Heart Matters

by tani shane

The engagement ring glittered charmingly on her finger as she clutched at the steering wheel of her car. She glanced at it thoroughly perturbed. The ring stood for the mutual love and trust between Adam and her. It reflected the commitment they had made to each other; it also reflected their hopes for their lives as husband and wife. She would have liked to marry Adam only for their love but instead she was about to use him for her own selfish needs. Initially when Adam had proposed to her, she had not intended to use her inheritance to save her company. It was only later when all her avenues were closed that the idea had cropped in her mind.

  The thought was ugly enough to make her shudder and she hastily turned on the radio loud to divert her disturbed mind.

  ***

  Jessica walked into her boutique, her mind still preoccupied with uneasy thoughts. When she had started three years ago, ‘Jess-C’ was simply a garment boutique, nothing more. She had worked hard to create it into the exclusive brand name that it now was.

  She had needed help of course. She was new to L.A. and although she was fairly popular because of the magnanimous nature of her pending inheritance, she was personally not known in the city. That’s where Niki, her cousin had helped her. Niki belonged to the crème de la crème of the L.A. elite society. She was a must guest at most of the parties happening in and around Beverly Hills where she lived and when she began sporting Jessica’s exclusive designs; queries and orders started pouring in. ‘Jess-C’ soon earned enough reputation to have its own faithful clientele.

  Her demand increased with her participation in high profile fashion shows. When leading stores for approached her for her designs, she gave in to temptation and decided to expand. Jessica took large loans for extra space to set up her manufacturing unit and installed expensive machinery. She also imported most of the fabric for her designs from Europe and Asia. The expenses left her a bit high and dry but at the moment she was intent on establishing the company. She recovered just enough to cover her costs but that didn’t bother her. As long as she was sure she would be able to repay her loans eventually, she refused to slow down. The inevitable finally happened. With only twenty percent of her loan repaid and several major contracts to complete, the fire broke out gutting her manufacturing unit.

  She landed an angry fist on the desk, scowling furiously. No! She was not going to sit around and see ‘Jess-C’ go down the drain. She was going to do everything in her power to get it back in action. Even if it meant marrying Adam earlier than she had intended. That amounts to using a person, a guilty voice once again reminded her but she ignored it. She loved Adam and had to marry him sooner or later. Sooner the better.

  With firm determination, she dialed Adam’s number. When his voice came over the line, she spoke with a loving smile. “Darling, can we meet for an early lunch?”

  “Sure, just tell me where.”

  “Matisse?”

  “I’ll be there. Love you.”

  She blew him a kiss and hung up with a happy look. Finally, things were beginning to fall in place. If everything went on smoothly, ‘Jess-C’ would be back on track by early November.

  ***

  “Steve, how are you?” Jeff’s voice came through clearly on the phone.

  Steven sat up in his chair surprised. “Jeff, what’s up?” he asked simply. They had been friends long enough to do away with formalities. And right now, Jeff sounded disturbed.

  “Do you know where I am?”

  A puzzled frown marked Steven’s face. “Where?”

  “Geneva. I’m calling you up from Geneva.”

  “What’s the matter?”

  “You provoked her, didn’t you? You laid the collateral thing on her to check her guts, didn’t you?”

  Slow comprehension dawned over him. “She’s getting married?”

  “Yes, my friend, she just called me. Incidentally you are lucky to be the second person after me to hear the news.”

  An amused smile played on Steven’s lips. “I don’t believe it! She has got some spirit, I have to admit.”

  “She also happens to be a stubborn fool and my baby sister, Steve. She’s doing it to prove it to you that she can take you up on your challenge. She’ll get married and strut under your nose like a peacock and make you live up to your end of the deal.”

  “What did you do that’s made her so willful?”

  Jeff chuckled softly. “I was overly protective I guess. She’s just learnt to be a foolish rebel.”

  “Tell me what I can do to help?”

  “I’ve stalled her wedding till mid-October. At least she loves me enough to want me to walk her down the aisle. That gives you approximately three weeks to give me something on Warring.”

  “Adam Warring seems to be a tidy fellow, Jeff.”

  “He’s also not the one for my lil’ sis. Just find out all you can about him, I need the details.”

  “All right, don’t worry.”

  “Steve,” Jeff’s voice was sincere, “She can’t marry him. You have to get him out of her life.”

  Steven smiled, his blue eyes glinting with purpose. “I will most certainly try, buddy, that I promise.”

  He hung up and sat thinking deeply. When Jeff had initially called him up regarding Jessica, he had taken up the matter as a favor he was returning to a close friend. Then, he had laid eyes on her and somehow felt an obsession grab him. No longer was his involvement impersonal. She haunted his every waking and sleeping moment with her glittering eyes and luscious lips. He wanted her more desperately than he had ever wanted a woman. His obsession with her scared him but he dismissed it casually. Maybe he was longing to taste her once. Just once. Then he would be free of her. But before he could do that, he had to destroy all the thorns in his path. And that meant getting rid of Adam Warring.

  He buzzed his secretary on the intercom. “Put me through to Joe, Susan, right now.” If someone could give him answers on Adam Warring, it was Joe. And he wanted the answers fast.

  Chapter Five

  “Aunt Jessi!” The delighted squeal was heard all the way across the hallway of the sprawling mansion Jeff had bought for his wife and kids. A slim golden figure barreled into Jessica almost knocking her over.

  Jessica had received Cheryl’s call informing her of her arrival in Beverly Hills with the kids and had immediately dropped everything to visit them. It was nearing the end of September and she was happy they were well in time for her October wedding.

  “Mallory!” she gave a delighted cry stooping to hug her seven year-old niece. “How are you, honey?”

  “I’m happy to be here! Dad says we’re gonna live here forever.” The child’s freckled face shone happily. “Isn’t that cool?”

  Jessica laughed, ruffling her hair affectionately. “Where’s mom?”

  “Jessica, how nice to see you again,” Cheryl came into the hallway suddenly, greeting her with open arms. She embraced Jessica warmly and led her into the lounge.

  Jessica followed her sister-in-law’s petite figure, looking around appreciatively. “This place is beautiful.”

  Cheryl smiled with the slightest hint of pride. “Jeff had the best designers do up the place. Unfortunately, I couldn’t be involved.” She smiled widely, touching her faintly protruding stomach. “Cantrell three’s on the way.”

  Jessica gasped with delight. “Oh, Cheryl, how wonderful! Jeff didn’t tell me! I’m so happy for you both! Which reminds me, where’s Jamie?”

  “He’s asleep in his room. He will be happy to see you, Jessi. We all are.” Cheryl’s sky blue eyes smiled at her warmly. “I’m glad Jeff finally convinced me to move out here. I guess I didn’t realize it over the years Jessica, but he misses you terribly.”

  Comprehension suddenly dawned upon her. “He told me you shifted here to be closer to your mom.”

  Cheryl laughed prettily, her blonde tendrils bouncing about her face. “Oh, you know how he is, Jessi. He feels if you were aware he is fussing over you, you’ll run again.”

  A troubled look shadow
ed Jessica’s eyes as she listened to her sister-in-law. Was that what Jeff really thought? That she was running from him? It was partially true but she had not chosen to think of it like that. Jeff was extremely attached to her and when he got married she had seen the hurt in Cheryl’s eyes when he fussed over her for little things.

  Jessica had sympathized with her because she knew that a woman always felt threatened by another one. Even though Jessica was Jeff’s only sister, Cheryl was uncomfortable when she was around. Jessica had seen it plainly and had found it easier to leave. Now after all these years she didn’t want misunderstandings between them. She looked at her sister-in-law’s fragile face that could not mask the troubled look. She covered her tiny hands with her own. “Cheryl, I can never take your place, you know that don’t you?”

  The baby blue eyes seemed startled but Cheryl nodded. “Jessi, I’m sorry if it was me. I didn’t mean to be jealous, but I was. Jeff always took more care of you when you were around.”

  Jessica nodded wistfully. “Yes, but you are his wife. I can never take your place. He loves you, Cheryl.” She grinned suddenly. “Besides, I don’t need him to look after me anymore. I’ve found someone who can do that for him.”

  Cheryl nodded happily. “Oh, yes! I’ve heard of Adam from Jeff, although I can’t say all of it was pleasant.”

  “I know what Jeff thinks of Adam but let me tell you what he’s really like.” Jessica spent the next hour telling her about Adam accompanied with thrilled exclamations from Mallory. When she finally told them of her wedding plans, Mallory giggled with excitement. “I’m gonna be a bride’s girl! What will I wear? Mom, I don’t have a dress for the wedding!”

  Her mother and aunt laughed helplessly. “Darling, there’s still plenty of time. Aunt Jessica will design a dress for you.” Cheryl turned to Jessica smiling fondly. “I’m so happy for you, Jessi. Let’s put everything behind us and start afresh, shall we?”

  When Jessica left them, she felt contentment pass over her for the first time in years. It was as though a weight had been lifted off her heart and she knew this time round she would be a real part of Jeff and his family.

  Back at the boutique, she sat at her drawing board, absently trying to compile a dress for Mallory. She was all at once happy at the turn of events in her life. She was getting married, Jeff was going to be around once again, she had cleared her misunderstanding with Cheryl and ‘Jess-C’ had a strong chance of survival. Now she could take on the world!

  Her cell phone that was placed on her desk buzzed suddenly and she reached for it to check the message. When it popped open, she gasped loudly, all the color leaving her face. She stared at the picture not ready to believe her eyes. Tears stung her eyes even as her hands began shaking out of control. This could not be happening. No one had this picture except..except..Jake!

  A silent scream of terror rose to her lips. Her eyes closed as tears rushed down her face followed by a bout of shivers. She willed herself to get control of her emotions and opened her eyes to see if she was mistaken. But the picture was still there. A hideous nude picture of her having sex with Jake! That was the only dirty statement that came to her mind. That is what anyone who saw it would conclude.

  A new message buzzed and she opened it trembling with fear.

  Hey darlin’. Did u think u could get away with what u did to me? Did u think im long dead n gone? Well think again babes..im back! And im gonna getcha! im gonna make u pay for all the yers ur boyfriend took away from me! Im gonna fuck ya so bad u wont sit good ever! u hear me u bitch? N I still got all ur yummy pics babes..just think whats gonna happen when they get loaded on the net n d whole world sees u fucking me!

  The next message buzzed and she opened it even as she felt her world shattering around her.

  Ur gonna see a lot more of me around babes. And by the by, ur stupid lil factory? Know this, it was me! You ruin me, I ruin u! Im coming for ya babes, im coming for ya.

  Jessica dropped the phone in shock. Memories of that horrible night rose up like the poisonous fumes of a venomous snake. She touched her cold cheeks with shaking hands. Jake was back! She had no idea what had happened to him all those years back but Mark definitely had the answers. She needed Mark. She had to call him.

  Mark had the habit of checking her up once in a while and she scanned her phone for his number. When she dialed it she waited breathlessly for him to answer.

  “Jess?” his reassuring voice gave her immediate strength. “What is it?”

  She gripped her phone, her knuckles turning white even as fresh tears stung her eyes. “He’s back.”

  She heard his curse and the rough slam of his fist hitting a table. “Don’t do anything. I’ll be there.”

  She nodded as if he could see her and hung up without a word. Mark would definitely be with her but she had to buy time. She stared at her phone for the longest time trying to dredge the courage to call Jake. Her resolve broke as soon as she re-read his message. No, she couldn’t call him. She would rather wait for him to call her.

  The intercom buzzed and she answered feeling drained. “Yes, Ruth?”

  “Ms.Devon is waiting for you downstairs,” her secretary informed her and Jessica willed herself to stop trembling. She was in no mood to entertain clients right now but she had little choice. She checked herself in her compact mirror, applied some makeup then glided downstairs with a blithe smile on her face.

  “Ida, how nice to see you again!” she called out in the tactful manner she used with her clients.

  Ida Devon turned her beautiful self towards Jessica. “Jessi! My saviour!” She embraced Jessica and gave her superficial kisses. “My darling, how are you?”

  Jessica gestured to herself. “Just perfect as you can see. And you look absolutely fabulous!”

  “Do I?” Ida turned to the wall mirror eyeing it critically. “Ah, yes. I have lost a few pounds on my bottom, haven’t I?”

  Jessica agreed, lying outrageously. It was this part of her job that she disliked. Flattering her valuable clients and keeping up with their nonsensical self-appraisal. But she had to admit Ida Devon was one of her better clients who deserved heartfelt admiration. At thirty-seven, she was a green-eyed ash blonde who could turn every male head within eye range. She was tall too, five feet ten inches of sharp curves in the right places. A one-time theatre persona, she had given it up when she married Senator David Devon, one of the most debonair politicians in the country.

  Some said she had left a long-standing boyfriend for Senator Devon but Jessica couldn’t possibly blame her. Not many men could match up to the Senator’s personality. Although he was in his late forties and gray at the temples, he had the amazing quality of charming the staunchest of people, men and women alike. She knew Ida had actually married him for the fame it gave her but she was glad at least she was still with him after six long years.

  Ida was also one of her faithful clients. She had ventured into ‘Jess-C’ one year ago after she had seen her design being sported by one of her close friends. Jessica had been designing her clothes ever since.

  Ida turned from the mirror and watched Jessica absently. “I need a dress for a Halloween party, Jessi darling, I know it’s short notice but can you manage?”

  “Of course.”

  Ida’s seated herself on a large, off-white armchair and crossed her impressive shapely legs. “It’s one of David’s weird ideas to have a Halloween party and I can’t seem to knock sense into his head.” She gave an elegant yawn betraying her sense of boredom. “As I am the hostess, albeit reluctant, here I am.”

  Jessica watched her sympathetically. Ida Devon was getting bored with her marriage and that was not a good sign. She smiled cheerfully hoping to encourage her. “Well, any suggestions as to what you’d like to be dressed as?”

  A light smile played at her lips. “Yes, I’ve already thought about that.” Her upturned lips parted in a grin. “I’d like to be Cleopatra.”

  Jessica laughed. “You might as well have gone in
your birthday suit!”

  “Naughty Jessi darling! Very naughty. I know I could have easily have rented a costume but you know me. I hate seconds.” She unfurled her tall length and again dropped her breezy kiss on Jessica’s cheek. “Call me when it’s ready.”

  Jessica watched her leave with mixed feelings. Ida was a nice person when she wanted to be but she was also sadly submerged in the shallow world she lived in. Jessica thanked the Lord the nth time in her life for allowing her to lead a fairly ordinary life. Even without ‘Jess-C’ she could easily lead a life much like that of the L.A. elite but she personally abhorred the very notion.

  She attended only those parties where her presence was a must. Personally she enjoyed a quiet walk along the beach or browsing books in the public library or watching an art show or simply watching children play in a park. That was the only way she could preserve her inherent nature and calm her nerves that would otherwise be high strung with the pressure at ‘Jess-C’.

  Today however nothing could soothe her nerves. She was scared to wits about Jake turning up and wondered if she could trust Adam enough to share her secret with him? An uncertain feeling crept through her. Maybe not just yet.

  ***

  “Care for a drink?” Steven asked going over to the bar in his office.

  “I could sure use one,” Jeff admitted, following him and taking a seat on one of the stools. “Give me the strongest you have.”

  Steven came up with a quick concoction and placed it before Jeff. “You don’t look too well.”

  Jeff dismissed his concern with a wave of his hand. “I deserve more credit than that. I haven’t slept in forty-eight hours.” He gulped down the contents of his glass and gasped. “I can’t bring myself to go and see, Jessi. I’m scared she’ll have me walking her down the aisle the minute she sees me.”

  Steven braced himself on the counter appearing thoroughly amused. “She’s one hell of a woman.”