Jared walked up the brick path of the Pink Lily and breathed deep of the trumpet lily's heavy, sweet odor. He bounded up the porch steps and was greeted by Betty in the lobby.
"Hi there!” she called out. “How was your trip?"
Jared neared the bottom steps. He turned to face her. “Let's just say I'm glad to be ho ... here. I'm glad to be back."
Betty smiled. “Good. We missed you."
Jared smiled back, but his throat felt tight and his eyes stung. Damn but Summerville was getting to him. How he was going to hate leaving it. When the time came to return to MegaMart's corporate offices, he knew he'd be leaving with a heavy heart.
He bounded up the steps and strode to his room. When he got inside, he stripped out of his clothes and lay down on the soft bed, dressed in nothing but his boxers. Before he got in the shower, he decided to call Dawn and check on his father.
She answered on the second ring. “Hi there, big brother."
He shook his head, thinking he was hearing things. She sounded happy.
"I had the most wonderful rest of the day, and, so did Dad. Jared...” her voice quivered with excitement. “I only wish you had stayed a little longer, because Kat stopped by and well, I have to tell you, she..."
He shot forward, pushing up from the bed with one arm. “Did you just say, Kat was there?” Now he was hearing things. Great. He was more tired than he thought. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and switched the phone to his other ear. Maybe he had a bad connection.
"Yes, I just said Kat was here, silly. She said not to tell you, that you might get upset, but, while she was here, Dad said your name."
His mind reeled. Kat had been there! How had she found out about Sam?
"Dawn, please tell me exactly what happened,” his voice became steely.
She sighed. “She said you'd be upset. I can hear it in your voice."
He made his voice sound even. “I'm not. Look, I just wish I had known, that's all."
"I know. I know. But, I have to tell you Jared—she's wonderful. She's smart..."
Oh, she's smart all right. Smart enough to find my father!
"And she told me all about KISS and her designs and ... well, she's great. I really like her."
"I'm glad,” he replied in a tight, clipped voice.
"So listen, don't worry about anything. Dad seemed a little better, and all I can say is seeing you, then seeing Kat, really helped him today."
"Wonderful."
"Jared?"
"What?"
"What's wrong?"
He swallowed. “Nothing, Dawn, I'm just a little tired."
"Well, okay. Get some sleep. I'll speak with you soon, okay?"
"Okay."
"And say ‘hello’ to Kat for me, will you? Will you come with her next time?"
If I don't kill her first, he thought savagely.
"Good night, Jared. Love you."
"I love you, too, Dawn. Take care."
"Bye."
He ended the call and flipped his cell phone closed. He rose from the bed and paced like a caged wild animal, stalking from one end of his room to the other. The bitch had found out. Kat Sullivan had done what she said, and found out his ‘dirty little secret.'
Jared grabbed his trousers and shoved his feet into them, yanking them up his legs. He zipped and buttoned them, then shoved his arms into his shirt. He glanced down at the scrapes on his forearms, reminded again of Kat's passionate nature.
Oh, he couldn't wait to get his hands on her.
Jared shoved his feet into his shoes and grabbed his suit jacket. He yanked opened the door to his room and stalked out, eager to get back into his car and begin the hunt...
For Kat.
When he found her ... oh, when he found her...
She didn't stand a chance!
* * * *
That evening, Kat's dressing rooms in the back of KISS transformed into a cacophony of bubbling, bright conversation and laughter. Six women, including Kat, had the time of their lives as they went from Kat's workroom to the dressing rooms, carrying armloads of frilly, sexy, lingerie gowns and accessories. Kat's office held a sumptuous mini buffet, where Kat laid out an array of sweets, cheeses, fruit and coffee. Three bottles of champagne lay chilling in their own buckets. The happy occasion called for only the best, so Kat brought out the Limoges china and fancy crystal glasses. It had belonged to her mother and Kat's grandmother, and her mother ... passed down from one daughter to the next. It was only fitting, Kat thought, that she used it for these special nights. The nights when the women in Kat's life who mattered the most all got together.
They bustled back and forth, chatting with each other, eating, and trying on the array of designs that hung on two racks in Kat's workroom. Evelyn Rogers wore one of Kat's newest designs, her foray into designing vintage lingerie. The ‘Petipone’ gown hugged Evelyn's still-trim figure. The lacey bodice and straps led into an elegant, yet simple cut gown, embroidered in tulle and stretch lace, and featured lacy, venise trim at the hem. The matching robe complemented the gown perfectly.
"You look beautiful,” Kat said to her. “I like that on you."
"Thank you, dear.” Evelyn smiled at her. “I do so look forward to these evenings together, Kat."
"I know. I do, too."
Kat's eyes strayed to the far side of the room where three young women gathered. They stood apart from the rest, their postures stiff.
"They always start out like that,” Evelyn told Kat. “We'll loosen them up, you'll see."
"April should be here soon,” Kat glanced at her watch. She prayed she would show like she promised. If anyone could help the three young women Evelyn, Annabelle and Doris invited tonight, April could. She and her husband Bill were staying at their summer home in the Hamptons, not too far from Summerville. Kat knew that April's presence would help the three young women who remained isolated from the rest of Kat's friends.
A familiar voice cut through Kat's thoughts. It belonged to Lilith. “Hi Ladies!” she called out. She peeked her head into Kat's workroom and grinned. “Annabelle's trying on that Chantal bed jacket. It looks great on her ... oh! Hi Evelyn.” She waved at Evelyn then blew Kat a kiss.
Kat returned it. Her heart felt light. This was what life was about, she thought. These women. Her friends.
"Oh, hi Doris!” A chorus of greetings met Doris Henderson. Kat could hear excited chatter outside the workroom then everyone came inside. The chatter grew louder as everyone admired Evelyn's ensemble and the jacket Annabelle wore. Kat moved away from the group and walked over to the three women who stood near the racks of outfits.
Kat's mouth grew dry at the sight of the brightly colored scarves adorning their heads. Her mother and sister had worn scarves just like that. She swallowed and approached, intent on making this night one of their best.
"Hi,” she stuck her hand out. Each of them passed her a small smile and shook her hand. “I'm Kat Sullivan. Welcome to KISS."
There was a few seconds of awkward silence. Finally, one of them spoke. “It's very nice of you to do this, Ms. Sullivan..."
"Kat. Please. Call me Kat."
"Kat.” The young woman glanced at the racks of lingerie. “I don't think there's much of a selection for us."
"Ah,” Kat held up a finger. “That's where you're wrong. Come with me ladies.” She walked over to one of the racks and pushed some gowns aside, stopping to pull a stunning, above-the-knee gown from the rack. “Here,” she told one of them. “Why don't one of you try this on?"
Kat saw their eyes light up, but just as quick, the spark faded. This was the hardest part, she thought. Reviving your dignity. It was like taking a plunge into ice-cold water.
"I-I don't think any of us could wear that."
Kat said in a low voice. “Yes, you can. Look...” She showed them the inside of the bodice. “I designed it for comfort. You can step into it. See?” She pulled on the bodice, stretching it from side-to-side. “The neckline is extendable.
"
"Oh my...” The women moved toward Kat. “And ... I can fit all of you, it's no problem. There's plenty of support here in the bodice. I designed it that way."
The women reached out and touched the gown, rubbing it between their fingers.
"It's silk,” Kat said. “And see?” She fingered the tiny flowers adorning the straps. “Aren't they pretty? French rosettes."
"The design on the gown is different. I really like it,” one of them told Kat.
Kat beamed a smile back at her. It was the first smile she saw from any of them, and it warmed her heart.
"Yes, the bands of lace are different, aren't they?” Kat ran her hand over the alternating bands of black, gray and brown lace running horizontally across the bodice and in a vertical pattern down the length of the gown. Alternating bands of white Chantilly lace were placed between the colored bands. A wide swath of the elegant white lace ran around the waistline.
"This is gorgeous,” one of them said. They each stuck out a hand, running it across the gown, and began to chatter. “Sure beats that old ratty t-shirt I've been sleeping in,” one of them piped up.
"I know,” one of the other young women joined in. “Maybe it is time we chucked our husband's football jerseys and ratty old nightshirts in favor of this!"
They all laughed, including Kat.
"That's right, no more t-shirts, ladies."
They continued to chatter.
Keep them talking, Kat, she told herself. Let them get their minds off their problems ... at least just for this evening. Let them feel pretty, feminine, and desirable.
"So, who's going to try it on?"
The chattering ceased.
Oh boy.
"I, uh ... I don't know...” one of them replied.
"Well, there's a matching jacket.” Kat reached into the rack again and removed the jacket. The same white Chantilly lace trimmed the cuffs and ran down the inside, where a matching French rosette covered the hook and eye closure.
She saw the women relax. “Well, if there's a jacket, maybe I'll try in on,” one of them volunteered.
"Good.” Kat placed the gown and jacket in her hands.
Lilith appeared by her side. “I'll help you,” she smiled at the young woman. “Come on,” she placed an arm around her shoulders and led her out of the workroom.
Kat continued to help the other two, finding a gown each of them liked. Their eyes lit, the spark sprang to life when Kat handed each of them above-the-knee length chemises and matching jackets, too. One of them was decorated with stretch lace and venise appliqués from the straps to the hem. The other, one of Kat's favorites, was made of silk, animal-printed fabric, trimmed with chocolate brown lace.
Lilith brought the other young woman back into the workroom. Kat heard everyone's collective gasp, then sigh. One of the young women stood next to Lilith, the chemise hugging her thin frame. Kat thought she looked beautiful, but knew the young woman didn't. It would take a lot of convincing. God, where was April when she needed her most? If anyone could convince this young woman that she was still an attractive, desirable woman, April could.
It was then that the subject of Kat's thoughts made her appearance.
"Hi everyone, I'm sorry I'm late."
Several pairs of eyes were glued to April's tall, six-foot, frame.
April gazed at the young women, then at Kat. Kat nodded in her direction. “Hi,” she said softly. “I'm glad you could make it.” April didn't hesitate. She walked up to each of the young women, and touched the brightly patterned scarves adorning their heads.
Kat felt her throat constrict. Her hand strayed to her neck.
April gazed at the three young women once more then she reached up and removed the wig from her head, revealing its naked surface.
No one said a word.
"Come on ladies,” April turned and grinned at all of them. “Let's have a good time, shall we, and show the world that this,” she patted her bald head, “this won't defeat us."
Kat turned away, for fear someone would see her tears.
This wasn't an evening for tears she scolded herself, wiping them away. It was an evening for celebration.
Life.
They would all celebrate life tonight!
* * * *
As the evening progressed, so did the merriment. Everyone continued to try on the beautiful lingerie Kat provided. They ate, chatted and spoke of the things near and dear to their hearts. April brought an arsenal of makeup and beauty supplies. A section of Kat's workroom had been transformed to resemble a makeup studio, so the women could sample the beauty products April provided—and the fine, human-hair wigs Kat donated.
April's tall, lithe frame reflected in the mirrors set up in front of the small tables. “Try this shade,” she told one of the young women. She picked up a large brush and dipped it into a rosy shade of face powder. “I think it'll look fabulous on you.” The young woman's pale face glowed with a soft, pink hue in the lighting Kat had set up.
April stood behind her and ran a brush through her hair. The soft blonde, chin-length curls softened the young woman's thin face.
"Oh my,” she whispered. Her eyes grew shiny. “My hair...” she reached up and caressed the ends of the wig, rubbing the hair between her fingers. “This is what I used to look like."
April gave her shoulders a squeeze. “I'm so pleased you like it."
"I-I don't wear much makeup."
"I know,” she patted her shoulders. “And you don't have to. Just a little foundation, that rosy powder ... some lipstick, and you're good to go.” She smiled into the mirror—the young woman returned it.
Kat felt better than she had in days, watching the bi-play between April and the evening's beneficiaries of a complete makeover. April moved from one young woman to the other, fussing and chatting and just having a good time. Kat caught April's eye and mouthed ‘thank you.’ April mouthed ‘you're welcome’ back in the mirror and grinned.
A little while later, Lilith walked up to Kat, a glass of champagne in hand. “This is great, Kat, really.” She sipped the champagne then placed the glass down on the table. “I don't know how Annabelle, Evelyn and Doris find these ladies, but I'm glad they do. Makes you feel good to help someone, doesn't it?"
Kat didn't speak for a few seconds, when she did, she looked up into Lilith's striking violet-colored eyes. “My grandmother used to say, ‘If you're feeling lousy, thinking you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders, go and help someone. You'll find your burden grows lighter when you do."
"Your grandmother sounds like one smart lady,” Lilith replied, her voice soft.
"Yes, she was.” Kat looked away for a second, then back at Lilith. “I wish you knew her."
"I think your mother and sister would be so proud of you, Kat. Just look at what you did tonight."
Her throat constricted just thinking about them. She spoke around a lump. “It wasn't just me tonight, Lilith. It's ... all of you. You, Doris, Annabelle, Evelyn and ... April. I'm so glad April made it.” She ran a finger around the rim of her coffee mug and gazed at the golden, creamy brew. Kat lifted and swirled the mug's contents, the rich, dark espresso and ribbons of golden creamer, reminding her of Jared's exquisite, dark eyes, highlighted with their golden flecks of color.
"I just don't know how Doris, Annabelle and Evelyn find these ladies, Kat."
Kat grinned. “I've started calling them the three ‘Fairy Godmothers.’”
Lilith grinned back. “You've got that right."
Kat reached for Lilith's hand and squeezed. “Thanks for donating the knitting lessons. It will help them take their minds off things."
"Oh posh ... it was nothing, Kat, trust me. I'm glad to do it."
There was a few seconds of silence. Finally, Lilith broke the quiet in Kat's small office.
"Is Nancy coming tonight?"
Kat shook her head and said around a bite of cheese, “No, and I really can't blame her."
Lilith shook her head
. “She'll come around, Kat, you'll see. You two have been friends for a long time."
Kat replied around a sigh. “I owe her ... I owe her an apology, and that's just for starters. I keep thinking about what I want for Summerville and not what's good for my friend."
Lilith placed her hand on Kat's arm. “Look, it's because you care about Summerville. It's just that sometimes, well, you look at the big picture when it comes to this town and you forget, it's made up of individuals. Didn't you once say that the heart of Summerville was the people, that a town was a sum total of all the individuals that lived in it? Each individual brings something unique to Summerville."
Kat smiled and buffed her on the shoulder. “That was my campaign speech when I was running for mayor."
Lilith remained serious. “And I never forgot it. Neither should you. Those individuals you spoke of, they're what counts. The town has to serve the needs of the individual..."
Kat held up a hand. “I know. I know. ‘And the individual must serve the town.’”
Lilith blew out a breath. “Maybe Nancy can't serve this town anymore Kat, and maybe ... this town can't fill her needs anymore."
Kat's throat grew tight. She looked away for a second. Lilith was right. It was time for Nancy to move on. She'd speak with her tomorrow ... make things right.
If you're Nancy's friend, why don't you support her in her decision to provide for her children? Jared's words came back to her. Jared.... Jared....
She couldn't get him out of her mind. All day, all night, she'd been thinking about him. And about his father. Jared was another person she had to make amends with. They had to resolve the MegaMart issue. Somehow, someway they had to meet at the crossroads and finish the journey. Kat just wasn't sure where that road would take them ... or Summerville. Nevertheless, maybe, just maybe if they met and she could look at those plans again, they could reach a conclusion even if she had to give up something in the process.
Her heart. She already knew that was a forgone conclusion. Jared stirred something deep inside her. He had woken the sleeping tiger of desire within her, and now, he was inside her head, making her think ... forcing her to change. She still hated change, but maybe it would be easier with Jared.
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