Chapter 12
Chapter
Twelve
Joel
I slip on my pressed, black suit jacket and tweak my bowtie one last time before I give myself a final glance in the mirror. I’ve had my hair cut and trimmed, and I’ve tamed my beard for the first time in weeks. It’s as though the man I once recognised is finally staring back at me. This night has come around far quicker than I’d have liked. My stomach is in knots, and I’m seconds away from changing my mind about going.
However, the woman who is currently singing along to the music blasting from my upstairs spare bedroom is keeping me from saying the words. That and the fact it’s her birthday.
With Daisy working nights and currently at home sleeping, Edith asked to get ready at mine, and the last few hours have been filled with mixed emotions. The last woman to get ready under my roof had been my wife, so the sound of the hairdryer and the lingering smell of body wash have made it feel like I’ve stepped back in time. The only difference now is the wet towels on the bathroom floor, a hairbrush in the sink and clothes hanging randomly on the radiator—Sophia had never made any mess—and after three hours, you’d think she’d been here a month.
However, despite the unfamiliarity of having a woman back in my house, there’s also a feeling of contentment within me. I hear her music shut off and brace myself for her appearance.
A jolt of excitement unexpectedly knocks me at the thought of seeing her all dressed up.
“Joel?”
“Down here. You ready?”
“I think so.”
I hear the sound of high heels clacking on the hardwood of the hallway, and with every step she takes, my heart races faster with anticipation .
When she steps around the corner to the entrance of my living room, I’m fucking floored.
Her hair falls in loose curls over one shoulder. She stands in a full-length black, thin-strap dress. The deep plunging neckline stops just above her navel, and I envision running my tongue along her creamy skin while my hands play with her soft breasts. The split of her dress that rises to her thigh leaves little to the imagination, and when she twirls, I can see the thin spaghetti straps cross over at the shoulders and leave her back completely exposed.
My dick twitches, and my hands itch to have her warm skin under my touch. She turns back to face me, and every nerve ending tingles as her big blue eyes hold mine. She waits nervously, sinking her teeth into her bottom lip, and I know I need to respond but I'm lost for fucking words.
"Holy shit..."
"Do you like it?"
"Like it? I fucking love it. You look… breath-taking."
"It’s not too much? I mean, you did say I needed to knock Lorna on her arse."
"Fuck Lorna. I'm on my arse over here."
She laughs, looking me up and down. “You don’t look too bad yourself.” As she steps towards me, fiddling with my bowtie, her perfume teases my senses. She holds my gaze, and this indescribable feeling that’s been hanging over us since our night out is back once again, leaving unanswered questions and a sense of longing that I believe she feels, too.
“Ready to go?”
No. I’m not.
Not because I don’t want to go but because I suddenly don’t want to share her with anyone else. I want to hold her close. Kiss her. Press my mouth all over her body to see if she tastes as good as I imagine.
Fuck. What is happening here?
“Not just yet,” I whisper. “I got you something.”
Stepping away, I walk over to the cabinet and take out the long thin box.
A little crease forms between her brows as I hand it to her. We haven’t got each other birthday presents for years but I want to change that.
Pulling the black, velvet box open, the little hitch of her breath fills the space between us as her manicured fingers brush over the bracelet. A star hangs from a thin silver chain, a small emerald stone in the centre that represents her star sign—our star sign.
“Joel...”
“Happy Birthday.”
“But I… I haven’t got you anything. ”
“You’ve got a few days yet,” I quip. “Besides, spending time with you is enough for me. I don’t want anything else.”
Something flashes in her eyes, but it’s quickly gone when she looks down at the bracelet again.
“Thank you, Joel. It’s beautiful.”
Taking the bracelet from the box, I place it around her wrist, and I don’t miss the dusting of chills that cover her skin from my touch.
Holding her gaze, the truth whispers from my lips as I stroke my thumb against her cheek, needing to touch her. “ You are beautiful, Edie.”
A blush covers her pure skin, and it takes everything in me to not pull her close and devour her mouth. But as if she needs to break the spell, she clears her throat and steps back.
“We should get going.”
I nod, hating the distance that’s now between us as she steps away.
I clear my throat and follow her out.
The short drive to the hotel in Skipton is quiet, the only noise being the soft hums that come from Edith as she rolls the bracelet between her fingers.
She’s nervous. She only hums when she’s nervous, and tonight she’s facing her fears as much as I am when it comes to her stepmother .
You can be a strong as the next person, but when Lorna gets her claws in, she slowly brings you down.
Needing to reassure Edie, I reach over and curl my hand around hers, giving it a little squeeze as I flash my eyes at her.
Parking up, I exit the car and help her out before we head inside.
The soft music along with the bustle of voices coming from the ballroom grips my stomach with anxiety the closer we get. I wish now I’d opted for a taxi to bring us because I could do with several shots of whisky.
Black and gold roped barriers form a walkway to the entrance of the ballroom where two butlers stand underneath an arch of foliage and lights, waiting to greet us, handing us both a glass of champagne and allowing us in.
“I’m already out of my comfort zone. Roped entrances and fairy lights?” I whisper in Edith’s ear, placing my hand on the small of her back as we enter. “What the hell is that about?”
“Only the best for Mother Lorna.”
“I want my sweats, a bag of cheesy puffs and a whiskey.”
She laughs. “Don’t worry, we will be home by eleven.”
I raise a brow. “That’s an hour longer than I expected.”
“Well, you never know. We may just enjoy ourselves.”
We smile and acknowledge those around us while we search for Edith’s dad. The room is full of men in black or white tuxedoes and women in various styles of dresses, none of whom are a patch on the woman standing beside me.
“I feel like everyone is staring,” Edith says, taking a large gulp of her champagne.
Glancing at her, I smile. They are staring, the men in particular, and a pang of jealousy grips my insides. Then I remind myself she’s with me. Platonic it may be, but she’s still with me. “It’s because of this goddess beside me.”
She rolls her eyes. “Oh, please. It’s just a dress.”
“You wait for the scream of horror when Lorna sees you. A dress like that is bound to make her stop what she’s doing.”
“Don’t count on it. The woman hasn’t got a pause button, let alone an emergency stop. Hell will freeze over before she pays anyone a compliment.”
I laugh, taking a sip of my champagne. “Well, whatever she says, you have my approval, and as your plus one, that’s all that matters. ”
She wrinkles her nose as a soft chuckle leaves her.
“Edith, my darling girl.” Gerald’s voice booms as he heads towards us, full of confidence in a cream tux. “You made it.”
“Hi, Dad.” She hugs her father before he steps back to look at her.
“You look radiant as ever. Happy Birthday, sweetheart.”
"Thanks, Dad."
"Have you had a lovely day?"
"I have. Joel gave me this." She shows him the bracelet.
"Oh, that's lovely. Perhaps we can do dinner sometime next week?”
“I’d love that.”
“It would give me more time to spend with you. I’m sorry this party has come on the same day as your birthday.”
“Dad, it’s fine. Honestly. This day is just as special for you as it is for me.”
He smiles at his daughter, and for the first time in a long time, I see the love he has for her. Gerald is a good man, and I respect him a lot. However, it’s not gone unnoticed that since he has been married to Lorna, she's dug her claws in so deep that he can’t see he’s pushed his daughter aside. I don’t think it’s ever been intentional, but I’ve witnessed the sadness in Edith too many times and it hurts.
“Honestly, Edith. You look sensational, darling. Doesn’t she, Joel?”
"She sure does?”
“Thank you, both.”
Gerald then turns to me and, considering I haven’t seen him in weeks, he does not remark on my absence, shakes my hand and pulling me in for a hug. “Joel. Good to see you, son.”
“You too, Gerald. How’s retirement life?”
He chuckles. “Well, I wouldn’t know. It’s only been a few days. But I’m sure I’ll have plenty to keep me busy.”
“I’m sure you will.”
“Have you two eaten? There is food on the other side of the room. Please make sure you eat.”
“We haven’t yet, Dad. But I’m sure we will later.”
“Excellent. Well, I do hope you enjoy yourself, darling. I will try and speak with you as often as I can, but there are so many people here. I think Lorna invited the whole of Skipton!”
“Dad, it’s fine. It’s your night and you know I’m here, which is all that matters. Maybe we can have a dance later?”
“That would be lovely. ”
“Oh, my darling, Joel. You made it.” Lorna’s voice pierces my skin as she heads our way. Cutting a glance at Edith, I don’t miss the look of disgust on her face before she smiles back at me. She kisses me on each cheek and steps to the side, giving her back to Edith, which causes her to release her hold from my arm and step away. I’m irritated by Lorna’s disapproval approach and disrespect already. “I was just talking to Mary about that time you and Sophia went to Paris. You should come and say hello.”
And so it starts.
“Maybe later,” I say, stepping past her and taking Edith’s arm in mine again. “We have just arrived, and Gerald said we should eat.”
“We?” Lorna scorns, looking Edith up and down in pure disgrace. “Where is your date, child? Do you need reminding of my orders?”
Edith’s back straightens and she looks at her stepmother firmly. “Not at all—”
“Then where is he. Because I will not—”
“Joel is my plus one for the evening.”
Like she’s just sucked a lemon, her face distorts in shock, and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from laughing. However, the venom in her voice is noticeable and Gerald warns her under his breath for her to behave, but before he can hear the vile words of his wife, he’s called away by a guest.
“Joel doesn’t need a plus one. He belongs to Sophia.”
“Well, tonight he belongs with me,” she adds.
Lorna’s eyes widen in horror, and I hate the fact Gerald doesn’t get to witness the venomous behaviour Lorna shows towards his daughter. Her body language is strong and intimidating, and it’s right here that I know I’ve made the right choice in coming tonight to support Edie.
“How dare you make a show of my daughter like this. Who the hell do you think you are?”
“I’m not making a show, Lorna, I’m—”
“And what the hell is this?” She points to Edith’s dress, revulsion covering her features. “It’s a black-tie event. You look like you’re on your way to a burlesque lounge.”
“Oh, we are. Right after we’ve finished up here.”
I don’t hold back my grin at Edith’s come back.
With disgust in her eyes, Lorna points at Edith’s face. “Don’t be smart, young lady. It doesn’t suit you. I asked you to bring a date and dress appropriately and you’ve disobeyed my orders on both.”
“I haven’t disobeyed anyone, Lorna. I’m wearing a dress and I’m here with a plus one. Who I choose as my plus one is none of your damn business. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to enjoy the party. After all, I’m here for Dad, not you.”
As if something has caught her attention, she looks over my shoulders and like the wind has just blown them away, her evil features are replaced with a devious smile that doesn’t settle well with me. This woman has too many sides for my liking. “Yes. And what a party it will be. Do stick around as there are a few surprises.”
The woman is unhinged.
“Joel, darling. Come. We have people you need to meet with.” She goes to take my arm, but I shrug her off, standing my ground.
“No. I’m staying with Edith.”
“But people wish to speak with you.”
“Then they’ll have to wait. Like Edith said, I’m here for Gerald, not you.”
Annoyance has me turning and guiding Edith over towards the bar for something better than this bubbly shit before she can say any more.
A heavy breath leaves Edith, and I can sense the tension and the sadness in her body language already. She has never been weak, but that saying about how bullies always find the easy target, Lorna sees her as that and has brought her down.
Why can’t she see what I see ?
“Well, that went well,” I sigh, leaning against the bar after ordering two whiskeys.
“I guess. Although, I don’t think it will be the last of her tonight.” She sighs, looking down at the floor. “Be honest, though. Do I really look like I’ve—”
“Absolutely fucking not.” I place my finger under her chin and bring her back to me, hating the fact Lorna has set off her insecurities. “I told you. You look stunning.”
“Breath-taking to be precise.” She grins, taking her drink from me.
“Then you need to remember that because I wouldn’t have said it if it weren’t true.”
The little flush is back in her cheeks again, causing that damn tingle to cascade down my spine, settling in my pelvis.
After taking a mouthful of my drink I say, “So, what’s the plan. We finish our drinks and have a dance?”
She raises a brow. “Dance? Again? That’s twice in a matter of weeks. Do you have a temperature or something?”
“Real funny. Besides, I like dancing with you.”
“Wow. I’m such a lucky lady.”
“You said it. ”
Needing to touch her, I tuck a lock of her hair behind her ear, but we are soon interrupted.
“Edith Kennedy. My word, you have grown tall since I last saw you.” A short man, in a black tux, approaches with her dad. Edith’s eyes widen and she places down the glass.
“Uncle Henry.” She pulls him in for a hug, and he holds her tight, letting his hand linger on the bare skin of her back. He’s not her uncle as her dad has no siblings, but the man does look familiar, so I can only assume I’ve seen him in passing over the years. “I haven’t seen you in… I don’t know how long.” She turns to me. “Joel, this is my dad’s old work colleague, Henry. He was always at our house when I was a little girl to help Dad out.”
“Not that my daughter was any kind of trouble.”
I shake Henry’s hand and nod.
“Pleasure to meet you, Joel. I don’t think we have officially met. I helped Gerald out with his finances for many years after Edith’s mother passed.”
“And I still haven’t forgiven you for that time you cut my doll’s head off when you mowed the lawn.”
Henry laughs, and I’m still aware his hand is on her back. “And, like I kept telling you, you should pick up after yourself. Things get broken otherwise. Although, you did well out of it. I spent more money on you than I did my own children.”
Edith laughs, and for the first time tonight, I can see she’s finally relaxed.
“How is business? Is the salon doing well?”
“Yes, thank you. It’s doing extremely well. I’m looking into getting a bigger place so we can expand on the treatments we offer.”
“Sweetheart, I had no idea.”
“I have mentioned it, Dad,” she says with a sad smile.
Henry beams. “Excellent. I’m so pleased to hear that.”
“I’m surprised she’s managed to keep it going considering she can’t even hold a relationship down,” Lorna sneers, appearing at the side of us like a snake. Only the joke is on her when everyone ignores her comments and carry on talking as if she’s not there—Gerald included.
“I’ve never seen a woman work as hard as Edith does,” I add. “She is a credit to her father.”
“Indeed, she is,” both Henry and Gerald agree.
“And speaking of being a credit to me,” Gerald says, “I’ve someone I’d like to introduce you to.” An attractive woman in a long, silver dress approaches the small group of us .
“Lucy, this is my daughter I was telling you about. Edith, meet Lucy Knighton.”
"Good to meet you, Edith,” Lucy smiles.
For a moment Edith doesn’t respond. If anything, she looks a little starstruck, gripping onto my arm as if she needs to hold herself up.
“Edie?” I murmur, bringing her out of the daydream she’s fallen into.
"Shit. Sorry. I mean. Wow.”
We all laugh as she composes herself.
“What a pleasure to finally meet you. I was literally watching your latest YouTube videos the other day. Your work is incredible."
It now dawns on me who this Lucy is: Edith’s idol.
"Thank you. I've been meaning to talk with you since your father said you would be attending tonight.”
“I didn’t know you two knew each other.”
“I became acquainted with Lucy a few months ago when we attended a business convention in London.”
“Your father was talking properties with my husband.” Lucy smiles. “He also spoke very highly of you, and it was then I made the connection. Edith, I too have been watching your makeup tutorials. That led me to view your website, and I must say your wedding makeup is flawless.”
“You’ve been watching my tutorials?” Edith grips hold of my arm again, and I can’t help but smile. "Wow. Thank you so much."
Opening her clutch, Lucy hands Edith a business card. "If ever you are looking to expand in any way or if you're after a faster-paced career working with a celebrity client base, please give me a call. Your talent would be valuable to us."
Holy shit .
“She runs a little salon in Skipton. I highly doubt Edith’s work is at a celebrity standard.” Lorna scoffs.
“I can assure you it is. I look long and hard for people to join my team and seeing Edith’s work, I didn’t think twice.” Lucy bites back, glaring at Lorna and causing her to turn her back to the group.
Pride fills my chest at Lucy’s words. Edith is not one to shout about her work, but after this conversation, I can only hope she knows just how hard-working and talented she is.
“Edith was just saying about how she is looking into getting a bigger salon to offer more widespread treatments. Maybe this conversation was meant to be,” I say.
“Absolutely. Edith, do tell me of your plans.”
Giving her hand a little squeeze, and whispering that I’ll be at the bar, I leave Edith deep in conversation with Lucy. Watching the two of them talk, the sparkle in Edith’s eyes glistens and the smile on her face grows more and more with each word that is being spoken. It’s beautiful to watch.
My bubble is popped when Lorna makes another beeline for me.
Smoothing her hand down the lapels of my jacket, she smiles. “Joel, darling. Shall we go and do the rounds?”
“I’m happy here.” I pull away from her hold.
“But people are wanting to talk to you. Some of them haven’t seen you since…” Her smile falls for a second, and a pang of guilt hits my chest. Sophia. It’s always about Sophia. But then I remember the reasons why I don’t want to have a conversation about my wife.
I swirl the liquid around my glass. “I don’t want to talk about Sophia, Lorna. Not to the extent that you expect.”
“She was your wife, Joel. Talk about her.” She grits. “People need—"
“No.” I cut her off. “I’ve told you before: there is remembering her and living life like she’s never left. I don’t wish to do that, Lorna. Why can’t you understand this?”
I’m trying hard to stay calm, but the truth is, she’s rattled up many feelings I hadn’t wished to encounter tonight.
“But Sophia is a part of our lives. Gerald adored her. She should be remembered. And if she were here now, she would be disheartened at your behaviour—for not giving her the credit she deserves.”
“ Don’t talk about my behaviour when you need to look at your own.” I growl, raising my voice a little high than intended. I notice it’s caused a few people around us to stop and stare, but that doesn’t have me holding back. I point at Edie who is now watching us. “Edith is your stepdaughter, the flesh and blood of your husband. If you want to talk about someone and give credit where it is deserved, then talk about her instead of treating her like shit.”
Her eyes glare as she fires back. “What is it with that girl when it comes to you, Joel? Why is Edith so damn important when she is simply nothing but an interference?”
My blood boils. “Maybe if you got to know her, you’d understand just how important she is to everyone—why she is important to me.”
I need to stop. The anger inside of me is bubbling higher and higher and the years of what had gone on behind the closed doors of my marriage is on the tip of my tongue .
“The only person who should be important to you, Joel, is my Sophia. She was your wife. Your wife. Your marriage was one of a kind. Why do you not talk about her? People need to know how wonderful she was, and your silent words are nothing more than wrong and damn well disrespectful.”
“Don’t come at me with your disrespectful bullshit, Lorna. You know nothing about my marriage.”
Needing to escape, I push past her, ignoring the call of Edith as I head out for some air.