Barbara looked encouragingly at Graham. He recovered quickly and said, “All right, so who wants to go first?” He looked at Gwen and Peter.
Gwen pointed to Peter. “I went first last year. Let him start.”
Peter leaped toward the tree and zeroed in on the largest gift addressed to him. Everyone laughed and he held up his hands. “I know, I know. I peeked and looked beforehand. I know where all my gifts are.”
They spent the next hour admiring and commenting on each other’s gifts. The young men started tinkering with the latest iPad and the young women exclaimed over the clothes and perfume they had received. Barbara and Graham sat together and opened their gifts. Graham was pleased with the blue ski sweater, and Barbara was thrilled to find an emerald green wool dress in her box. She had seen the dress in Elaine’s shop but had hesitated to buy it. Even on sale, it was too expensive for her budget. Elaine must have mentioned the dress to Graham. She was truly blessed to have such wonderful people in her life.
Chapter 31
The next day was filled with activity.
Barbara was surprised by the number of people at the Carden Conservation area. While she had already hiked a few of the shorter trails with Graham, she was impressed by the variety of winter sports offered. Sam and Peter took off with their snowboards as soon as they got out of the car. Gwen sidled up to Graham. “I’ve been looking forward to trying out the orange trail with you. I think I’m up to the challenge.”
Graham glanced back at Barbara. “I don’t think Barbara can—”
Megan intervened. “I’m going to take it easy for today. I’ll snowshoe with Barbara for a while. Why don’t the two of you get that trail out of your system and then come back and join us?”
What a sweetheart, thought Barbara. She thoroughly approved of this young woman and hoped that Peter would pop the question soon. Barbara smiled gratefully at Megan and followed her lead. She picked up snowshoeing very quickly and found herself able to keep up with Megan.
“It took me two years to finally accept my stepmother,” Megan said. “Gwen will come around. Just give her some time.”
Barbara said nothing and watched as the freckled, brown-eyed young woman stopped to munch on a protein bar. She took out her own trail mix and offered some to Megan.
Megan shook her head and continued. “When Marjorie was sick, Gwen took time off work to be with her. She was there right until the end. While she and her father have always had that special bond, it was cemented then.” She sighed. “It bothers Peter sometimes, but he doesn’t say anything. You’re the first real rival she’s had for her father’s affections.”
“I would never dream of coming between them. I admire and respect the relationship that Graham has with Gwen, and Peter of course. He talks about his children all the time, and he really wanted to give them a nice Christmas this year.”
“He succeeded, with your help of course. I think that’s what bothers Gwen the most. She wanted to be the one to resurrect all of Marjorie’s Christmas traditions.”
“She had many opportunities to do so,” Barbara said. “She could easily have come up a week before Christmas and helped her father.”
“Yes, she could have,” Megan said. “But there’s more to it than that. Since Graham started talking about you, she’s been having the strangest dreams, nightmares really.”
“About her mother dying?” Barbara asked.
“No. She’s been dreaming about . . . you’re going to find this bizarre.” She suddenly looked worried. “I hope you won’t say anything to Graham. She’s only confided in Peter and me.”
Barbara promised and urged her to continue.
“She’s been dreaming about mermaids,” Megan said. “She talks about a green-eyed, red-headed gorgeous creature who leaps out of the ocean and takes her father down into the depths. She has her way with him and then brutally tosses him back on the shore.”
Barbara paled. “She must have a vivid imagination. A bit unusual for a bank manager.”
“She’s dabbled a bit in Wicca, Reiki, and some of that New Age stuff in the past,” Megan explained.
Another New Ager. These people were starting to get on her nerves. She pointed to her hair. “As you can see, I don’t have the red hair.”
“But you’re gorgeous with mesmerizing green eyes.” Megan blushed. “Sorry, that’s what Gwen said last night after you left.”
“To Graham?”
“Oh, no. She would never, ever say or do anything to upset her father. I’m sure you’ve noticed how she is around him. I’m willing to bet that he’s oblivious to all of this.”
“At some level, perhaps,” Barbara mumbled. She believed that deep down Graham was aware of his daughter’s attachment to him. But he was powerless to change it or maybe he didn’t want to loosen her grip on his emotions. One thing was certain. Gwen Scott was watching her closely, waiting for any slip-ups.
Barbara shivered and suggested they return to the lodge for hot cocoa and tea.
The children left earlier than planned on Boxing Day. The Red Car driver called and asked for an earlier departure because the Weather Network had predicted a massive snowstorm for later in the afternoon. Barbara arrived at Graham’s house as they were putting the luggage in the Red Car. Megan, Peter, and Sam hugged her tightly and thanked her again for the Christmas Eve dinner. Gwen nodded in her direction and then turned to give Graham a last hug. Her eyes were wet and her father consoled her. She was the last to get into the van.
Barbara and Graham stood outside together, waving until the van was out of sight. Barbara saw tears shimmering in Graham’s eyes. She squeezed his arm and whispered, “They’ll be back soon. I heard Megan talk about coming for Easter.”
A smile played at the corners of his mouth. “We’ll do lamb then, with some Greek dishes. I’ll have to read through some of Marjorie’s recipes from that last Easter dinner.” His eyes misted over again.
“But first let’s get through this Open House.” She looked at her watch. “We’ve got less than an hour before the guests start arriving. I don’t want to be arranging trays and answering the door at the same time. So let’s get going.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He followed her inside and listened as she gave directions. Within no time at all, an impressive number of cheese, fruit, and dessert trays were arranged in the dining and living rooms. Barbara poured the eggnog mixture and punch into two large bowls. Graham put out a few bottles of red and white wine.
Barbara touched up her makeup and smoothed down her new green dress, complimented by her pearl necklace and matching earrings. She took off the comfortable slippers and put on her high heels. The doorbell rang.
She joined Graham and welcomed the elderly couple who lived next door. For the next three hours, a steady flow of visitors came through Graham’s house. Barbara found herself busy with little time to think of anything more than meeting Graham’s friends and restocking the food tables. She was literally run off her feet and was happy to see the last guest leave. She sank into the sofa and slipped off her heels.
Graham laughed and sat down next to her. “That snow storm kept a lot of people off the 401. I think we were the alternate activity for a lot of them.” He frowned. “It’s too bad Gwen and Peter had to leave so early. They would have loved seeing everyone. Next year, I’m going to insist they stay until the twenty-seventh.” He turned and looked questioningly at Barbara. “So, what did you think of Gwen and Peter?”
“They are such lovely young people, a credit to you and Marjorie. I see Gwen’s resemblance to Marjorie and Peter is a lot like you. It’s nice to see him getting along so well with Sam. Megan is such a sweetheart. She’s kind and considerate, and I do hope that Peter will marry her.”
“I’m hoping they’ll both marry soon,” Graham said. “Peter is thirty and Gwen is twenty-nine. When I was their age, I had a wife, two children, and a mortgage.”
“These are different times, Graham. I think it is better that these young people wai
t before making long-term commitments. It’ll make for fewer divorces in the future.”
“I guess you married young as well.”
Barbara did the quick arithmetic. “Yes, I was twenty and still in university.” She shuddered. “I can’t imagine today’s twenty-year olds making that kind of commitment.”
“I agree. Twenty is too young, but thirty is old enough. I know that Gwen is hoping for a proposal soon. She’s got her career on track now and I think she wants to have a couple of babies before she turns thirty-five. Unlike my free and footloose son, she’s got her biological clock to consider.”
“It’ll happen when they’re ready,” Barbara said.
“Readiness is all,” he mumbled.
Barbara could see the regret and indecision in his eyes. If they had been at her place, they would have headed straight for the bedroom. He wasn’t ready for that here, not in a house where Marjorie’s spirit still roamed freely.
Chapter 32
Barbara enjoyed the rest of her winter holiday. She advanced quickly from snowshoeing to cross-country skiing and even spent part of one afternoon on a snowboard. Graham urged her to take advantage of the sales and buy her own sports equipment, but Barbara decided to continue renting. Keep it simple and don’t accumulate too much stuff. Barbara shivered whenever these intrusive thoughts invaded her mind. And lately, they were attacking more often.
She returned to work, refreshed and re-energized. To be truthful, she was glad to get back into a regular routine. The last two days of her vacation had dragged. She wasn’t cut out for a life of leisure. She craved and needed structure in her life.
Janice held a short staff meeting and let everyone know that Carolyn and Sarah would be returning in early February. Barbara could feel herself tensing, but managed to keep smiling throughout the meeting. She avoided the glances of the other women, and afterward welcomed the steady flow of clients. She kept to herself and ate quickly at her desk while updating her files. She didn’t want to get into any conversations about her employment situation.
The afternoon proved to be just as busy as the morning. Barbara kept her nose to the grindstone and was unaware of the flurry of activity in the office until a loud, booming voice shouted in her ear. “So, you are the famous Barbara Davies who captured the heart of Stewart Tobin. Now that I’ve met you, I can see what all the fuss is about. Josh Levine at your service, ma’am.”
The color drained from her face as she looked up into the broad, smiling face of a tall, well-dressed man who held a bouquet of red roses in his left hand. While she did not know exactly who was in the room, she mentally calculated that at least twenty people had heard Josh Levine speak of her relationship with Stewart. She remained frozen and speechless. Out of the corner of one eye, she saw Janice standing near the reception area.
The man continued, oblivious to Barbara’s discomfort. “I came here a couple of days before Christmas, but the place was deserted. I guess you folks like to shut down early and take an extended break. Can’t afford to do that in my business.” He held out his right hand. “Dear lady, if you will allow me to accompany you outside, I will present you with your belated Christmas gift. But first, accept these flowers on my behalf. I apologize for the late delivery and any inconvenience this may have caused you.” He laid the flowers on her desk and offered his arm to Barbara.
Barbara wanted to run far away from this situation, but she knew that was impossible. Josh Levine had been given specific orders by Stewart, and he had no intention of leaving until he had accomplished his assigned task.
Barbara spoke for the first time. “Thank you for the lovely flowers, Mr. Levine. I’ll grab my coat and follow you outside.” She looked toward Janice for support, but the older woman stood quietly. Barbara couldn’t read the expression on her face. Barbara heard a few murmurs and avoided looking at Lois or any of the other counselors.
Barbara took her coat out of the closet. Josh immediately took charge and held it for her. She followed him outside and gasped at the sight of the two BMWs parked illegally in front of the office. Josh held her firmly and chuckled. “Relax, Barbara. This is a good thing.”
Two older couples admired the cars as another unfamiliar gentleman, likely another car salesman, pointed out the different features of the two cars.
Josh led Barbara toward the black BMW and handed her a set of keys. “Season’s greetings from Stewart Tobin and BMW of Mississauga.” He added, “Stewart suggested I give you a few pointers on how to drive this baby. I’ll drive it first and then let you try. I’ve already cleared it with your boss. You have the rest of the afternoon off.”
So that explained Janice’s unreadable look, thought Barbara. Josh must have told her the entire story. Barbara grew more alarmed as she noticed a small crowd gathering in front of the cars. The other salesman was gesturing and pointing to her. By the end of the day, everyone in Carden would know about her and Stewart.
And that included Graham.
Barbara looked down the street toward The Art Shoppe. She had missed the opportunity, many opportunities, to tell Graham about Stewart. It was too late to do anything else now.
Her eyes filled with tears and her lips trembled.
Josh put his arm around her shoulders. “Hey there, little lady. You’ll learn how to handle this beauty in no time. It’ll practically drive itself.”
Barbara looked up at his concerned face. Josh was about her age, maybe a few years older. He thought she was overwhelmed by the vehicle, and to be truthful she was. After she had returned from Chicago, she had researched BMWs and even cut out a few pictures from the newspaper. She knew all about the black M5 sports sedan that sat in front of her, every detail from its luxurious interior to its ability to reach a top speed of one hundred and ninety miles per hour. And its price, well over sixty thousand dollars.
She caught the tail end of Josh’s instructions. “Don’t worry about insurance and ownership and all that other stuff. Stewart and I have taken care of everything.” He winked. “All you have to do is learn how to drive it, practice, and then you’ll be ready to take on Chicago. I take it that’s the plan.”
Stewart’s plan. How dare he assume I’ll just accept this car and drive right back into his life? I should just refuse it now. Tell Josh there’s been some kind of misunderstanding.
Even if you refuse the car, the damage has been done. Everyone knows about Stewart. That inner voice was becoming louder and more difficult to ignore. Barbara helplessly held out her hand. “Thank you, Josh, for taking the time to teach me. If you don’t mind, I’d like to get into the driver’s seat as soon as possible. You can sit in the passenger seat and give me any pointers.”
Josh nodded in approval. “That’s the spirit.” He handed her the keys and held the door open. Barbara got behind the wheel and started the car. Instinctively, she knew what to do. They spent the next hour driving around the streets of Carden as Josh pointed out the car’s various features. He gave her pointers on how to deal with frigid temperatures and icy, wet roads. Barbara drove out all thoughts of Graham, Stewart, Janice, Lois, and everyone else. She was surprised to find herself totally immersed in the car. It was her new friend, perhaps the only friend she had left in Carden.
It was dark when she arrived at her apartment. She parked in her designated spot, the place that only Graham’s car had ever occupied. Graham. She really should call him and explain. But what could she explain now? She entered the apartment and sank into the comfortable sofa. She knew what she must do first.
She took out her address book and dialed Stewart’s work number. It was an hour earlier in Chicago and he was probably still there, waiting for her call.
He did not disappoint. “Hello, Barbara. I’ve just spoken with Josh. He told me what a good student you were. He thinks you can start driving on the major highways in a month or so. Don’t wait too long. Remember, I’m expecting you in June.”
“Stewart, I’m not impressed by this behaviour. I’ve accepted the car bec
ause it made little sense to create a scene with half of Carden looking on.” She continued in a clipped tone, “I’m not happy with how you manipulated Josh and the entire situation. I made it very clear to you that I wanted time and space. You agreed to that a few weeks ago.”
“I agreed to stop sending you flowers. I don’t see the harm in giving you a Christmas gift. I’m sure Graham gave you a lovely gift. Why should I be deprived of that privilege?”
“Graham gave me an appropriate gift. You did not.” She took a deep breath. “I have every intention of paying you for the car. Once my book starts selling.”
“Barbara, please stop. I don’t want your money. I’m sorry to hear you that you’re so upset.” He sighed. “It was not my intention to upset you. Calm down and give Gillian a call.” He hung up softly.
Was Gillian involved in this surprise? An angry flush crept up her neck. She couldn’t handle all this subterfuge, all this manipulation. She poured herself a glass of red wine and gulped down half its contents. She took a few deep breaths and called Gillian.
“Hello, Barbara. I was hoping you’d call.”
“So, you’re in on it as well,” Barbara spoke sharply.
“What are you talking about?” Gillian asked.
Barbara gave her a brief rundown of the day’s events and waited for the younger woman to respond.
“He’s really gone overboard this time.” She laughed uncomfortably. “I hope you don’t think I had anything to do with this.”
“Stewart suggested I call you. Why would he do that if you weren’t somehow involved?”
“Listen to me carefully, Barbara. Men like Stewart Tobin move in a different stratosphere. If you had spent more time with Andrew, you would know what I’m talking about. I suspect that Stewart is aware of your limited experience with men, other than your marriage to the philandering professor. He probably thought I could give you a few pointers on how to deal with rich and powerful men. How is Graham taking all of this?”
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