Stitches and Scars (38 page)

Thinking back to their conversation over a week ago, she tried to recall what Ethan had said about past girls he’d dated. He had said his last girlfriend was crazy, overbearing, and fake, that they only dated a few months, and that he didn’t love her. For some reason, these facts meant little to Kate now—now that she was faced with the knowledge that this girl, this Cindy, was someone his mother obviously liked. A girl who already had a relationship with his family, something that she was just now beginning.

“Kate.” Ethan placed his hand on her cheek and guided her head to look at him. “She is just a colleague. And honestly, I don’t know what I ever saw in her. For work purposes, I have to put up with her.”

His words made her feel a little better, but it still wasn’t enough to erase the panic that was brewing beneath the surface. She knew that jealousy wasn’t the most attractive quality, but right now she was raging with it. Just as she was about to ask him how long they dated, another more important question came to mind. A question that Kate wasn’t sure she wanted the answer to.

“Does your mother like her?” He hesitated for a moment, and that alone answered the question. “Hmm, I see.” She nodded.

“It’s only because they had mutual friends,” he explained. “Well, that and tennis. That’s all it took.” He rolled his eyes.

“Tennis?”

“One of my mother’s many obsessions.” He laughed to himself and pulled Kate into his chest. “I’m sure Mom will love you and it won’t be because you play tennis.”

“Well, thank goodness for that. If my tennis playing skills are any sign of the relationship I’ll have with your mother, then I’m afraid I’d be a lost cause.” They both laughed and Kate tried to relax a bit by telling herself that she had nothing to worry about.

“Come on, let’s go take a tour of the house and get ourselves lost.” Ethan started for the door and Kate followed a step behind him.

“As long as you promise me that we’ll be back on time and not miss anything important. I don’t want your mom disliking me even more.”

“She doesn’t dislike you.” He stopped and turned around.

“Did you not hear her? Wait, let me rephrase that—did you not see the way she looked at me, or should I say
didn’t
look at me?”

“My mom is hard on everyone she meets. There is this unspoken fear she has that every person we let
in
has ulterior motives.”

Kate stayed silent and let his words stew in her mind as they began their walk through the house. Every room was more amazing than the next, and after ten minutes, she was fairly certain they hadn’t seen them all. Deciding to take a break from touring, they returned to the main level where the festivities were being held.

As they walked into the main room, Kate stared in awe. It was breathtaking. Two large fireplaces stood on either end and were emitting a soft glow, giving the room a comfortable feel. What normally served as a living room had been transformed. All the couches had been removed and replaced with round tables, each one adorned in colors of vibrant green and white, accented in silver. All the guests were filing in and a few had taken places at various tables. Kate looked at each woman carefully, wondering if perhaps she was Cindy. She didn’t have time to ask Ethan before he noticed someone across the room who waved him over.

“I’ll be right back. Would you like something to drink?” he asked.

“Yes, please. I’ll have whatever you’re having, unless what you’re having is water, and then I’ll take a glass of wine.” He chuckled softly in her ear and was gone before she said another word.

She watched him as he walked away and wondered how she’d ever gotten so lucky. Smiling to herself, she took another look around the room and paused when she noticed a few pictures on the mantle of one of the fireplaces. Taking a closer look, she noticed Ethan right off. In one of the pictures, he must have been around fourteen years old. He was on the back of a black horse that was draped in flowers and he held a ribbon in his hand. She chuckled to herself because she wasn’t at all surprised that he was an accomplished rider. The rest of the pictures followed a similar theme. They were either all of Ethan or of Ethan with his parents. There were a few from various places around the world and one from his graduation from medical school. He looked genuinely happy in all of them, and it was clear he loved his family.

Just as Kate was about to turn away, the last photo in the lineup caught her eye. It was a more recent photo and when she took a step closer to get a better look, her heart sank. There, looking back at her, was Ethan with his arms wrapped around the waist of someone else. The girl was a few inches shorter than him and had light blond hair and blue eyes. It took Kate all of two seconds to figure out who the mystery girl was.

“I just love that picture. It’s one of my favorites. I’m so happy Sabrina decided to put it up.”

Kate didn’t have to turn around to know who the sickeningly sweet voice belonged to. Instead, she kept her eyes forward and waited for the voice to speak again, silently begging for her to disappear. Unfortunately, she wasn’t so lucky.

“You’re Kate, right? I heard Ethan say something about him coming with a friend tonight and your name was mentioned. So, I’m just assuming.”

Kate’s eyes narrowed in defense and she spun around to face her head on. “Yes, I’m Kate. I’m Ethan’s girlfriend.” She emphasized. “And you must be Cindy, his colleague.” She crossed her arms and watched as Cindy’s face puckered. For a split second, she felt like she had the upper hand; that was until she saw Ethan’s mom walking toward them.

“Cindy,” she called out. “I was wondering where you disappeared to. Ethan was just talking to the Governor and it seems as though he has an eye on number twelve in our auction.” She wrapped her arm around Cindy’s shoulder and laughed. “You might want to step in and tell him about Ethan’s habit of outbidding everyone. Then maybe he’ll stand a chance of leaving here tonight with something.”

“That son of yours is quite something,” Cindy replied.

They faced each other for a moment and had a quiet conversation, never once looking in Kate’s direction.
She hates me,
she thought as a flood of rejection washed over her.

Standing in shocked silence, she watched them for a moment before turning around. She tried to focus on anything other than the couple behind her. Even the painting above the fireplace couldn’t hold her attention.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it? It’s one of my favorite pieces.” Kate chanced a look over at Sabrina who was now standing beside her. She was alone, and Kate realized that now was her shot.

“It is. I took a class that studied Impressionist painting when I was in London; Monet is amazing.”

“That’s right, you studied art and photography.” Her tone wasn’t questioning, rather it was stating. “But surely you can’t expect to be able to make a living for yourself by taking Polaroids.”

Kate ignored the stab and swallowed down the emotions she felt surfacing. “That’s what I’m doing now actually. I’ve sold a few pieces in a gallery, and my schedule is full shooting weddings and other events.”

“Ahh, that’s right. Ethan told me he purchased one of your pieces. It was rather pricey, if I recall. I’ll have to see it sometime.”

“Umm … sure. I’m sure he’d love to show you,” she stammered. “He’s very supportive of my work.”

“Of course he is, my dear. You’re probably very talented. Although I’m sure he wouldn’t tell you honestly if he felt otherwise. But he has been exposed to the arts his entire life, so I can only hope he knows good work when he sees it.”

Kate was baffled, mystified really. She couldn’t understand if Sabrina’s comments were complimenting or insulting.

“Ethan’s been exposed to a lot more in his life than art. He’s been places and seen things I’m sure you’ve only dreamed of. I’m not sure of your intentions, but if you think that working your way into his life will grant you all of those things, then you’re mistaken. I hope the crush you have is short-lived because I’d hate to see you get hurt, sweetheart.”

A wave of anger and sickness rolled over Kate. Not only was his mother calling her a gold digger, but she was questioning what she felt for Ethan, what they shared. On most occasions, she prided herself on being able to speak her mind—to defend herself—but at the moment, the sickness and rejection she felt far overpowered the anger. It was obvious that Sabrina had decided that Kate was not good enough for her son.

She felt the tears well up in her eyes and she blinked them back, forcing them not to fall and show yet another weakness that could be added to her list of faults. “Excuse me,” she whispered, dropping her eyes as she ran out of the room, refusing to look up in fear that Ethan would see her. She hurried down the hallway, willing herself not to break down until she found a room to hide in. Yanking on the handle of the first door she came to, it flung open. But before she could take a step inside the room, she slammed into someone.

“Oh, man, I’m sorry. I didn’t see—”

“It’s okay.” The sound of her voice cut through Kate. If there was one person she didn’t want to see her cry, it was Cindy.

“Cindy.” She nodded in acknowledgment.

“Are you all right?” she asked in an overly fake tone.

Taking a calming breath, Kate lifted her head. “I’m fine.”

“Sabrina can be hard to win over. I wish I could say it took me a while, but it didn’t. You see, I fit. I
belong
here and a girl like you,” she looked her up and down, pausing briefly at her shoes. “In last season’s Prada heels,” she smirked, “can’t possibly fit. Sabrina knows that, and it’s only a matter of time before Ethan does.”

Kate kept her jaw locked tight and ignored the stabbing pain that Cindy’s truthful words caused as they ripped through her chest. Giving one last smirk as she watched her reaction, Cindy stepped out of the room, letting the door close with a click behind her.

Finally alone, Kate let the pain take over. She let the words Sabrina had said soak into her mind and the facts work their way through her body until they rendered her weak. She’d always had a fear that she wasn’t good enough for Ethan, and for the first time, she felt it. Falling to the ground, she pressed her face in her hands, letting the tears fall freely as she blocked out the world around her, the world in which Ethan belonged and she didn’t.

Chapter 27

Confrontations

E
than watched in horror as Kate fled the room. The expression on her face was one he couldn’t quite place. She looked … confused, upset, angry, hurt? He wasn’t sure, but he knew he’d seen it before. He closed his eyes in concentration, then, like a bolt of lightning, it came to him; he knew where he’d seen that expression before.

His memory flashed to the two of them standing outside of the hospital. He’d just lied and told her that he needed a break, that he couldn’t do it any longer. He remembered having to look down at the ground so he wouldn’t have to watch her face any longer as she realized what he was telling her. Days later, after all the confusion was cleared, Kate had told him that she felt he’d finally realized that she wasn’t good enough for him, a thought that was completely ridiculous.

Now, standing in his parents’ house, his blood began to boil as he realized something must have been said to her in order to draw that same reaction, that same pained expression. His stomach churned and he felt like he was going to be sick. The very idea of Kate being upset on behalf of something his mother said was nauseating.

“Excuse me, Governor, I need to take care of something.” Ethan tried to keep his tone light, but knew that it sounded strained. He walked swiftly across the room to where his mother stood, talking to another guest and interrupted her. “May I talk with you, Mother?”

“Just a minute, dear, Mrs. Dawson was just telling me about—”

“Now,” he seethed through clenched jaw.

Without waiting for her to excuse herself, he wrapped his arm around her waist and led her to the exact spot she and Kate had been standing just moments ago.

“Ethan, do you really think it’s a good idea to interrupt Mrs. Dawson? You know how she—”

“What did you say to her?” he asked, cutting her off.

“Excuse me?”

“To Kate, Mom. What did you say to Kate? I saw you over here talking to her, and I also saw the look on her face before she ran out of here.”

“I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.”

“What did you say?” he repeated again, beginning to feel even more frustrated. He turned toward the mantel and was just about to rest against it when a picture caught his eye. “What the … ?” He glared at the picture of Cindy and him, and felt the bile rise to the back of his throat. “You didn’t.” He shook his head in disgust.

“Ethan, she’s a very sweet girl, I’m sure. But she is not meant for you. Cindy is—”

“Manipulative, overbearing, in some cases, psychotic … my list could go on.”

“Sweetheart,” she started in an almost warning tone, but Ethan didn’t stay around to hear the rest. He grabbed the frame off the mantel and turned on his heel. He knew his mom would follow, so there was no reason to wait for her. Sure enough, he could hear the click of her heels as she walked behind him down the hallway. As soon as he made it to the study, he spun around to face her and was surprised to see his dad had joined her.

“What’s going on?” he asked, looking at his son’s furious expression.

“Why don’t you ask Mom. She still hasn’t told me what she said, but I have a feeling I know what it was.”

His dad turned and looked at her with questioning eyes. “Sabrina?”

She let out a soft sigh and took a few steps closer. “Ethan. I only want what’s best for you.”

“And what do you think is best for me?” He ran his hands over his face in an attempt to calm himself.

“Someone who understands what it means to be a Montgomery. Someone who is strong and more than capable of standing on her own. Someone who is interested in you for who
you
are, not our family name.”

Ethan had to hold back his laugh. His mother had no clue what type of person Kate was. She was all of those things and more. Just as he opened his mouth to tell her that she couldn’t have been more wrong, he realized that she still hadn’t answered his question. “You still haven’t told me what you said to her and I’d like to know—word for word.”

Sabrina held her head high, and Ethan braced himself for what she was about to say. “Well, we talked a little bit about her profession. And I expressed my concerns for her ability to support herself by taking Polaroids.”

“Polaroids?” he repeated in disgust. “Kate is one of the most talented people I’ve ever met. I know good art when I see it, Mother, and believe me when I say her picture was worth every penny I spent.”

“A picture that you bought
after
you met her. I’m sure she found some way to coerce you into—”

“Coerce me?” he spat, cutting her off.

“You know how people are. You’ve dated girls in the past who were only in the relationship for the money.”

“How would you know? I’ve only ever brought a few girls home. Have you ever stopped to wonder why that is? I didn’t bring them because I didn’t want
this
to happen.”

“You brought Cindy, and I think she is—”

“I think you’ve made your feelings about Cindy quite clear.” He held up the framed picture, making his point before throwing it in the trashcan. “And I’ll have you know I only brought her home to meet you because she demanded it. You didn’t get a chance to ever meet the real Cindy. Someday I’ll have to introduce you to her, because she’s not the person you think she is.”

“She’s not a … gold digger, I know that.”

“And you think Kate is?” She remained silent and then he knew. Ethan knew that’s what she had said to her. He felt his heart ache at the thought of Kate being accused of something so ridiculous. “Please tell me that I’m wrong,” he said, his voice was so low it was almost inaudible. “Please tell me that you did not call her that.”

Her eyes dropped to the floor slightly before looking back up at him. “Not in those words, no.”

“Sabrina,” Oliver gasped.

“Sweetheart, I’m just trying to look out for him.”

“Is this something you’ve perceived after talking to her?” Oliver asked. “Have
you talked to her? Actually talked to her? Because I have. Granted, it was only for a moment, but I didn’t pick up on anything other than her genuine kindness and affection for our son.”

Ethan’s mother looked at her husband for a moment before answering. “He’s only known her for a month; she doesn’t belong—”

“She
belongs
with me, and I belong with her,” Ethan said. “I may have only known her for a month and a half, but it has been the best month and a half of my life. Kate is loving, and smart, and funny, and understanding, and the best friend anyone could ask for. She’s not pretentious in any way. In fact, she didn’t even know I was a ‘Montgomery’ until last weekend. She was scared and nervous to come here today and meet you both. She was worried that she wouldn’t fit in. And you know what? Maybe she doesn’t, and I’m glad. She’s better than all of this.”

He looked around the room. “I know you think everyone has ulterior motives, and I understand why. You experienced it firsthand, and that must have been painful for you. But that was a long time ago. This judging, this thinking that everyone is only after one thing, has got to stop. Because I love her—I love her and I am going to marry her someday.” He spun around on his heel and headed over to the doorway, but stopped before leaving. “I’m going to go find her and try to convince her that you aren’t as awful as I’m sure she thinks you are. If you want me to stay, then I advise you think of what you are going to say to set things straight. I love you, Mother, but I go where she is.” He looked at his mom and tried to smile, to let her know that he wanted a life where both she and Kate were involved.

“I’m sorry, Ethan,” he heard her say as he walked out of the room.

It took all the strength Ethan had to walk out of the study, to stand up to his mother, a woman who he loved dearly and meant the world to him. She was always so protective, and he knew it was because she had his best interests at heart; but this time, she had gone too far. He never wanted to choose between Kate and his mother, and was hoping he wouldn’t have to. He was leaving it up to her.

***

I don’t belong here … I don’t fit.
Kate repeated the words over and over in her head until they didn’t make sense any more. Tears continued to fall down her face, but she made no effort to wipe them. From experience, she knew they wouldn’t stop until they were dried up, until she had nothing left.

She lay curled up on the floor and stared out the window, trying to find patterns in the white clouds that drifted across the gray sky. The daze-like trance was beginning to set in and she welcomed it—welcomed the numbing ability it brought. She didn’t want to feel undeserving and not good enough, so instead she focused on the feeling of nothing and tried to let her thoughts fade away.

Eventually, the floor began to feel hard and her arm started to tingle. She regretfully sat up, and for the first time, looked around the room in which she was sitting. It looked like a guest room that was decorated to look more like a master suite. It fit perfectly with the rest of the rooms she’d seen today. All of them were exquisite and fancy and extraordinary. All of them had tasteful furniture that must have cost a fortune, and all of them were perfect and beautiful. While she sat, taking in all of her surroundings and every little detail, it hit her.

Ethan had grown up in this. He grew up in a place that was fancy and perfect and pretentious and felt like a hotel; yet he was nothing like this. He was perfect and beautiful, yes. But he wasn’t overpriced pillows and thousand dollar paintings. He was simple and honest and good, and that was the man she belonged with.

I belong with him
, she thought. She closed her eyes and repeated the new phrase over in her head, willing herself to know its truth. She said it until she
felt
it, until she knew there was nothing that could make her think otherwise. It was then that she realized that Sabrina might think she knew her, but she really had no idea.

Kate wiped the wetness from her eyes and forced the tears to stop. Taking a deep breath, she slid her feet underneath her and stood up. Rolling her shoulders back, she walked over to the mirror that hung on the wall and looked at her face. It was red and splotchy, and it looked like she’d been crying, but she didn’t care. She ran her fingers through her hair and was just about to leave when there was a knock at the door. Before she could answer, the door opened and there stood Sabrina.

“Kate,” she said quietly. “I’d like to talk to you if that’s all right.”

Kate was taken aback by the gentle tone of her voice, but realized it might have been her way of softening her up for another round of verbal insults. Drawing on all the strength she had, she took a deep breath and looked Sabrina straight in the eye.

“No. I need you to be quiet. It’s my turn to talk.”

Behind the door, standing out in the hallway listening, was Ethan. He’d seen his mother walk into the room and had a feeling he should follow her. As soon as he’d heard his mom say Kate’s name, he’d frozen. The protective side in him wanted to barge into the room and pull Kate away. He wanted to tell her that he was so sorry for all the things that had happened and tell her that she didn’t have to talk to anyone. The only thing that stopped him was Kate’s response. Now he stood in silence waiting for his mother to say something. Very few people ever spoke to her that way, and he wasn’t sure how she would take it. When he didn’t hear anything, he assumed she must have decided to listen to Kate and stayed quiet.

“I’m going to talk and I want you to listen. After all, I think I have been more than fair by listening to your opinion of me up until this point.” Kate balled her fists and gathered more courage. “I don’t know what you’ve heard about me or what Ethan has told you, but you are seriously mistaken by thinking that I am some kind of gold digger. I could care less about your money. I didn’t even know that Ethan was a Montgomery. I mean, I knew his last name was Montgomery, but I never imagined it was
the
Montgomery. So, for you to assume that I’m trying to work my way into his life to get all the things that come with his privileged title is completely ridiculous.

“As for my choice in career, I am doing just fine for myself. I have my work in numerous galleries and my calendar is booked almost six months in advance. For someone who shoots
Polaroids,
I’d say that’s pretty good. I don’t need Ethan’s money; what I need is Ethan. So, I don’t care what you or Cindy or anyone else says to me. I don’t care if I fit in here, because I know where I belong; I know where I fit. And that’s with your son.” Kate looked at Sabrina after she was finished with her rant and breathed for what felt like the first time since she’d walked into the room.

“Well, I must say I was not expecting that. You, my dear, are nothing like I thought you were. I seem to be mistaken about a few things.”

“Look, if you’re here to insult me further, I think I’ll leave. I’ve heard more than enough slandering comments today. I don’t need to hear any more.” Kate turned away and headed for the door.