Underwater (22 page)

Ten minutes later, his phone buzzed.

“Hi, Candace. Glad you had a minute. I’m sure things are busy at the office—”

“What about Helen, Monty? Is she okay?”

“Well, not exactly. The doc says she may have to go on bed rest in a few weeks. She’s an emotional mess.”

“Monty—”

“She’s stressed. She can’t believe she’s going to have to give birth to twin boys, then come back to live in a crumbling three-bedroom ranch house with three kids. We need to move into a house that’s big enough for our family. One that’s safe, and one that’s clean. One that’s right for us.”

“If you don’t like the house I’m paying the rent for, go out and find yourself another one. You said you have a job, so—”

“The house we want to live in—the house we
deserve
to live in—is the one on Arcadia. Why are you so against us moving back in to it, once the work over there is done? You and I both know this isn’t the right time to put that house on the market. My family needs to live there, until that time comes.”

“Are you saying that you’d pay me rent to live there?”

“Do you need the money? I don’t think so. You don’t even need that house as an investment. Let’s stop bickering about all this. You know what you ought to do: give us the house and forgive all the debt.”

“We’re not bickering. You’ve strung me along and manipulated me out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. I don’t trust you anymore, and I never should have. I’ve made my decision: you’re on your own now. I’m not going to enable you to live a lifestyle beyond your means. Giving you the house would be doing just that. You couldn’t afford to maintain it, anyway.”

“You’re a presumptuous bitch, and you always were. Our ability to maintain the house is none of your concern, and neither is our lifestyle. You don’t get to control us simply because you made an investment that you could well afford, and one that you don’t even need.”

“You’re the one who’s presuming here.”

“Whatever. You’ve screwed me long enough. You need to give us that house, and we need to move back into it before the twins are born. You also need to give us a tiny portion of your obscene fortune—the fortune you’ve been paying what’s-his-fuck to manage for you. Share the wealth with your blood relatives, Candace. Pay me ten million, and then we’re done. For life.”

“Are you out of your mind?”

“Which one of your employees leaked the news about your new swimsuit line?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m just wondering how that happened.”

“What goes on at SlimZ is none of your business.”

“So, you
don’t
know how it happened. I bet there’s a
lot
going on over there that you don’t know about.”

“I don’t have time—”

“If you don’t give me what I’m asking for, you’re going to lose a whole lot more than just trust in your employees. You’ll lose ten times the amount I’m asking for. I guarantee it.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“All I’m saying is, I wonder what else could go wrong over at SlimZ. Think about it. Do you want to take that chance?”

“Monty—”

“You don’t have to give me your answer right now. I know you’re very busy getting ready for Fashion Week. By then it will probably be too late, though. Take the weekend and think about my proposal. I’m sure you’ll decide to do the right thing.” Monty hung up and put his phone down. Then he poured himself a few fingers of vodka and sat down at his laptop to wait for Rachel.

That evening, Candace sat on the sofa across from Rob in her living room in Midtown. He had arrived in Atlanta an hour earlier, and he planned to stay in the city for the next two weeks. She placed her martini on the glass cocktail table and regarded him.

“I can’t prove it yet,” she said, “but I’m convinced that Monty found out about the new line from someone at the office and leaked it to Woohoo.”

“Does anyone at the company know him?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t think anyone did. People are aware that I have a brother, but I never talk about him.”

“Well, if you’re right, then someone at the company does know him—or someone knows someone else who does. Are you any closer to figuring out who leaked it?”

“No. I’ve been too busy to worry about it lately. Once the news was out, we had to manage it, and the publicity. Plus, I’ve been busy making sure everything’s ready for New York. But if Monty found out about the line from someone at the company, what else does he know? What did he mean by saying I would lose a hundred million dollars if I don’t give him the money he wants and the house?”

Rob shook his head. “There’s no way he can cause you to lose money. Has David found out who his employer is?”

“Not yet. All Helen had for him was the principals’ first names, and a cock-and-bull story Monty told her about what they do.”

“You didn’t ask Monty about it today?”

“No. I should have, though. It was just—I was flabbergasted when he made his demand. ‘Pay me ten million, and then we’re done.’ Who does he think he is?”

Rob took a sip of his cocktail. “A genius. But he’s a fool.”

“When I spoke with Helen the other day, she said he’d been making cash deposits once a week in their checking account, saying it’s his salary. He told her he’s being paid in cash because the principals are European, and they’re not set up yet with the IRS.”

“Sounds far-fetched.”

“Exactly.”

“If it’s true that he’s working, good for them. If it isn’t, which I suspect, then I wonder where he’s getting the money.” Rob set his glass down and leaned toward her. “But that’s Helen’s concern, not ours. I’m certain there’s no way he can hurt you or the company.”

“I hope you’re right.”

17

Plans

O
n Labor Day morning, Helen stepped out of the shower in the black-and-white-tiled bathroom, a beach towel wrapped around her expanding body. She inspected her appearance in the frameless mirror that was bolted to the wall over the sink, then shed her towel and began to apply cocoa butter to her stomach. Though she was only six and a half months pregnant, she looked nine, and her back ached constantly. She couldn’t imagine making it to her late November due date.

Three years ago, Adele had arrived on time and with little fuss, weighing seven pounds, eight ounces. At Helen’s obstetrician appointment last week, Dr. Russell had estimated that the twins were now about four pounds each. The sonograms had shown two different sacs, which added extra fluid, weight, and volume to Helen’s pregnant belly. The doctor said the babies should gain about a pound a month from now on, and she wanted Helen to carry them as close to term as possible.

With her due date over ten weeks away, Helen had her doubts. If the babies did gain weight as the doctor said they should, by November she would be carrying thirteen pounds of baby inside of her. Luckily, her skin hadn’t broken, probably because she’d been pregnant before. This pregnancy was much worse, though. She felt uncomfortable all the time. Her belly had seemed to stop protruding farther out in front, and had started expanding in width to make more room.

Adele was quietly playing in her bedroom this morning with some Barbies that Dawn had bought her, and Monty was at work. Apparently his Dutch employers didn’t observe the American holiday; Monty said that they couldn’t afford to take a day off as they raced with the clock to launch their product.

Helen still hadn’t seen any pay stubs, but she had gotten tired of asking Monty for them and of wondering about his job. Her husband went somewhere every day, looked tired at night, and deposited over nineteen hundred dollars in their checking account every Friday. He still paid the bills, but Helen checked the account online and could see where the money went. He also did the grocery shopping on the weekends.

She was grateful that he did. She was sick of the stares she got when she went out in public. People frequently commented that she looked as if she were about to go into labor at any moment. More than once, she’d wished she was wearing a sign that read “Having Twins.” Whenever she did tell someone that she was carrying two babies, they often told a twin story of their own: they either had twins, were related to twins, or they
were
a twin.

After she finished dressing, she went into the living room, sat on the sofa, and dialed her sister’s number.

“Helen,” said Dawn. “I’m glad you called.”

“I hope I didn’t wake you up on your day off. What are you and Frank doing today?”

“Getting together with some friends. The weather’s going to be nice and warm. How about down there?”

“Hot,” said Helen. “I’m staying in the air conditioning.”

“Good. Hey, did I tell you that Frank has to go to New York next week?”

“No. For how long?”

“Just a few days. But he’ll be there the same time Candace is going to be at Fashion Week. I read that they’re moving it to Lincoln Center this year, from Bryant Park.”

“You’re so up on everything, Dawn.”

Dawn laughed. “I don’t get into it that much, but reading about the celebs who’re going to be there is a lot more fun than talking to my clients.”

“Who’s going to be there?”

“You know, the usual. Actresses, models, people famous for being famous. I read that Candace is going to be showing a whole new line of swimsuits.”

“Yeah, I heard that, too,” said Helen. “I was surprised it was already out in the media ahead of time. I guess that’s the way they do things.”

“I don’t know. Seems unusual. I thought they put out press releases on stuff like that during and after Fashion Week, not before. Anyway, how are you feeling?”

“Huge, and getting huger. I don’t know how I’m going to make it all the way to Thanksgiving.”

“Do you want me to come down? Like, in October? Or even sooner? I could take some time off and help you.”

“Aren’t you going to come down when the babies are born? That’s when I’m going to need you.”

“I can do both. You tell me. What would be best?”

Helen shifted on the sofa, trying to get comfortable. It was impossible. “I wish you could be with me from here on out. But maybe in a month or so? That way, if they come early, you’ll already be here.”

“Do you really think they’ll come early?”

“I don’t know, but I wouldn’t mind if they did. Even though I’m supposed to do everything I can to make it to the due date. Dawn! I just don’t know how I’m going to manage.”

“I have Columbus Day off. That’s in about a month. I can come down then and stay a few days—”

“That’s the weekend Candace is getting married up in New York.”

“You’re not going, though, are you? Or is Monty going?”

“He’s not planning to. It would be pretty awkward.”

“How are things?” asked Dawn. “I mean—”

“They’re okay. She’s called me a couple of times since that day a few weeks ago when she called to correct me, after I sent her the thank-you email about giving us the house.”

Dawn paused. “What about? I mean, since Monty’s working now, you’re pretty much out of the house deal, right?”

“Right. Everything is doable. She’s been asking what I know about his job.”

“What
do
you know?”

“Nothing. Except that he’s getting paid, and making more money than I used to.”

“Well, that’s good, I guess. But don’t you think you need to know more about it?”

“Yes. But at this point, well, I just—Dawn, I just don’t want to deal with it, quite frankly.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I’m not upset. Really.”

“Let’s just plan on me coming down that weekend in October, okay? I’ll get a hotel room somewhere close by. I’ll do things with Adele, and you’ll be able to get some rest.”

“Good. That’ll be great,” said Helen. Adele came toddling in the room and climbed up on the sofa next to her mother. “Hey, Boo,” Helen said while pulling her daughter close. “I guess I’d better hang up now, Dawn.”

“Okay. Take it easy, all right? And let me know if you want me to come down there sooner.”

“I will. Bye.”

That morning, Candace woke up next to Rob in the Hamptons. She scooted closer to him, turned on her side, and rested a hand on his chest. Raising up on her other elbow, she looked steadily into his eyes. “How long have you been awake?”

He ran a finger up her arm and over her shoulder, then let it trail down in front. “Not long. How are you, darling?” He turned toward her and reached over her with his other arm, putting his hand on her lower back.

“Stay here.” Candace pulled away and rose. “I’ll be right back.” Two minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom, still naked, and rejoined him in bed. He pulled her body to his and kissed her, his lips lingering on hers.

Several minutes later, his mouth ventured lower. She pulled his head in toward her. “This weekend has been wonderful,” she whispered. His hands moved down her body and she felt an electric sense of desire. Whenever he touched her, she felt sexy and sought-after, never used or taken for granted, like she had felt years ago with Ted.

Almost an hour later, he lay beside her, his arm around her, her head resting on his shoulder. “I’m happy, Rob.”

He smiled. “I am too, love. Would you like to join me in the shower?”

Candace turned and looked into his eyes. “I’ll stay here for a few more minutes. You go ahead.” She smiled and let out a deep breath.

Later, she stepped into the kitchen wearing nothing but a light cotton white robe, her hair wet. Rob had made coffee for the two of them in the French press. She poured a cup and added low-fat creamer, then joined him on the terrace. The midmorning sun shone on the sand and on the waves breaking in front of them. Candace breathed in the warm, salty air and closed her eyes.

“I’m so glad you talked me into coming out here this weekend,” she said. “The next three days are going to be so busy. I’m excited about next week, but I’m also a bit anxious.”

“Why, love? You’re a veteran at Fashion Week. I’m sure everything will go as planned.”

“That’s just it. You know how much I don’t like surprises. I’m still unnerved by the leak last month.”

“Oh, pshaw. Your staff handled it very well and used it to your advantage. Everyone thinks you did the deed on purpose, even. Didn’t you?” His eyes danced as he raised his eyebrows.

“Rob. You know me.”

He laughed. “Like no one else. At least, that’s what you’ve led me to believe.”

She smiled and turned to look at the ocean. “Whatever people think, the deed
was
done, and I’m no closer to finding out who did it. Which
does
worry me. At least the actual designs didn’t get leaked.”

“Let it go, darling. You’ve some exciting moments ahead in the next ten days. Your new line will make quite a splash, pun intended.” He grinned. “And afterward—”

“Stop. I can’t think that far ahead right now.”

“
I
can.” He leaned back in his chair, eying her. “September will fly, then you have a wedding to attend. As the bride, no less.”

“Are we really doing this?” she teased, smiling. “I mean, we could have just continued on—”

“Ah, but that’s just it,
mon amour
.” He reached his hand over the table and grabbed hers. “You know that we
couldn’t
continue on that way. We need to be together. You’re the love of my life.”

“Rob, you’re too romantic. No, you’re just romantic enough. You’re perfect.” She picked up her coffee cup. “One more
tasse
, then I’m going for a run on the beach.” She rose and stepped back in the kitchen, and then rejoined him with a fresh cup of coffee.

“So, since you brought up the wedding—” he started.

“
You
brought it up.”

“Yes, well, since
I
brought it up, did I tell you that Julia found the ideal spot for us in Fiji for the honeymoon?”

“No, I don’t think so. If you did, I was distracted.” She took a sip of her coffee. “Tell me about it.”

“It’s private, luxurious, and incredible. The only downside is that it’s not easy to get to.”

“I suppose I’ll have to get over that part. But I’m glad we decided to bag the Caribbean, close as it is.”

“Right. There’s just too much risk of a hurricane there. We can always hop over to Bermuda from the city when it’s not hurricane season.”

“Agreed,” said Candace. “So what’s the weather like in Fiji in October? And how difficult
is
it to get there?”

“Seventies. Ideal weather. Much like what we have here today. Let’s look at the flights in a positive light: it will give us a chance to adjust to the time change. It’s tomorrow there, you know.”

“Flights? How many?”

“New York to LA. Then we go across the Pacific to Auckland, then just a jaunt over from there to our destination.”

“My goodness. I suppose a private jet is out, then?”

“Not totally, but it’s a lot more difficult to do than Europe. And if we’re going to travel with a group anyway, first-class commercial will suit us, don’t you think?”

She gave him another smile. “Whatever you say. Just take me there, and make me happy.”

“I will.” He smiled and rose to refill his coffee. “Now, how about a light breakfast on the terrace before you get ready to run?”

The next few weeks did fly by, and at the end of them, Monty put his plan in motion.

Fashion Week had come and gone without a hitch. But in the weeks preceding it, SlimZ had issued hastily written press releases about their new swimsuit line, thanks to him—actually, thanks to Jess. Candace had probably been in super-high gear worrying about whether more clues about the line would surface. But right about now, as orders began to come in from retail store buyers, she was probably feeling like everything was well under control. Which was exactly what he wanted her to feel.

This time she would regret having underestimated him. The damage that he was about to do to her precious company would get her attention, and then she would come around. If she didn’t, he could do still more to hurt her, and do it quickly.