly. “You go sit yourself down and have a drink and a bite to eat. I’ll get the rest of these.”
Hadley was about to refute this order when the woman gave her another second stern look. “This is your celebration too, you know. You’ve been raising Cassy for the past five years. Don’t let the whole night slip by you while you run around making everyone else comfortable.”
Hadley laughed. “Okay!” she said. “If you say so. I have been running my behind off. I’d love a glass of wine.”
She found her way to the bar and leaned against it as she waited for her order. Sweeping her bangs to the side so that she could see the happy crowds more clearly, she smiled with uncontained happiness. She’d done this. This was because of her. If she hadn't suggested the backyard, they might be out somewhere in the city. The cozy, intimate atmosphere was much more Cassy’s style. It was going so well. There was so much joy in the air.
A man approached from behind, and she moved slightly to make room for him at the small, outdoor bar that the catering service had set up. He smiled and nodded. “It’s a beautiful home you have here. You’re Cassy’s Aunt, right?”
“Yes,” Hadley said. She could tell by the way the man was looking at her that he was single. She blushed slightly as he gazed at her face. She pushed her bangs behind her ear again, and then smiled.
She felt attractive, and she knew that the man was appreciating her looks just by the way he was eying her.
Her hair was done perfectly, and so were her nails. She wore the bright green dress proudly, aware of the stares she got from others. It was a bit shorter than one might expect for a woman her age, but she found that she didn’t care. She felt beautiful. Jack had shown her how to be proud of her figure, and she felt that she had nothing to hide.
The man extended his hand. “I’m Steve,” he said kindly. “I hear you’re a marketing maven. I have a good friend who is hiring a new manager. I’d like to give him your contact info, if that would be okay.”
“That would be wonderful!” Hadley said. Just then the bartender handed her a glass of white wine, and she accepted it gratefully. Steve placed his order, and Hadley gladly chatted with him about his friend’s business model.
“You sound like the perfect fit,” Steve said. “I know he wants someone with experience. He’s…” He continued to talk about the business, but something in the corner of Hadley’s eye caught her attention.
She looked towards the side of the house, where she saw a large man standing with his arms folded across his chest. He didn’t look like a guest. Instead… he looked as if he was there on business. A flash of recognition passed through her, making her heartbeat speed up.
That man is a bodyguard, she thought. Jack’s bodyguard. She peered out from underneath the white lights that were draped behind the bar, straining to see into the darkness. The bodyguard stood so that his face was mostly lit by the porch lights, but there were deep shadows to either side of him.
“Excuse me,” she said kindly, touching Steve’s arm as she spoke. “I have to -- if you’ll just excuse me please.” She was flustered suddenly, and she saw that Steve was disappointed that she was leaving his side.
“Of course,” he said cordially. “And I’ll pass your information on to my friend. He’ll be giving you a call.”
“Thank you, Steve. It was so nice to meet you,” Hadley said.
“And you,” Steve answered.
Hadley carried her wine glass with her as she walked out from under the lit tent, and across the shadow-cast yard. They had lit a walkway into the house with small LED lights in clear mason jars, but she did not stick to the walkway.
Instead, she followed a sense that she had, which led her towards the deepest shadows of the yard. The music faded as she went farther towards the massive lilac bushes and a tall oak tree in the corner of her yard.
She saw the bodyguard watching her.
Her eyes began to adjust to the darkness.
There he was.
“Jack?” she said. He was leaning against the tree, as if he’d been waiting for her.
He stepped forward. She felt her breath quicken in her chest, and her knees went slightly weak at the sight of him.
“I decided to come,” he said.
“You did. I’m glad. But you’re so… far from the dancing, and the food. Why don’t you join us?”
Jack shook his head. “I don’t know if I should be seen here,” he said. “It could cause complications for you.”
Hadley knew that he was only trying to protect her.
“No one here will recognize you,” she said.
He laughed. “They will,” he said sadly. “Believe me.” He took her hand. “You look beautiful,” he said.
Hadley felt herself melting towards him. She stepped closer, and he did as well. He wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her in a hug. She nestled her face into his chest, and felt him stroke her hair.
Though their hug extended long past a normal hug of greeting would, and she knew that she should end it, she did not want to step away. It was clear that he did not want to either. She felt him holding on to her as if he never wanted to let go.
Music drifted towards them, from the speakers that Cassy and her friends had set up around the tent. The song was slow, and she felt Jack began to sway with her. She softened into his grasp and began to move along with him.
“In all that we’ve done together,” she said. “We’ve never danced.”
“We haven’t,” he said, moving her rhythmically. He was a good dancer. She rested her head on his strong chest. The material of his suit was soft and silky against his cheek.
“Is your daughter doing okay?” she asked softly.
“She’s fine. Better than ever. She didn’t like staying so hidden. Actually, turns out she has a mind for business, just like her old man.”
“Old... Jack, you’re not old,” Hadley said.
“I’m forty-nine,” Jack said. “I’m going to be fifty next year.”
“Well then,” she said lightly. “I take it back, you are old.”
“What’s a fine young woman like yourself doing dancing with an old man like me?” he asked flirtatiously.
She laughed, her tones mixing in with the slow song and swirling through the shadows.
“I’m only dancing with you because you looked lonely out here in the dark,” Hadley said.
“I am lonely out here. I needed you to find me.”
“I found you,” Hadley said.
“I’m pulling you away from your date,” Jack said. “Who is the lucky guy?”
Hadley knew he must be talking about Steve. She shook her head, and then felt Jack’s chin rest lightly on the top of her head when she stopped moving. The weight of his chin resting on her head felt comforting, and protective. He smelled good, like musk and spices. “That wasn’t my date,” she said. “He was just a nice man, offering to connect me to a friend of his for a marketing job.”
“He liked you,”
Jack said. “I could see it in his body language.”
He opened his palms so they were spread across her lower back, and she felt the heat of his hands as they moved to the rhythm of the music.
“Yes, he may have,” Hadley said. “But I’m interested in someone else.”
They danced for a moment, and Hadley spoke again.
“I thought you liked being out in the open,” Hadley said. “Why are we staying in the shadows? I thought you had changed. Aren’t things better when you weren’t hiding?”
“For me, yes. For my daughter even. No more secrets. But for you… here at your house. I would just never want to do anything to hurt you.”
He stopped moving, and Hadley stopped as well. The song continued, but Jack released his hold on her. “I told you Hadley, my wealth can be dangerous.”
Hadley knew that he was thinking of his daughter, and she shook her head. “Jack, it’s not the same. A child is helpless. I’m a grown woman. I’m not going anywhere.”
“You don’t know what people are capable of doing for money,” Jack said. “I do.”
“I know the power of money, Jack,” said Hadley. “I’ve spent most of my life chasing after it. I chased away a man who loved me… because I wanted success. I know what people do for money. I know what I did for money.”
The song stopped, and Hadley moved towards a small stone bench that she had placed on the edge of the yard. It was underneath the oak tree, deep in the shadows, and hidden by the full lilac bushes. She sat on the cool stone, feeling the roughness of granite beneath her thighs.
Her eyes had adjusted to the darkness, and she saw him approach. His silhouette was strong, lean and tall, and he stooped to sit at her side on the small bench.
“Neither of us has lived without making mistakes,” he said.
“That’s the truth,” said Hadley with a sigh. She looked towards the house, which looked majestic in the glow of the party in the yard. Another song started up, this one louder and faster, and whooping sounds came from the yard.
Her Older Alpha Page 13