by Dances
Dances with Wolves
By
Mandy Monroe
© copyright by Mandy Monroe, June 2010
Cover Art by Eliza Black, June 2010
ISBN 978-1-60394-440-3
New Concepts Publishing
Lake Park, GA 31636
www.newconceptspublishing.com
This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author's imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.
Chapter One
"No!" Jada yelled in frustration as the stench of burning toast filled her small kitchen. Rushing to the toaster, she popped the bread out and stared at the blackened bread with disgust. "Dammit!"
Flinching as the hot toast burnt her fingertips, she played handball with the two pieces and finally threw them down on the counter. Shaking her head, Jada scrunched her face in distaste as she scraped the black off her bread, but she hated waste and refused to throw her battered breakfast away. When she was done, she buttered it before taking a hesitant bite. Quickly brewing a cup of tea, she sipped at the drink to stop the indigestion from the butter she could feel licking its way around her chest before heading over to the small Juliet balcony that was the main feature of her apartment. The feature was the only thing that had sold her on the damned place. It was in the wrong area to be convenient for work. It was surrounded by married couples and families, and her friends all lived miles away from the place. But she'd loved the balcony on first sight, and, like the impulsive idiot she was, that had been that.
She leaned over the railing and sighed down at the sight of all the happy families enjoying the first day of their weekend. She wasn't jealous, not really, more resigned to the fact that she would never be a part of those happy trios and quartets she saw below in the gardens of her street. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, thrust the twinge of pain away and continued to drink her tea and people watch. She had never really fit in on this street and never would unless she had both a man and a baby backing her. To the married mothers, she wasn't an advantageous friend to have because she was both a threat and useless. She'd found out early on that they maintained the belief that every single woman was after their beloved husband, and she couldn't be useful enough to be called upon to baby sit in times of urgency.
It was a very isolated life she led in this building, one that reminded her of her infertility on what seemed like an hourly basis. But somehow, even though she'd had many an opportunity to move, she liked her apartment. She liked living here, despite the constant reminder of what troubled her most in life, which was why she'd stayed where she was for the past three years.
Maybe she was just a glutton for punishment?
Draining her cup of tea, she returned to the kitchen to leave it in the sink and headed to her front door where she'd left the mail from the day before on the entry hall table. Sorting through the usual bills and junk, she quirked a brow in surprise at a thick envelope. She was quick to note that the stationary was very expensive and looked at the handwriting on the front of it. Smiling, she realized who the sender was. She glanced at the rest of the unimportant mail, discarded it on the table, and returned to her balcony to read the unusual letter.
Jada opened the letter slowly, excited. She never got mail unless it was a bill or junk. And this mail was special, she'd known from the handwriting that it was from her old friend Larissa. She read both the invitation and the cover letter. Shaking her head in exasperation, she couldn't help but smile as she read her friend's informal words which were in direct contrast with the formal, over the top invitation. Larissa lived in la-la land most of the time, cushioned by her father's wealth and love and now her husband's, but she was a lovely woman and a wonderful friend. It had saddened her greatly when Larissa had decided to leave America for good to marry and settle in the land of her ancestors, Scotland. That had been over two years ago and still she missed her.
With a grin, she scanned the invitation again. A thrill of excitement washed over her as she fingered the lush envelope.
I, Larissa Montgomery, cordially invite Jada Smith to a masquerade . . . .
There was something very child-like about Larissa, always playful and teasing. It was a quality that Jada had always enjoyed and now missed very much. Fortunately, getting hitched hadn't changed her friend one little bit. But she hadn't realized until this moment how large a gap Larissa had left in her life. Sure they still spoke on the phone and by email. Only last week they'd been instant messaging each other, but it just wasn't the same.
She reached for the phone hanging nearby on the wall of her kitchen and then perched her butt on the railing of the balcony and dialed her friend's number.
"Jada!" Larissa exclaimed, unable to conceal her excitement.
Jada couldn't help but smile as she replied, "Lari! I just got your invite. What's all this about? Why so formal?" she teased.
"Well, as you read already, it's a masquerade. That means I have to be formal!" she answered in exasperation at her friends questioning.
Evidently that was explanation enough. Jada shook her head at her friends reasoning. She'd figured out long ago that some things only made sense to Larissa. "Ah," she acquiesced, "but just how eccentric is this going to be? If I know you, which I do, you didn't tell me everything in your letter. What's really going to be happening at this masquerade you have planned?"
"I'm hurt," Larissa said, feigning indignation.
Jada was tempted to roll her eyes. She knew better than to think that she'd wounded Lari. It took a lot more than that to offend her friend.
"Not falling for it, huh?" she said a few moments later.
"Nope, come on, spill! I want all the details."
"You might be shocked if I tell you. I was sort of hoping you'd just come over and then find yourself unable to resist staying. Besides all that, you need a break, honey. You know you do."
"Oh God, what is it you've got planned now? Is there going to be some sordid group orgy or something?" Jada joked. As the silence down the line registered, she squeaked, "You didn't deny it! Are you really going to have an orgy? Larissa! What the hell? You'd better start talking."
"It's not an orgy, exactly. Don't forget, darling, I'm married and have a child. It's just a little get together for free time to play."
It was obvious to Jada that Lari was choosing her words very carefully.
"We're all consenting adults, Jada, nothing illegal is going to go on. Besides, when was the last time you got laid?" Larissa asked bluntly before answering her own question, "I'll just bet I know when it was. I bet it was two years ago when you left David because you couldn't handle telling him that you can't have children. God, Jada, aren't you going insane? I know your body must be feeling the strain. I sure as hell couldn't wait two weeks for sex, never mind going two damned years without it!"
Jada heard a muted, 'Thank God for that,' in the background. She assumed Lari's new husband Alexander was listening in on his wife's conversation. With a groan, she mumbled, "Please tell me Alex didn't hear you say I haven't had sex for two years!"
"Darling, it's not like he didn't already know! Hang on a second." Then, in an aside, she said, "Alex, go away! Be thankful you get what you get and don't make fun of poor Jada."
Poor Jada heard Alex grumble in the background.
"Don't worry about Alexander, honey, he feels as bad for you as I do. Take it from someone who has a sex life, you need to come to this party just to cum!"
Larissa's laughter tinkled down the phone, making Jada want to grind her teeth. "And just what does Alex think about this orgy?"
"Well, I don't think he's overly perturbed about it, Jada darling, seeing as
he's helping me organize the damned thing! We take part together. It's all about variety with some stability."
The last was said with such relish that Jada couldn't help but laugh at her friend's audacity. Shaking her head, she said, "This isn't the first one of these you've had, is it?"
Larissa hesitated before she spoke again. "I would have invited you before, but I knew you wouldn't come, so I didn't bother to embarrass you with having to refuse. This is either the sixth or seventh event we've had. We hold them as and when the need calls."
Jada frowned at the strange phrasing then sighed her acquiescence. "You're right. I do need to get laid. I reckon I'll be there."
Larissa smiled at the crankiness in her friend's voice and asked gently, "I know you were a size six the last time we met. Have you lost or gained any weight in that time?"
"Cheeky. I'm still a six. Why do you ask?"
"Don't worry about it, it's just your costume for the party. But don't ask me about it, I picked it out especially for you. It's a surprise that'll have to wait until you get here."
"Larissa," Jada warned, "you know I hate having stuff picked out for me. It's not risqué, is it? Dammit, why couldn't you let me pick out my own outfits?"
"Tut tut, I told you not to ask. I had to pick your outfits because I know you, you'd turn up in something that would make a nun look underdressed. Jada, just because you can't have a baby doesn't mean you have to dress like a schoolteacher. You're a sexy, beautiful young woman. None of that is diminished by your infertility. God, there's more usefulness to women than just as baby making machines! Getting back to what I was saying about the costumes, I've picked some appropriate outfits out for you. Some are old costumes of mine, so if you're not overly keen about them then you can swap them. But, don't worry, you know I'd never do anything to hurt you."
Jada smiled weakly. Larissa knew how to get down to the bone. "I know you wouldn't. Thank you. I'm grateful, I promise. You're sure this is a good idea though?"
"Of course it is! You'll have a fantastic time, and when you return to the U.S. you'll be feeling replete and sated, exactly how every woman should feel! Now, I have to go, darling, so take care and I'll see you when you get here. Have a safe flight." With that, Larissa quickly hung up.
Jada was left sitting halfway between the silence of her apartment and the noise of the families below. She got to her feet, feeling both weary and excited, an odd combination of feelings, but it was how she felt. She was excited at the prospect of something forbidden and yet strangely she felt tired when she recalled Larissa's words.
Her friend was right, she was young, could at times and when she tried, be sexy, yet she repressed the sensual woman because she couldn't let herself go with any of the men she dated. It went against all her principles to have casual sex. To her there was no point to love-making if there was no feeling behind the act. So because she didn't want to get involved in long-term relationships, because they only left her feeling heartbroken when they ended, she didn't involve herself in the short-term flings either. Perhaps this masquerade was just what she needed. She could enjoy sex for sex's sake, no need to place importance upon the feelings behind it. She just had to enjoy herself. But why did she feel like that was easier said than done?
She put the phone back in its receiver on the wall and headed over to her bedroom. She started to grab some clothes from her closet with the intention of packing her case immediately.
Perhaps the long dry spell wasn't so bad after all. It meant that she'd dedicated her free time to her work and therefore had a lot of vacation time saved up. She knew that Vic, her boss, would grumble, but would allow her to go. A lot of things had been getting her down at work recently. She'd been feeling the strain of having had no real vacation for the past two and a half years, and even Vic himself had suggested she take a break from the stress. Well, when she talked to him she would tell him that she was finally taking his advice and that she was off to bonny Scotland for a little while.
* * * *
With a deep inhalation, Jada allowed the fresh Scottish air to fill her lungs. Even in a congested train station the air was cleaner than the city she'd just left stateside! She looked forward to reaching Larissa's castle where the atmosphere was even purer and more rejuvenating.
She stood on the train platform, amidst the flurry of exiting passengers, and just relished being in Scotland again. It had been a long time, but it was lovely to be back. Shaking off the happy memories of times when her family had vacationed with Larissa's, she left the station and immediately saw a man holding a card with her name on it. Larissa had sent her an email saying that one of her drivers would pick her up because she had to greet other guests. She'd also casually mentioned a surprise for her again.
Jada walked over to the man holding the card and smiled. "I'm Jada Smith. Larissa Montgomery sent you, right?"
"Yes, Miss Smith. My name's McDougall. Welcome to Scotland, and, more importantly, welcome to the Highlands. Did you have a pleasant journey?" McDougall asked, his kindly face wrinkling as he smiled. "I hope you did."
"Thank you, M-McDougall, I did," she said his name hesitantly, unsure of whether it was his first or second name. Mentally shrugging it off, she answered his question, "My trip was as pleasant as can be expected, I suppose. It's a long flight and a long train ride, but I'm sure it will be worth it." She smiled at him and said conspiratorially, "Mrs. Montgomery said she had a surprise for me. Are you a part of that?"
McDougall chuckled and said, "Aye, if you'll follow me, miss." He led her over to a Victorian carriage and laughed heartily at her look of delight. "Mrs. Montgomery said you'd appreciate the finery of this old thing. Mr. Montgomery recently discovered it in one of the unused barns. He just had it renovated for use and the Mrs. said that you would enjoy making an entrance in it. May I be so bold as to ask whether she was right, miss?"
Jada grinned warmly. "Indeed she was, McDougall. Mrs. Montgomery knows me too well I'm afraid." She surveyed the coach and horses again with growing excitement. "Can I get in?"
"Of course, miss." He held out a hand for her to hold and helped her up to sit in the two-seated carriage. She couldn't hide the smile that shone from her face as the carriage rocked from side to side as the pair of horses shuffled impatiently. Although a terrible rider herself, she loved the animals. As McDougall climbed into the carriage beside her, he settled himself and said, "This is a curricle, miss. This particular one is around two hundred years old we reckon."
Jada peered out of the carriage and looked at it with fresh eyes. Two hundred years old! It was a two seater and wheeler, and the basic shape of the body was sledge-like, enough space for the passenger and driver and that was it. There was a canopy to protect the occupants from the weather, but little else. She didn't doubt that by the time she arrived at Larissa's, she would look like hell because of the wind whipping at her skin and hair, but it would be worth it, that she also didn't doubt!
As McDougall cracked the whip and the beautiful chestnut horses rocked in to movement, the curricle easily started on its way.
Settling back on to the seats, she was aware that the seats were padded comfortably and that the whole thing had to be more luxurious than the original. Having once read somewhere that the cushions had originally been padded with horse hair or straw, she knew immediately that the cushions she sat on were far too cozy for that.
Jada relaxed and enjoyed the roadside view, smiled when people pointed at them and the sight of a Victorian carriage on very modern roads. Soon she dozed off, jet lag catching up with her very promptly, and was just as quickly woken up by the rocking of the carriage. Coming awake with a jolt, she shouted over the wind, "Is everything okay, McDougall?"
"No need to worry, miss. It's just a rut in the road. We're nearly there. You should see the castle soon. Sorry to have woken you, but it was unavoidable."
She smiled her understanding and sat back against the seat once more to enjoy the view of the castle coming into sight. It was
an awe-inspiring building. As a child, she'd been very jealous of Larissa, sure that living in a real castle meant that she was a real princess. Smiling at her childish folly, she began to reminisce a little. Their families had vacationed here often and their parents still went on holiday together, but as her father had allowed Larissa full run of the castle, they no longer met here. Now they traveled to other parts of Europe and far flung Asia. It was amazing really how long all of their friendships had lasted.
The castle didn't sprawl over acres and acres of land. It was very unusual in that it consisted of one tall building, five stories tall to be exact and attached to that was a smaller two story 'house'. The tall building was dotted with little windowed turrets, and small windows littered the walls, relics of the time when they were arrow-holes and crucial to the defense of the building. The castle had been built of a heavy cream stone that had weathered to a rosy and sometimes grayish hue, sporting a slated roof. Moss and lichen decorated the stone, and the 'house' had ivy crawling all over the front facade.
Just looking at the castle made her smile. Somehow the Montgomeries had managed to retain the old world charm of the place and install all the modern luxuries. Double glazed windows had replaced open air or lead windows, and she recalled that central heating had been added to heat the place and was used in conjunction with the huge open fires. It had been made into a home, and that made it all the more lovely.
As they drove over the driveway, expectation bubbled through her veins. She couldn't wait to see Larissa and Alex, and her little godson, Conall. It had been far too long since she'd seen them. Conall was almost three now. The last time they'd all seen each other had been at his baptism. It had been far too long.
She was annoyed with herself that she hadn't taken more vacation time to catch up with her friends. Even for Larissa's wedding at her castle home and Conall's baptism in London, Jada had only visited for the weekend and taken either the Friday or Monday off from work and then dragged herself into the office with horrid jet lag and had just gotten down to business.