Kitty laughed merrily as if it was the funniest thing she'd seen in ages. "I did knock, but you seemed to be busy with other things..." She picked up her dog, placing him in the crook of her arm. "I wanted to make sure you're okay, but I can tell you're in good hands, literally speaking. Come, King, we know when we're not wanted." With that, she tripped out of the office, softly closing the door behind her.
Miranda breathed deeply and glared at the floor. She could still feel his delightful lips and wished deep down that they hadn't been interrupted. At the same time, she felt ashamed. She had no right to have feelings for others than her husband, no matter how many mistakes he'd made lately. As long as they were married, they had to figure out their feelings toward each other first. She had more than enough to sort out at home and shouldn't let herself get distracted. How dumb could one get?
"I apologize, Miranda, it's my fault. It should never have happened. "
She shook her head. "I'm to blame. I shouldn't have let myself yield to the temptation."
"The chemistry between us is too much. I'd better return to my office." He winked, and she couldn't help but smile. He was so right. It would be tricky knowing he was in the room next door. So close, and yet so far away.
***
Sara's staff room was as colorful as the woman herself and painted in lavender. Every table in the bakery was taken. Miranda didn't mind because now the women could sit and talk undisturbed. Sara had produced a tray with pastries and let them help themselves.
"Who's minding the twins, Sara?"
"My mother-in-law. Much can be said about her, but she knows how to babysit." Sara laughed and took a bite of the blueberry dream. "I'm on maternity leave, so I have a temp to fill in for me here at the bakery. And yet, I can't stay away. I'm too fond of sweets."
"You make the most amazing cakes," Miranda said, putting the rest of her snowball into her mouth.
"How was May 17 at the hotel?" Emmelin inquired.
Once again, she had to recount the janitor's indifference and Vera's consternation.
"Vera likes traditional," Emmelin said. "She always has."
"But she was positive about the bakery and Lombardi's. Wasn't that what you told me, Sara?" Bettina looked up from the cinnamon bun.
"Absolutely. She always says there's room for everyone."
"Does anyone know if the eateries were busy?" Miranda was curious about their answer.
"Oh yes, that day every place is fully booked. Not a vacant seat to be had anywhere." Emmelin knew all about this.
"Hmm, it was quiet at the hotel. Do people find it too far to walk?" She eyed the others.
"How weird." Perplexed, Sara looked at her. "It doesn't take long to walk out to the hotel, but nowadays folks take their cars even on short distances."
Miranda smiled. Sara preferred to walk everywhere, to save a few calories for later treats.
"Yes, it doesn't add up. We even had a special menu for the day. But let's talk about something else." She wanted to leave all her problems behind for a while and enjoy the cakes and the company. And get to know the girls better. It felt good to make friends. Life in Oslo had been too busy for social activities. She'd traveled a lot in her job and had spent the rest of her time with her family. Having some alone-time was nice. Not to mention thinking of Gabriel and the intense kiss they'd shared the previous day. Whatever had come over her?
24
Miranda sat at the bottom of the conference table. They'd discussed operations for an hour already, and she started summarizing. "The new home economist arrives tomorrow. It'll mean calmer days for Celine and Nadia, who have been a great help after Olivia left. Thanks, Celine." She smiled at her sister. Without her help and support, things would have been much more chaotic. She'd made a super effort, despite it all being unknown to her.
"The conference department seems to be up and running. The first few events were a great success. A few hitches, but it's all under control. We're expecting several conferences in the coming weeks, but when summer sets in it'll be quiet. Luckily, we've got bookings from the end of August and through fall. So that department is running splendidly."
Miranda paused and poured a glass of sparkling water. "We have some challenges in the restaurant. The food is divine, but the locals are missing. Fortunately, we have plenty of bookings at the hotel. Most guests choose to eat dinner here, but we need to figure out how to get the folks on board.
"Likewise, the spa department has similar issues. We have room for many guests, but few have stopped by. I'll think about how to attract more visitors. We won't see many spa guests before fall, but the outdoor areas are alluring for day outings. I'll keep working on it."
"How are things with you, Isabella?"
"The flower and gift sales greatly depend on the number of conferences we have. The participants like to stop by and buy gifts to take home. We make numerous flower arrangements and bouquets for the meeting rooms. But I'd also hoped to see more of the locals."
Miranda nodded. "That's another issue we have to deal with." She glanced at Jasmine, who was admiring her nails, bored to the bone. Miranda found it difficult to look at her younger sister, as the image of her with Vidar popped up every time. Jasmine had already been to the bathroom to throw up, of which she'd informed everyone when she returned, without giving a thought to them having lunch. The only comfort was that Vidar wasn't present. The janitor didn't have anything to do at this meeting.
Her gaze went to Gabriel, and the room felt exceedingly hot. She'd tried to forget their kiss, the kiss that had lasted way too long and been far too sweet. She'd managed to suppress the thought for several minutes, before giving up. It was impossible not to dwell on what had happened between them. The worst part was that she wouldn't say no to another kiss either, and she wasn't proud of it. She was still married and should spend her time more constructively. Her focus should be on how to rekindle the proper feelings for Vidar. They needed to sit down tonight and have a serious discussion about their future.
***
It was the weekend and calm had finally descended upon the living room. Vidar's bike session was over. He came in freshly shaved and took a seat in the armchair, ready for today's newspaper. Miranda tried to concentrate on her manuscript but gave up and left her laptop on the table. Instead, she sat thinking, with a glass of wine in her hand. What if Vidar hadn't been working out at all, but had been with Olivia or Jasmine these last three hours? He'd assured her the affairs were over, but what guarantee did she have that he was telling the truth? He'd gone behind her back previously, without her having the faintest suspicion. Why should things be any different now? They spent so little time together that he had all the time in the world to care for his own interests and acquaintances. Her faith in Vidar was wearing thin, and trust was the foundation of their marriage. How would she ever manage to trust him again? Was it even possible? They'd hardly talked to each other lately. Their feeble attempts at conversation soon turned into bickering. She felt provoked by his careless attitude to what had happened. It was as if he didn't quite get what he'd done. He was sorry, all right. He'd asked for another chance several times. But did he regret having an affair with the other women, or just the fact that he'd been discovered? It looked like it was because he'd been caught while going at it, but it was impossible for anyone but Vidar to know. So, she was back to square one. Uncertainty was about to kill the last dying embers of their marriage. It was terribly frustrating. She'd make a fresh attempt at understanding him.
"Vidar, how do you feel things are at home now? With us, I mean."
He looked up from his paper, somewhat puzzled. "We're fine. If I had access to your bedroom, it would be even better. It's about all that's missing."
Flabbergasted, she stared at him. Did he really think it was that straightforward? Just forget everything and start from scratch as if nothing had happened? She nearly laughed at the thought. He had a simple way of thinking. But then it wasn't Vidar who was suffering, apart from the
unwanted pregnancy, which was inconvenient.
"Did you cut all contact with Olivia and Jasmine?"
He glanced at her uneasily. "Of course. I told you so. Do you think I'm interested in another baby?"
"A bit late for regrets. The child might very well be yours." She felt agitated just by thinking about it, and the momentous betrayal.
"Don't invite trouble. As long as no one knows whose child it is, worrying about it now is a waste of time."
What a superficial attitude. It must be nice being so relaxed about everything. Well, Vidar could speak for himself. Miranda was anything but relaxed. She realized continuing the conversation was to no avail. They were as far apart as it was possible to get, and she didn't know how to handle the conflict. That is, how she should deal with it, because Vidar's problems were solved, for now.
***
Miranda had received a rather odd invitation. Elvira had invited her children for tea. Only her children, without spouses or grandkids. Celine wasn't invited to this tea party, either, but that was understandable. Elvira had not welcomed William's offspring with open arms. She hadn't done anything to get to know Celine or her daughter, not counting inviting them to Neil's dinner. She had, admittedly, accepted them, and kudos to her for doing so, but she didn't feel the need to learn more about them, like Miranda, Isabella and Kitty did.
They strolled together through the center and out to the hotel. Sofie had been invited to Anneli's today, and Noah had finally agreed to test his bike with his father. Vidar had long hoped to have a buddy to practice with. So everyone appeared to be in a good mood today.
"Where did the sun go?" Isabella asked. It was overcast but mild, being the end of May.
"It'll improve tomorrow. At least the temperature is pleasant. Look, several boats are out at sea already."
"We've never been a boating family, but it does look tempting."
"There's something peaceful and relaxing about the boat life," said Miranda.
"I wonder why Mom has called for us. It's been years since she invited anyone."
"She's never been a mother hen. More like a peacock with flapping wings when she felt her freedom was threatened."
"I'm so glad we have Kitty," Isabella said. "Whatever would we do without her?"
"Beats me. She's a little eccentric and interferes constantly, but I do love her." She smiled to herself, thinking of her grandma.
"Me too. What do you make of Neil?"
"Seems like a nice guy. I think he's just what Mom needs. If only we could persuade her to get married."
"Do you think that's why they've invited us? For him to pop the question?" Isabella started laughing.
Miranda joined in. "It's impossible to know."
Angels and adornments from the powers above decorated Elvira's coffee table. Miranda didn't know what it all represented and had given up trying to figure it out. Both the table and the decorations were white, the tray with vegan banana and date cookies likewise. It appeared to be the only refreshments today, and she regretted not eating before she came. She knew her mother well enough to know they wouldn't leave on full stomachs.
Elvira poured herbal tea into their cups and seemed relatively happy. Neil sat beside her with an expectant expression on his face.
"Is it safe for my baby to drink this? I've quit drinking tea and coffee now that I'm pregnant, you know. I won't take any chances." Jasmine looked at her mother questioningly.
No, you took your chances long ago, Miranda thought bitterly. It was tough sitting here with her sister, knowing that her baby might be Vidar's. She'd avoided Jasmine as best she could lately, but today she had no choice. They were compelled to be friendly to each other, although her sister didn't seem to have any problems with that. Jasmine behaved as usual, without giving a thought to how Miranda felt about being in the same room as her. In fact, without thinking of anyone but herself.
"Of course it's safe to drink the herbal tea, Jasmine. It's decaffeinated and has mint and fennel. I've made it myself." Elvira placed the teapot on the table.
"Very well. But I'll keep off sugar. It can't be healthy for the fetus. I've tried to give up social smoking too, but it's easier said than done. Luckily I don't party that often."
Miranda nearly choked on the date cookie. Was it so hard to keep certain things to herself? It was as if Jasmine did it on purpose to hurt Miranda even more, but it was probably due to pure thoughtlessness.
"Sounds reasonable. How did you like the cookie, Tony? I haven't baked them before." Elvira watched her son.
"Delicious. Just what I like."
His mother looked at him, pleased. "You can take some with you when you leave, honey."
Miranda rolled her eyes. There'd always been a special bond between mother and son, since they both were vegetarians.
"Did you start without me?" Kitty entered with King in her arms.
"The tea would have gone cold, otherwise," Elvira said, as if it would have been an issue to wait a couple of minutes until everyone had arrived.
"You're looking pretty, Kitty," Isabella said, relieving her of the dog, who started licking her hand. "You're all light green today."
Kitty guffawed. "Hope is green. Isn't that what they say? I'm hoping for summer soon."
"We all do," said Isabella. "It won't be long until the beach is full of people. The restaurant has already started outdoor service."
"How long are you staying here, Neil?" Tony studied the Scotsman's ruddy face.
"I'm not sure. I'd hoped to persuade your mother to come with me to Edinburgh but haven't succeeded."
Tony nodded but didn't say anything.
So why were they here, if not for a proposal? Miranda didn't get it.
"I'm fine here in Solvik," Elvira said, patting Neil on his cheek. "You can stay as long as you wish."
"But you don't want a ring?" He looked at her mischievously and didn't seem at all insulted.
Elvira's face took on the same shade as her flowery red hibiscus dress. "I need more time to think this through."
"Don't ponder too long," Kitty advised, helping herself to a date cookie. "I almost took too long and nearly lost my dear Freddy. Patience wasn't his strongest suit. Far from it."
"I thought that was why we're all here," Isabella said. "For an announcement."
"You're right. There's a reason we invited you." Elvira sipped her tea and looked at Neil. "Would you like to say it?"
"I think it's best you tell them."
Elvira looked at them hesitantly, as they were used to seeing her. "Right."
Miranda curiously awaited what was coming. It had to be something crucial to invite them here.
"As you know, Neil and I have known each other for years. What you don't know... is that Jasmine is Neil's daughter."
A collective gasp went through the living room. All eyes were on Jasmine, who was paralyzed by the news. Miranda stared at her closely and suddenly got why Neil seemed familiar. They had the same blue eyes, and their skin was pale and Nordic.
Jasmine's hormones were doing somersaults and her eyes brimmed with tears she tried to blink away. Bewildered, she looked at Neil. "I don't know what to say."
"I understand, and I know this comes as a shock." Neil smiled warmly at Jasmine. "I guess we should never have been together, your mother and I. We were both married at the time. But the love between us was exceptional. And you, Jasmine, are the proof. You're our love child."
Such a statement made Jasmine's tears spill over and run down her cheeks. She sniffled loudly.
"Oh my, this is more intrigue than my dear Freddy ever managed to create through an entire life," Kitty announced and helpfully handed Jasmine a handkerchief. "But that means you're not my granddaughter." Astonished, she looked at Jasmine. "It's strange to think, I must say."
Jasmine started crying even more when she realized the implication of Kitty's words.
"Unfortunately, I don't have grandparents to offer you," Neil said in a solemn voice. "They're no long
er alive."
"But you've got us," Elvira comforted, placing her arm around her youngest daughter.
"And you have me," Kitty said, laughing to lighten the atmosphere. "We'll continue as if nothing has happened."
Jasmine smiled gratefully through her tears and hugged her.
Miranda stood. "We'll let you get to know your father better." She looked at Jasmine, who nodded her consent. The others followed suit.
"I'm still in shock," Isabella said when they left the hotel. "To think Jasmine's our half-sister. Who would've thought?"
"Maybe it's not that weird," Miranda said. "Thinking about it, I can tell how different she is from the rest of us. Not just by looks, but also by personality. We're all determined and ambitious, although in various ways. Sure, Tony's spent his life seeking other forms of self-development, but still. Jasmine's an entirely different type. Had it not been for Dad practically forcing her to take this job, she'd still be unemployed. She's no go-getter, there's no drive."
"And William isn't even her father. Do you think he knew?" Isabella eyed her curiously.
She couldn't help but laugh. The entire situation was bizarre. "I've no idea. We should've asked Mom. But Dad wasn't much better himself. Celine is the living proof."
"What a mess. And you wonder why I'm single?"
***
When Jasmine took the bus back home that night, her head felt ready to explode. It had been an emotional afternoon, not least due to her hormones running riot inside. She was mightily fed up with the mood swings, and her pregnancy had barely started. How would it be when her tummy grew to the size of a hippo, and she was all alone with the responsibility of herself and the unborn child? She hoped Hugo wouldn't abandon her. He hadn't been overjoyed by the news of her being with child. She'd been extremely disappointed about his reaction. Hugo was her everything, but it didn't seem to be reciprocated. Not to the same extent, anyway. But then, he already had a family, so maybe it wasn't to be expected.
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