by Ciara Knight
Anna took another sip of tea as if it contained liquid courage then set it on a nearby coaster. “Yes and yes.”
Cynthia shifted so she faced Anna. “Tell me what happened.”
Anna fisted and unfisted her hands as if trying to grasp the truth of it all. “My mother was a dead end.”
“Not a surprise there.” Cynthia said.
“No, sure wasn’t, which means I’m no closer to finding out what really happened. Why we left secretly in the night. When I think back, we came to Riverbend just as abruptly. We only lived here for four years, yet it has always been my home. That’s why I decided you were right. I’m tired of running and I never want to be like my mother, alone and unhappy. Life is too short to wallow or to hold onto the past. I believe Liam. I found letters in my mother’s room and remembered how she behaved before we left that night, I knew she was the one who hadn’t been honest with me all these years. It’s time for me to trust Liam. I believe in him, and he believes in me.”
“That’s amazing. I know how difficult that is for you. It’s easy to say, but do you truly believe you can let your wall down? It’s been built with Italian Marble, Spanish Adobe, and English Slate.”
Anna chuckled. “I know, I know. Perhaps it’s time to build something other than a wall in my life. I want to start a business here in Riverbend. Liam already had Dalton, a renovation expert, come in and take a look at Historic Hall. It needs a lot of work, but it’s structurally sound. I’m gonna buy it and start a fashion company out of it. I’ll have an online shop for customers around the world and I’ll still have to travel some, but mostly, I already have established contacts in the industry for supply and manufacturing.”
“This means you’ll be able to design again. It’s what you always wanted to do. I remember in college how you would design dresses for all the girls in the dorm. They loved you.” Cynthia grabbed her own mug of tea from the table and took a sip.
“So, you don’t think I’m crazy?”
Cynthia eyed the stairs, that full-of-love gaze plastered on her face. “No, not at all. Love is sometimes crazy, and amazing, and scary, and terrific.”
Anna’s insides vibrated with eagerness. “I want that.”
Cynthia snapped back to reality. “What?”
“That. The look you have right now. You’re so in love and full of life.”
“Your life hasn’t been bad. You’re so successful,” Cynthia reminded her.
“Successfully empty,” she sighed. “Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t change what I’ve done for anything. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the adventures I’ve experience. And I think I needed them to truly appreciate what I have here.”
“And what do you have here?” Cynthia asked.
“You.” Anna waved around the room. “This.”
“And Liam,” Cynthia added.
¬¬“Yes, Liam most of all.”
Cynthia threw her arms around Anna. “I’m so happy for you. And for me. This means I get my wedding wish after all.”
“Wedding wish?”
Cynthia released her and sat back, a bright smile on her face that lit the room. “Yes, my wedding wish was for you to stay in Riverbend. That way my family is complete. You’ve made me so happy. Tell me more about your fashion business. Are you bringing some culture and sophistication to Riverbend?”
Anna bit her bottom lip. She wasn’t sure if her idea was really a good one, or if Liam just encourage her on it to keep her here. “Well, I was at the university with Liam when I noticed how the women dressed there. The young girls were fine, typical of that age group but could use some more flattering outfits on a low budget. You know, college wear.”
“Knowing you, it’d be college wear with flair.” Cynthia said.
“That’s great, but there’s more. When I saw Rachel Vine, I couldn’t believe what she was wearing.”
“Oh, yes. And I’m sure you didn’t like the way she flirted with Liam either,” Cynthia teased.
Anna shrugged. “You know, I wasn’t that jealous. I mean, I kind of felt sorry for her. I know it sounds snobbish, but I just wanted to take her shopping and show her how to dress for success, instead of using her attributes to get attention.”
“It doesn’t sound snobbish at all. I know you mean it from your heart. You’re a good person, Anna.” Cynthia scooted closer. “Tell me more.”
“After I noticed Rachel’s attire, I became hyper-aware of other professional women on campus. They either wore men’s style pantsuits, old lady dresses, or revealing necklines and short skirts. It was as if they didn’t know who they were or how they should behave at the office.”
“You know, I’ve found it difficult to find the right clothes around here myself. I’m not a stick figure, so most of the outfits at the teen stores don’t fit my body type. And other women’s clothes tend to have no waist line. It’s tough to order online, too, because you never know if it’s gonna fit right.”
“That’s what I’m working on. I’m going to try to design professional wear for different body types and jobs. A line for the active employee, one for an office employee, and so on. Instead of the basic measurements, I’ll have women take a photo, multiple measurements, along with weight and height, and a survey of questions. Then I’ll assist them with online shopping, or custom order their attire for them. I’ll offer a line for the economic shopper, one for the professional, and one for those with sophisticated taste.” The words flooded from Anna’s mouth as if the flood gate had opened, allowing her dreams out into the world. “Oh, Cynthia, I can’t wait to get home and start sketching. It’s been years. I’m thinking about selling my current company and starting over with a completely new structure.”
The stairs creaked and they both turned to find Mitchem on the top step. He made his way down with Liam following close behind. “He’s resting comfortably for now. I think his pain medication is wearing off, though.”
Cynthia checked her watch. “He has another hour until he can take more.”
Liam stood at the bottom of the stairs, leaning against the railing with one foot crossed over the other. “He’ll be fine. He’s a tough kid.”
Anna stood. “I’m gonna head home. You call if you need anything. I’m just up the street.”
“I’ll drop you at your car," Liam said. "I have lots to get done.”
Anna pretended not to notice that Liam remained on the other side of the room, or that he didn’t protest taking her home so early. Ever since she’d mentioned staying, he’d been different. “Thanks.” Anna retrieved her purse, said her goodbyes and went to Liam’s car.
“Here. Let me get that for you.” Liam reached around her, their fingers touching, igniting a winter zap of electricity. They both jumped. “Sorry about that.”
She rubbed her hand and smiled. “Guess we know how to cause sparks.” He closed the door without a word, no sarcastic comeback, which screamed something was bothering him. He drove her back to her car in silence, but when they reached the university parking lot, she could hold her tongue no longer. “Okay, out with it.”
Liam pulled into a space by her car. “Out with what?” He rubbed the back of his neck, the way men did when they were stressed about something.
“The minute I told you I’d stay in Riverbend, you became distant. They say women send mixed signals. Well, you grabbed me and kissed conscious thought from my head, nearly begged me to stay, but then when I agree you go all teen angst on me.”
“Really? Guess you liked the kiss, huh?” He winked.
“Don’t, Liam. I know your game. Now put that arsenal of charm away and talk to me.”
He reached over and touched her cheek. “That’s why you’ve always been the only girl for me. You know me better than anyone.”
“Apparently not. I thought you wanted me to stay, but now I don’t know.”
“Yes, I want you to stay. More than anything,” Liam said, his tone strong and sure.
“Then what is it? What did I do or say
that caused you to get all weird on me?” Anna cocked her head to one side, searching for answers in his face.
Liam closed his eyes and rested his head against the seat. “Anna, I want nothing more than for you to stay here in Riverbend with me. I fear that won’t happen, though. You’ll decide to leave. That—”
She kissed him, a fog-the-car’s-windows kind of kiss. He clutched the back of her neck, drawing her closer to him. Her toes curled and her skin heated. She broke the kiss this time. “Good, then I won’t go anywhere. Well, except to go sketch. Oh, Liam, I haven’t been this excited for years. A new business for people that will appreciate what I do. No more long plane rides. No more far off places. I’m finally coming home, Liam. I’m coming home to you.”
Chapter Sixteen
The cold evening turned into an even colder night and eventually to morning, but Liam still couldn't sleep. He paced the floor, thinking of a way out ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬of the mess he’d created. There had to be a way to win. He always won.
He texted Robert again, begging him to get back to him about the property. Of course buying it out from under the university would be a career killer, and he was so close to tenure, too.
He poured coffee into his travel mug and held it to his nose, enjoying the eye-opening aroma. After a long, courage-inducing drink, he snagged his briefcase and headed to the university. He only had until evening to figure something out then he’d tell her the truth, a new plan formulated or not. Hopefully, he’d have news by then of how to save Historic Hall, without demolishing his career.
His car phone rang, startling him out of his coma of thought. “Hey, Mitchem. How’s Andrew?”
“He’s doing well. It was a rough night with the pain and his arm all bandaged up with the finger suspension. We keep telling him he looks like something out of Star Trek, but he’s not too happy about it.”
“Poor guy. What a life lesson to learn the hard way.” Liam shook his head. “You remember all the crazy things we did and got away with when we were that age? I guess some are just lucky. You sure are.”
Something crinkled in the background and Mitchem mumbled to someone in the room with him. “Okay, I’m back. And I have no clue what you’re talking about. I made excellent grades and never gave my parents any trouble.”
“You mean they never knew about the trouble. Do you remember when you jumped off little Sammy’s roof into the river? You were an inch from breaking your neck.”
“Okay, one poor adolescent decision,” Mitchem said.
Liam pulled into his spot at the university. “One? What about all the times someone dared you to do something and you felt you had to do it? You rolled down the side of a hill in a trash can, picked the principal’s office door open at Riverbend High School during lunch, not to mention the time—”
“Okay, you made your point. Apparently, my son has inherited some of my ways.”
“Let’s hope Cynthia can keep him straight,” Liam teased.
“I think she can handle it. Speaking of Cynthia, I need a favor today. Can you pick up the rings? I’d do it, but I promised I’d stay home with Andrew and watch a sci-fi movie marathon with him after his appointment is over.”
“Sure, no problem. I’ll go at lunch. Right now, I need to deal with the university and this expansion issue.”
“What issue,” Mitchem said in an interrogative tone.
“Nothing, just that they want to build an extension to the university.”
“Right, that was the meeting you went to for me yesterday. Did they decide anything?”
Liam gripped the steering wheel. “Yes, they’re going to tear down the industrial district and build dorms and a recreation center.”
Mitchem didn’t say anything for several seconds. “Ah, Cynthia told me last night that Anna was going to use Historic Hall for her new business, the one you talked her into starting here in Riverbend. Are they going to tear down the factory and leave the storefronts?”
“No.” Liam tightened his grip. “They plan to tear it all down.”
“Does Anna know this yet?”
Liam fought the rise of panic stinging his hands and face. “No. I’m hoping to fix this before she finds out.”
“You better because if not, you’re in one world of a mess. From what Cynthia’s told me she has major trust issues.” He sighed into the phone. “I gotta be that guy that gives advice this time. You better come clean now.”
Liam let go of the wheel and beat his head against the back of his seat. “I know. I know. I tried. If I can’t convince the president of the board to look at other areas, or figure out something by this afternoon then I’ll tell her the truth. I have to win them over, though. If not, I know Anna will leave.”
“Winning people over is what you do best. Remember Monica?”
Liam reached for the button to unlock the doors. “We are not going there. I’m hanging up now. Bye.” He marched from his car to his office.
“Good morning, Professor Harrow,” Ms. Beetle greeted him at the door. “You have the final student interview at nine this morning and then you need to be over at the luncheon by eleven-thirty to discuss the candidates with the committee.”
“Thank you. Hold my calls. I’m going to be working on something until nine.”
“Yes, sir.” She closed his office door behind him and he dove into the real estate world. There were four properties listed for sale around the university. He clicked through the information on the old Potter farm, but discovered it was already under contract. The river front property ten miles from the university looked promising. He snagged his phone and dialed Robert once more. Same one ring then it went to voicemail. He grunted, willing the man to answer.
“Hey, man,” he said after the beep. “I’ve been calling you since yesterday. Are you my realtor or what?” he said with a too-aggressive tone. “Sorry, man. You’ve always done well for me. Listen, I’m just desperate right now. I have a couple properties I need some info on, and I want to know who’s selling Historic Hall? Get back to me ASAP. This is a life-changing kind of emergency.”
He hung up and printed out the last two properties then headed for the dean’s office. Ms. Bettle trotted after him into the hall. “Professor Harrow, your nine o’clock is here. She’s driven all the way from Florida.”
He looked down at his watch twice, expecting the first time to be a mistake. “Right. Sorry.” He eyed the elevator, but the young woman with her excited smile standing at the doorway drew him back into his office. “Of course, my apologies. Please.” He pointed to his office. “Ms. Beetle, will you please call Dean Jennings's secretary and find out when she has an opening today and have me put on her schedule?”
“Certainly, sir. What is this in regards to?”
“I have some questions from Mitchem about the university extension project.”
Liam entered his office, leaving the door open. The young woman sat on the edge of her seat with her shoulders back. “I’m sorry about the delay. I know you’ve had a long drive, so I’ll make this as short and painless as possible.” He scanned her application. “Ms. Joiner.”
“Yes, sir.” She stood and offered her hand. A nice, firm handshake and she dressed well for an interview. Anna would be pleased with her tailored blazer and knee-length skirt. Flattering, but not provocative.
“Tell me why you chose Riverbend for your graduate work?”
Ms. Joiner moved her bag to her side. “This university is well respected. Since its founding in 1892, it has produced successful graduates that have gone on to be senators, top professors, and world-renowned surgeons.”
Despite Ms. Joiner’s enthusiasm, he couldn’t help but watch the way her hands moved when she spoke. It was the same delicate movement as Anna. There had to be a way to keep her from leaving, and hating him for the rest of his life.
“And I appreciate the small town charm,” Ms. Joiner continued, “with its preservation of original stained glass windows and hardwoods. The architecture in this area ser
ves as a cultural timeline. Civil war, modernism, feminism, it’s all represented in such a small area.”
He forced himself to focus on the woman’s words. “You sound passionate about architecture.”
“Not so much architectural history, but buildings as a visual art timeline of our culture. That's what I’d like to concentrate on for my thesis.”
Liam had to admit this girl knew what she wanted, and he could respect that. “I see. Do you believe you’ll have enough material on this subject for a thesis project? I’ve seen more thesis work fall apart at the start. Perhaps you should consult with your advisor and alumni before committing to your thesis topic.”
An I’m-on-top-of-it smile creased her lips. “I’ve already spoken to an architectural history professor in Nashville and two contractors.”
“Contractors?” Liam asked.
“Yes, you see, it isn’t just the original architecture of the buildings, but the revisions and changes made to those buildings throughout history. The influence of society and the necessity based on resources due to war, how we coped, and what changes were made. It’s almost like you can have a building speak to you about what its seen and experienced. The artistry of carpentry, plasterworks, and masonry can tell us so much about the people who constructed it, lived or worked in the buildings."
The clock ticked by the minutes and his cell phone buzzed twice. “Well, Ms. Joiner, your grades and volunteer hours are exceptional. Your resume is stellar. I will need to run your application through the committee, but I’m impressed so far.”
“Thank you, sir. Riverbend is my first choice for my graduate work.” Ms. Joiner stood and offered her hand once more before gliding out of his office.
The smell of coffee wafted from the other room and to his delight Ms. Beetle entered with a cup in hand. “Here you go. I thought you’d like a little pick-me-up.”
“Thank you, Ms. Beetle. I have to admit I was a little reluctant to hire you since you transferred from the business school. I’d expected someone more rigid, but you seem to possess the gift of forethought. A great talent in an assistant, I can assure you.” He raised his mug to her then took a sip. “Ah, perfect. Now, did you reach Dean Jennings's office?”