Breath Of The Heart

by June, Victoria

  "I didn't know you were an animal activist. Kudos."

  "And I didn't know you were a tennis ace."

  "Zach told you that? I'm not exactly a tennis ace."

  "Ranked second in the state? I'd say you're an ace. We have a tennis court out back. This spring you could give me some pointers."

  "You guys have your own court?" Why did that surprise me?

  "Yup. Mom plays and so does Dad occasionally. Even Zach's pretty good."

  "What's Zach good at?" he asked, breaking the tranquility of the moment. I opened my eyes to see him standing next to the Jacuzzi in his blue and black swim trunks, holding a towel.

  "You're good at ruining a girl's night," Genie said without flinching.

  "Is there room in there for me?" he asked.

  "Sure," I said, scooting over. There was room for ten people.

  He got in and sat across from me and stared. I was getting a bit self-conscious. What was so fascinating about my face? That's all he could see.

  "What did Dad want?" Genie asked.

  "Nothing important."

  "Did he grill you about Steve? I did promise them he wouldn't embarrass anyone."

  "It wasn't about Steve. Why are we talking about Dad when I'm trying to relax?"

  He shut his eyes and stretched out, one leg brushing mine. I thought to move, but didn't. Even though it was only a passing touch, my heart skipped a second. Any girl with a pulse would be attracted to Zach, but I kept telling myself to keep it strictly platonic. Any feelings or secret crushes on Zach would lead to heartache. Besides, I didn't want a boyfriend. Boys were trouble and always seemed to hurt me. The single life was fine with me.

  An intercom blared through the pool room, startling me. "Genie, we need to talk about tomorrow. Please come see me in the study."

  "Great," Genie muttered. "Let me guess, it's about Steve." She got out of the Jacuzzi and into her robe. "If I'm not back in ten minutes, please come get me."

  "Have fun," Zach said, not moving an inch.

  She gave him the finger and was gone. It felt strange being alone with him. Sure, I was alone with him all the time, but never this close. I took the opportunity to take him in, his broad shoulders, the scruffy face, his placid, peaceful expression.

  "Can I ask you something?"

  Zach's eyes opened, a sleepy gaze. "Sure."

  "When you're at school, don't you miss all this?"

  "Nah. It's nice and all, but this belongs to my parents. Besides, I kind of like communicating with people directly and not through an intercom."

  I stifled a laugh which made him smile.

  "I've only been here an hour, but this is pretty amazing. Thank you again for inviting me."

  "You're invited anytime."

  I was dying to hit the pool but that would have meant getting out of the Jacuzzi and putting myself on full display, but a nice swim on a cold December evening sounded attractive.

  "How cold is the pool?"

  "Compared to this? It's like jumping into a frozen lake."

  "You make it sound so appealing," I said with laugh.

  "If you don't believe me, try it."

  "I'll see that as a challenge." I got out of the Jacuzzi and was greeted by room temperature air that felt like a gust of cold wind. Compounding that was Zach's eyes trained on me, possibly checking me out in a bikini I never thought I'd wear. I acted fast and dove in. The water slapped me like a bag of ice. I surfaced and let out a mini shriek.

  "Told you," he called out.

  "At least I did it. I think you're being a suck."

  "Them's fighting words. Are you daring me to jump in, Miss Andrews?"

  "I am."

  "What do I get if I do it?"

  "I'll make you dinner for a week."

  "You already do that. Something better."

  "I don't know."

  "Tell you what, we'll determine it later as long as it's within reason."

  "I'll take that bet."

  He climbed out of the Jacuzzi took a running start then cannon-balled into the pool only feet from me, sending up a wave that soaked me again. He surfaced and laughed at my stern expression.

  "Did I splash you?"

  "Yes!" I splashed him back and he swam away.

  Neither of us were interested in staying in the pool when we'd lounged in a Jacuzzi. We got out and I wrapped myself with a towel before a chill set in.

  "What's tomorrow going to be like?" I asked.

  "Lots of people and lots of BS," he said. "I tow the party line all evening while wishing I could get drunk."

  "What if I say the wrong thing?"

  "You're a guest, you can say what you want."

  "If that's the case, why is everyone worried about what Steve will say?"

  "Because he's an idiot and an attention whore."

  "Why does Genie like him so much?"

  "I don't know. He's good in bed?"

  "TMI."

  "You asked."

  I put my robe back on and wrapped the towel around my wet hair. "Does it go late?"

  "Usually, but I put in a few hours then watch movies the rest of the night."

  Genie breezed back in, unscathed by whatever she'd just experienced. "Are you guys hungry? There's some food for us."

  "I'm going to hit the sack. Long day tomorrow," Zach said. "Goodnight, ladies."

  I watched him go and when I looked back at Genie a wide smile was on her face. "What?" I asked.

  "Nothing," she said.

  "No, what? I want to know."

  "Never mind. Are you hungry or not?"

  "No, not really. What time to we have to be up?"

  "I want us up and out before seven."

  "Then I better go to bed too."

  "See in the morning."

  She was still smiling and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on.

  ~~~~~~~

  Grandma took me to get a manicure and pedicure done at the mall when I turned sixteen. The Ivy Spa was no afternoon at the mall. We got our own robes, softer than those at the Walker house, a tall glass of sparkling juice, various mini muffins, cookies and cakes, and an assortment of fancy teas I'd never heard of. Before they'd even taken us in for our manicure, pedicure, facial and whatever else Genie had planned, I got the most relaxing and mind-blowing head and neck massage. I didn't want it to end. I felt all tension float away.

  Next came the facial, the seaweed body wrap, a light lunch then our manicure and pedicure. With all that done we moved on to hair and makeup.

  "Is this how celebrities live?" I asked, as Pamela, my hair stylist, worked on my updo.

  "This and more," she replied.

  "I could get used to this."

  By three p.m. we were all done. Pamela presented me in the mirror and I barely recognized the face staring back at me. I looked like a movie star. I felt like I could walk any red carpet. Even with my subdued makeup – I'd specifically asked for my neutral tones – Pamela had made me look flawless. I actually looked pretty.

  "You're gorgeous," Genie said. "The guys are going to fall all over you tonight, especially when they see you in the dress I picked out."

  "You think so?"

  Genie hugged me, something foreign to me. "Emma, I just love you. You're so adorable! Now let's get out of here. We still have to get dressed."

  A car picked us up and took us back to the Walker house. We meandered through the serving staff and party planners up to Genie's room. We had about an hour before guests arrived.

  "Here it is," she said, holding up the dress. The navy gown with navy embroidered beads and crystals looked like nothing I could ever afford. Already Genie had done so much for me by paying for our spa day, the bathing suits, but this dress? It was fit for a princess. "Try it on."

  I took it from her and went into her bathroom. I slipped it off and hanger and slid into it. It fit perfectly, hugging every subtle curve of my body. The v-shaped neckl
ine didn't plunge too much, but showed just the right amount of cleavage. The slit up my right leg went mid-thigh revealing my toned legs. They were definitely my best asset.

  "Let me see," Genie called.

  I came out of the bathroom and she whistled. "Holy shit! You look gorgeous."

  "Thanks," I said, my skin tingling with excitement.

  "Let me find you some jewelry," she said, going through her massive collection. She picked out a strand of pearls and teardrop pearl earrings. "These will complete your look."

  I took them from here, feeling my eyes well up with tears. "Genie, thanks for everything."

  "No crying! We just had our makeup done," she said, hugging me again.

  "It's just so much . . ."

  "Don't worry about it. Now let me get dressed and you help me with my jewelry."

  Once we were ready, it was time to make our grand entrance. I was so nervous that I couldn't get my hands to stop shaking. What if I said the wrong thing? Or fell flat on my ass in the heels Genie and I had bought that afternoon? What if I threw up all over Genie's pretty dress? I told myself to pull it together.

  Light dinner music was now playing through the house. I followed Genie through the main entrance where a few of the servers had set up a bar. We drifted into the main living room which I saw for the first time. It was a wide open room as large as our house in Pine Falls and filled with expensive art on the walls and antiques on full display. There we found Mr. and Mrs. Walker and Zach, dressed smartly in a black suit and grey tie looking as handsome as ever. They all looked at us when we entered.

  "Wow," Zach said. "Em, you look beautiful."

  My cheeks burned. "Thanks," I said shyly.

  "I told her the guys would go crazy the moment they saw her. Zach, you might want to keep an eye on her."

  "I think I will," he said with a wink.

  "About Steven," Mrs. Walker said to Genie, who retreated to a corner with her mother while Mr. Walker was ushered away by one of his aides.

  "So, you come around here often?" Zach joked.

  I giggled. "Come on, stop teasing."

  "Genie's right. The guys will be all over you. I think I should be your personal bodyguard."

  "If you think I need one," I said, trying not to giggle some more.

  "Everyone, gather around," a tall man in a pin-striped suit boomed. I had no idea who he was but he sounded prickly so I did as he said. "Remember, don't mention the pipeline or the upcoming election. Let's keep this a light evening and where are the Walker kids? I only see Zach."

  Genie popped her head out and waved. "I'm here. Mom is just grilling me."

  "Right. Walker kids, take lots of photos. We want to see you working this room. Handsome children get their mothers and fathers re-elected. And don't forget to smile." The man focused on me, his black eyes like laser beams. "Who are you?" he asked.

  "I'm Zach and Genie's friend."

  The man looked at Zach then back at me. "Is Zach your boyfriend? Zach, is this your girlfriend? She looks conservative."

  "Allen, she's not my girlfriend, and her politics don't matter."

  "Are you a Republican?" he asked me.

  "No. I don't really get involved in politics. I haven't even voted yet."

  He rolled his eyes. "Zach, brief your girlfriend. Everyone else, let's have a good time."

  "Who was that?" I asked when it was all over.

  "Allen, my dad's campaign manager. Micromanager freakshow."

  "What are you going to brief me on?"

  "Here's my brief. Have a good time and don't mention the pipeline or the upcoming election."

  A short time later guests arrived and so did the photographers and media. Zach and Genie did their jobs and took pictures with everyone, but Zach never strayed too far. It was nice knowing he had my back.

  "Let's get a picture together," he suggested. He called over a photographer who took a picture, but then three more appeared. It was the paparazzi. "I'll be doing this all night," he muttered through a smile.

  Zach put his arm through mine and the next stop was the bar. "The best way to make it through one of these evenings is with a little alcohol. What can I get you?"

  "I only drink the occasional beer."

  He turned to the bartender. "White wine for the lady and a whiskey sour for me. No beer on tap," he said to me. "Too pedestrian."

  With our drinks in hand we hit the refreshment table where Genie was with the infamous Steve. I did a double take at first. Steve was older than Genie, easily in his late twenties and slightly balding. I'd assumed that Genie would be with an Adonis, but Steve was so ordinary, right down to his wrinkled grey suit.

  "Steve, this is Emma," Genie said, her face beaming.

  "Hey," he said mostly disinterested. He turned his attention back to the phyllo pastry appetizers.

  "And a hello to you too," Zach said.

  More guests filed in which meant Genie and Zach had to make an effort to greet them, at least for the first little while. I stood back, away from Steve, and watched them both work the men and women who donated to their father's campaign. They looked so natural, laughing at jokes, handing out compliments and saying words of support for their father. Many of the ladies took long glances at Zach even with their husbands standing by their sides.

  "You're Zach's latest girlfriend?" Steve asked, licking his fingers from whatever remnants of food was still on them.

  "We're just friends."

  He snorted. "Good ol' Zach likes to play the field, so don't say you weren't warned."

  Where had this guy come from anyway? I thought I'd left him safely with the refreshments. "Like I said, we're just friends. How long have you and Genie been dating?" I thought changing the subject was a good idea.

  "Two years. Met her in one of my classes. I was her TA."

  Kind of gross. "Oh. Are you still in school?"

  "Getting my PhD in poly sci."

  "That's good."

  "Thought I'd scope out the party and see if there are any prospects here."

  "Job prospects? I thought you were a conservative. Aren't you barking up the wrong tree?"

  "You never know who might show up to one of these things."

  Mercifully Zach finished the schmoozing and rescued me from Steve. He had another glass of white wine in his hand and a drink for himself. "I can guarantee that talking to that guy will make you stupid."

  "So, I have to ask, what does Genie see in him? And don't say he's good in bed. That's not enough."

  "I don't know. He's a way to rebel from my parents? He's a doofus."

  "He's not what I expected."

  Zach groaned.

  "What?" I asked, following his gaze.

  "Bianca's parents are here."

  My body froze. Did that mean she was here? "Her parents?"

  "Yeah, they donate to Dad's campaign. They've always been supportive."

  The wine began to burn in my stomach. "Is she here?"

  "She couldn't be bothered and besides, she wouldn't set foot in this house."

  "Why not?"

  Zach smiled mischievously. "Let's just say that she wouldn't want to poke the bear."

  "That sounds ominous."

  "Let's leave it at that."

  I titled my head to one side and stared at him. He tried to ignore me. "What do you have on her?" I asked.

  "It's better you don't know," he said and laughed.

  "You've got me curious."

  "All I can say is that Bianca has some skeletons and I happen to know where all the bones are buried."

  "Are you the reason she's keeping her distance?"

  "Maybe. At least I know she's not as stupid as I once thought she was. Look, let's not talk about Bianca. Let's circulate."

  He had to know that people would think I was his girlfriend. He introduced me to the mayor, business leaders and other politicians. I'd never be able to remember all the names. We drank mo
re expensive wine, ate fabulous appetizers of duck, lamb and cheese-filled pastries. By the time the last of the guests had left, I was on a euphoric high. I could have run laps around the estate despite my aching feet.

  "Did you have fun?" Zach asked, walking me to my room.

  "Tonight was amazing," I said with a little skip to my step.

  "I'm not sure you'd say that if you had to go to dozens and dozens of them a year."

  "Pretty sure I'd still say that."

  We stopped at my bedroom door and he gazed down at me. Even though he was only a few inches taller than me in my heels, I still felt small under his stare.

  "You looked beautiful tonight."

  "Stop saying that or it will go to my head."

  He took hold of my hand, squeezing it gently. My heart picked up a million beats as a rush of warmth flowed through my veins.

  "I'm glad you were here tonight. I couldn't dream of spending it with anyone else."

  I looked up, and at that moment, when our eyes met, I knew I'd given him all the reassurance he needed. He leaned in and I closed my eyes, anticipating the kiss. At first his lips barely grazed mine, but as I got up on my tip-toes, he slipped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer, the kiss more intense. A flush of warmth enveloped me, making me want to bury myself in his embrace. He gently bit down on my lower lip and broke the kiss, leaving me wanting more.

  "I should probably get off to bed before we get caught," he said.

  "Uh, yeah."

  "Goodnight, Em."

  Never in my life did I want to run after someone and tell them not to go, but so many things stopped me, the most was my crippling fear.

  I went into my room and closed the door behind me. I wanted to laugh, scream and cry all at the same time.

  ~~~~~~~

  The next morning reality set it. Zach kissed me and I spent the whole night thinking about it. In fact, I don't think I fell asleep. Over and over again in went through my mind like an old movie reel. At one point I'd even had a panic attack, gasping for air and barely able to breathe. The most amazing kiss of my entire life had reduced me to a muddy, messy puddle of dirt.

  I didn't want to leave my bed, or the limited security it offered. Getting up and dressed meant I had to face Zach. What was he going to do? Announce it to the entire breakfast table? My heart picked up beats again and my hands shook a little. I could deal with this, I had to.