| Those days on that secluded section of beach gave both Colby and Brian an opportunity to determine how to not only deal with their present situation but their future. William had advised them to stay put until the paper published a formal retraction. So they took advantage of the sun and quiet and tried to work out the discord between them. Even though they had made up after their disagreement on the beach, a distance had developed between them. Each knew why, their reasons so convincing to themselves but not to each other. Brian was open and honest with his feelings to Colby. She knew exactly where he stood and what he wanted. But any time he tried to make her see she would change the subject so they didn’t have to talk about the future. He wanted permanence, a commitment and as much as she loved him, Colby was afraid. She just couldn’t voice the fear that bore deep inside her. It was the one thing that could tear them apart forever. So she worked the conversation away from any attempt on Brian’s part to talk about their planning a future together. Upon their return to Lexington Colby divided her time between the shop and visiting with Catherine and Brian, well, he took off for California to meet up with the group and work on their album. He wanted Colby to come with him but she refused saying that she had spent too much time away from her work and Catherine. So he reluctantly left her behind. Colby felt they needed some time apart. She thought that given the opportunity, Brian may see how their lifestyles were so different and planning a real future together would require them both to give up parts of their lives that maybe they weren’t ready to. For Colby it would mean giving up family and friends. With the change in William, they had developed a newfound respect for each other and Colby wasn’t about to walk away from the only family she had. Catherine was still recuperating and Colby wanted to be close to help in any way she could. Brian on the other hand had commitments. His work kept him away from home for long stretches of time. Setting down roots in Lexington was something he had wanted to do for a long time. This was home and where he wanted to spend the rest of his life. The work on the new album and possible tour would again send him away for long periods of time. He was used to the traveling, even though he very much liked coming home. He was hoping that Colby would share all this with him but they could not find a way to compromise. Colby had to stay and Brian had to leave. So the morning of his flight the air was a bit tense between them. Their lovemaking the night before had been intense each knowing it would be awhile before they were together again. And Colby clung tightly to Brian desperate to hold onto the feeling as long as possible. “I wish you would reconsider,” Brian said as they sat in the lounge. He held her hand, rubbing it over and over. “We’ve been through this Brian, I can’t, not now.” She could feel her eyes begin to fill. She had cried herself to sleep last night knowing how much she would miss him. “You will be back before we know it. We’ll talk every day. And besides you will be so busy, that we probably would have spent a good part of each day apart anyway. I’ll be right here when you come home.” A voice came over the intercom and announced Brian’s flight. They continued to sit Colby close to Brian not wanting to let him go. Again his flight number was called and this time he made a move to stand. “I need to go,” he said as Colby stood and they held each other. “I love you,” he brushed her cheek with his thumb. “I will always love you. Think about all this while I’m away. Try to see that we can make it work Colby. I know it will be different than what you are accustomed to, but I need you with me.” His lips touched hers softly and Colby grabbed his head and deepened the kiss. He broke the kiss and started to move away. “Brian!” He turned and she rushed him again, holding him close. “I love you.” Colby choked back the tears. “Go ahead,” she took a breath, “I’ll be here waiting.” She kissed his cheek and the final call for his flight was announced. He picked up his bag and walked through the door. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Colby threw herself into her work. It was the only way to keep her mind off missing Brian. She found it hard to sleep without him next to her and even though they talked each day, it only made the separation harder. Outwardly no one knew the anguish she was going through. For all intents and purposes her family and friends knew nothing of this inward struggle. And Colby knew eventually it would come to a head between her and Brian and she dreaded the day it would happen, because that would be the day she would have to say goodbye. During this time William, with the help of his executive board, restructured the company and it’s top level management. He kept the title of CEO but appointed a new President of the company and much to Garrett’s dismay it wasn’t him. The division that Rob had taken on continued to prosper under Jim’s excellent guidance. But William decided that Jim was a valuable asset to the company on a much larger scale and promoted him to Executive Vice President in charge of production. Jim recommended his replacement and other low-level promotions at the plant. The morale company-wide had improved in the last nine months and production throughout the company was up. Profits through the first two quarters showed great gains but the biggest change was William. He had gained back his place in his marriage. Colby watched as he doted on Catherine overseeing her constant care. She never regained the use of her legs following her stroke and William had the house renovated to accommodate her wheelchair. They had taken some short trips and he was even considering a tour of Europe in the fall. Catherine was still not sure it was a good idea but he was quick to assure her it would be fine. Colby spent a good deal of time at the house and noticed the difference in the atmosphere there. Most of the furnishing was still the same, but somehow the house had a warm, cozy feel to it. Love permeated through it now and anyone entering it could feel its presence. The only time she felt a chill was when Garrett was present. Father and son clashed head on in August. When his plan against Brian and Colby failed, and his attempts at taking over the business came abruptly to a stalemate, Garrett arrived at the house in a furious rage. He stormed in the front door and hearing voices on the terrace he accosted his father as he and Catherine were enjoying their lunch. “How could you?” Garrett’s voice rang out as he slammed his hand on the table throwing a copy of the press release at his father. “You owe me. I’m your son!” William laid his fork on the plate and took a sip of water. His movements deliberately slow. “I could and I did.” He said purposefully and he wiped his mouth on the napkin. “I owe you nothing Garrett. As family, you were supposed to slow loyalty and support. You did neither.” “Loyalty? Support? After all the years I did all your dirty work, all the doors I opened with my contacts to allow you easy access to make your deals. This is how you repay me?” “I’ll acknowledge that Garret. But remember you were paid handsomely for all those endeavors. But this,” he shook his head in shame, “I can forgive and forget the money you stole from the company. It can be recouped in production but I blatantly told you to leave Colby alone and you consciously ignored me and went ahead with your disgusting scheme. I’ve bailed you out more times than I care to remember and I won’t do it any more.” He felt there was nothing more to discuss and picked up his fork to continue eating his lunch. “The appointments have been made and they are final. You will still have your job and salary, which should keep you in the lifestyle you have become accustomed. Now if you don’t mind, your mother and I would like to finish our lunch in peace.” He dismissed him but Garrett wasn’t finished yet. “You think I buy this change in you? Ha! It won’t last. Sooner or later you will tire of this whole charade.” Catherine sat and watched this man who she bore, stunned by his bitterness and hatred. “I feel sorry for you mother because he will only hurt you again.” She couldn’t sit by and listen to this any more. “Enough! I agree with your father on this. Garrett you are my flesh. I carried you in my womb and nursed you at my breast.” She looked into his eyes and he glanced away. “You were a sweet loving child, but I don’t know who you are now. Where did that boy go? What happened along the way to adulthood to cause you to have so little care for anyone? Where is your sense of love and compassion? How long do you think you can steam roll over everyone who gets in your way? Life is too short Garrett. Without love in your life, you will be alone with no one that cares for you.” When their eyes met this time all Catherine saw was emptiness reflected back at her. She knew that he would never change. “Mother you are not a stupid woman, don’t let this act of his fool you.” He stood poised for flight, trying one last ditch effort to make her see the truth. “It’s not an act, Garrett. I know your father and this is the real man not the one who you saw all those years.” She reached for William’s hand. His face was still relaxed and tender. If this confrontation with Garrett could not bring back that other persona, Catherine knew nothing would. “I will not have you upsetting your mother, Garrett. I think it’s time for you to leave. I’m sure you have things to attend to.” “Oh don’t worry there is plenty I can do.” William gave him a warning look. “What’s the matter father, afraid I could steal away your clients. Not to fear, I don’t need them or your company. I’ve got plans of my own and they have nothing to do with Spencer Manufacturing.” William’s eyes grew large at his comment and Garrett grinned pleased that he had perked his father’s interest. “The money from my incidental job at Spencer will tide me over until I’m able to say goodbye permanently.” “What are you conspiring now boy?” Catherine felt his hand tense in hers as his body stiffened for battle. “It doesn’t concern you, so chill. I will not harm your precious company or that whore of a daughter-in-law.” “You watch your mouth, Garrett.” William stood glaring at his son. “Get out.” William yelled. The gleam in Garrett’s eyes convinced them both that he was hell bent on self-destruction. “Mother,” he leaned down and buzzed her cheek. And with head high and his back straight Garrett strode from the terrace and out of their lives. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The six of them were gathered on the terrace, all the other guests having left an hour ago. It was a strange group, none of them ever expecting to be together but here they were and the evening had proven to be enjoyable for all. Colby looked around as they sat sipping their nightcaps laughing to herself at the circumstances that had brought them this far. William leaned over to Catherine and whispered in her ear. They were so sweet together. She wished in her heart that Rob could have seen them like this. It had been a dream of his to have his parents find their way back to each other. And here they were, acting like two young lovers. Jim and Barbara sat across from her. They were both still reeling from Jim’s promotion. Colby knew he would be a great asset to the company and he and William had already talked about plans to increase morale and production on all levels of the company. Rob’s strategies would become company-wide policy and Colby was so proud to know that his ideals were now his father’s. Rob’s legacy would live on. Colby glanced at Brian. They rounded out the table. He turned. The candlelight danced in his eyes and he gave her that cheeky grin she so loved. Brian lifted her hand and kissed her fingertips. When William suggested they be included in tonight’s festivities Colby was hesitant. Brian would only know a hand full of people and Colby knew the conversation would center on the company and she didn’t want him to feel uncomfortable. William, however, held his ground. Colby was family and he wanted her to share in this celebration and Brian needed to be included as well. Colby worried that he would feel out of sorts, but he proved her wrong. He was the celebrity of the evening, with many of the wives asking for his autograph for their daughters. He graciously obliged them without any fuss. Colby tried her best to stay close to him, but when separated she noticed that he had no problem joining in the conversation. Her anxiety was for naught and before long she relaxed and let the evening take on its own charm. The party had proven to be a success and now they were the only ones left. These evenings always tired Colby and she felt all the old familiar signs that it was time to call it a night. She leaned over and whispered in Brian’s ear. He nodded in agreement. He had been unsure about being part of this tonight, but looking back now he had enjoyed himself. William and Jim were deep in discussion when Colby and Brian stood. “Colby dear you’re not leaving?” Catherine asked and Colby could see that the evening had taken its toll on her too. She needed to get some sleep. “Yes Catherine. It was a wonderful evening, but somehow these dinner parties always take a lot out of me.” Colby went to her and kissed her cheek. William stopped in mid sentence upon hearing Colby. “The night is still young you two. Stay. We can have another night cap.” William poured himself some more brandy and motioned to Colby and Brian. “I promise we will stop the company banter.” He looked at Jim who nodded. Barbara was grateful for Colby and Brian taking the initiative. She wanted to leave as well and this provided an opportunity for them also. “It is getting late William. Jim and I should be leaving also.” She looked at her husband for confirmation. His look told her he was as ready as she was. They stood as well and William frowned. “Well my dear,” he came to Catherine’s side, “looks like these young people are going to leave us. But with the night still fairly young, I don’t imagine they will be sleeping any time soon.” He winked at Colby and Catherine tapped his hand. “William!” Colby scolded him. “That’s enough William. Leave them alone.” Catherine cautioned him. “It has been a wonderful evening, but even I need some rest. Let them go. I can remember how we always wanted to leave the parties early.” She smiled at him and he kissed her head. “You are right. Even the night of our engagement party we snuck out without anyone knowing and spent the rest of the night hiding in the loft over the garage.” Colby let out a giggle at this piece of news. “However, I expect you two,” he looked directly at Brian and Colby, “to stay for your entire engagement party before you leave.” Brian could feel Colby’s body tense at William’s words. “William, what makes you think that there is going to be an engagement?” Colby words were crisp and Brian remained silent waiting to see how she would handle this. “Well you’ve been seeing each other for nearly a year and unless I’m mistaken you both seem very much in love with each other. I just presumed that you were contemplating marriage.” Suddenly the air turned very cold. Colby picked up her shawl. “It was a very nice party. Thank you both for inviting us.” Colby turned to Brian. “Come, we need to go.” “Colby?” William, concerned in the sudden change in her, asked solicitously. “It’s late William. I’ll call you tomorrow Catherine.” She turned to leave, but William stopped her. “Colby, if I said anything out of line, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean any harm. It’s just that I thought you two were…” “It’s all right William, but I wouldn’t plan that party just yet.” Brian, silent through the entire conversation, kept his eyes lowered and could feel the negative energy emanating from Colby. He hadn’t brought it up in a while himself knowing how she felt. He only hoped that it wouldn’t ruin her sleep tonight. Colby walked through the door. “Goodnight,” Brian shook William’s hand and kissed Catherine’s cheek. “I’m sorry about…” “It’s quite all right. I’m the one who should apologize. Please let her know I didn’t mean to upset her.” “I will. It’s a subject Colby just won’t discuss.” William shook his head in understanding. “Thank you for an enjoyable evening.” Brian left them. He found Colby sitting in the car, just staring into space. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ They rode home in silence and when they reached the house Colby headed straight for the bedroom. Brian went out on the patio giving Colby some time alone. He knew that the last thing she wanted right now was to talk. They had talked enough and it never solved anything. She was holding back and Brian could not figure out why. She loved him he knew it. He could see it in her eyes every time he walked in the room. So why she wouldn’t agree didn’t make any sense. He had stopped asking. He loved her and there was no way he was leaving her. Brian came back inside to find Colby curled up in bed. He changed and turned out the lamp and settled in next to her. When she felt him next to her she turned. “Brian hold me, please.” Her body shook from her crying. “William apologized for upsetting you.” He kissed her forehead. “I just can’t, Brian. You do understand?” “I know but Colby I want to spend my life with you.” “I just can’t Brian. I can’t!” He held her close as she cried. He wanted to understand but he couldn’t. |