by Giselle Fox
She perched on the edge of the armchair as if she might launch out of it again at any minute.
“Mom, come here,” I said and opened my arm. I had purposefully sat on the couch so that she could come and sit beside me like she always did. So we could be close. She sat beside me, shuffling more than usual before she finally got comfortable. She was sad. I could feel it in her. I was sad too.
My dad was sitting in his usual threadbare chair looking back at us. He’d been quiet, and for my dad, that meant he had too much going on inside him to put into words. His fake smile was gone. His face had dropped, his eyes were watery.
“Hey,” I said softly and put my arm around my mom. “Something happened at the beginning of the summer, something no one knows about other than the immediate family. We had to keep it quiet in case the news destabilized things for them even more.”
My dad was watching me. “What happened?”
“Camille’s father, John, had a heart attack after that video was released.”
“Well, I don’t blame him,” my mother said.
“He almost died, mom.”
My mother nodded and took a breath. “How is he doing?”
“He’s getting better, but he can’t go back to work. Camille had to take on his role at the company.”
“She must have been happy about that. Isn’t that what she’s always wanted?”
I wasn’t sure whether my mother had made an educated guess or whether she had watched Battle of the Bettencourts. My guess from her tone was the latter. I felt the hackles rise on the back of my neck, but I knew I had to stay calm, for all of our sakes.
“Camille’s brother basically disappeared after John’s heart attack. Whatever you’ve heard about a sibling feud over birthright is nonsense. Camille has only ever been the one in line to take over.”
My mother nodded again.
“With Camille so busy, John had no one to look after him, not the way a family member can. I’ve been helping him this summer and that’s how we became friends.”
It took a few seconds for it to register. Then my mother frowned. “But I thought you were working. What about your internship?”
“That… didn’t really happen. There were too many other, more important things to do.”
My mother shifted in her seat until she was facing me. “You haven’t been working?”
“Well… I have. I mean, I did a little in the beginning before John went into the hospital-”
She wasn’t listening at that point. “How has this been a good opportunity for you then, hey? How?” She’d already made up her mind.
“Mom, do you actually think I would have been better off working in the office, filing papers, learning menial tasks, sending newsletters, and other entry-level stuff than making friends with John Bettencourt?”
“No, I think you would have been better off if Camille had fulfilled her promise to teach you something useful. Now you’re behind, not ahead.”
My mother shifted until she was sitting sideways on the couch. She was angry, not sad. I knew from experience that sad was so much easier.
“I’m not behind. Camille couldn’t manage my internship. You wouldn’t believe what she’s had to deal with since John has been away from the office. Things nearly-” I stopped before telling them that one of the biggest corporations in Southeast Asia had almost collapsed. “She couldn’t. She was too busy,” I said.
“She’s always too busy. That’s all I ever hear: how busy Camille is. I ask you how you’re doing and you talk about her. Whenever you call, it’s almost midnight your time, you’re still making dinner and she isn’t even home yet!”
“Mom, I have a good life over there.”
“You’re somebody’s caretaker, two people’s by the sounds of it. No wonder they like you!”
That was it. “I didn’t come here to argue with you,” I said and moved to stand up.
“Claire,” my father’s deep voice said from across the room. He’d been quiet the whole time. “Sit down.” His words were gentle but firm. None of us were going anywhere until we made peace. I sat down again.
“You don’t get it,” I said to my mother. “I have what most people only ever dream of. True love, opportunity, friendship, an incredible place to live, my own assistant and personal trainer. I have a closet filled with hand-tailored suits. I have an expense account. But even without all of those luxuries, I have someone that loves and supports me and a chance to live a life that I want. Life might not be perfect now: I wish Camille didn’t have to work so much, I wish John was better, but we’re all moving toward happier times.” I reached for my mother’s hand. “If you don’t believe me, then come and see for yourself. Come and meet John, come see where we live, and what I do every day then you’ll know.” I looked from my mother’s to my father’s face. “I love you guys, and I want you in my life. Maybe it seems different but it’s just as good and probably better than anything you’ve ever imagined for me. How many people can say they’ve got all this at my age, huh?”
My mother looked over at my father. Their eyes stayed connected for a long time. It seemed as if our history as a family was playing between them. Maybe they had seen this moment coming. Though I’d left the nest years before, this was the first big leap I’d taken on my own without a need for their approval. It was irrefutable. This was how it would be.
My mother nodded slowly and then looked back at me. Her eyes watered again. “Alright, we’ll come and see for ourselves.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Camille picked me up from my parent’s place a while later. My mom and dad were quiet after our talk and I knew they needed a chance to work things out with each other. We drove back to the beach house and took a nap on the couch. Sherri and a big group of girls I knew were meeting for a final bash that night before the wedding the next day. Sherri had reserved the keg room at Brodie’s and I had a feeling it would probably escalate quickly from there.
We drove back into town just before dinner time. Camille slid into the driver’s seat once I got out. “What are you going to do tonight?” I asked.
“I may have a hot tub, relax, enjoy some quiet time,” Camille replied.
“It sounds lonely.” I felt bad for leaving her behind even though we’d both agreed it was the safest bet in case she attracted any unwanted attention. The last thing we wanted was to stir up the media again right before Sherri’s wedding.
Camille leaned out of the truck and gave me a peck on the cheek. “It sounds wonderful to me. Don’t worry, go have fun.”
“I won’t be too late. I don’t want to be tired and hungover tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry; I have an excellent cure for a hangover,” Camille said.
“Is it… what I think it is?”
“That depends. If you’re thinking it’s a big jug of lemon water and a hard workout, then yes,” she grinned.
“Define hard workout,” I said eying her.
Camille’s smile widened. “Text when you need me to pick you up.”
“You look so cute driving my truck, I just might text soon.”
She flipped the truck into gear and gave the engine a rev. It made me smile. “You like?”
“I do because you do,” she said diplomatically.
I closed her door and took a step back. “Careful on your way out. There’s often a speed trap at the crossroad.”
“I know, I know,” Camille said, grinning. “I used to drive a Ferrari in this town, remember?”
“Right,” I said. “Bye baby.”
“Bye love.” And with that, she peeled away, leaving a cloud of dust behind her. I shook my head and laughed.
Sherri was already inside setting up the keg room with Cora and Gianna.
“Hey, girl!” she said when she saw me come in. She ran over and gave me a hug. “You look fantastic!”
“Thanks, so do you. I love your hair!”
“Sydney did it this morning. She’s doing it again tomorrow before the cerem
ony.”
“Hi Claire,” Sydney called.
“Hey, Syd,” I said and waved. “What can I do?”
“Nothing, except drink,” Sherri replied. “What can I get you?”
“You pick, I trust you.”
“I have a raspberry witbier you’ll like.”
“Sounds delicious.”
I wandered over to the tasting area with her. There were platters of fruit and cheese set up along the bar. “Did you do this or did the restaurant?”
“The kitchen did it; totally unexpected,” Sherri said as she poured me a glass of the wit.
“Beautiful color,” I said, holding it up to the light.
“Isn’t it? It’s been my go-to all summer. Though, I have been trying to lay off the beer for the last few weeks so that I don’t have a beer gut in my dress.”
“How’s Jarrett?”
“Nervous, excited, dying to go on holiday. Same old Jarrett, otherwise. How’s Camille.”
“She’s good; busy, non-stop work. She sort of took over the company.”
Sherri nodded. “That sounds serious. So she’s like Bill Gates now or something?”
“Not really, but kind of,” I laughed.
“Well, I have some news too,” Sherri said.
“Oh? Do tell.”
“They’ve offered me a share in Brodie’s. They want to expand.”
“That’s awesome. Are you going to do it?”
“I’d be crazy not to. My parents are helping me out with the financing. We were going to buy a place, but I think we’ll wait a bit.”
“Congratulations,” I said.
“Thank you! And what about you? What awesome things are going on in your world?”
I sat back and thought about that. “Well, you know I’m staying in Singapore…”
“Right. How did your folks take the news?”
“Not great, to be honest. It’ll take some adjusting. Camille has promised to fly them out once a year, which helped a little.”
“That was sure nice of her.”
“Well… after the summer they had, my parents still aren’t all that settled with her. I don’t think they really get that this is a good thing.”
Sherri sighed. “Your mom came and talked to me right after all those reporters started hanging around. She wanted to make sure I didn’t say anything to them. I was like, yeah, I know that. Anyway, one guy lurked around here for awhile but then disappeared when we all ignored him. Your mom seemed really stressed about it though. She was asking me what I thought of Camille and things like that.”
“What did you tell her?”
“I told her that you were smart and level-headed enough to know what you were doing and that you obviously loved her. What the rest of us thought didn’t matter.”
“Thanks,” I said.
“Anyway, I, for one, have a huge amount of respect for how she handled herself. What an absolute shit show.”
“It was,” I said.
“So… things are good with you two?” Sherri asked.
“Things are great. Life is great. It’s just… very different. I come back here and I really feel just how much.”
“I bet.” She eyed my glass. “Do you want to try something else or stick with the wit?”
I hadn’t realized that my glass was already empty. “Err, yeah… I’ll stick with the wit, I guess.”
It wasn’t long before the rest of the girls arrived. Soon, the wit and other delicious concoctions were being poured freely. The keg room got loud with chatter and laughter, a steady stream of finger foods arrived from the kitchen. The best part was that Sherri looked like she was having a great time.
Nearly every one of the women that were there was either married or engaged. The few of us that weren’t, were in steady relationships. I was the only queer one in the bunch but that didn’t seem to matter to anyone; we all got equally teased about who was going to catch the bouquet when it was time for Sherri to throw it.
“My money is on Claire,” Sherri said and gave me a wink.
“Yeah but Denise’s arms are way longer,” I said. Denise played basketball for the Portland State Vikings and had the longest reach of any woman I’d ever met.
“I’m three for four for the weddings I’ve been to this summer,” Denise said.
“What happened to the fourth?”
“Not my fault; I was in the bathroom.”
The night moved on and no one seemed ready to go anywhere. Sherri had thought we might go back to her place but everyone was worried that the music would be too loud. Finally, we all just decided to stay where we were until the staff kicked us out. After playing beer pong on the floor of the keg room for an hour, I realized I’d better slow down.
It was already after eleven. The restaurant had already closed. The staff that remained were just being kind enough to wait around for our party to disperse naturally. At one point, I found myself outside, chatting with someone I’d gone to high school with. When I looked out onto the street, I saw my truck pull up. Camille was behind the wheel; a police car pulled in behind her and the officer stepped out. “That’s Camille.”
Sherri stepped out beside us. “That’s my cousin.”
“Was she speeding?” I wondered out loud.
We all walked out onto the street. When Camille saw me, she looked relieved.
“What happened?” I asked.
Camille shook her head. “I’m sorry to crash your party. There was someone sneaking around my place. Brayden came out right away when I called.”
“Did you find the guy?” I asked him.
He shook his head. “I checked the beach, the back, all around the house. I didn’t see anyone. I think she scared him off.”
“Oh baby, I’m so sorry,” I said. I held onto her.
“I’m okay,” Camille said. “I’m pissed off more than anything. I think he took pictures while I was in the hot tub.”
“Oh shit,” I said.
“Luckily, I was wearing something,” she said. “Anyway, I’m fine now. I guess the word is out that I’m here.”
“Do you ladies have somewhere else you could stay tonight?” Brayden asked.
“I guess we could wake up my parents,” I said though I dreaded that option after our visit.
“Do you think that’s necessary?” Camille asked. “Claire will be with me. I have a security system. It would be very difficult for anyone to get in.”
Brayden pondered that. “Tell you what: I’ll drive back out there with you and make sure you get settled-in okay. I’ll take another look around. But if you see anything else, call me. I’ll come out again.”
“Thank you, Brayden,” Camille said.
“It’s no problem.” He looked over at Sherri. “Big day tomorrow, hey Sherr’?”
“You know it.”
“It’s gonna be a burner,” he laughed.
“You could stay in the spare room at our place if you want,” Sherri offered.
“Mine too,” Denise said.
Most of the other women offered the same.
“You’re all so kind, thank you,” Camille said. “Hopefully whoever this person was, he has the sense to clear off.”
“I pity the fool if he doesn’t,” I mumbled. A bit of beer and a trespasser at large made a potent cocktail. Suddenly, I was in the fighting mood.
We said goodnight to Sherri and the rest of the girls and climbed into the truck. “Are you okay?” I asked.
“I am now. Sorry for being a downer.”
“It’s not your fault. We needed to sober up anyway. I can’t believe someone had the nerve to try and take pictures of you! Who in town would have done that?”
Camille put her hand on my leg and smiled. “It’s over now. Did you have fun?”
“It was a blast. Those girls are a riot. Everyone was in a great mood.”
“I have to say, Brayden is such a nice guy. It only took him ten minutes to get out to the house after I called. He was so concerned.”
> “He’s Sherri’s second cousin. He’s a good guy.”
“He’ll be at the wedding tomorrow,” Camille said.
I glanced in my side mirror at him; he was following close behind us with his lights flashing. “Yep, it’s going to be an awesome crowd.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
When we arrived, Brayden delivered us safely to the door. “Make sure you set that security system. I’ll take another look around in the meantime, okay?”
“Thanks, Brayden,” I said. “See you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight, ladies.”
We went inside and made sure all the doors and windows were locked and armed. We watched Brayden on the monitor as he checked around the house and the beach. After waiting for awhile in his car, he finally left us.
“Maybe we should have brought Greg with us,” I said.
“I had thought about it but I didn’t want to draw any more attention to us.”
She was right; at six-foot-seven and two-hundred-and-seventy-five pounds, Greg didn’t exactly blend into the scenery. His dark shades and ear-piece didn’t help either.
“I guess I should have told Sabrina to stay with us.”
“No, she needs a break. It’s better that she’s visiting her family.”
“Mmm,” I said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she took a detour to Boston before coming back here.”
Camille’s mouth dropped. “Would she do that?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I just get this feeling that things aren’t over yet. I just hope she has the sense to step back and let things run their course. Time might figure it out.”
“It might,” Camille said. “How are you feeling? Can I get you some lemon water?”
I smiled at her. “Are you going to make me work out?”
“Should I?” she asked. A grin spread across her face.
I thought about what that grin really meant, and then I thought about the guy in the bushes with the camera. “Aren’t you a little skeeved out by what happened tonight?”
“Yes, but we have curtains. Unless he’s in the house-”