The Battered Heiress Blues

18





Gabe woke us for dinner. Mattie instantly became full on ready for play. He gathered his shells, jammed them into his pockets, and darted from the room.

“Any sign of Kate?” I inquired.

“Not yet,” he responded with a great deal of apprehension.

“Henry gone?”

“Good luck with that,” he replied, ever the smart ass.

“Kate hasn’t come and Henry won’t leave. What ever will we do?”

“You missed the fireworks. He and your dad had it out. He quit.”

“Who quit?” I asked, astonished at the prospect.

“John ordered him back to New York so Henry resigned his position with Spencer Industries.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah. I’m no fan of Henry Walker, but that’s pretty gutsy. He said that he would only leave if you asked him to go.”

“Goodnight then. Have a great meal. Lock the door on your way out.”

“Nice try. You can’t hide out here forever. He’s not going anywhere. If you want him gone, just tell him so. You won’t hear any complaints from me.”

“Where is he?”

“Tommy is taking pity on him. They’re watching football.”

“I’m starving,” I said, hearing the rumbling coming from my stomach.

“I swear…you can eat through any emotion.”

“True. That smells delicious, though. What’s Momma Martin making?”

“Your favorites- fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and homemade buttermilk biscuits.”

“And desert.”

“Fruit,” he cautioned, knowing I’d be disappointed.

“Because I’m fat?” I asked solemnly.

“Because you’re fat.”

“Okay, fair enough.”

We made our way downstairs. Henry came into view as my foot hit the bottom step. He was in the drawing room, alone, reading John’s newspaper on the couch. I walked by him, without acknowledging his presence and proceeded into the kitchen. John looked happy helping Ms. Martin fry the chicken in the cast iron skillet. Sounds of oil popping gave cause to locate Mattie. Tommy had him in the television room watching the History Channel. The program was on the space shuttle and it seemed to capture his attention. Asking if I could help was immediately dismissed. With the last batch of chicken draining on the brown paper bags and the biscuits removed from the oven, we were all called to come into the kitchen for a casual meal.

Gabe and I were already seated when the others made their way to the table. I quickly solicited Mattie to sit by me which meant that Tommy and Henry would have to be paired across from us. John sat next to Mattie at the head of the table and Gabe’s mom mirrored him on the other end. Ms. Martin called after Henry who entered sheepishly, looking around to determine his seating options. With only two options left, he practically pushed past Tommy to take the empty chair near Ms. Martin. Sitting next to my father would have been far too risky with their earlier squabble.

Ms. Martin took the lead in ascertaining food preferences and filling plates. Gabe and I had already piled on our food while we had to wait for Henry to grace us with his presence. She prepared Mattie’s first, asking me to cut the chicken off the bone for him. I made steady progress cutting the meat into little pieces as she turned her attention to Henry.

“What piece of chicken do you prefer, Henry?” she asked.

Before he could answer, I opened my mouth, causing Tommy’s tea to practically come out of his nose. He just about aspirated the drink into his lungs.

“He’s a breast man, Ms. Martin,” I interjected.

Henry wasn’t amused. He shot me that belittling look of great disappointment which I sent back with a bit of a cracked smile attached; proud to have gotten under his skin.

“Don’t be cheeky, Jewels. I’ll take the wings, please, Ms. Martin. Thank you,” he answered politely.

“Some green beans?” she asked.

“Please,” he replied.

“How about some mashed potatoes? They’re a little looser than usual, but…”

“The looser the better for him, Ms. Martin,” I spouted, unable to stifle my angst.

Before I knew it, my plate was being lifted above my head. Gabe was taking it out to the brick porch, knowing I’d follow the food. The fork I was holding was still full of mashed potatoes.

“We’re going to eat outside,” he said with a smile, trying not to laugh.

“I’ll join you,” John dryly added, lifting his plate and utensils to follow us.

“It’s December. It’s cold out there,” Tommy cautioned.

“I’ll turn on the patio heater. She’ll be warm enough. Enjoy your meal,” Gabe replied.

Even my father got a good laugh out of my commentary. I was on fire, for the time being. I knew Tommy would reprimand my behavior later as being unchristian like, but I planned on getting as much mileage out of humiliating Henry as possible. I wondered how he liked it- feeling vulnerable and wounded. The shoe was finally on the other foot.

Retreating to the drawing room after the meal, I laid back on the couch, closing my eyes as I enjoyed the songs of Christmas. Just as I was zoning out, he approached.

“We need to talk,” Henry demanded.

“About?”

“About this entire situation.”

“Why don’t you open your Christmas gift first? We always used to open one on Christmas Eve,” I said. “Remember?”

I leaned forward and took the FedEx pouch I’d brought downstairs for opening in the morning. The pouch contained one envelope. I’d left Gabe’s envelope upstairs on my bedside table, assuming he’d join Tommy and me in watching our traditional Christmas movie. I pulled it out and handed it to Henry.

“What’s this?” he asked, confused.

“It’s your Christmas present- open it,” I demanded as I pushed the envelope into his chest. I sat back against the pillows on the couch and put my feet up on the coffee table as he read its contents.

“You’re giving me the deed to the cottage and its five surrounding acres, along with a cashier’s check for $500,000? I don’t understand.”

“Oops, wrong envelope. That’s for Gabe. They must have gotten switched. Your envelope must be up in my room.”

“That property is waterfront Jewels. It’s worth millions. What if he sells it and you have someone living on top of you that you don’t like? You just can’t give away expensive assets like that. It’s irresponsible. You could easily get five million for that land.”

“It all comes back to money for you, doesn’t it?” I noted, waiting for an answer that would support his position.

“People don’t throw away their assets like this. You’ve only known Gabe for a little under a year and you’re essentially writing him a check for five million dollars. That’s crazy. And the money…”

“It’s crazy to someone like you who is chasing his tail trying to turn a penny into a quarter. Gabe cares about people. He has no use for my money. That’s why it’s a pleasure to give it to him because he doesn’t want it. He doesn’t expect it. He’s just happy punching a clock and making an honest living. He’s happy with his life, making a modest salary. He accepts his position with joy, placing importance on people rather than power.”

“So, he’s everything I’m not?”

“He was there for me while you were banging Tricia. When I was bleeding and thought that Emma Grace was lost to me, Gabe was my strength. He and his mom have waited on me hand and foot. They’ve become my family. Mattie is essentially my nephew. I love them. They love me. They’ll still be standing at my side once you’re long gone. Hard working, good-natured, Southern folk don’t desert a friend in need. Giving them the cottage and land means that he doesn’t have to worry about providing a place for Mattie to grow up. It means that he can put his money into treatments and specialists for his son instead of rent or a mortgage. Your envelope is upstairs. I’ll give it to you in the morning. I’m tired. I’m going to bed.”

“Well I can hardly wait to see mine, big spender. What did you get for me?” he quipped, trying to bait me.

“Oh I think you’ll be pleased,” I replied. “It’s what you’ve always wanted.”

Ms. Martin sent me packing to bed with a goblet full of fruit. Gabe was good enough to sneak some whipped cream and chocolate sauce up to me. He brought Mattie by my room to say goodnight. They usually stayed in the main house, but the addition of Henry as a visitor got under Gabe’s skin. He also didn’t want to stumble upon Kate without warning. The cottage provided a safe haven. He knew that I would call with any news, allowing him time to collect his thoughts.

Mattie and I talked about Santa coming in the morning. He didn’t seem to understand, but I knew he would go nuts over the gifts; especially the telescope I had installed down at the beach. I gave him a big squeeze before he broke free and ran out of the room. Gabe slid closer to me.

“Are you sure that you can’t stay and watch the Griswold’s’ with us- it’s tradition?” I begged.

“I better get him home. Santa will not come if you’re awake, you know?”

“Speaking of Santa, he left something here for you.”

I reached inside the FedEx pouch and pulled out the envelope which Henry had mistakenly opened. Handing it to Gabe, I decided to pre-sell the reasons why I was giving him the gift so I didn’t have to stomach him declining the present.

“Before you say anything, I want you to know how special you and Mattie have become to me. You’re precious jewels; family, just like Tommy. I want you to have a place to call home, without struggling to make ends meet. Mattie’s medical expenses are huge. I’ve spoken to an architect about building a proper home for you boys- one with an environment that will help stimulate Mattie. He said that they can build your home and a guest house for your mom for the $500,000. You can pick out the plan that suits you best. The current cottage needs to be bull-dozed along with the memories it holds. It’s time to start fresh. Please say you’ll accept it. It’ll destroy me if you don’t.”

“I don’t know what to say, Julia. No one has ever given me a gift like this. It’s too much.”

“Say yes. You’re not even scratching the surface of my trust fund. The land is an asset. I have plenty more acres left. Please say yes. It will ensure that the next generation stays together. Emma Grace and Mattie are destined to be the best of friends- just like us.”

Gabe looked shocked. He was smiling, but speechless. After a few minutes of staring at the documents, he shook his head in agreement.

“One more thing…” I added.

“No more, Julia. You’re going to send me into cardiac arrest. This kind of stuff just doesn’t happen to commoners,” he said laughing in disbelief.

“Commoners? You’re a comedian. It’s for Mattie- not you.”

I opened the nightstand table and removed some papers that I had drawn up myself. Being a lawyer and having passed the Georgia Bar had come in handy for times like this.

“You’ve done enough for him,” he said.

“This is a trust account for Mattie. I don’t want you to worry about his future and any surmounting medical expenses. Since I’ve been stuck in bed so much, I have read about some good therapies that might help him. Traveling and treatments take money. You’ll have to pay doctor’s fees, hotels, airfare, food, rental cars…You can’t do it on a cop’s salary. Mattie deserves every opportunity. Now you can search them out and decide for yourself. Now you have the money to find your miracle. He’s starting to communicate. This is forward progress. I believe with all my heart that he’ll keep the momentum going with the correct therapy.”

Gabe’s eyes welled up with tears. One single droplet escaped before he could man up and wipe them away. He pulled me to him and held me, thanking me profusely for the gift of hope; the kind money can’t buy. We both knew that Mattie was perfect exactly as he was, but knowing he wanted to communicate had changed the game.

“I have to go before a Victoria’s Secret model comes out of your bathroom wearing a red bow,” he sniped.

“No worries with that. I hate those skinny bitches right now,” I replied as I dug into my fruit.

He stood up and headed for the door laughing.

“Hey, what did you get Mattie for Christmas,” I inquired.

“Just a dog,” he said smiling.

“That trumps my trinkets. Thanks a lot.”

“I know. Nothing beats a puppy; except maybe waterfront property, a house, and a trust account. See you in the morning my dear, crazy friend.”

Gabe and Mattie leaving made the house seem eerily still and quiet. I went to collect Tommy from his room for our annual “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” movie, but he was fast asleep. I didn’t have the heart to wake him. Life was changing for me at an alarming rate. Traditions were falling by the wayside and new traditions were being made. I was learning to be okay with that.

John stopped by to say goodnight before he retired for the evening. He was looking more tired than usual. We exchanged pleasantries and well wishes for a restful sleep. He hugged me again, and although it still felt awkward, I was getting addicted to his newfound desire to express himself through actions. Somehow, I knew my mom was pleased with both of us.

The addition of Henry to our family Christmas gathering had taken a lot out of me. My invisible wounds were starting to weep; the sadness was spilling out. With my father and brother asleep, I decided to follow their lead and rest before the excitement of Christmas morning captured my diminishing energy. After washing my face and changing into pajamas, I entered the bedroom. His reflection in the dresser mirror startled me. Henry was sitting in the recliner, staring.

“You scared me,” I gasped alarmed and perturbed. “Don’t you knock?”

“I didn’t know where to sleep,” he replied softly, realizing that the others were asleep.

“Not here. This house is full of couches- pick one. I’ll give you some linens and a pillow.”

Henry looked sullen and depressed. It wasn’t a look he wore well. He had always been the poster child for control and self-assuredness, but no longer. His eyes were sad. He put his head down into his hands for a brief minute, before collecting himself to face me. He was lost.

“Sorry…about whatever I did to make you so angry- even to the point of keeping the news of our daughter from me. You’re mad about Tricia. I get it, somewhat, but you asked me to leave, Jewels, or did you forget that? You didn’t want to work it out. You sent me back to New York to live without you. I simply tried to do what you asked. Listen, I don’t expect pity from you, but in the course of a day, I’ve discovered that I’m going to be a father, I’ve lost my job, something is wrong with our baby, and it’s clear that you want nothing more to do with me. I need a bit of time to get my bearings- not pity, just time. So, do you think it’s possible for you to withhold your insults and fury for one evening?”

When I go in for the kill, I typically forget to stop and assess the damage. I just plow forward until total and utter defeat is achieved. My aching heart had demanded his ruin, but the man before me was already a wreck. He was injured. I finally allowed myself to see that. Sitting down on the bed, I mustered up the empathy that the situation called for, answering his concerns point by point.

“I was wrong not to call you about our baby. There are other jobs out there for someone as talented and savvy as you. I’ll explain the pregnancy complications in detail so you understand what we’re facing. I don’t know what to say about us.”

He could tell that I was sending up the white flag of surrender. The baby’s life demanded that a truce exist between us, and hope, though suppressed, remained a part of my being. His response was to rise from the recliner and sit down next to me on the bed.

“How is our daughter? Why are you on bed rest? No one around here will give me a straight answer.”

“They’re just protecting my privacy. Everyone has been sworn to secrecy.”

“A job well done, I’d say.”

“I started bleeding during the second trimester. Dr. Brandon diagnosed me with having a complete placenta previa…”

“A what-?” he interrupted.

“Let me finish and then I’ll answer your questions as best I can. That means that the placenta has grown over the cervical opening- the birth canal. The baby’s delivery has to be planned. Having her try to be born vaginally would be disastrous. She’ll need to be delivered through cesarean section. During my last check-up, he said that the placenta had grown into the uterine wall. They will have to excise the placenta from the uterus very carefully to manage bleeding after they take her. Currently, we are just trying to get to thirty-six weeks to help allow time for her lungs to mature. That’s why I’m on bed rest.”

“What are the risks for you?”

“Hemorrhaging.”

“How can we be sure that she’ll wait and you won’t go into labor at home?”

“My exams have been okay and my blood pressures have been good. By scheduling the C-section at thirty-six weeks, we should be fine.”

“Should be?”

“Yes.”

“Why aren’t they keeping you at the hospital- just in case?”

“I don’t want to be at the hospital, Tru. I’m more comfortable here.”

“It’s too risky.”

“If I were at any great risk, Dr. Brandon wouldn’t agree to let me stay at home.”

“I can’t lose you or her.”

“Emma Grace will be fine. She’s a fighter.”

He grinned proudly. “My mom will be ecstatic to hear you named her granddaughter after her.”

“I know.”

“And us, Jewels? What’s to become of us? Do I live here? Do I buy a house close by? I don’t know how to be with you and be apart.”

“I don’t want to punish you. Yes. I did ask you to leave. I recall that night perfectly- every pain filled moment. I’ve thought of little else, confined to this bed day in and day out. We tried again and it didn’t work out.”

“You know, you have this insane ability to just move past people. Most others would drag around and be depressed, but you just pick yourself up and dust yourself off. You get on with it. You never wallow. There isn’t one person you couldn’t live without if you absolutely had to. Me? I’ve been a wreck, but you- one foot in front of the other.”

“Always,” I said proudly. “I run forward toward the next thing.”

“You’re not running toward anything. You’re running away. Don’t you realize that relationships are hard? It’s not supposed to be all sweet smiles and smooth sailing. You and I are very headstrong. We are going to disagree. We’re going to fight. Two passionate people together do not always equal peace and harmony. Where has this idea of perfection in relationships come from? You certainly didn’t have the example growing up with John. Tommy is married to the Church. Jackson was a bust. Why would you think that we’d never experience adversity?”

He made a good point. I was a runner. There were no arguments to be proffered in my defense. Relationships were hard and sometimes messy. Getting through the difficult patches was what made the love enduring. In my heart, I knew that, but in my mind, I still had this crazy idea of obtaining perfection. I couldn’t answer any of his questions. There were no adequate words. Instead, I just stared into his gorgeous eyes and became mute while he continued analyzing our situation.

“I’ve thought about this- a lot today, since no one except your brother would speak to me. In thinking about the words that were spoken that night, I was so wrong to imply that you were in any way responsible for Connor’s death. I wanted to hurt you as much as you were hurting me. I’m ashamed for saying that to you. I hope you can forgive me. I truly didn’t mean the words I spoke.”

He grabbed my hand from my lap and squeezed it tightly. With his other hand, he tilted my chin to his face so I had no choice, but to look in his eyes.

“The real sticking point in our relationship has always been the fact that I was working for your father. You were more upset about my job with Spencer Industries than anything else. I really believe that this whole mess is born out of the animosity that you and your father share. It’s a bloody game to you both. Our relationship became the casualty in this life long war with John. He wanted to take the thing you loved away to punish you and you sure as hell enjoyed knowing that I was forbidden fruit. Well…I don’t work for your father anymore. I chose you. You win.”

“You shouldn’t have done that for me. I can’t make you any promises. This probably isn’t the best time for you to be leaving anyway.”

“What does that mean?” he inquired curiously.

“It means that Emma Grace and I are not a package deal. You and I have trust issues. Regardless of how you ended up in New York, if you loved me so earnestly, Tricia wouldn’t have found her way into your bed. You wouldn’t have let that happen.”

“Tricia was a mistake. She was the result of a broken heart and too many drinks.”

“Alcohol isn’t a defense…and you were so quick to condemn me when you thought Jackson and I had slept together that night. Oh how the tide has turned. It’s not so black and white anymore, is it?”

“I’m a horrible person. Does that make you feel better?”

“Not really, no.”

“Good. You know, you’re every bit as horrible for not telling me about Emma Grace. Look, the bottom line is that I’ve chosen you. I’m choosing my daughter. Nothing else matters now.”

“You will always have your daughter, Tru- you have my word on that, but you should probably consider alternant living arrangements for after the baby is born. I’m sure this isn’t the time to house hunt with the business of the holiday season.”

“That’s it then?” he said frustrated.

“You need time to come to terms with all the changes in your life. I don’t want you falling back into a place of comfort just because it’s easy. My life has changed a lot since you left. I have a responsibility to Mattie- even if you don’t understand that connection. Gabe and I are the best of friends. He accepted my gift. They’ll be in my life forever. Our daughter and Mattie will grow up together. If you can’t get past your misplaced resentment for Gabe, then you and I have no future- not even as friends.”

“May I at least stay here, in this house, until Emma Grace is born?”

“Yes.”

With those words, the baby kicked so hard that I lost my breath. I winced. Henry flew into panic mode, throwing his arm around my back and scooting closer to me.

“What is it? What’s the matter?”

“Nothing. She’s kicking. Emma Grace always finds that one spot in my upper ribs to pound me. Here…let me have your hand,” I said sweetly trying to change the tone of our conversation.

Pulling up my pajama top and exposing my big fat belly took some bravery. I was huge. No matter how much cream I slathered on my abdomen night after night, I was still developing unsightly stretch marks. I grabbed Henry’s hand and placed it on my side. His touch was so warm and loving. I’d forgotten how much I missed our closeness.

“Wait. Be patient. She never stops with one wallop.”

He smiled and we sat with his hand on my belly waiting for her to answer her daddy’s voice. He finally moved to the floor and knelt down in front of me to take it all in. There was a lot of me to take in.

“Wow. Did you feel that?” he asked. “That was amazing.”

“Yeah. I felt that,” I replied laughing.

Unexpectedly, he leaned into my belly and kissed the very place she had kicked. His lips sent chills up my spine, but I didn’t let on. He watched as she performed all her tricks; crawling from one side of my belly with her hands, to the other. I finally realized how selfish my choice had been to keep him from all of this. My scorn had left me with regrets.

“Is Kate coming?” I asked interrupting his baby watching.

“She’s afraid to see Gabe,” he said nonchalantly.

“She should be.”

“What happened with that?” he responded, never breaking eye contact with Emma’s tricks.

“She didn’t tell you?” I asked surprised.

“No,” he replied.

“She was embarrassed of Mattie. When you called and demanded that she join you in New York, I suggested that she invite Gabe and Mattie to accompany her.”

“I never asked her to come to New York, Jewels.”

“What?” I said perplexed.

“She got spooked. Not everyone can handle trying times with the same grace as you,” he said jokingly, pulling himself back up to the bed.

“I know. I’m one of a kind.”

“You are.”

He put one hand on my cheek and the other on Emma Grace as he leaned in, placing his forehead to mine. I could feel his lips in front of mine, his breath blowing gently over my face. My heart began to race. I finally got up the courage to speak.

“Good night,” I said, breaking our intimacy.

He opened his eyes and retreated back, as his hand fell from my cheek to his leg.

“Can I sleep in your recliner?” he requested.

“Do you promise not to stare at me all night?”

He shook his head in agreement and collapsed back into the chair. Taking a comforter off my bed, I handed him a pillow and covered him. He smiled as if he knew we would be all right. I wasn’t so sure.