by Bette Ford
“Your point?”
They had stopped at a traffic light. Douglas glared at his twin, “Dar, evidently you were asleep when Dad told us the difference between a good girl and a skank. You have got it all wrong. Trenna…”
Darrin interrupted, “You’re the one not listening? I’m not one to kiss and tell, but I suspect I was the first in a very long time. I wouldn’t be surprised if she hasn’t been sexually active since her husband died. Trenna’s special. I would never treat her like a...”
“Well, you did something wrong! Figure it out, so you can fix it, knuckle-head.”
“Dating frequently can’t change the facts. She buried Martin McAdams, but her heart still belongs to him.” Darrin scowled. He knew how hard it had been on him to pick up the pieces and move on after their father passed. He still couldn’t talk about it after more than a year with his sibling or mother. “She can’t give away what she no longer has,” he ended with a heavy sigh.
“Did she say she was still in love with him?”
Outraged, he practically shouted, “I didn’t ask!”
“Then you can’t be sure. Maybe you’re too close the situation to be objective?”
“Have you considered that you’re a jack-ass and don’t know what in the hell you’re talking about?”
Douglas warned, “Hey! Watch your mouth!”
Frustrated, Darrin snapped, “Or what? You’ll tell Mom, you big baby!”
Douglas was still chuckling when they pulled into his circular drive. He stopped beside his brother’s jeep and then smacked Darrin on the back.
“Just because it has taken Trenna a while to see your finer points doesn’t mean she buried her heart with her late husband. Maureen has known her for years and has never even hinted at that possibility. I wouldn’t be surprised if she wasn’t using the Marks case to keep you at bay. Cheer up! If you asked me, things have changed for the better. Besides if she was still in love with her husband, why did she hop into bed with you?”
“I seduced her.”
Douglas chuckled. “You may have been born with your share of the Morgan charm, but even you aren’t that good. You need to talk to her and find out her reason for saying yes.”
Although he scowled, Darrin’s heart raced at the possibility. He was unsure if he was ready to hear why she had said yes. He knew the truth was always better than a lie, but he also knew the unvarnished truth could do some serious damage. “Considering how badly the evening ended, I’m not sure I can trust her to tell me the truth.”
“Which means you haven’t told her how you feel about her, right?” Douglas shook his head. “I shouldn’t have to remind you that women view these things vastly different than we do. You slept with her, but did you say a word about having any feelings for her? For all she knows, you got what you came to the party for and that’s the end of story. Only it’s not over for you and it might not be over for her.”
“She asked me to leave.”
Douglas advised, “Do yourself a favor, bro, and put a label on your feelings for Trenna.”
Looking into eyes identical to his own, Darrin asked in earnest, “How did you know what you felt for Megan was love?”
“I didn’t…not at first. It wasn’t until I accepted that I couldn’t live without her that it began to make sense to me. More importantly, I didn’t want to live without her. Megan owns my heart.”
Darrin nodded. “Thanks.”
“No problem. It’s nothing considering what you did for me. Do you remember when Megan got in my face? She called me a spoiled brat, said she had no use for or respect for men like me, who never had to work for anything in their lives. I was livid when she said, as far as she was concerned, everything I had, including my fancy law degree and my job, had all been handed to me on a silver platter by wealthy parents.” Doug sighed, “I was crushed. No one had ever spoken to me that way. I was this close”—he held up nearly touching thumb and forefinger—“to walking away and never looking back.”
“Yeah, I remember.”
“It wasn’t until you and I talked that I was able to calm down and start using my head. Bro, you gave me hope, helped me get beyond the hurt feelings and bruised ego. That was when I realized she was deliberately pushing me away and I had to figure out why. Because of you, I was able to pull myself together…to start thinking and stop reacting. Attacking me was her way of protecting herself and keeping me away.”
Darrin shrugged. “All we did was talk.”
“You gave me another perspective. Megan and I owe you.” Doug affectionately squeezed his brother’s nape. “Hey, I’m sure we wouldn’t be getting married, if not for you. No matter how much self-pity and trash talk I dished out, you always listened.”
Darrin grinned. “I’m happy for you, little bro. There’s no doubt that you two love each other. You’re blessed to have what Mom and Dad had. That’s rare.”
“Agreed, but who said you can’t have it?”
“I can’t compete against a dead man. It’s too late for me,” Darrin ended dejectedly.
“That’s a truck load of manure! You’re here and can still win the brass ring.”
“Stop! ”
“He has won, if you’re going to give up and play dead! From where I’m sitting you’re alive and virile. He can no longer romance her with moonlit walks and late-night phone calls. Stop me if I’m wrong, but you can call her, take her out to dinner, or out dancing. Every time you take her into your arms and hold her, kiss her and caress her, you will be reminding her that she’s still very much alive. She has needs you can satisfy.”
Darrin was silent for so long that Doug prompted, “What? You’re not up to the challenge?”
“I just need to be sure.”
Douglas laughed, “Megan sure had me jumping through hoops, trying to prove my feelings were genuine. Now, it’s your turn.” He hesitated, before he went on, “Could be that the difficulty isn’t love? If you have doubts that she’s worthy of your trust, then she’s not the one. Dad always said trust and love go hand in hand”—he spelled out the last word—“a-l-w-a-y-s. Without trust there can be no love. It’s right up there with great sex.”
Darrin was quiet, thoughtful.
“Think about it, bro. Consider how you feel when you’re with Trenna. Maybe speaking to Maureen might help? Whatever you decide, remember Mama took us to Sunday school and church for a reason. Even if you haven’t been going lately, you’re still God’s child. Pray, ask for God’s guidance. There’s no better way to find out if Trenna is genuine and worth fighting for.”
“You okay?” Grace Brooks was seated across the table from Trenna. “Is something wrong with your salad? You’re staring at it, but not eating.”
“Sorry, it’s been a long day.” Trenna admitted, “What did you say?”
“I was telling you how thrilled I was that the girls liked their belts. I’m considering doing another sewing project with them. Have any ideas?”
Trenna shook her head. "Not one clue.”
“I’m just glad Maureen convinced me to get involved.”
Trenna teased, “Don’t you mean she talked you into it?”
They laughed.
“Yes, and she was right.”
“Don’t tell her that or we will never hear the end of it.” Trenna smiled. “Grace, you are very talented and creative. Your belts are beautiful.”
Grace blushed. “I was so fortunate that Vanessa went to the craft fair where I had my display. She liked my designs. I’m thrilled to see them in her shop.”
“Vanessa has good taste. I surprised you aren’t selling online. But I’m sure your belts will go quickly, especially if you pair them with evening bags.”
“Really? I haven’t thought of doing evening bags.”
“Absolutely. How many has Maureen bought?”
“Three,” Grace blushed. “And you own two. Until recently it has only been a hobby. Something I enjoy doing in the evenings while watching TV.”
“Hobby?
I wouldn’t be surprised if Vanessa keeps you so busy with orders from her shop that you won’t have time to volunteer. Who knows, maybe you will add embellished hats, pillbox, or even newsboy styles.”
“Goodness!” Grace gushed. “Thank you.”
“Another week and we can mark this project off as a huge hit.” Trenna laughed. “When Vanessa introduced the sewing machines the girls were skeptical, called it dated, old-fashion. I don’t think they realized that sewing is a skill they can use for a lifetime. Now most of them are planning to make either evening slacks or maxi skirts for the outing.”
Nodding, Grace agreed. “It was fun. Until recently most of my time at the Center has been devoted to helping in the rape counseling group sessions.”
“From what I understand, you’ve done a wonderful job.” Trenna smiled. “Believe me when I say, I know how hard it is to say ‘no’ to Maureen. I’ve been trying without much success for years.”
“How long have you two been friends?”
“Since we were roommates our freshman year in college. We had a lot in common, were only children and became close, like family. We graduated together. Maureen was my maid of honor at my wedding. Even though when we lived in different states, we remained close. After my husband passed, I moved to the Detroit area to be near her. It feels like we’ve been friends forever.”
Grace said candidly, “I envy your friendship. It’s rare to find someone you can trust with your secrets, willing to stick by you when life gets hard.” Grace said, “I’m surprised she didn’t come today, even though you were willing to step in for her.”
Trenna smiled, “Me, too. But I’m glad she decided to be sensible. She hasn’t gotten much sleep since her grandmother has been ill.”
“How is Mrs. Hale?”
“I dropped in to see her earlier. She was feeling much better. But, honestly, I’m glad they kept her overnight, forced her to rest. She had chest pains. I’m thankful it wasn’t a heart attack. Maureen and her grandmother haven’t had a vacation in years, since they opened the Women’s Center,” Trenna revealed.
“But Mrs. Hale must be in her seventies.”
“Yes, and Maureen loves her so much that she has a hard time telling her to sit down. That will probably change after this health scare,” Trenna said.
“I hope so. Both Maureen and Mrs. Hale are such good people, so kind and accepting of all the women who come into the Center. They are blessed to still have each other.”
“I agree. What about you, Grace? Do you have family in the area?”
She shook her head. “There are a few distant cousins out there somewhere, but no close family. Maureen didn’t tell you?”
Trenna laughed. “No, nothing. The girl would make an excellent CIA agent. She’d cut out her tongue before breaking a confidence, professional or otherwise.”
Just then the waiter arrived with their orders, grilled whiting for Grace and shrimp scampi for Trenna.
Grace surprised Trenna when she said, “I’m so grateful that Maureen was the one who came to see me in the hospital after the rape. She has helped me tremendously. I couldn’t have gotten through the therapy or the trial without her.” Then she reached and squeezed Trenna’s hand before she added, “I’m grateful that you were also there and are a great friend to me. Thank you for including me in your outings with Maureen and your friends.”
“It’s no hardship.” Trenna’s heart had immediately gone out to Grace when Maureen introduced them. She had no trouble recalling the day she met Grace. It was after a counseling session at Maureen’s office and she still bore the scars from being battered.
Maureen encouraged all of her clients to attend the group sessions and volunteer at the Women Center’s in some capacity. There were self-defense classes to help build confidence.
“I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate your support during the trial.”
“I did what any friend would do,” Trenna said as she twisted the napkin in her lap. The mention of the trial brought Darrin to mind and memories of the intimacy they shared.
“What is it?”
“I need to be candid with you, but I’m not sure how to do this.” Trenna said, then surprised them both by asking, “Do you have room for desert?”
Grace blinked. “Now I’m really curious.”
Trenna shook her head. “You have been through enough. The last thing I want to do is upset you.”
Grace said, “Trenna, just say it.”
Trenna shook her head. “Now for dessert. The chocolate…”
In an urgent whisper, Grace asked, “You haven’t been raped—?”
“No! Nothing like that!” She sighed before blurting out, “I slept with Darrin Morgan. I know it is crazy considering he represented Todd Marks during the trial.” She confessed that she’d had avoided him, then he had gone out of his way to help her. He had called an old friend, who turned out to be a potential backer for her foundation. “It just happened. Last night, he’d given me a lift home and one thing led to another.”
Grace surprised her when she said, “It sounds to me as if your resentment toward Darrin has gone on for so long that it became a bad habit. Evidently, you saw him in a new way. That’s a good thing, right?”
Trenna frowned, wondering if Grace was right. Had she been so caught up in the old resentment that she hadn’t questioned it? Had she been unfair? Only since his help with her foundation had she started to see another side of him, and had begun to trust him. He had been kind, thoughtful even. There was no doubt he was a generous lover. Goodness! Was she was starting to care about him? No! No!
It was the darn charm. He had so much of it that it practically oozed from the man’s pores. Women fell like dominoes for that Morgan charm. It was disgusting. Unfortunately, last night he turned it her way and she had fallen faster than a house of cards.
With him, she had felt things she had never before experienced. She couldn’t explain why she had wanted him. His kisses were irresistible, and being in his arms was pure magic. There could be only one word to describe his love-making: incredible. He was that and so much more. Her response to him was unbelievable. She thought she knew all there was to know about what happened between a man and a woman, after all she’d been married. But she’d been wrong. Darrin was nothing like Martin. And Darrin’s lovemaking had shaken her to the core.
Goodness! She’d been so caught up in him she’d forgotten the anger, the resentment…everything! She had no idea why her brain had switched off, for she’d stopped thinking, and merely felt. The feelings had been so intense.
No! It should have never happened. She knew about his reputation with women! Talk about asking for trouble. Sleeping with him was utterly stupid.
“Now that you’ve gotten to know him, what do you think?”
Instead of answering, Trenna said, “Doesn’t it bother you that I’m involved with him?”
“Bother?” Grace laughed, “Darrin Morgan’s a very attractive man.”
Trenna’s eyes went wide. Giving up all pretense of eating, she put down her fork. “It looks as if I was upset enough for the both of us. I couldn’t forget that during the trial, Darrin was merciless. When you were on the stand, he treated you as if you were the criminal, not his own low-life client. He can be so annoying, especially the way he kept asking me out and refused to take no for an answer. For so long, I had to make myself be polite and speak to him.”
Grace shook her head. “I’m surprised he didn’t give up on you.”
Trenna had wondered the same thing. Darrin Morgan was a brilliant lawyer and a very attractive man. He had his pick of females, eager to be seen on his arm and hop into his bed. Yet, he continued to go after her. Why had he been so persistent?
“I can’t help but see red every time I think about what Todd Marks did. The man raped you! If I live to be hundred, I’ll never understand why such a high-powered lawyer as Darrin would work for that low-life. Was it because Marks came from money?” Worried she had said too
much, Trenna quickly added, “Grace, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“You have no reason to apologize.”
“But I do. I shouldn’t have brought the subject up. Let’s talk about something pleasant. Didn’t Amber do a great job on her belt?”
Grace nodded, “She’s very talented and has a good eye for color.” Then she hesitated before she said earnestly, “This is hard for me to admit, but Darrin Morgan did both me and Todd Marks a huge favor when he him got off.”
“What?”
“I should have told you when you first mentioned the trial.” Grace frowned, then confessed, “Even after talking about this in group sessions with other rape victims, it’s still not easy for me to talk about the rape. Recently, I realized I had made a horrible mistake.”
Confused, Trenna said, “I don’t understand.”
“I know.” Grace paused before she said, “I’m trying to find a way to tell you that Todd Marks didn’t rape me.” Grace sighed. “I wish Maureen had told you.”
13
Trenna was so rattled that instead of going home she drove to the Henry Ford Hospital. She was surprised to find that Mrs. Hale wasn’t in bed but seated in the padded armchair near Maureen. Though she was covered with blankets and propped up by pillows, she looked stronger than she had that morning.
“Hi, you two,” she said. “It’s good to see you out of bed, Ms. H. What are you two arguing about? I could hear you in the hall.”
“Trenna, you’re back.”
“That’s right. How are you feeling?”
“Much better. Told this one to go on home, she’s being stubborn.”
Maureen laughed. ”Hi, Trenna, did you hear her calling me stubborn? Wonder who I got it from?”
Trenna giggled. “I think, she has you there, Ms. H.”
Maureen and her grandmother were very close. Mrs. Hale had practically raised her, even before Maureen’s mother died. The older woman had been blessed with elegance, charm, and a keen intellect. What was most important to Trenna was Mrs. Hale’s kindness. From day one Mrs. Hale had treated her like family.