Resilient (2) (34 page)

 
She stood on the terrace looking down a grassy slope. Xander was below, in the thick of things, having a discussion with his father and someone with a clip board, most likely the caterer. Deep breath and down she went. Xander noticed her before she got to his side and his pensive pucker transformed into a gorgeous smile. He walked towards her and opened his arms.
 

“You look beautiful,” he whispered into her ear.

“So do you.” And he did in his light gray suit, powder blue shirt, no tie. “Aren’t you hot in that suit?”

“Yes, this jacket is coming off and my sleeves will be rolled up within the hour. My dad was giving me a hard time because I didn’t wear a tie. Isn’t it enough that I’m wearing a suit coat in 95% humidity?” They both glanced over at his father in his suit, complete with tie. He looked like he was going to a business meeting, or a funeral. He glanced their way for a few seconds and returned his attention to the caterer.

“Care for a drink, my lady?” he said in a pretty spot on English accent.

“Why thank you, good sir.” She took his arm and they made their way over to the person that would be her favorite of the night, the bartender.

Glass of wine and flaky hors d'oeuvre in hand, they watched. Well, Katrine watched and Xander chatted in her ear, sharing gossip as he pointed people out and introduced her around. The women looked at her with their appraising looks and curious stares, dressed differently than she was used to. It wasn’t something she could put her finger on. It was an easy elegance that made her feel like she’d tried too hard. They moved about with a blasé disregard for their surroundings. It was bizarre. It wasn’t that Katrine felt like she wasn’t good enough. Her feeling was that she just didn’t fit in, but more importantly she had no desire to. The good thing was that Xander seemed as unimpressed as she was, or maybe he was just used to it.
 

Watching these women mill about, regal, haughty, disenchanted, hearing them discuss topics mundane and safe. Her efforts to connect with them were unsuccessful. They weren’t rude but they weren’t really friendly either, ambivalent was a perfect way to describe it.
 

Katrine was relieved that her impression of Xander’s mother was based on the frozen memories of a twelve year old boy, forever angelic and kind. Katrine didn’t want to think what she might be like today. What would Xander think of his mom if she were alive? Would she be one of the glacial Stepford wives? Or would she be different, a vibrant contrast to the monotone masses? Katrine could believe anything she wanted. Whether it was based on fantasy or truth was a moot point. A beloved wife and mother only lived in their memories now, immortalized by those who adored her. Just as it should be.

What she wouldn’t give for her friends to be here. She could just imagine what Charlie and Maddie would have to say. Katrine couldn’t wait to tell Maddie about the P.U.B. epidemic up here in fancy pants land. But pole up the butt just didn’t seem to cut it.
 

An hour later, Abner Abbot finally made his appearance. He was wearing a suit with a plaid bow tie. He had a full head of silver hair and sharp eyes that didn’t miss a thing. He was very tall, but more bones than flesh at this stage in the game. Katrine was deferential and sweet when they were introduced just before dinner. He had walked down from his room right to the table without greeting any of the guests, one arm hugged Xander, he met Katrine and said, “Let’s eat already.” He didn’t have to ask twice. The announcement was made that dinner was served and everyone found their seats.

“If they don’t like meatloaf, they can starve! Where the hell are the mashed potatoes? Alexander, I said I wanted mashed potatoes!” Abner griped.
 

“Now, Dad, I compromised on the meatloaf. You should have heard the disbelief in the caterer’s voice when I told her that’s what we were to serve. I put my foot down on the mashed potatoes.” In lieu of their mashed counterparts, there were roasted new potatoes with olive oil and rosemary.

“Damn it, it’s my birthday. I didn’t even want a party, the least you could do is feed me the food I want. I don’t care about your uppity friends. Mashed potatoes are soft. I have dentures, remember? Always thinking of yourself and what other people will think.” He grumbled and made a big show of stabbing a potato. Katrine was trying hard to keep her smile at bay, but it was virtually impossible around Abner Abbot. He was crotchety in an endearing way, like he’d lived long enough that at this point he wanted to forgo the niceties and tell it like it is. Katrine always found that refreshing. That’s probably why she loved Charlie so much.

“What about you, Katrine? You have a problem with meatloaf and mashed potatoes?” Katrine paused, fork full of said meat loaf on its way to her mouth. She set it back on the plate. “No sir, I happen to love mashed potatoes and meatloaf. My grandmother made it every other Sunday until she passed.”

Xander’s father almost rolled his eyes, but Abner nodded his approval. “I like a woman who isn’t afraid to eat. Much better than those stick-legged chippies I see you traipsing around with, Xander.”

“Well, you’re in luck, Grandfather, because this little lady can put it away.” Xander was smiling affectionately at Abner. The respect he had for his grandfather was apparent.

“Very good, very good. And you, young lady, none of this sir business, my friends call me Abner.” He winked at her. She grinned, a little shy under his gaze. He must have been something back in his day. He had a magnetic personality. They all three had it.
 

Must be genetic.

“For the love of god, Dad, don’t flirt with the poor girl, you’re making her uncomfortable.”

“It’s all right, Mr. Abbot, I’m quite entertained and fortunate as well. I have the privilege of sitting at the most handsome table at the party.” She shot them all her best mega-watt smile. One by one their cheeks spread in response.

“Alexander, please,.” Xander’s father sounded a bit flirty himself.

“All right, Alexander.” She lifted her wine glass and said, “To Abner. May your potatoes forever be mashed, happy birthday!”

“I’ll drink to that!” Abner clinked her glass and took a huge gulp. Xander and his father followed suit. Xander leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I told you.” She smiled shyly and took a bite of her delicious and delightfully un-posh dinner.

Defrost the frosty…de-jerk the jerky!
 

Her victory, however, was short-lived. When the conversation shifted to AG Industries’ state of affairs, Katrine became a silent observer. Although the elder Abbots seemed to appreciate her aesthetic attributes and occasional quips, they seemed not as keen on her intellectual input. So she ate the rest of her dinner in silence, attempting to stay engaged. But it injured her that the youngest Abbot didn’t seem to notice.
 

A huge chocolate sheet cake was brought out and placed in front of the guest of honor. It was decorated like a chess board, white chocolate was used for the opposing squares. There were actual chess pieces made of chocolate on either side of the cake, white on one, milk chocolate on the other. Abner’s face lit up along with the candles. He must be the original sweet tooth by the way he was eyeing the elaborate confection. One hundred and fifty guests sang happy birthday. He blew out the candles with ease. Applause and cheers. Katrine smiled. He may have been 91, but the childlike gleam in his eye made him look decades younger.
 

The cake was as good as it looked. Xander snagged Katrine the queen and the knight for himself. “Sorry about all of the shop talk. Here, I bring a peace offering.” He kissed her on the cheek, then on the lips.
 

“What, no king?”

He shook his head. “Knights are much more gallant. They fight to protect the kingdom and its queen. Anyone can just sit on a throne. Only the bravest can defend it.”
 

She kissed his cheek. “Knight in shining armor. I think that’s perfect.”

After a trip to the bathroom and a fresh glass of wine, Katrine decided to walk around. She didn’t know anyone and was sorry to hear that the guys she’d met the night before where not attending. It was only relatives and Alexander’s business associates and close friends by the look of it. Poor Abner’s chums were probably long passed. It seemed like this was more a dog and pony show for Alexander’s benefit, Abner couldn’t have cared less. In fact, Katrine looked over and noticed that he was snoozing at their table. No one had noticed.

Poor thing.

“Abner. Abner.” She shook him awake, making him flail a bit in surprise. “May I escort you back to your room?” He smiled and rose from his chair. She offered him her arm but he refused, only to offer her his arm in return. “You may accompany me, young lady, but I will escort you.” Katrine kissed him on the cheek and took his arm. She wished him happy birthday one last time when they arrived at his bedroom door. “Thank you, my dear. I hope to see you again.” He kissed her hand and closed his door. She smiled the whole way back. She might not have had much experience with the elderly, but the ones she’d met on this trip, sure had been the highlight.

It was dark when she made her way back to the party, but there were dozens of torches giving light were there was none. Of course the house was alight as well as the pool area, but the glow only went so far. Katrine took tentative steps, the grass felt slick under her feet. She noticed Xander’s father by the pool. He shook hands with an older man and kissed the cheek of the attractive woman at his side. They seemed to be old friends. A younger woman dressed in red approached and he gave her a warm hug. She had long brown hair and even longer legs. Why did she look so familiar? Curious, she took several steps towards them, keeping to the dark side of the lawn. She was still far enough away not to be detected, but close enough to see the younger woman’s face. Her stomach clenched and her feet faltered.
 

Visions of a woman, this woman, coming out of his room, wearing his Yale shirt asking, “Is that room service?” Looking at Katrine with disbelief after she’d laid out Xander with a kick. It all came flooding back. She wasn’t a fling from the city like she’d assumed. This was a close family friend. Xander had failed to mention that fact, but then again, he never mentioned any details about that day. That explains how she knew where to find him in Dallas. Had his father told her despite the fact he’d known about Katrine? That hurt on many levels if it were true.
 

Xander approached the group. He seemed to be scanning his surroundings, probably looking for her. The girl in red hugged him enthusiastically and he returned the hug with equal enthusiasm, then moved to greet her parents.

 
What a pretty picture and what a perfect couple
.
 

She lived here, their families were close. She was part of this world, used to the lifestyle. Tears started to well and her hands clenched at her sides. Doubt crept in like an assassin. She didn’t mean for it to happen, but it crept in all the same. And when doubt takes hold, it takes over like a disease if you let it.

She’d officially had enough of tonight’s festivities. She spun her heels towards the house. She wanted to be anywhere but at this stupid party. The condescension and entitlement, the few triumphs trumped by the failures, it had become too much for her to bear. Up a flight of stairs and then another, until the bed was in sight. She threw herself on top of the covers and cried.

When Xander opened the door, she pretended to be asleep. He whispered her name, but she stayed silent. She felt him come to her side of the bed and watch over her for a minute. She lay still as a stone and he left. She could have talked to him. She could have told him how upset she was by that girl’s presence. He would have explained, kissed her, and made her feel better. But she didn’t want to feel better. Right now she wanted to stew and that’s just what she did.
 

Many hours later he got into bed. Even though she left tomorrow, she didn’t want to touch him. Did he do anything wrong?
 

Kind of.
 

Maybe.
 

Okay, not that she knew of. But in her wine addled brain, it was enough to put him in the penalty box.
 

Why was he just now getting to bed?
 

Who was he with this whole time she was crying alone in
his
bed?

All very good questions. All questions Xander could probably answer easily, but she was too peeved to open her mouth. Sometimes she was just too stubborn for her own good.

Chapter 35

Katrine got up early and showered, leaving Judas in bed looking very handsome, but evil.
 

I could easily grab the pillow and just put it over his face. But I would look really bad in an orange jumpsuit, so breakfast it is…

She found Millie in the kitchen, the smell of fresh coffee in the air.

“Good morning, Millie. May I grab some coffee?”

“Aw, good mornin,
chér
.” She must have noticed her puffy red eyes because she tsked. “Ya sit right there, Millie set ya right.” She pushed Katrine onto a bar stool. Moments later she had a steaming cup of coffee and a fresh muffin. “Thanks, Millie.”

She wasn’t sure what came over her, maybe it was Millie’s warmth or her wise eyes, but Katrine spilled her guts. All her worries and concerns about Xander, the summer before, his cheating. Millie wasn’t shocked by any of it. She probably knew him better than most.

“I know why you vexed. It won’t be easy. Des world, is different. I remember the Missus when she first got here. She was nervous and shy. She seemed not ta fit. But Mr. Abbot loved her something fierce. She got the hang of tings.”

“Did she change, Millie? Did this life change her?”
 

Millie looked away and spoke out towards the window, lost in the past. “She was always kind and she loved Sweets like he was her whole world, but I could see the start. Da hardening, da crustin’ over. But then she got sick and none mattered much.” She faced Katrine once more. “Dat boi, he’s in love with you. But you know dat. What ya have to decide is what it’s worth to ya,
chér
.”