Designing Hearts

by Robin Strachan

  There was no mention of David throughout the evening. Jill had decided not to share her news about the feng shui television program, not wanting to invoke David’s name during this first holiday without him. She sensed that the boys were holding something back about their father, but was determined not to ask what it was. Not today—not with the joy she experienced being with those she loved. As they gathered around the table, Hal offered the blessing while family members and Denny held hands. Eyes closed, basking in the fragrant smells and a new, welcome lightness of being, Jill knew there was nothing she could imagine wanting beyond this moment.

  “Amen,” she said and opened her eyes to meet those of the man she loved.

  “Was it rough on you tonight?” Jill asked as she and Denny lay cuddled up together under the flannel sheets, the drapes parted to let in the moonlit sky. She rested her hand on his chest.

  “It wasn’t so bad, though I did catch your da watching me out of the corner of his eye. I guess fathers always feel protective of their daughters. And, after all, I am corrupting your morals.”

  A low, throaty laugh escaped her lips. “You certainly are.”

  “So, did I pass muster?” he asked softly. “I mean, will I be welcome back again at family dinners?”

  “Just try and stay away,” she said, kissing him. “My mother thinks your Scottish accent is adorable.”

  “Aye, there is that about me, at least.”

  Jill laughed again. “The one I worried about most was Finn. He’s had a harder time than Liam with the divorce.”

  “That’s because Finn is so much like you,” Denny said. “I mean, it’s obvious that everything he does in his life, he does for love.”

  “Why, what a nice thing to say,” she said, squeezing him. “And now he understands that even the kind of perfect love he and Missy share takes effort to keep it magical and alive.”

  Later, as a light snow began to fall outside the bedroom window, she placed her head on the curve of his shoulder, traced her fingertips over the soft skin, and sighed with contentment. They lay together for several minutes before Denny began to croon a soft melody in Gaelic. Jill listened to the words, not understanding the lyrics, but recognized it as a Scottish lovers’ lullaby.

  On Saturday evening, Liam and Brian picked up Jill and Denny for the half-hour drive to Joni’s house. Joni had called earlier in the day to tell her that the entire Weintraub family would be there that evening. “I’m so nervous,” she said. “I hope my mother behaves herself tonight. She can be quite a diva.”

  “I’m sure everything will be fine. We’re excited about being included, Joni. Thank you for inviting Liam and Brian—oh, and Denny, my friend.”

  “The more, the merrier. Jill, I’m glad you wanted to be here. Your presence will make things so much easier for me.”

  Jill hung up the phone, certain that all would be well. That evening, she donned a midnight blue dress with a taffeta skirt and an off-the-shoulder neckline. She dusted her neck and décolletage with a subtle, pearlescent powder and applied soft, rosy lipstick. When Denny arrived at seven o’clock, looking even more handsome than usual, Jill’s heart swelled with pride. In his best gray suit with a silk navy tie, he looked gorgeous, and she told him so. She reached up on tiptoes to kiss him and realized that even wearing her favorite three-inch black pumps, Denny was still taller by nearly a head.

  With Liam at the wheel, they piled into the car for the short drive to Joni’s home. Along the way, Jill told Liam and Brian about the offer from Home and Hearth. “I could hardly believe my ears,” she said. “I had an idea for a show like that a few months ago, but never actually thought it could happen. Obviously, it was your dad who made that overture for me.”

  Liam glanced over at Brian sitting in the front passenger seat. “We knew about that, Mom. We had dinner with Dad last Monday night. He’s real proud of you.” Liam, a man of few words, was even more cryptic tonight. For once, Brian said nothing.

  “Where did you guys go for dinner?” Now Jill was on high alert, listening intently as Liam and Brian exchanged another uncomfortable glance.

  “We went to his apartment.”

  “Your dad cooked?” Jill laughed out loud. “That’s a shock.”

  “His girlfriend cooked, Mom. Her name is Andrea.”

  “Oh.” Jill swallowed hard, remembering the appearance of the apartment David had been subletting, the distinctly feminine décor, and the casual way David had explained that he was subletting from a friend while she was out of the country. Denny took her left hand in both of his, but said nothing.

  “I’m not sure they were together when he moved into her apartment, Jill,” Brian said in his most polite tone of voice. “It might just have been a relationship of convenience. You know, they could have just drifted together as a couple after she let him stay there, after you told him you wanted the divorce.” He cleared his throat.

  Jill had an out-of-body sensation as Denny wrapped his arm around her shoulder and drew her closer.

  “I went there to see your dad while Andrea was working out of the country,” she said, embarrassed by the strangled sound of her own voice. “It did seem strange, at the time, that she would allow him to live there, even if they were colleagues.”

  Liam remained silent, his hands clenched on the steering wheel. After a few moments, he relaxed and glanced in the rearview mirror. “She isn’t as pretty as you are, Mom. In fact, wouldn’t you agree, Bri, that Andrea is sort of hard looking? All those years of reporting in hot climates, I guess.”

  “I thought so,” Brian said in a solemn tone.

  An undercurrent of warm laughter filled the car. Denny’s chuckle allowed Jill to take a deep breath as they turned into the Silversmiths’ driveway. Later, she would have time to process this new information about David and Andrea. She hoped it was true that they had come together as a couple after Jill told him she wanted a divorce. If they had been close friends before, this was a plausible scenario. But given what she now knew about David, she doubted it had been that innocent. For now, she decided to let it go and enjoy herself at the party.

  “Are you okay?” Denny tucked her cold hand into his coat pocket.

  “I’m fine,” she said, smiling at him. “Let’s just enjoy ourselves tonight. I think I already knew why David was in that apartment. And now I know for sure that I made the right decision.”

  Joni greeted them at the front door, the low sounds of conversation in the background. Behind her was her husband, Pete, who took their coats. The elegant home displayed gorgeous Hanukkah heirlooms, a holiday so important for families and tradition.

  “I’m glad to meet you, Jill,” Pete said as they shook hands. “Joni talks about you all the time.”

  Joni hugged Jill and whispered, “So far, so good. No fireworks yet.”

  Jill introduced Brian, Liam, and Denny to Joni and Pete before being ushered by Joni down the long hallway into the family room. A sumptuous buffet of chocolate ganache and rainbow fruit tarts, chocolate cookies, fudge-dipped cupcakes, cocoa-dusted truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels, fresh fruits, and Joni’s chocolate candies were arranged near the entrance.

  But it was the imposing black grand piano that stood center stage, commanding the guests’ attention. Polished to perfection, it gleamed in the bright lights of the overhead crystal chandelier. Joni had thoughtfully arranged seating in circular groups around the perimeter of the room to encourage conversation. It took a full minute for Jill to register the other faces in the room; she was so enthralled at Joni’s enhancements to the room. With Brian oblivious to anything except the grand piano, Liam gave up trying to talk to him.

  “There it is.” Brian’s eyes were focused only on the piano as he moved forward.

  “Mother?” Joni motioned with a small hand wave and smile to Paget Weintraub. “I have someone I think you’ll want to meet.”

  “I’ve already met this young man,” the older woman said as she watched Brian circle the piano. “He’s a
fine composer and pianist, you know.” Paget’s heavily lidded eyes rimmed with black mascara gave her a dramatic air. As she rose in regal fashion to meet Brian, she unfolded her long, slender, and surprisingly girlish legs, outlined discreetly beneath her elegant deep-green, pleated tea-length skirt.

  Brian moved forward to take her hand. “Ms. Weintraub, it’s wonderful to see you this evening, and such a privilege to view this incredible instrument. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  “Yes, it is quite a beauty.” Paget’s voice, sultry from long years of affectation, sounded almost comical to Jill’s ears. “Daddy gave it to me when I was eighteen, upon the occasion of my first recital.”

  Liam watched in fascination as Brian took the proffered bejeweled hand with care. “Watch this,” he said under his breath to Jill and Denny. “Brian has been practicing all week. I hope to hell he doesn’t decide to curtsy, too.”

  Brian’s manners were as genuine as they were elegant. “It would be the highlight of the evening, not to mention the most exciting moment of my entire musical career, if you’d play us something. I’ll be so disappointed if you don’t.”

  Paget blinked, cat-like, as she considered the request. “Oh, it’s been so long, and I haven’t prepared anything appropriate.”

  “Please, Mother.” Joni took a step toward her. “Play Greensleeves, just like you always did for PapPap. He loved the way you played that song. Do you remember?” Joni’s eyes glowed with tears that threatened to spill over, as she awaited her mother’s response.

  Jill took a deep breath. Depending on how Paget felt about her father’s memory, this was a risky request. If she refused, part of Joni’s vision for the evening would remain unfulfilled.

  “Very well, but surely you know that I haven’t played on a concert stage in years. The result may be quite alarming.”

  Even so, Paget flexed her long, slender fingers, the joints enlarged with arthritis. She appeared engrossed in her task. Brian and the others stood nearby as she took a seat on the piano bench, arranged the flowing skirt around her, and ran through several arpeggios.

  Paget frowned. “Joni, has it been tuned recently?”

  “I had it tuned yesterday, Mother. I hope it’s to your liking.”

  “Good girl.” Paget paused for effect and then looked up, eyes wide in surprise, to find family members gathered around her, expectantly waiting. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and began working her magic on the keys. The first notes were breathtakingly simple and delicate before the chords gained strength and complexity. As the melody ebbed and flowed under Paget’s gifted hands, Jill glanced up at the ceiling, certain that the chandelier was swaying with the music. No one spoke as Paget played. All eyes focused on her as she performed for her amazed family. As the last notes of the song echoed in the room, she bowed her head.

  There was utter silence for a moment before Joni said, “I have never heard you play that song more beautifully, Mother.”

  Applause rang out as Paget’s family members rushed forward to embrace her. A beatific smile lit up her face. Joni was sobbing openly now.

  “I’d say the evening is a success,” Jill murmured to Denny.

  He touched the small of her back, causing her to lean in to hear him. “Will Paget want her piano back now, do you think?” He took a refined sip of his tea.

  “Actually, I’m betting that she’ll want to enjoy it right where it sits, in her daughter’s home.”

  Joni’s face was radiant as tears of joy ran down her cheeks. Her husband handed her his handkerchief then wrapped his arms around her and whispered something in her ear that made her smile. They embraced.

  Joni turned her attention back across the room to Jill. Clutching Pete’s handkerchief, she raised it to her lips and mouthed the words, “Thank you.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Jill drove to the house that Kristen had purchased just months earlier and was still in the process of redecorating. It was located just three blocks from the house where Jill had grown up. In fact, her parents still lived in the older neighborhood of gracious federal-style stone, frame, and red-brick homes with mature trees. Wrap-around porches hearkened back to an earlier, less hectic era, when people relaxed in rocking chairs and drank iced tea or enjoyed their dessert and coffee with neighbors. Jill remembered all the evenings Nancy had served dinner on the porch—meals that often lasted hours as neighbors stopped by for cups of tea or glasses of wine.

  Kristen, a corporate attorney, lived in a red-brick house with black-and-white shutters and a three-season front porch. As she rang the doorbell, Jill heard yipping barks. Kristen answered the door with an adorable West Highland Terrier wriggling frantically in her arms. Westies were Jill’s favorite dogs.

  “Please come in. This is Tucker,” Kristen said, introducing the dog, who sniffed Jill’s fingers and then licked them.

  “He’s so cute,” Jill said, ruffling the soft white fur, unable to resist smiling back at the black shoe-button eyes and the doggy grin. “What a lover,” she said and kissed him on the top of his furry head.

  “He is so spoiled. He knows he’s the only man in my life,” Kristen said in a flat, pleasant tone.

  “Well, these conditions are fleeting,” Jill said cheerfully. “It’s super easy to attract a man. The more difficult part is attracting one you actually want.”

  “True.” Kristen rolled her eyes.

  Jill glanced about the foyer and into the living room, which was Kristen’s benefactor and travel area. Everything there was in good order, with a painting of a windmill and tulips in the Netherlands. She noticed with a satisfied smile that Kristen had a silver jewelry box on the coffee table—no doubt where she kept her intentions.

  “I’m not sure the kind of man I want even exists.” Kristen blew out a frustrated breath. “Three years ago my engagement to a guy I met at a bar association event went south. After he broke off our engagement, I went on a couple of online dating sites and even tried the whole speed-dating thing. Jill, I understand that a relationship requires compromise. But I don’t want to compromise who I am just to have a man in my life.”

  “You shouldn’t have to. Why do you think that’s been the pattern so far?”

  “I guess I don’t expect much anymore.” Kristen stroked her upper lip with a delicate rose-colored fingernail. “I don’t seem to be what most men want. It’s particularly difficult being an attorney, although I imagine it would be tough for any independent woman. As soon as I say I’m a lawyer, I get some pretty interesting reactions. Apparently some men think that makes me a ball-buster, when in reality, I have a nine-to-five desk job. I’ve never even argued a case in a courtroom, except in law school.”

  “I remember you said one time that some men seem to want a sugar momma.” Jill looked thoughtful. “Nowadays, women make as much or even more than men. It wasn’t like that when I was your age.”

  “I’ve met several like that,” Kristen said. “My fiancé and I had a really great, very equitable relationship, I thought. He understood what I did professionally, and we made almost the same amount of money. I didn’t have to dumb down for him, and we contributed equally to the home we shared.”

  “So what happened?”

  “He just ‘fell out of love,’ he said.” Kristen’s brown eyes were dull now. “He said he couldn’t go through with the wedding knowing that he didn’t love me the way I deserved to be loved. Two weeks later, I saw him with another woman. An elementary school teacher.”

  “I know what it’s like to have someone you love betray your trust.” Jill perched on the edge of a wing chair, not wanting to rush Kristen as she talked.

  “I know you do. That’s why it’s easy to tell you about this. I was too embarrassed to tell anyone, even my family, what really happened. I just said that he and I wanted different things in life.”

  “But that was true. You did want different things, and you deserve to have them. You can have them, Kristen. L
et’s take a look at your relationship area.” Jill took Kristen’s arm as they walked to the rear right corner of the house, the kitchen area.

  “I painted the walls tomato red, and I even put a nightlight over by the coffee maker with a red bulb. I’ve got a red strawberry candle in the middle of the table.” Kristen looked perturbed by the failure of her feng shui fixes.

  Jill turned to look at Kristen, who was stroking Tucker’s fur. “The refrigerator isn’t good to have in this area because you want things to be red-hot,” Jill said. “I know lots of people, though, who have refrigerators in their romance corners. Fix that issue by decorating it with photo magnets of people you love, along with red hearts.”

  Kristen chuckled. “Wow, so a refrigerator is the whole issue. That would explain why I’ve had such a hard time attracting warm, loving men.”

  Jill smiled. “Go ahead and blame it on the refrigerator, if you like. You’re going to take care of that problem and start fresh. I believe there are lots of soul mates out there for us, depending on where we are in our lives and what we want. Do you know what you want in a man?”

  “I think so, but my mom says I’m too picky.”

  “I agree we can be too picky. It’s good to make a list of all the qualities you want in a romantic partner. Then pick out your top ten qualities. If you get those, you can live without perfection in a man. None of us is perfect. Would you be happy with seventy-five percent of what you want?”

  Kristen laughed. “I see what you mean. The most important quality I want is for a man to accept who I really am, not who he wants me to be.”

  “I think that if you’re happy with yourself, then some lucky man will find you irresistible. Now let’s look at your relationship corner upstairs and then at your bedroom.”

  They went upstairs, and Jill went into a guest room that was in the relationship corner on the second floor. The room was painted white with a pink tint, and there was a pink-and-white rosebud coverlet on the bed, lacy white pillows, and a plush rose-colored throw on a rocking chair. The fact that no one slept in the guest room meant that it was important to feng shui Kristen’s bedroom for romance. Seeing nothing in the guest room that needed fixing, she moved on to the master bedroom—a large airy room with a southwest exposure. The walls were painted a cool green, and Kristen’s queen-size bed was covered in a colorful quilt. A braided rug in neutral colors covered the hardwood floor.