by C. J. Harte
“Then I ask you again. What’s going on between us?”
“God, Mia, I wish I knew. I’ve never known anyone quite like you. I hope we can be friends, Mia. Good friends.”
It wasn’t what Mia wanted to hear, but at least it helped her to take another step to a healthier life. Teri obviously was married to her work. Mia would be out of the hospital soon and probably wouldn’t see Teri again.
CHAPTER FORTY
Teri knocked on Bren’s door and was surprised when she opened it. “I didn’t think you’d be home this early.”
“Are you here to talk business or see Mia? If you’re here to see Mia, she left earlier today.”
“Is she okay?” Mia hadn’t said anything about leaving when they talked last night. Had Michel’s passport arrived?
“What’s going on with you and Mia?”
It was the same question Mia asked several days ago. “What makes you think something’s going on? Can’t I just visit?”
“Teri, I’ve lived in this place nearly six years. In that time, you’ve been here less times than I can count on one hand. Since Mia got out of the hospital five days ago, you’ve stopped by at least once every day. You’ve ordered food delivered here. You’ve brought Mia’s clothes here.”
“She’s a friend.”
“A friend you’re falling in love with?”
“No!” Teri paused. “Yes. Maybe.”
“What are you going to do about it?”
Teri now stared at her. “Nothing. I’ve got a company to run.” She walked out as quickly as she could.
*
No matter how much she tried, Teri couldn’t put Mia into a mental box and lock her away. Mia was residing in her heart. She stared at her phone and wanted to call but again realized she didn’t know where she was or how to call her. A week had passed and she knew nothing about Mia’s sudden departure.
Teri remembered the call she had made to the private investigator. Why hadn’t she heard back? He usually had information of some sort within two to three days. It had been over two weeks. She dialed his number.
“I gave it to your sister. You weren’t in the office and you usually have me provide her a copy.”
Teri was stunned. “When did you give it to her?”
She hung up as soon as she got the answer. Was there some kind of plot? How dare Bren keep the information? She marched into Bren’s office and slammed the door shut. “Where’s the damn report?”
Bren put a large brown envelope and a smaller white one on the desk. “Which one do you want?”
She stared at the two envelopes, wondering what the hell was going on. “Why didn’t you give me the report when it came in?”
“You weren’t here. Someone had to sign for it and I did. I thought it was about a business matter. Imagine my surprise when I find it’s more personal.” Bren stood in front of her. She held the white envelope up. “What right do you have to look into Mia’s family? Her father is no longer a part of our company. Mia, obviously, is not that important, so I don’t think you should read this.”
Teri was vacillating between curiosity and frustration.
“If you really want to know why Mia left, then open the envelope. But then I want to know what you’re going to do. Then maybe I’ll give you this other envelope.”
She didn’t hesitate. She grabbed the envelope and read the report inside. She sat quickly in a nearby chair. “How long?”
“I don’t know. Her father was just diagnosed. That’s why Mia flew back quickly. She’s trying to move her parents back to the States and she can’t leave until she has Michel’s passport.” Bren held up the other envelope. “It arrived today. I’ve got the jet waiting for me at the airport. It’s fueled and the pilot is on standby. I planned on flying the passport to her and bringing them to my apartment until they can find a place to live. Then I’m flying her brother and his wife to New York.” Bren tapped the small envelope against her other hand. “Well? Do you love her?”
“I’ve got the merger to deal with.”
“Do you love her? Don’t go unless you do because I won’t allow you to hurt her again. Not after what she’s been through.”
“How does she do it? How does she keep living each day and yet seem to be so positive?”
Bren took her by the arm. “She puts one foot in front of the other and hopes the next step will be better. She also surrounds herself with people who love her. You should try it.” They had reached the door. “The jet is ready. I’ve got my clothes packed. What do you want to do?”
“What makes you think she’d even want to see me?”
“She may not, but I think she still loves you. Only you can convince her that you love her.”
“I don’t know how.” Teri hated to admit it. “I know how to negotiate and to play hardball. I don’t know if I know how to be a friend, much less how to win her.”
Bren put both envelopes in her hand. “Maybe it’s time for you to find out.”
Part Three
Making Time
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Teri was glad she always kept some clothes in the office. It was the only thing she was grateful for. Mia’s father had pancreatic cancer. Mia’s mother was recovering from a heart attack with some mild heart damage. Dealing with sick people made Teri uncomfortable. Visiting Mia in the hospital had been an effort.
Mia had a five-year-old boy, and Teri knew nothing about children. She never wanted to know anything about children. They were best kept at a distance—a long distance.
Teri was getting closer to forty and still had never had the kind of relationship Mia had with Natalie. From what Teri had learned, Natalie was a saint. A dead saint. There was no way to compete with dead saints. She didn’t understand why, but she wanted to try.
There were some things she could do. She could make sure Mia had Michel’s passport. She could fly the entire family back to the States. She could arrange a place for them to live. These were black or white activities. They either happened or didn’t. No need for lots of conversation or discussion of feelings.
The five-hour flight to London gave her time to make some phone calls. She made several to Jeremy and Brenna. Brenna knew Mia was looking for a transfer to the States. Teri knew a few people and actually found a State Department job for her in New York. It paid well and she could work there until she found something that might be more interesting. Teri secretly hoped Mia would stay in New York. She even got a realtor looking for housing.
“Ranch style,” Jeremy said.
“Why?”
“So no one has to climb up and down stairs.”
It made sense, but Teri hadn’t thought about it. There was so much Teri had taken for granted in her life. “Thanks, Jer.” She hesitated, gathering courage. “I love you. And I want to get to know Elaine. Talk to you soon.” She hung up the phone. When was the last time I told my sister or brother that I loved them?
She called the realtor and insisted that she wanted a house to move into before the end of the week. Money was no object.
Teri leaned back in her seat, pleased with her actions. Except now she needed to deal with Mia’s parents and their health problems. How was she going to find a specialist? Alan Crain. Brenna provided the number. He gave her the names of three oncologists and two cardiologists. He also offered to call and open doors. Teri was surprised at his willingness to help. “Thank you, Dr. Crain.”
“Alan. After all, Brenna and I have been dating two years. Call me when you get back to the U.S.”
Two years? Bren has been dating Alan for two years. My brother is engaged to someone we just met. Mia has a five-year-old child.
Teri felt very alone. She assumed that, since they hadn’t shared any information, that Jeremy’s and Bren’s lives were uneventful and they had no personal lives. How wrong she had been. Not only had she missed out on sharing important parts of their lives, she had given up on one of her own.
She rested her head on the back of the seat.
What was she to do when she arrived in London?
*
Teri knocked on the door of the two-story English country house. She had stood outside for almost ten minutes trying to decide what to say.
“Teri! What’re you doing here?”
Mia looked like she had been crying. Her hair was barely an inch long and obviously not combed. Her clothes were in disarray and flour, or some white substance, covered the front of her clothes. Teri’s brain had stopped functioning. Emotions were creeping in. “You got your hair cut. It’s short.”
“Yes, Teri. I’m glad you came this far to talk about my hair.” Mia looked away. “I’m sorry. It’s been a rough morning. Want to come in?”
“I just happened to be in the neighborhood and thought you might need this.” She couldn’t tell Mia that she had been in London for three hours. “Michel’s passport.”
Hints of a smile appeared at the corner of Mia’s mouth. “I’m sorry, but I don’t believe you just happened to be in the neighborhood.” Mia opened the door wider. “Thank you for bringing this.” Mia wiped her eyes. “It’s six in the morning, Teri. Come on in. Everyone else is still asleep. I’ll be fixing breakfast soon.”
Teri looked around and admired the warm feel of the place. It was small and cluttered compared to the places she called home. The living room could barely hold the residents, much less a larger crowd. The furniture was not new, but it looked comfortable. The rugs were faded. Still, it felt welcoming. “I thought you lived in Paris.”
“I do. This has been my parents’ house for the last two years. Before that they lived in a three-story flat.” Mia seemed to be nervous. “It got to be too much for them so they moved here. There are two bedrooms on this floor and two upstairs and bathrooms on both floors. Want some coffee?”
“Ah, yes. The early morning quiet and coffee. You’ve cut your hair really short.”
Mia pointed to her right arm and sling. “It’s much easier to care for. Sorry, I haven’t had a chance to get properly attired yet.”
Mia led her into a small kitchen. Pots and pans hung on one wall. The counters had a variety of boxes and containers of food. The refrigerator was half the size of the one in her penthouse. On one counter were the obvious ingredients for breakfast, including a bag of flour.
“You look great.” Actually, Mia looked like a charming pixie, and Teri was enchanted. Something, however, was bothering Mia. Teri hoped it wasn’t her presence. “I’d love a cup, and I promise to sit quietly.”
Mia finally smiled. “No need. Have a seat. I’ll turn the BBC news on in fifteen minutes.” She poured coffee for them both then sat at the table. She held up the passport envelope. “Thank you for this. You could have overnighted it and it would have been cheaper.”
Teri shrugged. “I overnighted it and I also get to see you.” That was lame. If she didn’t make the effort, she could lose the chance. “I’ve missed you.”
“Thank you.” Mia waved the envelope. “I don’t know want to say.” She played with the envelope and looked anywhere but at Teri. Teri wanted to still those nervous hands. Finally, as if there were nowhere else to look, Mia made eye contact. “I don’t understand why you’re here. I find it hard to believe you’ve missed my arguing, but I’m willing to take your words at face value.”
It was not the response Teri expected. Nor the one she wanted. Her initial reaction was to ask what the hell that meant and wonder why Mia wasn’t more grateful for all she had done and was doing. Then she remembered that was the old Teri. That wasn’t the Teri she wanted to be. Nor would it be the person to win Mia’s heart.
She took a deep breath. How do I carry on a conversation, then?
“Believe it or not, I’ve missed you. Not long ago, you asked me what was going on between us. At that time, I didn’t know how to answer the question. Or I was so obtuse with an answer that even I didn’t know what I was saying. My whole world was being turned upside down.” This was harder than Teri thought it could be. She had learned how to get what she wanted at work, but forgotten how to ask for what she wanted personally. “I don’t know what’s going on between us. Whatever it is, I want to find out. I’ve missed you, more than you can possibly imagine. The thought of not seeing you again—” Teri stopped. She couldn’t finish the thought. “I’d rather be here arguing with you than anyplace else.”
Mia was carefully scrutinizing her. Teri had to work hard to maintain eye contact. “I don’t know what to say.” The way Mia was biting her bottom lip worried Teri. Was she about to be turned down?
“Isn’t it ironic that I’ve been working so hard to forget you? Just when I think I’m at that point, you show up.”
“If you want me to go away, I’ll leave right now. I just want you to know that you’ve changed me. You are amazing, and I want to be better because of you. Even if you send me away, I’m a different person.”
“I’m not sure what you want and, right now, I’m not sure what I’m capable of giving. This is so unexpected. Teri, I….”
Teri nodded. Time to learn about love. The unconditional kind of love Natalie had. “That’s okay. I’m willing to wait and willing to accept what you can give.”
“Who are you?” Mia laughed. “Never mind. I don’t think I want to know right now. I’m fixing pancakes and sausages. Want some?”
“Yes. Can I help?”
“Please. I’ve been trying to get this stuff together and I’m hopeless.” She pointed to her shirt. “I’m wasting more than I’m mixing. This was Michel’s request.” A sniffle gave away Mia’s frustration.
“Look, two hands.” She wanted to put her arms around Mia and promise to fix whatever was wrong. Instead, she let Mia put her to work mixing the pancakes. She sat and watched as Mia cooked the sausages.
“It took us a while to get used to English sausage, but now we enjoy it. Pancakes are my father’s and Michel’s favorites. You arrived just in time. I’m not sure why you’re here at this particular time, but today you’re a lifesaver.” She held up her right arm and the cast that now covered it past her elbow. “Thank you, Teri.” Mia briefly hugged her. “Time to get everyone up. Are you leaving right away or can you stay for a few days?”
“I’d like to stay if you don’t mind my being under foot. My luggage is outside the door. Just one bag. Can I bring it in?” Mia nodded and Teri felt relief. She had a reprieve, for at least a few more days.
Teri brought in her one bag and was shown to a guest room. Mia gave her some towels and showed her where the upstairs shower was. When she returned to the kitchen, Mia’s parents, Thomas and Lisa Daniels, were sitting at the table with Michel in between. Teri was surprised at how thin both were and how tired Thomas Daniels seemed. Smiles, however, filled their faces as they played with Michel.
“Good morning, sir, ma’am. Hope I’m not interrupting.” Teri was again the young, impetuous college student, too cocky and self-assured. Thomas Daniels, however, was her kind, patient, and generous mentor. She learned more during the time they worked together than four years of college. She had forgotten the people lessons all too quickly while the financial ones became ingrained.
“Teri, good to see you.” Mia’s father hugged her and led her to the table. Mia’s mother was more reserved in her greeting.
“This young man is Michel, my son.” Mia stood behind the dark-haired boy. Teri was surprised that he didn’t look more like the fair-headed Daniels’ clan. “Michel, this is my friend, Teri Stanton.”
“Bon jour, mademoiselle.” He moved to stand behind Mia.
“Good morning, sir.” Teri was completely at a loss at what to say next.
“Michel is shy when he first meets new people.” Mia hugged the boy and gestured toward the table.
Breakfast was enjoyable with conversation centering around Michel, the weather, and plans for the day. When breakfast was done, Mia’s mother left to help Michel dress for school.
“Teri, I hear you’ve done great things with the company. Congratulations. I
’ve followed your career. Big merger in the works. What tears you away to visit our humble abode?”
She had always liked Thomas Daniels’s directness. She now understood where Mia had inherited that trait. “I understand you folks are looking to move back stateside and I wondered if you needed a ride.”
“That’s nice, Teri,” Mia said, “but we don’t have a place to live. I have a job and responsibilities here. I’d love to take a rain check when we’re ready. If the offer would still be available.”
“Of course.” Teri had never been turned down as many times by one person. She was undaunted. On to Plan B. “I’m also here to ask you, Tom, if you would serve as a personal consultant to Stanton Enterprises, to me, while we go through this merger. There have been some complications, and there were some lessons you taught that I seem to have forgotten.”
Mia’s father looked first at Mia and then his wife. He appeared deep in thought.
“Dad, whatever you decide will be fine with us.” Mia’s mother nodded agreement.
“Theresa, I’m honored. I need to tell you that I was recently diagnosed with advanced stage pancreatic cancer. I’ve been told my life expectancy is relatively short. I’ve started treatment and it’s not fun. I’m not sure how much I can help.” He looked at Mia. “And I plan on spending as much time as I can with my first grandchild and my two children.”
The finality of the statement hit Teri harder than she thought it would. She knew the disease was often aggressive and life expectancy was short. Hearing the words spoken drove a stake into her heart. She had forgotten how much this man had meant to her when she was just beginning at Stanton Enterprises. He had been patient and forgiving. She had been obnoxious and impatient. How easily she had discarded those memories!
She swallowed hard. “Sir, I’m so sorry. I still would appreciate any help or advice you would feel comfortable and well enough to provide. I can even put you on our insurance plan and make sure that isn’t a worry.”