Not What She Seems

by Victorine E. Lieske

  Before leaving town, he stopped by the café to say goodbye to Rose.

  “I’m not sure when I’ll be able to come back, Rose.”

  “You’d better come soon. I’ve got someone I want you to meet.” Rose smiled, and Steven thought he saw mischief in her eyes.

  “Are you trying to set me up?” He mock scowled at her.

  She lowered her voice. “Listen, I know you’ve had trouble with women seeing you for your money, but here might be the perfect place to get to know someone without all of that getting in the way.” She motioned her head toward a waitress coming out of the kitchen. “And I know someone who’s been asking about you.”

  Steven started. The waitress, he knew her from somewhere. She carried two plates to a table, smiling at the occupants as she set them down. Where did he know her from? He couldn’t place it. Shrugging it off, he assumed he had seen her somewhere around town. Then what Rose had said sunk in. “She’s asked about me?”

  Rose’s face lit up. “Yes, her name’s Emily, and I’ll introduce you two when you come back.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. This could be very interesting, dating someone without his money affecting their judgment. He tore his gaze away from Emily. “All right, I’ll try to return soon. You keep that husband of yours from straining himself.”

  Rose pulled him in for a quick hug. “And you, stop worrying so much.”

  ******

  Rose watched as Steven waved and left the café.

  Emily came up behind her. “What? He’s not going to stay and have a meal?” Rose turned to see a slight frown perched on her face. She had her long blond hair swept up in a loose knot, a look that suited her.

  “He’s leaving town. But I’ll introduce you to him when he gets back. I promise.”

  Emily bit her lip, a look of fear crossing her face for a brief moment before she smiled. “When will he be back?”

  Rose pulled her towel from her apron and began wiping down a table. “I don’t know.”

  There it was again. Fear. Emily blinked back what almost appeared to be tears, but a second later it disappeared, replaced by another smile.

  “Are you all right, dear?”

  Emily blushed. “Yes, I’m fine. I just need to get out of here a little early tonight. I need to pick my son up from the sitter’s soon.”

  Rose suspected there was more to the story, but didn’t press her. “Why don’t you go ahead, dear. I can cover your tables for you.”

  Relief drifted over her face. Maybe she is just worried about getting to the sitter’s on time. “Thank you, Rose. You’re wonderful.”

  Emily hurried off into the back room, and a moment later she left the café.

  ******

  Richard slammed his fist onto the kitchen table. “What do you mean, he left town?”

  Emily scowled at Richard. “Don’t get mad at me. You’re the one who wouldn’t let me apply for the job for so long.”

  His face reddened, and she could tell he was trying not to blow up. She softened, and said, “Richard, he’s going to come back. Rose spoke with him today, and he told her he is coming back as soon as he can. We can wait here for a little while.”

  Richard took a deep breath. He drummed his fingers on the table for what seemed like an eternity. “Okay, we’ll stay here and wait for him to come back. You can continue to work the evening shift at the café, but don’t talk to anyone.” His eyes darkened. “You’ll never see the kid again if anyone finds out who you are... and what you’ve done.”

  Emily knew he was right.

  “I’m going to get Connor from the sitter’s.” She left before he could say another word. Stella, the grandmotherly woman in apartment 4-D, opened her door up to Emily.

  “Hello dear, how was work today?” Stella asked, as she let Emily into her apartment. Family photographs, all framed with polished silver, covered the walls. She entered the small living room, warmly lit by two green lamps on end tables that must have been quite stylish in the 1960’s. Connor came running from the other room.

  “Mom! Look what we made!” He held up a macaroni necklace, and a crayon drawing.

  “Well, that is wonderful, Connor.” She smiled and took his picture. “Work was fine, Stella. Was Connor good for you today?”

  “Absolutely.” Stella smiled. She'd been retired now for several years, and had told Emily how lonely she'd gotten since her husband had passed on. All of her grandchildren lived far away. She enjoyed spending time with Connor. Emily thanked her, and took Connor down the stairs to apartment 1C.

  Richard stood at the door waiting for her when she got there, and he locked it and clicked the bolt in place after she came inside. The bare walls, hardly lit by the small ceiling fixture, appeared dirty. Dark shadows surrounded the drab couch that sat in the otherwise empty living room. Emily sighed, feeling like the shabby apartment reflected her mood perfectly.

  Richard muttered something about being tired, and went into his bedroom and closed the door. Emily got Connor ready for bed, a cold feeling spreading through her stomach. Steven Ashton had left, allowing her to work for a while and bide her time. She’d started stashing half her tips in a hole in the lining of her purse, saving up for when she’d be able to leave Richard. Unfortunately, she needed far too much to be able to leave without him tracing her. The only way she could see getting that kind of money was by following Richard’s plan. She would have to get it from Steven.

  Chapter Five

  Steven felt his despondency lift a bit as he ascended in his private jet. Getting back to business wasn’t going to be that bad. Working on the farm for the last week had awakened his senses. A renewed sense of belonging and purpose filled him.

  The plush leather of his seat felt good. Leaning back in the chair, he closed his eyes and let his mind rest. The waitress with the long blond hair, he was sure he knew her from somewhere. Something about her tugged at his memory. He just couldn’t place her.

  The next few weeks passed in a blur. With him back at the helm of his empire, he found a renewed love for his work. He even managed to make his public appearances without too much dread. Things went very well, and he found himself happier than he had been in a long time.

  Everyone noticed his new attitude, and when visiting his mother she asked him if he had met anyone special while he was on vacation.

  “Why, yes I did in fact.”

  “Really?” Caroline’s eyes appeared hopeful. She touched her dark hair, swept up in a French knot. She always managed to look regal, even when padding around the house in her slippers. “Tell me all about her.”

  “Well, her name is Rose.” He paused, drawing the suspense out.

  “What is she like?” his mother asked, beaming.

  “She’s a sweetheart, Mom. She and her husband Frank are about your age, and they were wonderful to me.”

  His mother’s face soured, and she playfully poked him in the side.

  His face turned serious. “I promise you’ll be the first to know when I’ve met someone special, Mom.”

  “Well, let’s not wait until I’m too old to hear you, dear,” she chided.

  ******

  Emily pushed through the swinging doors, her spirits soaring. Working at the Downtown Café felt freeing.

  She froze. William! He entered the Downtown Café.

  No.

  A man that looked like William entered the café. His sandy blond hair and thick neck were just like William’s. But he was a bit too tall and his eyes were too close together.

  And William’s dead.

  Emily remembered to breathe. She cleared her tables as she thought about William. Things had been good in the beginning.

  ******

  William pulled Emily close and took her hand in his. She breathed in deeply as she snuggled close to him, swaying to the slow romantic music that the band played. The familiar woody scent of his Burberry cologne made her toes tingle, instantly bringing to her mind fond memories of their past six months tog
ether. His thumb stroked her back as they danced, sending shivers up her spine.

  After the song ended, he whispered, “Let’s go get something to drink.”

  Emily smiled and followed him to the bar. They slid onto the stools and William ordered for the both of them. His large build testified of his college football career. Emily stole a glance at them in the mirror. She still couldn’t believe she was dating William Grant. She was the talk of the small town of Stapleton.

  “Is this guy harassing you, miss?”

  Emily turned around to find Vincent, William’s co-worker at the country club, grinning at her.

  “Vincent, you devil.” William laughed. “Are you here with Eileen?” He looked around.

  Vincent flinched, and Emily knew what that meant. “No, we broke up.” He slid onto a stool and William took his turn to flinch.

  “Sorry, man. Here, let me buy you a drink.”

  Vincent rubbed his thick black mustache. “Thanks. Hey, everything all right with you and Samantha? I heard her raising a fuss in your office this afternoon.”

  Emily frowned. “You didn’t tell me Samantha paid you a visit today.”

  “She just can’t get over the fact that we are through.”

  Vincent’s thick eyebrows drew together. “Didn’t sound like that’s what she was yellin’ about,” he said under his breath. William narrowed his eyes and Vincent rubbed the back of his neck and looked away.

  There was something going on between Samantha and William, but he never wanted to talk about it. Emily tried not to think about it. He would tell her when he wanted to.

  William downed his scotch and signaled the bartender for another. “So, Vince, what happened with you and Eileen anyway? She find out about your cocaine habit?”

  A deep chuckle rumbled somewhere inside Vincent’s chest. “Yeah, right.”

  Emily rolled her eyes at William’s attempt at humor.

  “Well, you’re better off without her. I never liked her constant chatter. That girl would never shut up.”

  “William!” Emily nudged him, and whispered, “What if they get back together?”

  “Don’t hold your breath, sweetie,” Vincent said. “I caught her with her lips stuck to the computer tech.”

  William coughed, and pounded his chest with his fist. “Harold?” he managed to choke. “The skinny guy with no personality?”

  Vincent made a face. “Yeah, bites, doesn’t it?”

  “Geesh, man.” William tried to regain his composure. “I’m really sorry.” His expression said otherwise. Emily nudged him again.

  “Vincent, she doesn’t deserve you. You’re one of the nicest guys I know.”

  “Thanks, Em.” His eyes flickered over her, and he leaned his thick forearms on the bar. William started straightening his hair, looking at himself in the mirror behind the bar. Emily frowned.

  “This is a great song. Vincent, why don’t you dance with me?” Emily slid off the stool. “William won’t mind, will you?”

  William waved them away, as if he was only half listening to them. He downed another drink.

  Vincent smiled and stood, offering his arm to Emily. William turned as they walked away.

  “Hey, Vince, watch yourself with my girl.”

  Vincent laughed and shot a look at William over his shoulder. “Watch yourself, Will.” Under his breath he added, “Especially around Samantha.”

  ******

  Rose felt the bed lift as Frank stood. She kept her eyes closed. She didn’t want him to know she was awake. He would never admit it, but he was in a lot of pain. She could always tell.

  She had tried to persuade him to hire a young college man to help him with the farm. He wanted to wait until spring. She couldn’t argue with him. The harvest season was over, and soon the fields would be white with snow.

  She opened one eye and peeked at the clock.

  “Frank, come back to bed. It’s only four o’clock.”

  “Sorry. Can’t sleep. Might as well go get started; the animals don’t feed themselves.”

  Rose sighed. She listened to him bustle around the dark bedroom for a few minutes. After he left the house she decided to get up. Breakfast wouldn’t make itself, she told herself, her thoughts mirroring Frank’s.

  She shuffled around the kitchen in her large wool socks. She’d barely started the bacon frying when Frank opened the kitchen door. He fell to his knees, clutching his chest. Rose screamed.

  ******

  Steven walked into his office when his cell phone began to ring. It’s Rose. He flicked it open and offered a cheerful hello.

  “Ethan, it’s Rose.” The crack in her voice told him something had happened.

  He sat down, his heart pounding. “What’s wrong?”

  “Frank had a heart attack this morning.”

  “How is he?” Steven’s tongue felt like sand paper.

  “He’s stable. We were able to get help right away. The doctors say that saved his life.”

  “I’m so relieved.” He leaned forward, scanning his schedule. “Listen, I can move some meetings around and be there by this evening.”

  “No, no, you don’t need to do that. I just wanted to let you know. Frank doesn’t want anyone coming to see him in the hospital.”

  “Nonsense, I would feel bad not coming out.”

  Rose let out a sigh. “I’m sorry, Frank is very proud. He doesn’t want any visitors while he’s hooked up to machines. Maybe you can come next week. The doctors think he should be home by then.”

  “Okay. I’ve taken next week off for Thanksgiving anyway, so my schedule is clear. I can arrive on Monday.”

  “Thank you. It will be nice to see you again.” Steven hung up with Rose and sat for a few minutes with the tips of his fingers together.

  That weekend he pulled out his luggage and began to pack. As he stuffed some of his t-shirts into his suitcase, he figured he had better phone his mother.

  “Please, don’t call the police this time, Mom,” he joked with her.

  “I’m so sorry, dear. I just couldn’t get a hold of you. You really scared me.” He knew his mother felt completely justified in phoning the police. He had disappeared, and was not answering his cell phone. She’d reminded him he was, in fact, one of the wealthiest men in the U.S. With that comes celebrity recognition and terrible danger as well.

  “I’m only going for a couple of days this time. I’ll be back in time for Thanksgiving, cross my heart.” He signed an x over his chest, even though she couldn’t see it.

  “Won’t you tell me where you are going? I promise I won’t tell a soul.”

  He sighed. “Huntington, Nebraska.”

  She hesitated a moment before saying, “That’s where you went on vacation? Where your great aunt used to live?”

  “It’s beautiful there, Mom. And the people are wonderful.”

  “They don’t know who you are, do they?”

  “No, they don’t.” He grinned. “It’s nice and quiet there.”

  “Well, your secret’s safe with me. Just be careful. You know how people get sometimes.” What she meant was, you know how dangerous people can be.

  “I’ll be fine, Mom. I have to go now.”

  ******

  Rose stepped onto the gravel driveway, pulling on her heavy coat and hurrying to her car. The afternoon sun cast long shadows, and she needed to leave in time to make it for her evening shift at the Downtown Café. Pulling out of the long driveway, she headed down the dirt road to the highway. After driving in and out of town for years, she could practically make the short trip in her sleep. As the wind picked up, she turned the heat up in her car. Snow was likely to come soon, as the chilly November air carried with it a promise of winter.

  She smiled as she pulled into town, and noticed the familiar looking pickup truck parked across from the Café. Steven had arrived.

  “Ethan!” she shouted, as she hopped out of her vehicle. He was just getting out of his truck and heading up toward the warm lights
of the café. Clutching her coat around her, she ran to catch up to him.

  “Rose, how is Frank doing?”

  “He is recovering nicely.” She gave him a quick hug. “It was so nice of you to come. You will join us for Thanksgiving, won’t you?”

  “I would be shot and roasted myself if I wasn’t home for Thanksgiving.” He stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels.

  She frowned. “So, this is just a short visit, then?”

  “I’m afraid so.”

  She glanced over at the large café window. “Well, come inside the café with me. I’ll get you set up with a nice table.”

  “Actually, I just dropped by to say hello to you, before going over to see Frank.”

  “Frank is resting right now,” she said, trying to think of an excuse to get him into the café. “Why don’t you go inside and eat something, and you can come over to the house to see Frank in the morning?”

  “I must admit I’m hungry.”

  Rose smiled as she steered him inside and sat him down at one of Emily’s tables.

  Chapter Six

  Steven stiffened, caught off guard when the waitress emerged through the swinging doors. Her long silky hair and her delicate facial features brought recognition like a freight train slamming into him. She was the woman from the hotel in Nevada. The one he’d paid the bill for. His face flushed. What if she remembered him? What if she knew he paid her bill? That would be awkward. She stopped at Harold’s table and set the plate down in front of him. Harold patted her hand and smiled at her. Her eyes sparkled in pleasure as she spoke with him.

  She turned, and approached Steven, a slight smile on her face. There didn’t seem to be any sign of recognition as she looked at him. Relief washed over him, and he threw on what he hoped was a charming smile.