Divided (The United Trilogy Book 2) (17 page)

“Sure did. They are in the bag.”

“Perfect! You guys go change while I clean up and pack us a picnic lunch, and then we can take off.”

We all eat, clean up and get ready to go. We spend the entire day out in nature, and it is such a beautiful sunny day with a light breeze. The water is still too cold to swim in, but it is perfect to stay in the canoe and feed the ducks. I can’t remember the last time I have had this much fun, and have felt this relaxed. Probably the last time was when I was with Dex and Grace in the O.C.

We are so exhausted from being out all day that we ate some leftovers and spent the night laying around the fire and watching movies.  Dex and Grace go to bed in the guest room while I go upstairs.

Chapter Thirteen

The next day, we lounge around the house and try to find something to cook that will be edible. I feel bad about sending Wes and Molly off so that I can be alone when technically I haven’t been alone. So I send them both a message saying that I am sorry and that they are welcome to come back if they want. I also let them know that we have a few house guests. They both come home after work that night. Molly seems a little annoyed until she meets Dex, and then she just gives me that you-are-forgiven look.

Wes, however, is a lot less impressed.

“Are you sure you don’t want us to move into staff housing? That way, you can have YOUR house back to yourself so you can be moody and sulk and have house guests whenever you want?”

I excuse us and take Wes to my room, dragging him by the arm.

“Look Wes, I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to hurt your feelings. I just really had a lot going on and needed some time to myself. I didn’t know Dex was going to come. Masters asked him to come and check on me because he was worried about me so he just showed up.”

Wes raises his eyebrows at the mention of Masters being worried.

“Are you alright? Masters doesn’t seem like the type to over react,” he asks now.

“Honestly, I wasn’t at the time. I do feel better now, but there is a lot going on, a lot that I can’t talk about, although I will say you would have made my life so much easier if you would have taken the job slotted for you.” I am not sure if Wes was supposed to be a Council member. I'm just testing the waters but judging by his reaction, I am dead on.

“But how did you…who told you…when did you…” He is pretty flustered and I feel bad for bringing it up.

“Nobody told me, I just guessed. You are the only one who got to pick your position and the Council really would fit you well. I just put two and two together.”

“I’m sorry, Roz. I didn’t realize that turning it down would make things harder for you. Should I try and get it back?”

“Really, Wes, don’t worry about it. I don’t want you to take the job for any reason other than you want to. It won't matter now anyway because you will still have to train before they will let you take your vows. I’m just teasing you.” He doesn’t look too convinced.

“Seriously, don’t worry about me, okay? The job just happens to be a lot harder than it looks, much more stressful than I had thought, but everything will be fine.” I am hoping it will anyway, but no need to freak Wes out. We decided to head back down stairs just as the door opens and Miriam walks in.

“Miriam, bless you!” Wes says as he walks past her and into the living room.

“Miriam, what are you doing here?” She isn’t supposed to come back for a few more days.

“Wesley let me know that everyone was coming home tonight and that you have guests. He said and I quote 'a child’s nutrient value hinges on whether I can come back and properly feed her.' I am happy to come back anyway and I am glad that he called.” Freaking Wesley. He just doesn’t want to eat my cooking. And here I thought I was getting better.

“Well thank you, Miriam. I’m sorry to spring it on you,” I apologize to her.

“Nonsense, it’s my job. I’m just going to pop in the kitchen and whip something up.”

Her version of “whip something up” is braised chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans with almonds, fresh rolls and a huge salad. Bless Wesley Sanders and his big mouth.

The next morning, Dex comes into my room and kisses my forehead. I’m so not a morning person, but I can get used to that kind of wake-up.

“Is everything alright? Is Grace okay?” I mumble still half asleep.

“Everything’s fine, she’s still sleeping. Molly and Wes just left, and I want to double check if you are planning on taking all day off today still.”

“Yep, I’m not going back until tomorrow.”

“Perfect. Would you mind spending the day with Grace? A few things have come up that I need to see to. I can take her with me and see if I can find someone to watch her if you have plans already,” he offers.

“Oh that’s silly talk. I love spending time with Grace; she is my only plan today. Go and do whatever you need to. Is everything okay though?”

“Yea, it’s all fine. Hopefully, I will be back around lunch. If not, I should be home before dinner.”

I get a goofy smile on my face.

“What?” he asks, looking confused.

“Oh nothing, you just said home. I liked how it sounded.”

Great, I sound like a silly girl now. I instantly start blushing and I try to hide my head in my pillow.

“Oddly enough, I do too. I’ve had such a great time with you in the last few days. I thought it would hurt much more being back, but I’ve enjoyed it very much.” He plants a kiss on my forehead and says that he will see me later.

I get up and start to make some breakfast for Grace. We have a fun day of baking, playing dress up and going on a nature walk. I show her how to make pet rocks and we even make a few dolls out of some scrap material. I haven’t realized how late it is until Molly and Wes walked through the door, but still no Dex.
I hope everything is alright.

Around eight thirty, he comes walking in, looking exhausted and sheepish.

“Well you missed dinner,” I say with more attitude than I intend. I was worried, and now that I know he’s alright I should be more understanding.

“I’m so sorry, Roz. I know I said I would be back earlier, but I wasn’t expecting it to take this long. I’m so sorry. Was Grace alright?”

“She’s fine, and she’s already in bed. Come on in and I’ll reheat you some dinner. Miriam even made apple pie.”

He grabs me and pulls me into a hug. “You are too good to me, you know that?”

“Yeah, I know, but If I don’t put up with you, who would?”

He laughs and gives me a soft kiss. “No one, you and Grace, that’s all I’ve got Roz.”

I was just kidding but his admission breaks my heart. I grab him and give him another kiss, just as Wes walks by, mumbling about if he had known I was going to be playing house he might have stayed in the staff housing.

“Don’t mind him. He’s just jealous because Andi had lunch with someone else today. Couples are setting him off.”

“Is he okay?”

“Of course he won’t even admit it upset him. I don’t think it was a date or anything, but I could tell he was annoyed. I’m not sure if it was that she was with someone else, or the fact that he cared in the first place that annoyed him the most,” I tell Dex in a low tone.

“I’m off to bed you, guys. Have a good night.” Wes said, wiggling his eyebrows.

I warm up some dinner for Dex and tell him all about our day. He laughs at how much trouble Grace and I can get into after I tell him about her getting more cookie dough on her than on the pan. It is getting late by the time we are done and he looks exhausted so I say goodnight to him and go upstairs.

Chapter Fourteen

The next morning, everyone is gone by the time I come down stairs. I hadn't realized how late it was until I look at the clock and see that it's past ten. I see a note from Dex saying that he has taken Grace and that they will see me later.

I take a quick shower and put on one of my power suits. I use a little extra time on my hair and make sure that I am put together. After being MIA for the last few days, I don’t want people to think that I have fallen off the crazy train. I walk to work and stop in to see Masters before I make my way up to the Council. Natasha just happens to be in there, going over something and she lights up when she sees me.

“Roz, I’m so happy to see you! I have been worried sick. Is everything okay?” I can see Masters shaking his head slightly behind her as if to tell me he hasn’t told her anything.

“Yes, everything is fine. It’s been a very hard week and I’m having a few issues with the Council, that’s all. It’s nothing to worry about,” I convince her.

“Are you sure?” she looks between me and Masters.

“Yes, I’m sure. Really! I just came to thank Masters for all his help the last few days.”

He nods. “I hope I wasn’t over stepping.” He is referring to Dex, but I can tell that he doesn’t want to go into details because Tash is here. I appreciate that about him.

“Not at all, you have done everything perfectly! I don’t know what I’d do without you, but I can’t stay because I have a ton to do. Tash, we need to catch up soon, maybe do lunch in a few days once I’m not so buried down with work?” I turn to her.

“Sounds great to me; just let me know.” She agrees and I leave after giving her a hug.

I head straight for Judy’s office as soon as I reach my floor.

“Good morning, Miss Roz. I hope you are feeling better.”

“Much better, Judy, thank you so much for holding down the fort. You have been a life saver indeed.” I hug her.

She beams at my praise. “I have all your calls and messages on hold. Would you like me to send them through now?”

“Yes, please do. I’ll be in my office, trying to catch up, but no privacy is needed.”

I spend the next few hours going through all the department updates and everything I have missed. It is so overwhelming how much I have to catch up with. It's already after one when I get a call from Peter, asking me to meet with the Council. This is odd. I wonder why they want to meet with me again so soon. I wonder if they are upset that I enforced the lift of the ban so quickly after the vote. I can’t imagine why they would wait for several days to confront me on it, but maybe they know that I need to cool down.

I make my way to the Council room and I am surprised to see that Aspen isn’t at her desk.

I scan myself in and I notice that everyone is looking a little off. I can’t put my finger on what it is, but everyone seems a bit flustered. Annabelle offers me a smile and Amira gives me a half smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. I look at Samuel to gage his reaction, but he looks just as happy as ever.

“Good Afternoon, Roz. I hope you are feeling better today?” Peter asks. I notice that he doesn’t look well at all. It looks as though he has aged overnight and hasn’t slept since I last saw him.

“I am; thank you. I hope you are all well.” Everyone just smiles tightly back.

“The reason why we called you back in today is because after much debate and thinking, we have re-voted and come to a different conclusion.” This perks me right up until I thought that he may be talking about lifting the ban.

“You mean you aren’t lifting the ban?” I ask, worried.

“No, the ban will still be lifted; however, it is a known fact that I have been ready to retire for some time now. We have had a hard time finding and keeping a replacement long enough for them to vow in so that I can retire. I had a few of the Council members approach me with the question of my vote. Would it have been different if I wasn’t so tired and ready to retire? If I was young again and had more in me, I’m pretty sure I would be on board with your plan. But it’s going to cause a huge uprooting of all we've ever known and with it, problems will arise that frankly I’m too old to deal with. However, when age starts becoming an issue on voting, it is past time for another Council member to take my place. So as my last contribution to this Council, I am changing my vote to a yes.”

I can’t believe what I am hearing. He is passing the vote. That means I can start changing United America to make it united again! But who is going to take his place? There can’t only be nine members, can there? And who talked him into retiring? I look over at Samuel and see him watching me with a smug grin on his face. I should have known.

“Once you step down, will there only be nine or do you have someone in training?”

“Unfortunately, finding Council members is very difficult and when we do, the training process is long, so no, we don’t have someone in training coming up. We do, however, have a new replacement.” He uses the intercom to call who I’m assuming is his assistant.

“Please send Mr. Vaughn in right away.”

Vaughn? Why on earth will they be bringing him back? If he was such a bad President, why would they possibly be bring him on Council? Being a Council member must be so much more demanding than even President is. Good lord, if they are doing this all to pass my Act, it is crazy. I open my mouth to say so when Mr. Vaughn walks in, but not Conner Vaughn. This man looks somewhat familiar but I have never seen him before. He has short, close cut black hair, and he is wearing a nice suit. I am completely confused until he turns to face me and locks his deep brown eyes to mine. Dex.

“Roz, this is Dexter Vaughn.”

“Dexter VAUGHN, as in the President’s son!?”

Peter has mistaken me for being upset probably thinking that I think being the President’s son is negative because it makes him like his father and not because Dexter Vaughn is a lying rat. He couldn’t have told me last night? He should have at least given me a heads’ up!

“I assure you that he has been thoroughly trained and is ready for this step. He is nothing like is father and he will be a great addition to this team. It has taken a lot of convincing but we are very happy to have him back. He has also been living in the O.C. for the last few years so he will be a great asset for your new adventure,” Peter informs me.

“I bet.” I can feel Dex’s eyes burning a hole through me, but I refuse to look at him. How can he set me up like this and not tell me that he was going to accept the Council’s offer? I have to get out of here. 

“Thank you so much Peter for letting me know and for passing the Act. I am looking forward to bringing Unity to our country again. Also, thank you for doing what is best for the country. I’d like to see you again, but I really must go. Forgive me for being rude.”

I quickly stand up and run out of the room. I don’t take time to look back and I curse my short legs when Dex catches up with me quickly that I haven’t even made it to the corner when he grabs my arm. “Roz, wait, let me explain.”

“Explain? What is there to explain, Dexter Vaughn? That you are a liar?” He looks like I slapped him in the face. I wish I had.

“Roz, I never lied to you. Everything I ever told you was the truth. I might have left off my last name or who my father was, but I never once lied to you.”

“Why wouldn’t you tell me, Dex?”

"I have no good memories of him, Roz. Everything he has ever done has been out of selfishness and pride. He killed my mother and he abandoned Grace. You wanted to know how I got these scars, Roz? Well, I will tell you.  He pushed my mother until she couldn’t take it anymore. She couldn’t take the neglect, the impossible expectations, the accusations. He actually accused her of having an affair with Samuel and said he wouldn’t claim Grace as his own since I was such a big baby and looked exactly like him, but Grace was blonde and so tiny and frail. He actually said that he wished Grace and my mother would have died in birth. So she killed herself, Roz. She was obedient, even in death. She gave something to Grace to make her fall asleep and then she lit the house on fire. I jumped through a window to save Grace, and that’s how I got the scar on my face. The ones on my back were from when I went back in to get my mother, but I was too late. She was already gone. I don’t talk about it, but I never meant to lie to you.”

I am openly crying now, for everything he has been through, for poor wonderful Grace whose father and mother never wanted her and tried to kill her, and for Dex who has fought for her. But who's ever fought for him? I hug him now as tight as I can. I know it is impossible, but I have to try to absorb some of his pain.

“I’m sorry, Dex. I didn’t mean to get so angry; I just felt so deceived when you didn’t tell me and I had to find out this way. You cut your hair, and you are wearing a suit, I didn’t even recognize you. Why didn’t you tell me?” He gives me a shy smile.

“I wasn’t expecting Peter to announce it today, I swear. After spending a few days with you and seeing how happy Grace was and how well she fit in, I knew I could solve both of your problems by accepting the job. If I accepted, I knew Peter would agree to the vote, and you would get your chance to change the country, and Grace would be here with two people who love her.”

“But why didn’t you try finding Ed first? Surely, Samuel would have told you?”

Sadness washes over his face again. “I asked about him, but he’s not doing well, Roz. They gave him only a few weeks to live and that was a month ago. Samuel said he’s in the last stage of cancer and he couldn’t put him through this, not now. That’s probably what Amira was going to do, but she’s right, Samuel would have stepped down over it. This was the only way.”

“And you did it for me?” I can’t believe it. After all his talk about never coming back to the Ministry and leaving his ghosts behind, he did it all anyway.

“I did it for us. I did it for you, Grace and I,” he answers with a warm smile.

“Where is Grace?”

“Aspen took her for me. I think they are down by the pond by now or getting ice cream or something for a while until I can break away and find her a nanny and get her signed up for school.”

“You know Aspen?” He had lived here before and they are around the same age. I guess with him training for the Council and her training to work with the Council, they may have met, but there is something he isn’t telling me. I can tell by his face that there is more to it.

“Yes, I know her. We sort of…dated for a while.”

Ding, ding, ding! That would be it! He’s got to be kidding me. Supermodel gorgeous, funny, amazing Aspen? THAT Aspen? Of course they dated.  I must have groaned out loud. 

“You have nothing to worry about, Roz. We broke up a while ago,” he assures me.

After all, he has just told me about his mom. I know I am being ridiculous but honestly, I’m sick of always feeling like the last to know everything. And I may be the President and getting ready to completely change America, but I’m still a sixteen-year-old girl who has just found out that her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend just so happens to be perfect in every way. Maybe they only dated for a few weeks when they were younger; I guess that wouldn’t be too bad. I need to stop jumping to conclusions.

“How long were you together? When did you break up?” He starts looking uncomfortable and nervous again. This can’t be good.

“We dated a little over three years, and um…well, we obviously broke up when I left.”

“WHAT? Three years? Three years, Dex? And you broke up when you left or you just left and assumed she knew that you are over?” His non-response pretty much gives me his answer.

“And now she is happily doing you a favor, and you don’t think she just assumes that now that you’re back, you are back together as well? Does anyone even know we are together? Are we even together?” Nothing. Silence.

After several minutes he finally sighs and says, "Roz you know how much you mean to me, obviously it's a lot after what I just did to be here with you. Nothing has changed as far as me not being good enough for you though."

What? Is he insane? He does all this so we can be together but doesn't want to be together? I can't deal with his brand of crazy right now!

“I have to get out of here. I can’t do this right now,” I tell him.

And just like that, I have gotten everything I have been working so hard for in my career in less than an hour. In that same hour, I also just had my personal life take a major hit. I realize now why Wesley is so smart to put relationships on the back burner. We are so young and there is plenty of time for romance when I’m older. It’s time to leave the drama behind and prioritize now that I have a country to re-build.