The Price (18 page)

She was so engrossed in her surroundings that she didn’t hear Marnie end the call.

“Well Kathryn, for the rest of the day you have my undivided attention,” her mother smiled. “I was thinking we could do a little shopping at Trulios Boutique, then make our way to see Francois, my hair stylist, for a facial and maybe cut that hair of yours.”

“That would be wonderful,” she beamed. Her mother was taking her to her favorite boutique and salon. This was a luxury Kate never experienced before.

“After, we can have lunch at that little bistro off Harrington Avenue,” continued Marnie. “They serve the best fresh fish and salads in town.”

“I’d like that,” she said, as a huge smile formed on her face.

“You deserve a little pampering for a change,” Marnie returned the smile. “And I am delighted to give it you.”

They arrived at Trulios Boutique and as soon as they entered the establishment, a sales clerk greeted Kate’s mother by name and began at once to show her all the latest arrivals.

“This visit is for my daughter,” stated Marnie, taking a seat in a high, pink, satin chair. “I want you to spoil her and spare no expense.”

The sales clerk’s face lit up like she was experiencing Christmas a second time around. For the rest of the morning, Kate was shuffled into a dressing room as lavish clothing filtered through the dressing curtain. Kate felt like she was in a fairytale and just like a princess, she was treated like royalty. Satin brassieres and undergarments crossed her fingers, along with party dresses and gowns that were too expensive to be labeled with a price tag. Stockings so sheer and delicate, that they floated against her skin. Kate thought she died and went to heaven. She tried on a sleek, cocktail gown that clung to her form as it shimmered like the night sky with black and gold speckles.

“Exquisite,” exclaimed Marnie, seeing her daughter’s long leg beneath the slit of the gown. “We’ll take that one as well. You can wear that tonight at the party.”

“It’s not too much?” Kate asked, turning from side to side and looking at her reflection in the full length mirror.

“It’s perfect,” Marnie donned a smile.

“I don’t know if Jack will like this,” she wondered aloud.

“Nonsense, he will love seeing you in it.”

“No, he will love getting me out of this dress,” she laughed.

“You may be right,” Marnie refrained from frowning.

“Is it black tie, Mother?” Kate turned and looked at Marnie.

“I assume some will be wearing black tie.”

“Jack is going to feel out of place.” She lifted a nervous finger and started biting her nail.

“We can rectify that, Kathryn.” She stood, walked over to her daughter and took her hand, removing it from her mouth and down to her side. “Trullios has a men’s section, and I am almost positive they have black-tie attire.”

“Oh, I can assure you we have everything a man could want or need for such an occasion,” the sales clerk chimed in.

“Then it’s settled,” said Marnie. “After we’re done here, why don’t you show my daughter a selection for her husband?”

“I would be delighted!” exclaimed the sales clerk.

By the time they left the store, Kate had so many packages that the chauffeur had to place the overflow in the front seat. After, they went to Marnie’s personal hairdresser. Kate got a facial and personal attention from Francois. He cut her hair, layering it into a long shag. For an added boost, some low lights were added, creating a rich texture of white gold and wheat.

It was already after two when they arrived at the bistro for lunch. Kate was starving and against her mother’s advice, she ordered a taco salad brimming with chicken, cheese, and guacamole instead of the fresh fish. Marnie ordered her usual garden salad with explicit instructions of light vinaigrette on the side.

“I must say I don’t recall you having such a healthy appetite in the past,” said Marnie, watching her daughter happily consume her meal.

“I’ve always enjoyed food,” said Kate with her mouth full. “But ever since being pregnant with Jesse, I’m always hungry.”

Or maybe it was because Jack had a hearty appetite as well. Either way, Kate didn’t care. She was enjoying it way too much to be concerned what her mother thought at the moment.

“Oh Kathryn, what am I going to do with you?” Marnie shook her head.

Kate looked up from her plate and gave her a big smile.

“Just love me for who I am, Mother.”

“I do,” stated Marnie. “I just worry about you like any mother would.”

“Don’t worry about me so much,” said Kate, seeing for the first time that there was genuine concern from her mother. “I’m happy!”

“Happiness can be overrated. I want to make sure you’re provided for.”

“Jack provides for me and Jesse just fine,” said Kate. “Now let’s change the subject so we don’t kill the best day we ever had together.”

“It has been a good day, hasn’t it?” Marnie gave her daughter a semblance of approval with her smile.

“Yes it has,” said Kate, feeling a long overdue warmth toward Marnie St. Claire.

It was a good moment between them and one Kate had not experienced much in their life together. She wondered why it took having a real family of her own to bring them closer. Either way, Kate was glad. She wanted this kind of relationship for as long as she could remember. Nothing could ruin this day for her—not even when Marnie St. Claire’s cell phone rang and interrupted their conversation.

“I need to take this,” said Marnie, retrieving her cell phone from her purse and reading the caller ID. “It won’t take long.”

Kate continued to eat in silence while her mother spoke to the caller. After several minutes, her mother stood with phone still plastered to her ear.

“I’ll be right back,” she whispered to Kate, then walked back into the restaurant leaving her daughter alone in the outdoor café.

Kate didn’t mind. She continued to eat leisurely, watching the vast array of people hustling along the sidewalk to unknown destinations. A sigh of contentment escaped her lips. She missed this—the quiet solitude of the outdoor cafes and culture. What would make this perfect would be sipping lattes and reading the Artistry News.

Kate searched the perimeters of the bistro and spotted the black metal display, containing the local newspaper. She wandered over to it and found what she was looking for. A smile of delight filled her as she picked up the Artistry News and went to return to her seat. She was so engrossed in her discovery she barely noticed the patron walking towards her. They collided and the newspaper flew out of her hand, sprawling out like confetti along the concrete pavement.

“Sorry,” said Kate, bending down to pick up the paper. “I didn’t see you.”

“It’s my fault,” the male patron replied, kneeling beside her. “I wasn’t watching where I was go—Katie?” he exclaimed.

There was something familiar in the male voice. She looked up and got a good look at the stranger who bumped into her.

“Paul?” she exclaimed—and they both stood.

Of all the places in the world, why did she have to literally bump into her ex-husband today? There was a moment of awkward silence.

“I heard you were back in town,” said Paul. “I was hoping to run into you but not like this.”

He was charming as ever. His grey eyes dancing at the sight of her and his well-groomed manner forever present. He was dressed in a thin, dark-grey sweater and black slacks, and the look suited him. His jet-black hair styled to perfection, matching the soul patch around the base of his mouth and chin. Her hands grew clammy and so did the urge to flee, seeing that familiar playful smile form around his face.

“Hi,” was all she could think to say.

“Hi.” He breathed out a sigh of relief and laughed. “You look good, Katie!”

“So do you,” she replied, then wanted to kick herself.

God she just wanted to shrivel up and disappear. He seemed to read her thoughts and a humorous grin formed on his face.

“Still the same Katie, I see,” he chuckled aloud as he followed her back to her table.

It grated on her nerves that he could still read her after all this time.

“So how is Emily?” she asked, getting right to point.

“Emily and I didn’t work out,” stated Paul, though his gaze never left hers.

“That’s too bad. You were perfect for each other!”

Direct hit
! Kate felt a little of her pride return.

“No, I let the perfect one get away,” he said, without flinching a muscle.

There was a brief silence between them.

“I’m married now,” Kate blurted out, while her foot tapped madly against the concrete. “We have a son, too.”

“I heard.” A slow smile formed. “Did you get my letter?”

“Yes,” said Kate, and she crossed her leg only to un-cross it again.

“You didn’t answer it,” he said, watching her.

“I had nothing to say.” She fidgeted with the corner of the newspaper.

“I see.”

There was silence again.

“I like what you did to your hair.” He reached out and touched the locks of white gold and wheat.

“Thanks,” said Kate with eyelashes nervously fluttering. “Mother took me to her hairdresser this morning. She was here a moment ago but she had to take a phone call.”

She was stammering and they both knew it. Kate looked over her shoulder and saw her mother through the window still talking on her cell phone.

“Marnie’s here?” asked Paul, returning his hand to the table and looking in the same direction as Kate.

“We went shopping, today,” Kate continued her ramble. “She wanted to buy me a dress for her party tonight.”

“Oh yes, Marnie’s infamous New Year’s Eve party.” He smiled again, showing a set of perfect white teeth. “Anybody who is anybody will be there.”

“Are you going to be there?” Her eyes stopped blinking and she went white as a sheet.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” stated Paul as his eyes roamed up and down, examining Kate’s figure.

“You can’t go,” said Kate, thinking about Jack and Paul being in the same room together. The combination was a mixture for disaster.

“Why not?” he asked, leaning closer and brushing his fingertips along the top of her hand.

“Because I’m married and Jack will be there,” said Kate, pulling her hand away.

“Don’t tell me he’s afraid of a little competition.” There was that charming smile again. The one that always told her, he was taking way too much pleasure in making her uncomfortable.

“There’s no competition, Paul.” She arched her back with irritation. “I have a good life now, and I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t try to screw that up for me.”

“It is not my intention to screw up your life. I just miss you, Katie. Is that a crime?”

“You should have thought about that when you left me for Emily.” Her jaw tightened. “So yes, it is a crime to miss me or have any feelings about me, after what you put me through.”

“I’m sorry I hurt you,” said Paul, taking her hand again.

“Don’t!” She jerked her hand away.

“What can I do to prove to you that I am a changed man?” He seemed genuine and his countenance changed to serious.

“I’m glad to hear you think you are a changed man, but it’s too late for us. I’m with Jack now.”

“You may be with Jack, but can you ever forget your first love?” he asked. “We had good times too, Katie, and history.”

“I’ve moved on Paul. And so should you,” she said, not knowing how to make it any clearer.

“I don’t know if I can,” he said in truth.

“You’ve managed so far.” Kate crossed her arms over her chest.

“I know I have, but it’s not the same without you,” said Paul. “Remember that time I was really sick and you made me chicken soup? You stayed by my side day and night until I got better.”

“I remember,” said Kate, thinking back.

Paul had the worst case of flu she had ever seen. She called off from work that week and nursed him back to health.

“That kind of love doesn’t just go away,” he continued. “I know it’s still there. I can see it in your eyes.”

“You see only what you want to see,” she blinked.

“Are you sure?” he questioned, seeing the conflict in her eyes.

“Yes, I’m sure,” said Kate as she looked around the café, not wanting to make further eye contact with him.

Once more, there was silence. She couldn’t stand his staring at her as he seemed to crawl inside her and disrupt everything she kept tightly away.

“Does he make you happy?” he asked, breaking the silence.

“Yes,” said Kate, directing her attention back to Paul.

“I need to see it for myself,” said Paul. “I look forward to meeting him, tonight.”

“I don’t think that is a good idea,” she said, feeling the panic rise in her again.

“Oh come on, Katie. It won’t be so bad.” Once more Paul placed a charming grin on his face. “I want to see for myself what this guy has that I don’t.”

Before Kate could answer, Paul stood from the chair. She looked up, just as he brushed a kiss to the side of her cheek.

“I’ll see you, tonight,” he said with an air of charm and grace.

Kate sat in stunned silence, rubbing the spot where his lips met her skin, and watched the man who had once broken her heart, exit the outdoor café before blending in with the crowd on the street.

THIRTEEN

GENEROUS TO A FAULT

After her encounter with Paul, Kate’s happy feeling diminished to a solemn reflection about their failed marriage. Sitting in the back seat of the limousine, she was quiet and not much in the mood for chatter. Marnie seemed not to notice, or if she had, she ignored her daughter’s new pensive state.

Kate floated between anger by Paul’s declaration and fear of how Jack would react to it. By the time they reached home, Kate’s head was throbbing from an overload of emotion. She needed to take something fast before it got out of control and ruined any chance of her ability to function for the long night ahead.

She went straight to her bedroom and found her migraine medication packed in her travel bag. It had been a long time since she needed it as she looked at the date on the prescription bottle. In spite of her throbbing head, she produced a sweet smile, remembering it was Jack who brought her relief the last time.