Average Jane

by Kristin Coley

  “Buster, you can let go now.” Michael clipped out.

  “Can’t breathe.” I managed to squeak and stumbled as I was suddenly free. I took a deep breath and swayed as Buster settled an arm around me.

  “Miss me, lassie?”

  “I most certainly did. Someone could have warned me about Michael’s driving.” I dug my elbow into his rock solid side and he graciously pretended to wince like it hurt.

  “You’re still alive. That’s better than the last bloke he drove around.” Buster told me, dragging me with him as he threw the bags into the trunk.

  “Are you serious?” A shrug was my only answer as he opened the back door for me. I slide in only to find myself sandwiched between Ian and Michael. Buster started the car and I buckled my seatbelt.

  “Did the meeting go well?” Michael asked from my right as Ian gripped my hand.

  “Well as could be expected.” Ian replied from my left. “I must say I derived quite a bit of pleasure from their unhappiness.” They exchanged matching smiles above my head as I met Buster’s eyes in the rearview mirror.

  “Glad that’s behind us, lass. Now on to more pleasant matters, like lunch.”

  “I made reservations at…”

  “Po’boy.” I chirped, interrupting Michael.

  “She wins.” Ian told Michael with a shrug.

  “Whatever the lassie wants.” Buster replied, turning the car toward our favorite place.

  “I guess it’s a good thing I made the reservations for dinner then.” Michael smiled as we gave mock groans.

  Chapter Twelve

  The next three weeks flew by as Ian filled out college applications to my amusement. It seemed that even with massive wealth you had to complete the paperwork like everyone else. He applied to Tulane and several schools in Georgia as well.

  “What should this essay be about? How I spent my summer vacation, perhaps? Do you think purchasing a multi-million dollar company and destroying my parents company would be too much for the admissions folks?”

  “Maybe.” I replied, tucking my own application for Tulane into the book I was pretending to read. I hadn’t told them I was applying, wanting to at least get in on my own merit. I couldn’t afford the tuition for even a single year, but I had a plan.

  “Oh, well. Back to the standard, ‘How I plan to take over the world’ then.”

  “Much better choice.”

  We worked in silence for a few minutes until Ian casually mentioned, “Your birthday is coming up soon.”

  “Yep, next week.” I tapped my pencil against the book, trying to word my own entrance essay.

  “You’re okay with a party, right?”

  “Mmhmm.” I hummed distractedly, scribbling a sentence down.

  “And lavish gifts such as cars, houses, and perhaps a yacht.”

  “That’s fine.” My distraction caused me to miss the satisfied grin he had.

  “So long as you’re fine with it then.”

  “Yep, anything you want is fine with me.”

  “Dangerous words.” He chuckled, but I wouldn’t know how dangerous until August 1st.

  The day of my birth dawned with high humidity and temperatures in the upper nineties. Our city was under threat of a hurricane, but luckily no evacuations had been ordered. The residents, though, celebrated with hurricane parties cropping up all over town.

  I enjoyed a lavish breakfast with the guys and there was no doubt in my mind they were up to something from the glances continually exchanged. Buster gave me a box, clumsily wrapped, but all the more endearing for the effort. At least until I opened it.

  “A gift certificate for Krav Maga lessons! How thoughtful of you. What every girl wants, the gift to learn how to kill a man.”

  “Exactly, lass! I knew you’d get it. These two blokes laughed at me, but I knew you’d appreciate it. I’ll be there with you too keeping an eye on things. Don’t think I’d let just anyone train you up.”

  “It’s perfect,” I told him, kissing his cheek as he looked at the other two smugly.

  “Now, for my gift, love.” This gift was wrapped with a bit more care, the elegance of the packaging almost intimidating. “It’s not really something new, but it means a great deal to me.”

  I carefully unwrapped it, revealing a set of beautiful hair clips studded with pearls.

  “They belonged to our grandmother. Michael and I agreed they would suit you. Perhaps a match to your own grandmother’s pearls.”

  I nodded, unable to speak over the lump in my throat. I knew how they felt about their grandmother so having them give me something that had once belonged to her was indescribable.

  “I’ll cherish them.” I managed to choke out, running my fingers over the delicate network of glossy pearls.

  “You’ll have a chance to wear them tonight at your party.” Michael mentioned, breaking the emotionally charged moment.

  “A party?”

  “But of course. What’s a birthday without a party?”

  “What kind of party?” I asked suspiciously, various comments over the last couple of weeks coming back to me and belying their innocent expressions.

  “A gala, love.” Ian raised his eyebrows at my wide eyed shock.

  “I don’t…”

  “Have a dress?”

  “But you do. You’ll see it this evening when we return.”

  “Return?” I glanced between them, lost. “Return from where?”

  “My gift.” Michael stated.

  “I thought…” I gestured to the pearl hair clips.

  “Those are from Ian. My gift is a little larger and harder to transport.”

  “Okay, then. When do we go?”

  “No time like the present.” Michael said as he stood up. I blinked at his eagerness and chugged the last of my orange juice before joining them at the door.

  “Do I get a hint?”

  “Nope.” Michael rubbed his hands together and my eyes cut to Ian to see what he thought of Michael’s unusual behavior. He only gave me a mysterious smile in response causing me to throw up my hands. If I knew Michael, whatever he’d gotten was more than likely over the top, but I couldn’t imagine what it might be.

  Thankfully, Buster drove as he wove the car around the people wandering through the streets. The city had been practically shut down due to the hurricane which meant everyone was outside partying. If Michael had been driving I was sure we’d have already hit someone by now.

  “What will we do if they order evacuations?” I asked curiously, watching the throngs of people walking with beers in their hands.

  “We’ll charter a plane and fly to Dallas to wait it out.” Michael replied. I turned to look at him, sure he was joking, only to see him playing with his phone.

  “He’s serious, love. Michael always has a contingency plan. In fact I bet he has a pilot on standby.”

  “I do, actually.” He drawled, his fingers drumming against his knee as he put his phone away. “I won’t have any of our lives be endangered. These people still speak of Katrina with a note of fear even a decade later. I’ll make sure we are far away from it should there be the need.”

  “And the people left here?”

  “Are fools.” My shock must have shown because he amended the statement. “When an evacuation order comes in there’s a reason. People should have the sense to leave especially if they were here for Katrina.”

  “Some people can’t leave, Michael. They don’t have cars!”

  He gave me an exasperated look. “This is coming from your mission trip upbringing, isn’t it?”

  I rolled my eyes. “Yes, Michael. Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth. Some people have far less and need a little understanding.”

  “And so we will give it to them,” Ian interjected smoothly, bumping Michael’s shoulder almost imperceptibly. “We will work to give back to the city that has taken us in so graciously. With your experience I’m sure we can do some good.”

  “Of course. Forg
ive me if I came across as callous, Jane.” He shrugged lightly. “Your safety and that of our family is of primary importance to me. I will see you safe.”

  I gave a deep sigh, glancing between them. I understood where he came from and there was no changing either of them. They were at least willing to help so long as it didn’t put me in harm’s way, but if there was a hint of danger I knew without a doubt they’d whisk me away. A glance at Buster revealed him nodding along with Michael’s statement and I admitted defeat. It appeared as if I had three overbearingly protective knights to guard me now.

  I glanced out the window as Buster accelerated, maneuvering the streets more easily as we left some the congestion behind. The area looked familiar and moments later we parked in front of a house in the Garden district. I hopped out of the car as I recognized it.

  “My secret garden house!” I exclaimed, noting the For Sale sign was missing.

  “So it is.” Michael replied, buttoning his suit jacket. He walked up to the gate, and as he pulled it open I noticed the chain that had been there was gone.

  “How?”

  He gave me a disbelieving look and I laughed. There was no such thing as impossible with these two. Ian took my arm as we stepped through the gate into the courtyard.

  “We get to tour it? That’s my present?” I inhaled deeply, enjoying the rich scent of earth. I’d missed plants and outside space that had actual grass since living in the hotel. The overgrowth of plant life had cast the courtyard into a perpetual dusk. The stones beneath our feet were smooth though and easy to traverse as we walked to the main house.

  “Something like that.” Michel answered ambiguously, exchanging a look with Ian. They had a secret and I wondered when I’d finally be let in on it, but the excitement of touring the house overrode my curiosity at whatever they were hiding.

  Old houses have a distinct smell and this one was no different as we stepped across the threshold, but I’d never seen a house quite like this one. The wide hall had soaring ceilings with intricate moldings and a beautiful mural. The polished floors echoed with our steps and there was a light coating of dust over everything as if no one had been here in a while. I was surprised by this because I figured the house would have been cleaned if there was a tour planned.

  We wandered into a sitting room that had a piano in the corner before heading through a dining room with an enormous dining table running the length of it.

  “It’s oddly furnished,” I commented, noticing the random pieces that appeared to have been left behind.

  “These are items they couldn’t move and so were left with the house.” Ian answered, gesturing to the table. I could see what he meant. I wasn’t entirely sure the house hadn’t been built around the table.

  “Who leaves family portraits though?” I stopped to stare at a painting hanging on one wall. It was enormous and took up most of the wall. It was a rather ugly man with a frown sitting in front of what looked like this house.

  “That’s not actually unusual. He was the original owner. It’s said he keeps watch over the house.”

  “Nothing creepy about that,” I replied, suppressing a shudder.

  “I think there’s a room you might like.” Michael mentioned with a smile as he pushed open another door to reveal a huge kitchen.

  “Ah yes, I think my present might be the winner, Ian.” I only half heard his curious comment as I took in the completely updated kitchen. There were windows along one wall overlooking a wild garden, and marble countertops lined both sides of the room with top of the line appliances.

  “I can’t believe this kitchen is in this house.” I ran my hands along the white marble, awed. “It’s the perfect kitchen.” I enthused, taking everything in as I wandered through it. “There’s a breakfast nook!” I glanced back to see Ian slip money into Michael’s hand with a shake of his head.

  “So, what do you think of your gift?” I paused at Michael’s question, uncertain what he meant. It almost sounded like the house was my gift, but that couldn’t be right. I shook the thought away as I peered up at the high ceilings in the open kitchen.

  “It’s beautiful. It’s a perfect gift, Michael. Not many have the chance to explore a beauty like this house.” I smiled at him. “And I appreciate the opportunity.” I ran my fingers over the gas stove longingly. It had been weeks since I had a chance to cook or bake and I missed it. “Who owns the house? There used to be a For Sale sign outside. Did you charm the real estate agent into letting you bring us here?” I asked him with a teasing grin, knowing full well Michael was capable of it.

  His response shocked me as he flashed a wide smile. “You are the owner, Jane.”

  My mouth dropped open as my eyes widened to the size of saucers.

  “What?”

  “The house is yours.”

  He said it again, but it didn’t seem to be helping my ability to comprehend. There was absolutely no way he’d bought me a house for my birthday, especially not this house. I shook my head in disbelief. He nodded his head along with me.

  “I can’t afford…” I trailed off, unable to formulate any thoughts beyond that.

  “Well, we will, of course, take care of that.” He gave a mischievous smile, one so out of place on Michael’s face that it was almost…almost….more shocking than the house. “You don’t expect us to live here rent free, do you?”

  “Plus, if you’ll be cooking our meals it only seems fair we should recompense you for that as well.” Ian smirked, sliding an arm around me as he kissed my temple. I leaned against him, shock making my legs weak.

  I nodded automatically at the thought of cooking their meals.

  “You’re serious.”

  “Yes, love. We want you to be happy here.” He tightened his arm. “We want you to stay.” I closed my eyes as I rested my hand against the hard plane of Ian’s stomach.

  “So you bought me a house.”

  “Yes, you’re taking this much better than Buster predicted.”

  “I thought they should be bringing smelling salts for ya, lassie. It’s not every day a lass gets a house.”

  I nodded vehemently at Buster’s reply.

  “You didn’t have to buy me an entire house! You could have just asked.” My laughter was semi-hysterical as I looked around the kitchen that was now mine. Somehow I didn’t think there was a return policy on houses.

  “Well, yes, but we wanted you to know we meant it.”

  “Nothing says I want you to stay like a house,” I commented dryly.

  “Precisely.” I wrapped my arms more firmly around Ian, squeezing as happiness settled over me. I reached up to brush a kiss against his jaw and then looked over at Michael.

  “I have something for you as well.” His puzzled look was amusing since it wasn’t often Michael was taken off guard. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a folded up check. It was a little worse for wear since I’d been debating about how to broach it, but I handed it to him anyway.

  He took it with an apprehensive expression, recognizing it as the check he’d given me weeks ago. Ian gave me a curious glance as well, but I only smiled as I leaned back into him. Michael fingered the check before finally flicking it open. His brow furrowed as he saw the precise amount I’d written the check for. He peeked at me, waving the check inquiringly.

  “A specific amount.” He glanced back down and then up at me. “I will honor it, of course.”

  “Don’t you want to know what it’s for?” I asked, repressing my grin at his disquiet.

  “It’s not my business.” He replied a little starchily.

  “Actually, in this instance I think it is.”

  He tilted his head as my smile finally broke free.

  “Love, what is the check for?” Ian asked me with a little shake.

  “It’s tuition money.” Michael glanced down at the check again and I could see it start to dawn on him. “For Tulane.”

  “You decided to stay.” He responded slowly.

  “There was never a q
uestion. We’re family.” I glanced around. “And now we have a house.” I laughed, joy bubbling up inside of me. “A huge house.” I let Ian go and spun in circles around the kitchen. “So, when do we move in?”

  They watched me with wide smiles and Michael stated, “Tomorrow. We move in tomorrow.”

  “But tonight, love, we celebrate.” Ian caught me as I spun close and rocked me.

  “Oh, and Michael?”

  “Yes, Jane?”

  “You can be the one to tell my parents the good news.”

  His mouth twitched, but he finally nodded in agreement as Ian and Buster roared with laughter.

  We spent the rest of the day exploring the house until Michael deemed it time to get ready for my party. Considering the magnitude of his gift I was now terrified at the thought of what could be involved with my birthday party. The sight of the dress I was to wear did nothing to ease my fears.

  “It’s a ball gown.”

  “It’s a formal evening.” Ian soothed, patting my hand before grabbing his tuxedo which happened to have tails and a top hat.

  “Ian! Cinderella could wear that dress to the ball. I thought this was just a party.”

  “It is, love. Well, more a gala.” He had an uncomfortable look that did nothing for the butterflies in my stomach. “It’s Michael, you know how he is and he’s happy. Happier than I’ve seen him in forever. Please let him have this.”

  I groaned and flopped back on the bed. How could I argue with that? The guy just bought me a house, for pity’s sake. Ian squeezed my knee gently as he strolled past.

  “I have to get ready. Michael and I are going ahead. Buster will drive you.” My panicked expression made him chuckle. “It’ll be fine. I promise. Just breathe. I’ll be right there the entire time.” With that he left me to the unexpectedly gorgeous and completely over the top ball gown. It had yards and yards of tulle layered to create the skirt and truly looked as if a princess should be wearing it. I sighed and resigned myself to wearing it and undoubtedly being the center of attention tonight.

  Buster was waiting in the living room when I stepped out. The dress fit like a glove and I’d worn a little more makeup than usual to play up my eyes. My hair might be the most dramatic aspect though. I’d pulled half of it up to form a braided crown and curled the rest to hang in ringlets against my bare shoulders. The dress was strapless and fitted until it flared out in billowing yards of tulle at my waist. The shimmering pink seemed to make my skin glow and for the first time in my life I felt beautiful instead of average.