by C. J. Harte
“Mia, I want you to leave my brother and sister alone.”
Huh?
“You had half a dozen boys following you around a few minutes ago, and you acted like you didn’t even notice. Then my brother comes along and you’re holding hands and acting like a queen with him part of your entourage. It’s obvious you don’t care about him. Bren and Jeremy are impressionable. You’re using them.”
“I don’t understand.” Mia was hurting. Teri couldn’t be saying these things. She’s finally talking to me, but not this way!
“Don’t play dumb, Mia, because you’re not. I’ve seen the way you treat the kids around you. I’ve also watched you lead Jeremy around. You’re just hoping to catch a rich boyfriend. All you think about is yourself and what you can do to get ahead. Well, not with my family.”
“That’s not true!”
Teri leaned closer. “Are you calling me a liar?”
“N-n-no, but I’m…” Mia
“You’re what? Self-centered? Manipulative?” Teri grabbed her arm. “You leave my family alone!” Each word was spit out like arrows loaded into a bow and released, one after another, until Mia was sure there was nothing left of her heart.
She pulled free and strode around to the front of the house. Once out of sight of prying eyes, she ran to the wall, climbed it, and ran home as fast as possible. She flew up the stairs to her bedroom. All the anger, disappointment, and hurt oozed out in every tear until her pillow was soaked and her heart empty.
“I’ll never love anyone again!”
*
Seeing Teri had brought back so many memories. Mia never wanted to be fifteen again. She had closed off her heart. Until Nat.
How stupid to allow something like that to ruin my life! It was just one event and I’ve let it color everything. Mia had read the research on bullying. The impact of bullying could last for decades. It was not reassuring. Not anymore. Mia crawled into bed, determined tomorrow would be a better day. Too many changes were occurring in her life, and she needed stability. And she had finally learned about love, the unconditional kind. She would never settle for less in the future.
CHAPTER SIX
Teri looked at her watch. Jeremy had been gone nearly twenty minutes. Where the hell is he? It’s about time he started caring about the business. I’m getting tired of paying his bills and he keeps disappearing.
With each passing minute, her anger was growing and her ability to concentrate decreasing. If that—
She stopped. Mia wasn’t that person. She was Mia Daniels. She had spent much of the evening defending Mia to her parents, and now she was ready to denigrate her worse than her mother had.
She needed to shove all this back in her dead file. Mia Daniels was a distraction, one she would not tolerate. She would give her brother two more minutes and then go looking for him.
Teri had just decided to find him when Jeremy walked back in. His face was mottled and he was grinning from ear to ear. What the hell were they doing? Anger and jealously reared their demanding heads.
“What took you so long?” she hissed at her brother.
“I wasn’t gone that long.”
“Long enough for everyone to notice.”
“I don’t think Father cares how long I’m gone as long as his glass is kept full. Mother’ s too busy making sure the Miltons know our family tree.”
“Don’t you dare talk about our parents like that! You know how hard they’ve worked to make sure we have the kind of life we have.”
Jeremy stared for several seconds before responding. “They worked hard, if they really worked, to have the kind of life they want. If this is the kind of life you want, then have at it. It’s never been the one I want. Now excuse me, I’m going to talk with Pamela Milton and her brother. I’ll make sure to support your lifestyle.” Jeremy started to walk away. “By the way, that was a lovely dress you bought Mia.”
Teri gritted her teeth. Her brother’s sarcasm was growing. She feared Mia would only make the problem worse.
She walked over to the bar and switched her champagne for Scotch. This was too many times in the same day that she had allowed emotions to interfere with business. No, Mia interfering with business.
She would get through the evening and then have a chat with her brother. He needed to realize this was serious business and Mia was a distraction that could be put off until another day.
She walked to where her parents were standing and joined their conversation with the senior Milton. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Pamela Milton walking around as if she were looking for someone. Teri’s level of irritation shot up another notch. She looked at the clock. She would get everyone to retire in the next twenty minutes if she had to drag everyone out of there herself.
Teri stood next to her father. “We should call it a night. We have an early meeting.”
“Yes, you’re right. I’ll take care of this.” Teri watched her father as he announced the evening was over. He had relegated so much of the day-to-day operations to her she was surprised he hadn’t told her to handle it. For fifteen years, anytime something unpleasant came up, she was told to take care of it. How long had it been since she had even questioned his orders? Too long, she decided, but she was not ready to stop. One day, this will be my company and then I can run it the way I want.
*
Teri had managed four hours of sleep. She grabbed a small bottle of juice out of the refrigerator and walked back into the study. This was her home office, the one truly sacrosanct place where interruptions were not allowed. Her laptop, a few working files, and her notepads were carefully aligned on the desk. She turned on her computer and started to sit. As she briefly looked out the window, she noticed a light on in Mia’s cottage. It was only five in the morning. Maybe something’s wrong.
Teri knew she was being irrational. The thought of seeing Mia, however, put a bounce in her step. Her well-worn mantra came rushing back. Don’t think. Do!
CHAPTER SEVEN
Mia sat on the terrace watching the sun come up. She was on her second cup of coffee and enjoying the quiet of the morning. This was one of her favorite times. There was something healing and life giving about sunrises. She cherished each and every one. She was at peace.
The brilliance of this sunrise was matched only by the fresh breezes coming off the water. She leaned back and let the gentle winds fluff her hair. She stretched. Any residual tension slid from her body and into the ground.
She had slept soundly for about six hours and then became restless. After thirty minutes, she got up, made coffee, drank some juice, talked with Michel and her parents, and then came outside. Now that the sun was up, she was whole again. She decided to shower and pack her clothes. Staying here would be uncomfortable and complicate her life more than it already was.
“Good morning. I didn’t think anyone else would be up this early.”
Mia groaned. Teri! There went the morning. And the peace. “Good morning.”
“The coffee smells good.”
Mia stared up at Teri. She was dressed in a dove-gray, fitted cotton shirt and black linen trousers. Dressed for work. Teri’s dark eyes and hair were even darker with the color choices. Mia sighed. Teri was too damned attractive for her own good. She felt the nascent desire building. She couldn’t allow this. She wouldn’t allow it. “The coffee pot is inside. I just made it. Help yourself.” Mia remained seated. She was trying to hang on to the good feelings she had felt before Teri arrived.
Teri sat down. “Nice morning.”
Mia suspected that ordinary conversations were not something Teri often, or ever, indulged in. Teri set the cup down and then picked it up again and then looked around everywhere at except at Mia.
“Nice morning,” Teri again said, a little more loudly.
Mia just nodded and hid her grin. Speaking louder won’t necessarily start a conversation. Wonder when was the last time you talked with someone instead of to someone?
“Any plans for the day?
”
Mia shook her head.
Teri’s frustration was not easily disguised. Her sighing was getting louder. She began to slowly spin her coffee cup. “We’re heading into New York for lunch. You can come with us after breakfast or have our driver pick you up later. This is an invitation.”
Mia shook her head. Teri’s idea of an invitation still sounded like a command. “Teri, why?”
“Why what?”
“Why did you invite me to stay for dinner and why are you inviting me to have lunch with you?”
“You’re Jeremy’s guest.” Teri’s expression was blank.
“But Jeremy wasn’t the one who asked me to stay for dinner or to have lunch today. You did.”
“Isn’t that the polite thing to do?”
“When did you care about what was the polite or right thing to do? I’m not adding to your global empire. I don’t work for you. You have nothing to gain from my presence.”
Mia saw a brief flash of anger that was just as quickly gone. Teri’s face was unreadable again. “I have a question. Why didn’t you wear the blue dress?”
“It was a generous gift, but I don’t accept such personal and expensive gifts from strangers.”
“First, I’m not a stranger.” Teri’s countenance was one of indifference, but her voice betrayed her. Irritation was clearly evident. “Second, I invited you to dinner and felt it was the least I could do.”
“Were you afraid I would embarrass you if I wore something of my own?”
Even the calm was beginning to fade from Teri’s face. “You said you didn’t have dinner clothes. I wanted you to feel comfortable at dinner. Is that a problem?”
“No.” No need to be so abrupt, Mia. “Thank you. I didn’t realize it was that important to you.”
“It’s not. It was the least we could do to compensate for the inconvenience.”
“Thank you.” Mia didn’t want to argue. We? Inconvenience! Mia shook her head. What the hell am I doing here?
“Are you joining us for lunch?” Teri’s request was still a demand. “Or you can come into the city with us in the next hour, if you prefer.”
Mia watched the transformation in awe. Teri went from glaring to uncaring in such a short timeframe. She couldn’t believe Teri, or anyone, was capable of such emotional transitions. “Thank you, but I’ll decline. I still have jet lag.”
“Then get some rest.”
Another command. Get me coffee. Get me the contract. Get some rest. Is it even possible for her to have a normal conversation? “I will.” Mia smiled, offering a pleasant facade. “Thank you for the offer. Have a good day.” I can be nice. I can be nice.
Teri stood and left her cup on the table. “I have work to do before breakfast.”
She was gone almost as quickly as she had appeared. No good-byes, no “see you laters.” Mia relaxed. Now she could enjoy the time and the sunrise by herself. She stretched her legs out, leaned back in the chair, and sipped her coffee. She let her mind wander wherever it wanted to go. To the halcyon days with Nat and Michel. To her youthful, exuberant days as a student in Paris. Even to the hours of concern with her mother’s heart attack. Anywhere. Except to thoughts of Teri. She wanted the feeling of calm to return. She needed the equanimity as a constant.
Around eight thirty, she decided to take a walk before breakfast. She barely made it to the Sound when she noticed a female coming from the direction of the house. Pam! So much for a quiet walk. She turned and walked back toward the main house, meeting Pam halfway.
“Good morning, Pam. Didn’t know you were an early riser.”
“Au contraire. I’m generally at the office by six thirty. My most productive times are early in the morning.” She leaned close to Mia’s ear. “For work. That’s because I save my personal productivity for nights.”
Mia could feel the warm breath on her neck. It caused a mild stirring, but the desire to laugh was greater. She had to hand it to the woman. She was undaunted. If she was half that good at work, Mia had no doubt that Pamela Milton ran successful marketing campaigns. And like Teri, Pam rarely had people say no to her. The best course was to ignore the flirting.
“You and Teri Stanton will get along great then. She’s been working since before sunrise. She’s probably somewhere in the big house.”
“I’m not interested in what the Stantons are doing except when it’s related to the merger of our two companies. Right now, I’m more interested in a different type of merger.”
Mia shook her head and walked faster. She briefly wondered if she had stepped into an alternate and perverse universe. “I think it’s about time for breakfast.” She nearly ran toward the back of the house with Pamela intent on catching her. For once, she hoped Teri would be nearby.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Teri watched Mia and Pamela Milton talking and again wondered what was so interesting. She leaned one hand on the doorsill and debated whether she should go out and join them. After all, the Miltons were her guests. She watched as Pamela Milton leaned close enough to Mia that Teri wondered if she was going to kiss her. Suddenly, Mia was moving at a rapid pace toward the house. Teri didn’t know what was going on, but she needed to put an end to it.
“Teri, imagine seeing you twice in the same morning.” Mia swallowed the grin. Her voice was light, pleasant, and friendly.
Teri was flummoxed. What the hell is going on? Earlier, she was barely talking to me, and now she’s acting like my best friend.
“Ms. Milton, I believe, was just looking for you. She was saying that she was interested in talking business.” Mia turned toward Pam and smiled. “I believe you wanted to discuss a merger.”
Pamela Milton laughed. “Très astucieux.” Teri wasn’t sure what was said, but she didn’t like Pamela’s tone of voice.
Mia quickly disappeared into the kitchen.
Very few things surprised Teri anymore, but Mia was a conundrum. One she wanted to understand. She spoke, or at least knew some things, in two languages, started conversations with perfect strangers, and apparently got along with everyone. Was it possible she didn’t really know Mia Daniels at all? What other surprises were there? Teri gritted her teeth. She hated surprises.
“Fascinating woman.” Pamela finally turned toward Teri. “Are you up for discussing business, or shall we have breakfast first?”
Teri’s body tensed. Whatever interest Pamela had in Mia was not related to business. What right did she have to care, as long as it didn’t interfere with the merger? After all, Mia was a grown up. She could take care of herself. “Breakfast should be ready. Shall we go in?”
*
“I’ve arranged a small party for this evening,” Teri’s mother announced. “Just a few people.”
“A few hundred,” Richard, Teri’s father added, laughing.
Teri drank her coffee. She was amazed at how easily her mother could put a party together. But then that was her role. Just as she had a role. Her father had a role. Brenna, as the corporate lawyer, had a role. Everyone except Jeremy. He was once again missing. Oh, he did run in and grab a plate, filled it with food, and then disappeared. Where the hell is he?
“Is your brother joining us to discuss business?” Pamela asked.
“Probably. Any particular reason for asking?” Teri was getting annoyed with Pamela Milton.
“I guess someone must entertain your guest,” Pamela said. Her tone of voice intimated the entertaining was very personal.
“What time are you going into the city?” Teri’s mother asked.
“We’re meeting with the merger specialists at ten,” her father said. “Then we’re having lunch at our club. We should be back by four. Plenty of time for your party.”
“I thought everyone was going into the city,” Pamela said.
“I have too much to do here,” Mary Milton answered.
“And Jeremy?” Pamela asked.
“He’ll be joining us,” Teri said. She smiled, but it was forced. Very few things made her smile, and
she rarely laughed. This morning, she was doing a slow burn.
Teri didn’t know what was swirling through Pamela’s brain matter. Something was going on, and she would get to the bottom of it. Her gut was telling her Pamela Milton wasn’t completely focused on business.
*
As soon as breakfast was done, Teri went looking for her brother. She would bet the merger she knew where he was. She started to knock on the door to Mia’s cottage when she heard the voices coming from around back. She walked around and found Mia and Jeremy leaning together at the table on the deck looking at something. They were laughing and talking in an intimate tone.
“I can’t believe you kept that,” Mia said.
“How could I not keep that picture of you? You were so cute.”
“You are perverse.” She pinched his arm.
“Jeremy, you need to get ready for our meeting.” Teri walked up to the patio. She had heard enough to know the conversation was personal. “Good morning, again.” She nodded at Mia and then faced her brother. “Need to be ready in twenty minutes.”
“I’m riding in with Mia. She has a couple of errands to run.”
“You need to be on time.”
“Don’t worry,” Mia said. “We’re leaving in a few minutes. And I’m a good driver. I’ll take good care of him.”
Teri clenched her jaw and shoved her hands into her pants pockets. She glared at Mia, trying to determine if she was again being challenged.
“Teri, I know this merger’s important to you. All these plans are ones you made at the last minute. They’re not my plans. I’m going to spend as much of my free time with Mia. Is there a problem with that?”
“Yes, but it’s obvious you’re going to do what you want.” Teri continued to stare, but Mia didn’t flinch. Finally, she looked at her brother. “Just be on time.” Why was Mia so damn important?