by Ruby Cruz
“True, but the hope is that she’ll be physically and emotionally sound by the time that scenario ever presents itself.”
“So, what, are you supposed to just hang out and fill in until she recovers?”
He laid his free hand on top of mine. “We’re hoping the deal will be finalized by the end of the month at the latest. If she needs my assistance after that…well, we’ll deal if and when we need to. Please remember…you can’t talk about this with anyone. This information is all confidential.”
“But you haven’t really told me anything.” I was tempted to pull my hands away in frustration, but they were still ensconced within his.
“I’ve told you the company is in negotiations to merge with another company and that there may be major upheaval in the board of directors. That information is enough to affect stock prices if it were to become public.”
“Seriously? But it’s all speculation.”
“That’s what stock trading essentially is - guessing which companies are going to do well based on any number of criteria. In addition to everything that’s happened, the company has to continue business and ensure our current project timelines remain on schedule.”
What little I understood about business revolved around our hospital trying to make sure our patient satisfaction scores remained high so we would get our maximum Medicare reimbursements and remain in the black. With Meryton being a relatively small regional hospital, we didn’t have the type of patient populations that larger, university-based or metropolitan teaching hospitals had. Tangentially dealing with unit budgets and capital budgets comprised the extent of my business experience. Listening to Darcy talk about his new role in the DeBourgh Group, I began to acquire a new appreciation for him as he continued to speak easily about terms like run rates, synergy, and capital gains.
“I’m sorry I’m boring you,” he apologized, a contrite expression on his face as I stifled a yawn. “Speaking everything aloud helps me make sense of it all.”
“Well, you sound like you know what you’re talking about, in any case. But you haven’t answered my initial question.”
“Probably because I’ve been avoiding answering it.” He still rested his hand on the back of mine and blew out a breath. “Feasibly, I need to stay in San Francisco until the dust has settled and this merger goes through. I may even need to continue my involvement after the merger is announced to help manage the fallout. Aunt Catherine has promised that my life will probably not be my own the next couple of months.”
“Where are you supposed to stay? Are you going to get an apartment or something?”
“The company leases executive suites at one of the hotels near the office specifically for housing my aunt and other board members.”
“Wow. Swanky.” I sneaked a hand away to brush a lock of hair from his forehead.
“I know you have your apartment with Lydia, but of course you are welcome to stay in our house in Meryton at least until you finish your degree. I’m sure Mrs. Pratchett would enjoy the company.”
I fixed the collar of his shirt. Somehow, talking about his living accommodations had made everything seem all too real.
I cleared my throat of the lump that had suddenly formed there. “And you promise to be home every weekend?”
“As much as time allows. Or you could join me out there. San Francisco is one of my favorite cities outside of New York.”
“They do have the Ghirardelli chocolate factory out there, don’t they?”
“That’s right. I know how much you love your chocolate.”
“Coffee and chocolate. My two vices.”
“The Golden Gate Park is also very beautiful. I think you would enjoy it.”
“I can’t wait.”
He paused, seeming to consider his next words. “I can’t believe you proposed to me first. Which begs the question: where’s my ring?” He raised an expectant eyebrow, and I narrowed my eyes in response.
“I thought it was the other way around.”
“But you were the one who asked the question, therefore, you should have produced a ring.”
“Okay, here.” I grabbed my purse and fished around until I found what I’d been looking for: a cheap, plastic ring from the dollar store that I’d stuck into my bag when I’d found it at our house with the intention of returning it to Chloe the next time I saw her.
It barely slid past the first knuckle of Darcy’s pinky, and he chuckled at the sight of the huge plastic purple gem atop the silver toned plastic ring. “You really went all out. This must be a twenty carat stone!” He made a show of admiring the ring. “And such a rare color.”
“Only the best for my fiancé.” Saying the words raised gooseflesh on my arms.
Darcy noticed me shiver and ran his free hand down one arm. “I like your reaction when you say that.”
“I liked saying it.”
“I liked hearing it.” His lips approached mine but instead of kissing me, he touched them to my ear. “You have made me a very happy man.”
A very inappropriate response flashed through my mind, but I pushed it aside. “So you really think we can make this work? You in San Francisco and me in Meryton?”
“Remember, it’s just temporary.”
“Until when?”
“At least until you finish your degree or my work with the company is complete and we can decide where we want to live after we get married.”
Those words again. I couldn’t imagine waiting before we actually got married. Now that we were agreed it would happen, I couldn’t wait to make it official.
“When do you want to tell your aunt? We need to tell her eventually. And the rest of our families. I don’t like the idea of you living in the same city as Caroline Bingley without making things official.”
“She is quite persistent, but you have nothing to worry about with her.”
“I know, but she just makes me crazy. You know that.”
“Believe me, I have no interest in her.” He kissed me tenderly, and all thoughts of Caroline fled my mind. When he finally pulled away, he said, “We don’t have to make any formal announcements soon. We have time.”
“But I don’t know how long I can keep this a secret. It’s taking all of my self-control not to just call everyone I know.”
“I know, I feel the same way. But we already discussed that now is not the best time, especially for my aunt.”
“Yes, of course.” Still, I was brimming with excitement as my mind raced over the possibilities. Jane and Charlie had a very traditional wedding and reception and I was beginning to imagine very different scenarios for my own wedding.
I had to dial back the excitement and remind myself that any wedding planning would have to wait until we actually spoke with our families.
~
Since I couldn’t return to work the next day on crutches, I called off sick. Darcy and Ana arranged to take the red eye to San Francisco since the jet had already been conscripted for other employees the next day. We were booked for an evening flight back to Meryton so Ana and Darcy could go home and pack some more clothing and necessities before their trip to the West Coast.
The siblings had to take a conference call before we left, so I again was relegated to entertaining myself. Because I was tired of sitting around and reading or playing on my phone, I ventured out to the beach overlook again.
I’d barely settled myself on the bench when I heard familiar voices from behind me.
“Mother, I doubt she wants to be disturbed,” Chase said in a low, insistent voice I was obviously not meant to hear.
“Don’t be silly, dear. I say, I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately. You’ve been acting so peculiarly. As I said, Catherine wanted us to ensure that Miss Bennett felt…welcome here.” Mrs. Hammond’s cultured tones sounded almost directly behind me so I turned in my seat to face their owner. I cringed inwardly, but fixed a smile on my face. “Hi, Mrs. Hammond. Chase,” I greeted
.
“Hello, Miss Bennett. Chase and I were taking a walk on the beach when we saw you sitting here.” Mrs. Hammond appeared genuinely pleased. “Are you by yourself?” She glanced around as if Darcy would appear.
“I’m afraid so. Will and Ana had a conference call to make before we left this evening.”
She shook her head. “That doesn’t surprise me. The members of the board have always had a singular focus when it comes to the success of their company.” Her eyes became unfocused a bit, then cleared as if she realized she was speaking aloud. “Pardon me. I should have asked if we’re intruding.”
“No, of course not. Like I said, I’m just passing time before we leave.”
“Would you mind if we joined you for a moment?”
“What about your dinner plans?” Chase asked.
“I have a few minutes to spare, and please mind your manners, dear. It isn’t seemly to appear as if we have more important things to do than to converse with Miss Bennett.”
“Please, call me Lizzy.”
“Of course.” She smiled graciously. She appeared much more at ease than she had during dinner my first night in the Hamptons, and I wondered if being around Dr. DeBourgh brought out her catty side. I much liked this version of her better - she almost seemed like a normal and friendly woman.
As I gestured to the empty seats before me, I shifted my gaze to Chase, who appeared discomfited by his mother’s suggestion to join me. His moniker seemed to be an appropriate one - I always felt like running away whenever in his presence.
He sat next to me on the bench, and I was tempted to shift away. There was something about him that was just a bit too intense, almost like he was one of his own paintings come to life. Close proximity with him seemed dangerous, and I was determined to avoid it as much as possible until I left the Hamptons.
Mrs. Hammond commented, “Chase mentioned you stopped in the gallery the other day. I’m sorry to have missed you.”
“Yes, we happened to run into each other in town.”
“And what did you think?”
“Mom…” Chase warned in an embarrassed tone.
“What?” She asked her son innocently. “Can’t Lizzy voice her opinion?”
“It’s okay,” I assured. “I thought everything was incredible.”
Her eyes lit up. “My son does have an eye. Yesterday, I was speaking with Dorothy Watson who bought one of Chase’s paintings for her master bedroom. She told me it singlehandedly awakened the passion in her marriage, it was so sensual.”
“Mom!” Chase repeated, obviously horrified.
I stifled a giggle. I was quite experienced with dealing with my own embarrassing mother.
“I can be proud of my son’s success, can’t I?” she asked innocently.
His face reddened further, and I felt for him. “I really liked the seascapes he had displayed in the front. The colors were amazing.”
The shift to a more neutral topic did the trick and Mrs. Hammond responded. “Those were done by a local artist, but as I recall, he has done some painting in New Jersey as well. While his Hamptons themed work is obviously the most popular, we have some New Jersey transplants who have commissioned work from him. I think they were from around your home town, if I recall.”
“The waterfalls and river gorge do draw a number of artists to the area.”
As we conversed about the scenic beauty surrounding Meryton, Mrs. Hammond checked her watch. “Oh my, time has slipped away! I’m afraid I must go. I promised Catherine I would stop by the hospital this evening and bring dinner to her. She absolutely abhors hospital food, so I’ve had my cook prepare something much more palatable. It was lovely seeing you again, Lizzy. I do hope we see you more often. It’s so refreshing to meet a woman who knows her own mind rather than those flighty things he tends to associate with.”
“Mother!”
She ignored him to fix an easy smile towards me.
Her comment surprised me, but I hoped I hid my expression well. “I do hope we’re able to meet again under better circumstances.”
As she walked away after a final goodbye, Chase turned to me. “I’m so sorry.”
“For what?”
“My mother can be a bit much.”
“You haven’t met my mother. That was tame in comparison.” As I turned away to see the ocean waves, I could feel his gaze on me. The easy feeling I’d had melted away, and unease settled over me again. What was it about him that put me on edge? “Your mother mentioned local artists often get commissions for work. Do you have people who request specific paintings or landscapes?”
“Sometimes, but my work is hard to pin down.” Remembering the raw sensuality in his work, I could see why. “I’m not exactly painting portraits of grandchildren or simple landscapes of ocean views. Once inspiration hits, I usually just go with what’s in here.” He placed a hand over his chest, and the strength behind his words had me shifting within my seat.
I changed the subject once more, anything to get him to stop looking at me that way. “Do you have the name of that artist who has done work near Meryton? I’m considering having a painting of one of the views of the Columbia Trail done for Will.”
“When would you need it by?”
“I was hoping Christmas.” I had no idea where the notion had come from, but the more I thought about having a painting commissioned for Darcy, the more it seemed like a perfect gift. After all, the Columbia Trail had been one of the first times I’d seen him as more than annoying, arrogant Dr. Darcy.
“I’ll see what I can do,” he answered after some contemplation. “I’ll get back to you. Just give me your contact information.”
I thought the answer a bit odd, but I wanted that painting, if I could afford it. Considering the prices I’d seen at Chase’s gallery, the painting may have to triple as an engagement and birthday gift as well. I reluctantly provided my cell number and email, and cursed my poor memory for forgetting the name of the artist we’d been talking about, otherwise I’d have googled him and contacted him myself.
I sat quietly and wondered how long I would have to sit here politely when Chase asked, “How much longer are you in town?”
“We’re leaving as soon as Ana and Will are done with their conference call.”
“It’s a big change for Will, going from caring for patients to caring for the bottom line. How’s he taking it?”
The way he asked the question, I suspected he knew more about the situation than he let on, but I merely shrugged. “He’s committed to learning about his role and performing it to the best of his ability.”
“A very diplomatic answer but not really an answer to the question I asked.”
“What do you want me to say?” I shot back, my patience finally wearing thin. “It sucks that he has to put his career on hold to fulfill some family obligation. He doesn’t want to leave his job or his patients, let alone leave me behind in Meryton while playing toady to his aunt.” I cursed loudly at that, frustrated I’d lost control.
“That’s it,” he exclaimed triumphantly. “I knew I liked you for a reason.”
“What?” My eyes narrowed on his suspiciously. “You enjoyed getting a rise out of me?”
“Will always had a thing for reserved, cultured girls, not unlike Caroline Bingley. Aside from Nina, who, sad to say, plays for the other team, you’re the only woman he’s brought here who’s displayed any type of fire.”
“Congratulations to me, I suppose. What’re you getting at, Chase?”
“Nothing. Just making an observation. I find you very interesting.”
“I’m glad I hold some entertainment value for you.”
“Don’t misunderstand me, Lizzy. I’m not trying to be difficult.”
“Then what are you trying to do?”
“I’m trying to help you. If you want to get in Dr. DeBourgh’s good graces, you’ll have to try a bit harder.”
“What do you know about t
he situation?”
“I suspect more than you do at the moment, otherwise you wouldn’t be sitting here by yourself while your boyfriend is at his aunt’s beck and call.” His words irked me and by the smug expression on his face, he knew it. “Dr. DeBourgh confides quite a bit to my mother, who has never held secrets from me. As you’ve probably guessed, my mom likes you. She thinks you’re good for Will, but his aunt doesn’t share that opinion. I doubt any woman will be good enough for her nephew, in her view.”
“So, what are you suggesting?”
“Just be careful, Lizzy. Dr. DeBourgh is a woman who is used to getting what she wants and uses whatever power she has to accomplish those goals. She will eat you alive and spit out your bones, despite how much Will cares for you.”
This time, it was sympathy I saw in his eyes, and for the first time, I felt actual trepidation. What did he think Dr. DeBourgh was going to do? “Thank you for your candor, but I’m more than capable of handling myself.” The words felt false, but I had no other choice. To show weakness would prove him right.
“I hope you are.” He brushed off his pants and stood. “Well, Lizzy, I’m glad we were able to chat again before you left. Whenever you’re back in the Hamptons, I hope you stop by the gallery again. And I’ll be in touch about the painting you want commissioned. Have a safe trip back to Meryton.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Crash Course
Returning to Meryton was like taking a crash course back to reality. With the amount of sedatives and anti-emetics Darcy gave me for the flight home, I fell asleep right before takeoff and woke up groggily at our home in Meryton. The sensation of waking up in my own bed was so jarring I almost felt like I’d been teleported straight from the Hamptons.
If I hadn’t awakened to the sight of Darcy unpacking his dirty clothing only to begin repacking his suitcase, I would’ve thought the entire past week had been a dream.
He saw me stirring in the bed and stopped. “How are you feeling?”
“Completely out of sorts. If you told me the sky was pink polka dot and the oceans were full of rainbows, I’d totally believe you.” I attempted to sit up and forced myself to move more slowly when the room began to spin slightly.