by Nancy Hopper
A NEW DAY
Nancy Hopper
copyright 2013 by Nancy R. Hopper
All rights reserved
This is a fictional story. Any resemblance to any actual person, is coincidental and completely unintentional.
Contact me: [email protected]
Read my blog at: idahopics.com
CHAPTER ONE
Summer freedom! It was like a drug in Tasha’s blood, driving her forward with anticipation. She had two full years of college behind her! She wouldn’t go back, she was determined about that. She’d decided long ago that two years would have to be enough. There was no possible way that she could possibly endure another two years of it!
She pressed her foot harder on the accelerator, and felt a rush of excitement at the way her little ‘57 Corvette responded. Ooh, it was a glorious present! She’d wanted one forever! Bless Daddy’s heart, he’d finally come through for her. It was one of the most flawless original, low-mileage early Corvettes in the entire United States, and it was all hers. She was on top of the world!
She pondered the subject of college, thinking about how she’d had to complete this first two years to get the ‘Vette. Her father had promised her a lovely custom home of her own when she finished four years and received her degree. But it just couldn’t be borne! She was determined that daddy would have to relent and give it to her, anyway.
She simply was not going to go anymore, and he always gave in, eventually. After all, it was commendable that she’d finished two whole years, as it was. Tears came to her eyes when she thought about how abominable it had been. All that dreary studying, and discipline, rules and uptight teachers.
But, now! Now, she was free and on her way down the Oregon coast to stay with her friend, Debora in their summer cabin on the beach. It was near an anonymous little coastal town. Tasha couldn’t remember the name of it, though she’d just passed the city limit sign. She zipped on through town well above the speed limit, and watched for her turn. She slowed to consult her map, then looked up and saw her turn-off just ahead.
As she cut left across traffic, she interfered with an oncoming car. The driver blasted her, but she just gave him a hand sign to tell him what she thought of him and his presence on the road. She wasn’t about to wait for anybody today. She had no more patience!
The road wound along the side of a cliff, overlooking the lovely Pacific far below. It was a shady, quiet lane lined with Madrona trees. Very nice, Tasha decided. The cabin was nearly at the end, almost hidden by Eucalyptus. But Tasha had no trouble spotting it. She had a good eye for directions, and the Waldens had put out a tacky cardboard sign for her to follow. It said, in crayon, ‘The Waldens’.
Tasha snorted. It was just the sort of thing Debora’s parents were prone to do. As if anyone could miss Mrs. W’s ugly station wagon! The people had money, but no class. Since high school, Tasha hadn’t seen Debora at all. She had hoped the Waldens would have come around a bit, but it seemed it wasn’t to be.
The rumors about the Waldens were horrid. It seemed they’d really taken to slumming, if what people were saying was true. The Waldens would socialize with anybody, it was said, no matter how much money they had. They even helped bums in alleys, she’d been told.
It was a church program thing, of course, which was commendable; but Tasha personally limited her charity work to monetary contributions. She wasn’t inclined to rub elbows with white trash — and worse!
Honestly, it was a disgrace, but Tasha figured no one would ever know she’d come here this summer. She was willing to overlook the rumors because the Waldens had invited her to come and stay. So, she’d decided she could forgive a few eccentricities.
After all, she and Debora did go back years and years. They’d become very close as roommates at the girls’ school together. Thinking about it, she realized they’d roomed together for six whole years.
Her swingy step carried her quickly up the stone path to the front door of the cabin. Before she could raise the knocker, Mrs. Walden opened the door for her.
“Why, Tasha! How lovely to see you, my dear!” she exclaimed, pressing a kiss against the rouged cheek Tasha grudgingly offered her. “Will you excuse me a moment, dear? I’m right in the middle of baking cookies.” Mrs. Walden explained.
“Of course.” Tasha murmured, aghast. It was true then, that Mrs. W. was doing her own cooking. Tasha couldn’t fathom the thought of it. But the woman was flour-speckled, wearing tacky stretch denim jeans, and an apron that had seen better days. Her hair looked as if it hadn’t been done in a year.
“Deb is down on the beach, dear. She said she’d be home around three. We didn’t expect you so soon.” Mrs. Walden said hesitantly.
“Yes. Well, I couldn’t wait to come!” Tasha explained breezily. “I didn’t think anyone would mind if I came a day early.”
“Of course we don’t. Well, perhaps I could persuade you to try a cookie? Gary and I were just about to sample the first batch.”
“Gary?” Tasha repeated uncertainly.
“Yes. My nephew, Gary Taylor. He’s living here with us for the summer, you know.”
“No. Deb didn’t mention it, and I don’t believe we’ve ever met.” Tasha answered guardedly. “But first, perhaps I should freshen up.”
“Of course, dear. Your room is upstairs on the left, the third door.”
“Thank you.” Tasha sighed, and dragged herself up the stairs. “Ugh!” she groaned, flopping down on the narrow bed. It was too much! Mrs. W had gone to the dogs! She sincerely hoped she wouldn’t be sorry she’d come. Who was this nephew, anyway? Perhaps he'd be fun for a bit of summer play.
Tasha took a great deal of pride in her appearance and in her reputation. Everywhere she went, men gawked, and her reputation was impeccable. How many times had Daddy said that the man who married his daughter would have to prove that he appreciated what he was getting?
The thought made her smile. Dear Daddy. She loved him more than anything or anyone in this whole world. Thank God, he’d got rid of that drip, Miriam! Tasha could never understand why her father felt he always had to be married. Men as rich and handsome as Brent Charles could always buy what they wanted without having to pay alimony later. It was his big weakness, his love of beautiful women.
Tasha knew her own mother had been the most gorgeous of them all, and of course, Tasha was her very image. Her mother held the record – Brent had kept her until she was nearly thirty.
Tasha remembered feeling shocked the first time her father’s eyes had turned to his young accountant, Amanda. But she’d come to learn that men were just that way. They had to have variety, daddy had once explained. She supposed it was okay, as long as he took care of them until they found someone else. He had no problem paying them off when he was done with them.
He never meant for her to see him with Amanda, but she certainly had. Her young heart had been shocked, yet she came to understand a good many things when she saw them on the couch in his office.
So, the divorce didn’t completely surprise her, when it came not long after that. She wasn’t sorry that Daddy had insisted that she was to stay with him. It meant that she had to put up with Amanda, but at least she got to keep her lovely room and stay with Daddy in their lovely house.
Daddy had explained carefully that Mommy would be very poor because she didn’t like men. And so there would never be any men around to take her to the zoo, or fishing or swimming. There would be no money for Mama to do those things, either. And he’d said Mama would have to work all the time just to survive – so that Tasha would have to be left with some shriveled up, heartless nanny all day. Every day. That was simply unthinkable.
He even hinted that Tasha might have to do a lot of work, and get ugly and wrinkled and have broken nails
, so that no man would want her when she got old enough to be married.
Tasha laughed, thinking back about it. She intended either to have a veritable Prince Charming, or else complete freedom. Tasha certainly loved attention from men, but she didn’t need to have a man to herself. She was independently wealthy. There was going to be no brute or half-wit loser hanging on her coattails.
She shook her head, wondering what had started her down that thought path. It was all ancient history. But Daddy had always kept his promise, and taken perfect care of her. No one could care for her like Daddy.
She sighed, and wandered into the bathroom to freshen up. She felt dusty and sticky after her long drive. A shower helped immensely. She wrapped up in a towel, and wandered down the hall to find Debora’s room.
It was next to hers, done in blue and green. She opened the closet door, and sneered at the meager selection. There was almost nothing decent! What could Debora be thinking?
She searched for something suitable to wear, as her cases were still in her car. She’d nearly given up when she saw the black and white striped sundress. It was fresh and cool, and would be nice with her long, coal black hair. It would have to do.
It was nicer on than she’d imagined it would be; the plunging neckline and the thin spaghetti straps made her bust and shoulders look smooth and alluring. The elastic waist was not her idea of chic, but a belt helped; and the slit skirt did show her slim, tanned legs to lovely advantage. Her white slides stayed on her feet. They were perfect with the outfit.
She went back to her room and smoothed her hair into a sophisticated roll at the back of her head. She freshened up her make-up, and then wandered back downstairs, thinking that her velvet red lipstick and nails should be a perfect foil for the dress.
She found Mrs. Walden in the kitchen, up to her elbows in dough. She wrinkled her nose and rolled her eyes before putting on a sweet smile. “Baking, Mrs. W?” she asked politely.
“Yes, dear. I’ve always enjoyed my kitchen.”
“I had no idea.” Tasha commented innocently.
Mrs. Walden’s brow seemed to pucker as she looked at Tasha. “Isn’t that Deb’s new dress, Tasha? I think she’d planned to wear it tonight, dear.”
“Had she? Oh, well. I'll let her pick from my dresses when we get them out of the car. This is a quaint cabin, Mrs. W. How long have you had it?”
“Just two years. It was Nolan’s father’s cabin, you know, before he passed on. Actually, it was bequeathed to Gary. We’ve sub-let it from him, and we are especially delighted that he asked us if he could stay here with us this summer. We’ve not had much chance to spend time with him for the past few years.”
“Gary?” Tasha urged curiously.
“Yes. My nephew.”
“I see.” Tasha said sweetly. “Mrs. W, perhaps I should work on getting unpacked. Is there anyone to carry up my things?”
“No. I’m afraid not, dear. We don’t use servants.” Mrs. W explained gently. “I’m sure Deb will help you when she gets home.”
“Oh. Well, isn’t there someone? I mean, a gardener, or something?”
“No, dear. Mr. Walden is downtown, and Gary shouldn’t.”
“I’ll do it, Aunt Ruth. Don’t worry about it.” a man’s voice intruded.
“No, Gary. It can wait.” Mrs. W. said firmly.
“No problem. I’ll be careful.” the man insisted.
Tasha turned to face a tall, muscular young man with smoothly combed brown hair that was clean and well styled. His blue eyes flickered over Tasha’s face without reaction before they rested on his aunt.
“Gary, this is Tasha Charles, Deb’s friend. Tasha, this is my nephew, Gary Taylor.”
“Mr. Taylor,” Tasha said in a low voice. “How nice to meet you.”
“Miss Charles.” the man acknowledged without seeming particularly interested in meeting her. “I’ll bring your things inside, if you’ll tell me where to find them.”
Tasha’s nostrils flared. He was a stuck up pig! “In my car?” she suggested in a bored, cutting voice. “You can’t miss it, it’s red and white.” Her voice was patient and plain, as if she’d been explaining to a three year-old. She held her keys out to him petulantly.
Gary Taylor’s eyes fixed on hers with a steely challenge. Then he took her keys, turned on his heel and walked out. Tasha found that her nails were digging holes in her palms. Tension was extremely thick in the air.
Mrs. W looked at Tasha in amazement, but promptly closed her mouth. She wasn’t about to tackle Tasha so soon, but it appeared the young lady hadn’t grown up a great deal since they’d last seen her.
No doubt Gary would have some ideas about how to deal with Tasha, she mused. She hoped that Gary wouldn’t be tempted to drive her car over the cliff when he was done unloading her cases. She suppressed a smile.
Tasha went to the window and looked out at the ocean while they heard footsteps come in, go up the stairs ... then go down, and out. In, and out. Up the stairs, down the stairs. In, and out.
“What all did you bring, Tasha?” Mrs. W asked in a bewildered voice.
“Not so much. For such a big guy, your nephew’s not exactly a he-man, is he? My father’s valet got it all in two trips.”
“Well, Gary had surgery last week. That’s why he’s staying here this summer – to recuperate. He needs peace and quiet, Tasha. He really should not be lifting any cases, at all.” she chastised. “But I think he’s got it now, if you’d like to unpack.”
Feeling definitely dismissed, and shocked at Mrs. W’s lack of hospitality, Tasha sniffed and headed upstairs. Thank God, that odious Gary Taylor creature was nowhere to be seen.
“It’s not my fault they’ve got no help! Honestly, the nerve! Nobody told me he’d had surgery!” she mumbled to herself. She found her keys on the bedside table and dropped them into her purse with irritation.
Listening to her grumbling from the hallway, Gary rolled his eyes, shook his head slowly and made his way to the kitchen. “All summer, Aunt Ruth?” he asked painfully.
“All summer, dear.” she answered sweetly. “She is Deb’s friend, you know.”
“I find that difficult to comprehend.” Gary grumbled, his eyebrows crashing over his blue eyes.
Ruth Walden smiled. “She’s never had much love at home, Gary. Actually, she’s not had a home life to speak of. She’s the unfortunate child of a very rich, very selfish and spoiled playboy.”
“Poor little rich kid, huh?” Gary snorted. “I hardly think she’s to be pitied. She knows how to make her way in the world, Aunt Ruth. That, you can take to the bank.”
“Exactly. She’s a hard-boiled, brittle little girl hiding a lot of hurt.”
“She’d laugh like hell if she heard you say so.” Gary objected. “She doesn’t need any help, Aunt Ruth.”
His aunt looked at him reproachfully. “Now, Gary. Take another look.”
“Aunt Ruth,” he warned with a chuckle, and a sparkle in his eye. “I have no intention of taking another look at that hellcat. I’ll put up with her for three months, and that is all I can promise. Don’t you be trying to give me problem children to straighten out, I’ve got my hands full already. And besides, she’s dangerous. She thinks she’s God’s gift to men, and I don’t mean maybe.”
Aunt Ruth smiled serenely. “Relax. I’m only asking you to try to understand her, that’s all. Give her a chance to feel part of things. And she needs to feel attractive. Don’t put too much stock in it. Just compliment her now and then. She tries so hard to be beautiful.”
“Aunt Ruth, I can’t imagine the complications it would cause if she thought I was coming on to her.” he complained. “Good heavens, give me a break.”
“Gary, really. She’s not so bad.” Aunt Ruth chided.
“Who are you trying to kid? Play fair, Aunt Ruth. I came out here to relax. That little vixen will keep this place jumping night and day!”
“Not if you don’t let her.” Aunt Ruth pointed out cheerfully. “Y
our uncle Nolan will be out most of the summer. I’m sorry, dear, but that pretty much leaves it up to you.” It was Ruth’s turn to have a twinkle in her eye.
Gary set his jaw firmly, and met her eyes defiantly. “This is unspeakable blackmail.” he accused. “I have no desire to tangle with that spoiled brat.”
“Tasha shouldn’t present any problem, Gary. This is your household. I’m just asking you to do whatever seems right.” she said meekly.
“Right.” Gary snorted, shooting a look at his aunt that promised a very eventful summer.
It was hot, tedious work to unpack her four suitcases, her jewelry cases and her cosmetics. Tasha decided immediately she’d have to go to the beach and take a swim. She looked and felt glorious in her new sheer, white swimsuit. It sparkled in the sun with a subtle, purple sheen that matched her eye shadow perfectly. And it had a built-up bra that made her cleavage astounding. She fluffed her wavy hair down and shook it until it cascaded over her shoulders like a silky cloud. Then, she bounced down the stairs with a towel over her arm.
She saw Debora right away, sitting with some people on the beach. Tasha smiled, and flipped along hurriedly to meet up with them. Perhaps at last, there would be some fun!
She stood behind Debora and put a smooth hand on her shoulder. Debora turned around and looked unspeakably shocked to see Tasha standing there.
“Tash! You’re early! I thought you were coming tomorrow!” she exclaimed, hugging her friend.
“I came early.” Tasha said lightly.
“Well, what a surprise.” Debora said hesitantly. “Wow. Well, I’m glad to see you!” she said happily.
Debora’s eyes glowed as she turned to the man sitting on the sand beside her. “Tasha, meet Doug Wright. Doug is a very special friend of mine. And he’s leaving in the morning for South Africa.”
“Oh. How exciting.” Tasha said sweetly. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too, Tasha. I thought I was going to miss meeting you. I’m glad you came a day early.”