| That early summer day they spent together was one neither would forget. And as the summer unfolded Brian planned more outings together. Even though he had grown up in Lexington and was accustomed to the change of seasons, the warmer weather suited him more. His years in Florida had spoiled him. He looked forward to the summer months and all the activities that the warmer weather inspired. So they went to the lake to picnic, Colby tried her hand at golf again, there were many trips to the club to swim followed by dinner out under the stars. And many days were spent at Brian’s sitting on the back porch, or walking the endless fields. They ate out on the porch as much as possible, both of them sharing in the cooking and cleaning up. Anyone looking at them would swear they were married. Colby spent many hours at Brian’s. The house held no haunting memories for her. When she was there, it was just her and Brian. While back at home, Colby always felt as if there was a shadow somehow hanging over them. She tried to shake it but it never went away. She had told Laura about it in one of her sessions and the counselor told her that it was Colby’s way of not letting go completely. She tried to deny it, but she knew it was true. She loved Brian, but somehow she just couldn’t commit totally to the relationship. Colby was no fool to think Brian didn’t see it, because she knew he did. He hadn’t said anything in a while and she was glad. Colby liked what they had and saw no reason to make any changes. On the Fourth of July Brian and Colby were just two of the many guests at Barbara and Jim’s annual cookout. Unlike a year ago, Colby moved through the guests easily talking with friends she hadn’t seen in a while and helping Barbara with the serving. Brian seemed to have no problem fitting in. They did spend most of their time together, Colby realizing that he wouldn’t know anyone, but when they were separated she noticed how he always found a group and was right in the thick of the conversation. Most of the guests had no idea of his status in the entertainment sector, so he was able to avoid the usual trite questions. As tradition would have it, everyone packed up to go to the lake to see the fireworks in the evening. Colby was quiet as they drove over. Brian took the blanket from the back of the car and they walked hand in hand along with Barbara and Jim to a clearing near the lake. Brian and Jim went to get the ice cream and Colby had this feeling of deja vu. Time just melted away and it was a year ago. Colby sat staring into space and slowly tears fell as she saw herself sitting in the chair, her hand resting on her swollen abdomen. “Colby? Colby? Baby, what’s wrong?” Brian’s voice cut through her memories and she blinked bringing forth fresh tears. He sat down in front of her, and brushed the tears from her cheeks. “Oh, Brian,” she sobbed. He moved the tray of ice cream and took her in his arms. “Shh, it’s okay. I know,” she looked up. “I know,” was all he said as he took his handkerchief and wiped her cheeks. “It all came flooding back. Last year, being here so full of life. I remember thinking how this year the baby would be with me. But,” she choked on the words and he just held her. Barbara and Jim sat silently by as Brian comforted her. This was another bump in the road to her full recovery. Barbara had thought, though very briefly, about not coming tonight, but Colby couldn’t avoid all the places that held memories for her. “I’ve made a scene,” Colby said as she kept her eyes lowered feeling self-conscious about her outburst. “No you didn’t,” Brian soothed her. He settled back against the tree trunk and spread his legs, fitting Colby snugly between them and pulling her back against his chest. He handed her the ice cream and took his own. “Now, eat this and let’s enjoy the fireworks.” Colby turned and looked at him. “I love you,” she whispered. He leaned down and brushed her lips. Colby thought she felt people staring at them, but when she looked around, there was no one watching. “I love you too.” Brian nuzzled in her ear. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The park was nearly empty, most of the crowd dispersing as soon as the last flare exploded into a spray of red, white and blue. Barbara and Jim had gone too, but Colby asked Brian if they could stay and maybe walk a bit before leaving. She was still feeling a bit melancholy and wasn’t ready to go home. Her plan had been to go home to her own house tonight but now she wasn’t so sure. She didn’t want to be alone. They sat quietly for a while, just listening to the night sounds and the rhythmic lap of the water against the shore. Finally Brian got up and held out his hand to her. “Come on, let’s walk for a while.” He folded the blanket and took Colby’s hand. Neither one spoke, but the silence wasn’t awkward. The moon, nearly fully, lit up the lake’s edge along with the pier and the boathouse. They started to walk onto the pier when Colby stopped at the paddle boats all moored for the night. “We used to come here,” she said softly, “Sundays in the summer. We would eat a late breakfast and then pack up a cooler with wine, cheese, fruit and bread. We would rent one of these,” she gestured towards the boats, “and spend the afternoon out on the lake. It was so relaxing.” She sighed as the images returned. “Then we would find a place in the shade and just enjoy the quiet while we drank the wine and fed each other.” Brian moved towards her as she spoke, but as he went to touch her she moved away. “Colby?” She shook her head. “I’m okay. It’s just that,” she hesitated and looked up into those glorious blue eyes. Rob’s eyes were dark and never spoke to her the way Brian’s did. “It’s what?” He came closer and she didn’t back away. The breeze shifted and sent a whiff of her perfume. It was a light, fresh smell that Brian had learned to recognize as soon as she entered a room. It intoxicated him and his desire to take her home was very strong. He wanted to help her forget the past and make new memories with him. “I’m sure there were people here tonight who saw my breakdown. It will be the topic of conversation as they prepare for bed tonight and at breakfast in the morning.” She shook her head in confusion. “I’m with you but I’m still dealing with the past. There are times I wonder if I didn’t jump into this relationship with you too soon. I don’t feel like I’m giving you my all.” Brian went to speak but she stopped him. “I know you would like a firmer commitment, but,” Brian put his fingers to her lips. “Don’t,” he said. “I love you. I will love you tomorrow, and next week, next month, next year. I know how hard it is for you to attend public functions and suffer the ridicule of the narrow-minded people in this town. They don’t worry me and they won’t scare me off.” He lifted her chin and let his thumb rub along her cheek. He leaned into her and let his lips play along hers, sucking her bottom lip until she groaned. Brian wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss, their bodies rubbing against each other. “God I want you.” Brian moaned as he crushed her body to his. “Colby Spencer? Is that you?” The voice shot through her like a knife. Colby broke their kiss to see Mildred Westerfield standing at the foot of the pier. Mildred WAS the social register of Lexington. She commanded the attention of all the other matrons and ‘wanna be’ socialites in town. And here she was witnessing Colby on the verge of utter wantonness in Brian’s arms. “I must say I thought you had more decency than this, Colby. I mean it’s bad enough to be cavorting with this young man in private, but to put on such a public display, I’m very surprised.” Brian could feel Colby tense at the woman’s words. “I beg your pardon, Mrs.” “Westerfield. Mildred Westerfield. Colby knows who I am.” She looked down her nose at Brian. Just then an elderly gentleman came up and took her arm. “Ev’nin Colby,” he drawled. “Thornton,” Colby nodded. The man was whipped, or so Colby thought. “Come Millie dear leave these young people be. It’s a nice night for necking.” He winked at Brian and led his wife off, who was very displeased by his blatant approval of Colby’s behavior. “Thornton, please,” Mildred chided him as they walked away, “how many times have I told you not to call me,” her voice trailed off as he tugged her arm. “Hush woman! We were young once.” He took a firm hold of her elbow as they walked towards the entrance. Brian let out a laugh as the older couple vanished along the path. “I always thought she wore the pants in that house. Guess I was wrong.” Colby said as Brian reached for her hand and they too started towards the parking lot. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Brian slowed down as they approached the entrance to Colby’s development. “No, Brian,” she reached out and touched his hand on the wheel of the car. “I don’t want to be alone.” “Are you sure?” “Yes. I need to be with you tonight.” Nothing else was said and he continued to his house. Colby turned as Brian came to her. “Love me, please.” The words came out breathy. “Always.” Brian answered as he lifted her in his arms and placed her in the middle of his bed. Colby clawed at his shirt and soon it was discarded along with hers and then the rest of their clothes gathered in a heap on the floor. “Brian please,” she begged as he thrust himself deeply into her awaiting warmth. It was fast, feverish as they both urged the other to fruition. Colby screamed Brian’s name and he followed as they both reached the vortex together. As their breathing steadied and Brian went to ease himself from her, Colby held him fast. “I love you. I just wish I could,” he saw the tears well in her eyes. “Shh, it’s all right. I love you too. You may not think so Colby, but you are giving me all of you. You are here with me now. And even though I want to make this more permanent, just knowing that you love me is enough. I’m not going anywhere.” He pulled her to him and cradled her in his arms. Their bodies still warm from their lovemaking rested against each other. Colby could hear his heart beat as she closed her eyes. Brian wanted her. But it went beyond just the physical. He wanted to marry her. He wanted to share everything with her, not just his body. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The bell on the end of the door jangled as he entered. The place was covered with a thin film of dust and cluttered with old cameras and a variety of photographic equipment. Garrett wrinkled his nose. He deplored filth, but he needed this man. He was discreet and that was a must in this situation. The owner appeared. He was tall and thin with a long, greasy ponytail that hung half way down his back. “Ah, you are here. Let me get the photos.” He went to the long drawer behind the counter and took out a large brown envelope. Garrett waited impatiently as the man opened the package. All the photos were black and white. The shop was a mess but the man knew photography. Garrett checked out the pictures. Each one better than the one before. “Now you are sure you can doctor them up like I asked you?” He pointed to a half dozen that would work for the little project he had in mind. “No problem. These are the ones you want?” Garrett nodded. “Come with me.” The man led him to the back of the shop. A state of the art computer and printer sat on a table. The man clicked the mouse a few times and showed Garrett what he could do. “Perfect. I want a complete set, like I told you. Here is the next installment on what we agreed on. You will get the final payment when I get the pictures.” Garrett handed him an envelope. Without opening it, the man put it in the drawer. “Call me when they are ready.” “Give me a couple of days.” Garrett nodded and left. On the drive back to Lexington he went over the plan again. His father was getting old and being so preoccupied with his mother this was the perfect time to launch this little scheme. William and Colby had reached some sort of truce, agreement, or whatever. It was a complete about face. Well this would send his father reeling. Between his mother and Colby, Garrett would be able to walk in and take complete charge of the company. He knew the pictures would eventually be found to be frauds, but by the time they did, he would be running one of Fortune 500’s biggest companies. A grin curled at the corners of his mouth. This called for a celebration and he knew just the lady to satisfy his every whim. |