by R. G. Winter
“You really think I’m on the right track?” The last of her pot de creme was gone. Jane stared down into the white ceramic, waiting for Richard’s answer.
“Listen, I’m not going to steer you wrong. As much as I love my son, I wouldn’t want to see him with a girl that didn’t have an ambition that matched his. You have that drive, Jane, I can tell.”
The words drew out a happy look in Jane. Lighting up her face, and making her beam over at Richard with thankful eyes. He was such a nice man, so unlike his son in many ways. Already, Jane could tell that Franklin behaved so much like his mother. Helen, as pleasant she was, Jane could tell that given the chance she’d cut a person down to size without even a bat of her perfect eyelashes. She was poise and confidence: A strong presence that went well with her husband's genuinely good nature.
“Well, I think it’s time for bed,” Helen said once the last of the desert dishes were taken away. “Jane, I was going to go to the spa in the morning before the party, would you like to come with me?”
Jane nodded eagerly, “I’d love to! Who knew that spa’s were open on Thanksgiving?” She added.
“I just need to get my nails done, it’ll be fun. Our own girls day.”
With the night swiftly coming to an end, the table began to slowly empty. Franklin walked Jane up a spiral staircase, showing her to the room. With a promise of returning in an hour, he left to catch up with his brother. Jane didn’t mind, the room was like something taken out of an expensive home renovations magazine. Clearly a man’s room. It was all dark leather, sleek chrome accents, dotted here and there with lush olive green and calm cream tones. In the bathroom she found his-and-her sinks, a shower with nozzles drilled right into the iridescent tile. And then there was the tub. The deep, two person tub that managed to take up its own wall. It was made of a smooth gray stone, which warmed the moment Jane went to fill it up.
She selected a rose scented bubble bath, the shimmed excitedly out of her clothing. A moment of pure bliss broke over her as she sank into the wondrously warm water. Jane’s head lolled back against the tub, supported by a rolled towel.
A girl could get used to this, she thought, smiling to herself as she sank down to her chin. She lost track of how long she stayed in that tub, but her muscles were more than happy for the reprieve. All the stress from the last few days was slowly being worked away. WHy had she been worried anyway? His family was so nice. A bit intimidating, but weren’t all people that helped build empires even the smallest bit scary?
So lost in her thoughts, Jane didn’t hear the bathroom door open. And when she opened her eyes to find Franklin perched on the edge of the tub, Jane nearly jumped out of her skin.
“Holy shit, you scared me.”
“I’m sorry.” She narrowed her eyes at him: he didn’t sound the least bit apologetic. “You looked so serene that I didn’t want to disturb you.” A hand came down, ghosting through the slowly fading bubbles.
“How’s your brother?” She asked.
“He’s fantastic, you’ll meet his wife tomorrow. They have a baby on the way.”
“That’s so amazing.” The words were slowly starting to mix together, as the heady combination of her lack of sleep and the relaxing bath went to Jane’s head. “Would you be upset if I said I didn’t want to talk about babies or brothers right now.”
“Not at all,” Franklin whispered, “Did you want to do something that doesn’t require any talking at all?”
Jane opened one eye, peeking up the man, “I’m a bit tired, honestly. How about a movie? You’ve been wearing me out lately. Plus, I don’t really think I’d be able to face your mother if you do all those things you were telling me about earlier.”
Franklin pushed himself to his feet, moving swiftly to take a towel from the silver drying rack. He held it open for her, wrapping it gently around Jane’s body as she emerged from the tub. “Fine, movie it is.” He placed a kiss on the place between her shoulder blades, drawing a small shiver from Jane. “But, we are both going to be naked.”
“I think I can live with that deal.”
The simple times were the best. Jane would attest to that anytime she was allowed to. Being draped over his body, listening to the light gust of his breath, the television humming in the background: Those were the moments when Jane knew what they had was real. Even though they fought, and sometimes the douchebag McKinnon would show himself in Franklin, Jane could put all of that aside at the end of the day.
“Franklin,” The whisper met only darkness, “Franklin,” Jane said again, a little lower than the first time. Her head was buried in the crook of her neck, and she squeezed her eyes shut against the words that were forcing themselves out of her mouth. “I think I love you.” Sound asleep, Franklin didn’t even budge, but it still felt good to be able to say the words aloud.
***
Thanksgiving morning started out as both familiar and unfamiliar to Jane. Similar to her home holidays, Jane began the morning with a steaming hot cup of coffee. Made delicious with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar. What was different, however, was that it was served by Franklin, who came into their room bearing not only a tureen of coffee, but a full spread of delicious breakfast goodies.
“Mother will be ready to leave by ten,” He relayed through a bite of toast. “She might have scheduled you for a deep tissue massage too.” Franklin lifted an elbow, effectively stopping Jane from stealing the last chocolate crepe from the plate.
“What will you do all day.”
“Hmm, I think I’ll pine after you. Maybe write a few love songs...a poem or two.” He shook his head at her dismayed look, “I’m going golfing. We have a small course out in the back. When you’re done getting all pretty, I’ll take you on a tour.”
It was a lovely idea, one that unfortunately was pushed aside when Helen knocked on the door.Thirty minutes later, Jane found herself in another toasty warm town car, heading out to a spa that had Helen's raving.
“I wish I had time to get a facial,” She said, studying her reflection in a little Dior mirror. Jane stayed silent, sure that the woman's poreless skin was the envy of all her neighbors: Jane even was a little bit jealous at the flawless complexion. “Tanya does an amazing enzyme scrub. If you come back for Christmas I’ll make us an appointment.” Her voice was excited, eyes wide with apparent joy.
“Oh, Helen, no, I couldn’t,” She tried to resist, but the woman just shook her head, snapping the compact shut in the next moment.
“Nonsense. I don’t have a daughter of my own; I enjoy having someone to spoil. Besides, seeing how my son looks at you.” In a show of dramatic that would have impressed any housewife, Helen pressed a hand to her chest, closing her eyes as a beatific smile drew up her lips. “He’s glowing. I’ve never seen him so happy.” In the next moment Jane was surrounded in the scent of lilac and lavender. Helen had thrown her arms are her, taking her up in a tight embrace.
“I..I don’t know what to say,” she cleared her throat as Helen moved away, “Has he not brought other people home.”
“No one like you,” Said Helen honestly, “Usually I can see when they’ll be flings, or long term. Most of the girls haven’t lasted longer than eight months. And he never treated them like he does you.”
“Well, Helen, I really care for you son.” The admission that she’d made to the darkness still rang in her ears. Franklin hadn’t mentioned it, so she’d assumed that he really had been asleep. A part of her wished that he’d heard. It was a secret that was eating her up inside, only half sated by what had transpired only a handful of hours before.
“I know. If you didn’t, I would have had him send you home the moment you walked into my home.” Just like that, cold Helen was back. Jane sat back in her seat, trying hard not to stare at the woman beside her. “Franklin’s a good boy, usually has horrible taste in women. Not like his brother...his wife is a treasure.”
“I heard about the baby, you must be excited to become a gran-” Helen held up a
hand, one finger moving to press against Jane’s lips.
“We do not say the ‘G’ word. I’m too young to be a grandma.” The woman beamed, “But i am so excited. There’s so many things to prepare for. We have to have a shower, buy gifts, maybe prepare a room in the estate for the baby. It’s going to be wonderful.” Then suddenly. ‘Do you want children, Jane?”
Honestly, Jane had never given much thought to a family. She’d be so busy building herself up, that anything else, or thoughts of anything else, had been pushed aside. “I’m not sure yet. Franklin and I aren’t really at the point to where we’ve talked about it.”
“That’s understandable. You have the makings to become a powerful woman,” She said, in a voice that Jane knew was sincere, “But, remember that you can have both: That the beauty of being a woman.”
“ A family hasn’t exactly been on my mind.” She shrugged, “But I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea, one day. With the right guy, of course.”
Helen nodded, then dug into a big, snakeskin bag to pull out a thin cell phone. She turned it on, navigating to what Jane recognized as the homepage for the spa
“So, what color are you going to get on your nails?” The question was so out of place after their last conversation topic, that Jane actually gaped openly for a few seconds. “I’m partial to bright reds, or wine colors myself.” She held her phone closer to Jane’s face, “what about you?”
***
The Channel still fit like a glove. A little better, actually since Jane had spent two days dieting before their departure. After another hot soak, Jane had buffed her skin with a salt scrub until it was shiny and pink. Then she slathered on layer after layer of expensive body butter. The deep tissue massage from earlier was starting to rear it’s ugly head, as small shoots of pain went through her back and legs. Still, she felt relaxed despite the slight discomfort: She made a mental note to see how much massages were back home.
“That dress is the best money I’ve ever spent,” Franklin watched from the bed as Jane admired herself in the full-length mirror. “You’re beautiful, Jane.” His fingers found their way into the crook of her elbow, the gentle pressure enough to make Jane’s heart stop doing somersaults. “Come on, let's go meet everyone.”
A ballroom. Jane’s awestruck eyes swept over the opulent decorations,before landing on the elegantly set table. Franklin had called the room ‘formal dining area’, but Jane could see that once the dinner setup was gone, there would easily be enough room for twenty or even thirty people.
“Where is everyone?”
“They are having some pre-dinner drinks in the sitting room,” Once again he was guiding her by the arm, a hand pressed against the small of her back. And boy, was Jane happy for that hand. His touch was an anchor: Without it she’d have floated away on a gilded cloud long before.
As promised, they found the rest of the guest in a small sitting room, spread out on plush couches and chairs. Everyone was dressed to the nines. The scene reminded Jane of one of those old paintings of aristocracy. Present company considered, she wasn’t that far off.
“You look absolutely lovely,” Helen said, coming up to give each of them a cursory peck on the cheek. She held Jane at arms length, eyes moving up and down the younger woman’s body. For an instant, Jane was horrified, thinking her dress wasn’t as flattering as Franklin had believed it to be, but Helen’s smile nearly broke her face once she was done looking.
“Do I spy a bit of Chanel, Jane?”
“Yes, Franklin said I needed a formal dress for you party.”
“It’s lovely on you. I wanted to get something similar for myself last year, but it looked horrendous on me: I don’t have your hips.”
Franklin must have told someone her drinking preferences, because nearly as soon as Jane had taken a seat on the couch, a kind looking young man presented her with a whiskey sour.
“Your mother makes people work on Thanksgiving?” She hissed, trying not to be overheard. Franklin took a similar looking drink from a passing try before answering.
“Just early morning and for thirty minutes before dinner. It’s all volunteer, and everyone is paid as if they’ve worked a full day. Most everyone makes it back home in time for a nap before the turkey is served. It’s part of the reason why we eat so early.”
“Oh, that’s nice of her, I guess.” But Franklin had turned to a man that was leaning over the side out the couch. He stood, shaking the man’s hand in a very strong grip. Jane jumped up when she figured out who Franklin was talking to, her mind working quickly to think of something to say.
“Mr. Schwick, it’s nice to see you again,” she heard Franklin say lightly, “Do you know Jane Parkett?”
That was a stupid question, Jane wanted to say. Of course the CEO didn’t know who she was! She’d be lucky if the person that had conducted her interview remembered her. Still, Jane gave a tight lipped smile as she raised a hand to shake Mr. Schwick’s. Unlike his son, who Jane could hear laughing boisterously from the corner, he had a stern face. There was a look of seriousness about him that made Jane wish she was wearing something more suited for business.
“Ms. Parkett. Sam Belmore has nothing but good things to say about you,” Despite his appearance, Mr. Schwick had a kind voice. It reminded Jane of her grandfather, who used to always sneak her a piece of candy before dinner. “I glanced over one of your models: It was amazing how thorough you were with only a week to plan.”
“Thank you, sir,” She was happy that she didn’t stutter, though her heart was beating to fast, Jane thought she might actually throw up. Her boss was looking at her! Actually looking at her, paying her compliments.The man, whose name was stamped into her paychecks, was complimenting her work. Had she died, was this heaven?
All the hard work she’d done had paid off, but even Jane had to admit, that without Franklin’s notable contacts, she may never had heard about it anytime soon.
“There’s great things being whispered about you too, Frank,” Mr. Schwick said, “Not just Ms. Parkett. I expect your arrangement won’t hinder either one of your work, will it.” He said, voice full of goading.
“Of course not,”Both Jane and Franklin said, a bit too loudly and eagerly in Jane’s opinion. But Mr. Schwick just grinned, looking them over with an approving gaze.
“That’s what I like to hear. Too many couples get caught up in one another, and the work suffers. A real couple enhance their positions. You two do that, and there could be a couple new partners in a few years.”
After that he was gone, leaving them to mingle with whom Jane could have sworn was a model she’d seen on the cover of Vogue. All of the McKinnon’s guest seemed to be somebody. Some influential person whose midas touch could open doors to nearly any industry one could think of. It was so different from how she’d been raised. In Franklin’s word, friends were both networking contacts and personal confidants. It was easy to see how he’d have to work nearly twice as hard as she did to ensure that neither one of those relationships were put in jeopardy.
‘Dinner’ was served at three in the afternoon. With all the servers sent home to enjoy the holiday, Helen and Richard personally fixed plates and served guest. It was such a simple thing to do, but in that grand house, Jane felt like it was much more special than anywhere else. Helen was a superb hostess, who made it known that doing her own serving was an honor instead of a burden. She was quick to refill empty wine glasses, and after the turkey was presented to a chorus of ‘ohs’ and ‘ahs’, she made sure her guest got the most prime slices.
“Do you want more mashed potatoes?” Helen asked Jane, who had been busy trying to find the best way to shovel food into her mouth without looking like she’d been raised in the wild. Before she could nod another creamy helping of garlic mash was placed delicately on her plate. As much as she’d wanted to protest, the food was so good, she knew she’d be happy for the extras in a few short minutes.
Franklin came alive at dinner. Talking animatedly to Mr. Schwick and
James, using the most casual tone she’d ever heard, as if the man wasn’t in control of a major part of his finances.
Austin caught Jane’s eyes from across the table, he had his arm draped around a very pretty strawberry blonde. His wife, Taylor, was sipping slowly from a glass of sparkling grape juice, and every chance she got, she hailed Helen down for a chat about baby clothes and color schemes. Austin seemed glad to get away from that sort of conversation.
“So, you and Frank, huh?”
“Yeah,” She nodded, “me and Frank.”
“Are you the one that nearly pushed him down the stairs during his internship?
Jane dropped her fork in favor of covering her quickly reddening face with her hands. ‘I didn’t push him,” She began, “We had to get some files to the tenth floor, and was just standing in the middle of the staircase. I...I just moved past him with a little bit of force.”
Lips on her cheek made her turn to see a smiling Franklin, leaning across her to better hear his brother. “No, she almost killed me. I was going to tumble right down four flights of stairs. I don’t think she would have even turned around to see if I was okay.”
“What about that time you hid my office key after hours, and I had to sneak around and almost got arrested by security.”
“All’s fair in love and business, baby. That was just a little office prank. I didn’t hurt your feelings, did I?” His lips found her’s, and Jane was happy to know that they were just as playful as his words.
“You’re impossible, McKinnon.”
If Franklin had been happy with the batch of bakery cupcakes, having an array of sweets laid out before him made him simply euphoric. Helen must have nurtured a sweet tooth in both Richard and Franklin, because both men looked at dessert as if it was the most wonderful sight their eyes had beheld. Franklin dug into his pumpkin pie with an almost reverent look on his face. With every bite he’d close his eyes in rapture, happiness as plain as day on his face. It was adorable how easily he could be please. Jane found herself more interested in watching him eat, than she was in finding a treat for herself.