Chapter 5
It had taken her hours to fall asleep the night before, and now she was paying for it. The computer section of the library was always quiet, but today the silence was almost hypnotic. The shipping labels for recent orders blurred on the screen in front of her.
“Mama, I finished my flash cards. Will you test me?” He pushed the cards across the desk.
Micah had woken early, excited to hear about her night with all the fancy people. He riddled her with questions about who they met and what they did. She had always refrained from saying anything negative to Micah about his dad, and she wasn’t going to start now, even if he still didn’t know who his father was.
“How about we have Grandma help? We’re running late to get over there before she has to go to work.”
“Yay!” As exhausted as she was, she loved watching his excitement and energy as he stuffed his things in his backpack. There had been times she didn’t think he would ever be like this.
Her jalopy made it the short distance to her old apartment. She still hadn’t switched libraries either. She told herself it was because Micah didn’t like change, but she suspected it was more of her doubt that things with Michael would work out. Besides, it was only for a year. Then she and Micah could go back to normal.
“Grandma!” Micah pushed through the door before Evelyn had removed the key.
“Hey, Mom, sorry we’re late.” The stacks of boxes Evelyn carried teetered before she placed them on the table with her bag.
“Oh my, you look wrecked. Good thing I have coffee ready.”
“You know how to speak to my soul.” Evelyn groaned at the smell of the rich elixir.
“Was last night that bad?”
“No, we met some nice people.” Evelyn glanced at Micah, hoping her mom got the message.
“Right. Hey, kiddo, what do you think about some cartoons? You can use the headphones if you want.”
“You just want to talk about adult stuff that I’m not supposed to hear.” Sometimes the boy was too smart for her. He certainly kept her on her toes.
“That too. What if I add some cookies to sweeten the deal?” Her mom negotiated with him.
“Fine. But I get to pick the cartoons.” He flopped on the sofa after snapping the headphones in place.
“Ok, spill.”
“Mom, the men were vile and their wives acted like nothing was happening. I don’t know how many times a random hand felt up my ass. But the worst part was the old creep that seemed to intimidate Michael. He insisted on a dance and then groped me in front of everyone. Not only did no one come to my rescue, but Michael accused me of having an affair with the vile creature.”
“I think they could both be described that way. What did you do?”
“I tried to smack him.” She was almost embarrassed to admit it.
“Fair enough, considering what he’s put you through. But what happened?” It was a relief to have someone on her side, especially one who knew her history with Michael.
“He reminded me that we were always being watched by the press, so he made it seem like we were dancing.”
“The pictures of you in the media today look exactly like that. So was that the end of it?”
“The ride home was awkward but he did finally apologize.” Such a rare occurrence, even when they used to date, it had surprised her.
“Did he know what he was apologizing for or was it the typical guy version of I’m sorry I pissed you off but I am clueless about how?”
“No, he specified that he should have interceded.”
“It only took him eight years to figure that out.” Her mom scoffed, forgetting to take into consideration that he never came to Evelyn’s defense back then either.
“I got him to agree to have dinner with Micah too.”
“What do you mean? Like a boy’s day out?”
“I thought they should start with something simpler.”
“Hasn’t he been eating with you both?”
“Umm, not really.” She knew she shouldn’t have mentioned it, as soon as the words left her mouth, but she didn’t have any secrets from her mom.
“As in not at all. Besides last night, has he spent any time with either of you?”
“Hey, look at the time. I printed out the shipping labels before the website went down. They’re attached to the corresponding box.”
“Fine. Change the subject. But don’t think I’m done talking about it.”
If she had let the conversation continue, Evelyn had no doubt that her mother would have become irate as she always did when it came to the Hardings. However, that wasn’t going to help Evelyn through her current circumstances. Staying busy and surrounding herself with as many positive influences, she had found was the key to adapting to the difficult times.
That’s why a visit to the park to see their friends and a quick trip to her favorite fabric store were a necessity before returning to the Harding estate.
“Meghan, look at this fabric I found in clearance!”
“Oh, it’s gorgeous. How much of it did you get?”
“They had ten bolts of it in various shades and flowers designed like a watercolor painting. It made me think of an entire line for summer, so I got them all.” She couldn’t believe her luck at getting such a good deal on the material and was already envisioning the designs she would make with it.
“Fantastic. That reminds me. We have to coordinate your next event with Michael.”
“So soon? The smarminess of last night hasn’t worn off yet.”
“It doesn’t matter what kind of function it is, they can get handsy, especially when they drink.”
Evelyn knew that in her role as assistant, sometimes Meghan was required to organize or attend events with the same elected officials. It helped Evelyn learn how to navigate this new part of her world.
“How do you handle it? The wives did nothing to stop them. Some of them even laughed at their husband’s behavior.”
“Stick to your date like glue,” Meghan stated.
“What if your date throws you to the wolves and then accuses you of being at fault?”
“Eww! Put soap in his sugar. Or sandpaper under his sheets. Or itching powder in his shoes.” Meghan had a cunning wit that made the topic easier to discuss.
“I like the way you think, but I don’t want to waste my energy on that. I made my feelings known. We’ll see if it made a difference.”
“So, next week, you have a champagne soiree at the Residence of the Ambassador of France. There will be wines from the different regions paired with food.”
“Isn’t everyone going to wind up drunk?”
“You only take a sip. Sometimes, if you want more than one taste, you swish it in your mouth and then spit it out into another glass.” Evelyn admired Meghan’s vast knowledge of the luxurious lifestyle that was foreign to her.
“I’m supposed to spit out wine with the French Ambassador and the rest of the DC elite?”
“They’ll all be doing the same thing. Besides, you met half of them last night. They can be fairly primitive when they drink.”
“You’re telling me!” Evelyn shivered at the recollection.
“So about the dress, what are you thinking?”
“It’s the French Ambassador, so it has to be fashion-forward, but conservative enough that a royal would wear it. I’ll work on some sketches and see what develops.”
“Mr. Banner! How may I help you?” Evelyn asked when they were interrupted by a knock at the open door.
“Good afternoon, Madam. You have been here for about a month, yes?”
“Yes.”
“And you and Micah are content? You have everything you need?”
“We are exceedingly well. How could we possibly need anything with how well you and the rest of the staff care for us?”
“I am gratified. Um . . . the cook found a box of children’s things in the basement. We thought Micah might like some of the items.”
“That is very sweet, but we really couldn’t overstep like that. It is part of the Harding legacy and should be cared for as such. But thank you for thinking of us.”
“Certainly. Please let me know if there is anything else we can do for you.”
“Actually...I could use some help from you and Meghan. I need to coordinate a dinner for Micah with Michael.”
“Michael doesn’t normally eat with you?” Meghan sounded surprised.
“He’s been busy.”
“Sure. Did you forget that I keep his schedule too?”
“I don’t know what he normally does for dinner, but he agreed to this meal. Now I need him to show up.”
“On it.”
“How would you like me to help, Madam?”
“Once Meghan has the date, please ask Cora to make Michael’s favorites. Nothing fancy. It could be grilled cheese. Just as long as he is there to get to know Micah.”
“ALRIGHT, I THINK WE’RE all here. I see Ethan, Blake, Heath, and you, Michael. Is Meghan there with you?” Sabrina spoke louder than necessary, staring out of one of the four squares on his computer screen. He disliked video calls, but they were more tolerable than everyone crowding into a meeting room after fighting DC traffic.
“Yes, I’m here,” Meghan called out instead of letting Michael answer. It was unusual for her. Bolder than she used to be. Her style of dress had also changed to a more tailored fit. She must have a new man in her life, it was the only logical reason.
“The pics from last night were outstanding. Especially the one of you two dancing alone in the hallway. That was hot!” The assessment from Ethan made Michael choke on his sip of water, thinking about what was actually happening at that moment.
“Reports are that Evelyn made a great impression,” Blake noted, reading from the notes on his desk
“Yeah, she really got around.” Heath snickered.
Was that what he had sounded like to Evelyn? The stony silence on the ride home gave him time to admit that he had failed in basic human decency. He hoped she accepted his apology, a rare occurrence, with the sincerity it was meant.
“Uh, did something happen that we need to know about?” Sabrina was always ready to address any problems, it’s what made her so good at her job.
“Evelyn said there were some legislators who were drinking heavily and got closer than was comfortable.” Meghan offered an answer, staring Michael down.
“She handled it without issue,” Michael added. While Meghan seemed to know more about what happened, there wasn’t a need to discuss it with everyone.
“By the way, that dress was a great choice. Seems so many people want one like it, they crashed the designer’s website.” Ever the artist, Ethan tended to focus on the visuals. Meghan’s glare intensified with what felt like an ‘I told you so.’
“Let’s talk about the upcoming schedule. We have the event at the French Ambassador’s Residence next week. But Michael, now that you’re on the ‘short-list’, we need to increase your visibility as a family. Is Evelyn on any committees yet? That could help. Maybe she could meet you for lunch to show off more of that couple vibe from last night.” Sabrina rattled ideas off, while Ethan and Blake nodded in agreement.
“Evelyn’s calendar should be wide open. Although participating in committees wasn’t part of the agreement.” Michael reminded them.
“Just tell her what to do and she’ll jump to it,” Heath stated in the blasé manner of their fathers.
“What kind of caveman attitude is that?” Meghan jumped up and shouted into the speaker.
“Admit it. It’s what you all want.” Heath leaned back and flicked his hand as if to brush off Meghan’s concern.
“Watch yourself, Counselor. This is a professional meeting and you are not required to be present,” Sabrina warned.
“Noted, ma’am,” Heath responded, not sounding apologetic.
The others may have been surprised by Heath’s attitude, but Michael knew it to be the true man. The question on Michael’s mind was what had caused the crack in the usually perfect facade.
“You might want to look at Evelyn’s calendar before you start scheduling anything.”Meghan handed Michael an electronic tablet.
“What are these blocked-out spots on her itinerary? Some are daily, others weekly.” Michael swiped through the weeks, finding the pattern consistent.
“I don’t know. She’s very good at slipping away unnoticed,” Meghan shrugged.
“You are supposed to be keeping track of everything!” Michael banged his fist in emphasis, making everyone startle.
“This is easy enough to figure out.” Always resourceful, Blake shared his screen showing the popular tabloid site. “Here we go.”
The images switched to a collection of Evelyn. Michael watched as Blake sorted the sightings into chronological order.
“Right. Give me the first date we’re looking for.”
“She has something every Thursday at 11 am.”
“Probably a lover’s tryst considering it seems to be the same day and time each week,” Heath commented.
“Here she is with Micah, walking into an office building.” Blake enlarged a picture. “It’s a medical building.” He switched to another photo.
“Can you zoom in on the placard in that last pic?” Michael requested.
“It’s a pediatrician?” Ethan asked, as surprised as Michael.
“This scam of hers gets more and more convoluted. I wonder how this will tie into her plans to get more money out of you.” Heath brought the suspicion back to Michael’s mind.
“Have you considered an alternative theory?” Meghan suggested.
“Ha! She has taken you in! You forget that I know all about her lying and conniving ways. I even have the pictures to prove it. It’s just a matter of waiting her out.” Michael ridiculed his assistant’s gullibility.
“Why are you so convinced she is out to get you?”
“Because she dumped his ass as soon as she thought he wasn’t useful anymore and found herself another meal ticket.” Heath blurted. Michael was astonished to hear Heath sharing his personal story without permission, but more shocking was that the version had changed, painting Evelyn in an even darker light.
“Man, that’s brutal.” Ethan sympathized.
“Did you want to look at anything else?” Blake asked, ready to get the meeting back on track.
“What about the daily visits?” Heath supplied.
“Here’s the latest shot from just a couple of hours ago.”
“That’s a lot of boxes!”
“Where’s she going?”
“Where’s the kid?”
“Here’s a video they took. There’s Micah running ahead of her.” Blake pressed play. “There’s no sound but the caption states it’s Evelyn’s previous address.”
“Meghan, what do you know about this?” Michael asked, realizing she was still sitting in her seat on the other side of his desk, where she couldn’t see his screen.
“Me? Why would you think I know anything?”
“Ha! Your voice just went up an octave. What is it? A lover’s retreat? Or is she living a double life?” Heath rubbed his hands together.
“Mr. Hayes, it would be appreciated if you could stop adding to the frenzy. I am sure there is a logical explanation for Mrs. Harding’s actions.” Sabrina attempted to rein in Heath’s fervor for a devastating answer.
“Geez, this is why she didn’t tell you about it. You’re going to get the wrong idea and ruin it for her. She isn’t doing anything wrong. It doesn’t even have anything to do with you,” Meghan retorted.
“I’ll be the judge of that. Just tell us what you know so we can better understand.” Michael kept his tone soft and controlled, but with an edge to it that required an answer.
“It’s the dress. She made it.”
“You’re mistaken. That has been authenticated as a Lady Catherine Design.”
“Right. That’s her business. That’s what’s in all the boxes.” Meghan twisted her hands together, belying her tone of confidence.
“She’s Lady Catherine?” Usually calm, Sabrina exclaimed like one of the royals was coming to visit.
“I don’t understand the fuss,” Blake stated.
“Man, she was named an up-and-coming designer to watch. Her dresses are in high demand, especially since they’re only a few hundred dollars apiece. You said, yourself, they crashed the website because of it.” Ethan, who was always up-to-date on pop-culture and fashion, seemed awestruck.
“If she has such a successful business, then what is she really up to in this arrangement with me?”
“It’s only a fledgling thing. She barely breaks even on each outfit.”
“If no one else is going to ask the glaring question, then I will. How did she manage to conceal this in her background check? And what else is she hiding?” Heath ranted before his small square went blank.
With Meghan’s increased loyalty to Evelyn and Heath’s acrimonious disposition, Michael was at a loss of where to turn for the truth about what else Evelyn could be hiding.