Between Land and Sea (14 page)

The suite was every bit as luxurious as she thought it would be. The room was furnished exquisitely in muted shades of cream, pale pink, and the softest shade of blue. There was an alcove with a table set for two and an enormous bed beneath a sparkling crystal chandelier. Large vases of white roses graced every surface.

Stewart took her hand and led her inside. She knew she wasn’t here to admire the décor. She was in a beautiful room with champagne and strawberries, deceit in her heart, and a man who literally took her breath away.

Chapter 26

The rest of the afternoon was a blur. Barbara could only vaguely remember putting on her clothes, riding down the elevator, and getting into Stewart’s car. It was late, past dinnertime and she was hungry. But she didn’t dare mention that to Stewart. She could not handle another meal with him and the possible aftermath. When they arrived at Gillian’s building, they sat silently, not looking at each other.

Barbara finally broke the silence. “You know this can’t continue.”

He sighed deeply. “We’ll work something out. I won’t be able to see you tomorrow. One of my other clients is coming in from Houston for the day. I can’t get out of it. We’ve had to rebook a number of times.” He looked at her imploringly. “Cancel your flight and stay a few more days. I’m sure your boss won’t mind.”

There would be no problem with Janice. Barbara was certain of that. But she knew that if she spent any more time alone with Stewart, she would lose either her self-control or her mind. Every functioning brain cell told her she was crazy to get involved with him, especially at this time. A few months down the road, well, that was a different story. When she left Carden, she would have to go somewhere else. Maybe that somewhere could be here. She closed her eyes and recalled the events of the last few hours. She had been transported to a magical world and had caught glimpses of what a future with Stewart would look like. Her life would be one of ease, luxury, and freedom from worry. But what kind of relationship could she realistically expect to have with Stewart Tobin?

She forced herself to meet his gaze. “I need to go back. I have commitments and people waiting for me in Carden. I’m not prepared to toss them aside for . . .”

He averted his gaze. “You’re wondering about the long term. I’m sure Gillian has filled you in on my past and inability to commit for long periods of time. I don’t know how this relationship will proceed, but I can tell you this. It is very different from all my past entanglements and my disastrous marriage. I want to spend more time with you.”

Barbara was surprised by the hesitancy in his voice and the pleading look in his eyes. His feelings were genuine, but he was uncertain of how to proceed. This was new, unchartered territory for him. “I’ve enjoyed these last two days with you, but I am still recovering from my own disastrous marriage. Let’s take it slowly and see what develops.”

He perked up immediately. “So there is hope for us.”

She spoke slowly, “Yes, but I need time and space.” She took a deep breath and continued. “I’ll go back to Carden and resume my life. I have a few months left at my counseling job, and I’ve also committed to a few speaking engagements. I promised Melanie I would work on developing a platform, and I intend to do that. We’ll stay in contact with each other, by email only. And in the summer, we’ll revisit this relationship.”

He flashed one of his beautiful smiles and shook his finger at her. “You can call the shots for now, Barbara Davies. But don’t be too surprised if I decide to turn the tables on you long before that summer deadline.” He reached over and kissed her gently on the lips. He spoke huskily, “You’d better go now.”

Barbara quickly unbuckled and got out of the car. She waved goodbye and stood watching until his car disappeared out of sight. She gave herself a shake and made her way to Gillian’s condo.

She was greeted by a smiling Gillian with a knowing look on her face. She took in the rumpled clothing and freshly, scrubbed face. “He finally got to you.” Her eyes flashed mischievously. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Barbara had mixed feelings about confiding in Gillian. She wanted time alone, to calm down and rationally think about Stewart. But that was impossible to do in Gillian’s apartment. In the end, she shared some of the details as the younger woman eagerly listened. Gillian shook her head as Barbara relayed Stewart’s comment about turning the tables on her. “He’s not going to wait six months. He’ll act long before that.”

Barbara frowned. “But what can he do? I’ll be hundreds of miles away.”

“Trust me, he’ll find some way to get to you. Stewart always has to be in control.” A dark look came over her features.

“What happened with you?” Barbara asked in a soft voice.

Gillian’s eyes welled up with tears, and she took a few minutes to collect herself. “He courted me, just as he is courting you, and we were an item for almost a year. I really thought he would pop the question or invite me to move in with him. None of that happened. We slowly drifted apart until one day he called to tell me that he was moving on. There have been three other women since me.”

Barbara was looking at her very closely. “And yet you’re still on friendly terms.”

“We move in some of the same circles. It would not be in my best interests to cut off ties with him or get hysterical.” She added, “You’ll have to be careful as well. He is your agent and you will have many dealings with him, especially if you write more books.”

But I could always find another agent. We don’t move in the same circles. I could also move on.

“What about Graham?” Gillian asked.

Barbara shook her head. That was the most difficult part of her dilemma. When she thought of Graham, what came to mind was comfort and compatibility, a sense of ease, of fitting together. He was a good man, an honorable man who did not deserve to be hurt in any way.

“Level with him, but wait until after the holidays,” Gillian advised. “Don’t ruin his Christmas or yours.”

Barbara realized that she had forgotten all about Graham’s detailed plans for a family Christmas. “He’s introducing me to his children, and we’re hosting an Open House for his friends and clients.”

“I hate to say this, but one of Annika’s predictions is coming true,” Gillian said. “Two men are pulling at you in different directions. Maybe that witch really does have powers.”

Barbara thought of Sharon Clarke’s bizarre predictions and Santa’s sad eyes. She decided to put an end to this conversation. She did not want to hear anymore about Stewart’s past or worry about future problems with Graham. It would all work out, somehow. She smiled brightly at Gillian. “Is there anymore of that lovely stew left? I’m starving.”

Gillian proceeded to heat up a small bowl for her. As Barbara ate her stew, the two women talked about the plans for Tuesday. In the morning, Gillian would drop Barbara off in the downtown area and then she’d pick her up again in the early afternoon. That would give Barbara time to revisit the Magnificent Mile, walk along the waterfront, and have a leisurely lunch before setting off for the airport.

Chapter 27

Barbara did not stick to the original plan.

After revisiting some of the high-end shops, she decided to forego a visit to the Institute and not waste any time sitting in a restaurant. Instead, she stopped at a small café and picked up bottled water, a slice of vegetarian deep-dish pizza, and a salad. She spent the rest of the time walking along the lake.

Barbara could not believe she had spent the last three months away from a large body of water. As she strolled along the boardwalk, she closed her eyes and imagined swimming in the not-so-warm Lake Michigan. She visualized herself sinking further and further into the depths of the lake. While it was very different from the warm Mediterranean waters, she could still feel the nourishing benefits of this Great Lake. It was enough to clear her mind and balance her emotions.

There’s no reason why I can’t enjoy this lake experience in Ontario
. She could walk along the boardwalks in nearby Oakville or Port Credit and breathe in Lake Ontario. And she wouldn’t have to depend on Graham or anyone else to drive her. The GO transit had regular runs to both communities.

When Gillian arrived to pick her up, Barbara smiled brightly as she got in the car and strapped on her seat belt. Gillian immediately noticed the change of mood. “I’m glad to see you looking happier. I didn’t want you going back to Carden in a low state.”

“I’ll be fine,” Barbara said. “I know what awaits me there for the next few months. That’s all I intend to focus on for now. I won’t borrow any future trouble.”

“Good! I really enjoyed having you here. I didn’t have to pretend or watch what I say. You’re a very comfortable and considerate person, Barbara. I hope we can spend more time together.”

“Thank you for having me. I like this city. It’s so beautiful and vibrant.” Barbara looked out the window. “In nine months time, I’ll be leaving Carden. I could see myself living here.”

Gillian turned and flashed her smile. “That would be so wonderful.” She chuckled. “It looks like Stewart is definitely a contender.”

“I’m keeping all my options open.” Barbara closed her eyes.

The rest of the drive was a quiet one. Gillian reached the airport in less than an hour and helped Barbara find the appropriate gate. The two women hugged each other tightly.

Gillian wiped away a few tears. “Let’s stay in touch. More than just the occasional phone call, okay?”

Barbara nodded as her eyes welled up with emotion. Barbara would miss Gillian. She was like, no, she was family. While she had close relationships with Graham, Janice, Elaine, and Hannah, she always had to watch what she said and how she acted. She could not afford to arouse any suspicions about her mermaid origins.

She continued toward the boarding area for her flight and underwent the security procedures. While waiting for her flight to be called, she took out her devotional and reflected on the day’s reading. She smiled as she glanced at the title of the piece,
Time for a Change
. How appropriate and unsettling.

Another uneventful flight. This time she had selected an aisle seat. The middle seat was empty and the passenger by the window slept the entire time. Just as well. She continued reading the devotional.

After the plane landed, Barbara followed the rest of the passengers to Customs. The line moved quickly and she headed toward the Arrivals area.

“Barbara, Barbara! Over here.” Graham was waving frantically to get her attention.

Barbara tried to smile and made her way toward him. Would he suspect anything? What if he asked too many questions about Stewart? He hugged her tightly and gave her a long, lingering kiss. As she looked into his warm, hazel eyes, her heart beat normally and there was no fluttering in her stomach. She was in full control of her emotions.

He looked closely at her and frowned. “Did you have a good trip? You look a bit tired.”

“Everything was great. Gillian kept me hopping, and I think I’m having a delayed reaction to all that activity.”

“How did your meetings with the agent and publisher go?”

“Uh, fine. We covered a lot of ground and I brought back a copy of the contract. I’m going to ask Janice to refer me to an entertainment lawyer. I want him to look it over before I sign.”

“Good idea,” Graham said. “I’d like to look at it as well. I’ve signed my share of literary contracts.”

Barbara yawned widely. “Okay.”

“Go to bed early tonight. And if you’re still feeling tired tomorrow morning, call in sick. I’m sure Janice will understand. I had planned to take you out to dinner.”

“I couldn’t eat a bite. I had a late lunch in Chicago and grabbed a coffee and bagel on the plane.” Barbara was looking forward to unpacking and going straight to bed. She was glad he wasn’t insisting on spending time with her this evening. She realized that he had been speaking to her and was waiting for her response. She looked at him blankly. “I’m sorry, Graham.”

He threw back his head and laughed. “You’re really zonked out. Let’s get you into the car and back to Carden.” He continued. “I was just telling you my plans for the week. I’ll be leaving for Vermont first thing tomorrow morning, and I won’t be back until late Sunday night. One of the other art instructors came down with the flu and the director asked me to fill in for him.” He suggested, “Keep next Monday night open. We have some serious celebrating to do.”

“I’ll be in better shape by then.” And I’ll have had time to process these last four days, thought Barbara.

The drive to Carden took longer than expected. The weather was colder in Toronto and a freezing drizzle was making the drive a treacherous one. Thank God for four-wheel drive. She tried to imagine Gillian and her sleek sports car on this road. She nodded off a few times and Graham gently nudged her awake when they arrived. He helped her with her bag and kissed her good night.

Barbara was fully recovered by the following morning. As she walked to the office, she thought of the day ahead. She would have to return calls, do the usual paperwork, and get caught up. She welcomed the busy activities. They would distract her and make the day go by even faster.

“Good morning, Barbara. How was Chicago?” Janice called from her car.

Barbara waited for the older woman. She smiled and responded enthusiastically, “It was wonderful. Gillian was the perfect hostess and the meeting with Melanie James went very well. The book will be released in early August.”

Janice clapped her hands. “They’re moving very quickly. They must really like your book. How about your agent, Stewart? Did you get along with him?”

Only too well
. “Oh, yes. He was the one who pushed for the early release date.”

They entered the office and were greeted enthusiastically by the other women. Everyone congratulated Barbara on her book.

Barbara was surprised to see the room filled with people. While Janice had predicted a slow December, it looked like she might be wrong. Barbara went to her desk and met with the first potential client. She met with a number of other clients in succession and did not look up until a couple of hours later. She was distracted by a commotion at the reception desk. The other women were crowding around a delivery person.
It must be someone’s birthday
. She would have to find out who it was and congratulate her later.

“They’re for Barbara. Barbara, you have a special delivery.” Leslie’s voice rang through the office.

Barbara got up and headed toward the reception area. A handsome young man was holding a beautiful bouquet of red roses. He winked and gave her the flowers. Barbara’s hands shook as she gathered the roses. Five sets of eyes looked expectantly at the card in her hands.

“Well, of course, she doesn’t have to open it,” Lois said. “We all know who sent her flowers.” She lowered her voice. “Someone’s having a romantic evening tonight.”

Barbara smiled and said nothing. She had a sinking feeling that Graham was not the sender. The other women returned to their desks and Leslie produced a vase. The two women arranged the flowers and Barbara brought the vase back to her desk. With shaking hands, she tore open the card. Her heart started pounding as she read the message.
Counting down to the first day of summer. 192 days to go. Love, Stewart
. Barely two days had passed, and he had already started turning the tables on her. She quickly shoved the card in her purse and forced herself to concentrate on the mound of paperwork that had accumulated.

Thankfully, the rest of the day was busy. Janice offered her a ride home so that she could safely transport her bouquet. Janice’s face softened as she carefully arranged the vase on the floor of her back seat. “He’s so thoughtful, so kind. You have a winner there, Barbara.”

Barbara nodded. It was a good thing that Graham was out of town. By the time, he got back next week, the flowers would be gone and the incident long forgotten by her colleagues. Or so she hoped.