by C. J. Harte
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Teri had trouble concentrating. Nearly two dozen e-mails and several voice messages were awaiting a response. Most dealt with the merger. One urgent call was from her financial group. A couple of e-mails were from their new office in Germany. Nothing she read, none of the messages she listened to made sense.
Instead, the encounter with Mia occupied her thoughts. If she wasn’t arguing with Mia, she was enchanted by her. Or she was wondering where the hell Mia went. Teri didn’t understand this aberrant behavior. There was nothing logical about this seeming obsession. Work had been her life for so long. These distractions were irrational and preventing her from doing what needed to be done.
“This is ridiculous. I’ve got work to do.”
Teri looked down at her list of prioritized tasks. Where to start? She picked up her cell phone and again listened to the messages. She forwarded them to her visual voice mailbox. At last, something is getting done. By focusing on one task at a time, one message at a time, I can return these calls and get these e-mails taken care of. Teri nodded. This was easier, understandable. After three hours, she felt better about what was going on in the office. She also felt like she had regained control of her life. Now she could deal with nonessential tasks.
She shut the laptop down and went looking for Mia.
The house was empty. “Where the hell is she now?” Teri pulled on one of the slickers hanging in the mud room and went out to the garage. The cars were still there. She pulled out her cell but realized she didn’t know Mia’s number. “Damn it. She’s intentionally doing this. What a waste of time! She should have left a message telling me if she was going somewhere.” Teri’s patience was being tested.
When she got back to the house, she searched one more time. Still no Mia. Finally, she realized Bren would have her number. Teri had no other recourse but to call and ask for it.
“Why do you want Mia’s number?”
“Why does it matter? I just want it.”
“Then I can’t give it. Ask Mia.”
“I would if I knew where the hell she was.”
“What do you mean? Has something happened to her?”
“How the hell do I know? I had some work to do, and when I came out, she was gone.”
“Are her clothes still there?”
“Yes.” Clothes reminded her to give the blue dress to Mia.
“Then don’t worry. She’ll eventually turn up.”
“She should have told me where she was going.”
“Teri, she doesn’t need to tell you anything. She especially doesn’t need to if you’re working. She doesn’t work for you.”
“I am perfectly capable of multitasking.” Teri’s voice was louder.
“Everyone is well aware of your multitasking abilities, but that is not what you agreed to do.”
“Don’t lecture me about what I agreed to do. Trust me, I’ve been entertaining your little friend.” In spite of Mia currently being missing, Teri had enjoyed some of the time with her. When she first couldn’t find Mia, she feared Mia had left. She would’ve missed her. “Now, what is her phone number?”
“Then you need to ask my little friend.” The connection was immediately lost.
Teri stared at the phone. “What the hell is wrong with the world?” She put her head in her hands. She was getting a headache.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Mia’s shoes were soaked when she finally got back. The walk in the rain had helped her release the anger and anxiety. It was as if her soul had been washed clean. She looked at her sodden feet and smiled. Her clothes would also have been soaked if she hadn’t grabbed a slicker before she left. As it was, her sweatpants were damp and needed to be changed. Her top was drier but not much.
The walk into town and then back along the river had restored some calm. She had time to sort through some of her feelings and anger. It was time to let go. There was no way forward without letting go. She pulled off her sneakers and the slicker in the mudroom, intent on getting a hot shower.
“Where the hell have you been?”
Mia was startled by Teri’s greeting. “Excuse me?”
“Where have you been? It’s nearly four thirty.”
“I’ve been walking.” She was not going to elevate her own responses to Teri’s. “Is there a problem?”
“I’ve been looking for you for the last thirty minutes.”
“Is there something in particular you needed?”
Teri struggled for words. “Needed? I didn’t know where you were and I didn’t know how to get in touch with you. I was afraid something may have happened to you.”
“As you can see, nothing happened.”
“I don’t believe this.” Teri threw up her hands and paced back and forth. Mia stood in one place, waiting for the ranting to end. “I thought we had agreed that we would do something when I was finished with my work.”
“Are you finished with your work?” Mia kept her voice neutral. It took every ounce of control. She was determined to maintain her newly restored peace.
“Of course I am! That’s why I’ve been looking for you!”
“In that case, I’ll get ready. Let me get a shower and change and I’ll be right down.” Mia offered a half-hearted smile. I can be nice.
*
Before Teri could respond, Mia was gone. She stood watching Mia climb the stairs and wondered how she had lost control of the conversation. That seemed to be becoming the standard around Mia.
Any further thoughts were choked off by the visceral reaction Teri was having to Mia’s damp clothes clinging to her body. High, taut breasts were easily visible under the white polo shirt. Her wet sweats outlined well-shaped hips and ass. Her hips swayed slightly as she quickly ascended the stairs. The image of Mia climbing the stairs seared into her brain. A current crept through her body. Mia was definitely an interesting woman. An interesting, impossible woman! An interesting, impossible, desirable woman.
She sat on the couch and watched local news, unaware of anything being said. Her mind was whirling with thoughts of Mia. Mia was attractive, and Teri had no doubt that the reaction she just had was sexual. She wanted Mia. She also had no doubts about the complications involvement with Mia would cause. Then there was the merger. She had to be focused on business. It had been so long since she had wanted a woman, much less had sex with one.
Teri forced herself to think about the merger. It was safer.
“I’m ready.”
Teri turned and found Mia dressed in jeans, her new hiking boots, and a bright, peach-colored, button-down shirt. No matter how she was dressed, Mia was attractive.
“That color looks nice on you.” Teri shoved her hands into her pants pockets. The need to touch Mia was not well controlled.
“Thank you.” Mia said. “Anything in particular you want to do? I hope I didn’t take too long.”
Teri looked at her watch. It was after five. Too early to eat. Unless they drove to Orono. “I was wondering if you wanted to drive up to Orono. We could do some shopping and then have dinner. I would like to make up for my earlier behavior.”
“I know how much you love shopping.” The sarcasm was intentional; Teri was sure of that. “Thank you for the offer. If you’re sure, then let’s go.”
Teri hesitated, but she was the one who offered. “Of course I want to shop.”
Mia barely stifled a grin. She turned and walked toward the door. Teri wondered what was amusing.
“Just as long as we’re back early enough for me to get some sleep. It looks like the rain has finally stopped.”
Teri looked out the window. Indeed there was a hint of sun. “Shall we go then?” She grabbed her wallet and keys and then held the door open for Mia.
“Thank you. I’ve never been to Orono. What’s it like?”
Teri was glad she had recently been to the university. “It’s larger than Bar Harbor. The University of Maine in Orono is there. Many restaurants.” She looked briefly at Mia. “And lots of different stor
es for shopping.”
“What kind of shopping do you like to do?”
“None!” Teri mentally backed up. She had just committed to taking Mia shopping. “Sorry, I’m not much of a shopper.”
“I can’t imagine you grocery shopping, but surely you buy your own clothes.”
“I do, but I generally have my tailor come to the house and make my suits. She is familiar with the colors and materials I like, and the style doesn’t change that much. I just need to decide whether it’s a pant suit or skirt suit.”
“Color choice must be difficult. Black, black and white, or white.”
Teri glared. She headed north on I-95. “You forgot gray and my white blouse with the blue pinstripes.”
“And the solid blue shirt you haven’t worn yet.”
“I’m saving it for our great adventure tomorrow.”
“I noticed you didn’t complain about the time. Guess it’s because you’re already up that early.”
“When I get up early, I can get a lot done before I go to the office. Generally, I don’t have many calls that time in the morning. How do you know I get up that early?”
“I heard you come upstairs the last two nights and then heard you go downstairs yesterday and today. Since I didn’t smell coffee or food, I figured you were working.”
“I’ve been doing it for so long. I’m not sure I could stop. What about you?”
“I’m an early morning person but not because I’m hurrying off to work.”
“What do you do then?”
“Drink coffee. Enjoy the morning.”
“Doesn’t that get boring?”
Mia laughed. “Never!” she said with great dramatic emphasis.
Teri turned off the interstate. She couldn’t imagine wasting time like that, but here she was driving from one town to another to go shopping and have dinner. “Where to first? There’s a mall not far.”
“Fine. Let’s find a place to park. We can just browse.”
“Browse? You don’t have anything you’re looking for?”
“No. That’s why it’s called browsing. You just look.”
As soon as they parked, Mia was out of the car and walking into the mall. Teri found herself running to catch up. She wished she had worn her new hiking boots. Fortunately, Mia stopped at a nearby shop. It was some kind of toy store.
“Isn’t that a beautiful doll? I wonder how much it is.” She turned to Teri. “Want to go inside with me?”
Mia was transformed. The look of childlike wonder in her expression, the sheer happiness stirred something in Teri. Mia carefully examined the doll.
“Isn’t it magnificent? It’s an old-fashioned one. My friend’s daughter prefers these. Look at the eyes that blink and the well-made clothes.”
Teri had no idea what the differences were between old-fashioned and new dolls. Mia, however, was so enthusiastic that it was contagious. “It’s lovely.” She looked at it again and realized that the doll had the same bright blue eyes Mia did. “Look, it’s your eyes. Beautiful blue.”
Mia nearly dropped the doll. Teri grabbed it. She handed the doll back to the clerk and asked to have it wrapped.
“Let me buy it for you,” Teri said.
“That’s a generous offer, but no. I’ll pay for it.”
Teri had already pulled out her American Express card. “I know, but I can see how happy it makes you. Please.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Okay, Teri has complimented me and said please. So, is the world coming to an end? Shit, I need to check my life insurance policies.
Something was going on. Whatever it was, Mia would just enjoy it while it lasted. Which probably wouldn’t be that long. “You’re much too generous. Please let me pay for it.”
“I’ve already done it.” Teri smiled.
It was such a wondrous smile that Mia was both surprised and enchanted. “Thank you.” She then made sure the doll was carefully wrapped. It allowed her time to try to understand Teri’s uncharacteristic behavior. And her own aberrant reaction.
“Where to next?” Teri asked, picking up her credit card receipt.
“On to the next shop.” Mia led Teri in and out of several more shops before her growling stomach caused her to check her watch. “I guess it’s time to eat.”
“That was loud enough to shake the floor. Come on and let me feed you.” Teri briefly took Mia’s hand and moved her to the mall exit.
They found a small, highly recommended Italian restaurant. Mia questioned the sommelier on their selection of wines. She selected an expensive Barolo that Teri was unfamiliar with. “You speak fluent French and German and are well-versed in Italian wines. What other surprises do you have?”
“I really don’t have any surprises. Trust me; my life’s very ordinary.”
“Mia, you are anything but ordinary. Where did you learn French? Pamela Milton swears you speak it like a native.”
“I think she overstates my skills.” What else did Pam Milton say?
“So, are you going to tell me how you learned?”
An answer was delayed by their wine arriving. Teri took a sip. “Good choice. I’ll have to remember the vineyard and make sure to get a case. Or maybe you’ll help me pick out a selection of wines. On that I will trust your judgment.”
“Thank you.” Mia was really having trouble looking at Teri. The compliments were frequent and unexpected. She wasn’t sure how to respond.
“Now, tell me about learning French.” Teri leaned forward, looking as if anything Mia had to say was important.
“I had two years of French while finishing my high school equivalent in UK, so I was able to pass the French proficiency. It took an extra year because I transferred from the U.S.”
“Mia, I didn’t realize.”
Realize? Realize that you were uprooting a family and drastically changing their lives. Teri, however, seemed sincere, and she remembered her earlier decision to be agreeable. “I wouldn’t have even thought about the Paris Sorbonne if we hadn’t moved to Europe. Turned out to work for me.”
“You were an amazing kid.” Teri paused. “You’ve become an even more amazing woman.”
Mia was speechless. Was Teri flirting? Was this a compliment? “Thank you.”
“What did you study?”
Their wine glasses were refilled and dinner served. Before Mia could answer, Teri pulled out her cell phone and responded to a text. Ah, work. So much for the likeable Teri. Mia started eating and tried to focus on her food.
“Sorry,” Teri said. “I’ve been waiting for some information. My assistant just sent it by e-mail.”
“It’s well after five. Does your staff always work late?”
“When there is a lot of work, yes. I pay them well and they are able to flex schedules when necessary.”
Mia just nodded and kept eating.
“You were going to tell me what you studied?” Teri said.
“I pursued a liberal arts education.”
“A very practical degree.” Teri sounded patronizing.
“One of the reasons I went to Paris and chose my major is that I wanted an education that would prepare me for the world around me. A liberal arts education teaches you to think, to explore ideas, to be a citizen of the world. My area of interest was the fine arts, but I learned so much more. Paris is one of the greatest places to study. Voltaire, Proust, Zola, and all the great American ex-pats: Gertrude Stein, Hemingway, Fitzgerald. The architecture, painting and sculpture, the city is full of beauty. The Louvre—I could spend a week there and not see everything. And at night, it is a city of magic.”
“You love the city.” Her voice was barely a whisper. “I’ve never felt that way about any place.”
Mia leaned forward, her elbows on the table and her chin resting in one hand. “I do. I grew up and found myself there. I accepted who and what I wanted to be and said it was okay.” Mia smiled at the memories.
“Wow. What must it be like to be that passionate?” Teri sudde
nly looked nervous. She avoided looking directly at Mia.
Was she embarrassed to admit something so personal?
“I’ve never spent much time in Paris. Mostly going from the airport or Gare du Nord to a hotel, but I would agree with you.” Teri was back to her unengaged voice.
“I would have thought you would have flown. I can’t imagine you wasting time on a train.”
“Actually, I like trains. Much more comfortable and I still can get a lot of work done.”
“Ah, work.” Mia sipped her wine. It gave her time to shape a response. “So, what do you do for fun?”
“Work.”
*
Teri couldn’t remember when an evening had been so enjoyable. She was almost sad when they arrived back at the house and Mia said good night.
She went to her desk and turned on her laptop. The room was filled with pictures of her grandparents, her parents, and Teri and her siblings. Memories floated around the room, begging for some life. They finally forced Teri to look at her personal life. For over an hour, she just sat and stared at the screen. Once in a while, she would answer an e-mail. Her concentration was gone. Instead, images from the evening kept popping up. Mia laughing. Mia with sauce on her chin and Teri wiping it off. Mia with her head tilted to one side, the expression on her face one of attentiveness. Mia discussing French history. A subject that had never interested Teri, but Mia made it compelling.
Teri stood and grabbed her glass of Scotch. The room was closing in on her. She didn’t have time to waste. But it wasn’t wasted. She had a great time. She climbed up to the sleeping porch and sat in the recliner.
No matter how much she tried, Teri was having trouble ignoring the attractive, smart Mia. Damn, she’s a hell of a woman.
She finished her Scotch and headed for bed. She knew she wouldn’t get much sleep but at least she could try. Oh, shit, we’re going to some damn mountain. No, not much sleep.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Mia poured coffee into the thermos on the counter. The staff had prepared some cold food and fresh fruit for them. She grabbed her jacket, gloves, and cap. She packed a couple of blankets, the food, and coffee in the Jeep, and pulled it around next to the house. Mia fully expected to see Teri coming out the door. She looked at her watch. It was almost four thirty. She went back in the house.