Delilah was visibly taken aback at this challenge. “I - I don’t know how to answer that, frankly,” she admitted. “I guess you’re right that I never actually told him it was over between us. But I honestly don’t see how things could ever be right between us again, Desi. How I could ever trust him again.”
Desiree hesitated before responding, knowing that what she had to say next would both startle and anger her sister. “Look, I know I wasn’t the biggest fan of Finn’s when you first started seeing him.”
Delilah gave her sister a look of disbelief. “That’s putting it mildly. As I recall, you had absolutely nothing good to say about him, told me I was nuts to even consider going out with him, and that I’d live to regret my decision if I did. And you know what? You were right on all three counts, Desi. I should have never - ”
“Let me finish,” replied Desiree, holding up a hand to forestall her sister from rambling on. “Obviously I had nothing to base my initial opinion on except all of the many tabloid stories that I had read about him, the same ones that I tried to forward on to you, at least until you told me to knock it off. I had never met the man in person, had no real idea if all those stories were right or maybe a bit exaggerated. And while I might not have changed my opinion about Finn the first time we met, it was pretty obvious that he was crazy about you even then, Della. And while he might have been a pretty good football player, I don’t really think acting is his forte, so I’m positive his feelings for you were genuine.”
Delilah scowled. “Yeah, well, maybe so, but he’s still completely unreliable, has zero willpower, and can’t stand not being the center of attention.”
“I disagree.” Desiree noted the shocked expression on her sister’s face but refused to let her interrupt again. “The times when I joined the two of you for dinner or brunch, or when you both came to watch my triathlons, Finn couldn’t have been nicer to me. Oh, at first I just figured he was trying to kiss my ass and win me over, but I’m fairly sure he was being genuine. And, yeah, there’s no denying he has something of an ego. Let’s face it, Della, he is a good looking guy, and he’s pretty famous. But at least when I was around he always went out of his way to make the conversation be about me - my work, my training, my likes and dislikes. That doesn’t sound like the sort of guy who’s way too wrapped up in himself to care about anyone else. And from what I’ve seen firsthand, plus everything you’ve told me, Finn practically worshipped the ground you walked on. Didn’t he?”
“I guess,” grumbled Delilah reluctantly.
“Come on, sis. Try to sound at least a little more enthusiastic, would you? I distinctly recall a conversation you and I had about two weeks before the shit hit the fan in Las Vegas, and you were raving about how good Finn was to you, how he was bringing you coffee and those croissants you love - which I know he had to wait in line for at least an hour. Plus, he was always working around your schedule, being understanding when you had to cancel a date because something came up at the studio, even massaging your damned feet, for God’s sake. And, yes, he screwed up at that party by having too much to drink and acting like an overgrown college boy, but do you really believe he would have taken it any farther? As crazy as that man is about you, would he have intentionally destroyed everything you two had by fucking another woman?”
Delilah fidgeted in her chair, then took a long swig of her wine. She was silent for long seconds, but there was a confused look on her face, her dark eyes troubled and definitely uncertain.
“No,” replied Delilah slowly. “No, I don’t think he would have taken it that far. Especially,” she added acidly, “since he would have passed out cold before he could get his pants unzipped. God, I cannot believe you are sticking up for that bastard, Desi! He - he humiliated me at that party, you know. I felt like the biggest fool in the world, dropping everything - namely, the most important business deal of my life - to fly out to Vegas just so I could attend that damned party with him. And then to find him like that. No. I don’t think I can forgive that.”
Desiree sighed, not wanting to go over all of this yet again. “Then break it off, Delilah,” she snapped. “Put the man out of his misery and let him get on with his life. But as much as you bitch and moan about him, you sure seem to be talking about him constantly. As though he’s the only thing you think about. Aside from your job, that is.”
“I wish I could stop thinking about him,” retorted Delilah. “But it’s not that easy when he keeps having everything under the sun delivered to me. And I just know that conniving little bastard Calvin keeps ratting me out to Finn. He thinks I’m stupid, but I’m well aware that they talk on the phone at least once a day. Calvin only smiles and giggles like that when he talks to Finn. I should fire his unfaithful ass and teach him a lesson.”
“You’re not going to fire him and you know it,” said Desiree tiredly. “For one thing, you need him too badly at the moment. And second, when push comes to shove, you wouldn’t have the guts. So, tell me. What sort of over the top present did Finn send you today?”
“It wasn’t a present exactly. But he did send me another letter. Though I’ve been so swamped today I barely had time to glance at it. I’m sure it’s the same as the other six or seven letters he’s already sent me, though - begging my forgiveness, telling me what a jerk he was, saying how much he loves me. Blah, blah, blah.”
Desire frowned. “You didn’t throw it out, did you?”
Delilah shook her head. “I’ve kept all of his letters, though God knows why. And I’ve got his latest one in my bag somewhere. I’ll read it over more thoroughly when I have time, though I don’t expect him to have said anything new. Oh, damn. Sorry, sis, but I really need to take this call. I’ll keep it quick.”
Delilah answered the incoming call on her cell in a low voice, then quickly walked out the front entrance of the Japanese restaurant to where she could converse with the caller privately. Desiree glanced at the tan leather satchel her sister had left on her chair, then unabashedly peered inside the purse until she found a thick, cream colored envelope that had been mailed to Delilah’s studio. The handwriting was more like a scrawl, and undeniably masculine, and Desiree only hoped Finn had taken the time to write the actual letter more legibly.
She spread out the single sheet of note paper, relieved to see that Finn had chosen to print rather than write in longhand, which made it a bit easier to decipher. She skimmed over the first couple of paragraphs since the content was basically more of the same stuff that Delilah had already mentioned. But Desiree’s attention was caught by the next paragraph, one that she had to re-read a few times.
“And just to prove to you how much I’m willing to change, Delilah, how much I want you back, I’d even give up my job at the network after this season. I’m currently under contract, and it would be kind of a hassle to quit right now, but I would even go that far if it meant fixing things between us. But I totally get that you hate going to the parties and social events, and that it’s hard for you to trust me when I have to be out of town - not that I don’t deserve that after what happened. So if it will make things right between us, I’d be willing to give the network my notice after this season is over with so that there’s no more need for you to worry about me when I’m on the road. I’ll also give up the endorsement deal with Volcano Vodka, since I do have to attend a few parties and other events for them during the year. Basically, I’d do whatever it takes to get you to forgive me and come back to me. I love you, Delilah, and you’re the most important thing in my life. Way, way more important than any job.”
She didn’t bother reading the last few sentences, merely folded the letter and stuck it back inside the envelope before returning it to Delilah’s satchel. What she had just read was both shocking and unbelievable, but at the same time she believed every word that Finn had written. And while it was hard for her to reconcile the man she had once called - in no particular order - a pig, a manwhoring jackass, and an immortal playboy, with the same man who
’d written such a sincere, soul baring letter, Desiree knew that Finn McManus was truly, deeply, and madly in love with her sister. A sister who was frankly being a pain in the ass, not to mention something of a bitch, about the situation, and who needed to loosen up a little, needed to let go of this rage she felt about what she viewed as Finn’s betrayal.
And Desiree knew exactly why her sister wouldn’t let this rest, why she continued to rant and rave, and couldn’t let it go. It was because of everything the two of them, along with their mother, had gone through after each and every one of their father’s indiscretions. Daniel Ferris’s reckless, thoughtless behavior had not only driven his wife to suicide, but made both of his daughters mistrustful of any men they let into their lives. And why, after allowing herself to finally open up to a man and becoming vulnerable as a result, Delilah now felt such an overwhelming sense of betrayal.
Delilah hurried back to their table, giving her sister an apologetic smile. “Sorry about that, Desi. God, you have no idea how happy I’ll be when all of this stuff for the Bloomingdale’s deal is wrapped up in a couple of weeks! Hopefully things will get back to something resembling normal after that. I hope you aren’t mad that I ditched you for a few minutes.”
“It’s okay,” assured Desiree. “I know how important this deal is to you, so trust me - my tender feelings weren’t bruised by you taking a phone call. Besides, I found a way to keep myself amused. You know, for someone I once called an empty-headed party boy, Finn actually knows how to write a decent letter.”
Delilah stared at her sister in disbelief. “Please do not tell me you read that letter,” she hissed.
Desiree grinned. “No can do, sis. Though while his composition skills are way better than expected, I can’t say much for his penmanship. Like it never progressed much past the fourth grade.”
“Omigod, you did read it!” Delilah squealed, then hastily lowered her voice when the occupants of several nearby tables glanced her way curiously.
“Desi, how could you?” she asked in an outraged whisper. “How could you just invade my privacy that way? And not seem the least bit regretful about it, either.”
Desiree shrugged, taking a bite of her chicken teriyaki. “Consider it well-justified payback for all the years when you read my diary. And, yes, Della. I knew about it right from the beginning. I almost considered writing something really racy in there a few times just to make you blush.”
“That’s not the same thing at all,” snapped Delilah. “We were kids then - like thirteen and nine or something. And it’s a known fact that all younger sisters read their older sisters’ diaries. You just didn’t pick very good hiding places is all. Besides, that doesn’t excuse you going through my bag and reading my personal mail.”
“Probably not,” agreed Desiree mildly. “Though I noticed you conveniently left out the part where Finn offers to quit both his job and one of his endorsement deals just to make you happy. For God’s sake, Della, if that isn’t proof of the man’s sincerity I don’t know what is. Would you please just get over yourself and call him?”
Delilah gasped. “I can’t believe you’re taking his side in this! After all the terrible things you said about him, how you warned me to stay far, far away from him. How can you possibly be defending him now?”
“First of all, I don’t consider this as taking sides. Second, I just think that Finn has proved over the last few months that he really is crazy about you - that stupid party in Vegas notwithstanding. And for him to go so far as to voluntarily quit his job for you - a job that he obviously loves and that I’m guessing pays awfully well - I don’t even know how you can question his feelings for you. Or not be able to forgive him. You know,” she added gently, “he isn’t Dad.”
Delilah’s chin jutted out stubbornly. “Could have fooled me,” she retorted.
“He isn’t,” insisted Desiree. “Can you imagine Dad ever offering to quit his job or stop traveling to make us happy? Or to save his marriage? Or to do anything that might involve denying himself pleasure or interfering with his own pursuits? The answer to all of those questions is a big fat no, Della. But unlike our self-centered father, Finn genuinely cares for you, and seems willing to do whatever it takes to makes things up to you. Don’t blow this, Delilah. Or keep confusing Finn with Dad. Because I think Finn has a real shot at making you happy, something none of the other men you’ve gleefully strung along over the years have done.”
“I don’t string men along,” grumbled Delilah. “Is it my fault if they set their expectations too high? Or set themselves up to get their hearts broken when they realize I’m nowhere near as serious about them as they are about me? I’ve always been honest with the men I’ve dated, and you know it.”
“So do the same with Finn,” challenged Desiree. “If you really, truly believe that you can never forgive him, and that things are over between you, then just break up with him. But you know what, Della? I think if you honestly believed that you would have told him so weeks ago. The fact that you haven’t indicates to me that you still care about him a whole lot. And that right now you’re only fighting with yourself about whether or not to take him back.”
“I don’t know what I feel,” admitted Delilah. “Or what I want to do about it.”
Desiree pointed a finger at her sister. “Well, whatever you decide to do, it should happen fast. You may have acquired yourself something of a reputation as a heartbreaker and even a maneater over the years, Della, but I’ve never known you to be outright cruel. And like it or not, that’s exactly what you’re being right now. So knock it off, and make a decision, would you? And,” she added warningly, “do not bring up the subject of Finn McManus to me again until you decide what to do about your relationship. I might be your big sister and love you to pieces, but there’s only so much a person can take. And listening to you moan and bitch and rehash the same crap over and over is starting to make me a little nauseous.”
“I know,” sighed Delilah. “I’ve been a real drag this past month, and you’ve been nothing but supportive. As usual. Sorry, sis. I’ll try not to burden you with my problems any longer. And come to a decision about Finn. Now, you’re right. Enough about me. What’s new in your life?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” replied Desiree with a secretive smile. “Now, don’t get your hopes up or jump to conclusions, because I was just approached about this, and still not sure how I’m going to respond. But what would you say if I told you I was seriously thinking about accepting a yearlong assignment in London?”
***
“I’ve told you at least five times already, Desi. Yes, you should absolutely, one hundred percent without hesitation accept that post in London. I’ve only been encouraging you to do something like that for years now, after all. And you know I’ve always wanted to visit London, so now I’ll have an excuse to do so, plus have a place to stay. So stop thinking about it, and just tell your bosses yes already. Fine. Think about it for one more day, but not one minute longer. If you blow this opportunity, Desi, I’m going to be really mad at you. Okay, you’d better head off to your meeting now. Love you, too.”
Delilah smiled as she ended the call and dropped her phone into her handbag. Ever since Desiree had broken the news over dinner last night about the possibility of living in London for a year, Delilah hadn’t been able to contain her glee. ‘At long last,’ she had thought, ‘Desi is finally going to do something for herself, instead of thinking she has to babysit me for the rest of my life.’ At the same time, however, Delilah hadn’t been able to stop herself from feeling alone and lonely, somewhat belatedly realizing that her sister was really all the family she had, not counting her rather ditzy, often unreliable aunt in southern California.
But there was no way, not in a million years, that she would ever voice those sentiments to her sister, not when it had taken Desiree all this time to finally consider accepting one of the numerous overseas assignments that had been offered to her over the years
. Delilah was not going to spoil this for her sister, who more than deserved this break. It was just too bad, she thought forlornly, that this was happening at the exact same time she and Finn were - well, not together.
She blinked as she stepped outside into the bright September sunshine, and hastily retrieved her sunglasses. Leaving her studio for even a few minutes these days was an extremely rare occurrence, and she wouldn’t have even thought of doing so today had Calvin not practically shoved her out the door.
“Frankly, Boss Lady, you’re so pale people are going to start thinking you’re a vampire or something,” Calvin had told her with his usual lack of candor. “And it’s a gorgeous day outside, one of the last days of summer, too. So please go take a walk for a few minutes and get some fresh air? Trust me, it will do all of us some good.”
Delilah had glanced at him crossly. “And what exactly is that supposed to mean? Are you trying to tell me in so many words that I’ve been difficult to work with lately?”
“Your words, not mine,” he’d replied cheerfully. “But now that you mention it, you might have been a little, um, stressed out these past few weeks. Nothing a nice stroll around the block to listen to the birds chirping and look at all the pretty flowers blooming won’t take care of. Now, shoo. Off with you.”
She’d grumbled something about who was actually in charge around this place, but obediently picked up her purse and made her way out of the studio, pausing only to take Desiree’s call. Now, though, with the warm noontime sun shining down, and the hustle and bustle of people coming and going around her, Delilah was secretly glad that she’d allowed Calvin to bully her into taking this short break - though, of course, she would never, ever admit that to him. She was still convinced that he’d been conspiring with Finn, especially when one considered the smug look on his face each time he brought in the daily bouquet of flowers, box of cookies, or other gift from her ex - well, not precisely her ex, she corrected. In actuality, mused Delilah, she had no idea how to describe their current relationship or lack thereof.
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