Matters of the Heart

by Helen Colella

  After hanging up the phone and straightening up the office, she tucked the loose papers into the envelope with the contracts, carried them into the kitchen, and tossed everything into her catch-all-basket. “Later,” she said. “Right now, I’ve got to plan something for dinner.”

  She decided to make one of Nick’s favorite comfort foods—meatloaf, mashed potatoes, coleslaw and brownies for dessert and serve it picnic-style in front of the fireplace with candles and a nice Merlot. She busied herself the rest of the afternoon getting everything ready—food, china, crystal wine glasses, silverware, candles and a red-checkered tablecloth.

  Ah, the perfect snowy day indoor picnic.

  With everything ready, she took a bubble bath, put on her favorite green cashmere sweater and black jeans. Downstairs in the family room, she checked the time. Six-thirty. I wonder why Nick hasn’t called. Probably on his way. She stoked the fire, put on some classical music and curled up on the sofa with a book. “Now, Nick Dalton, the rest is up to you.”

  It wasn’t long before she drifted off to sleep.

  When Amanda woke at nine-forty-five with a shiver, she went to check the phone, and noticed the blinking answering machine. Two messages. Must have come in when she was in the bath.

  First playback said, “Amanda, it’s almost six o’clock. Where are you? If I know you, you’re sitting in a nice hot bubble bath getting all foo-fooed up for me.” She smiled. “Called to say I’m staying at the condo tonight. Roads are too bad to travel up the mountain. I should be able to get everything done in the next hour or so. My cell is losing power. Call you in morning. Love ya. Guess who.”

  Second playback said, “Hi, Amanda. It’s Charles. Just calling to let you know the Italian Farmhouse had an unusually busy day. Seems everyone’s out four wheeling and playing in the snow. And about you and Nick, it is great news. Congrats! Sarah and I both wish you all the happiness there is to have. Give her a call. She’s dying to hear all the details. See you tomorrow.”

  Disappointed that Nick hadn’t made it to her surprise picnic, she decided to leave it setup for tomorrow night. This food goes into the fridge, it’ll keep. She wandered into the kitchen, warmed up a bowl of soup, then meandered back to the family room to watch the late news on TV.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Back at the condo, Nick had just settled in for the night when he heard the click of a key in the front door. He scrambled about, putting on one of the robes Phil kept for guests.

  When he got to the living room, there in the foyer stood a dripping, shivering, snow-covered Jennifer Harmon.

  She removed her coat and boots. “Ugh! I can’t believe this storm. I’m soaked all the way through to my bones.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  “Seeking refuge from the storm. You?”

  “Working.” He stood motionless.

  “Listen, Nick, I’ve got to get out of these wet clothes. Is there anything of Nancy’s around I can change into?”

  He shrugged. “I have no clue about that, but there’s a lady’s robe in the guest bedroom.”

  “That’s right. I forgot they keep a few amenities here for their guests. We’ll talk after I jump in the shower and get warm.” She pointed at and rushed toward the bathroom.

  Nick quickly stepped out of her way and said, “Looks like you’ve been here before.”

  “Uh huh.”

  The door clicked shut, and the shower water started. The door opened. Jen stuck her head out and called out to him. “Nicky, be a sweetheart and brew me up a cup of hot tea.”

  He threw his hand up in the air. Typical Jen. Barking orders.

  She followed with, “Pleeese.”

  He meandered into the kitchen.

  “Sure,” he mumbled. “Anything else? Maybe a seven-course dinner?”

  Within minutes, Jennifer sat sipping her tea. “This is a nasty storm. Bet it breaks some kind of record.”

  She avoided direct eye contact with him.

  Nick agreed then asked, “But what are you doing here? How did you get a key?”

  “You sound annoyed, Nicky. Aren’t you glad to see me?”

  “It’s always a pleasure seeing you, Jennifer,” he added with a weak smile.

  “Kind of like old times. You and I caught in a storm. Remember how we’d pass the time and then make breakfast together?”

  “That was a lifetime ago, Jen. We both know what a mistake those days were, and we’ve both moved on. Remember?”

  “Ah, yes—the lovely redhead.”

  “Yes, the lovely Amanda Conifer.” A warm tingle spread through him at the sound of his mentioning her name. But,” he persisted. “You still haven’t answered my questions.”

  “Well, if you must know, I happen to have a key.” She smiled. “And here I am.”

  “You have a key? How’d you manage that?”

  “Phil gave it to me and said I could stay anytime it wasn’t being used.”

  “But it’s being used, by me.”

  She walked about the kitchen gathering crackers, cheese and utensils to make a snack. “I didn’t plan on this tonight. What’s your story?”

  “Business to take care before he gets back from Las Vegas.”

  “Oh, that’s right. He and his little wifey are off on holiday. He never mentioned anyone would be here. I thought it’d be a safe place. Out of the storm and all.”

  “I’d ask why Phil ever gave you a key to begin with, but it’s none of my business.”

  “You got that right, but if you must know, it’s just a courtesy. He knows I like to spend time in the city and don’t always like to drive home if it’s late. Tonight, the storm threw a wrench into my plans, so I just came on over.” She looked up at him. “What can I say?”

  “What happened to you? Run into a door?” No one could miss the black eye.

  “That’s exactly what happened. My laundry room door, to be precise, decided to greet me when I wasn’t ready. I piled too many clothes into a basket and misjudged where I was going. Clunk!”

  He sensed Jennifer was making light of the situation, but her nervous laugh revealed more than what she’d said. More because of what he suspected might have happened.

  “If you’re in need of help, Jennifer, I’d—”

  “I don’t need you to help me,” she snapped, interrupting him. “I’m fine.”

  “Just offering to be a friend.”

  “Okay. Thanks.” Her voice raised a few octaves. “A drink or two too many and, bam! This is what happened, nothing more, my friend. Could happen to anyone, right?”

  He shrugged but doubted the explanation. His suspicions focused on Amanda’s assessment of Michael Tremont and what he was capable of doing. What has Jennifer gotten herself into?

  Jen was quick to change the subject. “How is the lovely Amanda these days?

  “All is good. Mandy is just fine. Business is flourishing.” He raised his hands to indicate the conversation had ended. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve had a busy day, and I’m turning in.”

  “Sounds good to me.” Jennifer sauntered next to him, linked arms, and purred like a kitten. “Want company?”

  He broke free from her hold. “You’re too much, Jen.” He walked toward the guestroom. “I’m in here. You take the master bedroom.”

  He shut the door behind him.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Clear roads, cold air and the blanket of snow covering the countryside after the short-lived blizzard of last week made the drive up the mountain exceptionally pleasant for Nick and Amanda. The sprinkling of Christmas lights and season decorations added to the festivity of going to have dinner with the Bristol family.

  Amanda felt a little apprehensive about the dinner. “I’m odd man out. You’re all old friends.”

  “Not to worry. They’re very personable, a real fun couple. They’ll make you feel like they’ve known you forever.” He wrapped his arm around her neck and pulled her close. “They’re going to be as crazy about y
ou as me.” After a quick smooch, he added, “Well, almost as much. No one could love you as much as I do.”

  “I promise I’ll be on my best behavior. Just for you.”

  To lessen her uneasiness, he came up with the idea to play a little game. “Let’s rate the decorations, one to ten, and give individual critiques of the holiday displays and tell how we’d do them differently if it were our house.”

  Most times, their assessments matched, and in no time, they had reached their destination.

  He cautioned her. “Remember, Phil’s a little different. He sometimes reverts to our college days. He’s totally harmless but has a tendency to take control of things.”

  “I’m ready for anything.” She laughed. “How bad can he be?” Before Nick answered, she continued. “Look at all these cars. One of their neighbors must be having a holiday gathering.”

  “’Tis the season,” he said while humming “Deck the Halls.”

  Laughing, she covered her ears, crinkled up her face, and shook her head.

  He immediately pulled her hat down over her face.

  They reached the front porch, rang the bell, and waited.

  “Are we the only ones coming for dinner?”

  He kissed the tip of her nose. “As far as I know, we are. Why? Still nervous? You’re going to be delightfully surprised. Trust me.”

  He scooped her close. In the middle of his tender, reassuring kiss, the door opened.

  “Oops! Did I come at a bad time? Should I close the door and come back in a few minutes?” A young Robert Redford-looking-type bellowed. Then grinning as if he’d uncovered a big secret, he patted Nick on the shoulder.

  Nick laughed and shook hands with his friend. “We couldn’t wait for the mistletoe. You do have some, don’t you?”

  “Of course, but obviously, it’s not much of a necessity for you two,” Phil quipped back. Then before Nick could formally introduce Amanda, he stepped toward Amanda and gave her a welcoming hug. “I’m happy to finally meet the girl who took Nick Dalton off the playing field. This will go down in history.”

  “Easy there, buddy. We’re not back in the fraternity house when you thought because you were an upper classman, you could just step in and take over, you know.”

  “Hope you don’t mind, Amanda. It’s just that we’re not shy around here.” Phil howled with laughter. “Come in. Come in.”

  Once inside, she got a better look at Phil when he brushed a few strands of hair back from his forehead, and she wondered why he looked so familiar.

  He took their coats, hung them in the entry hall closet, and turned back to her. “Any fiancée of Nick’s is a friend of mine.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek, congratulated her and then called out, “They’re here, Nance!”

  The tall, lanky blonde-haired woman, dressed in a long black skirt and red cashmere sweater, glided down the hallway. She flashed a million dollar smile to welcome Amanda then followed up with a warm hug.

  “Finally, we meet. And I must say you are perfect for our dear friend here. He’s lucky to have met you.” She led them toward the back of the house. “We’ve all been waiting for you in the family room.”

  Amanda glanced at a bewildered Nick and mouth a silent “we.”

  “Since we have a few friends in common, I thought we’d celebrate your engagement together. Hope you don’t mind.” Nancy winked at Nick, squeezed Amanda’s hand, and led the way.

  The house glistened with white twinkle lights and golden decorations, from angels to ribbons. At the door of the family room, she could see out into the backyard. Twinkle lights lit a pathway around a small pond. As she entered, she spotted the fifteen-foot Christmas tree across the room. It, too, had been decorated in gold and white.

  “This is like a fairyland,” she whispered to Nick. “And what did she mean ‘all waiting’ for us?”

  He shrugged, shook his head, and smiled nervously. “Haven’t got a clue.”

  Within seconds, the room filled with people. Cheers and best wishes rang out for the newlyweds-to-be. Tears welled in Amanda’s eyes. Totally overwhelmed, she searched for Nick’s hand and held on for staying power. When she caught her breath, she scanned the group of people who’d gathered around them. She couldn’t believe who she saw.

  Monica and Jeff approached them. “It was to be a surprise.”

  Sarah and Charles came next. “We promised not to tell you.”

  Uncle Jack offered his congratulations. “Your grandfather would be thrilled and happy for you and Nick, sweetheart, just as I am. I wish you both nothing but happiness.”

  He hugged her and shook Nick’s hand.

  An older man she didn’t recognize spoke to her. “I’m Phil Bristol, Senior. It’s a pleasure to meet the future Mrs. Dalton.” He took her hand and added, “I knew your grandfather. An impressive, respectable businessman and a longtime friend.”

  A strange sensation flooded her. This was the father and son in the fishing picture with Poppy. Talk about a small world. All these connections were getting a bit weird. Her equilibrium teetered, and her breathing accelerated when Jennifer Harmon sauntered up to Nick and plastered a solid lip-lock on him.

  “Congrats, Nicky. I guess the better ‘woman’ won.” Amanda didn’t pay too much attention to that little dramatic scene. She was more interested in seeing who accompanied Jennifer. Was Michael Tremont here? After a while, when assured he wasn’t there, she sighed with relief and set out to enjoy the surprise party.

  How did this intimate, get acquainted dinner become an official engagement party? She stood speechless and stunned. Nothing to do but go with the flow. They were captured guests. Absolutely amazing. Absolutely terrifying.

  Nancy had arranged a catered supper for the surprise celebration from one of her favorite Greek restaurants in Denver. Along with a variety of wines, the spread included lentil soup, salad, lemon-rosemary lamb with roasted potatoes and spinach. An overwhelming quantity of Ouzo, coffee and pastries topped off the festivities.

  As the evening progressed, Nick noticed her uneasiness. “What is it, Amanda?”

  “I don’t know. I just have this strange feeling.”

  “Probably nerves. This ‘bombshell’ of a party took me by surprise, too.” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Do you want to leave?”

  “No, of course not. Let’s enjoy being with our family and friends. We can talk later on the way home.”

  Charles and Sarah shared similar feelings again. Then, true to form, Charles told Nick, “You better take good care of her, Nick. You know how much she means to me. And I’d be a formidable force to deal with if you weren’t.”

  Sarah nudged him hard. “Charlie, what are you talking about? Amanda is not your responsibility. Haven’t you learned that yet? Don’t you understand she can take care of herself and that Nick is the main man in her life?”

  Exasperated, she looked to Amanda. “I thought I got through to him.” Then to Charles, she said, “She’s in good hands now. You can let go, Charlie. Just let go.”

  They all laughed.

  “Okay. It’s just that since Pete’s been gone, I…,” he paused and drifted off into a private thought so intense, it quieted them all.

  Nick broke the silence. “There’s nothing to worry about, Charles.” He extended his hand.

  With a quick nod, Charles accepted and made the obligatory handshake. “Peace.”

  After dinner and dessert, everyone returned to the family room for drinks. Amanda strolled out to the garden area to admire the festive decorations. She couldn’t see the two people she heard talking but did recognize the voices of Phil and his father. She turned to leave so as not to be caught eavesdropping, but when she heard a tidbit about Poppy from the younger Bristol, she didn’t budge.

  “If only Pete Russo had been willing to play ball with us. It’d have all been a different game. Everyone would be living and well on their way to a life of affluence and luxury only offered to a handful of people.”

 
Her heart pounded. Her stomach churned. Poppy? Living? An involuntary immobilization blocked her from taking even one step. The hushed conversation continued.

  “Charles is still reluctant to cooperate. Jennifer and Michael are useless. What’s next?”

  “I know it’s still a gamble. But like Jack said in Vegas, the yield is immeasurable.”

  “Too much has happened to not go forward from here.”

  “I agree and think we’ll, rather Harbor Corp and its associates, are going to come out on top.”

  “Look how things have taken a turn in our favor.”

  “You mean Nick. Yes, he seems to have been our ace-in-the-hole, all along.”

  Nothing they said made sense to her, but that strange, overwhelming feeling that trouble was brewing resurfaced, this time with an unusual intensity. She had to get out of here. She dashed back into the house to find Nick with their words swirling through her mind.

  Poppy. Living. Charles. Jennifer. Michael. Harbor Corp. Gamble. Nick. This was surreal, confusing, overwhelming. And how did Nick’s connection with this strange conglomeration of people fit into the deepening mystery?

  By the time she found Nick in the kitchen talking to Jennifer, the pain of a major migraine had made its presence known. He had his back turned to the doorway so he couldn’t see her approach. Jen, on the other hand, took advantage of the situation. She leaned toward Nick and kissed him smack on the lips, a habit she’d seemed to acquire. Then like a sly fox said, “Oh, hi, Amanda. I was just offering my personal congratulations to my old friend. Right, Nicky?”

  He spun around and wiped his mouth on his shirtsleeve. Jen’s bright lipstick streaked and stained his shirt. His lips tightened. He closed his eyes and shook his head.

  Amanda didn’t expect an explanation. She saw through Jennifer’s maneuvers but couldn’t understand why the girl bothered. She didn’t need this on top of everything else right now. But the woman had stepped into the wrong territory tonight, and she was not in the mood to let it go.

  “Oh, for Heaven’s sake, Jen, you two have known each other for a long time. Why would I think it were anything else other than one friend showing happiness for another?” She linked arms with Nick.