Laura's face was losing color as she listened to Beverly's reasons.
- Why are you telling me all this? -
- I won't play innocent with you... It's not my style... You know, like everyone else, that I've always had an interest in Daniel. You're friends and I feel sorry for you, but it's only a matter of time before your husband decides not to put up with it anymore. In the office he treats his brother with contempt, dodges him, ignores him. It also doesn't seem logical to me that they are fighting over a woman. Let's be honest, you don't want to be separated from Harry and that's what will happen if Deanna stays in your family... -
Beverly was putting all her cards on the table, she had to bet hard if she wanted to achieve something. And Laura looked more and more distressed.
- But Daniel and Deanna are in love... -
- Come on, Laura, this thing with Daniel is nothing more than a fling, what man doesn't like a younger woman showing interest in him? But to break his bond with Harry for that is too much. I don't know her intentions, I don't doubt she's sincere, I've seen her with him and the kids. But Daniel is going to get over it sooner or later and when that happens she'll be "available" again -
- ... and Harry will run after her... -
- That's what I'm talking about. We are not doubting about Deanna here, but about the Crushers... - ...
- Deanna's always treated him like a friend, a brother... She calls him "kid." -
- That's not going to stop Harry from being desperate for her when Daniel dumps her, it's only a matter of time... You know that... -
Beverly watched Laura with her trained eye, ready to detect any doubt and avoid it. That's what she was skilled at, and she was an expert. If she could convince Laura, she would have an even better chance of achieving the political position she knew she deserved.
- And what should I do? -
- For now, be patient. I know it must be very difficult for you to put up with Harry in his "spite" state, but I'm sure you don't want to be left alone with a child because of all this. You are young and have a long way to go as a family, we won't let anything be undone by Deanna.
- It's a win-win for you too.
- It's a win-win for all of us, Laura -
"No risk, no gain," Beverly thought to herself as she stood alone. She took a dangerous gamble by revealing herself that way, she was confident in her skills and applying them on someone as weak as Laura was was an easy task. If she kept waiting and expectant she would find the right moment to move the pieces in her favor.
She had waited many years for this and she was in her best moment. She had all the patience with Daniel, after Emily's death, watching him go out from time to time with some woman. But she knew him and knew he was holding on to the memory of his wife and that none of them could entice him enough to catch him. She never would have imagined that Deanna would show up and, with a sway of her hips, seduce him so easily.
And it was a "love affair" strong enough for him to bring her into his house, with his children. She wasn't the right woman for him, but Daniel wouldn't dismiss her as she had said to Laura. Of course not, a man like him wouldn't do such a thing, he couldn't deal with his conscience. He had those traditional ideas that tied him to every commitment he made. The only way was to make her leave or he could no longer accept having her by his side.
Deanna was in her little music room when someone knocked on the door. It was Naomi.
-Hi Deanna.
- Hi Naomi, come in... did something happen? - Naomi looked shy, as if she wanted to tell her something and didn't dare. Finally, she gathered her courage.
- No...
- Come, sit down... -
- Deanna... do you think dad will let me go to Lily's party? -
- A birthday party? -
- No... it's in the evening, at her house... everyone from school will be there and... -
- And you think your dad won't give you permission because it's in the evening... -
- Yes.
- But at what time? -
- It starts at 6 o'clock until midnight... -
- I see... You really want to go... -
The girl's face was gloomy, social gatherings were starting at her age and like any other 13 year old girl she was eager to participate. But Daniel had his rules.
- No, she can't...
- Come on, Daniel. She's old enough to go out with her friends. It's in the house, she won't be hanging around. You know Lily's parents... -
- It's not a hour for a child to go anywhere. I won't let her -
- All her classmates will go -
- I'm don't care.
- But she is, she doesn't want to be left out. Then everyone will comment on the party and Naomi will be the only one who can't participate -
- I don't see how that's relevant -
- It is for a girl her age... Then there will be outings to eat or to the movies, then dances... You can't lock her up until she comes into her majority... -
- I can try... - Deanna smiled.
- No, you can't... I know you're worried, she's your little girl, but eventually she will grow up and she needs to know that her daddy trusts her and that she can come to you if she has a problem... Yes? -
- I don't know...
She was convincing him. He knew that his daughter would grow up and that sooner or later he would have to let her make her own life; if it hadn't been for Susan being there for Naomi when she left childhood behind Daniel would have fallen into a panic attack.
- I'll have to talk to Lily's parents first... -
- You're not so scary after all... -
- I didn't say yes yet - Deanna stood up and gave him a little kiss before leaving.
- Thank you -
Naomi waited anxiously on the other side and when Deanna came out with a smile she became frantic.
- Did he say yes?! -
- Not yet, but he will... Let's go and see what you're going to wear -
But her father wasn't the only one with things to say about it. That night, during dinner, Ethan also had an opinion.
- I don't think you're old enough to go to a party yet -
- Why not? You're hanging out with your friends -
- I'm older than you -
- By two years -
- It's different -
- No, of course not.
- Don't let her go, Dad.
- Ethan! Why are you like this? - Naomi was outraged.
- It's going to be full of boys -
He was just like the father.
-I spoke to Lily's parents. As it will be the first meeting of this nature, they will let whoever wants to go with someone. I think your brother can do it," Daniel said.
Ethan turned white and Naomi opened her mouth wide. Her first party with her annoying brother, it would be the same as not going. The older one was like the father, conservative and jealous, he watched his sister with hawk eyes at school. Deanna watched them in amusement, it was all new to her. In order to go out she had to convince her mother and her grandmother was the one who supported her; she never had to "suffer" the masculine worries of a father or a brother.
- I will not go with Ethan - Naomi sentenced.
- Then you don't have authorization. The only condition I put to let you do this is that someone goes with you.
- Dad... - Naomi knew that Daniel was adamant and would not change his mind.
- I'll go with her - Deanna told them.
- Yes! Deanna will go with me.
Daniel didn't say anything.
- Don't you trust me to take care of her? -
- Of course I do.
- Good, then it's settled. Naomi, I'll go with you –