CHAPTER 34

The weather started to change gradually, paving way for another season to waltz in. For most, it wasn’t a sudden change. The rain had started to become lesser and lesser. That on its own was enough indication that fall was a wrap already. There would be no more dip in the water, and laying out to get tanned afterwards. The season of getting all wrapped up, to save yourself from pneumonia had the reins now. The rainy season was gradually slowing down for the winter cold, and it would seem that the winter air was now settling. The weather forecast predicted lots of freezing days. And like always, the residents were preparing towards them.

With the war coming to an end amidst the founding families, peace, as it used to be known, was settling down. Those concerned could now breathe easy. Most had now resumed their normal daily activities, joyfully enjoying the normal as they know it. That was easy considering they didn’t lose anything. But now and then, they remember the friends that had been lost, and the pain of these losses overwhelm them. Mrs. Swiss and her husband would look at the distance, lost. How they didn’t lose anyone in the war, was still a miracle they didn’t take for granted. They would hug each other and cry out in pain for the mistakes they had made that had resulted in many Monterey being dead, and now another one added to the number. Robert became withdrawn, and as he kept to himself, Mrs. Swiss understood he had some issues to walk through.

The same war ending had some folks struggling to grasp the full impact of their losses and their dangerous encounters. They try so hard to bury themselves in their jobs to numb the pain, but they couldn’t hide from the fact just yet. They were traumatized by the experience. Recurring nightmares plagued them. Noah Monterey hated his name now. It was like something was bent on destroying their bloodline. The Monterey name was cursed. He could see that clearly now. So, he told his wife he wasn’t going to take on the family name. They could just stick to the one they were using all the while, even if that was a lie. It was his mother’s maiden name.

The deeply traumatized ones; the twins and their mother, through therapy had a chance now to live through their encounter. They were being thought how to make a joke of their pain, and the nightmares were gradually getting reduced to once a week. And sometimes, nothing happens all week for the kids. Adriana on her path, kept pushing through. She was determined as always, to beat it, for her family.

Amidst the trauma though, dusk was finally settling, and with it came the serenity it could bring to the county. Everything was getting back to how it used to be. Adriana and her husband agreed the kids could now get back in school but were placed under strict monitoring.

In the silent war that just ended, there were the neighbours who saw and noticed nothing. For these sets of individuals, nothing had changed. They continue to go about their activities, minding their own business, but being the typically great neighbour. For the suspicious neighbour who knew something had been going on, it was a relief to finally see some normal. Though they couldn’t fathom what the war had been about, they knew they were going to miss the drama, and the gossip surrounding it.

Mrs. Moore and her friend were the first to notice the change. They were surprised to see that the lawyer lady; Adriana had now moved back home with her husband. Again, the men parading the Swiss’ compound had now stopped moving back and forth in the vicinity. And though this meant the end of gossip, the suburban knew that gossip never really ends. There’s always something to talk about. But with one episode of gist ending, there was the beginning of another. And it would take the two friends just about a week to find this out. And so the charade began again.

That day, Evangeline had gone home to say hello to her parents since she was in Miami. Of course, her tummy was now as huge as a football, and noticeable. The women saw this and resumed their usual petty talks. The two women stared at her until she went into the compound.

“Didn’t I say something was up with that lady? She’s with child and unmarried” said Mrs. Moore to her friend.

“You think Valdez is the father?” asked her friend. They waited again by the fence for Evangeline’s exit. “He’s so rich, I hear”

Mrs. Moore laughed, “Rich is what they all want these days, right?” adjusting herself, she continued when her friend sighed, “My daughter knows Evangeline’s firm though in LA. Heard she’s a big shot too”

“Then she might not really be after him for money”

“Maybe”

They stopped talking when the pregnant lady immerged from the house again, her hands gently rubbing her stomach with her parents in tow.

“I’ve always known she’s the black sheep of that family” both friends waved cheerfully at Evan as she drove away. The two friends decided the war might have ended, but there was another thing to look forward to; gossips. They watched as she drove away while concentrating now on Mrs. Swiss and Robert. The instant their daughter drove out; Robert went back in leaving a lost Mrs. Swiss standing outside.

“They don’t seem to be on good terms.” observed the friend, “See how he left without saying anything to her?” she asked, “Perhaps, he’s leaving again?”

At that instant, Mrs. Swiss turned towards them. The two women ashamed at being caught quickly called out in greeting. “Morning Mrs. Swiss”

Mrs. Swiss greeted them gaily, “Good morning, Mrs. Moore” and she went in to join her husband.

The women left the fence and went to sit by the lawn. “The other day, I saw Adriana and her husband getting all cosy. I think they’re back together”

“Good for them.” her friend said, looking a bit downcast “Something wrong?”

Sighing heavily, Mrs. Moore’s friend decided to confide in her. “Dave is still talking to that woman”

“And?”

“It’s troubling”

“I mean haven’t you being joining their conversation as I told you?”

“I have but most times, I barely know half of what they talk about.” she shrugged, “He loves ball, and in all the years we ‘ve stayed married, I never discussed ball with him. do I even know what it is about, other than some grown-ass men running after a rolling ball?” she laughed hysterically, sniffing, she continued, “But busty neighbour knows everything about it. She even knows their names.” laughing sadly, she turned to Mrs. Moore, “The day I butt in their conversation, it was so awkward. I’d never do that again.”

“Think we should do something about that.” Mrs. Moore said, thinking of a way to scare off the chatty neighbour. “We should scare her away from him”

Smiling happily, her friend could see she was in for some of the old tricks of her friend. She had always respected Mrs. Moore when it comes to handling her home. Mrs. Moore might be the perfect doting wife, but when it came down to getting her house in order, she was a different woman.

Ones, her late husband had an affair with a young waitress at the county bar. Every evening, he would rush off to the bar while lying to his wife he was going on a stroll. Everyone but his wife knew he was having an affair with the waitress downtown! One evening, a neighbour fought with the wife and may have hinted that Mrs. Moore’s cunny attitude was the reason he always rushed off to the bar. She was shocked, but of course, followed her husband to the place the next day. To her dismay, not only was her husband lying about his evening strolls, he was seeing someone.

Everyone thought it was the end of their marriage. Well, they didn’t know how resourceful and resilient she could be. And while she stood outside the bar, in shaded glasses and disguised in a new wig, a pregnant woman noticed she was staring at the couple inside the bar, she hissed. Mrs. Moore turned to see the woman. She was probably new in town.

“So shameless.” the woman began, “Heard the man is married, and the lady has a fiancé who comes to town once a month. Apparently, she is not satisfied with seeing her man just once”

“She could have just moved in with him.” said Mrs. Moore, moving closer to the woman. She was interested in knowing just who the fiancé is. “Who is this fiancé?”

“Oh, he’s a military man. Always greeting transferred”

Hmmmn, military. Great. Mrs. Moore sighed, tucking that shred of information away. It would be useful. “It’s probably why she can’t move with him.” she said to the pregnant woman, mentally thanking her for that useful piece.

“Still, seeing her doing this is a shame. I keep telling my John not to come here. Don’t want anyone stealing my man. We just got married.” smiling sweetly, the lady began to walk away.

Mrs. Moore decided to teach the woman a good lesson. The following evening, when her husband took his evening stroll again, she was there with him some few minutes after to take pictures. She then went back, printed the pictures.

“What do you intend to do with these?” asked her friend, staring with disdain at the pictures. The couple had been caught in several postures that were troubling. “How can you even bear to see these. Look, they’re kissing here” she pointed out.

“It’s what I must do to save my marriage.” said a determined Mrs. Moore. She had managed to tuck her pain away until this was resolved. “So, tell me again, did you say the man picked the waitress from her parents and they don’t live in Miami?”

“Yes.” said her friend. She had asked around about the waitress because Mrs. Moore wanted to know. She couldn’t understand though why she needed that piece of information. “Why?” she asked. She watched her face lite up and knew Mrs. Moore had something planned.

“I intend to send her back to her parents”

“How?”

“I’m sending the pictures to her man. What do you suppose he would do?”

“Kill her” replied her friend. Her fears were plainly written on her face.

“Huh.” she shrugged, “That would be the perfect solution to my problem. Really” she laughed weirdly at her friend’s sour expression. “Relax. He won’t kill her”

“He’s a military man.” said the friend, emphasizing military.

“The very reason why he wouldn’t kill. He would rather end the relationship. Which is what I want. Let her lose both ways. She cannot have my man, and her fiancé sends her away. It’s more than she deserved actually”

“Wow, brilliant.” she applauded her friend’s bravery, “If he doesn’t kill her, that is”

The next day, they sent the pictures to the man. Of course, the military man came home right away. He took the waitress back to her parents which were outside Miami. It was the end of the unholy relationship, as Mrs. Moore had named the brief affair. Afterwards, she found ways to punish her husband. It started with late dinners, intentionally pouring water on him, sometimes hot fluid. One evening, he requested a cup of coffee, and she served him the coffee so hot, it burnt his tongue.

“Sometimes, I feel like you’re intentionally hurting me. Did I do something for you?” said her husband, who couldn’t understand that the little accidents happening lately had been mere accidents.

“Why would I?” asked Mrs. Moore, “Did you do anything?”

The husband had let things be, walking inside with a guilty conscience. And the accidents continued to happen until Mrs. Moore could finally look at him without remembering the waitress. Her friend had applauded her bravery, and resourcefulness in handling the situation. “We have to do what we have to do” had been her reply. Now, she had to save her friend’s marriage too.

“What do we do now?”

“I’ll think of something” Mrs. Moore promised.

*****

And as the war ended too, the ones directly involved like Logan Thames, Jason Valdez, were now resting easy with a substantial amount to cool off. Logan Thames gave himself a treat, left his businesses in capable hands, and took a vacation. With Mary back in town, it was another good reason to stay away from LA. And just like all things must come to an end, he received a call from his PA to be at work.

The business deal he would be closing this time involved a Chinese couple who believed in settled homes. The man had been running his business for years with his wife. His PI had insisted to win him over, he would need to go along with a respectable lady. Someone who could hold a good conversation, and act like they were in a good relationship, maybe even headed for the altar. Logan searched his memory, wondering who was a perfect fit for that profile. And for some days, he racked his brain, searching for the perfect lady. He could only think of Mary. And taking her would be at his own peril. It would be better to keep her at arm’s length. He wanted no trouble. It was pointless getting Evangeline. She was heavily pregnant for another man.

He started calling his ex-girlfriends, who he could count on. The ones he still falls in bad with when the need arises. But he had ended all that when Evangeline came into the picture. To his dismay, he found out most were either out of town or previously engaged and didn’t want to cancel. He sighed, knowing they were all making excuses because of how badly he had treated them. Logan admitted he was a spoilt brat himself. With the games he played with Mary, who wouldn’t? He knew he had bad records with almost every girl he dated. And Evangeline being the last had her own share too, even though he didn’t plan that. Do I hire?

Then suddenly, he remembered the sweet debutante he had danced with at the club. Perhaps someone would be in a good mood to grant a favour. He whistled to himself. It would also be a good time to catch up with her anyway. He had enjoyed that evening with her, and their kiss taunted him. He wouldn’t mind having another taste.

Decided, he strolled into Evan’s office purposefully. But today, he wasn’t here for the boss. He was particularly interested in the lady whom he had met at the masked party. The lady he had spent some brief but captivating moment with. As he approached his prey, she looked up at him with a smile, thinking he was another client. The instant she recognized who it was, her countenance change. “Would you mind giving such a beautiful smile as you do you clients?” he teased.

Audrey took a step back from Logan, wondering what the heck he was doing here now. Since their little rendezvous at the club the other day, she had been avoiding him. Thankfully too, he had stayed out of her way. She was now concerned why he would show up like this, out of the blues. He could only be here for Evangeline, she told herself. “She’s not here.” she told Logan as emotionless as she could, all the while pretending to be busy typing.

“I came for you, not your boss.” Logan told her, watching as she blushed prettily.

“Why?”

“I need your help”

Audrey threw her head back, laughing “You can’t just waltz in here, and start making demands because of a stupid night that was entirely a mistake”

“Oh, so you do remember that night!” he smiled, “Who says we can’t fix the mistake then? Make it something we both can’t regret?”

Sighing, she stopped typing and glared at him, “Look, I’m very busy. Please leave. I’ll tell my boss you stopped by”

“I do need your help, Audrey”

She knew she was going to regret asking because she really didn’t want to know. Still, she asked, “For what?”

Smiling, he explained to her “I have this deal to close. The owner is a Chinese man, married for up to forty years now. And he has this strong opinion about CEOs having a good home front. If I’m not married, he expects I’d be in some solid relationship, if not engaged”

When he stopped talking, she asked, “So, where do I fit in all these?”

“I need a lady, to…”

“Don’t you have a girlfriend?” she asked, then teased, lacing her words with bitter sarcasm “Oh, she broke up with you because you were sleeping with her best friend”

“That was a misunderstanding.” he heaved. “Mary was my friend. She introduced me to Evangeline in the first place. We couldn’t even be in any relationship other than being friends”

“Friends.” she scoffed, “Yet the internet still crawls with pictures of you both half-naked”

“Nah. That’s been sorted.” he grinned wildly, “As I said, it was a misunderstanding”

“Why not ask her instead? Since you’re such good friends.”

He flared, “Hell, no. That would give the media plenty to talk about. And it could backfire. Imagine the headline: Flirty CEO who denies having an affair with fiancé’s best friend seen getting cosy with her. What if the Chinese see it? It will ruin my reputation.”

“Isn’t it already” Audrey taunted, whispering so he wouldn’t hear her “Please, just this one-time” he pleaded, finding it amusing that he was actually pleading that someone is his girl. Mary would have easily jumped into the boat.

“If you’re worried about the internet getting pictures of both of you, doesn’t that say something about me too?” she asked, “They’d post pictures of us. Is that what you’re saying?”

“Probably, yes. It should be a private dinner, at the La Mirage Diner. But you know how the media works.” He smiled, “They just love me. Who wouldn’t want to adore their magazine with this flawless body?” he spread out his hands, flexing his muscles.

He did have a good body, she noted. He was putting on a blue short-sleeve shirt, that hugged his body tightly. She could feel the ripples of the fluid as it flows through his body. Quickly chastising herself, she asked. “How do I explain to my boyfriend?”

“You have a boyfriend” he mused, rubbing his freshly grown moustache. No, she doesn’t “Funny of you to think I don’t”

“I bet you don’t. The party.” he said, looking at her intently, “You didn’t come with anyone. And you didn’t plead with me not to tell your boyfriend.” he said. “If there was one then, you would have said something about wanting us to keep it between us.” her eyes were wide now. He was right. There was no boyfriend. “You don’t have” he finished proudly “Fine, I don’t. But I will, someday” she waved it off casually with her hands, “I don’t want to start explaining it was a dinner borne out of blackmail.”

“Why are you so stubborn about this? It’s a harmless favour really”

She said nothing, thinking of just what she could say to get out of this. The phone rang out with a loud shrill. It was her boss. Perfect. With a wide smile, she said “Can we talk another time? My boss is on the line”

Logan laughed, turning to leave, “Say hi to Evangeline for me.” he said, starting to walk away. A thought suddenly crossed his mind, and he stopped. How about I ask her boss?

*****

Evangeline video called her secretary for a meeting with the other staff. When Audrey picked, she caught a glimpse of Logan circling back. What was he doing at her office? “Was that Logan?” she asked her PA.

“Yes ma, he was just leaving.” replied a flustered Audrey, He came for…” she didn’t even know what to say he had been there for. Behind her, Logan, who had turned back, and was standing now behind her, peeped and smiled at Evan.

“Hey you.” he said, wondering how to ask his ex to loan him her PA. He was beginning to see now just how terrible a playboy he had been. Smiling wickedly, he took the plunge anyway, “Can I steal your PA for a meeting I have? I need someone acting like my girlfriend to see the deal”

“Why act? Don’t you have a girlfriend?” she teased, “Mary?”

Audrey rolled her eyes at him at that. She had said the exact thing.

He shrugged at Audrey but replied Evangeline “Not a choice. Can I just take Audrey? You owe me”

She did owe him a teeny weeny bit. He had been helpful when her family needed him. And she also felt she owed him. He had been counting on having her back, even when he knew she was going to be a surrogate. He had been willing to see if there was a future for them even after. And had she been selfish, she would have him all to herself. But she had gotten herself in love with her baby daddy, and couldn’t see herself going back to him, ever. In Jase, she felt a feeling so strong it was hard to ignore or turn away from. Sighing, she said “Well, ask her if she’s inclined to.” turning to her PA, she made it clear who had the call. “Her choice though.”

“Mademoiselle, would you please do the honours?” Logan said to Audrey who looked cornered. She nodded, accepting to be his date, and he grinned, “Merci.” he glowed happily, taking her hand. He kissed it swiftly and curtsied. “I look forward to a nice evening with you.” Biding Evangeline goodbye, he smiled at Audrey, “I’ll send the date, but I’m picking you up.” he told her and left the room.

“You don’t have to go with him if you don’t feel like it.” Evangeline said to her PA.

“I…it’s okay ma”

“Then, are the others in the meeting room? Let’s get this meeting started”

Locking the front door firmly, Audrey walked with the tablet to the meeting room where the other staff were eagerly waiting. She put the tab at the head table and turned it to face everyone. “Good morning you all”

“Good morning ma’am” most chorused.

“Now. I suppose we all know that this meeting is about Mrs. Sullivan and her deal. We must do a good job.”

And the meeting began in earnest, with her creative director presenting the proposal they had come up with. Evangeline watched the presentation, making notes of what she had love to correct and twig a little. She nodded appreciatively at their collective effort. “I think I love this concept. But let’s adjust the slides a little. Go to slide 3.” She told them what she wanted fixing about that, and went to the next slide. Done with the re-do, they moved on to other issues at hand.

The meeting lasted over an hour. Evangeline stretched tiredly, just as the door opened. They were about rounding off. She smiled at Jason, who came into the room with both hands full of shopping bags. He dropped the bags on the bed and pecked her. Then smiling into the camera, seeing Audrey, he waved. Evangeline shifted uncomfortable, signalling him to move away, but he wouldn’t budge.

“Anything else, aside from this?” she asked.

Audrey looked into her file. “That would be all ma’am”

“Good. Then enjoy the rest of your day.” she dismissed them, “And don’t forget, Mrs. Sullivan is our priority this week” she added before ending the call. She had barely dropped the phone when Jason drew her closer to himself and kissed her passionately. She got swept into the mood, kissing him back fiercely before remembering her resolve. This had got to stop. For the past three days, he had been teasing her but kept his hands in check. And it had been easy to stay here with him, without feeling pressured.

Even when she had gone for a check-up with Doctor Tom, and he drove her there. They had talked, and that was it. There had been no physical contact. The only time he touched her was when he had held her back as they walked into the doctor’s office together. And even that little touch had made her feel light-headed. That was two days ago. They slept in separate rooms too. last night, when she had another nightmare, he had been there to hold her. Even then, he had simply cooed until she slept, and left her bed right after. None of them said anything about it the next morning. And though she wanted this distance between them, she didn’t understand why he didn’t ask what was wrong. And now, he was kissing her, and she let him! She wondered what had suddenly changed.

When she pulled away, Jason let her. “What?”

“I, I’m not sure” she stood up looking flustered. Her eyes caught a pack falling out of one of the bags he had brought in earlier. “What’s all these?” she asked, moving towards the bed. She picked it up. It was a lovely wool wrap for babies. She smiled at him and picked another. He had spent his day buying everything. She couldn’t think of anything else he didn’t get. There were feeding bottles, baby wipes, pampers, clothes, shoes, stockings, toys, baby front pack. He had even bought some baby nutrient food, which their baby wouldn’t be needing until he was 6months. She had planned on doing baby-friendly, and that meant giving their son nothing aside breast milk till he was 6months. Doctors and online mothers had recommended it. It makes the baby’s immune system stronger.

She hugged him tightly. “Thank you”

Handing her two more bags, he said, “For you.” He walked her to the couch. “Sit.” he said. Evangeline sat down and unwrapped her gift. The first was a fur jacket, and a diamond neckpiece, ankle, and hand chain. It was a beautiful design made of tiny love shapes.

“I love it” she hugged him again. Stripping, she put on the fur jacket on her red lacey pant and bra.

He took the neckpiece from her and went behind her to put it around her neck. Evangeline went to the dressing mirror, admiring it. “You have good taste.” Then she pouted, “Now, I feel so ashamed”

“Why?” he asked, standing behind her. His hands encircled her, rubbing her naked stomach lightly.

“I didn’t get you anything.” she turned around, holding him “I’ll do better”

He smiled and taking her hand took her back to the couch. They had yet to open the other bag. He didn’t let her open it just yet. Something had been bothering him. Each time he tried to kiss her, she pulls away. At first, he had been scared she didn’t want him anymore. The past three days, he had enjoyed teasing her. And he had paid attention to her. It was obvious she wanted him as much as he does. But he didn’t understand why she kept pushing him off. He had been about to say “Did I do something wrong?” when she said, “Have you picked a name yet?.” Jason felt cornered. They had plenty of time, he told himself. But for now, he would stay away from her, if that was what she wanted. “Have you?” he asked her, but his heart sank with sadness.

“I don’t know yet.” she said, “It’s something we should do together.”

“I thought about Robert, you know. My father’s name is…was Robert. So is yours” he shrugged, “At first, I didn’t want to. But with me finally making peace with their deaths, I think I’d like to name our son, Robert.”

“I like that.” she smiled at him. “I’d love a name from Ellen’s side too”

“Her dad is Elon.”

“Then our son’s other name shall be Elon.”

“You have a good heart.” he said. He was going to reach for her, pull her to him, and kiss her. He wanted those lips. But he dropped his hand and pulled away. Then looking at the unopened bag, said “You haven’t checked the other bag” he told her.

Evangeline saw his sad look when he pulled away, and she knew she had done that. There was nothing she could do about it though. He had stolen her heart. And though she wanted more from him, she knew it was too soon. The man had just had the first anniversary of his late wife. He was probably fighting off whatever feelings he had for her right now. Which was why for their sakes, she must do this. She must cut off all feelings before any damage was done. It was best for everyone. Her decision was further encouraged when she saw Ellen’s family at the memorial. Who would understand that they had fallen in love barely a year after his late wife’s demise? Fallen in love? She scoffed. Had they? She shook her head, telling herself not to deceive herself. Jason didn’t fall in love with her. If anything, all he felt for her would be an attraction. She had been the one who couldn’t just savor what she had, and move on. Instead, she had falling in love with her baby’s daddy.

She was just supposed to house their baby for nine months, and be done with it. She was a surrogate; her son’s surrogate mother. As if that wasn’t complicated enough. Pushing away all thoughts, she bent to retrieve the second bag. Opening the bag, she brought out another wrap. This was a package. She unwrapped it, wondering what it could be. There were two keys. She picked up the first, knowing it was surely a car key. “You got me another car?”

He shrugged, his face glowing with pride. But he said nothing.

“Oh, Jase.” She wailed. How was a lady supposed to keep her sanity when the man was being so cute? She swooned in his arms. “What’s the other key for?”

“It’s a surprise.” he said mysteriously. “The car will take you there.”