The smile fades quickly from Cheryl’s face. She takes her hat off and runs her fingers through her hair to give it a fluff. She clears her throat and gives all three of us the once-over. I imagine Sarah will hear about this as soon as we leave, but for now she’s maintaining a level of cordiality.
“I already told that lawyer that I wasn’t testifying,” she says curtly. “So I’m afraid you came all the way out here for nothin’.”
“Actually, ma’am, I’m not here to convince you to testify,” Will tells her. He’s soft in his speech, not wanting to upset her.
“Then what is it that I can do for you?” I suppose Cheryl’s immediate reaction to a Meyer standing in her living room would be one of defense. I never thought about the feelings we might unearth by just showing up here, although I’m pretty sure Luke started the digging when he contacted her about testifying.
“I just wondered if I could ask you a few questions about my father,” Will asks softly.
“I have no desire to talk about that man. And what on earth could you possibly want to know about him?” Cheryl is polite in her delivery, but it’s clear the mere thought of Gregory Meyer pinches her with a tiny bit of pain.
“I’m just trying to put some pieces of this puzzle together. You see, I’m about to marry this incredible woman and I just found out some things about my father…some things that make him even more terrible than I knew he was. I thought if I could find out more about him then I’d be certain not to become him.” Will is holding back tears. This is more emotional for him than he thought it would be. Having such a sweet and candid conversation with Sarah, and now being face to face with someone other than his mother who can answer questions about his father…it’s overwhelming.
“Son, the fact that you just said that is all the proof you need that you’ll never be like that man.” Cheryl’s face softens and a small smile appears, lightening the stress level in the room. “But…I suppose since you came all this way, and I can see that your intentions are good,” Cheryl says as she sits in a chair facing the couch. “What would you like to know?”
“Thank you. I appreciate it more than you know,” Will says as we sit. “Well, to be honest, the thing that sparked my interest in coming out here to see you has to do with your divorce settlement. It seems that you received a much smaller settlement than the other ex-wives. I was just wondering if you knew why. I mean, it just seems odd...ma’am.”
It takes Cheryl a moment to speak, and when she does, she isn’t speaking to Will or me. “Sarah, I think you need to sit down. It’s time you knew the whole truth.” She takes a deep breath as she prepares herself to talk about something she hasn’t dared to utter in over 20 years. “You’ll hear the same story from all of us. Gregory was charming and inviting when we first met him. He was serious but kind and he promised us the world. The more he worked, though, the harder he became, and his need to control things…to control me…became unstoppable. He was…physical, at times. But the more money he made, the less he felt the need to keep me in line with a slap or shove. He controlled every penny we had and eventually used that as his sole form of manipulation.
“I wasn’t allowed to work, but Gregory worked from sun up to sun down. I was given an allowance in an account…the only account I had access to. Sometimes he’d go months without putting anything in it, so I had to watch where I went so I wouldn’t run out of gas. If I did, and anyone saw me? Well, let’s just say it took running out of gas once to know that I never wanted to run out of gas again. I rationed the food in the house, too. He ate out with the firm daily, but I had to make sure I set aside food he liked so I could make it on the weekend. One time I thought for sure I had two steaks in the freezer. When I went to pull them out, I only had one. He had steak, potato, and asparagus that night. I had rice and beans.”
“Why did you stay with him?” Will asks. This is the “elephant in the room” question all five women will be asked. I don’t think we’ll hear much discrepancy in their answers.
“I was scared to leave. He had his nice moments, but after about six or seven months those moments became few and far between. He was erratic and I never knew which Gregory I was going to get at the end of the day. I just always held out hope that things would get better. When I told him I was pregnant I was delusional enough to think it would make a difference.” She turns to face Sarah. “I know you know about some of this, and I appreciate you keepin’ it to between you and Austin. I wasn’t ready to talk about it before, but I think you should know how things really were between your father and me.”
“It’s ok, Momma. You don’t have to tell me. Honestly, I’m just happy to know Will. And I’m not mad at you for keepin’ the truth from me. I know you had your reasons,” Sarah tells her.
“Will wants to know, and I think you deserve to know. It’s not pretty, but it’s the truth, and you wanted the truth,” she says. “I was about eight weeks pregnant and we had some fancy charity event to go to in Charlotte. I put on a dress that Gregory let me buy specifically for that night about a month prior. I wasn’t thinking when I bought it that a month would go by in my pregnancy and that my body would be changing. When I put it on and it didn’t look or fit right, Gregory was livid. He said several mean and hateful things to me that I will not repeat, and grabbed me by the arm to take me back upstairs to find something that wouldn’t embarrass him. I shouldn’t have, but all the way up the stairs I fought him, twisting my arm, trying to get away from him. Well, I did…I got away from him, but it was at the top of the stairs and I fell. I stumbled and rolled all the way down until I hit the bottom with a thud so loud I thought that something else had fallen with me.
“I was immediately sore and too bruised up to go, so Gregory left me there on the floor at the bottom of the stairs and went to the event without me. I pulled myself together, took a shower, and went to bed. Sometime in the night before Gregory got home I knew something was wrong. I started cramping and then there was a lot of blood. I called 911 and an ambulance came to get me. I could barely walk I was in so much pain. The hospital called Gregory but he didn’t show up until ten the next morning. When I told him I had a miscarriage he told me that I couldn’t even be pregnant right…and then he literally tossed our divorce papers on the hospital bed and left. That was the last time I laid eyes on him. When I got home two days later all of my things were packed and there was an envelope with some cash and the access information for the account my settlement was in.”
“Momma, why did you tell him you had a miscarriage?” Sarah asks with confused eyes.
“Because I did. It wasn’t until the next morning in the hospital when they examined me that they found you. I had been pregnant with twins. That’s why my settlement wasn’t as big as any of the others. On the divorce papers the payout was explained in line items. Under the child line it showed what I would have received if Gregory and I had a child together.”
“Why didn’t you tell him you were still pregnant?” I ask before Sarah can say anything. “He would have paid out what you deserved.”
“Darlin’ I was done. I just wanted to walk away. I didn’t know if he’d come back for something if he knew about Sarah. I had enough money from him to buy this ranch, and even hire some ranch hands for a while. I never remarried and I’m fine with that. I have friends and family, and a grandbaby on the way,” she says, smiling sweetly at Sarah. “We’ve done ok for ourselves out here. Even now that he’s dead, I don’t regret not telling him.” Cheryl smiles contently and I know she means every word she’s said. She’s happy here. She’s happy with how her life has turned out and I hope Will finds some peace in that.
“Was there anything…good…in my father?” Will asks hesitantly.
“Will,” Cheryl leans forward and stares Will square in the eyes. “All you need to know is that no matter who your father was, no matter who raised you…you are your own man. You decide what your future looks like. You determine your path. You don’t have to be a slave to what you’re afraid your desti
ny might be, ‘cause you decide your destiny.”
“Thank you,” Will says quietly as he works to digest everything he’s just been told. “I, um, have an inheritance, and I want to make sure that you and the others are…helped. I know what my father put you through was worth more than what you got in the end.”
“I don’t want your money.” Cheryl’s expression turns flat as she stands. We all follow her lead and stand with her.
“I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to insult you. It’s not meant as anything other than something to let you know how sorry I am,” Will stammers. I guess after Marlene’s bid for every dime in the Meyer fortune we were at least expecting the other exes to be fine with receiving a little extra in the way of compensation.
“You didn’t insult me, Will. I just don’t want anything else from that man. I’ve said my peace and told you what you wanted to know. Now I’ve got some horses to feed. It was real nice to meet you both. I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” she says. “Sarah will see you out.”
We shake Cheryl’s hand and watch as she leaves the room. I think we’re both shocked at the story we just heard. We knew Will’s father was a hard man, but I didn’t realize he had been physically violent. I wonder if he was ever physical with Eliana. If Will finds out that was happening to his mom he’s going to blow his top. And I can’t imagine what Wes will do. Right now, though, we’re left standing in a living room with Will’s sister. His sister. She expressed all the same feelings Will did when we talked about his wish to have at least known he had siblings. I watch the two of them looking at each other and suddenly feel like I’m intruding. There have to be things they want to talk about…things they want to know about each other. Do they like the same foods? What about taste in movies? And what about all those childhood experiences? Sarah is going to have a stream of experiences entirely different to what Will had. Growing up on a working ranch is far different than the posh, suburbs Will knew. I’m also certain Will wants to express how he feels about his mom not being kicked to the curb, and about being the kid that got kept.
I pull the car keys from Will’s pocket and my phone off the coffee table. “I’m going to get some fresh air and call Caroline. I want to make sure she’s not lost and arrange a time to meet for dinner. Thank you for your hospitality, Sarah. I know we sort of ambushed you here, so thank you for being gracious.” I try to shake Sarah’s hand but she won’t have it. Before I know it I’m being held in a sweet embrace and a thought enters my mind that surprises me. This woman is going to be my sister-in-law…and I’m excited about that.
I smile at Sarah as I leave her arms, and kiss Will quickly before I walk outside. The sun is hot and the weather is dry. I’m glad for my standard summer uniform of shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals.
I’m walking toward the car so I can charge my phone and get the air started when a man rounds the corner of the house. As he approaches I realize that I’ve seen more cowboy hats and boots in the last hour than I have in my entire life.
“You must be Layla,” the cowboy says. He’s ruggedly handsome with a surprisingly huge smile.
“And you must be Austin,” I reply, extending my hand.
“I am,” he says as he actually tips his hat. I’m waiting for John Wayne and some tumbleweed to come into the scene. “Thank you for comin’ today. She’s been waitin’ a long time for this.”
“I’m sure you’re talking about Sarah because I think Cheryl would have been happy to go her entire life without ever meeting Will or me,” I tell him with some sarcasm.
“Cheryl’s a private person, but I suppose you learn how to be private when you’ve lived the life she has lived,” Austin says.
“I think Sarah’s going to have a lot to share with you later.”
“I heard. I was in the kitchen. Sarah asked me to stay close in case things got hairy. I’d say she and Cheryl handled things pretty well,” he says, dusting off his hat and placing it back on his head in true cowboy fashion.
“Congratulations on the baby,” I say. “That’s exciting.”
“Yeah…we’re excited. It’s gonna be a big change, though.” Austin’s eyes are wide with excitement and it’s easy to see how in love he already is with being a father.
“We’d still really like for y’all to have the money,” I say, chuckling to myself. Between my time with Caroline and an afternoon with Sarah and Cheryl, I’m morphing into a regular southern bell.
“Cheryl won’t take it. She’s a stubborn woman. There ain’t no way she’ll accept it,” he says.
“What if we give it to you?” I propose.
“Oh, no, ma’am…we can’t take that money. It’s not right,” Austin refuses. He looks surprised that I would even suggest that we give it to them. “I wouldn’t know how to explain that to Cheryl, and I wouldn’t feel right lyin’ to her.”
“I understand. How about this,” I begin. I know Will is determined to make sure some restitution is made for the sins of his father, so I decide to strike up a deal with Austin. “When is your baby due?”
“Not for another six months,” he says, tilting his head as he tries to figure out where I’m going.
“What if we put the money in a trust for the baby? He or she can access it when they graduate from high school, but only for college expenses, and then have full access to it after they graduate from college. Would that be acceptable?” I ask, hoping he agrees.
“Why, I don’t know what to say.” Austin looks down, humbled by our gift, and I can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that Gregory Meyer would roll over in his grave if he knew how philanthropic Will and I were being with his money.
“Say yes because I’m just going to stand here and continue to come up with ideas to make sure your family gets this money,” I say with a wide smile.
“Ok,” Austin agrees after a moment. “That’s incredibly generous of you. I’ll wait to tell Sarah until all the paperwork is done. That way she won’t be able to say no.”
We’re both laughing when Sarah and Will walk out of the house and down the front steps. They have smiles spread across their faces and I feel my heart flutter with happiness for them both. They’ve waited so long to have the kind of connection one can only have with a sibling. I feel a twinge of jealousy but only for a moment. I would sacrifice having a hundred siblings if it meant Will’s happiness with his.
Will puts his arm around Sarah’s shoulder as they approach the car. I see a sparkle in his eye and know that he’s found what he was looking for. He whispers something in her ear and she lets out a loud guffaw. It appears that they’ve known each other for just a short time and they already have their own inside joke. Good for them.
“So you’ll send us an invitation, right?” Sarah prompts Will as they meet Austin and me at Will’s car. “I’ll be as big as a house, but wouldn’t miss your weddin’ for the world.”
“Yes, of course,” Will tells her. “We won’t meet Erin and Michael until after the wedding, but I hope they feel the same way you do about knowing me.”
“It’s their loss if they don’t!” she says with some offense. “It was so wonderful to meet you, Layla. I’m really lookin’ forward to getting’ to know you. Is it ok if I email, and maybe call sometimes?”
“Definitely,” I tell her.
“That’s good, because since you’re marrying my brother, that’s going to make you my sister. I don’t believe in the whole half-brother or in-law thing. Family is family, right babe,” she turns and says to Austin.
“It’s true. She calls my folks Mom and Dad,” Austin says as he puts his arm around her, drawing her to his side. “You’re family, Will.”
We exchange hugs and goodbyes and promises to call, text, email, write…anything just as long as it’s soon.
“So…how are you feeling?” I ask Will as we make our way back down the dirt road driveway to the main road. I want to leave it open for him. We heard a lot from Cheryl and Sarah and I’m sure he’s just trying to pr
ocess everything.
“I feel…I’m not sure how I feel,” he says.
“Well, I feel great. It was great how welcoming Sarah was, don’t you think?” I prompt.
“I don’t really want to talk about it right now…if that’s ok.” Will reaches over and takes my hand in his. He just needs some time in the quiet of his mind to sort through the day. I’m sure once we get home we’ll settle in the big chair in the loft and talk.
“That’s totally ok,” I tell him.
As Will and I drive back out to the main road I’m struck with the reality of the last few hours. We discovered more about Will’s father than I think we had anticipated, and gained a sister in the deepest sense of the word. I certainly hadn’t expected to end this day feeling this way. The longer we drive, and the more I think about it, the more I see how right Sarah was. When your family comes into view, it’s unmistakable, and that little hollow piece of your heart that’s been crying out for something suddenly fills and you don’t feel so lonely anymore.
Chapter 21
Will is quiet on the drive back to Davidson. Not as quiet as on the way to Virginia, but quiet still. Except for telling Will about the deal I struck up with Austin to make sure their family gets the money Will wants to give them, we haven’t really talked about our meeting with Cheryl and Sarah. He agreed that setting up a trust for the baby was the best compromise and that’s all he’s said. We don’t offer information about our day except to tell Caroline that I thought it went really well when she asked. I know Caroline will want the low down later so I’ll make sure we have some time alone to give her my perspective.
Caroline and Ryan don’t sleep on the way home like they did on the drive up. Apparently they had quite the morning and Caroline is intent on filling us in. They played a round of golf, walked on the beach, and Caroline fit it some shopping, of course.
It’s almost ten when we get home. The porch light is on, but most of the rest of the lights are out. Caroline and Ryan grab their bags and head back to Caroline’s right away. Ryan just about flipped when Caroline told him she’s never seen any James Bond movies so he’s determined to start her indoctrination of “the greatest movies ever” with Dr. No tonight.
Safe Harbor (The Lake Trilogy, Book 3) Page 17