The next morning, after Trixie was in school, Laura went into work Several new orders had come up. David was rapidly filling the calendar. With Christmas approaching people were wanting lavish desserts for their formal parties. Gabrielle Criswell had turned out to be a gold mine indeed. Denver's elite were calling daily.
"We really need a secretary," Andreas hung up the phone.
"I know. I just haven't gotten to it," Laura said, picking up the order sheets. "Wow."
"I would think about a third assistant too."
"It may be necessary," Laura was eying all the appointments scheduled for that day. The first one would be arriving shortly. She headed for her office to get ready for the long day ahead, pushing Priscilla to the back of her mind.
"Hey call Dessa for me, will you? Ask her to come down here."
"Sure."
Within an hour Dessa had become the new secretary for Dreamy Confections. Delighted to have something to do other than scrape by as a cashier at the grocery store, the pair could easily work out picking up Luke and Trixie from school. With Adrian and Adam and Sophie helping, someone would always be there; though Laura was considering banning Sophie from Trixie's life; her anger was so great.
"This is so much fun," Dessa eyed the raspberry creme brûlée Laura was mixing. She had slipped the little phone headset on so she was free to move around the bakery.
Laura grinned and offered her a taste. Dessa moaned happily. "That's wonderful!"
"It's even better when finished," Laura laughed. At the other table, David was whipping up a simple yellow cake, to be frosted with pink butter cream and covered in sugared roses for a birthday that evening.
"So how's Adam?" Dessa grinned mischievously. If only she had a chance to win either's heart from her best friend.
"He's fine," Laura couldn't stop the blush creeping up her neck.
"I bet."
"All I know is, if Miss Thing here didn't have those two wrapped around her finger, I'd want them wrapped around me," David interjected.
The three burst into laughter when they heard the bells on the front door. Adrian and Adam appeared in the doorway. Laura turned red. Dessa was smothering her laughter and David returned to his cake, humming to himself.
"We were in the neighborhood," Adam kissed Laura's cheek, one arm slipping around her side, his hand resting on her thigh.
"Yeah you just came by to sample what I'm making," Laura teased, her gray eyes sparkling. Adam smiled mischievously. Adrian greeted Dessa sweetly, with a kiss on the cheek.
"I'm not allowed to check on my investment? " he asked playfully. Laura just shook her head, dipping a clean spoon into the custard for him to try.
"How's Luke?" Adrian asked Dessa..
"He's- good. His grades in English could be better but he's flying through math." She had a quiet voice with a slight drawl to it that Adrian found charming.
"Math always gave me trouble. I cheated as much as I could," Adrian said cheerfully. Dessa laughed. "Are you free Friday night?"
"I can probably clear my calendar." she smiled seductively. They didn't always fall into bed but when they did, he moved the earth beneath her.
"Do you want me to pick up Trixie?" Adam asked. Laura smiled.
"Do you mind?"
"Not at all."
"Do you mind getting Luke too? I just hired Dessa so I need her here for a bit. We already talked to the school and cleared you two and Mother for pick up."
"Sure. Should I bring them here or to the house?"
"The house. I should be out of here by then. If not, I'll call you. But I'll be home in time to make dinner."
Adam's face changed quickly.
"Laura. . .about dinner."
Laura's smile vanished. "You have to leave town."
"Three days. I'll be back Friday. Can I get a raincheck? "
"I guess," she sighed.
"I'm sorry. But you know the international side is mine," he kissed her gently, running his hand over her hip.
"I know," Laura couldn't hide her disappointment. Adam kissed her gently.
"I'll bring you something from Moscow."
"You're going to Russia?" Laura asked. He nodded.
"Some pieces from the Romanov Empire have suddenly turned up. So I want to get there as soon as I can for the authenticating."
Laura nodded.
* * *
Dessa and Adrian stayed for dinner instead. Adrian ordered pizza and Laura made large pot of spaghetti. It amused her that Adrian's idea of dinner was ordering pizza. He admitted he could microwave popcorn perfectly but that was the extent of his cooking skills. For dessert, Laura had brought home a honeycake.
Through dinner, Trixie entertained them with tales of school that day, like she usually did. Luke was his usual quiet self, his big green eyes staring adoringly at Trixie for most of the night.
After dinner, the kids were working on their homework as the adults adjourned to the living room. Laura hadn't told Dessa about her kiss with Adrian but Dessa was picking up on a tiny strain between the two. Early in the evening Adrian had touched her hand by accident and Laura almost dropped the spaghetti.
"So I'm just answering the phones and taking orders?" Dessa asked.
"Well, some organizing and stuff too. I just need someone to take over that stuff so I can have the guys in the kitchen without having to worry about the phone interrupting." Laura sat perched in the recliner, her legs tucked under her. Dessa and Adrian sat on the couch, and Dessa was painfully aware of how close Adrian was to her.
"We're done!" Luke and Trixie appeared in the room. "Can we watch tv?"
"Fifteen minutes. Then it's time for you to get home, buster," Dessa told her brother. He saluted her and they immediately changed the television to the cartoon channel.
Adrian left when Dessa and Luke did. It was too awkward to be near Laura alone. He hadn't even wanted to go to the bakery today but Adam dragged him along. Luke was chattering on about Trixie's newest story she had told in class today as he climbed into Dessa's car.
"What time should I pick you up?" Adrian asked.
"Is this to get your mind off of Laura?" she asked quietly. Adrian smiled dryly.
"I enjoy your company Dessa. And you're very attractive. I would like to take you out to dinner."
"Seven," she kissed his cheek. Adrian felt his spirits lift slightly.
* * *
"Christmas is nearing," Dessa said the next day. Laura glanced up from the peach-chocolate tortes she was working on.
"Yeah I know."
"Any thought about what you're giving Adam?" she asked eagerly. Laura shook her head.
"He's a multi-millionaire. What the hell do you get him?"
"Just cover yourself in frosting and put a big bow on your head," David said cheerfully and he mixed cake batter. Blushing, Laura chuckled.
"No kidding. I guess I should start thinking of something huh? Trixie was going on the other day about something for Adrian. She really just adores him."
"It's easy to," Dessa replied dryly. Laura glanced at her.
"Do I sense a crush?"
"Like a ton of bricks," Dessa sighed.
"Don't you have a date with him tomorrow night?"
"Yep."
"You're awfully calm."
"I think he was just being nice."
"Adrian wouldn't ask a girl out because he was being nice," Laura laid the tortes on the tray. They would be open in about 15 minutes and she was beginning to build a regular clientele for morning treats.
"He's totally hot. Just throw him on the bed and have your way," David interjected. Andreas just shook his head as Laura chuckled.
"That's not entirely a bad idea you know," she grinned. Laura rolled her eyes.
"Why are we discussing bedding my boyfriend's brother?"
"Well, we could talk about bedding you boyfriend instead," David said brightly. "You've been awfully happy these days."
"Uh. . .I think Adrian has great shoulders," Laura's face almost matched her hair.
* * *
Friday night rolled around and Laura was watching Luke and Trixie while Dessa was out with Adrian. For dinner they had pumpkin soup and caesar salad, then spent the evening making sugar cookies. By the end of the evening, the kitchen was thoroughly a mess and both kids were covered in more frosting than the cookies.
With the children sacked out on the couch, Laura set about cleaning the kitchen when she heard the door open.
"Mother?" she called softly, stepping through the door. It was Adam. Happily she ran to him and he hugged her tightly. What a long three days, she thought.
"Afraid I'm not quite that elegant," he smiled at her, kissing her eagerly.
"Did you see the whatever it was?" she asked. He rolled his eyes.
"Fakes. An entire collection. Real disappointment. And it took them forever to realize it."
"I'm sorry."
"That's ok. Made me realize how much I missed you," he kissed her again.
"Are you hungry? I have some soup leftover," she had her arm wrapped around his neck securely.
"Starving. I didn't ring the bell because I saw them." he motioned to the sleeping children. Each was curled up on one end of the couch, a blanket spread over the two of them.
"It's pumpkin soup. And the kids made cookies."
"Pumpkin soup?" he asked skeptically, following her into the warm kitchen.
"It's good. Something fun for them."
"I can think of something fun for us," he murmured, pulling her close again. "Dessa with Adrian?"
"Mmmhmmm," Laura kissed him.
"It's cold over there," he murmured, brushing her bangs back.
"I bet. But I have nice hot soup to warm you up," she smiled sweetly. With the children liable to walk in at any moment, she didn't want things to get too intense, and she felt shy suddenly. "What was that?"
"Nothing," he smiled charmingly but wouldn't repeat what he had said.
* * *
Adrian sipped his wine, studying Dessa from cross the table. She had been able to keep his mind off Laura almost the entire night, and he wasn't lying about enjoying her company. With her curly dark hair and big green-eyed, she had a look of innocence he found charming. Almost frail, he thought, with the delicate porcelain skin. From experience he knew she wasn't as fragile as she appeared, her sexual appetite matched his.
They left the restaurant for the movie theater, walking arm in arm. After a couple glasses of wine, she had lost the nervousness and the colour in her face was turning him on more with each passing moment.
They talked mostly about Luke and Trixie, and Luke's crush on her. Dessa was careful not to mention Laura, and she had a feeling Adrian was too.
As they pulled up to Laura house, late that evening, Adrian put his hand on Dessa's.
"Thank you for tonight. I had a great time." he smiled charmingly and Dessa felt her heart skip a beat. Oh it wasn't fair!
"Me too. Thank you for asking me."
"I'd like to take you out again, soon."
"Sure." she smiled bravely. Gently, he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Dessa didn't know how to react so she just smiled as he got out to open her door for her. She had been hoping they would end up at his place, or even hers.
Adrian noticed his brother's Mercedes in the drive. Adam must have been back, the Russian trip a flop if he was home so soon.
They found Adam and Laura curled up in the big recliner together, Laura dozing, her head against Adam's shoulder. Adam nodded to them, and they saw the sleeping children. Adrian immediately volunteered to carry Luke to the car. He was a heavy sleeper like Trixie, and never felt the big man lift him.
"Will you be ok to get him home?" Adrian asked. Dessa nodded.
"Yeah he can usually sleepwalk inside," she laughed.
Adrian hesitated to return inside but by now Laura was sound asleep. Adam rose carefully, carrying her to the back room. Adrian, familiar with the routine, lifted Trixie to take her to her own room.
Removing her shoes, he pulled the covers over her and kissed her forehead, wishing for the thousandth time she was his daughter.
He met Adam back in the living room. The older brother had removed his sweater, obviously staying the night.
"Nothing in Russia?"
"No. Just some cheap knockoff. Incompetent inspector too. I could have been home within an hour of getting there if they had let me look at them but red tape, as usual."
"Bad news. I'll see you tomorrow."
Adam nodded and Adrian left. Turning off the lights and locking the front door, Adam returned to Laura's room to lay next to her. She was curled up on her side. Undressing to his boxers, he turned out the light and got into bed, wrapping his arms tightly around her.
* * *
Stretching the next morning, Laura dimly remembered Adam carrying her to bed. Sitting up she could hear his voice and smell something cooking. Trixie's girlish laughter was heard next and she relaxed against the pillows. David and Andreas would handle the bakery today. They only called her on weekends if there was an emergency, so she could spend the days with Trixie. Monday she had an interview for a third chef.
Trixie's big gray eyes appeared around the corner. "Mornin!"
"Good morning," she smiled at Trixie, who bounded onto the bed and got under the covers with her. She still had on her pink pajamas and fuzzy socks, her dark hair tousled.
"Adam made breakfast," she announced.
"Really?" Laura hoped his culinary skills were better than Adrian's. She didn't want popcorn for breakfast.
"Awake finally are we?" Adam appeared in the doorway, carrying a tray. Laura's mouth watered as she smelled eggs and bacon.
"You could have woken me."
"Nah. You looked too cute." he winked at her.
"So what did I do to deserve breakfast in bed?" she asked. The man was good, she thought, the eggs were just how she liked them, raspberry jam or her bagel. "Wait - how did you know what I like?"
"I told him!" Trixie beamed. "The eggs aren't as good as yours but they'll do," she said cheerfully. Adam reached over and tousled her hair.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence."
Laura was struck by the familial atmosphere of the scene and wondered if it could become more permanent. Granted, she had only been seeing Adam for a couple of months but everything went so well between them.
"I squeezed the juice," Trixie announced. Laura eyed it suspiciously. "And I even strained it for you. No pulpy stuff."
"Well, you two are just going to spoil me," Laura smiled at her niece.
"That's the plan," Adam's powerful green eyes were on her. Laura felt herself blush. How had she gotten so lucky?
* * *
Laura was sitting in her office paying bills on Monday when Adam called.
"The first court date is set for Wednesday."
"Wednesday?" Laura went cold.
"Don't fret Laura. Randy has every confidence we'll win this."
"It's just so soon," she said softly.
"Priscilla is moving as fast as she can. I'm not sure why but she wants Trixie fast. She was pushing for a court date last week. I've got investigators following her every move, to find out what she's up to."
"How do we explain this to Trixie?"
"Very carefully. Randy suggests doing it tonight. He doesn't think the judge will want to talk to Trixie right away but she needs to know, especially if Priscilla tries to contact her directly. And no matter what, no matter how much you want to, don't say anything negative about Priscilla in front of her."
"I know," Laura said numbly. Staring blankly at the numbers in front of her, her eyes welled up with tears. Resting her head on her hands, she tried to focus on the business. If business kept up this way, they would break even around march. She had invested part of what George left her but Adam and Adrian insisted on being her partners and investing in the company as well.. Privately she was grateful. The bakery wasn't making quite enough to support her and Trixie.
"You look like you need some of these," Dessa walked in, carrying a small plate with fresh chocolate chip cookies.
"Yeah, followed by some tequila shots," Laura laughed.
"Something to do with the lawsuit?"
Laura told her about Adam's call. Dessa shook her head.
"I think your lawyer is right. Priscilla doesn't have a chance."
Laura munched on a warm cookie, staring out the window.
"You know, I've always lived in her shadow. Always. I never accomplished anything when I was younger. And if I did manage to, she had already done it , and better. It didn't matter my IQ test came back about 40 points above hers. She was the perfect cheerleader, straight A student. All I ever wanted was to be left alone. Since Trixie came into my life. . .I've felt a close on the gap I had for so long. I finally have someone who loves me for me, and needs me. And she can't let me have it. Priscilla has to take that away from me too." she said quietly, leaning her head against the back of the chair. Dessa listened silently, handing her a soda.
"I have a wonderful boyfriend, a darling niece, my own business finally. . . and a shrew for a sister who wants to take it all away. Mother won't discuss any of it. She's stuck in La-La land, believing that we'll be able to work this out. She knows I'm better for Trixie than Laura but she won't get involved. Too worried about losing her precious Silly. "
Dessa's heart ached for her best friend as she heard the bitterness in her voice. Living with her grandfather wasn't ideal but for now she didn't have much of a choice. Luke was happy with the old man and for the most part Dessa was, but it was awkward to have anyone over. Her grandfather was prone to sleepwalking and getting paranoid, as a retired Marine officer.
Laura didn't deserve this, she thought, anger directed at Priscilla. The poor girl as trying to make a new life for herself and that spoiled bitch wanted to ruin it all.
"If she gets Trixie, she'll stick her away in private boarding schools I'll never see her."
"Adam and Adrian won't let that happen. They'll fix this," Dessa squeezed her friend's hand tightly.
"It'll take a miracle," Laura sighed.
"Well, on the bright side, I took a message for you while you were on the hone with Adam. From a Naida Manning. She's a wedding consultant. She arranged the Criswell's wedding but never had a chance to talk with you. Something about joining her network."
"Network?" Laura frowned, looking at the phone number.
"I think she means network of wedding people. Which would put you on a list. So when a bride goes to a florist, they can recommend you. Likewise, they come to you, you can recommend this Naida person or a particular venue, etc."
"Interesting. That could ring in some serious business."
"No kidding," Dessa grinned. "So give her a call."
* * *
Wednesday dawned clear and cold. Laura, after a sleepless night, was silent as she made breakfast for Trixie. While they were in court, Trixie would be at the bakery with Dessa. At this point, Laura didn't trust her sister not get their mother involved in something underhanded. Hopefully they could finish this mess today and be done with it.
Adam and Adrian picked her up and they drove to the courthouse in silence, Adam holding her hand tightly. Laura stared out the window at the snow capped trees and houses. They would win. She had to believe that.
Flanked by Adam and Adrian, they met with Randy and entered the courtroom. Laura noticed Randy had a partner with him. Both looked impressive and intimidating in dark suits, immaculate hair, sharp eyes. She had dressed as conservatively as she could, in gray slacks and a simple midnight blue sweater, her long hair braided back.
Priscilla sat with her husband Edmund and her lawyer at the other side. She stared evenly at Laura who met her stare. Priscilla's hair was a lighter red than Sophie and Laura's, almost strawberry blond and completely straight, but she had the same gray eyes. She was bone thin, her short hair smooth and in place. Heavy makeup, long, acrylic nails, expensive jewelry. The Wingfield brothers took an instant disliking to her. Adam immediately thought of a vulture perched on a cliff, it's long, hooked beak staring over the edge for prey.
Edmund was a tall, thin man, and pale was the only word for him. Pale blond hair, pale blue eyes, pale skin. Heavy wrinkles, pale suit. The only splash of color on him was a red necktie he wore with a pale gray suit. This man was dominated easily by his predatory wife.
Laura rose when everyone else did, when the judge ordered. Priscilla's lawyer rose to make his opening statement. Laura's fear overwhelmed her and she had the urge to run from the courtroom.
". . .and today your Honor, we will prove that Laura Stevenson is unfit to raise her niece, Nada Emily Stevenson, known as Trixie."
Adrian and Adam realized they hadn't known Trixie's full name. Laura was staring at the wall, not really listening. Randy stood to make his argument.
Laura's mind wandered to the day she had picked Trixie up at the airport.
Watching the passengers walk off the plane, Laura's heart skipped a beat. What if something had happened? What if Trixie didn't make the plane? There were no young girls coming off the plane. The crowd was thinning? Had she already screwed up with her niece?
Wait - here came a flight attendant. . .small girl with dark curly hair, pink barrettes, pretty pink jumper. Her own gray eyes, the family trademark. . .dark skin from her Hispanic mother.
"Ms Stevenson?" the flight attendant asked Laura nodded bravely as the little girl just stared at her.
"This is Trixie. Trixie, this is your aunt Laura.
"Pleased to meet you." Trixie said shyly. Laura knelt down and smiled at her.
"Hi Trix."
* * *
". . .and we will successfully demonstrate Laura Stevenson is a fine mother figure and the best person to raise her niece. Thank you," Randy sat down.
"The bench calls Priscilla Patterson to the stand."
P.P., Adrian thought amusedly.
Laura watched her sister walk to the seat and be sworn in. Adam sat on her left and squeezed her hand under the table. Adrian sat behind them.
The interrogation started, Priscilla's lawyer asking all the pertinent questions about what they could provide Trixie. Randy made notes in a shorthand Laura couldn't read. He had no cross examination at the time, but retained the right to recall her.
Finally Laura was called to the stand. Randy was intentionally letting the other side call her.
"Ms. Stevenson is true that in your younger days you experimented with drugs?"
Boy, he didn't beat around the bush, Laura thought.
"When I was teenager," she answered curtly.
"And at one point I believe you had a drinking problem?"
"A few years ago."
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but you had never met your niece, Nada Emily Stevenson before she came into your custody?"
"You're correct."
"In fact, you hadn't even been in contact with your brother when he died, nor did you go to the wedding or ever meet his wife. Why would he name you guardian of his daughter, when his other sister had attended the wedding, the christening of your niece and sent gifts regularly?"
"I sent gifts to her christening and for her birthday every year," Laura said quietly. "My career didn't allow me time off to visit."
"Oh yes, your career...you're a cook?"
"I'm an Executive Pastry Chef, certified through the American Culinary Federation." Laura said icily. Adam and Adrian could see she was fighting not to lose her temper. Priscilla was smirking, one corner of her upper lip twisted.
"And what was your financial situation when you received Trixie?"
"I was about to file bankruptcy," Laura answered.
"Phone records indicate that before your brother died, about a month before hand, you had talked to him on the phone. What did you discuss?"
"A lot of things. I don't remember."
"Would money have come up?"
"I doubt it. George never pried into my affairs."
"I see. So a month before your brother dies, you have the first phone conversation with him in a couple years, you're about to file bankruptcy, and then you suddenly inherit his daughter and his fortune."
"Correct," Laura said through clenched teeth.
"Now, you made it very clear to your family over the years you had no desire to have children. Yet you willingly took young Nada into your household, and refused to let Priscilla visit."
"Wrong," Laura snapped. Priscilla's lawyer raised one eyebrow.
"Wrong?"
"My brother and I weren't close but I loved him. He named me as guardian and I respected his wishes. I have let Priscilla visit and take Trixie out every time she has called, which isn't often. It wasn't until she started threatening to sue me that I refused."
"And why did you refuse? Your sister is a model citizen."
"Because I wouldn't take the risk of her kidnapping Trixie. "
"I object your honor. Witness is speculating," the lawyer smiled politely.
"Overruled. Continue." The judge was watching Laura intensely.
"Wasn't your niece kicked out of four schools while in your care in Dallas?"
"Yes but since we moved here, she makes straight A's and has lots of friends," Laura smiled coldly. The lawyer looked startled for only a brief second. Randy took note.
"Don't you run a business that requires a lot of time away from home and your niece?"
"No. I'm home by the time Trixie gets home from school almost everyday. I have two assistants who handle the evenings and weekend work unless there's a very large function that requires my immediate supervision."
Again the lawyer looked uncomfortable. Randy smiled to himself. Apparently Priscilla wasn't being completely honest with her lawyer. But why should the lawyer look surprised? He should have run a full check on Laura by now. Only a fool would take his client's word without evidence.
"I have no further questions at this time your honor."
Randy rose.
"Ms. Stevenson, would you elaborate a little on Trixie's visits with your sister?"
"She would come home very subdued and quiet. Trixie is an extremely active girl and she would just sit on the couch and stare at the tv. It bothered me and when I asked her how the visit went she would say 'it was ok'."
"Describe a typical day for you and Trixie," Randy smiled encouragingly.
"Well, on weekdays, I get up and make her breakfast, get her ready for school, and take her. Then I go to the bakery. Around 2:30 either I, my associate Dessa Basing, my mother or Adam and Adrian Wingfield pick up Trixie and Luke Basing. All have permission through the school to pick the children up. They 're brought either to the bakery or my home. In the evenings, often any of these people are at the house, we have dinner. The kids do their homework, they play a bit and are in bed by eight thirty, except for weekends, when they're allowed to stay up late."
"Sounds very homey to me," Randy smiled. Laura smiled back.
"Trixie has made me realize how important family is. On the weekends, we go to the park, or the zoo. Sometimes she goes with me to the bakery and plays on the computer or helps makes cookies."
"What about your social life?"
"I go out to lunch with Dessa, or we take the kids out. If I'm out with Adam, Adrian or my mother watches her. I baby sit for Dessa sometimes as well."
"So someone is always with Trixie?"
"Just about all the time."
"Well it certainly doesn't sound like neglect to me. In fact, it fact it seems that Trixie is rather happy in her life. "
"She is. And everyone you call to testify will agree," Laura said quietly. "I love my niece and she's doing well."
"No further questions at this time Your Honor."
Sophie's testimony went badly. Laura had regained some hope after her own time on the stand but Sophie was nervous, playing with her necklace and stumbling over her words.
"So, Ms. Stevenson, you've basically just told us the sisters have a rough relationship."
"Well, they were never as close as some sisters," Sophie couldn't look at Laura. Even Laura knew Sophie had just battered her case.
"It certainly sounds like Laura has some resentment towards her sister. "
"Objection, leading the witness."
"Sustained."
And on it went, Sophie unable to answer without tripping over her words. Laura's heart sunk.
The judge called for a one hour lunch recess. Randy had one of his assistants bringing them lunch. Priscilla, Edmund and their lawyer left the courtroom, the lawyer looking incredibly pleased
"You did great. The trick is not to lose your cool."
"I just. .. they make sound like I was a juvenile delinquent! I was a normal teenager," Laura said bitterly.
"And we're going to prove it. Look, your character witness list is fabulous, if it goes that far. Hopefully the judge will decide this is a waste of time and just drop it."
Laura nodded as they were brought sandwiches and sodas. Adam had one arm around her shoulder.
When the judge returned, Laura felt calmer. The would win this.
"Your Honor, we'd like to recall Laura Stevenson to the stand."
Randy frowned. Laura swallowed. Why? Surely not. . .
Laura took her seat and was reminded she was still under oath.
"Ms Stevenson. Describe your financial status."
Now where was this going? she wondered.
"Well, the bakery is doing well. I mean, it's not out of the red from the start up costs, but at the rate it's growing, we'll break even in March."
"So what are you living on?"
"My brother left me some money, I've been using that."
"What about your niece's trust fund?"
"It hasn't been touched," Laura glanced at Randy.
"How much were you making in Dallas? You're a highly trained chef correct?" he was leaning against the box.
"Yes. The job I was last at. . .not a whole lot. . .maybe thirty five thousand a year."
"Now why would someone with your skills be at a job making so little?"
"I was taking a break from burnout. I needed a less stressful, quiet job."
"Now, before that job, weren't you living rather high, employed by a hotel?"
"Yes. I was Executive Pastry Chef for the Livingston Hotel."
"And how much were you making?"
"About a hundred twenty thousand a year."
Randy was absorbing everything. The conversation was going to go somewhere and he didn't like the direction it was taking. Laura was about to get a nasty shock.
"Do you know a Thomas DelGiornio? "
Laura's heart stopped. No. . .no. .. they couldn't have!
"I knew somebody by that name once," she said stiffly. She could see Randy was thrown. He wrote something to his assistant who nodded. Randy shook his head quickly. He didn't want her to say anything. Randy couldn't object until he knew where this was going.
Adam turned to his brother who shrugged. Laura hadn't told Randy everything, it was obvious. And this was big.
"Would you describe how you knew him?"
Blood started pounding in her ears and Laura's chest began to constrict. She opened her mouth but nothing came out.
"Go ahead Ms. Stevenson," the lawyer was smiling coldly. Adam watched in alarm as her face went stark white with fear.
"I worked for him couple years ago in Dallas." she whispered.
"Did you or did you not have an affair with him, your married employer, that ultimately led to the firing of you both? Isn't that how you lost your hundred and fifty thousand dollar a year job, as well as money for his drug habit?"
Laura couldn't speak. Spots swam before her eyes and she slumped down in the witness stand.
* * *
She opened her eyes to see a worried Adam holding a wet cloth against her face.
"You're in the judge's chambers. You passed out on the stand," Adam said quietly. Laura swallowed. "I really screwed up, didn't I?" she whispered, her gray eyes filling with tears.
"Court reconvenes in the morning," Adam kissed her gently, dodging the question.
"Adam- I didn't tell you guys about that because it was supposed to be a sealed record. No one outside the immediate parties knew what happened. Priscilla shouldn't have been able to get those records."
"Randy figured as much and he's got an investigation to see who leaked the information. More than likely he'll want you to sue them for breach of contract."
"Is it going to cost me Trixie?" she asked.
"He's not sure. He thinks he can undo the damage," he smoothed her hair back. Adrian slipped into the room.
"How ya feel?" he asked, his gentle dark eyes worried.
"Terrible. I should have told Randy, I know. . .but I couldn't. And no one was supposed to know."
"Randy's livid. Not at you, but the fact this information got out. Someone got paid nicely," Adrian said angrily.
"As soon as you feel up to it, we'll go home," Adam squeezed her hand.
Before they could leave, Laura agreed to have Randy over that night to go through the details of her past. He needed every everything on Thomas DelGiornio.
On the ride home, Laura was worried about her finances. How on earth was she going to pay Randy's bill? Good legal help was expensive an Randy was the best. The bakery wouldn't break even until March and that was aways off.
Adam's cell started ringing.
"Adam Wingfield." he listened for a few moment, making appraising noises. "This is really a bad time. Can I send Adrian? . . .I see. . .ok. I'll be there tonight."
"You have to leave town."
"Japan."
Laura stared out the window. Adrian had gone to the bakery to get Dessa and the kids.
"Laura, sweetheart I'm sorry. They're asking for me. Otherwise I'd have Adrian go."
"It's ok," she murmured, leaning her head against the seat back, head turned from him.
"No it isn't. I told you I would be here for you. "
"You're a businessman. I understand."
Adam was crushed. He could tell by the neutral tone in her voice it was most definitely not ok. Why were these people insisting on him? Adrian could just as easily handle it.
"How soon do you have to leave?"
"Immediately," he said quietly. She didn't answer.
* * *
Adrian arrived at the house after explaining to Dessa what had happened. He could have easily called her but he wanted to see her, and both children. Dessa would keep them until late, when Adrian would go and pick them up.
Surprised to not see his brother's car when he arrived, he knew Laura was home because there were lights on inside.
"Laura?" he called, opening the door.
"In the kitchen," she called back.
"Where's Adam?"
"He had to go to Japan," she replied shortly. She was standing in the kitchen, her apron half on, a spoon in her hand and looking thoroughly dazed.
"What are you doing?" he asked, worried.
"I- I don't know."
Adrian stepped over to her and took the mixing spoon from her.
"Come sit down."
"I need to make dinner."
"No you don't. I'll call for pizza. You need to sit down. Come on," gently he led her to the living room and removed the apron. She slumped on the couch, her eyes glassy and listless.
"Where's Trix?"
"Dessa has her. I'll pick her up later."
"Oh."
"Laura, look at me."
The softly accented voice slid over her spine, and Laura thought about how seductive Adrian's voice was. Those deep eyes were fixed on her and she had the crazy impulse to push him back and make love to him. The kiss they had shared before had been an instant free fall effect on her.
NO. That's what had gotten her involved with Thomas. Impulse, desperation. Not again. Besides, she had Adam. Sometimes. When he was here. Adrian was here, she thought wildly.
Adrian went into the kitchen, leaving Laura alone. She curled up on the sofa. How could she have not told Randy about Thomas? As determined as Priscilla was, surely she would have found out. But how? The only people who even knew she had dated a guy named Thomas had been a friend in Dallas and her mother. Mother.
Laura sat up.
If Sophie had even mentioned in passing that Laura had dated someone, that would give Priscilla enough to go hunting.
"What's wrong?" Adrian returned with hot chocolate.
"Mother. Mother is how Silly found about Thomas."
"Your mother knew?" Adrian sat next to her.
"Mother knew I was dating a man named Thomas DelGiornio. . .and that our breakup was bad enough I quit my job. She doesn't know I was fired, I told her I quit. If Priscilla caught wind of any of that, it would be enough to send her digging for more."
"And she found someone willing to talk for the right price."
Laura nodded. "Maybe even Thomas himself. But I don't know where he would be. No one has seen or heard from him since the whole incident." Adrian heard the car pull up.
"Randy's here. You'd better tell him."
