Between Land and Sea

by Joanne Guidoccio

  He perked up immediately. “So there is hope for us.”

  She spoke slowly, “Yes, but I need time and space.” She took a deep breath and continued. “I’ll go back to Carden and resume my life. I have a few months left at my counseling job, and I’ve also committed to a few speaking engagements. I promised Melanie I would work on developing a platform, and I intend to do that. We’ll stay in contact with each other, by email only. And in the summer, we’ll revisit this relationship.”

  He flashed one of his beautiful smiles and shook his finger at her. “You can call the shots for now, Barbara Davies. But don’t be too surprised if I decide to turn the tables on you long before that summer deadline.” He reached over and kissed her gently on the lips. He spoke huskily, “You’d better go now.”

  Barbara quickly unbuckled and got out of the car. She waved goodbye and stood watching until his car disappeared out of sight. She gave herself a shake and made her way to Gillian’s condo.

  She was greeted by a smiling Gillian with a knowing look on her face. She took in the rumpled clothing and freshly, scrubbed face. “He finally got to you.” Her eyes flashed mischievously. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  Barbara had mixed feelings about confiding in Gillian. She wanted time alone, to calm down and rationally think about Stewart. But that was impossible to do in Gillian’s apartment. In the end, she shared some of the details as the younger woman eagerly listened. Gillian shook her head as Barbara relayed Stewart’s comment about turning the tables on her. “He’s not going to wait six months. He’ll act long before that.”

  Barbara frowned. “But what can he do? I’ll be hundreds of miles away.”

  “Trust me, he’ll find some way to get to you. Stewart always has to be in control.” A dark look came over her features.

  “What happened with you?” Barbara asked in a soft voice.

  Gillian’s eyes welled up with tears, and she took a few minutes to collect herself. “He courted me, just as he is courting you, and we were an item for almost a year. I really thought he would pop the question or invite me to move in with him. None of that happened. We slowly drifted apart until one day he called to tell me that he was moving on. There have been three other women since me.”

  Barbara was looking at her very closely. “And yet you’re still on friendly terms.”

  “We move in some of the same circles. It would not be in my best interests to cut off ties with him or get hysterical.” She added, “You’ll have to be careful as well. He is your agent and you will have many dealings with him, especially if you write more books.”

  But I could always find another agent. We don’t move in the same circles. I could also move on.

  “What about Graham?” Gillian asked.

  Barbara shook her head. That was the most difficult part of her dilemma. When she thought of Graham, what came to mind was comfort and compatibility, a sense of ease, of fitting together. He was a good man, an honorable man who did not deserve to be hurt in any way.

  “Level with him, but wait until after the holidays,” Gillian advised. “Don’t ruin his Christmas or yours.”

  Barbara realized that she had forgotten all about Graham’s detailed plans for a family Christmas. “He’s introducing me to his children, and we’re hosting an Open House for his friends and clients.”

  “I hate to say this, but one of Annika’s predictions is coming true,” Gillian said. “Two men are pulling at you in different directions. Maybe that witch really does have powers.”

  Barbara thought of Sharon Clarke’s bizarre predictions and Santa’s sad eyes. She decided to put an end to this conversation. She did not want to hear anymore about Stewart’s past or worry about future problems with Graham. It would all work out, somehow. She smiled brightly at Gillian. “Is there anymore of that lovely stew left? I’m starving.”

  Gillian proceeded to heat up a small bowl for her. As Barbara ate her stew, the two women talked about the plans for Tuesday. In the morning, Gillian would drop Barbara off in the downtown area and then she’d pick her up again in the early afternoon. That would give Barbara time to revisit the Magnificent Mile, walk along the waterfront, and have a leisurely lunch before setting off for the airport.

  Chapter 27

  Barbara did not stick to the original plan.

  After revisiting some of the high-end shops, she decided to forego a visit to the Institute and not waste any time sitting in a restaurant. Instead, she stopped at a small café and picked up bottled water, a slice of vegetarian deep-dish pizza, and a salad. She spent the rest of the time walking along the lake.

  Barbara could not believe she had spent the last three months away from a large body of water. As she strolled along the boardwalk, she closed her eyes and imagined swimming in the not-so-warm Lake Michigan. She visualized herself sinking further and further into the depths of the lake. While it was very different from the warm Mediterranean waters, she could still feel the nourishing benefits of this Great Lake. It was enough to clear her mind and balance her emotions.

  There’s no reason why I can’t enjoy this lake experience in Ontario. She could walk along the boardwalks in nearby Oakville or Port Credit and breathe in Lake Ontario. And she wouldn’t have to depend on Graham or anyone else to drive her. The GO transit had regular runs to both communities.

  When Gillian arrived to pick her up, Barbara smiled brightly as she got in the car and strapped on her seat belt. Gillian immediately noticed the change of mood. “I’m glad to see you looking happier. I didn’t want you going back to Carden in a low state.”

  “I’ll be fine,” Barbara said. “I know what awaits me there for the next few months. That’s all I intend to focus on for now. I won’t borrow any future trouble.”

  “Good! I really enjoyed having you here. I didn’t have to pretend or watch what I say. You’re a very comfortable and considerate person, Barbara. I hope we can spend more time together.”

  “Thank you for having me. I like this city. It’s so beautiful and vibrant.” Barbara looked out the window. “In nine months time, I’ll be leaving Carden. I could see myself living here.”

  Gillian turned and flashed her smile. “That would be so wonderful.” She chuckled. “It looks like Stewart is definitely a contender.”

  “I’m keeping all my options open.” Barbara closed her eyes.

  The rest of the drive was a quiet one. Gillian reached the airport in less than an hour and helped Barbara find the appropriate gate. The two women hugged each other tightly.

  Gillian wiped away a few tears. “Let’s stay in touch. More than just the occasional phone call, okay?”

  Barbara nodded as her eyes welled up with emotion. Barbara would miss Gillian. She was like, no, she was family. While she had close relationships with Graham, Janice, Elaine, and Hannah, she always had to watch what she said and how she acted. She could not afford to arouse any suspicions about her mermaid origins.

  She continued toward the boarding area for her flight and underwent the security procedures. While waiting for her flight to be called, she took out her devotional and reflected on the day’s reading. She smiled as she glanced at the title of the piece, Time for a Change. How appropriate and unsettling.

  Another uneventful flight. This time she had selected an aisle seat. The middle seat was empty and the passenger by the window slept the entire time. Just as well. She continued reading the devotional.

  After the plane landed, Barbara followed the rest of the passengers to Customs. The line moved quickly and she headed toward the Arrivals area.

  “Barbara, Barbara! Over here.” Graham was waving frantically to get her attention.

  Barbara tried to smile and made her way toward him. Would he suspect anything? What if he asked too many questions about Stewart? He hugged her tightly and gave her a long, lingering kiss. As she looked into his warm, hazel eyes, her heart beat normally and there was no fluttering in her stomach. She was in full control of her emotions.

&nbs
p; He looked closely at her and frowned. “Did you have a good trip? You look a bit tired.”

  “Everything was great. Gillian kept me hopping, and I think I’m having a delayed reaction to all that activity.”

  “How did your meetings with the agent and publisher go?”

  “Uh, fine. We covered a lot of ground and I brought back a copy of the contract. I’m going to ask Janice to refer me to an entertainment lawyer. I want him to look it over before I sign.”

  “Good idea,” Graham said. “I’d like to look at it as well. I’ve signed my share of literary contracts.”

  Barbara yawned widely. “Okay.”

  “Go to bed early tonight. And if you’re still feeling tired tomorrow morning, call in sick. I’m sure Janice will understand. I had planned to take you out to dinner.”

  “I couldn’t eat a bite. I had a late lunch in Chicago and grabbed a coffee and bagel on the plane.” Barbara was looking forward to unpacking and going straight to bed. She was glad he wasn’t insisting on spending time with her this evening. She realized that he had been speaking to her and was waiting for her response. She looked at him blankly. “I’m sorry, Graham.”

  He threw back his head and laughed. “You’re really zonked out. Let’s get you into the car and back to Carden.” He continued. “I was just telling you my plans for the week. I’ll be leaving for Vermont first thing tomorrow morning, and I won’t be back until late Sunday night. One of the other art instructors came down with the flu and the director asked me to fill in for him.” He suggested, “Keep next Monday night open. We have some serious celebrating to do.”

  “I’ll be in better shape by then.” And I’ll have had time to process these last four days, thought Barbara.

  The drive to Carden took longer than expected. The weather was colder in Toronto and a freezing drizzle was making the drive a treacherous one. Thank God for four-wheel drive. She tried to imagine Gillian and her sleek sports car on this road. She nodded off a few times and Graham gently nudged her awake when they arrived. He helped her with her bag and kissed her good night.

  Barbara was fully recovered by the following morning. As she walked to the office, she thought of the day ahead. She would have to return calls, do the usual paperwork, and get caught up. She welcomed the busy activities. They would distract her and make the day go by even faster.

  “Good morning, Barbara. How was Chicago?” Janice called from her car.

  Barbara waited for the older woman. She smiled and responded enthusiastically, “It was wonderful. Gillian was the perfect hostess and the meeting with Melanie James went very well. The book will be released in early August.”

  Janice clapped her hands. “They’re moving very quickly. They must really like your book. How about your agent, Stewart? Did you get along with him?”

  Only too well. “Oh, yes. He was the one who pushed for the early release date.”

  They entered the office and were greeted enthusiastically by the other women. Everyone congratulated Barbara on her book.

  Barbara was surprised to see the room filled with people. While Janice had predicted a slow December, it looked like she might be wrong. Barbara went to her desk and met with the first potential client. She met with a number of other clients in succession and did not look up until a couple of hours later. She was distracted by a commotion at the reception desk. The other women were crowding around a delivery person. It must be someone’s birthday. She would have to find out who it was and congratulate her later.

  “They’re for Barbara. Barbara, you have a special delivery.” Leslie’s voice rang through the office.

  Barbara got up and headed toward the reception area. A handsome young man was holding a beautiful bouquet of red roses. He winked and gave her the flowers. Barbara’s hands shook as she gathered the roses. Five sets of eyes looked expectantly at the card in her hands.

  “Well, of course, she doesn’t have to open it,” Lois said. “We all know who sent her flowers.” She lowered her voice. “Someone’s having a romantic evening tonight.”

  Barbara smiled and said nothing. She had a sinking feeling that Graham was not the sender. The other women returned to their desks and Leslie produced a vase. The two women arranged the flowers and Barbara brought the vase back to her desk. With shaking hands, she tore open the card. Her heart started pounding as she read the message. Counting down to the first day of summer. 192 days to go. Love, Stewart. Barely two days had passed, and he had already started turning the tables on her. She quickly shoved the card in her purse and forced herself to concentrate on the mound of paperwork that had accumulated.

  Thankfully, the rest of the day was busy. Janice offered her a ride home so that she could safely transport her bouquet. Janice’s face softened as she carefully arranged the vase on the floor of her back seat. “He’s so thoughtful, so kind. You have a winner there, Barbara.”

  Barbara nodded. It was a good thing that Graham was out of town. By the time, he got back next week, the flowers would be gone and the incident long forgotten by her colleagues. Or so she hoped.

  Chapter 28

  Each day Barbara went into the office feeling uneasy and apprehensive. What if more flowers arrived? What if Lois and the others started asking too many questions about Graham and his intentions? And even worse, what if one of them mentioned the flowers to Graham or someone at the Art Shoppe?

  She did not want any more flowers or other overtures from Stewart. They had agreed to wait until the summer and she expected him to honor that agreement. She also wanted him to respect her need for time and space away from him.

  She was starting to wonder if a relationship with Stewart, Graham, or anyone at all was even a good idea. In the mermaid kingdom, she had always deferred to Annabella’s wishes. That submissive behaviour would have continued if Andrew had not left her. As an older, successful man, he would have controlled many of her activities. And she would have given in to him. That’s how Annabella had raised her. Andrew’s abrupt departure had given her the independence and confidence she now enjoyed and guarded very closely. Barbara was surprised by this last thought.

  She got caught up on all her correspondence in record time. Late Friday afternoon, she found herself sitting at her desk with nothing to do. There were no clients to see or paperwork to complete. She noticed the other counselors milling around Lois’s desk. She could have joined them but didn’t feel comfortable doing so. While she was civil with everyone, she chose not to join any of their gossip sessions.

  Barbara started rereading one of her files, and, out of the corner of her eye, caught sight of the same delivery person from the other day. It looked like he had more than one bouquet of red roses.

  She caught snatches of conversation. “More flowers?” “Did he buy out the shop?”

  This time, the delivery person came directly to her desk and deposited the two bouquets with a flourish. She accepted the card and dropped it in her purse.

  The other counselors clapped and a few of them gave her the thumbs-up sign. Lois approached her desk. “It looks like you’re in for a romantic weekend. Graham may just pop the question.” She looked speculatively at Barbara. “That would solve a lot of your problems, wouldn’t it?”

  Nosy bitch. She was surprised by her angry thought, but she was losing patience with Lois and her barbed comments. She smiled brightly. “I like to solve my own problems, Lois. I would never expect a man to do that for me.”

  “With someone like Graham Scott in your life, you won’t have to worry about money or the future.” She added, “Oh, and I saw Carolyn the other week. She’s planning to come back the first week of February.”

  “Lois, I like to handle the staff announcements around here.” Janice’s steely voice startled the two women.

  Lois mumbled an apology under her breath and returned to her desk. Janice sat down next to Barbara. “I was planning to tell you on Monday, but I guess Lois beat me to it.”

  “It’s all right, Janice. I knew this po
sition would only be temporary. I haven’t worried too much about it.”

  “I’m still hoping that something will come up for you here. If not, I’ll put out some feelers and help you get another job.” She looked more closely at Barbara. “But you’re worried about something else, aren’t you?”

  Barbara was not surprised by Janice’s perceptiveness. She was a highly qualified and experienced social worker who had spent over four decades dealing with people and their problems. Barbara nodded and tried to hold back the tears that were starting to form.

  Janice got up quickly. “Ladies, why don’t we call it a day?”

  The other women in the office did not waste any time. In less than ten minutes, the office was cleared. Janice waited until Leslie closed the door behind her. She turned to Barbara and spoke in a gentler tone. “I’m here for you, Barbara.” She nodded at the flowers. “Do you want to talk about the man who sent you the roses?”

  Barbara looked up in surprise. Was it that obvious? The others had assumed that Graham had sent the flowers. If Stewart continued to send flowers, Lois and the others would become more suspicious and start asking more questions. “I-I—” She rummaged through her purse and took out the card. She ripped it open and read the message.

  190 more days. Do you really want to wait that long? Call me. Love, Stewart.

  She handed the card to Janice.

  Janice raised one eyebrow. “I take it these flowers are from Stewart Tobin.” She explained, “When you first mentioned his name, I was curious. I called some of my friends from Harlequin, and they filled me in on the life and times of Stewart Tobin. He’s quite the ladies’ man.” She shot a concerned look at Barbara. “You haven’t been divorced that long, and I’m willing to bet Graham was your first male companion. Be very careful around someone like Stewart Tobin. He’s not wired for long-term commitments. You’re better off with Graham.”