Always Have, Always Will, page 20
August
The only bright spot of today was the text from Caroline of our nieces. They are beautiful. I’m sure one day my own children will dethrone them, for now though, along with Emme, they take the top spot. I have been worrying about meeting my mother tomorrow since I set the appointment with her. There’s nothing she can say or do to make me walk away from Caroline or go back to 1459 Fifth.
So far our attempts to stop the flow of information to my mother have been working—I haven’t found any other locations to view though. My concern is I don’t know if I haven’t found anything, or Mother has thwarted my searches somehow.
By the time I make it through what I plan to say to my mother tomorrow for the fifth or sixth time, I find myself parked at my townhouse. It’s earlier than I thought it would be. I carry in my clothes and immediately throw them in the wash. Rather than fall into my bed, which I desperately want to do, I wander around, looking for anything I want to take with me.
A short while later, I take my glass of sirah and call Caroline.
“Hi, sweetheart. How was your day?”
“Hi, Auggie. It was nice and a bit exciting too.”
I’m intrigued. “Please share.”
“Not only does Noelle have a position for me, but Nicholas also knows an illustrator and Cash told me Mallory has worked with an indie author before.”
“That is fantastic! I guess sometimes all it takes is asking the questions.”
“I guess so. How are you doing? I assume you’re home.”
“Yeah. I got here a little while ago. I have to admit it’s nice seeing your stuff here.”
“I left something there?”
I can’t tell if she thinks it’s a problem or not. “Yeah, your suit jacket from the funeral is hanging on the banister. It’s fine. I’ll add it to my dry-cleaning pile.”
“Thanks. Are you set for tomorrow? Nevermind, I’m sure you’ve gone over your questions for tomorrow plenty of times. What do you want to talk about instead?”
She knows me well enough to not only know I have indeed gone over the questions at least that many times, but also I don’t want to talk about it anymore makes my heart ache that she needs to be away from me for now.
“What does your dream house look like?” I know most, if not all the answer, but I ask to refresh my memory.
“I don’t need anything extravagant. Our home needs to be large enough to host our family for dinner with ease. Otherwise, a decent size yard, an office, and a glorious chef’s kitchen for you.”
How did I not see so much sooner how perfectly matched we are? “That is on point, sweetheart. The bigger question is where?”
“I don’t care as long as we’re together.”
“It’s an actual question, sweetheart. Do you want to move south, stay in the northeast, or switch coasts?” I can almost hear her brain spinning. “Don’t overthink the answer. There isn’t a wrong one.”
“Didn’t you already narrow it down to the northeast?”
How does she know that? Did I tell her that? “I don’t recall telling you that. Did I?”
“No, you didn’t tell me, but I know you as well as you know me. You don’t want to be too far away from your siblings and now your nieces.”
She’s absolutely right. “You’re right. I did. Is that okay with you?”
“August, I’m going to say this one more time. I don’t care where we live or what type of restaurant you choose to run. I want you.”
“I would give anything to kiss you breathless right now.” I want so much more than a kiss, but letting my mind dwell on thoughts of making love to Caroline again makes this separation more difficult.
“I miss you too.”
A solid minute of silence follows. I know she doesn’t want to hang up, knowing it will get me one sleep away from meeting with my mother, but it must be done. “I’m going to turn in. The sooner I get this conversation with my mother over with, the better in my opinion. Do you need anything from your townhouse?”
“I don’t need anything specific. However, my fridge probably needs to be cleaned out.”
“I’ll take care of it. Good night, Caroline. I love you, always have.”
“Good night, August. I love you, always will.”
I end the call, throw my laundry into the dryer, and climb the stairs to my bed.
Despite my best efforts to get some sleep, sunrise comes too quickly. I roll out of bed and go for a long run. After I return, I pack what I need, shower, and head to Cash’s to pick up Caroline’s car. Luckily, the rental car company has pick-up service for their vehicles. I transfer my clothes and other items from the rental to Caroline’s car and drive to meet my mother. Every mile I get closer, the angrier I become. As much as I want Caroline beside me, I know it’s better if she isn’t. My blood is boiling, and I haven’t even seen my mother yet. Proximity definitely increases my anger multiple times over.
I hand the valet my keys and step inside. I’m not late, yet it appears Margaux beat me here.
“Mr. Morgan, your table is right this way,” the hostess informs me.
“Thank you.” As I approach the table, I see my mother dressed in a tailored suit, hair perfectly coifed, and her luxury handbag on the empty chair to her left. We’re having breakfast yet she’s dressed as if the world doesn’t know she’s now a divorcee looking to snag rich husband number two.
“August, it’s so nice to see you,” she says as I take my seat.
I glance around and note there are three other tables with patrons. As far as I know, I don’t recognize any of them. Yet Margaux is putting on a show of her stellar mothering. “Thank you for coming,” I manage to mumble.
“It sounded important. What can I do for you?”
I have a running mantra going in my head: Stay calm above all else. Protect our future. Our server joins the table and shares the specials. I wait for my mother to select her meal despite my disdain for her. Maria-Luisa taught me manners. It’s killing me, but I’m using them. Margaux orders, and then I do.
“I asked you here to make a few things clear. Your behavior toward Caroline was utterly reprehensible. How dare you raise your hand to the woman…. I have no respect for you or your actions. Please stop following us and call off the photographers. You won’t find anything about Caroline I don’t already know. Stay away from her. Additionally, I can’t believe you would attempt to set me up with Melody Tilton, especially after the disaster with Thorsten Thomas and Billie.”
Her face scowls at my sister’s nickname. To Margaux, our names are a symbol of wealth and stature. No nicknames will be tolerated.
“Not even Melody was interested in the scheme you tried to pull. Her friends attempted to handle it for you, but as you know, they failed. I will choose my wife, not you.”
I’m not sure how to handle her stunned silence, so I press on. “I have learned you now hold the lease at 1459 Fifth through Greenleaf, Inc. I resigned as the executive chef last week. I will be leaving the city today, and I’m not returning. I don’t know what you promised Gordon to attempt to make me stay, but there is no incentive which will make me change my career plans. If you bothered to pay attention, you would know I can’t have the restaurant I initially planned for here in the city.” I’m sure she has some indication, considering she’s thwarting my efforts to purchase anything which isn’t within city limits.
Our server sets our drinks and salads on the table and walks away.
“How are you finding out about the real estate locations I’m looking at?”
She lifts her eyes to mine.
“Truly, I don’t care. What happens when all these favors are called in and you have no clout anymore? It doesn’t matter how many appointments you waylay; I’ll find the perfect location eventually.”
“Are you through?” Margaux asks.
“Not even close, but if you would like to address those two points, go ahead.”
“Very well. Caroline Waterman is not good enough for you, like the Hollywood gold digger and the lowly assistant your brothers are hooked up with aren’t good enough for them.”
“Why isn’t she good enough for me?” I don’t care what my mother thinks; however, I’m curious to hear what she has to say.
“She simply doesn’t meet the standards I believe you should aspire to find in a wife.”
“Her parents aren’t rich enough for you? You don’t think I know the Tiltons are of equal stature to us in your mind and the Weatherlys are of equal stature in Phyllis’s mind? Let me be clear, I will choose my wife. Not you. Caroline has more class in her pinky than you have in your entire body. There isn’t a better woman suited for me than her.”
Her demeanor shifts only slightly, but she forges forward. “I will evict 1459 Fifth from the building at once.”
“Go ahead. As I said, I don’t work there anymore. What is your reason for evicting him anyway? Need the money?”
Margaux’s face is now ashen, and her lips press in a tight line. “How do you know that?”
“It’s the only thing that makes sense, Mother. You need me, the only child who’s willing to sit across from you at this point, to increase your standing in elite New York society. Not going to happen. You’re on your own. Your choices led you here, now you have to deal with the fallout. I won’t bear it for you.”
“I’ll cut you off, August.”
“I’d like to see you try.”
It takes her an extra beat to realize I know she doesn’t control my trust anymore.
“Warren told you?”
“No, Mother, I have my own people to protect my interests.”
“I won’t stand for this disrespect anymore.” She throws her napkin onto the table, then loops her arm through the handle of her purse.
I rise from my chair as well and stand face-to-face with my mother. “You won’t stand for the disrespect. That’s rich coming from you. Stay out of my business dealings and my personal life. It’s none of your concern.”
I don’t even care she has some level of satisfaction walking away from the table, leaving me with the tab. I hope she heeds my strong requests and leaves Caroline alone. I ask for the meals to be boxed and pay the bill. For the most part, I feel better Margaux knows I’m onto her and I spoke up for Caroline. I did it for me as much as the woman I love and plan to spend the rest of my life with.
There’s only one place I want to be right now. I hurry to Caroline’s townhouse, empty her fridge, and gather a few items for her, including her mail. She didn’t ask for it, but if we aren’t moving back here, the more of her things she has with her the more comfortable she’ll be.
I fill her gas tank, grab a coffee, and point the car toward my future. This visit may be short, but even a few days is too long to be away from her.
Chapter Forty One
Caroline
The peacefulness of this area is growing on me quickly, even despite the tourists milling on the sidewalk below Billie’s condo. Like the past few days, I take a few laps along the beach. Today I also made two loops around the quaint village. There are cute souvenir shops and a few restaurants, as well as one with taffy stretching in the window. The length of my walk is directly related to the fact Auggie is going to speak with his mother in a few hours.
While I don’t like it one bit, I understand his need to do it without me there, not only for his anger but mine as well. I simply hope he’s successful in getting her to back off. Although, I have no doubt he will find a way to find his dream location even with Margaux butting in.
I duck into the Perk and order a latte and a savory scone. Billie raves about the scones. She and Kelly have a running tab since their store is literally around the corner. I thank Becca for my order and take a seat near the window. I’m here a bit later this morning than I was yesterday. As I pop the last bite of my scone into my mouth, the bell above the door indicates new customers.
I look up and my stomach bottoms out. What are they doing here?
“Oh my, Daniel! We’ve found her,” my mother exclaims as if I’m a child who ran off and got lost in the wilderness. As usual, my mother looks as if she’s about to step into a board meeting, as does my father with his pinstripe suit and luxury penny loafers.
“Mother, what are you doing here? How did you find me?” After the words leave my mouth, I glance around the store and see there is one other booth with patrons. If my memory serves, one of them is Grant Washington, Billie’s sister-in-law’s husband who happens to be a detective with the local police department, and the other is Captain William Ramirez, Kelsey’s husband.
“Did you truly think we haven’t known where you have been? We have ways to monitor your whereabouts.”
Incredulous she’s as bad as Margaux, I ask, “You’re having me followed too?”
“Oh no, my daughter. We simply tracked your purchases through your back account. You should change your password to something more difficult to figure out.” She leans in a bit closer. “You really should consider marrying Magnus if you wish to continue high-end lingerie purchases like the one you made last night, especially given the fact you were fired from your teaching position.”
Humiliated doesn’t even begin to cover the emotions coursing through me right now. “Mother, I have my own money. What I spend it on is my choice. I don’t need a man to take care of me.”
“Yes, you do,” my father interjects.
“No, I don’t. I can take care of myself.”
“Caroline, I know how you feel about the type of marriage your mother and I have. Additionally, your opinion on my transgressions don’t need to be rehashed. Magnus Weatherly is still willing to marry you; you simply need to come back to New York and announce your engagement.”
Both William and Grant are discreetly paying attention to our discussion. I’m thankful for Auggie’s friends who are like family. They won’t interfere unless it’s necessary for my safety.
“As I explained to you at your luncheon, Mother, I will not marry Magnus because you feel it’s a good match for our families. You’re aware of my position on marriage. I want what Nana and Papa had, not some forced union to increase your wealth.” I’m sure my mother thinks I believe Nana forced her to marry Daniel. Nana made sure I know the truth.
“I will not allow you to marry August Morgan. His family is a disaster,” my father adds.
His statement intrigues me. My father is aware of my decade-plus long friendship with Auggie. He has never indicated there was an issue with his family. “Father, why is the Morgan family a disaster as you suggest?”
“Margaux’s antics are unacceptable. Paying paparazzi to chase her daughter, which caused an awful accident, impersonating someone to gain information about Cash’s career plans and attempting to derail them, and paying off the nanny’s daughter to hide the true paternity of her first granddaughter. It’s despicable.” My father aptly summarized all the unsavory antics Margaux has utilized against her children.
“Well, I agree with you there. However, you’re forgetting the fact Margaux is having me followed, threatening to evict Auggie’s place of employment, and is currently throttling any opportunity for him to find the perfect location for his restaurant. Were you aware your wife, Lorene Tilton, Blythe Weatherly, and Margaux Morgan are in cahoots to marry the two of us off to appropriately stationed members of society but not each other?”
I purposely leave off the fact a marriage between Auggie and me would have increased my family’s stature, if not for Margaux’s atrocious actions. Auggie’s wealth never factored into our friendship, and it won’t factor into our relationship going forward. It isn’t important. I want him, not his trust fund.
The stunned look on his face tells me he wasn’t aware of the depth of plotting and lengths the group were willing to go to and my mother has been less than truthful to him.
“Is that true, Phyllis?”
I look past my parents to Grant, who nods slightly. I nod back and return my gaze to my mother.
“Daniel, I was trying to make sure she’s cared for. Magnus is a decent man. He will take care of her.”
“So the answer to my question is yes,” my father restates.
Phyllis nods almost imperceptibly.
“Father, Mother, let me make this crystal clear for you. I will not marry Magnus or any other man you find willing to marry me as a business deal. It isn’t what I want. I refuse to be unhappy in my marriage, not only because it was a business deal, but also because I believe monogamy and love is possible. You may not feel love, mutual care, and respect is enough, but I do. Nana and Papa married for love, and he built our family wealth. I don’t need more. Mother, I know you feel as if a marriage based on love won’t work, but deep down, despite his failures, you love him.” I point to my father. “The fact you willingly stayed in a marriage with a man who stepped out on you and had another child while you were seriously ill was your choice. In your words, happily ever after fairy tales don’t exist. You’re wrong. They do, and your parents are proof. I will not be returning to the city except to sell my townhouse. Please go and leave me alone.”
I open my clenched fists when the indentations from my fingernails start to cause pain. The silence which follows my statement is not what I expected. As I take a deep breath, the front door opens. Billie, Kelly, Savannah, and Noelle step inside the coffee shop and take the booth behind Grant and William. Connor, Kelly’s security from Blackthorne, takes a spot near the door. I love these women something fierce.
“Caroline, we only want the best for you. If you feel August can give you the type of life you desire, then you have my blessing,” my father states before looking to my mother expectantly.
Phyllis Waterman isn’t a woman who likes to be put in her place. Everything Nana shared was on point, and she can’t stand I see it too. Without a word, my mother turns on her heels and walks out the front door. My father dutifully follows her. Within seconds of the door closing, the girls surround me, guiding me into the booth.
“Thank you for calling them, guys.”
Both Grant and William nod.
The front door of the store opens again, and I look to make sure my parents haven’t returned. William and Grant clear their table and approach ours. Connor does as well.
