“Oh, Auggie, I’m glad you’re here. I’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jessie Klinger, my newest associate and director of the Cincinnati clinic. “Dr. Klinger, my wife, Auggie.”
I nodded and she extended her hand with the enthusiasm of someone with mysophobia. I disliked her on sight and the limp handshake only emphasized the reaction. It was as if she epitomized evil and she exuded it from every pore. “How do you do,” she said briefly and I picked up on her east coast accent, which did nothing to endear her further.
I looked from her to Worth and saw the light in his face. That isn’t my Worth, I thought. He would never humiliate me by bringing some conquest he was after right here to our home. Of course he hadn’t told me about inviting the enemy either. I wanted to cry and was afraid I was ready to. Forgetting about the race, I left with a quiet “Excuse me,” but I don’t think anyone noticed.
The rest of the afternoon was ruined for me. Every time I looked at Worth, he was talking with her, standing close. Too close. He actually got her a drink and seated her at an umbrella table, joining her. I felt faint. I looked for Dad, but he was talking to Worth’s mother and I let him be. It was as if my entire world was filled with enemies.
“Looks like your ol’ boy has his eye on a new filly,” said the voice behind me and I whirled to find Linc standing there, a drink in his hand and a look of mocking superiority contributing to his casual stance.
“Don’t be silly!” I snapped and he chuckled.
“If you say so.” He left doubt lying on the grass between us as he wandered away.
I could stand it no longer but retreated into the house and went up to Ford’s bedroom. I told Betsy’s sister to run along and get something to eat, and I cuddled him against my chest. I wanted his innocence, youth, and optimism. I felt like everything outside that room was rotted and dead to me.
***
Worth opened the door to Ford’s room, questions all over his face. “Where did you go?” he asked with definite impatience. I didn’t respond right away. “Are you sick?” he asked.
“I’m fine. Are people leaving?” I’d lost all track of time.
“They’re gone. Only your dad is still here and he’s downstairs.”
“Oh! The time got past me,” I said, getting to my feet and looking around. “Where’s Ford?” I was alarmed.
“He’s downstairs with Betsy’s sister. She came in and found you both sound asleep on the floor, so she let you sleep and brought him down to me.”
I went to push past him in the doorway, but he grabbed my arm. “Auggie, what’s going on? You’re acting awfully strange.”
“I think I had too much to drink, too much excitement or maybe it was the sun. I’m not used to it anymore. I’ll be fine,” I improvised, pushing my hair behind my ears as I headed downstairs. Worth was silent behind me as he followed.
“Dad!” I exclaimed as I came into the family room where he was holding Ford on his lap. I kissed them both lightly and fell onto the sofa. “Whoa! Sorry, I fell asleep. I guess I’m not quite back to full strength yet.”
“You do look a bit bushed,” Dad commented, patting Ford’s fat little thigh softly with his palm.
Worth came in and sat on the sofa at the other end, turning sideways and folding a leg beneath him. He laid his arm on the back of the sofa. It was like a distant hug. I felt it, and yet it felt filled with betrayal.
“By the way, while I’m thinking of it, Worth,” I began, glad that Dad was there so it wouldn’t become a big deal. “I called an agency and they’re sending over some interviewees for a personal assistant. I had a good bit of interest by others in boarding their horses here this afternoon, then there’s the track to build and I want to begin helping you in your business. I’m starting to get a bit overwhelmed and thought I’d hire someone to back me up when I need a break.” I steeled myself for his response. Now that I’d seen his new director, I decided I needed to keep closer tabs on him.
“I think that’s an excellent idea,” Worth agreed, smiling. “That’s my Auggie, always thinking two steps ahead.”
I wasn’t sure if he was mocking me and saw right through my logic, or whether he truthfully agreed, but it didn’t matter. I would hire anyone I wanted to hire.
“When do you begin interviewing?” Dad asked.
“The agency is sending some people over within the next week.”
Dad went on, “The reason I ask is I know it’ll be important to have someone who understands horses and I have a candidate who just might suit you.”
“Oh, really?” I was puzzled since I didn’t think Dad got around too much.
“Let me see if there’s any interest and I’ll be in touch.” Dad finished the conversation and we moved on to talking about the party.
I asked one of the questions that had been burning in my brain. “Worth, why was Linc here? I thought he’d be the last person you’d want hanging around.”
“I’ve got my reasons, Auggie.”
I let it go for now but intended to take it up with him again later after Dad left.
“Was there enough food?” I asked.
Dad laughed. “Auggie, you always go overboard. There was enough left to have three more parties. If you don’t mind, I’ll take a bit home with me. I’m getting tired of my own cooking.”
I felt horrible at those words. “Dad, what’s the matter with me? I never thought about the fact that you might be cooking for yourself. Mother always had a maid.”
“Yes, but a maid with me alone isn’t necessary.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Anyway, sometimes being the helpless bachelor has its advantages.”
I excused myself and went into the kitchen where the catering staff was down to two people. “Could you package up some of those leftovers, maybe in freezable containers? I’d like to send them home with my dad. Betsy, naturally you and your sisters should take all you want too.” I snatched up a tiny cake with buttercream frosting and took it with me back to the family room. I took a bite and then put a bit of frosting on my finger to let Ford lick it off. He started rocking back and forth, pushing against Dad to come to me and get some more. “Tastes better than mother’s milk, doesn’t it?” I laughed and gave him one last morsel. He was eating solid foods and I made the decision to begin weaning him so I could be more portable.
Dad handed off Ford and groaned as he stood. “My feet aren’t what they used to be.” He gave me a hug and slapped Worth on the back. “See you kids next time,” he said and I handed Ford to his daddy while I followed mine out with the bags of food. He stowed them and gave me another hug. “Be good, Auggie. Worth is a good man and you have to trust him. Don’t always be so ready to go to battle, okay?”
Dad didn’t miss a thing. I thought about what he said as I walked back into the house and decided to keep my own counsel for a while. I loved Worth and he hadn’t betrayed me… yet.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Auggie