by Warick Love
The man continued walking all the way to the garden and Garnet had to run to keep up with him. She gasped for breath and pulled on the sleeves of his shirt. “I said wait.”
Max looked at her, amused. “What is it this time, young lady?”
“Will you stop calling me young lady? You sound like my father. Look, I’m sorry. It all came too sudden for me. Will you give me some time to think about it? To see if we can work out a deal?”
He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. “I don’t know. You called the deal off a few minutes ago. Or don’t you remember? Besides, I don’t think you’re such a great catch after all. You’re very pretty, I’d give you that. But you’re also a mouthful and high maintenance. You’re a lot of work if you ask me.”
Garnet felt her fists close and was ready to pounce on the man, when she stopped herself. “I see. What a pompous asshole you are! You need not be so terribly insulting.” She took a deep breath and walked away, wanting to kick herself for even thinking about making a deal with this man. The wind blew her hair. As she entered the door, Max focused his eyes on her and shook his head.
****
When she entered her room, she slammed the door and hopped on her bed. She felt totally miserable. The man was a wretch. She couldn’t believe her father would have her married to him. Granted, he was handsome and tall, and manly. However, he’s also pompous and has a mighty big ego. Hell, if she married him, her life would be doomed. She looked out on the window and sighed. Ever since she came back from her vacation, nothing has been going right. She really has to think of something. She thought about marriage----but it is something so alien to her. The truth is----she hasn’t even been involved with anyone. She dated, went to prom, but never was she involved in anything serious. While most girls her age are giggling in the locker rooms talking about kissing boys and allowing them some “liberties”, for Garnet her world was different----despite her own budding curiosity, she hasn’t even been kissed in a way she had read so many times in all her paperbacks. She stood in front of her vanity and looked at herself in the mirror. Her light rose lips were sad---the sadness echoed in her eyes. She very slowly unbuttoned her dress and looked at her reflection. She thought about the man she just met and how tall and manly he looked. If only they were really in love to be getting married. If only he were actually a gallant prince and not an egoistic bastard like the way he behaved earlier, perhaps, there might have been a chance. But just thinking about how those manly hands could be so crude against her delicate flesh send shivers down her spine. By the looks of him----he wouldn’t be gentle and he would be forceful. For Garnet, she’d rather die than give her body to that man.
She went down to the library, knowing her father will not be there tonight. She locked the door and went to the last shelves were some notable architectural and design books can be found. She looked at them and smiled. This is where her heart is. All of a sudden, tears gathered in her eyes as she realized that she might need to give Design up since there is no way that’s she’s going to marry Max Dillard. She flipped through the pages of her well loved books and spent a few good hours reading all her favourite novels. It was not until dawn that she went back to her room. Now she knows exactly what to do.
***
Early that morning, Garnet dressed up early and caught her father during breakfast. She feels inexplicably calm yet inwardly excited as she blurted out, “Father, I have decided. I will marry Max Dillard. However, you have to promise me that you won’t interfere with my life anymore. You’d let me pursue whatever degree I want for myself. Also, I’d like to live by myself. In other words, I am moving out. As soon as possible.”
Garnet’s mother gasped and pushed aside her plate. Her husband held her hand. “So be it. Anymore conditions, Garnet?”
She took a deep breath and prayed silently for her plan to work. “Yes. I would like to speak to Mr. Dillard---just us.”
Her father eyed her for a moment and under the table, Garnet’s hands started to get clammy. Finally, her father remarked. “Very well. I’d ask him to pick you up for dinner tonight.”
Garnet nodded and speared a carrot. Inwardly, she smiled. It is the beginning.
***
Later during the day, Garnet hurried inside her bedroom and took a long hot bath. It was the first time in days that she felt a bit better. She allowed her muscles to release some tension as the hot water caressed her skin, the relaxing scent of sandalwood oil surrounding the bathroom. When the water started to get cold, she got out of the tub and put on a terry cloth robe. Randall prepared all the things she’d be wearing for tonight. The woman is very efficient, but Garnet wished that she did not do these things for her anymore. She feels like a 9 year old.
As she combed her hair, she thought about the meeting she’d be having tonight. She dreaded the thought of seeing Max Dillard again. However, she has no choice. This is the last resort and it HAS to work. She lifted one of the picture frames near her vanity. She missed Tante Gabrielle. In her home, she can do whatever she wants and at least there, she was treated like an adult. Unlike here. If her plan worked out, she’d be living in one of the apartments near Amanda’s place. “Everything must go according to the plan.” She whispered to herself.
For tonight, she had chosen a ruby red dress with a Chinese collar that goes up to a couple of inches above her knee. For good luck, she thought. Her face was pale, save for some tea rose tint on her lips. Her stiletto pumps gave her additional height, and somehow wearing them made her feel a lot more confident than she actually is. As she went out of the room, she left a faint trail of Tea Rose and sandalwood.
***
As she walks towards the door of the restaurant, Garnet caught a glimpse of Max Dillard. Suddenly, she felt her mouth go dry and lost a bit of her conviction. Now that she’s inside her, she silently debated whether to forget about the whole thing or just shoot herself to pieces. Too late, Max Dillard’s eyes met hers.
He stood up to greet her and help her with her seat. Without preamble, he said, “If you came here to negotiate----it had better be good. You gave me a really hard time.”
Just then, the waiter arrived and took their orders. Garnet had the opportunity to study the man before her. Now that he’s freshly shaven, he looks about 5 years or so older than she is. His eyes were devastatingly intense, with a hint of smartness hidden in their depths. His nose is perfectly sculpted, adding to his masculine aura. Looking at him, Garnet was filled with a sudden fear combined with curious fascination. This was a man you cannot toy with. Ironically, she was about to do just that.
Max caught her staring at him and he pinned him with his piercing eyes. “Are you thinking about where to stab me?” he asked, his tone plain and casual.
Garnet stammered. “I, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stare. Why did you make a deal with my father to marry me?”
“I told you, Garnet. You better make this good. If you came all the way here to ask me that, I may leave now.”
She gripped his arm. “Please, don’t leave. Look, I don’t know a thing or two about men. It’s only natural that I ask. This is a big thing on my end. Unlike on your end---it looks as though you think about this whole thing like you would when you buy a pair of shoes.”
“You said you don’t know a great deal about men. How could you be so quick to think you know me?” He countered. “Garnet, you have a choice. You need not marry me if you don’t want to.”
“I’m not done yet, Max.” She crossed her arms on her breasts, as if protecting herself from revealing her true intentions. “I will marry you. On one condition though.”
His expression was unreadable. “And what’s that, young lady?”
“You’d stop calling me young lady and we won’t be married until a year from now.” She looked at him, expectantly.
“Did you even hear yourself? You think that’s a good deal? I cannot wait for a year. I want a woman in my house and my bed. Nothing less.”
Garnet swallowed hard
. “Please, Max. I’m begging you. Will you just think about it? I don’t need your answer right away. Just think about it.”
His mouth twitched slightly. ‘You hate law school that much. Don’t you?”
She took a long deep breath and nodded. “Yeah. I cannot hide it well enough. So, will you consider?”
The waiter arrived with their refreshments. “I don’t know yet. I can’t think when I’m hungry.”
“Bastard.” She muttered under her breath.
“I heard that. If I hear it again, you can say
goodbye to me as well.”
“Fine. You eat first. Oh, this is such an agony. All I really wanted was to be in charge of my own life. I didn’t know it would have to be so difficult.”
He chuckled then. Garnet was so surprised that she also smiled. “Please. I’m starved. We’ll talk about your issues later.”
She nodded tentatively and kept to herself. Dinner was delicious and although Garnet’s mind was too preoccupied to be able to really taste anything, she was able to enjoy the meal. They ate in silence without much incident. It was not very good and it was not very bad either and that was enough for her. For now.
The man is a mystery for Garnet. He seemed to be somewhat nice and casual. But there’s also something really else----something Garnet couldn’t quite put a finger on.
“So what is your plan exactly?” He asked while they were having dessert.
Garnet stared at the frosting of her cake as she spoke, “I already told you everything. I’d agree with the getting married thing. All I am asking for is some time to get myself ready for it. I figured that if I would be someone’s wife by some sort of agreement, I am entitled to some me time.” She said nervously.
“Won’t a week be enough time Garnet? You and I know that you are not telling me the truth. Your father is not here Garnet. Why don’t we try being honest. I thought that’s why you wanted to talk to me alone.”
“I don’t get what you mean. I told you everything you need to know.” She tried to coat her words with conviction but she is failing miserably.
“Can you look me in the eye and tell me that you really want to marry me? The truth, Garnet. Tell me the truth.”
Garnet shifted uncomfortably in her seat and looked at him, her expression solemn. “Alright, then. Truth be told----I don’t want to marry you or any other man, at least not now. I’m still young and I want to become somebody. I don’t want to live on the shadows Max. All my life I have been living a half-life. I want to become something I can actually be proud of, do things that I love, and last but not the least---marry someone I really love. I don’t know you from Adam. What I really like is some time. Right now, my father is so determined to set me up with you or drag me to law school. A year will give me plenty of time to convince him that this whole thing is insane.”
Max straightened on his seat and smiled. “There you go. That’s all I wanted to hear, Garnet. The thing is, marriage is the last thing on my mind right now.”
Garnet’s eyes narrowed then focused on his face. “I don’t get it. You came to my father asking him for my hand, or has there been a mistake?”
“Well, actually I did----but not because I want you or desperate for a wife. Truth is, I am just also doing this for my father. Actually, my reason for asking your father to marry you was my idea. I want to be the head of my father’s company. However, I’m adopted and so his real son, Blake is his first choice. Well, he did not tell me that, but I can sense it. I am power hungry, Garnet and obviously I’d be willing to do anything to shift everything on my favour. A marriage between our families will be a very good thing.”
Before he can say anything more, Garnet stood up and tossed away the napkin. She walked blindly out of the door and tried to catch her breath. She was trembling from anger. Max cleared the bill and quickly followed her outside. He caught her hand and pulled her close to him.
“Garnet, this is not the time to act like a child. I’m sorry okay? Yes, it was my idea to come to your father. It was my own greediness that made me do it, knowing that the two have been really friends for many years. I know, we haven’t met, but I know you’ve met Blake a few times when you were younger...”
“Wait, Blake? I don’t know any Blake...” Then it occurred to her.
“Oh my God! Blake Dillard is your brother? I was so crossed with father that I forgot everything he told me. The name Dillard did not even register.” She punched him lightly on the arm and without a thought, she jumped into his arms and wrapped him in a tight embrace. “You’re Blake Dillard’s older brother! How is he? I haven’t seen him in like years!”
Garnet’s sudden change of mood made Max sigh. What an incredible woman----a bitch one second then a giddy young lady in a flash. He tentatively returned her embrace, feeling awkward with the sudden display of affection. “Er, he’s doing great. He’s still in Australia, finishing his studies. He told me so many things about you. I heard you’ve been really close when you were kids.”
“Oh yeah.” She said as she went back in time. “It was one adventurous summer-----one of my best childhood memories.”
She took his hands and smiled at him. “You know what, I’m still mad at you for all this. But since you’re Blake’s brother, I can at least forgive you. However, you have to help me.”
Max looked at her seriously. “Now, what do you have in mind, young lady?”
Garnet put her hands on her waist and looked at him. “Stop calling me that! Don’t you get it? We’ll work together. Since we both don’t like to get married but have to get married, then we’ll pretend we’re going to get married.”
“It’s not that easy you know. They’d find out that this is all just a farce, and we’d both pay for it.”
“Well. There’s always that possibility. No plan is fool proof. That’s why we have to be very good at pretending.”
Max pulled her to him once again and pretended to kiss her lips. Instinctively, Garnet nudged him and looked at him like she’s ready to strike.
“You see?” We can’t do it. If you act like that every time I pull you close to me, no one will believe us.”
“Hot damn.” She muttered. “Do you really have to touch me?”
“Well, who would believe us if I don’t? Look, Garnet. This is a serious matter. I badly need that position and I wanted to rule the firm. Now, if you want to say goodbye to Law School forever, we have to be good. Theatre good.”
“Do you promise not to speak about this to anyone including Blake?” She asked him.
“I promise. Do you promise to be a convincing pretend fiancé---at least for a while until we both figure out what to do?” He countered.
Garnet straightened her stance and extended her hand. “Deal.”
With that, she slipped her arm around his, much to his surprise.
Two
When Garnet came home that night, she was filled with an immense feeling of relief. With Max on her side, with their paired desperation for this plan to work, she was sure that both of them will do anything to make the whole thing be convincing. She sagged on the pillows and kicked her shoes away. Surely, she won’t be able to sleep.
Later, she called Amanda.
“I’m getting married.” She said without warning.
“Garnet! So he’s handsome? Was it love at first sight?” Her friend gushed excitedly.
Garnet was tempted to lie, but she can’t hide anything from her friend anyway. “No. It was not love at first sight. But I decided to marry him anyway.”
“Mmmmm, something doesn’t sound right, Darling. You’re telling me you are getting married yet there’s no hint of excitement in your voice. You don’t want this, Garnet.”
“Well, I don’t. But I have to. Guess what, we’ll talk more and I promise to tell you EVERYTHING when I move in to my new place. Remember the townhouse you’ve been telling me about? It’s mine after tonight. I’ll see you in the coming days, my friend. I AM SOOO EXCITED!”
Amanda�
��s excitement was so obvious that she was not able to speak clearly for a minute. “Oh my God! Finally, you’ve convinced the old man to free you. That’s amazing. Just so amazing. I absolutely cannot wait.”
Garnet laughed. “Me too.”
***
Blake Dillard stared absentmindedly at the window of his room, thinking about home. A recent call from his brother made him kind of worried. He knows that Max means well and that he is more than qualified to run the firm. However, that’s not the reason why Blake is suddenly anxious. He cannot stop thinking about what his brother told him----that she’d marry Garnet.
Garnet Bonner. He had not seen her in years. In fact, he had no idea what she looks like now. All he remembers was that she was giggly yet a bit shy, but head on stubborn. For one summer, they have been playmates and have done everything together---climbed trees, played tagged, surfed, and built sand castles. She was very pretty---with deep set blue eyes that seem to sparkle every time she smiles. She was still very young then, but a joy to be with. He had never forgotten about her. Little did he know that the next time he sees her, she’d be his sister-in-law.