by C. J. Harte
“Theresa, that’s very generous of you, but unnecessary. I have great coverage. From what I’ve been reading about the merger and your career, you seem to have things well under control. What’s the real reason you’re here?”
He stared at Teri and then at Mia. Teri noticed Mia’s face begin to turn red. “Mr. Daniels, Mia is certainly your daughter. That’s the same question she asked me earlier. And please, call me Teri. That’s what you used to call me.”
Thomas Daniels took Mia’s hand. “Honey, how would you feel about us moving sooner than later? I think I’d like to work with this youngster one more time. See if there is anything I can still teach her.”
Teri held her breath. Her future was tied to the answer.
“Dad, if that’s what you want?” He nodded. “I need to contact my boss and I need to get my stuff from Paris.”
“I’ve got the Gulfstream. I can fly you there or we can take the train.”
“I think the plane would be better. More room for my luggage.” Mia’s smile was warm. “Thank you. How soon do we need to do this?”
“Do what?” Mia’s mother asked. “Let me get Michel to school and I’ll be right back. Don’t decide anything until I get back.”
“Now you know who the real boss is.” Mia grinned at her mother.
By noon, Mia was cleaning out her apartment in Paris. Teri had her white shirt sleeves rolled up and was packing boxes. “What about the food?”
“I’ll leave it for my friend next door. She doesn’t get out much.” Mia packed the food and took it downstairs. When she returned, Teri was holding a photograph.
“Is this Natalie?”
“Yes. That was taken not long after Michel was born.” Mia took the photo and wiped dust off. “It was our first Christmas with him.”
Teri just stared at Mia. No other questions were asked. Natalie looked enough like her that she easily could have passed for Teri’s sister.
“You’ve lived here quite some time. Will you miss Paris?”
Mia stared down at the picture. “There will always be a part of Paris in my heart.” Mia wrapped the photo and carefully packed it. “I know my parents need me now.” She resumed packing, but Teri had no doubt that Mia was leaving more than a physical place. She saw the tear that Mia quickly wiped away. Teri turned away and allowed her a moment of privacy.
“Why don’t we take a break and get some lunch? I’m looking forward to sitting someplace and enjoying your recommendations.” A hint of a smile crossed Mia’s lips. Teri wanted to see more. “Take me to your favorite place. Wherever it is. I’m looking forward to exploring good food. And a leisurely lunch.”
A broad smile now decorated Mia’s face. “Then let’s clean up and go.”
Teri allowed Mia to order. True to her word, she ate slowly, enjoyed the wine, and found herself laughing at Mia’s stories. The warm September sun added to her feeling of well-being. She held Mia’s hand as they walked back. “I don’t know when I’ve had a more wonderful lunch. Great food, great company. Thank you.” She kissed the back of Mia’s hand and then reluctantly let go. “I can’t believe how quickly time passed. I feel like I could take a nap, and I never nap.”
“We’ll quit early tonight.” Mia unlocked the door. “I’d like to get as much packed tonight as possible, though.”
All Teri wanted was to sit and hold Mia. Every moment spent with Mia increased the infatuation. And the confusion. Mia had admitted to a crush, but what did she feel now? “Where do you want me to start? I’ve got a couple of more hours in me.”
Mia laughed and started opening closets. “Well, let’s get packing.”
“What about your car? Do you want it sent ahead?”
“Car? You’re kidding. I don’t own a car.”
One more thing she learned about Mia. How did anyone survive without a car?
*
By seven the next evening, they were landing back in London. Teri made sure the luggage and boxes were carefully stowed on the plane and the plane locked. “Now, let’s pack up your parents. Ship what we can and then pack what’s needed.”
“You’re formidable when you undertake a task. Why are you here?”
“Is it so hard to believe that I want to spend more time with you?”
“Yes, Teri. Maine wasn’t that long ago. You spent every free moment working.”
“I’m trying to change.”
“I hear your words, but I’ll judge your actions.”
“Fair enough.”
When they got back, Teri convinced the family to allow her to arrange for packing and transportation of personal property to New York.
“That’s expensive,” Mia said.
“It’s what we do for top staff. Let me do it. Besides, professional movers are much more efficient and you’ll have less to repack of anything I pack.”
“Packing is not your forte.”
“What is? My charm?”
Mia laughed, a deep soul-cleansing laugh. “Giving orders.” She leaned against Teri. “You’ve got that mastered. Speaking of which. I just got a call from my boss telling me that there’s a job, with a higher pay rating, in New York City, if I want it. You didn’t have anything to do with that did you?”
“Must be destiny. You’re meant to move.” Teri grinned. Mia had been in a teasing mood all afternoon and Teri was enjoying it. Mia rolled her eyes and resumed sorting Michel’s clothes.
“My dear, surely you know Teri. Once she sets her mind on doing something, nothing stands in her way.” Her father laughed. “She was that way as a youngster.”
“I’m learning.” Mia backhanded Teri’s stomach. “Okay, what else have you done? Do we have a huge house with forty servants and boats aligned on the dock?”
“No, that’s my house. Yours is the little shack at the dead end.” Teri winked and continued packing.
Mia collapsed on the couch. “I need to rest. My arm’s beginning to hurt.”
Teri was immediately by her side. “What can I do?” She sat next to Mia. “I shouldn’t have had you doing so much work. Let me get you something to drink.” Teri brought her a bottle of cold water and her medications.
“No, that will put me to sleep and I need to fix dinner.”
“There must be someplace we can order from.” How had she not noticed how tired Mia was? Teri berated herself.
“Teri, come with me.” Lisa Daniels was walking toward the door. “There’s a great Indian restaurant around the corner.”
Teri put her wallet in her pants pocket and followed Mia’s mother. She was sure food was not Lisa Daniels’s primary concern. It didn’t take long to find out.
“You care about my daughter.”
In face of such a definitive statement, Teri had only one answer. “Yes, ma’am.”
“You’ve caused her a lot of pain. She was at an impressionable age when you broke her heart. I realize it was just a crush and she was only fifteen. You, however, were twenty-two and knew better. Or should have. I suspect you, or your father, were responsible for the transfer to Europe.”
Teri would regret that day, probably for the rest of her life. She was equally determined to make up for it. Even if it was for the rest of her life. “I can’t tell you how much I regret that and how selfish I was acting when that happened. I’m trying to do things differently now.”
“Do you love my daughter?”
Why did that question keep coming up? “Mrs. Daniels, I care for your daughter. I’m hoping she can teach me about love.”
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Mia was amazed at Teri’s determination. She spoke to her office once a day. The rest of the time was spent with Mia’s family. It was obvious Teri wasn’t sure how to deal with a child. She often seemed awkward and unsure of what to say or do. Mia found her antics amusing. She was grateful, however, for Teri’s take-charge behavior. In ten days, Teri had arranged for all the furniture and household goods to be shipped to New York, found a house for Mia and her family, and even provided
medical referrals for her parents and a school for Michel. The last two nights were spent in a suite in an expensive hotel. Teri refused to let Mia or her family pay for anything. All the physical labor had its toll on Teri, but still she stayed up, frequently asking what she could do to help.
They were finally boarding the flight to New York. Teri chatted with the pilots and the cabin crew. She sat next to Mia and took her hand. “I would love to come back someday with you.”
Obviously, Teri planned to stay around. Mia would wait and see. She would miss her life in Europe. Whatever the future would bring, it would be an adventure. And she was determined to bring Michel back to Paris as often as she could. They both needed that connection. If Teri was a part of her future, then Teri would be part of the journey.
Once everyone was aboard the plane, she saw how tired her parents were. When the plane was safely airborne, she asked them if they wanted anything to eat or drink.
“Mia, sit down. I’ll get it.”
“You’re still giving orders.”
Teri laughed. A real laugh. “Yes, I am. I arranged for easy to prepare foods. Our staff can take care of this. Rest.”
Mia shook her head and watched as Teri arranged for food and beverages.
“Teri, thank you for making all this possible.” Thomas Daniels wiped at his eyes. “Lisa and I wanted to get back and spend time with both our kids.” He looked at Mia. “My only regret, honey, is that I won’t get a chance to walk you down the aisle. If only Nat had lived.”
Mia knew how excited her parents were when she told them Natalie had proposed. “I know. You have a grandchild. That was one of the things on your bucket list—spoil a grandchild. You just didn’t think it would be mine.”
Mia’s parents began to tell stories about Mia learning to change diapers. “Please,” Mia said. “There must be some things that are sacred and private.”
Laughter filled the plane. Mia forgot everything except the happiness she was experiencing at the moment.
The limo was waiting for them at the airport along with the customs people. Teri had arranged for the entire process to proceed smoothly. Again, Mia was amazed at how thoughtful Teri was being in caring for her entire family. Teri even carried a sleeping Michel. Something was going on. Mia wasn’t ready to completely trust, but she was willing to be open. Besides, right now Teri was making her life so much easier.
“The house is wonderful.” Mia stepped out of the limo and admired their new home. The ranch style house was recently completed and had five bedrooms and six bathrooms. The floors were a light oak, except in the bathroom and kitchens where decorative tiles added color. All the kitchen appliances were black and stainless steel in color. And easy to clean. Especially with an active little boy. All their personal belongings had already been delivered from the airport and placed in their respective bedrooms. It was more house than she had ever lived in and certainly couldn’t afford. That she would work out with Teri. Right now, it was going to provide her family with room and comfort. It was also close to schools and medical centers.
The best surprise, however, was seeing Jeremy and Bren sitting in the kitchen with a table full of food.
“Teri called us when the plane landed.” Jeremy hugged Mia tightly. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’re back in the U.S.”
*
A crew of people helped them unpack and settle in, including a wide variety of groceries. The rest of their belongings had arrived the previous day. Mia doubted she could have accomplished as much by herself in a month, much less in one day. There were still things to unpack and put away, but she felt they could survive and survive well. By seven, her parents and Michel had readily headed for bed, exhausted from the hectic week and the long day. Now she was sitting in the kitchen with friends. Teri was included. Mia still wondered when the terror would return, but for now, she was willing to suspend disbelief one more time.
“How much stuff can a kid have?” Teri asked. “I’ve run out of room for those little blocks.”
“They’re Legos.” Jeremy laughed. “You didn’t particularly care for mine either.”
“They were always everywhere but put up. More than once I slipped on one of your contraptions.” Teri feigned disdain but ending up laughing when her brother made a face. “Careful your face doesn’t get stuck.”
“Nana used to say that,” Bren said. “You almost sounded like her.”
Teri grimaced. Mia wondered what prompted that reaction.
“Well, I certainly can’t cook like her.” Teri walked over to the refrigerator. “Anyone else want something to drink?”
“I’m fading.” Mia stood and stretched. “You’re all welcome to stay here tonight. I think we have plenty of room. You’ll just have to help me find sheets, towels, and the places to sleep.”
Jeremy and Bren quickly rose, declaring early morning meetings requiring their presence in the city. “I probably should go, too.” Teri seemed to be vacillating. “I can stay a little longer if there is something you need help with.”
Mia hugged Jeremy and Bren and walked with them to the door. Teri was still standing in the same place in the kitchen. This is awkward. She’s been running around commanding for the last ten days, and now there’s nothing left to command. Do I ask her for help or try to figure this out myself? Mia really had little choice.
“I wouldn’t ask except my mom’s asleep.” Mia hesitated. “I need help getting undressed. There are some things that are hard to do one-handed.” Teri was not looking at her. “I wouldn’t usually ask, but I’ve been in these clothes for nearly twenty-four hours.”
Teri finally made eye contact. “How can I help?” Teri’s expression was confusing. Mia couldn’t ever remember her being so nervous and unsure. What happened to the self-assured obnoxious terror? She had to admit she preferred the newer version. Still, Teri’s current lack of enthusiasm seemed problematic.
“That’s okay. I’ll manage.” Mia turned to walk Teri out. A hand on her shoulder stopped her.
“I said I’d help. Do you need help or not?”
The Boss was back. Teri was in her commanding mode. This person she could deal with. “Yes. You just seemed uncomfortable.”
“Tell me what you want me to do. I don’t want to be unwelcome, and sometimes I’m not sure what to do.”
This woman is definitely bipolar. Command, uncertain. Command, uncertain. Mia smiled. “I need some help.”
Mia slipped the sling off her arm. “I need help getting my shirt off and unhooking my bra.” She walked to the master suite, not waiting to see if she was being followed.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
Teri’s hands were tight fists. That was the least of her problems. She had spent almost every waking moment of the last two weeks with Mia. The more time she spent with her, the more she wanted Mia. The more she wanted Mia, the less she knew how to achieve that goal. Mia was such an enigma. There was a gentleness and humanity about her that Teri was drawn to. Mia brushing hair out of Michel’s eyes, rubbing her father’s shoulders, or pushing aside her own fatigue and pain to keep everyone laughing and talking. The unguarded moments when Mia looked at her parents or Michel and Teri could read the sadness so clearly written on that precious face. These were the emotions that were tearing her apart, and Teri didn’t know what to do to make things better.
She followed Mia into the bedroom. She had no choice. She was beginning to need Mia. She hadn’t been aware she needed anyone or anything. Work was much easier. She was in control. With Mia, she was out of control.
Mia threw the sling on the dresser and began tugging the sleeve over her cast. Teri walked up behind her and pulled the top over Mia’s head. She leaned into Mia, enjoying the heat radiating off Mia’s back.
“I desperately need a shower.” Mia’s voice was more a moan. “I can’t get the cast wet.”
Teri found Mia’s neck too irresistible. She briefly rubbed Mia’s neck. She would have preferred kissing it. “Let me get somethi
ng to cover your cast.” She needed to slow down.
She sat on the toilet while Mia showered. Helping Mia undress had almost been painful. Mia was so damned determined to do as much by herself. All Teri wanted to do was do it for her. And touch her.
As she sat and waited for Mia to finish showering, Teri realized how little time they had spent really talking to each other. They had spent so much time talking about the move Teri still knew little about Natalie or the relationship. Mia was right. She could become so focused on a task that she lost the ability to have a conversation. She was determined to keep her desire in check. She wanted to get to know Mia.
“I’m done.” The shower door opened and Mia was smiling. “I can’t tell you how good it feels to be clean.” She was clutching a towel and trying to dry herself. Teri grabbed another towel and finished the task. She then helped Mia into her bathrobe.
“Do you want your hair dried?”
“Not much to dry. Just want to get some sleep.” Mia climbed into bed. “Thank you.”
Teri sat on the edge of the bed and played with Mia’s wet hair. “It’s really short. It’s cute. Looks good on you.” She put her hand back down. “You never told me how you met Natalie.”
Mia started laughing. “She threw up on me. We both had a morning meeting at the same restaurant. She was in line right in front of me. I noticed that she didn’t look well, but I was so concerned about the meeting. Suddenly, she says, ‘I need to sit down.’ I walked her over to where some chairs were and she just threw up. I had a new suit on. Nat was so upset. I walked with her into the restroom and she threw up again. I cleaned myself up the best I could, but I knew there was no way I could go to work. Natalie was so apologetic. She was in the first pangs of morning sickness. I ended up taking her back to her place. She gave me her number and insisted on getting my suit cleaned. We ended up spending most of the day talking, and I didn’t make it into work that day.”
“Well, that’s a new way to get a date. So Natalie was pregnant when you met her?” Mia nodded. “Have you always wanted children?”