9. Chapter 9 #2
Maybe this would somehow give me space to apologize for my behavior last night. I’d royally fucked it up from start to finish. In the car, when Victoria spoke about Rachmaninoff, there was such joy in her voice. Taking her to my grandparent’s house was the perfect solution.
A few years back, Nan purchased a piano at auction, paying an exorbitant amount for the privilege of owning it. It was an antique, old, but in pristine condition. I didn’t know the history, nor could I appreciate it the way a true artist would.
But maybe Victoria could. The only thing I knew about it was that the sound was nothing short of magnificent. But my skill level didn’t extend beyond a few simple pieces I vaguely remembered from lessons I took years back.
“Someone is excited we’re here,” Ivan said, notching his head toward the porch.
We’d pulled up, and my Nan stood there waving happily. I couldn’t help but smile. Her silver hair framed her face in a neat style, and her casual outfit gave off an effortlessly elegant vibe that I knew and loved.
“Ivan King,” she exclaimed as I stepped out. He was already bending to hug her. “You made it,” she gushed.
“Of course, I had to fight my way to the top of the invite list,” Ivan teased, making my grandmother beam.
“Don’t be silly, you’re my favorite King,” she said sweetly.
He chuckled loudly as we walked into the foyer. Immediately, I noticed there was a lot of activity going on. You’d think they were having a party of some kind. My eyes narrowed as I kissed Nan on the cheek.
“What’s going on?”
Then I heard her voice.
“If it isn’t the long-lost man-child, come home. Are you here to critique my latest work?” Charlene de Wolfe, my grandmother’s long-time interior decorator, sauntered over. In her six-inch Louis Vuitton heels, no less. “Oh, who is this?” she purred, winking at Ivan, causing Nan to laugh.
“Charlene, he’s off the market and very much in love,” she said with a pat on Ivan’s hand, her face softening when she mentioned love. “How is that lovely girl of yours today? Any happier about her trip with Sophia?”
“Nope. She was sulking when I left.”
Her eyes twinkled. “Oh, dear. Well, maybe she and Isabella can pop on over when she’s back. With the remodel going on, I could use—”
My chest tightened. “Nan,” I began, keeping my voice even but firm.
She looked at me with a raised eyebrow, sensing the shift. The woman was determined to renovate the house despite the many conversations we’d had. And the look on her face said it all. She was relentless when she set her mind to something.
I sighed. I’d seen more than my fair share of memories here. Many of them weren’t the kind I liked to revisit. From the towering ceilings to the grand staircase, from the Brazilian cherry hardwood floors to the sprawling acres that stretched out behind the mansion.
It was all there, and with it came distant, haunting memories. Her heart was in the right place. But no matter how much I tried to remind her, she wouldn’t let it go.
She also didn’t like being told ‘no’.
“Andy, I’ve told you repeatedly what my plans are.
This will be your home one day. It’s bigger than the one you’re currently in by a long stretch.
Since the five of you—well six now with Pasha—are determined to live under one roof, you’ll eventually be bursting at the seams in your place in no time. Isn’t that right, Ivan?”
One glance at him said it all. He smirked. “It’s true, Counselor. She’s right in a thousand ways. Just think of the babies.”
“Yes, Andy, think of the babies. Speaking of that.” She looped her arm through Ivan’s.
“We’re working on it. As soon as we can get Kinsley on board, we’ll start pumping out those great grandbabies for you. I promise,” Ivan said, giving her another hug.
“I know you will. I have all the faith in the world. It will happen when the time is right.”
I rolled my eyes as a crew of carpenters blew past us.
“I’ve even talked extensively with Kinsley and Isabella about designs. Charlene is working on some of them as we speak.”
There was a twinkle in her eyes. I threw a look at Ivan, and he shrugged his shoulders. The fucker was completely aware that the girls were working with her. News to me.
“I’ll be around, Charlene, if you need anything.
You two come with me,” she said sweetly.
“We have a piano to move. And don’t you look at me that way.
Once you called, I knew I had to have it placed in a different area.
I’ve been meaning to for some time, and this is perfect.
Although I’m disappointed that you didn’t bring your girlfriend with you. Is she still coming?”
“Girlfriend?” Ivan choked back laughter. “Is that what he called her?”
“Well, she’s a girl, you know, and I’ve never known him to bring a stranger to visit, so I put it together myself. Despite what he said,” my grandmother said, proud of herself.
“I didn’t call her that. And she’ll be here later,” I mumbled as Nan turned.
Thirty minutes later, we’d moved the piano to the exact location she wanted. Ivan needed to get to the club, so he said his goodbyes and left.
“Join me in the kitchen for some tea?”
I nodded, and we walked the short distance. We entered and sat around the small, informal table.
“Nan,” I said tentatively, “I wanted to tell you a bit about my friend. She’ll be here soon. It’s important that we make her feel safe.” Technically, Victoria wasn’t my patient, even though I’d called her one.
It was my lame attempt to put distance between us. And as such, I wasn’t breaking confidentiality rules, but wanted to prepare her in some small way. Especially given how I messed things up last night.
My grandmother was a wise woman and knew what I did outside of my normal counseling. She knew the crew often rescued women in domestic violence situations. Her eyes met mine, and I could sense her curiosity and concern.
“This one is different, I take it?”
I nodded. No sense in lying to her. Victoria was different in every way. Coupled with the fact that I’d never brought a woman home, yeah, it wasn’t lost on her.
“Whatever it is, Andy, I’m available to help or step out of the way. Whatever you need.”
I hesitated for a moment before continuing. “She’s been through a lot. The manner in which we met was…unconventional at best. I’m trying to help her. It’s complicated, but her husband is Cameron Evans. You remember—”
“That dreadful child who tormented you. Yes, I remember him quite well.”
Her eyes flashed angrily. I pulled her in for a hug, fighting back the grin on my face. I didn’t deserve this woman. She’d been fighting for me my entire life. If anyone hated Cameron more than I did, it might be this woman.
I pulled back and really looked at her. The etched lines on her face spoke of a life well-lived. She normally had a genuinely kind demeanor, but right now she scowled.
“I have every reason to believe he’s not changed one bit. I’d say he’s worse. He’s put his wife in an extremely risky situation. I couldn’t turn my back on her.”
“Then neither will I. I get the feeling that you’re bringing her here for more than to look at an antique piano.” Her eyebrows raised in a knowing way.
“This is why I love you. I’m hoping that at some point maybe she’ll open up to you. I’d thought about asking Kinsley to talk with her, but she’s not quite ready for that. Kinsley…I mean. Not to mention she gets attached easily. If this woman returns to her husband—”
“Say no more.” My grandmother’s weathered hand reached across the table, patting mine reassuringly.