Fair Play (14 page)

Jace turned the rental car into a curving driveway of a large two-story white house with gray trim in an upscale neighborhood of Chicago. Dani took note of the carefully manicured lawn with its neatly trimmed hedges and vibrantly colored flowers decorating the yard. Stately columns flanked the entrance, and a balcony on the second floor skirted around the home overlooking the estate. It seemed to her like something out of
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
. Her mother had finally reached the comfort level she deserved. Never in her wildest dreams had she envisioned her living in such a grand manor.

One after another, questions rushed into her head. Would her mother look and act the same, or was she as different as her new lifestyle? Would her mother still love her? Over seven years had passed since they last saw each other. Gone was the innocent child who’d stayed by her mother’s side. In her place was an adult who had experienced life and all its harsh realities. Was there enough of the girl left in her for her mother to recognize? Dani’s stomach clenched as she realized the answer was no. Debra was gone.

“Let’s go home,” she pleaded as she grasped Jace’s hand. “I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to see her. Please, Jace, take me home.”

“Before making any decisions, there are a couple of things you should think about,” he said calmly, stroking the top of her hand. “Can you, knowing your mother is alive, happily live your life knowing she believes you dead? And after she’s gone, will you have regrets because you didn’t see or talk to her?” He paused, giving her time to consider her answers, then continued. “If you can live with your decision, then so can I. Do you still want to go home?”

“What did I ever do to deserve you?” She kissed him lightly on the mouth. “I can’t live with those regrets. I’m afraid she might not like the person I’ve become. What if after all this time she doesn’t want or love me anymore? I’m not sure what I’ll do if that’s the case. It might be better, for me at least, to not know the answer.”

“You’re worried for nothing.” He rubbed her arms for reassurance. “I know she’s going to love you as much as I do. Give her a chance.”

“What about my father?” Her heart thudded against her chest. “He didn’t want me when I was born. What if he still doesn’t?”

“Then he’s a fool.” He placed a kiss on her nose. “But you’ll still have me.”

Curious, she wondered what her father looked like. Never having seen a picture of him, she searched her memory, trying to recall if her mother had ever talked about him in her presence. Her nerves bunched as she tried to envision their first meeting. His desertion of her mother, in her opinion, didn’t warrant a second chance. She hoped, for his sake, that he didn’t expect forgiveness. He wouldn’t be dealing with a small child, but an adult who would not be afraid to confront him about his actions.

Jace squeezed her hand, bringing her back to the present. “Are you ready?”

Because of the huge knot clogging her throat, she nodded her assent. When he held out his hand, she latched on, feeling the gentleness of his touch. Slowly she walked toward the house, then abruptly stopped on the stairs, her body frozen.

When the door opened, Dani slowly scrutinized her mother’s face as she stood immobile on the porch. Her features, the same as she vividly remembered, had a few added lines. When her mother’s eyes flooded and she opened her arms, all of her misgivings seem to fall away as she rushed into her waiting arms. Tears drenched their faces for the years they lost, as well as for the joy of years to come.

When the tears were spent, her mother glanced at Jace, then wiped her cheeks. “Please, come in. I’ve been waiting for this day for the last seven years. I can’t believe it’s here.”

They followed her to the dining room, a spacious room decorated with a gleaming oak dining set and breakfront. Dani sat, gripping Jace’s hand like a lifeline.

“Tell me everything. I want to know what you’re doing and where you’re living now.” Maureen glanced at their joined hands, which Dani had placed on the table. “I see you’ve found happiness, if the love in your young man’s eyes is any indication.”

“I’m now living in Las Vegas and work as a casino host at Jace’s casino.” Smiling, she leaned toward him, then continued. “If it weren’t for him, I would never have known that you were still alive.” A tear spilled on her cheek, although she was unaware that it had slipped out.

“My poor baby.” Maureen reached over and hugged Dani. “I’m so sorry for what happened to you.”

Dani kept her head lowered as she sipped her coffee. An uncomfortable silence fell in the room. The tension grew until Jace addressed her mother. “So I guess congratulations are in order on your marriage, even though it’s a bit late.”

“Thank you.” Maureen nodded at Dani. “I know a lot has changed. We need to talk about what happened that night.”

Dani gave a short nod.

“After Henry attacked me, I passed out. If you hadn’t stopped Henry when you did, I would’ve died. When I came to, he was lying on the floor and you were nowhere to be found. I searched frantically, but I realized you’d left when I found the broken cookie jar. I checked Henry to see if he was alive, then called 911.”

Her mother kept her steady gaze on her, then continued. “When the police came, I filed a report stating I’d walked in from work and found him raping you. In my rage, I attacked him, and he started choking me. When he tried to continue his rape, I stabbed him, to protect you. When they asked where you were, I said you ran away while we were struggling. I filed a missing person’s report, but we couldn’t find you anywhere.” Tears swarmed her mother’s eyes, and her throat knotted. “And now I’ve found you, Debra. I’ve missed you so much.”

“My name is Danielle Jordon. Seven years ago, Debra Thomas died, when she was raped. I don’t ever want her to come back.”

Her mother caressed her cheek. “I’d love to get to know Danielle, if you’ll let me.”

“I’d like that. Everyone calls me Dani.” Unsure, hesitant, she scraped her lip with her teeth. “Do you think you can love Dani the same way you loved Debra?”

Maureen shook her head. “No, I don’t. I loved Debra as the child of my heart. I love Dani as the woman of my heart. A beautiful, vibrant woman with a lot of love to give, who turned out so much better than I could ever have hoped.”

With a sigh, Dani released the breath she had no idea she’d been holding. “I love you so much mama. I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too.”

They embraced, laughing, crying, until the tears were spent.

“Tell me about what you’re doing,” her mother said, drawing back and wiping her eyes with a tissue. “From what I can see you found a good man, and you’ve grown so beautiful. You look so much like your father.”

At the mention of her father, Dani stiffened.

“Dani, I need to tell you about him.”

Curious, despite the resentment she felt, Dani waited for her mother to continue.

“You were too young before to understand what I’m about to say, but now that you’re a woman, understanding should be in your heart.”

Maureen placed her hand over Dani’s. “Your father and I were young when we met, too young. We were so in love, and, well, you were conceived. He had his whole future ahead of him, and I knew that having a family would hold him back. He was a bright star, going all the way to the top, and I didn’t want to stop him.”

Pausing, she took a breath. “God forgive me for my lies. I never told him I was pregnant. Oh, he’d have quit school, found a job, and been miserable, but would’ve done it without complaint. I broke his heart with my lies, telling him I didn’t love him anymore and had found someone else. Every day since, I’ve never forgotten the hurt I saw in his eyes.”

She quickly glanced at Dani. “I tried to give you his love as well as mine.”

For a second, Maureen closed her eyes. “Later, I married Henry, but I didn’t love him. Life was hard. Money was tight. You had to make do without a lot of things. He had a decent job, and I knew the added income would make life easier for you. Little did I realize, he was a monster. I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through.” Her mother’s eyes puddled up again.

Dani grasped her hand, then spoke. “I never cared about the things we didn’t have. You worked hard to raise me. Working long hours as a laundress, on your feet all day, took its toll on your body. I know you weren’t aware that I noticed, but I did.”

Eyes red, nose dripping, Dani grabbed a tissue. “I couldn’t have asked for a better mother than you. I do wish, however, I’d known about my father. Maybe I wouldn’t have hated him all these years.”

“I intended to tell you about him on your eighteenth birthday, but fate stepped in. I don’t know, maybe I was wrong in the way I handled things. I only know, I loved your father too much to stop him from being everything he could be. I hope you understand that.”

“I’m working on it.”

Dani’s head turned at the sound of a door opening. A keen disquiet sent chills slithering down her spine. A man of medium build and height, with graying hair and green eyes entered the room. Instinctively, she knew he was her father. Her eyes traced his movements, never losing contact, as he approached her mother. A myriad of emotions swooshed through her body in those few seconds. Anxiety, mistrust, curiosity, yearning, all churned together and settled in the pit of her stomach. Quickly, like a snake striking, she grabbed Jace’s hand.

Charles grinned at Jace and Dani, went to his wife, gave her a kiss, then gruffly inquired, “What’s going on? Why have you been crying?”

Maureen reassured him. “I’m fine. I just received good news.”

In support, Jace stood up behind Dani, then placed his hands on her shoulders.

Charles looked at Dani, then up at Jace.

“This is Jace Diamond, from Las Vegas. Jace, this is my husband, Charles Stanley.”

They shook hands. “Diamond ... are you any relation to the Diamond that owns the casino in Las Vegas?”

“Yes, sir, I am. I’m the owner. Nice to meet you.”

“Tell me, Mr. Diamond, why would a casino owner be visiting my wife? And what good news could you possibly have for her?”

Maureen interrupted, “It’s not what you think.”

Charles’s face darkened. “Will someone please tell me what’s going on?”

Maureen cleared her throat. “Charles, this is your daughter.”

Speechless, Dani’s father stared. His eyes scanned her face, then his brow furrowed.

He slowly approached Dani. Wary, her eyes regarded him as he moved, doubtful of his intent. Apprehensive, her hand shot up and grabbed Jace’s hand resting on her shoulder, squeezing tightly. Dani’s eyes connected with her father’s, identical in every way.

“Debra goes by Dani now, Charles,” her mother said.

Dani rose slowly, but when Charles reached out to hug her, she flinched and extended one hand instead. He accepted it, giving it a reassuring squeeze before stepping back, eyes gleaming with unshed tears.

Maureen glanced at Jace. “You don’t have to go back tonight, do you?”

“Dani, would you like to stay for a couple of days so you can visit with your mother and father?”

Dani gripped his hand tightly. “I won’t stay if you’re not.”

“I have a couple of things I need to take care of by phone, but I’m sure we can stay for a day or two, if you’d like.” Dani’s shifted her eyes to his, and she nodded.

“Do you have any particular place in mind to stay?” her mother inquired.

“I’m sure we’ll be able to find a place nearby. Perhaps you can suggest one for us.”

Her mother looked at Charles, who nodded. “We’d love for you to stay with us while you’re in town. It’ll give us a little more time to catch up on the last seven years. But if you’d rather not, we understand.”

Dani nodded, her eyes still glued to her father. “We’d love to stay with you, if you’re certain it’s no bother.”

A grin beamed across her mother’s face. “Don’t be silly. Family is never any bother.”

Charles stared pointedly at Dani’s left hand, then lifted his eyes to Jace. “Tell me, Jace, exactly what is your relationship with my daughter? It’s obvious you’re more than friends.”

“I’m her roommate.”

Dani squirmed.
Thanks, Jace, for putting me on the spot in front of a man who only recently learned I’m his daughter.

Charles sat up higher in his chair, then pinned Jace with a steely look. “I see.”

Jace straightened. “Before you go ballistic, I’d like to state for the record, I love your daughter very much.”

Charles stood up. “If you love her, why are you just living together and not married?”

Her mother seized Charles’s arm. “Chuck, relax. Danielle is a full-grown woman and it’s her life. She makes her own decisions.”

He rounded on his wife. “Like we did? We made our mistakes and paid for it with over twenty-six years of our life. Twenty-five of those years, I lived without being a father to my only daughter. She may be a grown woman, but I’m still her father, and I’m exercising my fatherly rights to make sure she isn’t toyed with.”

Steamed, Dani sat tight-lipped, listening to the exchange. As her blood pressure rose, so did her temper. She popped up, and blasted her father with the full force of her ire. “How dare you talk to my mother that way? You weren’t around when I was growing up, and know nothing about me. For the past seven years, I have made all my own decisions, and don’t need you dictating what I should and should not do. I chose to make Jace my lover, and by God, he will remain my lover, until I decide differently. If, or when, I want to take it to another level, not you or anyone else will have any say in it.”

Charles addressed Dani. “I didn’t mean to overstep my bounds. As your father, I was questioning Jace’s intentions. As an adult, you have the right to make your own decisions. I wasn’t trying to censure you. The only thing I was trying to do was protect you, and insure Jace wasn’t using you. I hope you’ll forgive me for causing you distress.”

“I accept your apology, and please forgive me for my temper.” She smirked, then commented. “I guess I get that from you.”