The master suite smacked of deep comfort, casual elegance, and tastefulness. Serena knew she could be happy here until Billy bought her a spacious new house; they would need a few weeks to shop. Her goal was to talk to him about their new estate next weekend. Surely they’d have a few minutes alone at dinner after the dedication of the blues museum, and by then he’d be ready to ask her to stay forever. Until then, she’d play it cool, be available for invites to family events, offer to sleep on the roll-away sofa bed (for which she’d brought proper bedding, laundered it, and stashed it into the hall closet), but of course she counted on Billy to be a gentleman and give the master bedroom to her. Or share it. Serena smiled at the thought, but she knew that Billy was a little too religious for that since he’d become sober, and there was his son to think of. In time, and she could be as patient as a cat playing with its prey.
Serena knew that Billy loved soul food, so she had a big pot of soup beans on the stove, and fresh cornbread waiting on the counter. No doubt he was tired of eating that awful pub food, and longed for something from home. The best part was, he’d be surprised that she could cook. Actually, she seldom did, but she had a fool-proof recipe from her mother’s chef, and she’d begged Mossy to bake some cornbread.
“Oh, honey, it’s best fresh. I could have y’all for dinner on Saturday,” Mossy had said. But Serena wasn’t about to share Billy with his mama in the first 24 hours of his arrival. They hadn’t spoken about Billy’s son. Serena figured that her future mother-in-law wasn’t sure how much Serena knew. That was okay, because Serena didn’t want to get into a conversation about the boy; it was easier to keep her surprises for Billy a secret that way. The only glitch could be if Yancy had been keeping Mossy up to date, but, if so, Mossy didn’t let on that she saw anything out of the ordinary with Serena waiting for Billy at his condo. Eventually, Mossy had done what Serena asked, and Serena made a very quick trip in Billy’s car to pick up the cornbread. She bought some bread, peanut butter and jelly at the store on the way home, just in case the English kid wouldn’t eat beans. PBJ must be universal.
Serena’s heart nearly skipped a beat when she heard a car pull up outside. Not wanting to appear too eager, she flipped on the television and pretended that she was deeply immersed in a gardening show. Then there was the roll of the lock of the front door, and she heard Billy’s voice talking about how his place wasn’t very fancy, but how they’d get a long just fine. Ha! He was in for a big surprise! His droll little rabbit hole now had the sophisticated air of a show house, and was filled with the smell of southern cooking. Her palms were sweating as she turned on the sofa towards the door.
And in walked a woman.
Chapter 22
Stunned, Serena spat out, “Who are you?”
The woman said nothing, stepped aside as a boy with dark hair came in. The woman held the boy firmly by the shoulders, as though to keep him from venturing further towards the dragon in her pit of huge sofas. Billy came in last, still jabbering about the humble state of his home and dragging his luggage, upon which balanced two small bags.
Serena quickly willed herself into a state of smiling composure.
Billy pulled the suitcases in through the door, turned, and shut it. Then sighed and said, “Well, it’s good to be home, ya’all.” He turned to see Serena in the family room.
He was silent, and starring at Serena. The British people starred at him, noting his shocked reaction. Serena stared back at the trio by the door.
Serena put a big, tolerant grin on her face, as though she’d shoved a coat hanger sideways in her mouth. He’d better start being thrilled that I am here, Serena thought, or there’s going to be hell to pay.
“Uh,” Billy uttered. Had he actually forgotten her name? His reaction seemed to indicate that she had no right to be here. Serena was willing to chalk this up to jet lag, if he’d cooperate — now — with the damage control speech that she was about to make.
“Billy, sweetheart, you are surprised, aren’t you?” The English people now turned to look at her. She’d better make this good. “I’ll bet you’re surprised that I was able to get off work, after all. But, of course, I couldn’t wait to meet your son!”
She clasped her hands together and looked adoringly at the child. Only at the child. Whoever the woman standing beside him was, Serena made it clear that she wasn’t worthy of being acknowledged. They were in Texas now. The United States may not be big enough for the both of them, and Mary Poppins would have to fly back home.
The child might prove to be easy to love. He was beautiful. Serena was enchanted by his lovely dark hair and striking blue eyes. Billy was cute enough, but this child was off the charts gorgeous. His mother must have been a real looker.
At least Billy wasn’t saying anything negative about her, so these people would just imagine he was pleasantly surprised.
“Can you smell that home cooking, baby?” she cooed, walking towards Billy. “Don’t y’all stand there in the doorway, come on in!” She graciously welcomed them in, as though she had long been mistress of the house. They did as they were told, and Billy finally found his tongue.
“This is Jane, and, of course, Jackson.”
Serena stood quietly, forcing him to finish. He did.
“Ya’ll, this is my friend, Serena.”
“Soooo nice to meet you, and welcome to the States!” She walked over to Jackson and leaned over to be on his level. “You are so handsome, just like your daddy. I’ve been so excited to meet you.”
“Thank you.”
Serena melted hearing Jackson speak. “Oh my, you’re so adorable! You sound just like a proper little Harry Potter. You and I are going to get along just great! I like horses, too, did Billy tell you?”
“No.”
“Well, I do, so we’ll have to ride sometime soon, okay?”
Reluctantly, Serena looked at her. It could hardly be helped, at this point. Again, she waited for Billy to break the ice. He could begin by explaining what the hell this woman was doing here. He didn’t.
“How do you do,” the woman said quietly. “I am here as Jackson’s … nanny … for a while, till he gets settled in.” Serena relished how quickly this person, Jane, looked to the floor after making her little announcement. She knew who was in control, and that was good. Serena ignored her and turned to Billy, kissing him on the mouth. He stood like a statue. Covering up her annoyance, she said, “You must be exhausted and so hungry. Come over and have a bite to eat.”
Billy looked flustered, as the trio remained standing by the door. “Actually, our flight came in a little early, and we ate on the way home. But, thanks anyway. We are tired though, but if you want me to drive you to your hotel, I will.”
That was too much.
“Excuse me?”
“Well, if I give Jane my room, then Jackson and I can share the sofa bed, but I am not quite sure where to put you this evenin’, darlin’. I am sorry.”
Keep cool, Serena cautioned herself. She crossed her arms and parried back. “But, I’ve got a surprise for you! I’ve redone Jackson’s room! There’s space enough for both of … them, there are bunk beds. I’ll take the master suite, and, Billy, you can have the sofa bed. One big happy family!”
“You did what?” Billy started laughing. Finally, a little joyful reward for all of her hard labors. She was warming him up now, winning him away from his traveling companions.
“I couldn’t have you bringing your little boy here, and he not have his own room!” Serena affectionately tweaked Jackson’s chin as she said this. Time to play the family card, and keep Billy’s happy feelings simmering. “And of course Yancy was excited to help, so he gave me your key, and your little niece told me where to find some nice horse pictures, and your Mama even made cornbread to go with the meal that I slaved over!”
It worked.
“Don’
t that beat all! Let’s go see what you done, then,” Billy said, reaching out to hug Serena to his chest.
Serena proudly led the way to Jackson’s room. She had all of the lights burning, in anticipation of the grand unveiling. “Ta-dah!” She said, waving her arms.
“Oh, baby, you have been busy.” Billy turned to Jane and Jackson. “There’s was nothin’ here but some extra guitar cases when I left for England.”
Desiring all of his comments to be to her, Serena redirected Billy. “Billy, look here, honey, I even bought Jack a desk, so that he can do his homework, and a T.V. Oh, sorry, you call that a telly don’t you? Anyway, I tried to think of everything, and the bathroom matches this room. Go on and take a look.”
Billy obediently headed for the bath to have a look around. Jackson, getting excited that the room was to be his, padded after his father. He was smiling. Billy came out of the bath and walked to Serena, who was perched provocatively on the desk.
“This looks really great, Serena, thanks so much!” He gave her a kiss on the cheek. A little impersonal, but it was a kiss. She caught him by the arm and said, “Wait till you see our room. I mean — your room!” She laughed seductively and Billy looked embarrassed. She didn’t care if they’d never shared a bed. She wanted to drive home her point to all present: she was Billy’s lady.
But he suddenly turned her comment upside down, becoming Mr. Good Example for the kid. “Well, you know it wouldn’t be our room unless we’re married, and I don’t think Jackson and I are ready for that just yet, are we partner?”
The kid smiled, locking Serena out. Never mind that now, she told herself; she’d scored a lot of points this evening, and ultimately, she’d win. It was obvious that Billy was surprised, but, luckily, he wasn’t overly territorial, or into decorating, to care overly much about what she had done to improve the place, so, as she suspected, he wasn’t angry. Once again, she bolstered herself with a lifetime of debutante training. Her mother and Caroline would have been proud. She smiled warmly, slipping her hand into Billy’s. He was looking deep, deep into her eyes, and she knew for a second that he’d forgotten the others who stood in the room behind them. Perfect, she thought.
“Come see the master suite!” Serena whispered with new enthusiasm. She wasn’t going to call it his room, but she’d be sleeping there tonight, taking her rightful place, so no need to be upset by temporary arrangements.
The trio followed Serena into her piece de resistance. Billy whistled, and Serena tingled. He did that when he was too impressed to say anything. She’d learned that when she asked him to describe a blues guitarist legend he’d seen in concert. She glowed at the ultimate compliment.
“I had no idea this place could look so good. It’s really, really nice.” Billy and Jackson made their way to admire the bath.
Jane answered, as though Billy had been asking for her input. “I must say, it is fabulous! You’ve done a lovely job.” Serena didn’t mind Nanny speaking if it was to give a glowing compliment.
And you look so out of place in a gorgeous room, Serena thought. The woman standing before her was average in everyway. Boring brown hair, twirled into a plastic clip at the nape of her neck. A dowdy rain coat, jeans beneath, with flat black shoes. Jane’s face was bare of make-up. Her features were pleasing enough, but she lacked any interest. Her brown eyes were as large and vacant as a doe’s, and were studying the pictures on the wall as though she were at a museum. She was obviously impressed with Serena’s decorating ability. Serena guessed by her dull clothes and pale face that the woman had no taste, but at least she was bright enough to admire Serena’s.
Perhaps Billy had always been a sucker for strays. Serena decided that the nanny was a stray. And nothing else. Truly here for the child’s temporary benefit. She wouldn’t bother being jealous over the mousy English girl, but she would immediately launch a campaign to get her sent home.
Coming from the bathroom, Billy was still showering her with praise. “It looks amazing, girl. I didn’t know you were so talented at this stuff!”
Jackson yawned and politely covered his mouth. He had manners, of course. Serena liked this kid better all of the time. Her mother and sister would think him divine. So cute. And that yummy accent!
“My partner’s tuckered out, aren’t you son?”
Serena wondered what Jackson called Billy. They seemed very at ease with one another. They must have done some serious bonding in England. Billy left the room; Serena’s grand unveiling was over. Everyone followed him out. He was moving towards the luggage still propped by the front door.
“Us men will bunk together, and you girls can have the larger beds, all right?” Billy looked at Serena. If he was hoping she’d give up the master suite to the hired help, he was quite mistaken.
“My things are all in the master suite, since I’ve been here, working so hard for the last week. But I have some fresh sheets and a new comforter for the sofa bed, so you’ll be very comfy, Jane.”
Jane said thank you and Billy picked up her case and put it close to the sofa. “Serena will make that up for you, love, if you want to use that little bathroom off the kitchen, there, okay?”
She smiled at him.
Serena inwardly seethed. Love? So, Billy was even talking like them, now? There was some comfort in the fact that Serena had heard that English people call everyone that; it couldn’t be anything special. Obviously, with his kind words to Jane, Serena had just received an order from the man of the house to make up the guest bed. No problem. At least she’d be tucked comfortably in Billy’s king-sized bed. Serena retrieved the sheets from the hall closet and began her task of making up Love’s bed, while she rooted for necessities in her suitcase.
A woman’s work being never done, Serena turned off the soup beans on the stove and divided them so they’d cool faster. She’d just finished putting them in the fridge when Jane came from the powder room.
Serena smiled wickedly. The Englishwoman was wearing a shapeless, ugly fleece gown, peeking out from beneath an equally Victorian robe.
Chapter 23
Jane woke to birds singing. She’d been sleeping deeply, and didn’t recognize the cathedral ceiling with a large brass fan hovering high above.
Then it came to her. She was in America.
Seized by homesickness, she wished she’d kept her plans to visit her mum and Hugh in Scotland. She turned onto her side, snuggling deep in the covers, praying for at least five more minutes of privacy before the others came wandering into the sitting room where she lay. She thought about the woman sleeping in the master suite, who had evidently surprised Billy beyond words.
Serena obviously despised her from the first moment, and Jane knew today would not likely bring about a change in her attitude. The American woman was attractive. Tall, blonde, incredibly thin, with a beauty queen’s face and brilliant white teeth. But she seemed the worst sort of person. She’d regarded Jane with disdain, seemed counterfeit in her affections for Billy, and the most ghastly bit was that she seemed to consider Jackson as a doll of some kind. Jane wanted to go home, and take Jackson with her. She felt that everything probably would have worked out all right, but with this woman’s interference it seemed nothing short of a disaster.
“Are you awake, Jane?” Serena called out. Evidentally, the blonde had been in the kitchen the entire time.
Reluctantly, she sat up. Serena was already dressed, leaning by a cabinet where she stood over a spread newspaper, drawing circles around items that were of interest to her. Today she was turned out in a silky scarlet dress that had orange dots. She cast the paper and her pen aside. As she turned to spoon coffee into the machine, Jane noted that Serena’s suntanned shoulders were bare, and a floppy, flirty bow fastened the dress at her neck. Her sleek hair was parted on the side, one side tucked behind a neat little ear. Jane thought of the khaki skirt she would wear later, which would prod
uce the effect of looking rather like a sack of potatoes next to Serena’s rendition of Marilyn Monroe.
“I wonder what time it is in England. I guess that doesn’t matter now, does it?” Serena sang out. Was she trying to rub it in, supposing that Jane was probably feeling out of her depth? Serena took strawberries from a massive black fridge, ran them under water, slicing them. “I am making us waffles for breakfast, but don’t feel like you have to help this time, okay?” With this came a searing look and a cool smile. What did that mean? Was she indicating that Jane was to serve as sous chef from now on?
Whatever Serena’s game, she seemed to sense Jane’s lack of enthusiasm for being here, and she was determined to make Jane feel it. However low Serena’s opinion, Jane certainly wasn’t going in for another bird bath from the lavatory, like last night. Still feeling soiled from yesterday’s travel, she wanted a steamy, proper soak.
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