While I’d never been the one to prepare the meals since Mother always had help, I did learn to cook and really rather liked it. Stocking a kitchen from scratch was an undertaking and I filled two entire carts to the brim. These were carried out to the car and I headed toward the apartment.
When I arrived, the first load of furniture had already come and I was thrilled to find Worth’s friend and designer, Jeremy, standing by. Worth knew I would have my hands full and asked Jeremy to give one of his. Jeremy also brought two assistants from his own staff to help. The trucks continued to arrive in succession. I was in heaven as Jeremy and I pointed every time a new delivery man entered the condo. While Jeremy pulled things together with his assistants, I focused on the kitchen so I would know where everything was when it came time to cook. I threw together a huge wok of stir-fry and when Worth entered the house early that evening, his mouth dropped open.
“My god… I can’t believe this is the same place!” he said, filled with pride. “And you cooked? Aren’t you exhausted?”
I nodded proudly, and we all sat down to eat a plate of food and finish up a few of the design elements before Jeremy and his staff left for the night.
“Be sure and let me know if you need anything more,” Jeremy called over his shoulder.
“Bill me!” Worth called after him and Jeremy flipped him the middle finger.
Worth locked up but I was already in the shower when he made it to the bedroom. He called to me that he would shower in another bath and I smiled. I loved this domestic feeling of togetherness. I knew I would never again feel alone.
I met Worth in the bedroom and he smiled. “Your hair is still damp and you look adorable.”
“I’m so exhausted I can’t see straight,” I confessed. “This was harder than riding the course all afternoon. I guess I’m out of shape.”
“Are you kidding? Look at all you accomplished!” he praised me. “Come here, let me hold you and you just go to sleep.”
His words were honey to my ears. Worth laid back the covers and slid into the bed, holding his arms out to me. I crawled in against his chest and his long arms enfolded me. I leaned up to kiss him and it was warm, moist and deep. This must be what the essence of life is all about.
***
The next morning, Worth left early. His clinic was having its grand opening that evening. I had so many things to do around the house, I wasn’t planning on getting there until just before it opened. I wouldn’t miss it for anything, though.
Jeremy’s crew had worked wonders throughout the condo. I still wanted my personal touch on things and that’s what I enjoyed doing most. That afternoon, Worth returned, showered and dressed in one of his best suits. I had dinner waiting and had dressed as well. We shared steaks and salad and then headed to the clinic.
It was magnificent and there were already people in the parking lot. It was a catered affair. Champagne and hors d’oeuvres were being served by waiters in tuxedos and there were plenty of energy-building, healthy food options at stations throughout the building.
I was wearing my ring and a good many people saw it, then huddled off to discuss what it meant. No one dared to ask. For the time being, it was more enjoyable to speculate and gossip about it among themselves.
I clung to Worth’s side as we stood near the entrance to welcome in newcomers. I was holding his hand when I felt Worth stiffen. I looked up and saw a man and woman entering — a man who was a stockier, grayer version of the man beside me.
His father.
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
Worth
I knew he would come, although I went out of my way to avoid inviting him. He had come to inspect my kingdom, to level arrogant disdain over what I had built. He was in for an even bigger surprise. Auggie was at my side and she was wearing my engagement ring.
He looked me straight in the eye, nodded and then wandered off to look around. Mother hugged me and I introduced her to Auggie. Mother’s eye caught the huge ring on Auggie’s left hand and she gave Auggie an even bigger hug. She was smiling and enjoying herself.
Father had completed his tour and was approaching. Mother intercepted him, whispered in his ear and his eyes immediately went to Auggie’s hand. Auggie smiled, her eyes welcoming but Father looked her over and walked out the door. Mother was confused, embarrassed and shrugged at me as she followed him out. I wanted to wring his neck.
How dare he ignore Auggie! How dare he ruin our special night. I fought to keep control of my emotions, looking down at Auggie and seeing a deep sadness in her eyes. For some reason, she didn’t seem surprised, however. There was an understanding in her eyes and a sympathy for me. I hugged her and moved on to greet other guests. I would deal with my father later.
The night turned out to be an overwhelming success. We received extensive press coverage from not only the local media but from health, mind and body publications who wanted to cover a story of a clinic that combined so many therapies in one location. The appointment book was instantly filled and the ambiance was one of happiness and good health, even without treatment. I was content. I had Auggie and I had my life’s dream. My father could go to hell.
Auggie was quiet as we left after the grand opening. Aside from some staff who were cleaning up, the guests had all departed. “You didn’t know he was coming?” she asked me, holding my hand as we walked through the parking lot.
“I hoped he wouldn’t hear about it, but knew it was an unreasonable hope.”
“What do you want to do about it?” Her eyes were large and questioning.
“I need to have a face down with him,” I told her.
“When?”
“Why not right now?” I said and tucked her into the passenger seat and climbed behind the steering wheel, slamming my door.
There was an occasional snowflake but the roads were otherwise clear as we headed to the farm. When we arrived, the house was still brightly lit. I knew he’d be up. He never went to bed early.
“Do you want to come in?” I asked Auggie.
“Of course. If it affects you, it affects me,” she told me, squeezing my hand.
“Get ready for anything,” I cautioned her and we knocked at the door before entering.
Father was sitting in his study, the door opened and the light from his desk lamp spilling onto the woven carpet. There was a decanter of bourbon on the desk before him. Mother came down from upstairs and frowned at me, shaking her head to indicate this wasn’t a good time. I smiled, patted her hand and pushed past her.
He looked up as we entered. “You may as well sit down,” he said, eyeing Auggie as she took the matching wingback to mine. “I understand that congratulations are in order,” he growled, taking a swig from his glass. “You drink?” he held a glass out toward Auggie but she shook her head. He started to offer it to me and changed his mind, slamming it down on his desk. “What in the hell is the matter with you, boy?” he shouted, causing Auggie to jump and I heard Mother gasp behind me.