Between Land and Sea
Page 23
Gillian began to offer her a few decorating suggestions, but stopped when they saw Kendra’s expression. “Here comes trouble,” she muttered.
Stewart Tobin approached the three women with a martini in hand. He was dressed in Gatsby style, and was clearly the most handsome man at the party. Female eyes followed him, while male eyes looked wary.
“Greetings, lovely ladies.” He smiled widely at Gillian and Barbara and looked questioningly at Kendra. He extended his hand. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Stewart Tobin.”
Kendra shook his hand and gave him a cool, appraising look. “Kendra Adams.”
He was momentarily taken aback by her chilly demeanor and lack of interest, but quickly recovered. He turned to Gillian. “I hear congratulations are in order. When are you leaving for New York?”
Gillian replied in calm, measured tones. “I’m leaving at the end of the summer.”
He winked. “We must have lunch before you go. Have a few drinks and go down Memory Lane.”
Gillian smiled more widely. “That would be lovely. I’ll check with Andrew and let you know what works for us.”
Stewart frowned.
“Gillian, you must show me that lovely floral display that Belinda was talking about,” Kendra said. “I think it’s near the patio entrance.”
Gillian looked momentarily surprised but followed Kendra.
“Interesting friends,” Stewart muttered.
“They’ve been very supportive,” Barbara said. She shifted uncomfortably and realized it was her first time alone with Stewart.
“I’m sure they have.” He raised his eyebrows and shook his head. “But there’s more of a connection than mere friendship with those two and with the lovely Belinda. The four of you are linked somehow.”
“Belinda is my cousin. Our mothers were estranged for years and we lost touch with each other.” She and Belinda had rehearsed their stories many times.
“That’s one story, but I think there’s something else, something much more interesting and intriguing. Bradley and Armstrong are in on it, but Scott is clueless.” Stewart smiled confidently. “I love secrets and I love uncovering them even more. I’m looking forward to this challenge.” He toasted her with his glass.
Barbara could not speak. She had decided not to tell Graham about her mermaid origins. Paul approved of her decision, while Belinda and Gillian advised her to begin the relationship with honesty. For once, Kendra waffled. She didn’t think the timing was right, but agreed that the secret would have to come out sooner or later.
“That’ll be enough, Tobin.” Paul Armstrong appeared behind Barbara and took her arm.
Stewart saluted Paul and left.
“I’m here, Barbara. I won’t let anyone hurt you. Not now, not ever.”
“But what if he finds out?”
“How can he possibly find out? Like he said, there are only six of us who know. He can’t get to any of us. And if by some bizarre twist, he should learn out about your mermaid origins, how could he possibly prove it?”
“By some bizarre twist,” Barbara repeated.
“That’s right,” Paul said. “Imagine Tobin having a dark night of the soul and ending up on that special cove along the Malta shore. Distraught and lonely, he notices a lovely mermaid and approaches her. They fall in love and he decides to bring her back here. She tells him all about the Mediterranean tribe and, presto, he knows your secret.” He raised his eyebrows at Barbara. “What is the likelihood of that happening?”
Barbara laughed in spite of herself. She couldn’t imagine any of that happening to Stewart or even Graham, for that matter. She relaxed and hugged this man who had played such an important role in the lives of her grandmother and mother. And now he was extending that love to her. Her eyes saddened at the thought of Annabella. She had been horrified to learn how she had discarded Sarabella and Arabella, the less-than-perfect Bellas, and she shuddered at how callously she had treated Mirabella.
Barbara planned to have it out with Annabella, and she intended to have the upper hand in that conversation. She would insist that Arabella and Sarabella be reinstated as full-fledged Bellas on the island of Malta. She would also ask for another year of online support; she was not ready to give up her relationship with Lisa738.
“She’s proud of you, you know. She checks daily with the Numbers mermaid. She visited me last night and spoke in glowing terms about you.”
“Someday, very soon, Annabella and I will have the conversation.” But not today. Barbara would not let anything or anyone disturb this perfect day. She took a few deep breaths and cleared her mind of Annabella, Stewart, and all other negative thoughts. She looked across the garden and noticed the guests moving toward the chairs.
Paul smiled and offered Barbara his arm. “It’s time, Barbara. It’s your time.” They walked together toward the gazebo where Graham, her future, was waiting.