by Kahlen Aymes
Wren’s fingers squeezed around his; as if she could sense what he was thinking. He turned his head to glance down at her, to find her light blue eyes swimming in tears. Resentment and anger rose up and he felt ready to scream; his heart started pounding uncomfortably inside his chest. This was the real injustice; the time lost and the unknown of what his relationship should have been with Wren. He’d loved her for almost half of his life and nothing would ever change it. Not time, other women, distance, or letting each other down… nothing.
Her brow furrowed as she recognized the frustration on his handsome face. “Cale, what is it?” she whispered.
He shook his head and squeezed her hand back, rubbing his thumb over the top of her fingers. “I’ll tell you after the will is read. Let’s just get through the next couple of days.”
Macy couldn’t hear the exchange between Caleb and Wren, given their whispers and the way Caleb leaned over so he could speak into Wren’s ear. Anger boiled just beneath the surface and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She knew she had to tread carefully or risk losing him, but she could barely contain herself from an outburst; even as the wake continued around them.
After it was over and people were filing out, she bit her tongue yet again. Caleb was still hovering over Wren and Macy felt completely left out. He was polite to her, opening the doors for them both, but it was obvious in his actions and in conversations with others, where his focus was. Maybe she’d have some time alone with him in the car on the way back, given that Wren had arrived with Jonesy. Macy felt sure Wren wouldn’t allow the housekeeper to ride back to the house alone. It played out exactly like she anticipated.
Jonathan hugged Wren goodbye as the five of them parted ways in the parking lot. Wren and Jonesy climbed into the back of the black sedan, Jonathan left in his own car, and she and Caleb were soon securely inside his father’s car. They traveled caravan style back toward the estate.
It was dark and the lights of the city raced by the outside of the car, their reflections cast on the windows. Caleb’s face bore the glow of the blue dashboard light. It was obvious he was deep in thought, but Macy didn’t care. She was almost bursting with the words that she needed to say.
“What will happen tomorrow?” she asked.
One shoulder lifted in a slight shrug as he rested one hand casually on the wheel as he drove. “There will be a short service, then a few people at the house for lunch followed by the reading of the will in early evening. You don’t have to stay for that if you want to catch a flight after lunch.” His tone was casual and flat.
“You don’t need to keep saying that.” Macy was hurt and angry, but she tried to bite back a nasty retort. “So the will gets read, then you come home to San Francisco on Tuesday?”
He shook his head absently. “I’m not sure. With an estate this size, who knows when it will all be sorted?”
Macy turned to look at him more directly, her mouth tight. “What’s to figure out? It all goes into escrow, Jonathan handles everything, and we get back to our life, right?”
The muscle in Caleb’s jaw started to twitch and he shot her an irritated glance. “You shouldn’t be so presumptive.” He shook his head. He was tired of the cat and mouse game with Macy and he needed to lay it all out for her. “I may go back to San Francisco for a couple of weeks, but ultimately, I’ll be coming back to Denver to head up Lux.”
Macy’s mouth opened and then she shut it again. She’d knew she’d better consider her words carefully because he hadn’t exactly been loving or open to her since they’d arrived at this Godforsaken place. “I see. Well,” she started slowly. “I’ll have to resign and sublet my apartment, as will you, but—”
“No. I will, but you won’t. I’m doing this alone, Macy.”
“What?” She was stunned. “But, Caleb—.”
He shook his head again. “Shit happens. The estate is massive. I can’t just dump it on Jonathan, even if I wanted to. He’s an old man.”
“Then hire someone else!” she spat angrily. “You don’t fuck your whole life just because your dad dies.”
He huffed shortly. “It’s not just my father dying, but thanks for your compassion.”
Macy’s eyes narrowed and fury made her skin flush with heat. She wished to hell she’d followed her instincts and snuck into Jonathan’s office to eavesdrop on their conversation. At least, she wouldn’t be blindsided but Caleb’s change in plans. Her lips pressed into an irritated line and the hair on the back of her neck stood up. This had to be about the sister.
“I saw the way Wren was clinging to you like white on rice at the funeral. This wouldn’t have anything to do with her, would it?”
“She inherits half of everything.”
Macy’s mouth pinched with resentment. It was just as she thought. “So! Sell the company, get your money, and get the hell back to your own plans. What about your design firm?”
Caleb was becoming impatient. “Isn’t that obvious? Someone as smart as you should realize that it’s on hold for now. There’s a provision in the will that our shares can’t be liquidated for five years.”
“So she gets to pirouette off into the sunset and you’re stuck here? And you still have to split it?”
Now, Caleb was pissed. Even he didn’t know how it would play out and he’d be damned if he was explaining himself to Macy. “I could have sworn you were all for my inheriting Lux.” His eyes narrowed and his expression was hateful. “Oh, but that was as long as it was just me.”
“Because the money would help with your own plans!”
“Yeah, right.”
“Why would he saddle you with your little sister for five more years? She has her own career. What was he thinking?”
The gates of the estate opened and Caleb drove through them, up the lane, and around the back to the garage. The electronic door was already opening.
When the car was parked, Caleb turned toward Macy. “How many damn times do I have to tell you that Wren is not my sister?” he yelled. The elevated tenor in his voice took Macy aback and her eyes were wide as she looked at him. His words were hard and begged her to defy his control. “I can’t speak to my father’s intentions other than he was making sure that we didn’t bail on the business he built with my mother before giving it a fair shot. I guess he figures five years is what is needed to give us enough time to see if we enjoy running it.”
“Bullshit!” Macy’s eyes flashed. The lights in the garage were on, but dimly lit. Caleb could see her dark eyes burning in rage. “Five years is long enough for Wren to get her hooks into you!”
Caleb’s own fuse was short and getting shorter and the volume in his voice louder. “You know Macy, this has nothing to do with you! You have no right to be indignant about what I have to do, or that Wren is involved. I saw the way a fire lit under your ass when you realized Lux was short for Luxon. I’m not an idiot.” Sarcasm dripped from his words. “Personally, I could have lived without the money, but it’s not just about me.”
He turned, and got out of the car. Slamming the door, he stood and waited for her to follow his lead.
“No,” she seethed, stomping her way around the car. “It’s about her.”
Calm settled over Caleb. He nodded unapologetically. “Partly, yes. My decision to take on Lux is about Wren, but also Jonesy, Jonathan, the board of directors, the thousands of people Lux employs, and the stockholders! It’s bigger than me, and my own selfish plans. Look beyond your goddamned nose for a minute. Jesus Christ!”
Fucking hell, he thought with a huff. Macy was exactly like Veronica. Why didn’t I see it sooner?
“Let the board run Lux! All of our plans are ruined.”
“We don’t have any plans. The design firm was my plan. You were just helping me arrange the funding, remember?”
“Yes, and fucking you, in case you forgot,” she said. The words were laced with venom.
“That’s over.”
“What?”
“You heard me. Even i
f I were fully invested in a relationship with you, which I wasn’t, your true colors have surfaced on this trip and effectively killed it for me. I watched my stepmother use my father for years.”
Macy sucked in her breath as if someone had knocked her in the gut. “Then at least be honest!” She steeled herself for Caleb’s reaction to her next words, but at this point had little to lose. “What’s the truth about you two, Caleb? Wren has your mother’s locket.”
Recognition of the implications registered on his face but he simply stared her down. “Yes, she does, and I already told you about Wren and me.”
“I know there’s more to it! The necklace is a family heirloom and should go to the woman you marry, so you might want to ask for it back.”
“I gave it to her, and it stays where it is. You and I have only known each other a few months, so you can stop trying to make plans for me. It’s been fun, but this is my life, not yours. If you’ll excuse me, it’s been a long fucking day and I’m done with this conversation.”
“Are you fucking Wren, Caleb?”
He turned and glared at her, shoving both hands into his pant’s pockets. “I’m not dignifying that with an answer.”
“You must be, or you wouldn’t have given her your mother’s jewelry and be treating her like she’s made of glass.”
“Look, my reasons for giving it to her are between me and Wren! You don’t know shit about what she has gone through or why we are the way we are, so back the hell off!”
“But, Caleb …” She said in a softer tone. “I’m just trying to—”
“Enough!” He held up his hand to stop her from continuing her objection, his eyes burning into her as if he willed her to burst into flames.
He turned and started walking toward the kitchen entrance and Macy followed reluctantly. The physical distance between them screamed that they’d just had a major fight, but Caleb wasn’t concerned about the conclusion that would be drawn by others in the house.
Inside, Jonesy was scurrying around the kitchen putting out the food she’d prepared over the last two days, buffet style in the kitchen, and Wren was helping her finish up.
Macy passed through and scurried down the hall to her room without a word and Caleb was thankful. The situation still wasn’t resolved but he’d take the short reprieve.
Jonesy had hired a few people to help with service and tending the bar in his father’s study, which was already filled with guests. The house was open and there were more people coming in the front doors. He found himself wishing he could just get a plate and a drink then head downstairs with Wren as they did when they were kids and were avoiding both of their parents.
“Caleb, what’s up with Macy?”
“She isn’t feeling well.”
“Should I bring her something?” Wren asked innocently. “Some ginger ale?”
Caleb shook his head. “She’ll be fine. Looks like you’re busy enough.”
“Go on into the other room,” Jonesy instructed. She had several sheet pans and was cutting up various dessert bars into pieces and piling them on plates. “There are people you need to talk to and you’ll need to eat, Caleb. We’ll have this ready in a few minutes,” Jonesy instructed in a motherly tone.
“Ugh.” He groaned. “Okay.”
Wren was filling two big glass bowls with fresh baked rolls to go with an array of meats, cheeses, salads and the desserts Jonesy was plating. She glanced up and met his eyes. “Are you doing okay?”
Caleb nodded then turned away, pulled at his tie to loosen it, yanked it free from his collar, and then unbuttoned the top two buttons. He might have to socialize with these people, but he was going to be comfortable. “I’ll just be glad when this bullshit is over.”
Caleb made his way into his father’s study and asked the bartender for a scotch and water. He leaned his right elbow on the fine wooden surface of the bar and glanced around. There were probably a hundred and fifty people in the house and he didn’t know any of them. Looking at the animated way they were talking and the many smiles and laughs, you’d think it was an after hours gathering at the local country club.
He lifted the glass that the bartender had placed in front of him to his lips, glancing over the rim as he took a swallow. The amber liquid burned down his esophagus and settled warmly in his stomach.
His breath rushed out as he caught sight of a tall blonde woman blatantly flirting with an older man in a dark suit, who was clearly engaged in her exposed cleavage. Her posture was as elegant he remembered, but she was trash; pure and simple.
What the fuck was Veronica doing here?
Caleb straightened and set his glass down before he made a beeline for her. She was dressed in black, but her lips were covered in bright lipstick that was way to obnoxious for the occasion. He reached out and took her by the arm, turning her around, uncaring of the man she was speaking with or anyone else who would hear. Veronica was clearly shocked at the manhandling.
“Excuse me, I’m Caleb Luxon,” Caleb interrupted the man speaking to his stepmother. “As a public service, I must remove this woman while you still have your dick and your wallet.” His tone was flat, and his expression wry. The older man stood stunned, and cleared his throat as Veronica’s mouth fell open as Caleb’s sudden appearance took her by surprise. Her well made-up face stiffened. “Please excuse us.” He took her arm and moved her a few feet away.
“What the hell are you doing here, Veronica?” The hatred he felt for the woman could be heard in every syllable. “Get the fuck out of my house.”
Veronica quickly gathered her composure, pasting a plastic smile on her face as she looked up into Caleb’s stern expression.
He hadn’t seen her in four years, though he had to admit she was still well preserved. She was several years younger than his father, though the fine lines around her eyes and mouth were carved a bit deeper. “Did you miss your Botox appointment this month?” he asked scathingly. “You might want to schedule one.”
“Uh hmm.” She cleared her throat and smiled slyly. “Caleb, darling. Is that any way to treat your stepmother?”
“Cut the crap.” Caleb grabbed her upper arm again and started pulling her with him to the front of the house. He didn’t want Wren to have to deal with this bitch and wanted her out, now. “I should have expected you to show up. It’s common knowledge that vultures buzz around carcasses.”
“What a horrible thing to say!” she said shakily.
“You bring out the best in me, I guess,” he said dryly.
“Caleb, stop! I want to see my daughter.”
“Your daughter?” he shot in disgust. He continued to haul her through the entryway and out the front door as people gawked at the scene they were making. “Wren’s not likely to fall for your bullshit lies anymore than I am.”
He let go of her once outside, and the momentum carried her forward and she stumbled on the laid cobblestone of the driveway. “Why do you have to be so hateful? People can change.”
“Not you.” He lifted his arm, signaling Jared to pull the black sedan he’d hired for Wren forward. “Anyone with two brain cells to rub together knows that the only thing that changes about you is which poor bastard you’re fucking for his bank account.” He laughed harshly. “You must be getting better at it. That poor old man was what, ninety? Maybe he’ll die before he can divorce you, but I guess that’s the plan, huh?”
When the car pulled forward, Caleb didn’t wait for Jared to get out and open the backdoor, instead doing it himself. He nodded to the car, silently demanding that Veronica get inside.
“I’m not leaving without seeing Wren,” she insisted.
“She doesn’t want to see you. Get out of here!” Caleb was furious, realizing that he had no clue whether Veronica still lived in Denver or if she’d moved. He didn’t care.
“I have a right to see her.”
“She’s an adult. The only right you have is to get the fuck off my property before I call the police.” Caleb took her arm and
moved her toward the open door; the speed at which he moved had Veronica’s high-heel clad feet shuffling and sliding underneath her. “Wren would be the first to say you’re just here sniffing around for what you can get, but trust me; you’re shit out of luck this time.” He forced her inside the backseat, using his free hand to shield her head from the doorframe as momentum carried her backward inside the car. “Jared, get her out of here,” he commanded.
“You can’t stop me from being at the reading of the will, Caleb.” Her voice had risen almost to a screech. “I called Jonathan an hour ago and he admitted Edison included me and Wren.”
Caleb huffed out a laugh. “I’m aware.” She was in for a big surprise. “Wren will be there tomorrow, and if she wants to speak to you, fine, but I swear to God if you so much as say one wrong word to her, I won’t be liable for my actions.”
Veronica gasped and Jared let out a laugh. “What are you laughing at?” she yelled at him. “You have no right!”
“Where should I take her, sir?” Jared ignored her, glancing over his shoulder at Caleb. He was still smirking, clearly unaffected by Veronica’s rant.
“To the nearest street corner, I imagine. Don’t let her berate you or give some sob story about how destitute she is. You work for me, so I expect you to be deaf to her lies. If she lives in town take her there, if not, dump her at the nearest Motel 6.” He took a roll of bills out of his right front pants pocket, unrolled a fifty and flung it into the backseat of the car. “That should cover it.”
“You’ve turned into a major bastard, Caleb,” Veronica spat at him. “I guess the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
“You’re wrong, Veronica. I’ve always been a major bastard. Remember what I said. I can’t stop you from showing up, but you will not do one damn thing to hurt Wren tomorrow.” He used his hand to make a snip, snip scissors motion right in front of her face. “Don’t fuck with either one of us, or you’ll be very, very sorry. Hurt her and I’ll do a lot more than shave your goddamned head.”