Full Circle (17 page)

“Jeffrey
didn’t know?” It wasn’t really a question.

“No. I just
told him this morning.”

Melissa
picked up a pencil, started turning it end over end in her hand. “I had a
feeling it might be Jeffrey, but then I told myself I was just being foolish.”
She turned pensive again. “Does Rafa know?”

“I told him a
couple of days ago. The night before we flew out.”

“And what was
his reaction?”

“He thought I
should have told you long ago, and he was right.”

Melissa
looked closely at her mother. “Have you guys had a fight?”

Bella felt
herself flushing. “I guess in a way we have. Things are a bit tense between us right
now.”

Melissa
showed real emotion for the first time since hearing about Jeffrey. “But Mom. Rafael
has been in my life almost ever since I can remember. He’s been the man I
looked up to and I don’t want to lose him.” Her fingers tightened around the
pencil. “Promise me you won’t let that happen.”

Melissa’s
words sent a chill of apprehension down Bella’s spine. “I won’t, Sweetheart. I
won’t.”

Melissa stood
up and held out her arms. Bella went into them, and the two hugged for a long
time. “Give me a chance to absorb this Jeffrey business, okay, Mom? I’m good
with it, but it will take a while to sink in.”

Bella stepped
back. “I can’t believe you’re taking this so calmly. I was afraid you’d be
angry with me.”

Melissa shook
her head and smiled at her mother. It was almost as though they had reversed
roles, and she was the one doing the comforting. “No way I’m angry. Taken a bit
off guard perhaps, but not angry. You’ve given me a charmed life; I wouldn’t
change a thing.”

Tears pooled
in Bella’s eyes. “You’re an amazing young woman, you know that?” She held up a
finger. “Oh, I almost forgot. Jeffrey says that Todd’s mom is in a fragile
emotional state. He doesn’t think she should learn about him being your
father.”

“That doesn’t
surprise me. Todd says she’s mentally unstable. I don’t see why anyone needs to
know, to be honest.” She smiled at her mother. “There are some secrets that
should
be kept.”

Bella checked
her watch. “Wow. Time’s flying by. I promised to do an interview with a local
television station about all this.” She waved her hands around. “But before
that I want to check on the day care center. I’d like to film the interview
there if it’s ready.”

Melissa had
already turned back to her computer. “I think you’ll find that Carla has that
all under control.” She waved. “See you later, then. Cocktail party at six o’clock.”

Guests were
already schmoozing on the Bistro patio when Bella arrived with her father.
She’d wanted to be there early, but Ronald couldn’t find his tie. Bella
suspected he hadn’t worn either the tie or the suit since her mother’s funeral.

The change in
her father was remarkable. He insisted on driving, and she noticed that he sat
a little taller in the driver’s seat as they drove into the parking lot.

Bella greeted
the mayor and other town dignitaries with a practised smile. She’d done so many
of these “openings” now that she had to concentrate on not repeating herself.
Rafael was usually by her side, ensuring that nobody monopolized her. She’d
never figured out how he did it, but he somehow managed to deflect unwanted
attention without offence, offering one of his dazzling smiles as consolation.

She looked
around for him, but he wasn’t on the patio. He was probably inside the
production area with her father, showing the new facility to anyone who was
interested. It was the same with store openings; he approached each one with boundless
enthusiasm, as if it was the first. Perhaps that’s why each location was
unique. When customers visited stores in other cities, they often remarked on
how refreshing it was that each had its own personality. The clothing items may
be similar...sometimes even the same, but Rafael ensured that each retail
location reflected its community. Perhaps later she’d have a chance to ask his
opinion on opening a small outlet here in the remaining retail space.

“Champagne?”

Bella turned
at the familiar voice. Melissa held a tray of champagne glasses. She was
wearing her hair up tonight, a few loose tendrils curled artfully around her
head.

“Sweetie, you
shouldn’t be doing that.” Bella looked around. “Aren’t there enough servers?”

Melissa
laughed. “Of course there are, but I wanted this to be strictly informal.” She
leaned closer. “This way I get to meet everyone personally.”

Bella
relaxed. “You’re right. It’s a nice touch.” She hesitated. “Have you talked to
Jeffrey? I see him over there.”

“Not yet, but
I will.” Melissa smiled. “There’s no rush.”

“And what
about Rafael? Have you seen him?”

“No, but that
doesn’t mean anything. What with co-ordinating this party and getting my hair
done, I’ve been running around like a blue-ass fly, if you’ll pardon the
expression.” Her eyes danced. “I got that from Granddad.”

Bella
chuckled. “I’d forgotten about that. If you see Rafa, tell him I’m looking for
him, would you?”

“Okay.”
Melissa sailed away, holding the tray above her head. Bella watched her stop
and speak with the owners of one of the antique stores. They responded to her
with a laugh, accepting the champagne flutes and toasting each other.

Bella managed
to speak with everyone. It was a small group, and she was beginning to enjoy
herself; it wasn’t hard when every person she spoke to praised their efforts.
They were as convinced as she that the
Bella
production facility would be
the catalyst Willow Bend needed to move out of the doldrums.

“It’s good to
see everyone so positive, isn’t it?” Jeffrey appeared out of nowhere. He looked
relaxed and happy in a casual blazer with an open-necked shirt. He saluted her
with his glass of champagne. “Thanks to you.”

Bella smiled,
but looked over his shoulder. “Have you seen Rafael?”

Jeffrey gave
her an odd look. “I saw him at the airport as he was leaving. I was picking up
some people who are thinking of opening a business in town.”

A clutch of
fear turned Bella’s legs to jelly. “Leaving?” She sat down abruptly on one of
the chairs.

“You didn’t
know?”

Bella looked
at him bleakly. She was embarrassed to be caught out, and considered trying to
bluff, but there had been enough deceit between them. “No, I didn’t” she said,
her voice barely audible. “Did he say where he was going?”

“Not that I
recall...just that he was getting away for a while.” He looked at her closely.
“Did you have an argument?”

Bella nodded.

“Was it about
Melissa?”

She gave him
a sharp look. “He said I should have told you, but I thought we’d resolved
that.” She paused for a moment. “No, I suppose that’s not true. I know Rafa
well and we hadn’t resolved it at all. That’s why I came to see you this morning
and told you. I needed to clear the air between us.” She looked at Jeffrey.
“Between Rafa and me, I mean.”

“He must
really care for you if he’s gone off.”

“Why do you
say that?”

Jeffrey
paused, looked off into the distance. “I don’t know if I can put this into
words, but I’ll try. I saw quite a lot of Rafael when we were dealing on the
building, and then later, when we were co-ordinating tax breaks with the city,
and getting building permits approved and that sort of thing.” He brought his
gaze back to Bella. “His voice changes when he talks about you, Bella. I’ve
thought more than once that he’s in love with you.”

Goosebumps
broke out on Bella’s arms. She rubbed them; it was the evening air, she was
sure of that. “Rafa? In love with me? I don’t think so, Jeffrey.” Outwardly she
dismissed what he’d said, but inside she wanted to hear more.

He carried on
as if she hadn’t interrupted. “And your eyes light up when you talk about him.
I haven’t seen the two of you together enough to form an opinion, but I’ll bet
sparks fly when you’re alone.”

Bella didn’t
answer, but she hoped Jeffrey was right. Could it be possible? Was Rafa
interested in her as more than just a business partner? The idea sent excitement
coursing through her veins. “You’re sure he didn’t say where he was going?”

“No, but I
can’t imagine he’d take off without leaving you a note.” He snapped his
fingers. “He was heading for the private jet. You could always contact them and
find out where he went.”

“Thanks
Jeffrey.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Thanks a lot.” She looked
around. Guests were starting to leave. Melissa seemed to have charmed them all;
they stopped by and shook hands with her before wandering down the steps and
into the parking lot.

Bella waited
until Melissa had a free moment. “Have you seen Carla?” she asked.

“Not exactly,
but Ethan said she was in production, showing off the new equipment.”

Bella headed
in that direction. Her friend was coming back from showing the last of the
guests the day care facility.

“Here she is
now.” Carla motioned her over. “This is Denny and Marsha McLeod. They’re the
local franchise owners of our delivery system. Denny was particularly
interested in our automated shipping system.”

“Delighted to
meet you.” Bella extended her hand. “We look forward to working with you.”

“I’ll bet
your employees are loyal,” said Marsha. “That day care facility is a stroke of
genius.”

Bella was
impatient, but responded graciously. “Our employees in California seem to love
it. When we started the business, back before Carla became involved, we were
two women with small children and we recognized the need. I don’t mind
admitting, we’ve had a lot of positive publicity because of it.”

“Well, it’s a
good thing you’re doing for the community. And thanks for inviting us.” The
couple shook hands with Bella and Carla, and then moved away.

“What is it?”
Carla looked at her friend. “Something’s got you all uptight.”

“Carla, have
you seen Rafael today?”

Carla’s eyes
widened, and she smacked herself on the forehead. “Oh my God, he gave me a note
for you.” She ran to the small office off to the side and came back with an
envelope. “What’s going on? He seemed distracted when he gave this to me, but I
was too busy getting ready to think much about it.” She looked around as though
he might appear. “Come to think of it, I haven’t seen him since.”

Bella opened
the envelope, fingers trembling. “Jeffrey told me he left. Got on the jet and
left.”

“Rafael?”

“Who else are
we talking about?” Bella’s hand flew to cover her mouth and she gave her friend
a conciliatory smile. “Sorry, I’ve been a nervous wreck ever since Jeffrey told
me.” She took a few steps away and scanned the note. “This doesn’t say much.”

“Well it must
say something.”

Bella handed
her the note. Carla read it, her brow wrinkling into a frown. “‘
Sorry to
leave, but I have to get away.’
?” She looked up. “What kind of a note is
that?”

Bella’s lower
lip trembled. “I think I’ve lost him, Carla. The last time we really talked was
in California, the night before we came out, and he said he had a lot of
thinking to do.”

“Come on,
Bel. That doesn’t mean you’ve lost him.” She stopped abruptly, and gave her
friend a crooked smile. “You love him, don’t you? Hallelujah. You’ve finally
realized that you love him.”

Bella raised
her shoulders. “A lot of good it’s doing me now.”

“And you’re
going to give up? Just like that?” Carla rolled her eyes. “The man is crazy
about you, Bella. Anyone can see that.”

“Do you think
so?” Bella was afraid to hope. “Jeffrey said the same thing.”

Carla lifted her
hands in an expression of exasperation. “Since when did you need me to tell you
the obvious? I’ve never known you to be so needy.” She dropped her hands. “So
where is he?”

Bella waved
the note. “It doesn’t say, but I think he’s gone to Eleuthera.”

“Eleuthera?
Where’s that? In the Bahamas, isn’t it? Why do you think he’s gone there?”

“Because he
told me about it once. A friend of his has a villa on the beach. We were
talking about what we’d do if we wanted to get away. He said he’d go there.”

“So why are
you still standing around here?” Carla raised an eyebrow. “The man leaves the
day before an opening...I’d say he’s trying to send you a message.”

“He is?”

“For God’s
sake, Bella. For someone as bright as I know you are, you’re pretty dense when
it comes to your own love life. He wants you to go down there.”

Bella gave
her friend a long, steady look. She wanted to believe, but she was afraid. “But
what about the opening?”

“Melissa and
I can handle it.” She brushed away Bella’s question with a wave of her hand.
“Ethan and Todd will be only too happy to help.”

Bella looked
at her watch. “I can’t make it tonight, but I could probably leave early in the
morning. I’ll go now and talk to Melissa.”

* * *

Melissa held
back a smile as her mother filled her in. “Of course I can manage. I’m your
daughter, aren’t I?”

“Well of
course, but I feel guilty dumping it all on you.”

“Carla and I are
the ones who organized it...we can pull this off with our eyes shut and both
hands tied behind our back.”

“I suppose
so.” Bella looked around nervously. “Do you think I’m doing the right thing?
Maybe I should wait here until he cools down and comes back.”

Melissa rolled
her eyes and took her mother’s arm in a firm grip. “You’ll do no such thing.
You’ll go down there and find him. Maybe even stay a few days. But you need to
sort this out now.” She took out her Blackberry. “So where is he staying? I’ll
need a contact for you in case there’s no cell phone reception.”