Vanessa's Match (10 page)

“I love you, Lindy,” he said.

“I love you, too.”

He smiled at her. “I need to talk to Vanessa before I go. Why don’t you go on upstairs?”

Lindy nodded and left the room.

“Yes?” Vanessa said, drawing his attention back to her.

“I’m going to check with Jeff and make sure the money and power of attorney are all in place. Is there anything else you need?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

He pulled her to her feet. “Then I guess all I have to do is tell you goodbye.”

“Good—” Before she could get the word out, he pulled her against him and kissed her. And it was not the kind of chaste kiss he’d given her on Friday night.

As she’d known in her heart, such close contact with the man was dangerous—because it made her
want more. And she didn’t intend to get involved just yet. She pushed herself away. “Why did you do that?” she demanded.

“So you wouldn’t forget me while I’m away,” he whispered. “Take care of Lindy.”

“Of course,” she muttered, and found herself wrapped in his arms for a hug. Then he was gone.

She should’ve gone up to Lindy at once. Instead, she went to one of the front windows to watch him drive away.

“You all right, Vanessa?” Betty asked, coming up behind her.

“Oh! Yes. Have you got a nice snack for Lindy? She’s a little upset. Her brother just left for three weeks.”

“Why, that poor little thing. I’ll fix a tray and bring it up right away. You go see about her. I’ll take care of everything.”

Vanessa hugged Betty and thanked her. Then she hurried upstairs, wishing a snack would fix what was wrong with her.

T
HE NEXT TWENTY-FOUR HOURS
for Rick were nonstop as he packed in a rush and made his way to the airport to fly to Washington for a quick indoctrination for the trip to China. He was given enough reading material to keep him busy all during the long flight overseas.

So why did his mind keep returning to those few
minutes with Lindy in the Greenfields’ library? He hadn’t realized how much being reunited with his baby sister would mean to him. It was as if she’d restored his father to him. The three of them had shared a lot for the first six years of her life. Then her mother had driven him away. Or he’d allowed himself to be driven away.

He should’ve fought for his father and Lindy. And he hadn’t. Now he was being given a second chance to reunite his family, even though it now consisted only of him and Lindy.

He could still feel her young arms around his neck as he told her he loved her. And she’d responded in kind. Family was important. He realized now that he’d felt hollow since his dad’s death. Alone and not significant to anyone else’s life.

He also remembered the kiss he’d given Vanessa. It had taken her a minute to push away. In that minute he’d realized he didn’t want to leave her. She was beginning to mean a hell of a lot to him.

In three weeks he’d be back. Then he could see her and make her understand what he was feeling. For the first time in his life, he thought he might be falling in love. And he liked it.

V
ANESSA ARRIVED HOME
after teaching her first class, glad to settle back into a routine she loved. Lindy had started school a week ago, just after Rick left. The homework kept her occupied in the
evenings, which helped pass the time before her brother came home.

As Vanessa started upstairs, Betty came out of the kitchen and called her. “You have a visitor. She insisted on waiting.”

Something in Betty’s voice warned Vanessa that she was not going to like what was about to happen. She entered the library to find Sharon sitting there with a bored look on her face, sporting some new diamond earrings.

“Hello, Sharon.”

“Oh. You’re finally here. I need to know how to get in touch with Rick. The people at his company won’t tell me anything.”

“Why do you need to talk to Rick?”

“Because I’ve just found out I’m pregnant!”

Vanessa stared at the woman. All the warm feelings she’d had for Rick Austin suddenly turned cold.

Tamping down her emotions, she said in a professional tone, “I’m afraid he can’t be reached right now.”

“Why not?”

“He’s in China with a group from the government.”

“China? You’re just making that up!” Sharon challenged.

Vanessa didn’t react. “I have no reason to lie to you. Have you been to a doctor?”

“That’s none of your business.” She stood up. “Where is his sister?”

“She’s in school, of course.”

“Well, I think I should tell her that I’ll soon be her sister-in-law.”

“I don’t think you should pass on your fantasy to Lindy. When her brother returns,
if
he wants to introduce you as his fiancée, then you can see Lindy.”

“You don’t think he’ll marry me? He bought me these earrings.” She pointed to the two-carat studs.

“Very lovely. It’s not my affair whether Rick marries you or not. But Lindy
is
my business. Stay away from her.”

“I’ll show
you!
” Sharon spit out. “I’ll have a ring to match the earrings.”

“How nice. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have things to do,” Vanessa said, holding open the library door.

“You’re throwing me out? How dare you!”

“I’m simply asking you to leave, Sharon.” She remained by the door, waiting for Sharon to walk out. She was so glad Lindy was at school. The girl shouldn’t have to witness this scene.

Finally, Sharon walked into the hall. “Who is his lawyer? Since he got rid of that other one, I don’t know who represents him.”

“That’s Rick’s business, not mine.”

“You’re going to pay for your attitude, Vanessa Shaw!”

Vanessa said nothing. And when Sharon finally stormed down the hall and out the front door, Vanessa let out a big sigh.

Was Sharon really pregnant? It was possible the woman was scamming Rick. But if she was pregnant, what would Rick do? Vanessa was pretty sure he would not abandon his child. But would he marry Sharon?

With another sigh, Vanessa went to the kitchen,
where she knew Betty would have made her some lunch. Maybe she was just hungry—something was causing an emptiness in her stomach.

She reminded Betty and Peter, “No matter what that woman Sharon says, don’t let her in the house again. Unless Rick is with her.”

“Why would Rick have anything to do with her?” Betty asked.

“Because she says she’s carrying his child.”

Betty put a sandwich in front of Vanessa as she said, “I don’t believe that.”

Vanessa managed a small smile. She wished she didn’t. But truthfully she didn’t think even Sharon would be brazen enough to try faking a pregnancy. Surely Rick wouldn’t marry her without proof. Then again, even if she was pregnant, the baby might not be Rick’s. Sharon got around.

After trying to eat, Vanessa went to the library to call Jeff, on the off chance that Sharon had discovered he was Rick’s attorney.

“Jeff, it’s Vanessa. I thought I should give you a heads-up on a problem Rick is going to have.”

“Going to have? Are you a fortune-teller now?”

Unfortunately not, she thought. If she were, she wouldn’t be filled with uncertainty. She told Jeff about Sharon and her claims.

He was silent for a minute. Then he said, “Is it possible?”

“Whether it’s possible or not would probably be
better answered by Rick. But I wouldn’t trust her. She’s wants to marry money, whatever it takes.”

“Ah, one of those. Give me her last name and I’ll start an investigation.”

“Her name is Sharon Cresswell. She went to college with me and Carrie. I don’t know what she does for a living, but she lives in Dallas.”

“I’ll find her. Thanks for letting me know. By the way, you haven’t heard from Rick, have you?”

“No. He said he wouldn’t be able to call us until his return, which should be in two weeks.”

“Right. Okay, I’ll talk to you later.”

Just as Vanessa hung up the phone, she heard her mother come in. She walked out into the hall to greet her. “Hi, Mom, Danny. How are you doing? Did you have a good time at the birthday party?”

“Yes, ’Nessa! Look! I got a prize, too!” Danny held up a small water gun. “You put water in it and you can shoot water at people!”

“But only outside, and only if you are in a swimsuit, Danny. Remember?” Vivian prodded her son.

“Yes, Mommy. I ’member.”

“Good. Go show Betty and Peter your prize.”

Danny charged down the hall, calling for Betty and Peter.

Vanessa looked at her mother. “How are you, Mom? Danny has so much energy, I don’t see how you keep up with him.”

“I’m not sure I am anymore.”

“Don’t worry, Mom. It’s not your age. It’s being pregnant again. You need to take it easy. Come sit down and I’ll get you something cool to drink.”

When Vanessa got to the kitchen, Danny was still talking ninety miles a minute. “Danny, you need to go take your nap.”

“Aw, ’Nessa, I’m a big boy. I don’t need a nap.”

“Yes, you do. Go upstairs and wash your hands. I’ll come up and tuck you in.”

After she’d settled both her brother and her mother upstairs, Vanessa curled up in one of the leather chairs in the library and attempted to spend the afternoon reading material both for her classes and for her doctorate research.

Unfortunately, her mind kept returning to the problem with Sharon that Rick was going to face. No matter how long she thought about it, she really didn’t believe Sharon was pregnant with Rick’s child, if she even was pregnant. Vanessa would guess that the idea hadn’t occurred to Sharon until she realized she was going to lose Rick. After all, the woman was as far from the motherly type as you could get.

But if the baby wasn’t Rick’s, whose could it be? Vanessa knew Rick had said he only went out with Sharon occasionally. She must be dating someone else, too.

Vanessa hoped Will could figure it out. Maybe Jim or Carrie could find whom Sharon was dating. They were both good investigators. But Carrie was due
soon. Will wouldn’t send her out to do any investigations for a while.

Vanessa found herself smiling. More family. They would have babies all over the place. Probably David and Alex would start a family sometime soon, too.

How would Rick feel about a baby? Not the one Sharon was threatening him with, but any baby. If he married, would he want a family? He seemed to feel closer to Lindy now, but would he want children of his own? Vanessa thought he would, since he’d spent most of his youth as an only child, as she had. She remembered the other thing they had in common: that they’d both had a sibling enter the family after they were grown.

Life took such funny twists. Her father’s death had freed her mother from a difficult marriage and her from a difficult parent and had brought them both Will. For Rick, his father’s death had ended his family, until his stepmother’s death had brought him and Lindy together again.

The phone rang and Vanessa, so deep in thought, jumped. Peter came from the kitchen.

“Rebecca is on the phone, Vanessa.”

“Thank you, Peter.” She crossed to the phone and greeted her sister. “How are you?”

“I’m fine, but I’ve talked to my husband. Are you sure
you’re
fine?”

“He told you?”

“Well, he was concerned about you.”

“I don’t know why.”

“Vanessa, you may be able to fool Vivian and Will, but not me! I saw the way you were looking at each other the other night when you came in after taking Lindy to the movies.”

“We—we were pleased with how well the evening had gone.”

“Exactly!”

“No, for Lindy!”

“Are you telling me he hasn’t kissed you yet?” Rebecca asked.

“I—That’s not a fair question!”

“But now I have my answer. So tell me. How’s the romance developing?”

“We—we’re just getting to know each other.”

Rebecca chuckled. “Frankly, my dear, he seems more like the type to throw you over his shoulder and head for the cave.”

“Rebecca!”

“Don’t protest too much, Vanessa. I know that’s not a politically correct statement, but it’s still kind of romantic if he’s the right guy.”

“But I’m not sure he is.”

“You’re not going to let this Sharon person ruin things, are you?”

“No. I don’t really believe her. But if Rick believes her, he might marry her.”

“I hope not. She doesn’t sound like the kind of
wife a man like Rick should have. Jeff says he’s a really good guy.”

“Yes, I think so, too.”

“So why are you hesitating?” Rebecca asked.

“Because he’s a million miles away in China. I can’t even talk to him. How can I be sure when he’s not here?” Vanessa could feel herself losing the tight control she’d been keeping on her emotions. She hadn’t even admitted to herself that Rick might be the man for her.

“I—I really can’t talk about this right now, ’Becca. I’m fine, but I—I need to go.”

“Okay. Sorry if I upset you. You can call if you need to talk, though. I won’t tease you anymore.”

“That’s what a sister is for, and I’m always grateful I have you and Rachel. Don’t forget that.”

“No, I won’t.”

Vanessa said goodbye and hung up the phone, then spent the next few minutes trying to rebuild her defenses.

V
ANESSA RETURNED
to her studies after she picked up Lindy from school. In case Sharon went to the school to find her, Vanessa reminded Lindy that she was not to talk to Sharon.

“Why?”

“She’s not the kind of person I want you to associate with.”

“But she’s a friend of Rick’s.”

“Yes, but she’s not a nice person. And she doesn’t always tell the truth. I don’t want her to tell you things that will upset you, because they might not be true.”

Lindy stared at Vanessa. Finally, she asked, “What did she say to you?”

Vanessa grinned. “You are one smart cookie, Lindy, but I’m not going to tell you. When Rick gets back, he can deal with Sharon. If what she says is true, Rick will tell you. Now go let Betty get you a snack. You know she doesn’t think you can make it until dinner if you don’t have a snack after school.”

Lindy smiled. “I know. Isn’t she wonderful?”

Once Lindy had gone to the kitchen, peace settled around Vanessa again for a while. Will got home an hour later, and came into the library when he saw Vanessa there.

“Hi, there. Is your mother napping?”

“Yes. I made sure she did. She was tired after taking Danny to his friend’s birthday party.”

“Thanks.” He came over and sat down opposite her. “Jeff called me today.”

“Oh?” she asked, trying to appear innocent.

“Yeah. He wants information on Sharon Cresswell. Carrie said the two of you know her.”

“Yes, I do. I called Jeff today.”

“About Sharon’s claim? She’s the one who told you?”

“Yes. Jeff asked if I believe her. I don’t want to, but Rick has dated Sharon off and on. So I guess it’s
a possibility. He stopped dating her when I told him she wasn’t a good person for Lindy to be around.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought. Jim’s going to see what he can find out.”

“Why not Alex?”

“Because men will talk more freely with another man than they will with a woman.”

Vanessa nodded.

“What about Lindy?”

“I told her not to talk to Sharon. Of course, that made her curious. I told her that I didn’t want her to be upset by anything Sharon said, because she’s been known to lie.”

Will patted her hand. “We’ll see what we can find out.”

“If there’s anything I can do, please let me know.”

“You’re already helping by making sure your mother gets her rest. I worry about her, you know.”

“I know, Will. But I’ll help you keep an eye on her. Right now she just tires easily. But that’s normal, no matter what age you are. ’Becca will tell you. Or Rachel. They’ve both gone through it.”

“Yeah, I know. I remember when she was pregnant with Danny.”

Having heard Will’s voice, Betty came in. “Would you like an iced tea?”

“No, I’m fine, Betty. Is Danny up yet?”

“Sure thing. He’s in the kitchen with Peter. You ready for him?”

Vanessa couldn’t hold back a grin at Betty’s choice of words. Will nodded and seconds after Betty called Danny, the boy came through the door like a tornado. He leaped into his dad’s arms, talking as fast as he could, repeating all the information about his water gun.

“I’m going up to see how Lindy is doing with her homework,” Vanessa told Will. “I’ll check on Mom, too.”

She found Lindy on the phone talking to a new friend. That was a good sign. She was beginning to act like a normal teenager.

“Excuse me, Lindy, but did you finish your homework?”

Lindy covered the phone receiver. “Yes, but I’d like you to check my French. The grammar is a little complicated and I’m not sure I got it right.”

She pointed to some papers on her desk.

Vanessa reached over and found the French assignment, took it to her room next door and ran over it quickly, finding a couple of mistakes. She returned to Lindy’s room and, after Lindy hung up, Vanessa explained the errors.

“Now I’m going to check on Mom. Dinner will be served in about fifteen minutes.”

“Okay. I’ll go down and see if I can help Betty.”

“Thanks, Lindy.”

When she knocked on her mother’s door, she didn’t hear any movement. Opening the door, she
found her mother still asleep, which meant that she’d slept for more than three hours.

“Mom? It’s time to get up for supper.”

“Oh my. I’ve slept that long?”

Vanessa nodded. “Are you feeling all right?”

“Yes, but the birthday party was draining.”

“Next time, make Will go.”

Vivian grinned. “Yeah, then he can get his ear chewed off about that silly water gun.”

“He already is.” Vanessa cocked her head toward the stairs.

Her mother stood up. “In that case, let’s go rescue my man.”

W
AITING FOR
R
ICK’S RETURN
was more draining than Vanessa had expected. At least Jeff was taking care of the problem Sharon had revealed. Vanessa didn’t want to discuss the possibility of Rick’s child, though she did have some thoughts about him and his father choosing the same type of woman.