Brides of War (5 page)

Gracie was becoming more than irritated with her mother-in-law. Once Jeff had returned to work, Gracie had made a great effort to get along with Velda and had asked how she could be of help in the house. The other woman had her cleaning the bathroom and toilet, polishing the furniture and scrubbing the kitchen floor on her hands and knees. This Gracie hadn’t minded until one morning, when she’d gone out to do the shopping, she returned to see Velda cleaning the kitchen floor with a mop and bucket. She was enraged.

‘Oh I see! That’s how
you
clean the kitchen floor, but when it comes to
me
, I have to get down and scrub it!’

Velda blushed and looked uncomfortable, not knowing what to say. But Gracie was not lost for words at all.

‘I have tried my very best to please you since I arrived. I know you resent me, well I can’t help that, but I will not be used as a skivvy just to satisfy your jealousy.’

‘What’s a skivvy and what makes you think I’m jealous?’ Velda blustered.

‘A skivvy is a term for a person who is given all the worst jobs without any respect being paid to them and you are
jealous that your beloved son has another woman in his life that he cares for.
You
are no longer his first choice. Well get used to it!’

The other woman looked furious. ‘How dare you talk to me like that, you are in
my
house and you should be more respectful!’

Gracie calmed down. ‘Look Mrs Rider, we both love Jeff and I wish we could be friends and get along. God knows, it’s difficult enough you having to put us up and us having no place of our own, but for heaven’s sake, do we have to continue resenting each other?’ But she saw by Velda’s expression that she was wasting her time. She turned and walked out of the house.

Gracie walked into town and searched out the realty office, as estate agents were called in the States, and entered.

The girl behind the desk smiled at her. ‘Good morning, what can I do for you?’

‘I’m looking for an apartment to rent,’ she declared. ‘Do you have any on your books?’

That evening, when he returned home, Jeff was surprised to see his suitcase and one of Gracie’s in the hallway. He walked into the kitchen and saw his mother at the sink.

‘What’s going on?’ he asked.

With a face like thunder she looked at him. ‘Best ask that wife of yours. She’s upstairs.’

He took the stairs two at a time and rushed into their bedroom where Gracie was packing another suitcase.

‘What the hell is going on?’ he asked.

‘We’re moving out.’

‘Out? Out where?’

‘I’ve rented a small apartment nearer the town,’ she told him.

‘You what?’ he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

Gracie stopped her packing. ‘Look darling, we are in the way here. Your mother resents me and we’ll never get along, so we are leaving.’ She saw the anger in his eyes. ‘Well at least, I am moving. You have a choice, Jeff. You come with me or stay with your mother! It’s entirely up to you.’ She sat on the edge of the bed and waited for his reply.

‘You should have discussed this with me first, Gracie and how did you manage the down payment?’

‘With some savings I have.’ She stared at him. ‘Look, Jeff, if we are to have a life together, we have to start on our own. The rent isn’t high. The apartment could do with a lick of paint, well I can do that when you’re working, besides I’m a good manager with money, trust me.’

‘It seems the decision has been made for me and I really don’t like it, but in future, Gracie, we talk these things over. Understand?’

She rose from the bed and put her arms around his neck.

‘Absolutely.’ Then she slyly added, ‘Just imagine, without your parents on the other side of the wall, how our sex life will improve!’

Shaking his head, he laughed. ‘You are a minx, Gracie Rider.’

She didn’t answer but just grinned broadly at him. ‘Can we take your father’s car to move our stuff?’

‘I guess so. Do we have a bed to sleep on at this place?’

‘We certainly do, it’s furnished. Not anything special but it’s clean and comfortable. With a few bits and pieces, we’ll soon have it cosy.’

‘Well, I’d better go down and tell Ma what’s happening.’

‘You do that and take these cases with you. I’ll strip the bed and join you downstairs.’

She breathed a sigh of relief as he left the room. Well that old bitch can scrub her own floors now, she thought as she removed the top sheet.

As she walked down the stairs a little later, Gracie could hear raised voices in the kitchen: that didn’t surprise her. Velda wanted her gone but not her precious son. Well now she’d lost and wasn’t at all happy.

Gracie had started moving the bags outside when Jeff walked out looking flushed and angry. He picked up the remaining cases and took them to the car, packing them in the trunk.

‘Is that everything?’ he asked sharply.

‘Yes, so let’s go,’ Gracie answered and climbed into the passenger seat and gave him the address. As they pulled out, in the wing mirror, Gracie could see Velda, looking furious, standing in the porch watching.

When they arrived at their new abode, Jeff unpacked the trunk and helped Gracie carry their bags into the apartment. Putting the cases down, he looked around. The living room was small but comfortable, the kitchen, minuscule in comparison to his mother’s but clean and workable. There was a small box room used as an extra bedroom and the main bedroom had a double bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers and bedside tables. It was adequate, if not a little cramped.

‘Well?’ Gracie waited for his answer.

He pulled a face. ‘I’ve seen foxholes on a battlefield not much smaller than this,’ he said.

‘Maybe, but there is no enemy hiding here!’ she retorted. ‘We left her behind!’

‘That’s a bit unkind,’ he chided.

She softened towards him. ‘I’m sorry darling, I know she’s your mother and I tried my best to get along with her but you are her son and she wasn’t ready to let go of the apron strings. It would never have worked out, and in the end it would have ruined our marriage. I wasn’t going to let that happen!’

He pulled her into his arms. ‘I know, you’re right, but this move was so sudden it took me by surprise and I’m not one for surprises. I like to plan ahead. We would have moved eventually.’

She tried to make him understand. ‘Yes I know what you’re saying but by that time our marriage would have been in trouble.’

He kissed her quickly and said, ‘I know, but let’s not argue about it. Have we any food in the house?’

Shaking her head she said, ‘Sorry I didn’t have time to go to the grocery store, but I thought we could go to the diner down the road for a meal tonight. What do you say?’

‘I say we shop then go to a restaurant for dinner, as a way of celebration.’

She hugged him. ‘Oh Jeff that would be great!’ then she kissed him. ‘Later we can unpack and have an early night.’

He grinned broadly at her. ‘After all, Mom and Dad are no longer on the other side of the wall, so I’m expecting a lot from you honey. I expect you to make this move worthwhile!’

She laughed heartily. ‘You men. You’re all the same.’

They shopped for all their goods, with Gracie trying to familiarise herself with American dollars at the cash desk, then they went for a meal. As Gracie ate, she felt as if a load had been lifted from her shoulders. She would like to be able to work but without her green card it wasn’t possible. She’d start proceedings for that as soon as she could and, in the meantime, there was a lot of work to do to get the apartment as she wanted it and she’d start tomorrow.

On their return, they unpacked the shopping, then their cases, had a coffee and went to bed, both exhausted, but Jeff still reached for her beneath the sheets.

‘Come here,’ he murmured.

This time Gracie was able to relax. It was like being on honeymoon all over again, except this time they were not in a hotel but in their own place and she gave herself willingly.

The following morning, she prepared a cooked breakfast for herself and her husband and when Jeff had left for work, she went to a shop and chose some paint for the living room. She decide that cream would make the room bigger, but had forgotten to take any measurements so didn’t know how much to purchase. When she explained to the man serving her he was more than helpful.

‘We have plenty of that colour in stock, so don’t you worry now. You come back if you need more.’

She thanked him, took two pots and paid the bill. He handed her the change.

‘Thank you ma’am, have a nice day.’

She smiled at him. ‘Thank you I will.’

As she opened the door of the shop to leave, she collided with Rick, her brother-in-law.

‘Hey! Steady there,’ he said as they crashed into each other. ‘My, if it isn’t Gracie. What the hell are you doing here?’

‘Oh, hello Rick, I’m buying some paint.’ She held up the two pots for him to see.

He raised his eyebrows in surprise. ‘I heard that you’d moved out when I got home just now!’

‘I’m sure I’m not your mother’s favourite person at this moment,’ she said wryly.

‘You can say that again!’ Then he chuckled. ‘I don’t blame you. Two women in the same house never works. Can I drop you off? I’ve got my truck outside. You can show me around.’

Gracie knew that Jeff would not approve, so she quickly refused. She’d already alienated herself with the mother and, knowing how Jeff felt about his brother, she figured it would be most unwise.

Rick looked disappointed. ‘Another time, maybe. You and I should get to know each other better, Gracie.’ He gazed into her eyes as he spoke and she saw the desire reflected in them and heard the invitation in his voice.

‘I don’t think Jeff would like that,’ she said.

‘But you might,’ he persisted.

‘No Rick, I wouldn’t! Get one thing straight, I love your brother and I’m not interested in anyone else.’

‘We’ll see about that,’ he said. ‘You might change your mind sometime in the future.’

She watched him walk into the store and wondered just how much of his chat was teasing and how much was serious? But he had a certain charm she couldn’t deny that.

A week had passed since Valerie and Ross had visited the art gallery, so she wasn’t surprised to get a call one morning from Max, the artist, whose painting Ross had purchased.

‘Hello, is that Mrs Johnson?’ a voice enquired.

Recognising his voice, Valerie said, ‘Hello Max! I wondered when you’d call.’

‘Valerie, I’m so pleased to have caught you at home. I did wonder if you’d be out on one of your explorations of our glorious city.’

‘Not today,’ she replied. ‘So, when am I to see my painting?’

‘How about this morning? I’m free, I can be with you in half an hour, if that’s suitable?’

She couldn’t stem the feeling of excitement inside her. ‘That would be lovely! I’ll be here.’

‘See you then.’

Valerie quickly went to her bedroom to freshen her make-up and hair. She smoothed down her dress, sprayed on some perfume, placed two cups ready and made a fresh pot of coffee. Filled with expectation, she waited.

Max arrived shortly after, and carried the painting into the living room. He admired the furnishings and agreed with the wall space Valerie had chosen for his picture.

‘It’ll be perfect there,’ he said. ‘The light from the window is just right to show the full potential of the scene.’

‘Would you like a cup of coffee?’ she asked.

He paused. ‘Let’s get the painting up first, then I’d love a coffee, thanks.’

She watched as Max took his measurements and drilled the necessary holes in the wall and eventually she helped him lift the picture in place. They both stood back and looked at it.

‘I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of looking at it, Max. It’s really quite moving in a strange way.’

He looked at her and said, ‘Only someone with the soul of an artist can see that. Have you ever done any painting, Valerie?’

‘I’ve lived abroad a lot,’ she told him, ‘and I had a lot of time alone as my parents were busy, due to Father’s work – and yes, I used to sketch. Each country we lived in had its own kind of beauty and I wanted to capture it.’

‘Did you use watercolours or oils?’

‘Neither, just ink sketches really.’

‘I’d like to see them sometime,’ he said.

She looked at him with dismay. ‘Oh my goodness, no!’ She gazed at his work, then at him. ‘I would be too embarrassed to do that. My efforts would pale in comparison to your obvious talent.’

He looked kindly at her. ‘That’s silly. I’m not going to make any judgements; I’m interested that’s all. Do you have any sketchbooks handy?’

She hesitated.

‘You do, I can tell. How about that coffee and you can show me whilst we drink it. Go on, don’t be afraid.’

She reluctantly agreed and, after pouring out the coffee, she went into her bedroom and took out two sketchbooks from a case beneath the bed and, with her heart beating a little faster, took them into the living room and handed them over.

Max slowly turned each page, giving each sketch his undivided attention.

Valerie waited, hardly able to breathe. Eventually he looked up at her.

‘Why ever were you worried? These are really good! You have a natural eye and feel.’

She could hardly believe what she was hearing. ‘Honestly? I only did it for my own amusement.’

‘You should do these scenes in watercolour, you’d be surprised how much better they would be. It would really bring them alive.’

‘I’ve never tried. I always had a pen and pencil and a pad with me, paints would have been difficult to carry round. I would just see something that caught my eye and I’d stop there and draw.’

‘I could always show you how,’ he suggested.

Valerie immediately backed off. ‘Thanks, but I really don’t have the time.’

‘Of course you do! You know you do. What are you afraid of?’

She knew the answer but she couldn’t possibly tell him. Although she loved Ross, this man fascinated her and she was very aware of the fact and knew she had to deal with it.

‘I’m not afraid of anything,’ she lied, ‘but you know I plan
to find my way round New York and that is my priority, but thanks for the offer.’

He prepared to leave. ‘That’s a pity. If you change your mind, you know where to find me. Meantime enjoy your painting and keep in touch.’

As she opened the door to let Max out, she was surprised to see her mother-in-law standing there.

‘Gloria!’

Gloria looked at her then at Max. She raised her eyebrows waiting for an introduction.

‘Max, this is my mother-in-law, Mrs Johnson. Ross bought one of Max’s paintings and he kindly came along to hang it for me.’

‘Good morning,’ Max said then turning to Valerie he said, ‘I hope you enjoy the picture,’ then he left.

Gloria swanned into the room as if she owned it and looked at the wall.

‘Is this his work?’ she asked sharply. ‘Can’t say it’s to my taste!’

‘But it is ours,’ Valerie retorted. ‘To what do I owe the pleasure?’

‘I was on my way to Saks, so I thought I’d drop in and see the apartment.’ She looked round but said nothing.

‘Can I offer you some coffee, it’s freshly made?’

‘For your painter friend no doubt.’ The accusation was in the tone.

‘Yes, it was the polite thing to do after he took the trouble to hang it. It’s what we do in England, we like to show our appreciation.’

Gloria made no effort to hide her dislike as she said, ‘I want to talk to you about Ross!’

This took Valerie by surprise. ‘Really?’ She poured the coffee into a fresh cup.

‘Ever since he returned from the army, he’s been unsettled in the office. He keeps wanting to change things. Well, it just won’t do! Leo has run this business for years and knows what’s best for the company.’

‘And you’ve come to me because …?’

‘You must have a word with him and tell him to stop being so difficult!’

Valerie was enraged. ‘I’ll do no such thing! Ross is a fine businessman and I wouldn’t dream of interfering in the way he does things. He is the one who makes such decisions and I’m sure he wouldn’t welcome my dabbling into that side of his life.’

Gloria stood up. ‘I see I’ve wasted my time. I’d have thought you would have wanted what was best for the company, after all, it’s your living as well as the rest of ours.’

‘Perhaps I think Ross’s decisions would be better for the company. Have you ever considered that he may be in the right?’

Her mother-in-law just glared at her and walked out.

Valerie drank the coffee, fuming to herself,
That old harridan! How dare she interfere?
It made her even more determined to help Ross start his own business and when he came home that evening, she told him of his mother’s visit.

He was livid! ‘You see what I’m up against don’t you?’ He poured himself a drink. ‘Well that’s it! Tomorrow, I’ll make a determined effort to find office space!’

He caught sight of the painting. ‘When did that arrive?’

‘This morning. Max was just leaving and met Gloria on the doorstep. She didn’t like it, of course, and told me as much.’

He stood for a while studying it. ‘You’re right you know, the way he’s caught the evening light is really quite special. I’d say this was a good investment. It should be worth something in time.’

Valerie was appalled. ‘I’d never ever sell it!’ she proclaimed. ‘You bought it for me as a gift and I’ll keep it, thank you!’

‘All right darling, I was only making an observation.’

Later as they sat down to dinner, Valerie questioned him further about moving his office.

‘Will you take your clients with you?’ she asked.

‘I’ll give them the choice, of course, but I doubt I’ll lose any of them. They won’t want to start all over again with someone new. I really want to get into corporate litigation. Dad wouldn’t hear of it, but that’s where the money is to be made.’

‘You’ll need more staff won’t you?’

‘Yes, of course. Once I’ve procured my office space, I’ll advertise but …’ he hesitated.

‘What?’

‘I know one or two of the younger members in Dad’s office are chomping at the bit to move on and I do believe they might be interested in coming with me.’

Valerie grimaced. ‘That will put the cat among the pigeons!’

‘What on earth does that mean?’

Laughing she explained. ‘It’s a British saying meaning, that will cause a furore.’

‘It’s been on the cards for a while really, but Dad will be surprised. He only wants to see what he wants. The fact that I might leave, I don’t suppose has ever entered his head.’

‘Your mother will have a fit! I wonder what she’ll have to say?’

But Gloria Johnson, unable to get Valerie to intervene, had another plan. She was determined as always to get her own way and she put her plan to work the following morning after her visit to Valerie.

Ross was working on his papers for an approaching court case when his secretary rang his intercom.

‘What is it?’ asked Ross

‘Miss Laura Kennet to see you, sir.’

He frowned.
Whatever did Laura want?
‘Show her in,’ he said.

Laura, dressed immaculately, sauntered into the room, smiling and walking round the desk, kissed Ross on the mouth – to his surprise – then sat down.

‘Good morning, Laura. This is a surprise. What can I do for you?’

She gazed coyly at him. ‘So very formal darling!’

‘You’ve come to see me at my office, Laura, so I assume you want some advice?’

She crossed her legs, hoisting up her skirt just enough to be provocative. ‘In a way, I suppose I do. I want us to be friends again, Ross.’

He looked somewhat puzzled. ‘I don’t understand.’

Letting out a deep sigh she said, ‘I can’t believe you’ve forgotten already just how close we used to be. I miss you, darling.’

He became impatient. ‘For goodness’ sake, Laura, that was quite some time ago and you seem to have forgotten I’m now married!’

‘You don’t have to pretend to me, Ross. We all make mistakes. I can forgive yours!’

His eyes narrowed and he stared at her with disbelief. ‘You are wasting your time and mine. I have a wife I adore, believe me she is no mistake but the best thing that’s ever happened to me.’ He shook his head. ‘You don’t fool me for a minute. Mother put you up to this! She’ll do anything to get her own way. She may run my father’s life but she certainly doesn’t run mine. How pitiful!’ He pressed the intercom.

‘Will you please show Miss Kennet out, she’s leaving!’ He sat and glared at Laura as his secretary appeared at the door.

With as much dignity as she could muster, Laura rose to her feet and left the room.

Ross sat back in his chair, fuming, then he picked up the phone and dialled.