Wicked Obsession (Bend to My Will #6) (7 page)

Her dad squeezed Irene’s hand. “I’m glad you came through okay. I’ll be back tomorrow.” But her mother’s eyes had already closed, and she was probably asleep.

Jacob arranged a hotel for the evening, and had the room stocked with necessities, despite her father’s urging that they could stay with him. “I wouldn’t think of imposing. We’ll be nearby in case you need us,” he said.

Her father looked pretty tired, and Vivienne knew he’d go to work the next morning before returning to the hospital. It was good that he didn’t have to entertain guests, even his own daughter. She gave him a big hug. “We’ll be here to visit tomorrow, so we’ll see you then.”

Surprisingly, Vivienne slept like a log. It had been a long, stressful day. When she woke up in the hotel bed the next morning, it took her a minute to remember where she was. Jacob was already dressed, and busy scrolling through messages on his phone.

“How long did I sleep?” Vivienne said, staggering over to him.

Jacob wrapped an arm around her, and she sat on his lap. “You’re fine; we have time. Visiting hours aren’t until eleven. We can stop for breakfast on the way. I noticed you didn’t eat much last night.”

Vivienne leaned her head on his shoulder. “Thank you for everything. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Jacob smiled, then kissed her tenderly. “That’s good to hear.”

“There’s a lot to deal with now, though.”

“Like what?”

“Well, at dinner when my dad told us that Mom will need care. I don’t mean the rehab, but when she gets home,” Vivienne said. “And insurance doesn’t cover nursing care at home. Plus, she won’t be able to work for a while, and I don’t know if disability will pay enough.”

Jacob put his arms around her. “It’s taken care of.”

“What do you mean?”

“I heard your dad say that last night, so this morning I handled everything,” Jacob said.

“What do you mean…handled?”

“I had my attorney coordinate with a local firm. All needed costs will be paid. An agency has been hired to provide any at-home services required. An accountant will oversee your mother’s affairs until she is fully recovered and back to work…as soon as she signs the power of attorney.” Jacob looked at her as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

Vivienne was going to say that he couldn’t just butt in and take over her mother’s life. But that was all wrong. Jacob cared, and he had done a really nice thing. “That’s way beyond what any of us expect. It’s, well…very generous of you. But…why would you do all of that?”

“She’s your mother,” Jacob stated, as if that explained everything.

And maybe it did, because his actions revealed what Vivienne had known all along. Jacob had a good heart. She was very touched, and her eyes welled with tears. “Thank you…so much.” Then she wrapped her arms around Jacob’s neck, relieved, and happy for her mother. Now she would be able to recover without having to worry.

Chapter 9

Jacob was glad that Vivienne didn’t give him a hard time about helping. He didn’t want her burdened with financial hardship, or concerned about her mother. With the new venture and the shop to run, Vivienne had enough to deal with. She didn’t have the resources to cover extended medical or living costs, and she’d likely be miffed that Jacob knew more about her personal finances than she thought he did.

When Vivienne had talked about her parents, Jacob had gleaned certain information. Her father had worked in manufacturing for a long time, and although he supported the family, he certainly didn’t get rich at his job. But he was a good man, and even after the divorce he’d continued to assist Irene with the house payments.

Irene Lake waitressed at a local restaurant to make ends meet. Even with tips, she probably didn’t earn that much. An extended disability could wipe her out, unless she had a lot of savings, which was doubtful. If she had managed to put some money aside, Jacob didn’t want her using it up for such things as nursing care, not when he could so easily take care of that.

Jacob didn’t want Vivienne concerned about her mother, so he’d taken charge. He hadn’t always been wealthy, having come from a background of poverty. Depending on an alcoholic father for support had taught him at a young age that life was tough. The generosity of Vico and Sophia, and his later good fortune in business, had altered the course of his future. It wasn’t something he took for granted. So if there was a way to make the recovery easier for Vivienne’s mother, he certainly would.

While Vivienne showered and dressed, Jacob replied to texts. His sudden departure had left a few matters hanging, so he issued instructions to his staff. Meg could reschedule any meetings or conference calls. He messaged with Zach about a couple of pressing issues that, as president, he could take over. He told him to coordinate with Grayson, the general manager, on a few other things that were less urgent.

Jacob thought he’d be home in a couple of days, as long as Irene Lake progressed as expected. Vivienne emerged in white slacks and a lime-green cotton top, looking delectable. “How can you look so good in clothes that aren’t even yours?”

“You must have told the concierge my style and taste,” Vivienne said, spinning around. “They fit well, too.”

Jacob admired her innocent look. With her wavy blond hair, perfectly etched lips, and deep green eyes, she was a stunner. He assigned the innocence to her purity of heart, for Jacob had no doubt that was the case. That she could be a vamp in the bedroom was all the better.

When he opened his arms, Vivienne came to him. Holding her close, Jacob breathed in the floral scent of a perfume. He’d requested everything that he thought they’d need, including personal items. Whatever the perfume brand, it was a good choice.

He would have liked to hang around the suite, with Vivienne close. Jacob could think of many things they could do, especially in the king-sized bed. But family matters called. “Shall we go?” he said.

Vivienne gave him a tender kiss, her eyes sparkling. “I’ll go anywhere with you.”

Jacob gave her a teasing look. “That’s quite an offer.”

Breakfast wasn’t anything special, just the usual fare at a pancake place close to the hospital. It was good to eat, though. Jacob had worked up quite an appetite with all that had been going on. He ordered the full meal of eggs, pancakes, toast, and sausage with coffee. And he consumed it in the time it took Vivienne to eat some yogurt and fruit with a cappuccino.

“You’re going to starve.”

Vivienne finished the last of her coffee. “You’re a guy, so you have to eat more.”

Jacob knew she was giving him the brush-off. At stressful times, he’d noticed that her appetite waned. He was sure that she was anxious about seeing her mother, to ensure that all was well, so he escorted her to the hospital as soon as they were done eating.

This time they were allowed to go straight to the room. Irene was propped up in bed, and she grinned the instant she saw Vivienne. “Vivie.” She opened her arms, and her daughter went to her.

“Mom, it’s so good to see you awake.” Vivienne hugged her tight, then looked at her mother’s face. “Did you sleep okay? Are you in pain or anything?”

“The nurse gave me something to sleep, and I’m still on pain meds.”

Now that Jacob saw her up close, he could see how much Vivienne looked like her. The photos of her hadn’t done her justice. Even in a hospital bed, her classic beauty was evident. Her blond hair and emerald eyes were lovely, just as Vivienne’s were. He would have guessed that she was younger than she was.

“Mom, this is Jacob Rinaldi.”

He stepped closer and smiled, then Vivienne took his hand. “Jacob, meet my mother Irene.”

“It’s a pleasure, ma’am.”

“Oh, call me Irene.”

Jacob smiled. “How are you today, Irene?”

“I hate hospitals, but I suppose it’s necessary.” Irene gave him a charming smile. “Otherwise, okay, I guess.”

“How did you fall down the steps, Mom?”

Irene shook her head. “It was silly of me, really. I was on my way out, and a dog came up the steps wanting to be petted. The thing was that I didn’t see him coming, and I just lost my footing. That’s all it took, and down I went.”

“Who found you?”

“Martha, next door. I’ll have to thank her. I was in a lot of pain, and I didn’t have my phone with me.” Irene shook her head. “I live on a quiet street there. Who knows when someone would have come by?”

“I’m so glad you’re okay. The doctor says you’ll recover. I’m so relieved,” Vivienne said. “Can I get you anything?”

“I just had breakfast, so I’m fine. This stuff they give me makes me sleepy, so I’m not sure how long I’ll last.” Irene looked over at the door as Joseph walked in.

“Good morning, Irene. You’re awake.” The smile he gave his ex-wife showed the affection that he clearly still felt for her. “Are they treating you right?”

“Oh, sure,” Irene said, and reached out to squeeze his hand. “It’s so good of you to come and see me.”

“Of course. I have to make sure you’re behaving.” Joseph gave Vivienne a hug, and nodded at Jacob. “Good morning, you two. Was the hotel comfortable last night?”

“It really was, Dad. I slept like a baby.” Vivienne grinned at her father.

Vivienne’s parents were easy to like, and it warmed Jacob’s heart to see the closeness between them. Clearly, they both adored their daughter. The value of family was something that Jacob understood. He’d had it both ways, having come from a dysfunctional family unit, but being blessed with a loving family later.

The flowers they’d sent were displayed on the window ledge. “And thank you all for the flowers.” Vivienne had sent carnations, putting Jacob’s name on the card also. And Joseph had sent a dozen roses. There was a vase with a wildflower bouquet and another with sunflowers, probably from neighbors or coworkers.

“I’m glad you like them,” Joseph said.

“I thought the carnations would be cheerful,” Vivienne said.

Irene sagged against the pillows. “They are, honey.” Her eyes looked heavy. “I think I need to rest.”

Vivienne gave her a hug. “You sleep, Mom. We’ll be back later.”

“Nice to meet you, Irene.” Jacob followed Vivienne out, giving her mother a moment alone with Joseph.

“What a relief to see her alert and talking,” Vivienne said. “I know she’s got a hard road ahead of her, but for now it’s good that she can rest.”

When Joseph emerged, he hugged Vivienne. “Okay, honey, I have to get back to work. I’ll check in later. You guys will be okay on your own?”

“Sure, Dad. I’ll show Jacob around the town a bit. He hasn’t been here before.”

Her dad shook Jacob’s hand. “Take care of my baby.”

“Dad!” Vivienne looked embarrassed.

“What?” her father said. “You’ll always be my baby girl.” And with that he made his exit.

It occurred to Jacob that Vivienne had mentioned her father was seeing another woman. At the dinner the evening before he hadn’t mentioned her, and he’d been considerate enough not to bring her to the hospital. Jacob wasn’t positive that he was still seeing her, and had no reason to bring it up, since everyone’s focus was on Irene.

Jacob had rented a car, so they took time driving around Decatur. It was interesting to see where Vivienne had grown up. He’d only known her in the big city, but her upbringing was small town. She showed him the high school, then they left the car behind to stroll through the central square and the surrounding streets. It was a family-friendly place, with lots of restaurants, clothing stores, and artsy shops.

“I always liked the diversity of my hometown,” Vivienne said. “Although it’s really a part of the metropolitan area of Atlanta, it’s a city unto itself, with an identity all its own. The town has its own unofficial motto: ‘Everything is greater in Decatur.’”

“What did you like about growing up here?”

Vivienne lit up. “It’s got a small-town vibe, a neighborhood feel. It’s clean, and I felt safe here.”

Jacob tried to imagine having parents like Vivienne’s, and being raised from the start in such a friendly environment. It was so different from his background. Trying to undo the damage done at such an early age was no easy task, if it could be done at all. Even with all that Vico and Sophia had done for him, there were still plenty of early childhood incidents that had molded his character, and he hadn’t been able to escape those memories. It was good to know that Vivienne hadn’t experienced such things.

Since Vivienne had a key to her mother’s home, they dropped by so she could check on the place. The house was a colonial style made of brick, set on ground higher than street level. At the edge of the front lawn were concrete steps leading down to the sidewalk.

“I guess that’s where your mom fell.”

“Yes, that’s it,” Vivienne said. “It hurts just to think about it.”

They went inside, and after checking around, Vivienne determined that all was secure. The home looked comfortable, with cushy sofas and chairs. There were family photos on the walls, and a good-sized kitchen with yellow walls. It had a good feel about it.

After leaving, they had a late lunch at a downtown brewery, before going back to the hospital. The doctor was with Irene so they had to wait, but did get in to see her. Jacob witnessed how close Vivienne was to her mother, and thought of how much she probably missed her.

As the doctor had predicted, Irene stayed in the hospital one more day before being transferred to rehab. Once she was settled, and Vivienne could see she would be taken care of, she told her mother that she had to go.

“I’ll call you, Mom. Don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything,” Vivienne said. “I’ll be back to see you during your recovery.”

“Thank you for coming, honey. I’ll be fine. I don’t want you to worry.” She hugged Vivienne, and they both had tears in their eyes.

Then Irene opened her arms. “And you too, Jacob. I am so glad I got to meet you. Next time you see me I’ll be in much better shape.” She hugged him as if he was her own son, then looked into his eyes. “And I don’t know how to thank you…for everything.”

“There’s no need to,” Jacob said. “You just take care of yourself.”

Vivienne had told her mother about Jacob handling expenses, or anything else she needed. Irene had been grateful, too much so, he thought. But it was good to see that it put her mind at ease, and Vivienne’s too.

*****

By the time they were back in New York, it was dark out. Jacob suggested a late dinner at one of their favorite Italian places. They weren’t dressed for anything fancy, so Pepolino’s would be fine. It was unpretentious, with excellent food.

The wood-framed windows, tile floors, and rustic furniture were homey. It had been good to see Vivienne’s hometown, but it was nice to be back in New York. Jacob ordered a bottle of Chianti to go with the chicken cacciatore, and tore off a hunk of warm Italian bread to quell his hunger while waiting.

“I noticed that your mom still uses the last name Lake, even though she’s not with Joseph now.”

Vivienne took a sip of her wine. “Yes, I think it would be difficult for her to change after all this time. I suppose she’d have to if my dad remarried. But he hasn’t complained about her keeping the name.”

“Your parents seem close.”

“Yes, the divorce was difficult, though. For a long time, I didn’t understand. My mom was devastated.” Vivienne looked into his eyes. “I suppose they grew apart…in that way…being in love. But they still love each other, if that makes sense.”

“I think so.”

Jacob thought of the bond between Vico and Sophia, and the strength of their marriage. It was something he understood, even if it wasn’t right for him. Still, he had trouble envisioning being apart from Vivienne, even if marriage wasn’t a part of their future. Their arrangement was unconventional, but it didn’t make Jacob want her any less.

“Now you’ve met my parents,” Vivienne said. “And you’ve seen where I grew up. You know a lot more about me than you did a few days ago.”

Jacob wasn’t sure where she was going with this.

“You were great…the whole time.” Vivienne hesitated. “But too often, while we were there, you looked sad.”