Take Me As I Am

by JM Dragon

George watched a nervous Thea shuffling paper on her desk. He grinned at the rush he always received when he sat in judgment of someone wanting his approval for a loan. It was a regular occurrence, but to consider actually making a proposal of marriage in that environment had him aroused.

  “Thea, I think it’s time you considered your options in light of the fact that you will receive no further financial backing from any other party,” George said brusquely.

  “I don’t understand.” Thea gave him a startled glance.

  George shifted in his chair and gave her a shrewd glance. “Thea, I know that the insurance company has refused to pay out on your father’s death policy. That was, I’m sure, your final source of finance that could have saved the motel from the bank foreclosing.”

  “How would you possibly know that, Mr. Andrews? I was only informed yesterday,” Thea said angrily.

  George cleared his throat and wiped the perspiration from his face. “That, my dear young lady, is my secret. You should know that word travels fast in this town. So, Thea, how will you pay back the bank now?”

  “How long do I have before you begin foreclosing on the motel?”

  “No time. You are months overdue and had it not been for my good graces, you should have been thrown out months ago.” He mopped his forehead with a stained white handkerchief. “There is a solution to all this, of course.” George focused on her full breasts and his eyes remained there.

  Thea snorted softly in disgust. “What solution would that be, exactly?”

  “Why, my dear, you know of course that I have always thought you a very beautiful woman. I have often asked you out on a date, to which you have always refused. Considering the circumstances, I propose, yes, that’s the correct word,” he looked at her directly, “I propose that if you marry me, the debt will be paid and you may keep the motel in the family, so to speak.”

  “If I refuse?”

  †

  George came unexpectedly quickly around the desk and invaded Thea’s personal space.

  Thea could smell the faint cologne, he used, which in itself wasn’t unpleasant, but with his perspiring body odor, it was repugnant. It made her stomach churn and the meal she’d enjoyed with Joanna threatened to erupt. Joanna. Just the thought of her new friend and protector was the lifeline she needed. A sense of strength filled her as she recalled the earlier words of support.

  “Thea, I can throw you out of here with the click of my fingers. After all, other than that drifter you have staying here, would it matter if the place closed for good? I think not. What would you do then? You have no money, nowhere to stay and no means to earn a living. Except…well, my dear, I would imagine my proposal is a far better a fate than selling your body.” Andrews sneered as his eyes leered at her breasts again.

  “I would never do that! I need time to think about it.” Thea fought the urge to cry. She needed time to think and come up with a plan.

  “As you wish. Join me for a drink and dinner at the bar this evening. I will expect you at eight. It would be in your best interest not to disappoint me.” George reached out a sweaty palm to caress her cheek.

  She flinched at the gesture and noticed the predatory look on his face. “I will meet you at eight this evening and will give you an answer.” Thea swallowed hard to control her anger, fear, and revulsion.

  George walked out of the room without another word.

  Thea, feeling emotionally drained, got up and went to the door that led onto the yard outside. Her mind was in turmoil.

  So, it has finally come to this.

  The only asset left of the Danvers heritage hinged on her decision to marry George Andrews. Her mind and heart rejected the proposal as archaic and outdated, but her sense of family heritage was pleading with her to consider the possibility. Keep it in the family line rebounded in her head. One day she might have children to pass it on to—yeah, right.

  Hot tears began cascading down her cheeks at the abhorrent thought. It wasn’t the children, but who the father might be that was repugnant to her. She simply did not see herself as the mother of George Andrews’ children, nor did she see herself as his wife. For that matter, she did not see herself as the wife to any man. None had ever touched her heart. She knew that they would have to reach her heart for her to consider marriage and children. They would have to reach her soul.

  †

  Jo stared out of the window onto the small yard with its cascade of color and brimming pots and troughs of flowers in every imaginable shape and size. Her mother had had green fingers and was always growing something in their apartment. The thought made Jo smile as the memories of far off events that rarely if ever invaded her thoughts before tumbling around in her head. She couldn’t stop the trace of a smile they brought along with it.

  While she gazed at the yard, she noticed Thea quickly make her way through the grass. After looking at her personal domain for a few minutes, she sank heavily into the chair in the center of the lawn. Her new friend, who less than an hour ago had been bubbly and happy, sharing jokes and stories without a care in the world, was now a different woman. Once the bastard banker turned up, the beautiful smile immediately disappeared from Thea’s expressive face.

  From her vantage point, Jo saw Thea begin to cry. Her face had the haunted look of someone who had the whole world on her shoulders and no one to share the burden. Damn, why did she feel so protective of this woman? What was it about Thea that called to her without words? As she stood there watching Thea cry, helplessness filled her and she was unable to make the move to invade Thea’s privacy and ask why. Jo thought back to the previous night and her attempt to do just that. This is different. Thea had opened up to her and accepted her offer to protect her.

  If that fucking bastard excuse for a man has laid a finger on Thea, I will see him in hell.

  Jo was Thea’s protector, but certainly not her keeper. That wasn’t part of the deal—or was it? She knew that sometimes events that appeared simple to the eye could have the most far-reaching results on a person even if nothing happened until after the event took effect. This, she knew, was such an event. She felt her heartbeat react with a fierce thumping in her chest. Thea was a piece of the puzzle that was missing from her life. She was the person that Jo had been looking for all her life. Of that she had no doubt.

  Thea asked nothing of her, other than to be around so they could share things together. No pressure. No recriminations. She only offered companionship, along with a bond that would take them into the future together.

  Jo saw the tracks of tears on Thea’s pale features along with noting her trembling lips. Thea was barely suppressing sobs. A short time ago those lips had tugged into a broad smile at her jokes. Despite the distance, Jo could feel the profound sadness that surrounded Thea and it made her heart sick on her behalf.

  Not really knowing what to do, she picked up her guitar, which she had been idly strumming earlier and again took up that posture, her fingers feeling the frets with the expertise of years of practice. A tune sounded in the room as she quietly hummed along with it until unconsciously she started to sing along with the notes that emitted from the instrument… “You will not be defeated, my love…”

  The phrases ended on Jo’s lips as her eyes strayed repeatedly to Thea crying. With the final words, the picture that had been faint suddenly gained clarity and with a heavy sigh, she sank down into the depths of the bed, contemplating exactly what it meant to the rest of her life.

  Chapter Seven

  Jo hadn’t seen Thea since she’d fled the yard minutes after she had made a decision to go see if she could help. By then it had been too late, and she only encountered the old woman that had been with Thea that first day she’d arrived at the motel.

  “You want something?” Daisy asked gruffly.

  Jo looked at the small, wiry figure in front of her and wanted to laugh at the distinctly antagonistic stance the older woman was taking.

  “I was looking for Thea,” Jo saw the raised eyebro
ws at presumably the familiar use of Thea’s name. “Um…Ms. Danvers.

  “Miss Danvers is not to be disturbed by anyone!”

  “I was hoping that I was better than just anyone.” Jo fixed the older woman with a scowl.

  “What makes you think that, stranger?”

  She certainly wasn’t about to explain herself to the hired help.

  “Doesn’t matter. I’ll catch up with Th…Ms. Danvers later.”

  Perhaps after her set was finished. If John-Henry didn’t regale her with old stories of his music traveling days as a roadie for once, she’d knock on Thea’s door and speak with her then.

  “She won’t be in later. She has a date.”

  Jo, taken aback by the statement, was speechless for a short time shaking her head at the thought. Her eyes screwed up and she glared at the woman who was watching her intently. “Well, in that event, I will catch up with her tomorrow.”

  Jo turned away her mind reeling at the thought that Thea was going out on a date. Why and with who?

  “You give up easy, stranger.”

  Astounded at the remark, Jo stopped in her tracks. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “You’re not interested in who she’s going out on a date with? I’d think you would if you are a friend like you imply.”

  “Sure…sure, I’m her friend. Who?” Jo’s mind and body were suddenly on high alert and she wanted to run to the room to work out why. Her reaction didn’t make any sense.

  “George Andrews. Do you know who he is?”

  “Yeah, the fucking bastard banker.” The venom that was behind every word Jo said made the room crackle with intensity.

  “I wouldn’t go so far as to call him that but…in the eyes of the beholder, they say.” The woman had a tight smile.

  “I thought he was just a banker, not a suitor?” Jo glanced at the woman who looked as though she wanted to laugh.

  “George Andrews has wanted that little girl since she was out of school. He will get her if she can’t find a fitting suitor who can go up against him soon. I’m Daisy, by the way.”

  “Thea can do better than that sorry ass,” Jo replied.

  “Ahh, yes, she could. Unfortunately, not everyone has George’s…assets, shall we say.” Daisy waved a hand. “Never mind. I’m just an old lady who’s probably saying more than I should.”

  “What assets exactly? I wouldn’t consider him much of a catch. He’s a slob who isn’t worthy of Thea.” Jo searched Daisy’s face for an answer.

  Daisy let out a long sigh. “You have lots of money?”

  “Who me?” At the nod from the woman, Jo smiled wryly. “No, otherwise I wouldn’t be stuck in this town, now, would I?” Jo turned away intent on heading to her room.

  “Like I say, you give up easily.”

  The woman’s words rang in her ears, but Jo refused to return the challenge and walked away.

  Fucking money. So Thea only goes for the ones with money.

  She looked so sweet and innocent, but it looked like she was just another gold digger.

  †

  Daisy Kendall watched the woman retreat and by her very stance, it was clear that the conversation had rattled her in a very profound way. Wonder why? She saw the disappointed expression cross the beautiful features of the woman when she’d mentioned George Andrews. There was no mistaking that the stranger was very attractive, but it needed more than a pretty face and body to make a beautiful person. Thea was the epitome of both a lovely personality and stunning looks. She had natural beauty. Yet, her daddy hadn’t contributed to the woman’s effervescent attitude and her wayward mother hadn’t helped any, either.

  Thea hadn’t mentioned that she knew the only guest of the motel with any familiarity. As far as Daisy knew, they hadn’t even passed more than a civil word, yet it was clear from the stranger’s conversation that they had some sort of relationship. She needed to talk to Thea and soon.

  If George Andrews has his way, Thea will be married to him by the weekend.

  “Seems like we have a dilemma in this town and something involving George Andrews can get nasty really quick.”

  Daisy heard a door slam and she had an inkling she knew why—the stranger did care about Thea and her frustration was showing. She brushed her hands together and lifted the pass through on the counter. She was on a mission and the first person to speak to was Lucy. Together they might come up with a solution to help Thea.

  †

  It was a Friday evening and the bar teemed with customers. Once John-Henry had hired Jo, the place was full every weekend and even on some of the evenings during the week that traditionally had been slow. He was grossing a healthy sum. He was glad he’d listened to the woman sing, rather than pass her off as another hopeless drifter. She was very good and he wondered why she didn’t try out in a much larger community—he believed she would do well. He grinned, thinking of the idea that he had set in motion. Now, all he had to do was wait for a phone call.

  Just at that moment, the door to the bar opened and Jo walked in. She was by far the tallest woman in the room and very possibly the most beautiful with her classic looks. Only Thea outshined her in the beauty department, according to him. Thea Danvers was class personified. He glanced at a table in the corner where Thea sat pensively eating with the asshole banker. He shook his head at the melancholy thought of what her father had let his daughter suffer in the past few months. Perhaps she would suffer for the rest of her life if she ended up with Andrews. After speaking with Daisy and Lucy earlier, they had agreed there was no other solution at hand.

  “How you doing tonight, Jo?” John-Henry asked with a smile. Jo was scowling and he quickly lost his smile.

  “No problem with me,” Jo replied stiffly.

  John-Henry had been impressed with this woman’s sense of dry humor. However, something told him that tonight she wasn’t in any good kind of humor—totally the opposite. He glanced to where her eyes were focusing. If looks could kill, Andrews would be a dead man for sure.

  Looks like what Daisy said was true.

  “You got a problem with that corner?” John-Henry asked.

  Steel blue eyes turned to his and he tried not to flinch.

  “No. Why do you ask?”

  “Just wondered why you seemed so interested, that’s all.” He wiped at an imaginary beer stain, feeling the blue eyes boring into his neck.

  “You told me that Thea didn’t like Andrews, that he had caused her nothing but trouble. Yet there she is happily having dinner with him. I’d call that a date,” Jo snapped.

  John-Henry paused in his inspection of the gleaming bar surface and considered what the woman before him had said. It made him smile at her attitude along, with the feeling behind the words.

  It sounded like green-eyed jealousy.

  “Yeah, that’s true. Andrews has gone out of his way to make sure Thea doesn’t get any help from anyone around here with her property.”

  “Did you offer to help her?” The sound of an accusation laced Jo’s words.

  “Sure did. So did Lucy at the diner. We don’t have the cash to help her and neither one of us is young enough to offer any physical help in the restoration of her place. Help of any kind petered out once Andrews’ front men threatened folks.”

  John-Henry looked around to see if anyone was listening to his conversation. No one was. He wasn’t about to let his own dislike of Andrews and his ways become common knowledge in town.

  “Maybe she doesn’t have a choice,” he whispered.

  †

  Jo considered the words and then turned her gaze back to the corner table. She was looking directly into the black beady eyes of George Andrews. He was giving her what seemed like a taunting glance, telling her that Thea was his property and to keep away.

  Jo shrugged at the glance and returned a glare with her answer.

  She’s no one’s property, so fuck you.

  The man turned away in what looked like disgust. She knew her message had hit
its target.

  “I need to leave early tonight, John-Henry. Okay with you?”

  “Sure, but don’t let the customers know or there’ll be a riot. And I can do without that, you know.” He gave her a wide grin and she returned a tight smile.

  “They will get their money’s worth, I promise you that.” Jo picked up her guitar and walked to the small stage for her first set. A resounding clap of hands from the young men standing close had her giving them an appreciative nod.

  †

  Thea Danvers turned her head and saw Joanna walk onto the stage. The singer was stunning as she strode confidently toward a stool and amazingly settled her tall frame on it without it toppling. She started strumming a few chords. Her long hair was falling across her face and Thea’s fingers itched to move it away from her eyes.

  “Your only guest appears to have charmed most of the men in this town,” George remarked.

  Thea gave him a distracted look and then turned her eyes to the audience that had enclosed the woman. “Yes, it does appear they all like her,” she replied softly.

  “My dear, you have my company now. What more could you want but that?” George replied flippantly.

  Thea found swallowing hard as she tried to digest what the man opposite her had said. He was right. There really was no contest. What she wanted was to be standing, watching the woman who was about to start singing and not looking at his satisfied ugly, pudgy, smug face. “I’d like to listen to Ms. Lackerly sing, Mr. Andrews. If you don’t mind, of course,” Thea replied.

  George snorted and gave her a shrewd glance and nodded. “Yes, good idea, my dear. I hear she’s quite tolerable.”

  “I hear she’s very good.” Thea turned away to watch Joanna and listen as she began her intro to the first song.

  The echoes of the guitar rang out in the room and her clear voice began a loving ballad… “Someone once said that a friend was worth a fortune if they remain a friend through the good and bad,” Joanna strummed the strings. “Well, this song is about that very thing. When you said you would be there for me, I believed you.”