Guilty Like Us, page 10
Why couldn’t people be more open and accepting, like the newest members of the Donovan family, Elizabeth and Helena? Tate said it was because Elizabeth had no other siblings and didn’t understand the dynamics of them, and Helena had older ones who treated her like the bottom line on the spreadsheet instead of a sister. Okay, so Meredith would not want either of those, but did Tate have to nose around and make comments like What’s your five-year plan? He’d asked that a few months ago when she breezed into town and when she didn’t answer, he amended the question. What about a two-year plan? A six-month one? Anything?
Of course, she hadn’t been ready to tell him about her new company or the headbands she’d been sewing, so she’d offered a shrug and a lukewarm I’m working on it. The look he’d given her said she’d better work a little harder, and now he sat in Camille’s home with even more questions—the very personal kind.
“What’s the story between you and Daniel Reese? And don’t tell me he just happened to run into you in Chicago because in a city that size, nothing is spontaneous.”
Oh, there was some real emotion buried in those words, and she bet they were tied to personal experience. Hmm. Had someone shown up there and pretended it was random? Who would do that? There was only one person who could make her brother lose his calm and speak with such emotion. Charlotte. What if Meredith poked around and asked Tate’s new wife a few questions? Would that go against what she’d promised her brother? He’d been very clear about minding her own business and hadn’t she promised him she was done with her attempts to guess at situations that were not her business? Yes, he’d been very clear about his expectations. She could not disappoint him again. Not when—
“Meredith? What’s going on between you and this guy? Are you involved with him?”
Only Tate would use a word like involved. Neal would say Did you hook up? or Did you have sex with him? Not Tate: he was too classy but that didn’t make him any less persistent. “We’ve become friends.” She fiddled with the tassel on her leather bracelet. “We have similar interests.”
He rubbed his jaw, the tan on that too handsome face turning two shades darker. “Similar interests? Sure, I’ll buy that one. You have money and he doesn’t. He needs help and you want to save him. He’s—”
“Stop. You’re being mean and there’s no reason for it. Can’t you ever believe people are who they say they are? Do they always have to be something else, pretending to be someone else?”
The brackets around his mouth deepened. “Because they usually are.”
Meredith frowned. “Why can’t you just believe in the goodness of people walking this earth? Do you think everything is a trap and we’re the catch? You have Charlotte… You have the company... Aunt Camille said you’re becoming one of the most respected people in this community. She says even Rogan Donovan likes you.”
He raised a brow. “Like is a rather strong word. I’m not sure we’re there yet.”
Her voice dipped. “I think you’re there and past there. From what I’ve heard, you and Rogan trust each other, and is it true you’re the one who talked sense into him when he and Elizabeth were broken up? And you helped with Luke, too?”
He shrugged, a blush creeping from his neck to his cheeks. “It was no big deal. I just offered them a different perspective.”
Meredith leaned toward him, clasped his arm. “You are a good person, Tate, and I love you. You’re my big brother and you’ve always guided me and never given up on me, even when I gave up on myself. But I think I finally found my passion and that passion is to help others. Think about it. There are so many people who just need a chance: to grow their business, follow their passion, find success.”
“And that’s why you landed in Reunion Gap with Daniel Reese? To help him follow his passion and find success while you bankroll it? What do you really know about this guy other than the sob story he fed you? Wait, I’ll tell you.” His voice turned harsh, his expression dark. “Nothing.”
She was not going to let her brother intimidate her. “I promised myself I would stop being so suspicious and start trusting in the universe to guide me. In the past, all I did was question and draw conclusions and react. Those reactions hurt people, Tate. Look what happened with Nicki and Jameson? I almost destroyed them and I will not do that again. I have no right to judge others and neither do you. If Daniel tells me he’s a woodworker and dreams of starting his own business, then I’m going to believe him and not look for other motives. He hasn’t asked me for any money. In fact, he hasn’t asked me for anything.”
Tate sighed, his voice shifting to the gentle tone he often used to soothe her from her latest disappointment. “Oh, Meredith, he will, just give him time.”
She removed her hand from his arm, stood and moved toward the fireplace, away from her brother’s words and his powerful presence. Tate had been her protector since she was a little girl, but she didn’t need protection this time. No, this time she knew in her soul that Daniel would not hurt her, that he was not lying to her, that he was good and kind...
“I know you only want what’s best for me, but there comes a time when you have to let me figure things out for myself. I have to start trusting people again because if I don’t this is going to be a lonely world. I’m so tired of that. Look at you. It couldn’t have been easy to open up and trust Charlotte, but you did and now you can’t imagine life without her, can you?” The left side of his jaw twitched, but he remained silent. “You don’t have to answer; I see the truth in your eyes every time I mention her name, and when I see you together, it’s so obvious. Love has captured you and made you better, but trust let you do that. It’s time for me to start trusting again.”
“I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I know, and I really do appreciate it. But I’m fine.” She worked up a smile, said in a voice filled with emotion, “Thank you for being the best brother and for always being here for me.”
Those silver eyes that could chase down the truth softened. “I will always be here for you, Meredith. No matter what.” His gaze shifted to her headband, took in the design. “I see you found a new way to accessorize. Nice touch. I like it.”
“Thank you.” She slipped off her headband, moved toward him, held it in her outstretched palm. “Check it out.”
Tate reached for the headband, turned it over, studied it. “Very nice. So, where’s the dress that goes with this? I seem to recall this particular pattern…”
That was one thing about her brother: he knew his designs. If Tate weren’t a businessman, she swore he’d be a fashion designer. Of course, he downplayed his style obsession, but anyone who knew him was very aware of it. Some even teased him about it.
“Meredith? The dress?”
She tried not to smile, pointed to the headband. “That’s the dress. Or at least a small part of it. Do you realize how many headbands you can create from a dress?”
His dark brows pinched together. “What?” He starred at the fabric, studied the stitching, fingered the elastic. Then he looked at her, a mix of confusion and curiosity...and was that disbelief? “You made this? No… It’s a joke, isn’t it?”
Meredith let out a huff, placed her hands on her hips, and gave him her most haughty attitude. “Of course, I’m not joking. I created it. Designed it myself, sewed it myself from a dress I only wore twice. I just needed quality fabric and why buy it in a fabric store when I can cut up what I already have? It’s pretty cool, isn’t it? I mean, the idea and the fact that I can actually sew? Who would have thought?”
Tate shook his head, clutched the headband. “You… The person who couldn’t even figure out how to operate a toaster, created a headband? And sewed it...with a machine?”
She let out a sound that was more squeal than laugh. “I’m very good at it, too.” Now seemed like the perfect time to tell him about the companies she’d started. “So good that I’m making money with them.”
He liked that, but she thought he was more impressed with the fact that she’d learned to sew. “Tell me about it. What gave you the idea? How did you do it? Who’s your target market?”
“Truth? I considered what my brother might do. How would you market a product you believed in? First, as to the why. You know I’m not into designer clothes the way I used to be. I mean, you can only wear one outfit at a time. I decided to do something productive with my clothes and that’s why I had them shipped to me.”
He rubbed his jaw, his expression one of appreciation and still…disbelief. “So, you never planned to wear those again? The real reason you wanted the boxes of dresses, scarves, and everything else was so you could cut them up?”
“It’s called repurposing and yes, that’s exactly why. I figured if I could learn to sew and create a headband out of high-end material, then I could sell them for high-end prices.”
“But… How do you do that, where do you find your market, who is your target?” This was what Tate would absolutely love. She sank onto the couch next to him, leaned close and murmured, “It all started with Giselle Robard.”
He shuddered. “You’ve got to be kidding. That woman?”
Everybody knew what she’d done to Jameson and Nicki Price and of course Tate knew Meredith’s part in it. “I decided to leverage what I knew about the woman. She owed me and I was going to collect. But she also owed Nicki and Jameson for all of the heartache she caused them. Anyway, I contacted her and she was not thrilled to hear from me. I think scared is a better term. I told her I required her assistance.” She paused, raised a brow. “With that woman, you never ask; you demand. And if you have something on her, say, a secret she absolutely never wants revealed…well then, you can demand just about anything.”
“No kidding.” He rubbed his jaw, his gaze intent. “What did you demand?”
Oh, this was the clever part. “I told her about the trendy-chic headbands I wanted her to push to everyone: friends, social circles, her mother, the boutiques where she shopped… Any place she could think of and I gave her a week to get things moving.”
He laughed, shook his head. “That is pure genius. I doubt I would have thought of it myself. What a great idea!”
She spotted the second his business brain clicked on so she offered more before he could ask. “I hired a friend who’s a businessperson. She created the plan, the website, the strategies, all of it. We can’t keep up with the orders so I’ve hired a seamstress, but I’ll probably need two or three more at some point and I’ll have to start buying the fabric. I’m still going to design, and we’re dumping most of the profits into my other business, which is the whole reason for the headbands.”
He sat up. “You had me at profit.”
“Crazy, right? Hard to believe that someone who didn’t know the first thing about balancing a checkbook or what a debit and credit were would create a profitable business. But the headband company has a high margin, so we can afford to shift the profits to the other company, which is a business for struggling entrepreneurs. We offer them a path and a plan to take their vision and turn it into a reality. Of course, they have to have talent, drive, and a commitment to learn every aspect of business: strategy, marketing, production.” When he didn’t comment, she continued, “We’ve got a few clients. One woman makes bracelets and her work is in the high-end boutiques. Sometimes we offer buy a headband, get a bracelet at half price. It’s a good way to let people sample a bracelet, get the word out, and we’re seeing success. Vanessa—she’s my business partner—has all sorts of ideas and she’s a lot like you when it comes to bottom-line strategies and not going overboard with the ideas or the help. I feel like we’re making a difference, Tate. For once in my life, I’m helping people find their dreams and I love it.”
“Does this company have a name?”
She nodded. “Passion Plan to Success.”
“I like it. How about business cards? Can I have a few?”
She smiled, clasped his hand. “I’ve got tons of business cards. Vanessa insisted.”
“Smart woman.” He studied the headband resting in the palm of his hand, “I think Charlotte would like one of these, but we couldn’t tell her they’re pricey or she wouldn’t wear them.”
“Tate, she definitely would wear anything you gave her, especially if she saw how much it meant to you.”
The blush said what he and his wife would or wouldn’t do for each other was private. But he did nod and there was the tiniest smile inching across his lips. “She likes blue and purple, and she looks really good in red. Do you have any swatches?”
Only her brother would ask such a question. “I can get them, or I can have something specially made if you choose the fabric.”
“I like the idea of choosing the fabric. And I think my sister-in-laws would like headbands. Helena is more of a pale pink and Elizabeth, a royal blue. You come up with the rest.”
Meredith threw her hands around his neck, hugged him. “I’ve been wanting to tell you for so long, but I had to be certain this wasn’t a fluke.”
Tate eased her arms from around his neck. “How long have you been working these businesses?”
Was that hurt she saw in his expression? “Several months.”
“I see. When you were here the last time…”
Oh, there was disappointment on his face and in his words. “Yes, I had the businesses, but I couldn’t tell you then. I wanted to and I was so very close, but then the whole thing with Dad blew up and I took off.”
“Damn that man, he’s always in the middle of one mess or another.”
“I had to make sure I could do it on my own. I guess I was afraid you might talk me out of it, or even talk me into it and offer to help and I didn’t want that. I had to stand up by myself and own my mistakes and maybe my successes. Please try to understand. I wanted to tell you and I’m glad I finally can.” Her brother’s expression softened. “Can you be happy for me? Maybe give me your blessing?”
“I couldn’t be happier. Nor could I have ever imagined you sewing and not just that, but making a profit from it. Well done.” His smile spread. “And the way you worked the distribution, calling in favors to get into the stores? Again, pure genius.”
“Thank you.” She leaned forward, kissed his cheek. “Thank you for believing in me.”
“I do believe in you, Meredith. I’ve always believed in you even when you didn’t believe in yourself.” His expression turned serious. “I love the headband idea, but the entrepreneurship gig? I’m not so sure about that.”
“Why? I told you I hired a businessperson and she’s guiding me.”
“I know.” He blew out a sigh, cleared his throat. “But sometimes things sneak by and people aren’t who they say they are…”
“Is this really about Vanessa? Or are we talking about Daniel Reese?” The two-second hesitation gave her the answer. Meredith pulled away, eyed him. “That’s what I figured. You might be happy I’m finding independence and making money at it, and you might even be semi-happy I’ve got an entrepreneurship business. But you are definitely suspicious, and not happy about my involvement—business or personal—with Daniel Reese.”
The silver gaze burned through her, the words she would remember soon enough stamping her soul. “Guilty. I don’t trust the man or his motives. I’m not going to let him hurt you, no matter who he says he is, or how genuine his intentions appear.”
Chapter 16
Daniel invited Meredith to take a nature walk with him the next day so he could come up with ideas for future work. True, he did want time among the surroundings that had always brought him peace and spurts of creativity, but he also wanted time alone with Meredith. There were only so many places to do that in a town like Reunion Gap where everyone pretty much knew everyone else, and if they didn’t, they were watching. He’d tossed around the idea of inviting her to his parents’ house, squashed it because what would that look like? His father had already guessed and his mother had given him a few looks that implied she thought there was something going on between him and Meredith.
Yeah, there was definitely something going on, humming just below the surface—a connection, an electricity, a bond—pulling them together. A walk in the woods would give them privacy and the perfect setting to let guards down so he could ask the question that would release his father from further obligation to hers. Daniel hated the thought of asking Meredith to meet with her father, but after this, he was done. One meeting. He would not ask her to do more.
He picked her up in the early afternoon as the sun poked out of a cloudy sky and spring flowers popped everywhere. Daniel had his father’s sedan, an older model that creaked and groaned at 55 mph. While he didn’t splurge on a Ferrari like Ethan did, Daniel enjoyed a vehicle that hugged the road, like the BMW sitting at home in his garage. Yes, exactly like that. But even if he told Meredith he owned a car, the man she thought she knew would never own one of those.
Daniel pulled into Camille Alexander’s driveway, relieved when Meredith opened the door and rushed down the steps toward the car. At least he didn’t have to step inside the mini mansion and watch what he touched or where he sat. Shows of extravagance and small palaces made him uncomfortable. And how lucky could a guy get to find out Camille Alexander, the mistress of the palace, was on a month-long trip in Italy? No doubt this whole mess would be done long before that and he and Meredith would be back in Chicago, in his real living space, where she’d get to know the real Daniel Reese. Maybe he’d even invite her to his home in Logan’s Creek for a few days. She could check out his spread, see the workshop, meet Ethan...
