The Last Mrs. Parrish

by Liv Constantine

  “Of course. They must have something for you. I’ll speak to him tonight. In the meantime, let’s do something to cheer you up. How about a little shopping?”

  She must have noticed the look on Amber’s face and realized that shopping was the last thing she could afford now that she was out of work. Honestly, how long had it been since this woman had lived in the real world?

  “Sorry, you must think me terribly insensitive. What I meant was, I’d love to take you shopping—my treat. And before you argue, remember, I didn’t grow up with all this.” She swept her arm across the room. “I’m from a little town in New Hampshire. Probably not that different from where you were raised. When I first met Jackson and saw this house, I thought it was ridiculous, all the excess. Over time, you get used to it—maybe too used to it. And spending time with the women here, I must admit, I’ve lost myself a little.”

  Amber kept silent, curious to see where Daphne’s little confession was going.

  “You’ve helped me remember what’s really important, why I came here to begin with—to help other families and to ease the suffering of those with this terrible disease. Jackson’s made a lot of money, but I don’t want that to build a wall between you and me. For the first time since I lost my sister, I actually feel close to someone. Please, let me do this.”

  Amber liked the sound of that. The best part was that she could make Daphne feel like Amber was the one being generous. She wondered if she could get her to spring for a whole new work wardrobe.

  She widened her eyes. “Are you sure?”

  “Very.”

  “Well, I suppose I could use a few things for my job search. Can you help me pick out a new interview outfit?”

  “I would love to.”

  Amber suppressed a laugh. Daphne was so nice, she almost felt guilty. She had figured it would take some subtle hinting and footwork to nudge Daphne into suggesting a job at Parrish International, but Daphne had bitten before she’d even tasted the bait. And poor, happily married Mark Jansen, whose reputation she had besmirched, had never made anything resembling an advance toward her. She would call Mark this afternoon and resign. The engine was humming. It was now just a matter of driving the car.

  Seventeen

  The big evening had finally arrived and, despite herself, Amber was as nervous as an actress on opening night. The fund-raiser began at eight, but Jackson and Daphne were picking her up at six so they could be there early and make sure everything was in order. Daphne had spared her the worry of how she would come up with the $250 for the ticket by purchasing the whole table and inviting her.

  Amber poured herself a glass of chardonnay. The wine and music would relax her as she dressed. This was not her night to shine, but on the other hand, she didn’t want to show up looking like some small-town hick. She went to the bed, where she’d laid out her clothes for the evening, picking up the black lace thong and slipping it over her slender hips. Nobody would see her underwear, but she would know how sexy she looked underneath that dress, and it would make a difference in the way she felt. Then the dress, the gorgeous Valentino she’d chosen from Daphne’s closet. It was a simple, floor-length black number with a high neck, long sleeves, and draped back. Subtly sexy, but not in the least obvious. She pulled her hair back into a sleek chignon and applied minimal makeup. The only jewelry she wore was the pearl necklace Daphne had given her for Christmas and her small pearl earrings. She took one last look in the mirror and smiled at her reflection. Satisfied, she grabbed her handbag, a small silver clutch she’d picked up cheap at DSW. She caught a whiff of Daphne’s perfume as she draped the silver silk shawl Daphne had lent her around her shoulders.

  She stood at the door and, before turning out the light, looked back at the room she lived in. She tried to ignore her surroundings, but it was becoming more and more difficult as she was exposed to the way Daphne and her friends lived. She had graduated from the dreary home of her youth to this monklike existence. She sighed, banished the memories from her mind, and closed the door behind her.

  At ten to six, she walked down the short path from the building to the street. At precisely six o’clock, the black Town Car pulled up. She wondered what her neighbors on her modest street were thinking as the chauffeur got out of the car and opened the door for her. She slid into the backseat across from Jackson and Daphne.

  “Hello, Daphne, Jackson. Thanks so much for picking me up.”

  “Of course,” Daphne said. “You look lovely. The dress looks like it was made for you. You should keep it.”

  Jackson looked at her a long moment and then turned away. He seemed slightly annoyed, Amber thought. Great, she’d been hoping to make a lasting impression on him, and she was, but for the completely wrong reason. She never should have agreed to borrow a dress from Daphne. What had she been thinking?

  “I went to the hotel a little earlier to see the auction setup,” Daphne said, smoothing over the awkwardness. “It looks beautiful. I think we’ll do well.”

  “I think so too,” Amber said. “The silent auction items are fabulous. Can’t wait to see how much the villa in Santorini goes for.”

  The small talk continued as they drove to the hotel. She noticed that Jackson held his wife’s hand for the entire drive, and when they arrived, he gently and lovingly helped her out of the car, leaving the chauffeur to lend Amber a hand. He was nuts about Daphne, Amber thought, and felt her determination wilt a bit.

  They were not the first to arrive. The decorating committee was already there, putting the finishing touches on the auction table and placing the floral centerpieces on the fifty tables covered in pink tablecloths and black napkins. The band was setting up at the far end of the room, and the bartenders were arranging their stock; they’d be busy tonight.

  “Wow, Daphne, it looks amazing,” Amber said.

  Jackson put his arm around Daphne’s waist and, pulling her to him, nuzzled her ear. “Great job, my darling. You’ve outdone yourself.”

  Amber looked at them, Jackson resembling a movie star in his black dinner jacket, and Daphne absolutely gorgeous in a strapless chiffon gown of emerald green that hugged every curve of her body.

  “Thank you, sweetheart. That means so much to me.” She looked at Jackson and then pulled away. “I really need to check on my volunteers and see if anyone needs anything. You’ll excuse me, yes?” Daphne turned to Amber. “Stay here and keep Jackson company while I see if Meredith has everything she needs.”

  “Sure,” Amber said.

  Jackson continued to watch Daphne as she walked across the ballroom, seemingly unaware that Amber was even there.

  “You must be very proud of your wife tonight,” Amber said.

  “What?” He tore his eyes away from Daphne.

  “I said, you must be very proud of your wife tonight.”

  “She’s the most beautiful and accomplished woman in this room,” he said with pride.

  “Daphne’s been wonderful to me. My best friend, really.”

  Jackson frowned. “Your best friend?”

  Amber sensed immediately that she’d made a mistake. “Well, not best friend exactly. More like a mentor. She’s taught me so much.”

  She saw him relax a little. This was proving to be an exercise in futility. Obviously, nothing in her plan was going to move forward tonight.

  “I think I’ll go see if I can be of any help,” she said to Jackson.

  He gestured absently. “Right-o, good idea.”

  The evening was a smashing success. The bidding was frenzied, and the crowd drank and danced until midnight. Amber walked around the room, taking it all in—the designer dresses and opulent jewels, the snippets of gossip and laughter from clustered groups of women, the men in black tie loudly discussing the latest S&P 500 losing streak. The world of the rich and mighty, mingling and toasting each other, smug and confident in their little one-percent corner of the world.

  Despite being seated at Daphne’s table, though, Amber felt as out of place here
as she had at the dry cleaner’s. She wanted to belong somewhere, to have people look up to her, fawn over her the way they did Daphne. She was tired of being the girl no one noticed or cared about.

  But tonight was not turning out the way she’d hoped. Jackson never took his eyes off Daphne. He was always reaching for her hand or running his hand up and down her back. For the first time, Amber was discouraged, wondering if her plan was unworkable, if the prize was out of reach.

  She watched the dancers from her seat, some of the May-December couples looking comically unsuited to one another. Something flashed in the corner of her eye, making Amber turn to see a photographer. She turned her head quickly as the flashing continued, praying her image had not been caught on camera.

  Jackson and Daphne had been on the dance floor a good portion of the evening, and now they came walking back to the table. She saw Daphne give Jackson a discreet push, and he stood in front of Amber. “Would you care to dance?” he asked.

  Amber looked at Daphne, who smiled and nodded at her. “I’d love to.” She rose and took Jackson’s hand as he led her to the dance floor.

  She relaxed into Jackson’s strong arms, inhaling the clean, masculine smell of him, enjoying the feel of his arms around her and his body against hers. She closed her eyes and pretended he belonged to her, that she was the envy of every woman in the room. The high lasted even though the dance ended. He didn’t ask her again, but that one dance was enough to get her through the rest of the evening. At twelve thirty, Amber strode to the long table where volunteers sat waiting to help winning bidders check out. She sat down at the credit card machine next to Meredith.

  “We did well tonight,” Meredith said.

  “Yes, it was a great success. Of course, you were a big part of that.” Amber was laying it on thick, but Meredith wasn’t biting.

  “Oh please, it was a group effort. Everyone worked equally,” she said stiffly.

  Amber had nothing to say in response. This bitch would never accept her, so why should she even try? They continued to work side by side in silence as people checked out. As they were finishing up, Meredith turned to Amber. “Daphne tells me you’re from Nebraska.”

  “I am.”

  “I’ve never been there. What’s it like?” she said, with not one iota of curiosity in her voice.

  Amber thought for a moment. “I come from a small town. They’re pretty much all the same.”

  “Mm. I suppose they are. What town exactly?”

  “Eustis. You’ve probably never heard of it.”

  Before Meredith could continue her interrogation, Daphne appeared in front of them.

  “You’re all amazing,” she said to the volunteers at the table. “Thank you so much for this phenomenal night. Now go home and get some much-needed rest. I love all of you.” She looked at Amber. “Are you ready to go?”

  “Yes, we’re all finished. I’ll just get my things.”

  On the drive home, Jackson and Daphne looked like lovebirds, his hand firmly on her thigh.

  “Your speech was good.” Jackson squeezed her leg.

  Daphne looked surprised. “Thank you.”

  “I wish you had let me look it over.”

  “You were so busy. I didn’t want to bother you.”

  He stroked her leg. “I’m never too busy to help you, darling.”

  Daphne leaned her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes.

  Amber grew disheartened as she watched their interaction. It was obvious to her that Jackson took a loving interest in every aspect of Daphne’s life. Daphne had been easy pickings, but Jackson was going to be a different matter entirely. He was going to require all of Amber’s cunning and ingenuity.

  Eighteen

  It had been a month since the fund-raiser, but Amber was still feeling off balance after seeing Jackson’s devotion to Daphne that night. Her connection to Daphne was just getting stronger, though. She was on her way to Tallulah’s eleventh birthday party, having become fully ensconced in Daphne’s life and invited to almost all family events. Daphne was so trusting of her that it almost made her feel bad . . . almost. Amber had gotten Tallulah a book on the life of Edgar Allan Poe and had thought it wise to also pick up a little something for Bella. She was beginning to understand the workings of the little brat’s mind and figured watching Tallulah open a ton of gifts would not be at the top of Bella’s list of fun things to do.

  When she entered the playroom, the children were seated in a big circle as two women unloaded cages with exotic birds and small zoo animals. Amber walked to where Daphne and an older woman stood watching the fun.

  “Amber, welcome. Come meet my mother.” Daphne clasped Amber’s hand in hers. “Mom, this is my friend Amber.”

  The woman stretched her arm out for a handshake. “I’m pleased to meet you, Amber. I’m Ruth.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Amber replied, juggling the presents she’d brought so that she could shake Ruth’s hand.

  “My goodness,” Daphne said. “What have you got there?”

  “Oh, just a few presents.”

  “Why don’t you put them in with the others in the conservatory? The zoo show will start soon. You don’t want to miss that,” Daphne said.

  When Amber entered the conservatory, she was startled once again by the excess. Not that she wouldn’t have wanted the same kind of party as a kid, but she hadn’t even known anything like this existed when she was little. The presents were piled high, and a large table had been moved into the room for the children’s lunch. Each place was carefully set with colorful plates and napkins, and beautifully wrapped goodie bags were perched at each spot. It was completely kid-friendly and sublimely elegant at the same time. She put her gifts down and left the room. As she walked back to the party room, she saw Jackson coming down the hall. He gave her a charming smile.

  “Hi there. So glad you could join us today,” he said with enthusiasm.

  “Um, thank you. I’m glad to be here,” she stuttered.

  He gave her another wide smile and held the playroom door for her.

  They stood together and watched as the handlers brought out one animal after another and explained a little about them, Jackson with a drink in hand. Amber had difficulty keeping her eyes from straying to him. She wondered how long it would take to get him into bed. The thought that she could have this man of power and wealth under her spell exhilarated her. She knew how to please a man and suspected that after over a decade of marriage, the sex between him and Daphne had to be pretty boring and stale. Amber could picture the things she could do to make him want her if given half the chance. She resolved to take her time and carefully stick to her plan. No sense in rushing and messing things up like before.

  When the show ended, the adults tried to calm the children as they tromped into the conservatory for lunch. It was noisy and riotous, with raucous laughter and high-pitched voices. Amber felt like she was going to scream, and she noticed that Jackson wasn’t in the room where everyone was eating.

  Finally, Margarita brought out the huge birthday cake covered in chocolate icing and topped with eleven white candles in the shape of ballerinas. Amber noticed a small chunk missing from one side of the cake.

  “Okay,” Daphne said in a loud voice. “Time to sing ‘Happy Birthday,’ and then Tallulah can open her presents.”

  Amber could see the storm clouds gathering behind Bella’s eyes as the children and adults sang to her sister. Her mouth was set in a straight line, and her arms were crossed in front of her. She was having none of it.

  The minute the singing stopped and Tallulah had blown out the candles, Daphne began handing her the presents. At the table, the children were happy and occupied eating cake as Tallulah unwrapped one after another and thanked the giver. After the seventh one, Bella’s voice rang out. “It’s not fair. Tallulah’s getting all the presents. Where’s mine?”

  This was the moment Amber had been waiting for. “Hey, Bella. I brought a present for Tallulah, but I brough
t one for you too. I’ll give Tallulah hers, and here’s the one for you. I hope you like it.”

  Daphne smiled at her, and Ruth looked at her with an expression Amber couldn’t quite read. Amber noticed that Jackson had just come back into the room, and she hoped he had seen the exchange. Bella ripped off the wrapping paper and opened the box. She held up the pink sweater with a white faux-fur collar and the small pink handbag with its shiny handle and smiled. She ran to Amber and flung her arms around her waist. “I love you, Amber. You’re my best friend ever.”

  Everyone laughed at this show of affection, but Amber noticed that Ruth didn’t seem as amused as the rest of the guests. Tallulah was nearing the end of the presents, the last one a small box from Sabine. “Ooh, Sabine, je suis très heureuse. Merci.” Tallulah held up a gold chain with a slender cross.

  “De rien,” Sabine said.

  The local glitterati soon began arriving to pick up their little rich kids, who had once again been treated to splendiferous entertainment, yummy food, and expensive swag bags. No wonder they all grew up with a sense of entitlement. They knew nothing else.

  After all the guests had gone, Surrey, the other nanny, gathered up the presents.

  “Would you take the gifts upstairs with the girls? If you bathe them and get them into pajamas, we’ll have a light dinner around six,” Daphne instructed her.

  Jackson poured himself another scotch. “Can I get anyone a drink?”

  “I’ll have a glass of wine, sweetheart,” Daphne said. “Mom, would you like anything?”

  “I’ll have a club soda.”

  Jackson looked at Amber. “And you?”

  “May I have a glass of wine too?”

  Jackson laughed. “You may have anything you want.”

  That’s what I’m hoping, Amber thought, but she simply smiled back at him.

  “Daphne, have you showed Amber the photos from the fund-raiser?” Ruth said, then looked at Amber. “There were some very good ones in the Bishops Harbor Times. You look very pretty in one of them.”