‘I don’t believe he knows he’s your ex.’
‘He’s mad. He wouldn’t be mad if he didn’t realize we’re finished.’
‘Have you seen him a lot?’
‘At a couple of parties. And he came to the store once. I wasn’t there. He left a note for me telling me to stop sending his phone calls to voicemail. Also, we both went to the Wiederman wedding. At the reception he acted friendly if people were looking, and if not he could have frozen me with a glance. A couple of times I’ve thought he was following me, but I can’t be certain.’
‘Are you afraid of him?’
Kelsey shook her head. ‘Brad is a thirty-two-year-old spoiled kid with a bad temper under a smooth facade. We’ve known him for ages, Lori. He was an annoying teenager when I first met him. But I’d hardly been around him for years when he asked me out and he seemed to have improved since adolescence. Also, I was busy and I thought dating someone I already knew would be easy. The first couple of months were OK, but he was frustrated about not moving up the ladder at the law firm. He started drinking more and he isn’t a pleasant drunk. He was also smoking a lot of marijuana in my loft. That’s when I ended it. I wasn’t going to get busted because of his habits. I should have ended it months before I did, but I was getting MG Interiors off the ground and I let things slide with him until he began acting like he owned me.’
‘Maybe you should talk to the police.’
Kelsey laughed. ‘And tell them what? That Bradley Fairbourne glares at me when no one’s looking? That he’s possessive and he doesn’t take rejection gracefully? He just likes to swagger and act brilliant and indestructible, the way he did when he was young?’
‘You’re too forgiving when it comes to him.’
‘I broke up with him, didn’t I? I’m sorry if he’s truly hurt, but I couldn’t be around him anymore. I don’t feel guilty about it. Besides, Brad is an attractive lawyer from a prominent family. He’ll meet someone soon and then he’ll forget I exist.’
‘Well, it’s a shame that your breakup didn’t make his mother mad enough to stop hanging around our house. Olivia is zeroing in on Dad.’
‘You’ve been saying that since Mom died.’
‘Did you know Dad’s been riding with Olivia and he lets her ride Yasmine?’
‘Well, Yasmine needs exercise.’ Kelsey kept her voice neutral as she thought of her mother’s beloved gray Arabian horse. She didn’t like the image of Olivia Fairbourne on her mother’s beautiful horse, either.
‘She rides Guinevere, too,’ Lori went on indignantly. ‘Dad told me Olivia sold their last horse about three months ago. She said close friends really wanted it for their daughter, but I think she needed the money. Everyone knows Milton started making bad investments a couple of years before he died. His fortune wasn’t nearly what it was when he married Olivia, and half of what he had when he died went to his daughter from his first marriage. Olivia’s probably playing on Dad’s sympathy about how she misses her horse, or he’d never let her ride Yasmine regularly. We only have three horses now, and the handlers and grooms don’t let them suffer from neglect. Dad said you go home every few weeks and ride Yasmine and Guinevere.’
‘Yes, but I can’t give them a real workout with my great equestrian skills,’ Kelsey said dryly. ‘Olivia is a much better rider than I am.’
‘Guinevere is mine,’ Lori stated. ‘I don’t want Olivia to ride her.’
‘OK. Tell Dad that Olivia’s not allowed to ride Guinevere.’
‘And make myself sound like a possessive five-year-old brat? Olivia would love it. She’d go to Dad and act hurt, make her voice quiver, maybe cry. I’d look petty and mean. She’s clever enough to take sneaky little steps.’ Lori’s jaw tightened. ‘I despise her.’
‘You despise her?’ Even as a child, Lori had been melodramatic. ‘Isn’t that a bit strong?’
‘No. She came dragging into town with her son and a sad song and managed to meet Milton Fairbourne. He was old, his ogre wife of a hundred and fifty years had just died and he fell for Olivia like a ton of bricks. She just wanted his money and to get him to adopt her kid.’
‘I’m not so sure Brad considered his adoption a favor. He and Milton never got along.’
‘Did Brad ever tell you about his biological father?’
‘Only that he died when Brad was little and he doesn’t remember him.’
‘That’s what I mean – they never give details. Poor Milton was so in love with Olivia that he didn’t care. I know a great private investigator in New York. We should hire him to check her out because God knows who she really is!’
‘Lori, you were two when she married Milton,’ Kelsey said patiently. ‘Maybe Milton knew her background. You don’t. You’ve just heard gossip.’
‘Not from Mom. Olivia pretended to be Mom’s friend, but after Milton died Olivia was after Dad. Even before Milton had his last big heart attack she paid too much attention to Dad, always smiling at him and laughing at his jokes.’
‘How did I forget she laughed at his jokes?’ Kelsey couldn’t help smiling. ‘I admit that Olivia likes attention – male attention in particular. She’s always flirted with any good-looking guy over twenty-one. Mom just ignored it.’
‘She shouldn’t have. Olivia is a gold-digging opportunist.’
Kelsey took a deep breath and said calmly, ‘Lori, Dad adored Mom. No one could have been stupid enough to think he would divorce her for anyone.’
‘But Mom’s dead and Dad’s vulnerable,’ Lori said bitterly. ‘I think Olivia already considers herself part of our family. I know she expects to marry Dad, but that will never happen while I’m alive and I haven’t made a secret of it!’
Kelsey was shocked by Lorelei’s genuine apprehension and softened toward her sister, whose cheeks were burning red with resentment at someone who might take their mother’s place. ‘Do you want Dad to be alone for the rest of his life?’
After a moment, Lori said reluctantly, ‘No, but he doesn’t know what he wants right now. He’s lonely. She’s attractive and charming in that gushy way I can’t stand, and she makes him laugh.’ Lorelei shuddered. ‘And she knows the time to try to hook him is while he’s down.’
Kelsey suddenly wondered if something more than friendship had been developing between her father and Olivia while she’d been too involved in her own life to notice. Still, she didn’t want Lorelei to get even more upset.
‘You’re not giving Dad enough credit, Lori. He’s never been impulsive. I know he’s still depressed and lonely without Mom, but he hasn’t lost his good judgment. I’m sure he’s not romantically interested in Olivia.’
Lorelei looked morose before she finally said, ‘I want Dad to be happy and find a good woman someday. But Olivia’s not a good woman. I can feel it.’
After a moment, Kelsey said gently, ‘Lori, we spent a long time shopping. I think you’re tired. Don’t get so wound up over Olivia.’
‘OK,’ Lori said reluctantly. ‘I’ll try not to.’ Lorelei closed her eyes and smoothed her hair behind her ears. Kelsey could almost feel her trying to calm down. Lori looked up at the framed picture on the wall by their booth. ‘That’s Charismatic.’
Kelsey glanced at the photo of the beautiful chestnut thoroughbred that had won the Derby in 1999. ‘You were always good at remembering the winners!’
‘Charismatic’s name and the year he won is engraved on the brass plate on the frame.’ Lori giggled. ‘That helped. Where’s our Triple Crown winner, Carmillo?’
‘Near the front of the tavern. He’s the first thing I talked about with Rick Conway.’ Lori raised her eyebrows and Kelsey quickly asked, ‘How’s Guinevere?’
‘Wonderful. I miss riding her so much when I’m in New York.’ Lorelei’s face almost glowed when she spoke of the Palomino Quarter Horse given to her by her parents on her sixteenth birthday. ‘Dad and I have gone riding twice since I came home.’ She sighed. ‘I’m never happier than when I’m riding Guinevere on a beautiful day.’
‘You’re an excellent horsewoman. I, however …’
‘Never really tried.’
‘I realized long ago that I don’t have the magic touch of you and Dad and Mom when it comes to horses. But I have a cat.’
‘A fine cat, but it’s not the same.’
‘You’re right. He fits into my loft better than a horse would.’
Lori laughed. ‘That’s true. But really, Kelsey, you need someone besides a cat to share that beautiful loft with you.’ Suddenly she smiled radiantly. ‘How about Stuart Girard?’
‘Stuart? For me?’
‘Well, not for Dad!’
‘Stuart is my business partner.’
‘He’d be too serious and quiet for me, but he’s good-looking and smart and has the same interests as you. He’s in his mid-thirties and sophisticated. Dad likes him and he’s—’
‘Involved with Eve.’
Lorelei blinked in surprise. ‘Eve Daley?’
Kelsey nodded. ‘They’re trying to keep it private. But I know both of them. I can tell …’
‘Really involved? You’ve known Eve for what … three years? Why wouldn’t she tell you?’
‘You know Eve isn’t very open about her private life.’ Kelsey shrugged. ‘But at the store I notice that they talk to each other a lot, and he always smiles around her. Once I saw him stroke her arm.’
‘Kelsey, no!’
‘It’s fine. I’m delighted.’ Kelsey laughed. ‘When I went to work with Stuart at Durand Designs, I was a beginner and he was so patient with me. I admire him and I’m grateful to him. He’s taught me so much, Lori. I’m only twenty-seven. In spite of Dad’s financial help there wouldn’t be an MG Interiors if it weren’t for Stuart, because I didn’t know how to start a successful interior design business. But my feelings for Stuart have never been the least bit romantic. He’s a dear friend and my mentor.’
Lori groaned. ‘Your dear friend and mentor! That sounds pathetic. The fact that a girl like you is twenty-seven and not in a relationship is also pathetic. You act like you don’t even care about romance.’
‘Sure I do, but I’m not desperate.’
Lorelei said nothing. She glanced at the bar and back at Kelsey. ‘The subject of romance brings us back to the handsome Rick Conway. He might be the one. He looks like he’s in his early thirties. He owns his own business. And have you noticed his arms? He definitely works out.’ Her eyes widened as she said excitedly, ‘Can’t you just see him dancing on the bar like Channing Tatum in Magic Mike?’
‘Settle down, Lori!’ Kelsey laughed.
Janet returned carrying a tray holding sizzling chicken wings along with a basket of crackers and a crock of cheddar cheese. ‘I’m sorry this took so long. A waitress called in sick and we’re busier than usual because of Derby Week. But maybe this will make up for the wait.’ She set down the mint juleps with a flourish.
‘Silver Derby cups!’ Kelsey exclaimed in delight.
‘Rick said honored patrons get our best Kentucky bourbon, the largest spearmint sprigs and silver cups.’
Kelsey turned toward the bar. Rick was looking at her, smiling. She lifted her cup, mouthed Thank you!, took a sip and closed her eyes in ecstasy. Rick laughed.
Janet slipped a piece of notepaper in front of Lorelei. ‘Your autograph, please?’
Lori smiled and then signed and handed the paper back to Janet, who stared down at it. ‘Lorelei …’ She sighed. ‘That’s such a beautiful name.’
‘My mother named me after the poem Die Lorelei by Heinrich Heine.’
‘Oh, a poem.’ Janet looked unsure of herself. ‘I don’t know much about poetry.’
‘I don’t either. My mother was the poetry-lover. Anyway, it’s a German poem about a beautiful girl with long blonde hair.’
‘Your mother sure chose the right name for you! I’ve never seen such lovely pale blonde hair. Oh, yours is beautiful, too, Miss March,’ Janet dutifully told Kelsey.
‘Janet,’ Rick called casually. ‘I need some help over here.’
‘OK!’ Janet leaned toward Lorelei. ‘I promised Rick I wouldn’t bother you.’ She glanced at Lorelei’s autograph again. ‘Thanks so much, Miss March. Can I get you two anything else?’
‘We’re fine for now,’ Kelsey said.
‘I’ll keep an eye on you,’ Janet said, walking backward toward the bar. ‘Just nod if you want more drinks or anything.’
Lorelei looked dismally at the crock of cheese. ‘Cheddar cheese – my downfall!’
‘It comes with a serving of crackers and it’s delicious. You need to eat more than a few dry crackers and look at this rich, golden cheese placed right in front of you—’
‘You’re like a mother hen, tempting me with food all the time.’
‘And you’re cranky when you’re hungry. Take a big gulp of your mint julep and eat at least two crackers with plenty of cheese, just to please me,’ Kelsey said. Lorelei picked up her cup and sipped. Kelsey frowned. ‘I said a gulp.’
This time Lorelei took a sizable drink and shook her head. ‘Wow, that’s powerful!’ She smiled. ‘And good.’
‘You’ve forgotten what a real mint julep tastes like. It’ll help you relax. You’ve been working too hard.’
‘All we did today was shop for Derby dresses and hats.’
‘We shopped for hours. But I meant you’ve been working too hard at your career.’
‘I pose for pictures. My job isn’t all that hard, Kelsey.’
‘It’s hard when you travel for fashion shows, work out five days a week, attend about twenty parties a month and maintain a public profile like you do.’
‘I have to strike while the iron is hot. While I’m hot,’ Lorelei said earnestly. ‘The fashion industry is fickle. Maybe in two years I won’t even be able to get a booking.’
‘That won’t happen. You’re too popular. Also, modeling is what you’ve always wanted to do and you’re totally dedicated. Not all young models have your work ethic, especially when they’ve shot to success and people are throwing compliments at them constantly. Thousands of girls dream of modeling, but if they make it into that world they can’t handle it.’ Kelsey paused thoughtfully. ‘I couldn’t have. A public presence like yours would scare me to death.’
Lorelei tilted her head whimsically, the way she had since she was a little girl. ‘Well, I couldn’t have started a design business like MG Interiors. But then I didn’t have what it takes to finish college in three years while doing internships and winning design awards. Mom and Dad were prouder of you than me.’
‘You’re so wrong. Dad is and Mom was tremendously proud of you. You’re a star. I basically make spaces into rooms.’
‘Sounds easy but I know it isn’t.’ Lori looked embarrassed. ‘Still … Well, what exactly is it you do?’
Kelsey looked at her in disbelief. ‘Oh, Lori, you’re not serious?’
‘Yeah, I am,’ Lorelei said meekly. ‘I tell people my sister has a successful interior design business. Then I hope they don’t ask me for details.’
Kelsey grinned. ‘No wonder. It sounds so boring compared to what you do.’
‘So tell me what you do and make it sound glamorous.’
‘Glamorous?’ Lori stared at her as if mesmerized. ‘All right.’ Kelsey took a sip of her julep and cleared her throat. ‘I specialize in designing the interiors of houses, offices, stores and restaurants. When I take on a job, I have to think about the function of the rooms and their proportions while keeping the designs within the building codes. I try to create a unique mood within the area specifications and I don’t do it alone. I have a brilliant partner and four talented associates.’ Kelsey paused and rolled her eyes. ‘See? Boring!’
‘That’s because you’re reciting a memorized description. You sound like a robot.’
‘How I sound doesn’t matter. People would rather hear about being a supermodel like you. Lacking your beauty and height, though, I work with what I have.’
‘You h
ave brains. You’re way smarter than I am. You’re more creative than any of the people you call your associates. You’ve never thought you were beautiful but you are. And you’re only four inches shorter than I am, so you’re not always towering over other women.’ Lori giggled. ‘Also, you don’t wear size ten shoes like me. Mom wore size seven. I hate having such big feet!’ She finished her drink, held up her silver cup to Janet, who was watching them and mouthed, Two more, please.
Janet delivered the drinks almost immediately, and for the next forty-five minutes, as the sisters each drank two more mint juleps and the bar grew crowded, they talked about everything from fashion and movies to how their father was doing after the death of their mother eighteen months earlier. He was as well as could be expected, they said – then shrugged off the cliché.
‘Dad will never get over losing Mom,’ Kelsey said. ‘He’s doing better, though. He’s even put on some of the weight he lost.’
‘He looks good compared with this time last year.’ Lorelei squeezed her eyes shut. ‘When I think of Mom just closing her eyes and going limp against him while they were slow dancing to their favorite song, I can hardly bear it, even though Dad said she didn’t feel anything.’
Truman March had told this story to both of his daughters. Kelsey didn’t believe her mother’s death from an aneurysm had been so immediate and peaceful, but she never pressed for the truth, especially as the less skeptical Lorelei seemed to find comfort in his version.
‘Dad and Mom had a love that most people dream of and never get,’ Lori said in a slightly bourbon-fuzzed voice. Her eyes brimmed with tears before she finished her drink then said huskily, ‘The guy has stopped playing the piano. Does that beautiful vintage jukebox at the back of the room work?’
‘Sure. It has some oldies as well as new songs. By oldies I mean the eighties.’
‘Wunnerful!’ Lorelei dug fruitlessly in her purse for change. Finally she took all the coins that Kelsey held out to her, then motioned to Janet for more drinks.
Lorelei scooted out of the booth and headed toward the jukebox. Kelsey had no idea how her sister could walk so gracefully in shoes with four-inch heels after a day of shopping and then ingesting mint juleps on a nearly empty stomach. Lorelei studied the selections on the Wurlitzer Peacock jukebox. Its yellow, green and red neon lights bathed her perfect features and gleamed on the shining baby-blonde hair, which she’d inherited from their Swedish mother, waving almost halfway down her back. Even if Lorelei hadn’t been her sister, Kelsey would have thought she was the most beautiful girl she’d ever seen.
Just a Breath Away Page 2