| The weekend came and Colby got caught up in the corporate game of flesh pressing and plastic smiles. She was there for Catherine's sake only. Colby knew it was a big show, the widowed, pregnant daughter-in-law, to be fussed over, and as much as she deplored these social functions for Catherine she would do it. It was Saturday evening and Colby was dressing for dinner. William always wooed his potential acquisitions on a grand scale before he came in for the kill. Final contracts may be signed in the board room, but he was still very old world in his tactics regarding the initial discussions. Hence this weekend. Catherine had called them clients but Colby had overheard the previous evening that this was a blatant attempt on William's part to take over this small company. It would provide him with a foothold in a new area of production and he was eager to finalize the deal. Colby had watched him last night as he courted the company representative. He was always in his element when striking a deal. The sad thing was most people never knew what hit them he was so smooth. As she watched from the sidelines last night she wondered how she was going to fare when he got through with her. She knew that he and Garrett were plotting something, but as of yet, she had no real sense of what they were up to. Catherine continued to be somewhat of an ally and Colby knew she was being kept in the dark about their plans. She couldn't wait for the day when Catherine finally let loose and William and Garrett realized that she wasn't the weak, genteel lady they thought. These weekends were always the same. An informal gathering on Friday evening with an outdoor barbecue. Then Saturday the men would play a around of golf with a formal, elegant dinner that evening. A large brunch would be served on Sunday before everyone left. Colby had attended enough of them during her years with Rob to be able to anticipate exactly what would transpire. She had agreed to spend the weekend at the house, even though the place was more like a museum than a home. The rooms never looked lived in and she couldn't imagine raising two boys in this house where everything was always so perfect. Colby came down the stairs and heard the men in the large study. Their voices drifted out into the hall. She glanced in and Garrett caught her eye. He raised his glass to her and gave her a devious grin. She turned abruptly and found the women on the enclosed porch and joined them. "Colby dear," Catherine motioned to the space next to her on the wicker sofa, "come sit child." Colby sat down and took the glass of Perrier offered to her. She sipped the sparkling water and gazed around the room. They sounded like a bunch of cackling hens and Colby sat quietly, nodding here and there to their inane banter. Before long her mind began to wander and she thought back to the events of earlier in the week. She had done a little bit of investigating into Brian's background. Well, not him specifically, but this group he was part of. Colby found out about how they got formed and their rise to success. She also realized he was quite a bit younger than her and yet she didn't sense it in the few short encounters they had. She had read about his health problems and how after his surgery he had set up the foundation through St. Joseph's Hospital. She was impressed that he wanted to return to the community in some measure and provide hope and positive life styles to the children in the area. She had even bought their last album and found that she liked what she heard. And she had another go round with Barbara about Brian too. They had met for lunch on Friday and Barbara wouldn't drop the subject. Colby had to agree with her that he was good looking. He was also polite and very attentive. And for someone who had a high profile, he still seemed so very grounded. That was very unusual since most celebrities seemed to let their success and fame go straight to their head. She sensed it had something to do with his family. They didn't seem to treat him any differently from what Colby gathered at the park the other night. It was refreshing to see. She was lost in her thoughts when she felt Catherine touch her arm. "Colby?" Catherine smiled at her. "You all right, my dear." "Yes. I'm sorry." She tried to focus back in on the conversation. "Well, Helen wanted to know if you have picked out any names yet for the baby." "Not really. Of course, if it's a boy I will probably name him after his father." Colby gave a weak smile and all the women just nodded in agreement. Just then they were called in for dinner and Colby followed them into the dining room. At these affairs the women were always interspersed among the men so the conversation would not be dominated by business discussions. As Colby came around the table she noticed she was seated next to Garrett. A chill ran down her spine as she glanced down the table at William. He gave her a nod and she glared back at him. What was he up to? Garrett held out the chair for her and she sat down. "Now Garrett you be sure to give Colby your undivided attention," Catherine said to her son as he pushed Colby's chair into the table. Colby placed the napkin on her lap. This was going to be the longest dinner she had ever attended. It would be a sheer test of endurance. Barbara and Jim had been invited but they were on the opposite side of the table and could offer her no help. She could tell Garrett was annoyed with his placement at the table as well. He was too far away to join in any discussion his father and their guest may strike up and all during the meal Colby could feel the tension his body generated. He tried making small talk with her, but Colby gave only one word answers. She detested him and her body language told him so. Dessert had finally been served after which the men moved back to the study. Colby excused herself saying she was tired and went to her room. She was exhausted. Keeping up pretenses in front of everyone had worn her out. This evening had given her an inkling of William's plan but she was still not entirely sure. She changed her clothes and sat reading for a spell. It was about an hour later when she decided to get a cup of tea that she happened upon a conversation between William and his son. "You're going to have to do better than this poor showing tonight, Garrett. There is not much time you know." Colby stopped at the back of the stairs, out of view and listened. There was an edge to William's voice. "I can't just jump in father. I'm going to need more time. This has to be set up properly considering our dislike for each other. How we are going to pull this off still baffles me. You saw how she was tonight. She wouldn't even look at me." She heard the chink of glasses. Garrett drank entirely too much. She had never actually seen him drunk but there had been arguments in the past over his reckless behavior. "Since you've seen fit not to provide this family with an heir, you will do this. That child is a Spencer and I plan on making sure that he stays that way." William slammed his hand on desk. "Look Colby is an attractive woman and it won't be long before someone else could enter the picture. We've already had to deal with some young no name sniffing around. I won't have it. I want this whole thing settled before that baby is born." Colby froze on the spot. An eerie feeling came over her as she realized that what she deduced was correct. She was being set up with Garrett. The thought sent a shiver down her back. She slowly moved up the stairs. She knew William always got his way, but using her and Garrett to ensure his grandchild would stay in the family. The man never ceased to amaze her. She slipped into the bedroom and closed the door. Her hands were shaking a bit and she placed the cup on the night stand and sat down. She was angry. How dare he think he could manipulate her like this. Well if he thought she had been a handful before, just wait, she thought. She sipped the warm liquid letting it soothe her. You haven't seen anything yet, William. She pulled out her cell phone to call Barbara but before she had a chance it rang. "Hello." "Colby! I wasn't sure I could get you on this phone. William wants you and Garrett to get married." She blurted. "I know." Colby answered quietly. "I stumbled upon their conversation just now coming back from the kitchen." "They didn't see you?" Barbara was worried about her. "No. They didn't. But now I know exactly what to expect. I thought as much but just wasn't sure. I'll be ready for them." The baby gave Colby a strong kick sensing her distress. "Be careful, Colby, please!" She was concerned about her living in that large house alone. "I will." Colby got up a walked a bit hoping the movement would calm the baby down. "Well you know you could always throw a wrench in their plan?" Barbara hinted. "Not that again, Barbara, please. Besides I checked him out and he's much younger than I am." She rubbed her hands over her stomach. "So all the better. He's in his prime and so are you." Barbara chuckled at the innuendo. "Enough. I'm going to sleep. Goodnight Barbara!" She went to the bed and pulled down the coverlet. "All right. I won't say any more, but I just wanted to point out that you have options. Sleep well. I'll talk to you soon." Colby dropped the phone in her bag and got into bed. I've got enough to worry about without adding another player to this game. She pulled up the sheet and turned out the light. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ She was putting the last few toiletries into her bag when Colby heard a knock on the door. "Yes?" She turned to see Garret standing in the doorway. Colby went back to packing. "Garrett, is there something you need?" She refused to look at him. "Actually no. Just checking to see if you could use any help getting your things to the car." He ventured inside the door. She sensed his uneasiness. Garrett was not accustomed to showing any real concern for anyone except himself. This was a real stretch for him. "Sanders has already taken my bag. I just have this small one." She motioned to the soft tote on the bed. Colby zipped it closed and picked it up off the bed. As she took it off the bed Garrett was at her side to relieve her of it. "Please, I can manage." She pulled on it but he was stronger and was able to remove it from her grasp. As he did her body brushed up against him. Suddenly his free arm was around her and he crushed his lips to hers. She could smell the bourbon on his breath and it made her gag. She pushed at his chest and he broke the kiss. In one swift motion Colby slapped him hard across the face. "What the …" Garrett ran his hand along his cheek. It felt like pin pricks all along his face. "How dare you. I know what you and William are up to, Garrett and you can forget it." He had dropped the bag back on the bed and Colby took it and walked toward the door. "All right, so we don't like each other. But you can't tell me you don't miss having a man in your bed. At least you would be keeping it in the family. Rob may have been my brother but I'm sure I could show you a few things he never did." He took a step towards her. "You stay away from me Garrett or I swear I'll…" She sneered at him and her eyes bore into him just daring him to come any closer. "Or what Colby? Look this will happen whether we want it or not. And fine you want separate bedrooms I can handle that. Although I would love to find out what Rob actually saw in you. Maybe you are a hot little number behind closed doors." Colby was seething now and picked up a small vase on the dresser and hurled it at him. He ducked as it hit the wall shattering into pieces. "You're disgusting. Just stay away." She turned and fled down the hall. Tears welled in her eyes as she made her way down the stairs and to her car. She heard Catherine call after her but Colby just sped off down the drive. When she reached the intersection to the main road she pulled off to the side and sat and cried. Her hands were shaking and the baby nudged her. I have to find a way, she thought. I will not let them use me or you, she rubbed her belly. Rob how could you do this to me, to us. I'm strong but I'm not sure I'm strong enough to fight your family. I won't become a pawn in this game. She blew her nose and wiped her eyes. I need to think and plan and be prepared for them. She pulled back onto the road and turned towards town. She knew where she needed to go. She needed Rob. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Colby was hungry as she pulled into the parking lot of the small restaurant. Her anger had abated long ago to be replaced with this gnawing. She would just pick up something and go home and relax for the rest of the evening. The brunch she had eaten at the Spencers was long gone and she and the baby need to eat soon. After her abrupt departure from the Spencers Colby had gone to the cemetery and spent the afternoon at Rob's grave. He had be laid in a new section on a hill. A large tree protected the spot and there were a couple of benches. Colby had sat and cried for a long time. She yelled at him for leaving her and then poured out her love him. She cursed his family and their deception and then implored him to help her fight them on this plan of William's. She told him all about the baby and her business and laughingly even mentioned her 'admirer.' She missed him and wanted him and the tears flowed until finally she felt as if there no more left to shed. A rumble of thunder in the distance had brought her out of her trance. She was looking over the menu when she heard a familiar voice and looked over at the other customer. "I'm not sure. Give me a minute." Brian glanced up at the specials on the chalkboard. Their eyes met and as Brian came towards Colby she felt the baby move and her heart took on a slightly quicker beat. "Hi!" Brian beamed at her. He had the most gorgeous smile. His eyes sparkled and Colby was caught in their gaze. "Hi." She averted her eyes not wanting to seem rude staring at him. "Are you picking up dinner too?" She glanced down at the menu, feeling a bit flushed. "Yes. You?" "Uh huh. What do you recommend?" She looked up to see his eyes dancing at her. It should be illegal to look like that, Colby thought. "Well, I'm a simple guy, so I usually just get the lasagna. But all the food is good here. It's my favorite place." He gave her a cheeky grin. "Well, in that case, miss?" Colby called to the clerk at the counter. "Wait. It seems silly for us both to eat alone when we could have dinner together. Please join me. Unless, of course, you need to get home." She looked a bit tired, but Brian just couldn't resist extending the invitation. She knew she shouldn't. It had been a long day and she was tired. "Really, I don't think…" Colby stumbled. "Besides don't you need to keep a low profile, be careful of being noticed." The words fell off her lips before she realized it. Brian shot her a look. "You know who I am?" He placed the menu on the counter. Well it was nice while it lasted. "How?" "Last week there was a short news clip about you buying the farm, and I did a little investigating on my own." She looked sheepishly at him and shrugged her shoulders. "Actually this place is pretty safe. They know me here and treat me like any other customer. So unless it will bother you to be seen with me, we won't be disturbed." He reached out and took her hand. "Please Colby, have dinner with me." The table was in a corner out of the way. They were given special treatment too. So much for being treated like everyone else! The owner herself came to check on them periodically and Brian introduced Colby. She was given all sorts of advice about the baby and at one point Colby could have sworn the woman said Brian would make a wonderful papa. Brian saw Colby flush with embarrassment and politely sent Maria on her way. "I'm sorry about that. Maria didn't mean anything by it. She just presumed since we were together that we…" He reached for her hand. "You okay?" Colby nodded and gently slipped her hand from his. "It's all right. I guess it was a natural assumption on her part that you were the father." She could feel her eyes moisten and Colby wiped the corners. Brian handed her a handkerchief. "I'm sorry. Today has not been a good day." Brian was curious about her life but knew now was the wrong time. "I understand. You don't need to say anything." He took a sip from his water glass. "So what did your investigation find?" She grinned at him thankful for the change in topic. As they ate Colby and Brian talked about everything. He related stories about his years with the Backstreet Boys, how he got the call from Kevin that changed his life and what it was like to have people all over the world enjoy their music. He found out about her small art shop and how she got started too. They shared their love of the Wildcats and how for Colby Kentucky had become home for her after her parents died. The stress from earlier in the day was gone. He had her laughing and smiling and Brian sat mesmerized by her. She glowed in the soft light and he was taken with her. Colby glanced at her watch. It was well after eight. She needed to get home. It had been a very long day and she was ready to rest. "I want to thank you for this. You helped to make a day that started out wrong turn out well. I enjoyed myself." She went to take the check when Brian snatched it away. "My treat." Colby started to protest. "I insist." He gave her that cheeky grin again and Colby smiled back. His smile was infectious. "Really, Brian, you shouldn't…" He touched her for the third time. "I want to." The look on his face made her heart melt. The man had no idea what he could do to you. He dropped some bills on the table and they left. "This is me." Colby pointed to the vehicle in front of them. "Thank you again. I had a nice time." She went to put her key in the door, when Brian reached out and took her arm. "Colby I…" That strong desire to kiss her was there again. She had a look of anticipation on her face. "I had a nice time too. Maybe we can do it again sometime." She opened the car door and turned back. Brian's face was partly in shadow and she couldn't see the desire in his eyes. "I'd like that. Goodnight." Brian waited until she was settled in the car and then closed the door. He didn't want her to leave and tapped the window. "Maybe I'll check out your shop to see about some prints for the house," he suggested wanting her to linger as long as possible. He knew to expect any more at this point was out of the question. She wasn't ready. "Come by any time. We're open nine to six Monday through Friday. She started the car and backed out of the spot. Colby waved as she pulled out of the lot. Brian waved back and let out a heavy breath as he walked to the jeep. Another opportunity missed. He wanted to see her again. He knew he had made a promise to be careful and he had to be mindful of her situation too. But damn he liked her. |