Despite his efforts, he sensed that Renee knew something was amiss. Sure, he was with them, spending as much time as he had promised, but he had changed. Though she tried, Reggie noticed that she couldn’t quite conceal her doubts.
He knew he was not leaving things with Renee as secure as they could be, but he simply couldn’t help himself. His spirit had already left, and gotten a head start to Miami…And he couldn’t keep the need to catch up with it out of his eyes.
•
Later that night when they were in bed, Reginald decided it was time to leave. There was no need to stay past tomorrow. He would fly in early, and surprise Tracy and the girls.
Paperwork could be faxed, phone calls could be made, e-mails could be sent; his physical presence in Orlando was no longer essential. He said as much to Renee now.
“So, what time is your flight?” asked Renee, her voice low.
“Not until late. I have meetings throughout the day and Roger’s going to be present, so I’m not really sure how long they’ll be.” He turned away from her, rolling to his side and covering himself with the sheet.
Renee stared at his form under the covers. He was obviously very worried about his daughter. He seemed so distant. It’s like he’s already gone, she thought sadly.
She moved up against his back. “When can we expect you back…for a visit at least?”
Reggie turned and faced her again. “Listen, sweetheart, don’t worry. I’ll be in touch. Things are so uncertain right now that I can’t, in good faith, give you a date when I’ll make it back. But I will keep in touch—I promise. I’ll keep you posted about what’s going on, and I will also try my best to fly back up here and see you as much as possible.” He pulled her against him.
“I’m gonna miss you so much,” she whispered, hugging him close.
“I know, honey, I’m sorry…I’m gonna miss you, too, and Denise,” He paused briefly before saying, “Hey, I meant to ask you about Helen. How did she react to the news?”
“She was quite upset and, of course, she thinks you’re lying about everything.” She paused, waiting for his reply.
“I was expecting that. I thought a lot about discussing this with your family—especially your parents—but with all that’s going on right now…” He sighed. “I just can’t see defending myself to anyone else. You do understand that, don’t you?”
“Yes, of course I understand, don’t worry about it. I’ll handle them.”
“I can only imagine how John’s gonna react,” said Reggie. John Jameson was Renee’s older brother. He had always agreed with their parents’ and Helen’s opinion of the relationship.
“Did you hear me? I said don’t worry about it, Reggie. Everything will be fine on this end. You just go and look after your daughter. Then hurry back home.” She snuggled closer to him and kissed his cheek in the darkness.
He knew what that meant. Reginald moved over her, and obliged.
•
Monday evening, Roger Roman saw Reginald off on the Hart-Roman private jet. Roger was a broodingly attractive man of medium height and was often told he resembled a shorter version of Tyrone Powers.
Despite his marital status, he managed to maintain a very clandestine string of mistresses. Reginald attributed this to Roger’s willingness to support him over the years—he identified with Reggie.
Roger Roman was more than just a boss; he was a valuable friend, much like Franklin, and Reggie could not have survived the last six years without him. Roger had covered for him on many a risky occasion. He had even gotten him memberships to two different exclusive golf clubs so none of his and Renee’s acquaintances would ever rub shoulders with any of his and Tracy’s.
•
Later, as he settled into the leather seat of the jet, sipping Scotch, Reginald said a prayer. Closing his eyes, he asked God for forgiveness. He confessed that he had not told Renee the truth for fear of losing Tracy—which could never happen.
He prayed for Denise, asking God to protect her, to forgive his absence in her life. Somehow he’d make his mark on her from a distance, but for the time being, he had to break away.
He was heading home again…and this time, it was for good.
PART TWO
Chapter 15
Miami, Florida
Tracy and Olivia were taking advantage of the fact that the rain had let up considerably since Saturday. Monday evening found them in swimsuits, taking a leisurely swim in the pool. Tracy was trying once again—and failing once again—to get Olivia to lighten up on her father.
“All I’m asking is that you give your father a chance, Liv. Just let him try to make up for lost time.” Tracy backstroked to the far end of the gigantic swimming pool.
Olivia pulled herself up to the edge, dangling her legs in the cool water. “Mom, you just don’t get it. Dad’s just trying to save face. And for what? He must have something to hide.” She paused. “I don’t know…I just don’t think we mean as much to him as he wants us to believe.”
Tracy pondered that. It wasn’t true. Granted, Reggie had his moods, but she had never doubted his love for them. She told Olivia so now.
“By the way, I’ve been thinking a lot about getting my own place. I feel like it’s time for me to go out on my own. You know, buy a condo or something. What do you think?”
“I think it sounds like you’re running away.”
They both jumped, turning at the unexpected sound of Reginald’s voice. He stepped from under the cupola, which extended several feet from the house.
“Honey! You’re home!” Tracy was the first to recover, and she shot a glance at Olivia, terrified that Reginald had heard too much of the conversation.
“Yeah, I thought I’d surprise you guys. Now, Olivia, what’s this talk about moving?”
Tracy groaned inwardly. This was exactly what she’d hoped to avoid.
Standing, Olivia reached for her towel. “I just think it’s time for me to get a place of my own—that’s all.” She began toweling off, planning to make a quick retreat to the house. “I’m not getting any younger, you know.”
Reginald flinched. “We’re going to talk more about this later, okay?”
“Sure, Daddy, whatever you want,” Olivia replied, skirting past him.
Reginald shook his head; his shoulders sagged as he looked down at Tracy.
She swam over to the edge, returning his gaze. “You know, Regg, if she wants to move, we can’t really stop her,” she said quietly. “She has her own money.”
Sighing, Reginald loosened his tie. He had arrived home to find Valerie by herself in the den, watching television. After hugging and chatting a bit, she told him where he could find the others.
Once he’d put away his traveling bag and briefcase, he headed out to the pool area just in time to hear Olivia declare that she was thinking of moving out. As he had approached, he’d heard their voices, but that was the only part of the conversation he’d heard clearly.
From the looks of it, he had a steep climb to repair his relationship with Olivia. But he welcomed the challenge. From now on, nothing would come between him and his family.
Removing his socks, trousers, and shirt, he joined Tracy in the pool with a huge splash, sending water everywhere. Underwater, he swam over and tickled the bottoms of her feet.
Tracy squealed, trying to get away from him. When he surfaced, he grabbed her head, pulling it to meet his kiss. As he deepened the kiss, she gently wrapped her legs around his waist.
God, he had missed her. He didn’t quite understand this sudden awareness of something he’d had all the time.
As the passion of their kiss increased, he made his presence felt between her thighs. Breaking the kiss, Tracy arched her neck; he buried his head, suckling the smooth skin there. Reggie ran his hands down the length of her back, and cupped her buttocks. He rubbed her against his hardness. “Hmm,” he moaned. “I missed you…I want you.”
Tracy moaned in agreement, her eyes glazed over with desire.
Then common sense took over and she said against his lips, “It’s too early, Regg. What if one of them comes out? It’s…too…early.” He was driving her mad, grinding against her. The water splashed around them.
“They won’t come out,” he whispered. “Besides, does it feel like I can wait?”
She chuckled through her desire. “You’re right. But, let’s go into the pool house...”
Ignoring her, Reginald reached down and slid the bathing suit cloth to the side.
Tracy shuddered, held her breath.
He pushed his boxer shorts down and released himself—full, long, and pulsing in the indigo water. Guiding himself toward her beneath the surface, he probed her opening with his tip. Tracy pressed against it, eager to feel him inside her. With ease, he slipped into her body. They both moaned the pleasure. He sealed their lips together, and once the initial wave of pleasure subsided, began bouncing her lightly in the water.
Tracy came almost instantly. She moaned into his mouth and then threw her head back as he continued to stroke her for his own release.
Reggie slowly moved them over to the edge, resting his back against it. He stared into her drowsy eyes. “Ride me,” he whispered.
And she did. She rode him until they came together in the water.
Chapter 16
Valerie sat in her fifth-period biology class, making useless attempts to give Mrs. Lyman her undivided attention. She’d had the same problem in her previous four classes. As the white-haired teacher droned on about crustaceans and amphibians, Valerie could only think about the situation at home.
Her father had been home for nearly a month, and she was still paying for trying to have her mother followed. Reginald had blasted both she and Deborah for the scheme—a blasting they would not soon forget.
Valerie hated it when her father was upset with her. He had reproached her behavior and told her to remember her place as a child. He had also been outraged that she could spread such utterly dreadful speculation about her own mother!
He just doesn’t understand, she thought. Valerie was certain that her mother was seeing someone else. She wondered if it would stop now that her dad was home. She resented Tracy for doing that to her father. How dare she be out sleeping with somebody else when their father had to be away, so hard at work! And Olivia was just as bad. She still wouldn’t give him the time of day.
To Valerie’s surprise, Olivia had not yet taken Sean back. He’d come to the house on several occasions, but Olivia refused to see him. Given their history, she had thought for sure they would’ve gotten back together by now.
Despite Reggie’s attempts to engage her in conversations about a family vacation, Olivia remained noncommittal and distant. She left the house only to attend her day classes at the university and to view condos and town homes. She was more determined than ever to find a place of her own.
At times, Valerie thought about going with her, but she didn’t think she could actually share a place with Olivia. She couldn’t appreciate Olivia’s deep resentment of their father.
Instead of improving, the tension in the house only mounted. It was anyone’s guess when an explosion would occur…
•
As the bell rang, signaling the end of fifth period, Valerie gathered her books and headed into the hallway. Her friend Lydia was waiting outside the door, as usual, to walk to their last class together.
“So, what do you say we hit the mall and then go to the movies tonight? Ron and Joe wanna meet us there.” Lydia, who was the same age as Valerie, had promised to arrange a date with Joseph Ellison, the cutest guy Valerie had ever seen. All the girls were after him. Now Lydia was telling her that it was done! He would be meeting them at the movies!
“What?” Valerie questioned, as kids noisily rushed past them in the hallway. “How did you do it?”
“It wasn’t me—it was Ron. Turns out they have weight training together, and Ron told him he knew a girl he could hook up with.”
“Oh, my God, Lydia! You gotta help me find something to wear!” Valerie giggled.
“Of course! That’s why we have to hit the mall!”
At that moment, reality settled around Valerie like an unwelcome relative. She was grounded! She was expected home right after school. “Damn, Lydia, I can’t go! I forgot I’m still grounded! Shit.”
“What? You’re still grounded? Damn!” Lydia frowned. “Hasn’t it been, like, a month now?”
“Almost four weeks—can you believe it? He won’t let up!” When they reached their lockers, Valerie leaned against hers, sighing heavily. She stomped her foot against the bottom locker. “Shit. I have to go! I’m gonna go home and beg him to let me go. It’s been four weeks! It’s about time he lightened up on me, don’t you think?”
“Hell, yeah,” Lydia agreed, shaking her head. “I’ve never heard of anybody being grounded that long.”
•
Later that afternoon as she made her way up the driveway, Valerie felt her palms moistening with every step.
Gripping her heavy backpack, she prayed her father would relent and let her go out. After all, it was Friday, and she had been grounded for nearly a month now…
•
“They squeezed me in at nine o’clock on Monday,” Olivia informed Tracy, after practically begging the nurse at Dr. Gabriel’s office for an appointment change.
Her original appointment had been scheduled for a week from Tuesday, but she needed it done as soon as possible. She insisted she did not want to carry the baby another minute, let alone another week. She was nearly six weeks along.
“Okay. Nine o’clock is good,” said Tracy from her closet. She was shuffling through her designer outfits, looking for something to wear to the play at Parker Playhouse that she and Reginald were planning to attend with Roger Roman and his wife, Justine.
“I tried to get it for tomorrow, but no luck.”
“Well, Monday’s fine, Liv. You’ll make it through the weekend.” Tracy pulled out a jade wrap gown and studied it. “Just be prepared, because this isn’t something that can be taken lightly. Say a prayer and you’ll be fine. No, not this,” she said, replacing the green gown and pulling out a navy pinstriped pantsuit. “Nope, too businesslike.”
“Where’s that cute little skirt outfit you bought the other day?” said Olivia from the loveseat just outside the closet. “Wasn’t it silk? That would look nice.”
At the back of the closet, Tracy pulled out the silk Yves Saint Laurent ensemble. It was a solid red with curvy black wisps all over. “Yes, this is perfect. You know, I’d forgotten all about it.” She set about finding shoes and selected a stylish pair of black suede sandals.
As she left the closet, Tracy noticed Olivia’s glum expression and joined her on the sofa. “Oh, sweetie, you’ll get through this. You know, even though it never feels that way at the time, it will pass. I promise. It always does.”
“I know, I know. It’s just that I can’t seem to think about anything else, Mom. I wish I could just wipe the idiot completely from my mind!”
The night her father had returned home, surprising them out by the pool, Olivia had gone upstairs to shower and wash her hair.
Thinking he had suffered enough, she decided to call Sean. When she got his voicemail at home, she tried his cell phone, only to have none other than Jacquelyn Henderson answer.
When she asked to speak to Sean, she was told that he was unavailable at the moment. What in the world did that mean? Unavailable? Why the hell had he been unavailable?
She had hung up without saying another word to the scrawny bitch.
Now she sighed heavily, saying, “I just want to forget about him, and it would help if I weren’t carrying this baby.”
“Honey, don’t let it break your spirit, okay? I mean, you’ve got so much going for you with school and everything, so just put everything into its proper perspective and take it one day at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be saying, ‘Sean who’?”
“Yeah, I guess
so.” At the moment, Olivia could not imagine having a minute go by that didn’t include a Sean-related thought.
Sean. His laugh, his smell. His hair, his funny little words and remarks. And last but certainly not least, his awful betrayals.
“Well, I’ve got to get ready,” said Tracy cheerfully, heading for the bathroom.
Olivia watched her mother as she glided across the floor toward the bath. How did she manage to do it? How could she seem to be so happy with their father now, while seeing their Uncle Frank at the same time? Well, Olivia didn’t exactly know if they were still seeing each other, but she assumed they were. She decided to ask.
She entered the bathroom just as Tracy was stepping into the shower stall. She’d always marveled at how shapely and toned her mother was. At thirty-nine, thanks to Jane Fonda and Denise Austin, Tracy was in admirable shape.
“Mom?”
“Yeah, honey?”
Olivia perched on a stool by the dressing table. “What’s going on with you and Uncle Frank now? Anything?”
Tracy cringed. She had a flashback of the afternoon three years earlier when she’d been lying across her bed, having an uncensored phone conversation with Franklin. She had been alone in the house and she hadn’t heard Olivia come in from school, climb the stairs, and stand in her bedroom doorway.
Oh, there were times when Tracy so regretted that she hadn’t been much more cautious; times she so regretted having had to admit such a thing to her own daughter. This was one of those times. She said, “Why do you ask, honey?”
“I don’t know…Curiosity, I guess.”
THE GREAT PRETENDER Page 13