Whisper Through The Pain (A Novella) (11 page)

Elizabeth frowned at Jasper, threw Melissa a quick glance. “Stay.”

Her father released a long sigh. Just one word, Melissa thought, was all that her mother could manage. She sighed and shook her head. Elizabeth Delaney wasn’t a woman who liked to be cornered. Although she said stay, it wasn’t personal. Melissa wasn’t looking for her to change but she would at least try to have some sort of relationship. After all these years, she found it sobering that she still needed, or rather wanted, to connect with her.

“Alright. But only until tomorrow.”

“It’s been five years, baby girl, I want more than tomorrow.”

“I don’t have any clothes with me.”

Jasper reached over, touched her arm and then stepped back. “You know that’s not a problem. We can have your mother’s stylist come to the house, take your measurements and buy everything you need.”

“Daddy, that’s not necessary. I can go shopping.”

“Nonsense. We want to do this, don’t we Lizzie?”

Sarah came quietly in the room. “Dinner is served, Mrs. Delaney.”

Luckily, her mother was saved from answering yet another question.  She sighed. A relationship took time to build. Hopefully, she and her mother would get to the point in the road where they could start the journey and not end up at a dead end.

Melissa squinted at Sarah and noticed the old woman’s eyes were bright. She hid a smile when she realized Sarah must’ve been listening outside the door. Times hadn’t changed that much.

“Thank you, Sarah,” her mother said.

Jasper offered an arm to his wife and daughter. “It would be my pleasure to escort my favorite two ladies into dinner.”

They each took an arm and walked toward the dining room.

Chapter Fourteen

The days turned into weeks and Melissa learned a lot about her parents. It started off strange, new, and then comfortable. She came to realize her father processed a wicked sense of humor. Her mother laughed at his jokes, even though they weren’t funny. Her parents talked a lot, bickered, or rather her mother did, and constantly touched each other. It was as if they couldn’t help themselves. They were in their own little world. It was amazing to watch, but Melissa noticed her father always managed to include her in their conversations. Elizabeth Delaney sometimes looked at her with confusion. Melissa honestly didn’t believe her mother knew what to say to her. But she was trying. Melissa didn’t ask or expect more.

They went shopping, took long walks around the property, which she felt made her mother uncomfortable, so she did most of the talking.

Then one day after being home for a month, she and her mother had lunch at a little French restaurant tucked in a secluded hideaway on the outskirts of Dallas. The food was delicious and the atmosphere authentically 16
th
century French. Deciding she wasn’t going to carry the conversation, she asked questions about things she knew her mother would be interested in. Before she realized it they had talked, with her mother participating, for over two hours. It was the first break toward communicating with each other. It felt good.

In the evenings, they would retire to the library for more conversation.

Curled on a sofa with her feet tucked beneath her thighs, she sipped on a cup of herbal tea, while her parents played bridge. She could never grasp the card game. It was too slow for her peace of mind.  

She took another sip of the tea. “It’s so peaceful here.”

Her father chuckled. “Yelp. Real quiet except for the crickets.” He spread his cards on the table.

Elizabeth frowned. “Jasper, you cheated.”

“Honey, you always say that when you lose.”

Her mother stood. “I’m going to ring for fresh tea. Does anyone want anything?”

“Mother,” Melissa pointed to the ceramic carafe on the high end table. “My pot is still hot. You’re welcome to share.”

Elizabeth hesitated a moment. She poured a cup and sat beside Melissa on the long sofa.

“Thanks.” She took a sip. “You’re right. It’s still hot.”

Jasper retrieved his sniffer glass from the table and took a chair in front of them. “Melissa, you’ve been here a month. I must say it’s good to have you home. I wish you would stay indefinitely.” He threw her a sly grin and sipped on his drink.

“I know what you’re doing, Daddy, and it’s not going to work.”

“Well, you can’t blame your old man for trying.”

“I hope you stay, Melissa.  I like having you here,” her mother said, nonchalantly as she placed her cup on the coffee table and straightened a magazine that didn’t need it.

A strong silence fell in the room. Jasper and she stared at her in shock.

She looked up and caught them staring. “What?” she asked. Confusion lined her face.

“Honey, you said you wanted Melissa to stay and that you liked having her here.”

She frowned. “So?”

Jasper laughed, shook his head and patted Melissa’s hand. “See what I mean, baby girl, your mama is a complicated woman.”

“I have no idea what you’re trying to say, Jasper Delaney, but there better be a compliment in there somewhere.”

His booming laughter saturated the room. “There is, honey. Believe me there is.”

Her mother looked at her. “Do you have any idea what your father is talking about?”

Melissa sat up and swung her bare feet to the thick carpet. “You’ve never said you were glad I’m here nor that you wanted me to stay.”

Elizabeth pierced her with a stare. “You’re my child. Of course I want you to stay.”

“Thank you.” On impulse Melissa threw her arms around her mother. She could tell she was stung but within seconds, her mother’s arms awkwardly enclosed her in a brief hug. Melissa released her sliding back to her side of the sofa.

Elizabeth cleared her throat. Her eyes were brighter than usual but Melissa didn’t comment. 

“Well,” her father said, “have you heard from Brent Sinclair in all these years?”

Melissa blinked at the question, confused for a moment but finally realized her father wanted to change the atmosphere in the room, to give his wife a chance to compose herself.

“I saw him for the first time a few months ago in Los Angeles.”

“Really? Did he come to see you?”

“No, he was there on business.”

“Hmm. I didn’t know Sinclair Engineering had an office in Los Angeles.”

“The Sinclair’s businesses are diversified. You know that, Jasper. It’s no surprise,” her mother offered.

“I’m not surprised, Lizzie. Just curious.”

“It was a chance meeting,” Melissa said.

“You never did tell us what caused you to initiate the divorce,” her mother countered.

“It was simple. Brent fell in love with another woman. I ended the marriage. Nothing more to talk about.”

“He cheated on you?” Jasper roared.

“I don’t believe physically but certainly emotionally. It was a long time ago. Brent and I talked and cleared the air. Five years ago, we didn’t separate as friends. Now we’re cordial.”

“You’re a young and beautiful woman, Melissa. You need to meet someone and start a new life. There will be quite few eligible men at the charity ball next month,” Elizabeth snorted. “You’ll have your pick.”

Melissa stiffened, realizing that although she discussed aspects of her life with her parents, she left out her marriage to Jake. Her mouth opened but then she shut it. It had been three months since she’d seen him. The divorce would be finalized within a few more months.

Their marriage was short-lived just like her first one. Trust had been broken in both of them. The end of the marriage to Brent was a fleeting memory but with Jake it was still devastatingly painful, cutting deep each time she thought about it. It was as fresh as it was that night in his hotel room.

“Don’t push, Lizzie. There’s no doubt men will flock around our daughter. How could they not? She beautiful,” her father said, while he leaned back against the cushion of his high back chair, and sipped his drink. “You need to get yourself a dress, baby girl.”

“Thank you, Daddy. But I don’t know if I’ll be here.”

“Why not?” Elizabeth asked.

“Well, I can’t continue to live a life of leisure.”

She wasn’t going back to California. That was another topic for a different time. But she was seriously thinking about moving to Miami. She liked the city. Besides it was far enough from Jake for her to have a fresh start.

“You don’t need to work, Melissa,” Elizabeth insisted.

Melissa pressed her lips together, trying to hide a smile.

Elizabeth Delaney had a formidable personality. It was a part of who her mother was. She had come to accept it. She didn’t want her mother to change—just to love her. And for the first time in her life, she was beginning to feel her mother cared.

“I enjoy working.”

“Melissa, not counting our fortune, with the inheritances from my father and Jasper’s parents, you’re a very wealthy young woman.”

“Please spend it on yourselves.”

“We do, baby girl,” her father chuckled, “but it just keeps multiplying.”

“Real funny, Daddy.”

“It’s the truth.”

“Why can’t you do whatever job you do in California here in Dallas?” Elizabeth asked.

“Mother, it’s not that simple. I’m a deal negotiator. It’s taken me a long time to acquire the knowledge and skill.”

“Well, I don’t understand why—”

“Lizzie, let it go. Give her room to breathe.” He winked at Melissa. “I believe our daughter will make the right decision for her…and for us.”

Melissa laughed. “Daddy, you are a conniver.”

He grinned. “Never claimed to be anything else.”

Chapter Fifteen

The sun was just bursting through the window when Melissa woke. She lay in bed, listening to the birds greeting each other in their early day ritual. It was such an indistinct border between night and day. Stretching, sleep left her lazy but refreshed. The memory of Jake and the many mornings they spent in bed after making love surfaced. In the afterglow, their arms wrapped around each other, caressing. The talks about mundane things flittered through her mind. Then came the harsh reality of him in his hotel room with a half-dressed woman. Turning over, she burrowed beneath the duvet in search of the warmth that was missing from her life.

She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood. A hot shower would clear her mind.

Dressed in a short-sleeve tank top and jeans she was ready to start the day. With forced pep in her steps, she made her way down the winding stairs to the kitchen. Another week had passed and Dallas was beginning to feel like home. It was January and the weather was nice. She was enjoying the new-found relationship with her parents.  She fixed a bowl of cold cereal and fruit and headed to the patio

After she finished eating, she leaned back in the chair, tilted her face to the sun, enjoying the heat from the rays. It was so peaceful here.

No drama.

A call from her lawyer the evening before, informed her that he was still fighting the divorce. She was neither glad nor angry about his actions. More confused. Why was he doing this?  Nope. Jake would stay in a silent compartment today. It was a lovely, warm morning with clear skies. There were no clouds in her life today.

The parents were out of the house. Her father was playing golf and her mother was at a breakfast meeting for one of her clubs. Sarah had gone to do the weekly grocery shopping and errands.

She loved her parents and the attention they’d showered her with but it was so nice to have the house to herself. She grabbed a book from the library and was headed back to the patio when the noise of the doorbell chimed throughout the house.

Without looking through the small privacy window, she threw open the door. Jake Sorensen stood before her. He was wearing a white silk shirt, which contrasted against his tanned skin. Black jeans molded the contour of his thighs. His jet-black hair was ruffled and sparkled with the sun from drops of water—as if someone had sprinkled fine gems over his head, though clearly he had just come from a shower.

His gaze flicked up and down her body, causing a reaction in her that angered her. She wanted to be over him. He studied her for one long, unhurried moment then the cold gray eyes hardened and he threw her a deep frown.

“Hello Melissa,” he said smoothly. The sexy, roughness of his voice caused a sensation to cruise through her vagina. Damn. She didn’t want to be affected by him.

Not waiting for an invitation, he stepped over the threshold into the house. She automatically fell back, allowing his entrance.  

“Jake? What are you doing here?”  She slammed the door.

His gaze narrowed and he studied her. “Is that all you can say after three months of no contact?”

Melissa eyed the dark arrow of hair revealed by the few shirt buttons which had been left unbuttoned and remembered the rush of desire that had overridden everything else, even sanity, in their relationship.

“There was no need to talk or see each other. I want you to sign the divorce papers.”

There was a split second of a pause. “I could,” he agreed. “But I’m not going to.”

His expression was empty. The lack of emotion angered her.

Something told her he was playing a game but she refused to let him see how unnerved she was by his presence.

His mouth flickered in the mockery of a smile. “You’re ready to talk now?”

“If that’s what it takes to end this farce, then I will.” She walked away, knowing he would follow. She entered the drawing room. He touched her, running his fingers down her arm, causing her to turn and face him. Melissa was aware of some unknown emotion clinging in the air about them—something unspoken and dangerous.

She inhaled a quick breath and wondered if he noticed. Jake was a maestro when it came to women. Did he realize how disturbing such a simple gesture could be—especially when she had been deprived of physical contact most of her life from the people who mattered? Was he deliberately trying to make her aware of how close they were to each other? She didn’t want it. Did she?  No—not ever again to tremble with passion and desire.

“I want you to sign the divorce papers, Jake.”

“No.”

“What do you mean no?” she questioned, confused by his answer, but she continued to exhibit a calm she didn’t feel.

“Exactly what I said. No. We’re married and going to stay that way.”
She rubbed at her temple and stared at his powerful form and realized she was holding on by a thread. She wanted to scream, rant and curse at him. Being strong was one thing—but who could say how long she’d be able to remain so?

“You have lost your mind.” She hated the tense and forbidding mask that seemed to have tightened his handsome face at her words. “I’m getting a divorce with or without your consent.”

“Not going to happen. I admit I screwed up—big time. We’ll get through this together. What happened in New York was nothing. I didn’t have sex with that woman.”

Melissa was taken aback by his distorted rationale for his actions. She would no longer operate within the strict emotional boundaries he seemed to dictate. 

She decided to take charge of the situation. “How did you find me, Jake?”

“It doesn’t matter. Just know that it wasn’t easy.”

“I didn’t want to be found, Jake.”

“So you admit you were hiding? Running like a scared rabbit from an adult situation. This mess started with your obsession with your ex-husband. I—”

“This was about revenge?” She shook her head in disbelief. “You wanted to hurt me? Get back at me for something your twisted mind conjured up about me and Brent?  You are bitter, angry, and delusional.”

He flinched as if she had struck him, staring at her. “You dare to call me that? You dare to not take accountability for the roller-coaster you put us on?”

“I will not take responsibility for what you did. I didn’t sleep with Brent in his hotel room or anywhere else. You purposely brought your whore to your suite to have sex.”

“I—”

“Don’t say a damn word! The smell of her was all over you and you weren’t backing away from it,” Melissa cut in, mad as hell.

She could endure a lot but she wouldn’t abide lies. With the revelation came the realization of just how weak and compliant she’d been all along—always accommodating, first with Brent and then Jake. No more. She loved Jake but she would live without him. She wouldn’t be a doormat to any man—not again.

She didn’t like the way she’d been treated by Brent but she’d also used him to get away from her parents. She realized now that all her life what she wanted most was to be cherished and loved. She was no longer that girl. 

“How many times do I have to tell you nothing happened? But you couldn’t stay around to listen to my explanation?” he taunted.

“Why should I? I saw enough. You’re very good, Jake—I’ll admit that. You would’ve smoothed over everything, making me believe what I saw was a huge mistake. Not many women can resist you, not even me. I should’ve known what we had was too good to be real.” She felt the tears swell but she choked them back. “But at least we both know now where we stand—I want you to leave. Go back to Los Angeles. Sign the damn divorce papers. It’s over. Let it go.”

His dark brows elevated in a thin veil of disbelief. “I’ve been searching for you for months. When you were seen in Miami, I flew down, hoping to find you but you had left again. Then I received a call from the investigators telling me you booked a flight to Dallas—using your credit card. Not being a religious man, I prayed and thanked God for the favor.”

“I forgot to use cash instead of a credit card. A mistake that won’t be repeated,” she said flippantly, in an effort to hide her surprise at his admission that he searched for her.

“I’m glad you did.”

“Jake—”

“Although, I didn’t invite Bridget to my suite, I didn’t dissuade her either. I’m not making excuses for my behavior. It was deplorable. I can contribute it to pride and ego. This thing with Sinclair had me—”

“Melissa, we didn’t know you had company.” Elizabeth Delaney and her husband stood in the doorway and then entered the room.

Her mother kept her eyes trained on Jake as she moved closer, followed by her husband. When she reached them her eyes widened as she thoroughly examined Jake.

“Are you going to introduce us, baby girl?” her father said.

Jake looked at her.

“Mother, Daddy, this is Jake Sorensen.”

Her mother held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Sorensen.”

He shook her hand gently. “Please call me Jake.”

After shaking Jake’s hand, her father asked. “How do you know our little girl?”

Jake turned again to her, but remained silent.

“He’s my boss, Daddy.”

“And her husband,” he said.

Oh, boy. What she would have given to disappear at that moment. Damn Jake. He was trying to push her into a corner. Both parents stared at her as if they didn’t know who she was. Her mother was the first to recover.

“Her husband? Melissa didn’t tell us she was married…again. When did this happen?” Elizabeth’s words were curt.

“Six months ago,” Jake said. “Before you ask any more questions, Melissa and I have been separated for the last three months. I came to Dallas to settle our disagreements and bring her home.”

“Do you think that’s going to be easy, Mr. Sorensen?” Her mother’s tone was hard.

“No, I don’t. Nothing with your daughter is easy. She’s no pushover.” Jake glanced at Melissa. “I have my work cut out for me. But whatever it takes, I’ll do it.”

“Melissa is a strong woman. She has her father’s brains and my tenacity. She’s been through a lot and survived.” Elizabeth stared him down. “Whatever the outcome between you and her, it’s her decision. She’ll not be alone. Not ever again.” She paused for a moment, still staring at him. “Do you understand me, Mr. Sorensen?”

“Yes, I do.  Melissa is my wife. I’ll take care of her. She’ll never want anything. I’ll always protect her even if it’s from myself. Do I make myself clear, Mrs. Delaney?”

Her mother stared hard at him for a long moment. The tension was thick. Finally, she said, “Crystal.”

Melissa’s head bobbed back and forth between her mother and Jake. What in the world had just happened? There was a strong undercurrent in the room that only those two understood.  Each seemed to have laid down their gauntlets—at least for the time being.  And when had her mother become her ally? Strange.

Her father looked at Melissa with sadness. “Why didn’t you tell us about your marriage, Melissa? We are your parents. I thought we were making progress.”

Melissa glared at Jake before addressing her father. “I’m sorry, Daddy. I didn’t want you and Mother to know I’d failed at another marriage.”

Her mother pursed her lips. “It’s not a failure. It takes strength and courage to leave a marriage that’s not working.”

Melissa warmed at her mother’s praise.

Jasper scrutinized Jake for a long moment. “You said you came to Dallas to get Melissa?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Why?”

Jake’s eyes darkened with anger. “Excuse me?”

“My daughter left the marriage. So, I ask again, why are you here?”

“Melissa is my wife. She belongs with me.”

“This isn’t the dark ages, Mr. Sorensen. You can’t make her go with you against her will,” Elizabeth said coldly.

“No disrespect. This is a private matter. We’ll
solve
it together.”

“Those are mighty strong words. I don’t know you. But our daughter has a good head on her shoulders. If she left you, there was a reason. We’ll stand behind whatever she decides to do.”

“I understand, Mr. Delaney. But I won’t lose her.” He paused for a moment. “She’s my world.”

Melissa’s eyes widened at the words coming out of Jake’s mouth. She’d never heard him talk like this before. What was wrong with him?

“It’s been three months, what took you so long to come for her?” her father asked with a frown.

After another pause Jake said, “I ran into some business problems. It took a while to settle everything.”

She shook her head at how easily he lied.

Elizabeth pointed to a chair. “Please have a seat Mr. Sorensen”

“It’s Jake, ma’am.”

They all sat down.

Melissa’s mother continued to observe Jake with a fierce intensity. But somehow hers seemed more analytical instead of admirable. Elizabeth Delaney wasn’t deterred by a handsome face.

Jake’s rugged good looks made him a stand-out in a crowd. Being in the presence of a few people didn’t diminish his appeal. Both parents were captivated. He dominated the room as if he were lit by some foreign inner fire. Her parents’ eyes were drawn to him like a magnet. It didn’t faze her.