Dark of kNight (2 page)

“How’s Daniel?”

Casey smiled. “Well, he’s doing great. He is totally involved in some project that he’s been working on for over a year.”

“Is he still in Scotland?”

“Yeah, it seems that business venture he and Martin went into is paying off.”

“Didn’t he major in Bio something?”

“Bio-genetic engineering.”

“Yeah. Does he still...”

“Look like a rich nerd?” She glanced toward me with humor filled eyes.

I wrinkled up my nose, indicating my remembrance of her gangly brother.

Casey laughed at my expression and shook her head.

“No, actually he looks pretty good. I guess something changed about him between graduating college and taking on this business venture.”

Daniel Maxwell, I wondered how much he had changed. It had been over four years since I last had seen him. He was always the tall gangly dark haired boy, who never fit in with the rest of his family. His sister, the flamboyance of beauty, his mother absolutely gorgeous and Dad, well, as arrogant as Thomas was, he was somewhat handsome in his rugged way. I remembered Daniel as the boy who was very tall and clumsy. I couldn’t help but wonder what this ugly duckling had become. My thoughts drifted out of place when we turned off the main road, and headed down the long wooded driveway toward what I recognized as Casey’s home.

“Hey, I … .” I began.

“It’s okay. I thought I would stop by the house first so I could pick up a few things.” She smiled. “Besides, Mom would be disappointed. I should tell you she is expecting you for dinner. She has worked all day on your favorite dish.”

My eyes widened glancing at Casey in disbelief. The shock of Charlotte cooking was almost as big of a surprise as Daniel escaping his ugly duckling stage. Everyone knew Charlotte’s expertise in the kitchen, but Thomas demanded the best life for his family. Maybe a little too much; hiring a cook wasn’t on Charlotte’s top list of life’s benefits.

“Lasagna?” I guessed. Only Charlotte could make my favorite dish to perfection. Humorous images flashed before my eyes of Charlotte slaving over the dish in a hot kitchen.

Casey’s smile broadened into a laugh. “I know. She has been fussing over it all day. She wants it to be perfect.”

I nodded and laughed with her. “It always is.”

Pulling up to the house, we rounded the driveway toward the garage. Casey pulled her car behind Charlotte’s white Lexus. We got out the car and walked through the open garage to the side door entrance into the house. I had almost forgotten the size of the house. The serenity of the wooded area elegantly hid the large two-story home. The dark wood trim accented the expensive paintings that hung on the white walls. I inhaled deeply, savoring the familiar smell. The rich aroma of the lasagna sauce, which included tomatoes, garlic and oregano, filled the air. Casey grabbed my hand, distracting me from the pleasant aroma and pulled me through the house.

“Mom?” She called out as we walked around the corner of the wall.

A tall glass window overlooked a beautiful rose garden. Leaning closer to window, I looked down on the brilliant mixture of rich reds, yellows, pinks and white foliage. It had to be the most breathtaking sight I had ever seen.

“Mom did that.” Casey took notice and stepped back toward me. “She said she had to find something to do. It makes her happy, so Dad doesn’t say too much. It’s her project.

Did you know she has started a rose and garden club?”

“No.” I said surprised.

Casey smiled again and we walked down the two steps to the open living room. The spacious home was exactly as I remembered. The large open living room was decorated with light creams and browns which complemented the leather sectional sofa against the dark hard wood floors.

Charlotte walked around the corner, coming from the kitchen, her face brightened to a smile when she saw me. It was good to be home, I thought.

“Julie!” she exclaimed with opened arms.

I walked toward her and into her embrace. Charlotte’s beauty still remained youthful. Her blond-colored, shoulder length hair framed her oval face. The brown eyes showed the sorrow of the news I refused to accept. Her slim body embraced mine and held me tight, allowing her motherly love to wash over me. She pushed me back to have a better look.

“How are you doing?” Her motherly tone brought waves of warmth to my heart. Her face showed the concern that I didn’t want to admit. Her eyes pierced mine for the truth, knowing the pain I felt inside. I had always considered Charlotte to be like a mother to me, and this was one of those times I did need her.

“I’m all right.” Determined not to let anything break my hold on my emotions, I had no choice but to lie. Telling her the truth would open up the pain I didn’t want to share.

“It’s okay.” Her motherly arms wrapped around me again. “I understand. We will talk later. I have made your favorite.” The bright excitement in her voice brought a smile to my lips.

“I can smell it.” I returned the hug, enjoying the warmth of her embrace.

“Did you have a good flight?”

“I guess so.” Funny, I thought, I don’t even remember the flight.

“Good. Well, get cleaned up and we will have dinner in an hour. Everyone should be here. Casey can show you to your room.” She placed kiss on my forehead and then turned back toward the kitchen.

“Mom,” Casey called out. “Jewels wanted to stay at the house and I said I would stay with her.”

Charlotte turned around to face Casey. Her eyes met mine momentarily then returned to Casey’s with a crease on her forehead. “I… ” she paused as if carefully considering, then deciding it was not a good idea. The expression on her face softened and then she reached out, taking my hand into hers. “I would rather you stayed here. It … .” she paused again, and cautiously chose her words. “It would be better for you, I think. You don’t need to be in that house all alone.”

“I won’t,” I insisted. “I have Casey.” I forced out a reassuring smile.

“Yes, but… ” she stopped, staring more intently. “Okay. But you promise me you both will be back here for dinner every evening. I mean it.” Her glance was stern, much like the one I often had witnessed on Thomas's face.

A smile crossed my lips, nodding to Casey whose excitement flooded the room. Her excitement resulted from spending time away from the watchful eyes of her parents.

Anyone could tell she was bored to death.

“Great!” her high pitched voice cheered. Charlotte glanced at Casey, and the stern look returned.

“I mean it!” Charlotte snapped.

“Okay, Mom. Don’t worry. Geesh! I promise we’ll be here.”

Charlotte’s eyes traveled from Casey back to me. With a sigh, she turned and walked toward the kitchen.

≈≈≈

Charlotte cooked the lasagna to perfection, simmering the sauce for hours before she baked it. The end result was a mouthwatering melody of delight. The calm feelings of being surround by family swept over me. Charlotte’s expression turned to relief when she noticed how I had slouched in my chair. Although, I knew she had been watching me, it was funny when she tried to hide her glances. My appetite had faded earlier, but once the taste of the food hit my tongue, the rest of my body agreed. A few quizzical smiles passed across the quiet dinner. Her face softened into a smile when she returned to her plate. Of course, it was Casey who brought on the onslaught of chatter about boyfriends and college life. With an occasional glance toward Charlotte, Thomas otherwise remained silent and listened to the girl talk.

Through with the inquiries, Thomas cleared his throat and we all looked up from our plates. When Thomas Maxwell speaks, everyone listens. His eyes shifted to Charlotte whose hand immediately went to her husband’s arm. Her gentle eyes pleaded with him. Thomas's black eyebrows drew together when he looked into the beautiful eyes of his wife. Looking down into his plate, he cleared his throat once again. My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach when his eyes met mine. I no longer felt the need to continue to eat. The room fell silent, primarily because everyone knew the next words that would come from his mouth. When he opened his mouth, I heard a soft, “Thomas?” escape from Charlotte’s barely moving lips. The words came out in a breathless whisper. After being sorely corrected, Thomas frowned slightly and then gently patted her hand.

“I cannot imagine why my son is late. He should have been here by now.” He finally retorted.

“He called and said he would be a little late. There had been a flight delay.” Charlotte imposed. “He should be here any time.”

The words no sooner escaped her mouth than we heard the door open. Everyone looked up in surprise as Casey jumped and looked toward her parents. Her eyes widened with excitement. She hadn’t seen her brother in almost three years. She bolted from the table, sliding the chair against the fine polished wooden floor. I could hear the gasp in her parents’ breath when she sprang from the table and dashed out the large formal dining room. The sound of her footsteps running through the hall suddenly stopped short.

“Daniel!” her voice shrilled.

Low murmurings of voices came from the next room, babbling Casey and a deeper voiced individual. Casey appeared first as every eye focused on the entranceway waiting patiently for the expected quest. Bright eyed and full of joy, she dragged her brother into everyone’s view.

My eyes widened when he came into full sight. I hadn’t seen Daniel since I left for college four years ago. After finishing his four-year degree, he moved to Scotland to finish his studies and begin research, working intently on a project he and my father had begun. His head remained down when he walked into the room, but anyone could see the change without even looking into his face. The first thing I noticed was his dark black hair. He had let it grow a little, trimmed neat and clean on the sides. Charlotte stood to embrace her long lost son. When he looked up to greet his mother, my breath froze. Casey was right. Daniel did
look
different. His smile broadened when he reached for the arms of his mother to embrace her. Stepping back, he gave a glance to his father who sat rigid in his chair. An odd static filled the air when father and son passed a greeting nod. His eyes fell upon me.

The gangly boy that I once knew had disappeared. I stared in disbelief. His long dark eyelashes accented dark brown eyes. His eyebrows were heavier than I remembered.

Nevertheless, the difference was very distinct. Daniel had a certain mystery about him. The smooth and defined facial structures were only complemented by the tightened jaw line. My eyes drifted from his jaw line to his perfectly smooth lips. I couldn’t help but notice the taut and well-built body that strained the threads of his blue polo shirt

“Jewels?”

Warm blood rushed to my cheeks. Standing before me was a person who I had known all my life, yet I barely recognized this beautiful creation. Daniel was, without a doubt in my mind, utterly gorgeous. My mouth opened, but no words escaped.

“I told you he looked good.” Casey shot in.

My face grew hotter when I realized everyone’s eyes settled on me. Breaking free from my humiliation, I forced myself to clear my throat.

“Daniel?”

“Jewels, look at you.” Daniel moved toward me.

My heart raced and my hands trembled. His outstretched arms invited a hug. I tried to stand up and had to reach quickly to catch my glass when I clumsily tipped it over. He reached for me all the same and folded his arms around me. Daniel’s arms held me in a tight embrace making it almost difficult to breathe. I could have almost killed myself when I trembled in his arms. Daniel felt the slight tremor running through me. Pulling me closer, he tightened his muscular arms around me. I nearly fainted from the feel of his hard body so close to mine.

“You look great. Really, I mean beautiful.”

White teeth gleamed through his seductive smile. I realized when the little specks of stars danced in front of my eyes, I wasn’t breathing. I inhaled a quick breath.

“You too.” It was all I could manage to say.

I wanted to reach over to the table, pick up the knife and stab myself from the way I sounded. My embarrassment rose to a new level when laughter erupted around the table.

Even Thomas spared me no pain when he laughed.

“I mean,” I tried to salvage a bit of pride in the situation. “You really have changed.” Still the tone in my voice couldn’t hide my obvious attraction to Daniel.

“Thanks. I am sorry to hear about your Dad. I can only imagine how… ” he stopped short when Charlotte and Casey both inhaled a loud quick breath. Looking toward Charlotte, her expression turned into a very hard “
don’t do that”
motherly glare. His eyes met mine again, seeing the painful expression cloud my face, he left the sentence unfinished. “It is good to see you, really.”

≈≈≈

After dinner, Casey drove me back to my house. With a stomach full of lasagna, not to mention a long and very emotionally exhausting day, I was tired. Even the gorgeous new Daniel couldn’t hold my attention very long. The invisible box remained tightly closed while I reflected on the previous hours.

We entered the house and it was as I remembered. The high dark wood beam ceilings of the home complemented the large glass wall on the south side of the house. The smell of my Dad’s cologne still lingered in the air. The huge rock electric fireplace complemented the wood interior.

The memories flooded my mind of the Christmas tree many years ago. The presents, my friends and me, laughing while we sat around the tree and opened presents. I recalled the beauty of the fire that once burned in the fireplace that now sat empty and quiet. No crackling flames and sparks. No quiet hum while the fire blazed upward.

Casey brushed against my side, taking my hand in hers. Her eyes carried a slight twinkle. But, hidden behind those eyes, I knew were conflicting thoughts. Casey never could keep her emotions from showing on her face.

“Come with me. I have something to show you.” She directed me toward the garage. My curiosity had the best of me before she even turned on the lights. Suddenly she stopped and turned to me. She smirked a grin like the cat that ate the canary. She pressed her hands together in a prayer-like fashion. “Please don’t get upset, okay?” I nodded and she stepped aside.