Chapter 55 — Reflections and dresses
***Alex***
As Harper leaves my office, I find myself lost in thought, the passage of time unnoticed. I reflect on the misguided actions I've taken with Harper and feel a pang of regret, resolving not to mistreat her further. Yet, beneath this remorse lies a steadfast determination to strip away everything the Johnson family holds dear. Lost in this internal struggle, I am abruptly brought back to the present by the sound of my daughter Laurie's voice.
"Hey, Daddy, it's time for dinner," Laurie chirps, her innocent voice cutting through my contemplation.
I look up, momentarily startled, and force a smile. "Of course, sweetheart. Let's go."
Rising from my desk, I follow Laurie out of the office, my mind still swirling with conflicting emotions. As we make our way to the dining room, I push aside my internal turmoil, focusing instead on the evening ahead with my daughter.
"So, Laurie, what did you do after play with your friends today?" I inquire, making conversation as we walk.
Laurie skips ahead a few steps, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "I saw Harper when I was going to my room to take a bath," she begins, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
"Oh, you did? What did you two talk about?" I ask, curiosity piqued.
Laurie hesitates for a moment, as if considering her words carefully. "We talked about studying and stuff," she replies vaguely, glancing back at me.
I raise an eyebrow, sensing there's more to the story. "Studying and stuff, huh? We'll talk more about it at dessert, okay?"
Laurie nods, a mischievous glint in her eye, and I can't help but wonder what exactly transpired between her and Harper.
As Mrs. Doris finishes setting the table, I turn to her with a question. "Did you inform Harper about dinner time?" I inquire, hoping for a positive response.
Mrs. Doris shakes her head solemnly. "I tried to, sir, but she's resting and didn't want to be disturbed," she explains softly.
I sigh inwardly, disappointed but not entirely surprised by Harper's absence. With the table set and dinner served, Mrs. Doris takes her seat at the table, and the meal begins.
Tonight's dinner is a simple yet elegant affair, reflecting Mrs. Doris's impeccable culinary skills. We start with a light salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, followed by succulent roasted chicken accompanied by steamed vegetables and buttery mashed potatoes. The aroma of the food fills the room, mingling with the soft glow of candlelight, casting a warm and inviting atmosphere over the table.
Despite the delicious meal before us, the air hangs heavy with unspoken tension, and conversation is sparse as we eat in silence. Each bite is accompanied by the clinking of cutlery against plates, the only sound breaking the stillness of the room.
As we finish the main course and move on to dessert, I decide it's time to revisit the earlier conversation with Laurie about her encounter with Harper. With a final spoonful of dessert lingering on my plate, I excuse myself from the table and make my way upstairs to Laurie's room, eager to delve deeper into the matter of "studying and stuff."
As Laurie and I enter her room, I notice Miss Nancy, the nanny who spends the day with her, sitting in an armchair next to a softly lit lamp, engrossed in a book. Her gaze lingers on me for a moment too long, and it's unmistakable—she's trying to seduce me. I don't appreciate it, not one bit. I consider asking her to leave immediately, but I hesitate. Laurie has grown quite fond of Miss Nancy, and her role in our household is important. Plus, I'm not one to make rash decisions, especially when legal matters might be involved. I'll need to consult my lawyer about this later.
In a composed yet firm tone, I address Miss Nancy, "Miss Nancy, could you please excuse us for a moment? I'd like to spend some time alone with my daughter."
There's a brief flicker of disappointment in Miss Nancy's expression, but she quickly composes herself, nodding in acknowledgment. "Of course, Mr. Montreal," she replies, gathering her book and heading towards the door. "I'll be just outside if you need anything."
Once Miss Nancy leaves the room, I turn my attention to Laurie, a mix of frustration and affection swirling in my thoughts. I'm determined to protect my family from any unwanted advances, even if it means navigating delicate situations like this one with care and consideration.
As Laurie settles into my lap, I reach for "The Little Prince" from her bedside table, intending to read her a bedtime story. But before I can begin, I steer our conversation back to what she discussed with Harper earlier:
“So, Laurie, tell me more about your talk with Harper. What did she say?”
“Well, Daddy, I asked her why she didn't want to be my stepmom. She got down on her knees and told me that if I studied really hard, she could be my stepmom.”
I pause processing Laurie's words and then I return to the conversation: “Did she now?”
“Yeah! So, I don't want you to read me children's stories! I want to go back to studying math!"
I respond, smiling: “Nice try, sweetheart. But you know how important ready literature is. We'll stick to the plan, okay? And you are just a baby for me!”
“Okay, Daddy, Okay.”
My little daughter snuggles closer in my lap, and I continue to recount another passage from 'The Little Prince' until she falls asleep.
My mind is consumed by a disquieting unease after my conversation with Laurie. Her innocent revelation about Harper's promise stirs conflicting emotions within me. On one hand, I admire Harper's determination to inspire Laurie academically, offering a glimmer of hope for my daughter's future. Yet, doubts begin to gnaw at me, clouding my judgment.
Leaving Laurie's room, I find solace against the hallway wall, grappling with an unexpected decision. Initially drawn to the idea of Harper playing a positive role in Laurie's life, providing stability and guidance, I'm haunted by memories of her past recklessness, casting doubt over her intentions.
Can I entrust Harper to be the role model Laurie needs? Or am I jeopardizing my daughter's well-being by allowing Harper closer into our lives? The looming press conference reminds me of the delicate balance between my personal life and public image.
Ultimately, I cannot shake the nagging feeling that Harper's involvement may lead to unforeseen complications. Determined to address my concerns with her before the press conference, I push aside lingering doubts, preparing myself for the challenges ahead.
As night falls, I find myself restless, haunted by unresolved thoughts. It's not long after leaving Laurie's room that I find myself driving towards the city's largest shopping mall. Despite the late hour, I know the shops are still open.
Entering a high-end boutique, I peruse the racks, my mind racing as I try to recall Harper's silhouette. A saleswoman approaches and asks, “Good evening, sir. How may I assist you today?”
“Good evening. I'm looking for something special. Perhaps your finest dresses.”
“Of course, sir. Right this way. Here are some of our latest designs.”
As the saleswoman guide me through a corridor, my mind wanders to memories of Harper: her slender waist, the delicate hue of her skin, and the curls cascading down her shoulders. I estimate her dress size to be a 38. I examine the dresses at a balcony, “Hmm, these are all very nice, but I'm not quite sure.”
And she replies to me “Perhaps if you could describe the style you're looking for, I could offer some suggestions.”
How to describe Harper? As frivolous? Surely not, this saleswoman probably already knows who I am and has seen the news on television, better to be discreet.
“Well, it's for my wife, she has a certain... elegance. She's sophisticated yet vibrant. Do you have anything that fits that description?”
“I see. In that case, let me show you a few options. Follow me.”
“These are all lovely,” I comment “but I'm still undecided. Can I see something a bit more... extravagant?
“Certainly, sir. Let me bring out some of our more exclusive pieces.”
She leads me to a display of the most expensive and, according to her, exclusive dresses. These do resemble the elegant dresses Harper always wears. After examining a few more dresses, I finally decide.
“I think I've found what I'm looking for. I'll take these three: the pink, the silver, and the red.”
“Excellent choice, sir. I'll have them wrapped up for you right away.” She responds politely, with a smile that suggests she'll earn a wonderful commission from this sale.
After the purchase, I return home and prepare myself for bed, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. Otherwise, I wouldn’t sleep tonight.