Glass Towers: Surrendered Read online

  “It’s a celebrity chef restaurant called Benny’s Cupboard.”

  “Hmm, kind of an odd name, but I am game. How is everything at home?”

  I can hear him sigh through the phone, as he pauses for a moment. ‘Harrison, what’s up?’

  “I wanted to wait until you got home to discuss this with you, but I got a strange phone call today from Bradley of all people.”

  “Bradley?!” I squeak into the phone.

  “Yes, he called me a few hours ago and asked if I would meet him later this week. He has something important to discuss with me.” He grunts, “I can only imagine what he wants to talk with me about.”

  “Well, about me no doubt. We are married and I just can’t see why he can’t take steps to move on. It’s like he is totally stunted. Are you going to meet him?”

  “At first, I told him to take a hike. But, when I got off the phone I thought it over, and I called him back. I am to meet with him on Thursday.”

  “Are you kidding me? That just sounds like trouble. Will you take any security with you?” I can’t believe I’m actually thinking he would cause Harrison harm.

  “Yes, I am meeting him at a café outside of town in the Northwest Hills. I will have one of my guys with me just in case he has something unsavory planned.”

  “This reminds me of one of those TV dramas. I really don’t like it one bit.”

  “Ah, don’t worry about me. Now, you should go get changed and have a nice time with your guests. I will be thinking of you tonight while I lie here in my big lonely bed.”

  I sniff, “What will you be thinking about?”

  He breathes into the phone, “What if feels like to be buried in you. Now, why don’t you text me when you are in for the evening so I know that you are safe.”

  Oh my! He really does know how to ruffle my feathers!

  “Ok, I’ll check in with you later. I love you!”

  “Mmm, I love you too.”

  Super! Now my naughty body is responding to what he just said. I inwardly scold myself. I set about unpacking my bags. In the large walk-in closet, there are plenty of hangers for my garments. I set out my jewelry and shoes on the built-in shelves and then stand back wondering if Adelaide had unpacked her belongings in here too. I should not be thinking this way. It is highly inappropriate on so many different levels. I’ve never really asked Harrison about her. I know it’s a sensitive subject for him. I have no idea how I would begin to broach it. I really should leave it alone.

  I hear voices coming my direction, so I peek my head out of the closet door to see Clarke and my mother entering the double doors into the master suite. I step out of the closet into the room. ‘Hi ladies.”

  “Oh honey, this is simply exquisite” My mother gushes as she looks around the impressive room.

  “I know, wait until you see the rest of it. The terrace view will blow your mind; although, it is quite chilly out there, so you may prefer to admire it from inside.” Clarke is admiring the closet and then tours the bathroom. I look at the clock and note that we should get going.

  “Ladies, let’s get freshened up and get a move on to dinner. Harrison made reservations for us at a new hot spot and I don’t want to be late, or we may lose our table. I don’t know about you, but I am starved!” Both my mother and Clarke nod in agreement.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Several hours later, we return from an amazing evening at a chic new restaurant that was a short cab ride away. We shared several small plates of food and downed a couple bottles of wine and one bottle of champagne. It was really fun to pull out the black credit card Harrison gave me and treat my mother and best friend to a far too expensive meal.

  “Honey, do you mind if I go on to bed? It’s been a long day, and I am pooped.” My mom sticks her tongue out as if to emphasize her exhaustion.

  “Of course, mom” I turn to Clarke, “In fact, I think I am heading off to bed too. What time is our appointment at the bridal salon?”

  “It’s at 10:00 AM but it’s in Chelsea, so we need to give ourselves time to get there.” She yawns, “Yeah, I could go for a good sleep, Garrin has been over every night for the last week.” She winks at me.

  “Ok, on that note, I’m hitting the sack. Goodnight girls.” Mom heads down the hall to her room.

  I look at Clarke just in time to catch her in another yawn. “Yeah I’m with your mom, night Danners.”

  I give her a hug and then head into the enormous master bedroom. I close the doors behind me and plop down on the fluffy bed. After I send my text to Harrison, I hear a soft knock on my door. I hop down off the bed and slowly open the door. It’s Clarke standing there with a small stack of magazines. “Whatcha got there?”

  She bounces into my room like Tigger and climbs onto my bed. “I have bridal magazines. You are a bride after all.” She pats the bed beside her and I curl up next to her. We begin to looking through the pages, dog-earring the looks I like. “Are you and Harrison going to have kids?”

  “Whoa! Now that is random. What makes you ask that?”

  “You know me an inquiring mind wants to know! So, have you even discussed it?”

  Ah, I think I know where this is coming from.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, we have discussed having kids, among other things. I know you think it was hasty, getting married so soon, which is ironic coming from you. But, Harrison didn’t want to have a long engagement.”

  “But Danners, doesn’t that raise a red flag? What’s the rush?”

  “There’s no rush, that wasn’t the point. He felt that since he lost Adelaide before they had started their life together, he didn’t want to risk waiting for us to start ours. Besides, he is not a young man who is just starting out in life. He knows what he wants and you know where I am coming from also.”

  “I guess that I get it, I just wanted to make sure that you knew what you were getting into. So are you?

  “Am I what?”

  “Ugh, Dani! Are you going to have kids?’

  “Geeze you don’t give up! Yes, yes, yes, we plan to have kids!”

  “Good, your parents will be naturals at being grandparents. Now, let’s find your dress!” She tosses me a magazine and we resume our search for the perfect dress.

  The next morning, armed with our magazine pictures, we head into the bridal gallery Maxwell’s. Simone took charge of the appointment and assisted the consultant in the selection of the dresses for me to try. I tried six off the rack dresses and none worked on my figure. I was getting really frustrated. Then Simone picked a dress that was unlike anything I had expressed an interest in trying on. At first, I refused to try it on, but she practically twisted my arm. Once I got the dress on, it was that teary ‘aha, this is the dress.’ moment. My mom was in tears, and Simone patted herself on her back. In order for the alterations to be ready in time, they whisked me away to the alterations department. They assured me that the dress, with its alterations, would be sent to Harrison’s home in Montreal in plenty of time for the wedding. There will not be enough time for me to try the dress on for a final fitting, so I will hope all is well with the adjustments.

  We decide on lunch in the Chelsea neighborhood before we head back to the penthouse to relax before our evening. After we place our orders, we settle in with glasses of wine and engage in light chatter. “Mom, what would you like to wear for the wedding? I have some ideas, and goodness knows Clarke has her opinion, but I’d like for you to speak up.”

  “Oh, baby girl, I don’t really know. What did you have in mind? I look at Clarke, she starts to speak, but I cut her off. Since we are getting married on New Years, I thought maybe I would have gold and silver as my colors. I wonder if we should find a gold dress or silk suit? I turn to Clarke to see her reaction.

  “I like it. I thought you said you wanted to go with black and white, though. When did you change your mind?”

  “I don’t know. It just came to mind. I like the idea of making it opulent, but simple at the same time. I t
hink black and white may be too over-done anyway. I know that Harrison wants the reception to be black tie.”

  My mom nods, “Yes, that makes sense, I love your dad in a tuxedo. The last time I think he wore a tux was your last wedding.”

  “Oh geeze, mom. When you put it that way, I sound like a serial bride.” We all laugh.

  “Speaking of previous marriages, Bradley contacted Harrison and asked to speak with him.”

  Clarke snorts, “Well he refused him right? What the hell is the matter with him?”

  “What do you suppose he wants to speak to Harry about?”

  “Mom, please don’t call him Harry. That nut job Alicia took to calling him that. Can you imagine? Anyway, Harrison doesn’t know, but we can all assume he wishes to discuss me in some way.”

  “You didn’t answer me; is Harrison meeting him?”

  “Yes, he told him no at first, but changed his mind and is meeting him Thursday. I am nervous, but he says not to worry.”

  “I think he should call him back and tell him not in a snowball’s chance in hell would he meet him.” Simone pipes up. My mom and I look at her and she shrugs. “What? He doesn’t deserve your cordiality.”

  “That is true, but Harrison will handle it.”

  We continue to chatter on about wedding preparations during our lunch of spinach salads and tomato bisque. After a leisurely lunch, we head back to the penthouse to relax for a while before we go for late massages at the Four Seasons Hotel.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Upon arrival at the penthouse, Eleanor greets us and tells me I that have a delivery. I feel giddy and have a smile from ear to ear, suspecting my love has sent me something.

  I enter the bedroom and see a beautiful and fragrant, dozen red roses sitting on the sofa table with an envelope. I excitedly open the envelope and begin to read the enclosure. My throat constricts, as I drop the card and yell for my mom and Clarke.

  My mom reaches me first, followed by Clarke and Eleanor.

  “Honey what is it?”

  I point to the flowers, “Those flowers are not from Harrison, Eleanor please throw them away!” I am shaking as my mother puts her arm around me and walks me to the sofa.

  Clarke leans down and picks up the card. She reads aloud:

  You may think that you have won, but I have only gotten started.

  Eleanor rushes out of the room with the offending flowers, as I sit on the sofa with my mom. I’m not sure if I should cry or scream. I knew her silence was not to be taken lightly.

  With the card in her hand , Clarke comes around and sits in the armchair near the sofa. “Dani, who sent this? Is this from the Wine Witch?’

  I nod my head. “You mean bitch, and yes, it has to be from her.” My mom flinched when I said “bitch” but I don’t care. That’s what that woman is.

  “Honey, I am confused. I thought she had signed an agreement of some sort that restricts her from contacting you?”

  “I thought so too, mom, but apparently she doesn’t care. I mean I honestly didn’t think that a piece of paper was going to keep her from coming after me. She is desperate and obsessed”

  “So, what now? What are you going to do?” Clarke is pacing in front of the fireplace.

  ‘Well, I guess I will call Harrison and let him handle it. There is not much else I can do.”

  My mom gets up from the sofa. “We will give you some privacy. I think I would like some rest before we head out for our massages, that is, if you are still up for it?”

  “Yes, of course. I am not going to let this ruin our time here. If I do, it’s as if she is getting a small victory, and I’ll be damned if I am going to let her win anything!”

  I shut the door behind them and dig my phone out of my purse.

  “Well hello, Mrs. Towers.”

  “Hi.”

  “How’s my beautiful wife?”

  “Well, I was doing great. I found the dress of my dreams, and then when I got home, I had a note from Marion.”

  “What?! You had a note from Marion? Where…how?”

  “When we got back to the penthouse Eleanor had put a flower delivery in my room. The card attached said that I may think I have won but that she has only gotten started. Harrison, how does she know I am here? Do you think we were followed?”

  He sighs. “Danielle, I have no idea. Have you been keeping Albert and Lance close by?”

  “Yes Harrison, the poor man and his cohort had to endure nearly four hours at the bridal gallery today. Then, another hour and half at lunch. We just got home and were going to take a little rest before we head out for late massages at the Four Seasons.”

  “Hmm. Maybe you should skip the massages and have dinner in tonight, just to be on the safe side.”

  “Harrison that is not fair to my mom and Simone. Besides, it’s not like I am going running on a deserted path in Central Park.”

  I can feel him scowling over the phone. “I don’t find your sarcasm amusing, Danielle. This is serious. I had really hoped that we were not going to hear from her. When her father learned of her behavior, he laid into her. He actually sent my father and myself a formal apology on behalf of the whole Devereaux Operations. I need to contact my father. Did you save the card, and do you think it was her handwriting or the flower shop’s?”

  I sniff, “How should I know whose writing it is? I do still have the card though.”

  “Good. I want you to have Eleanor show you to my office, and I would like you to make a copy of it and fax it to me. I will have to forward that to the detective, and I think I may just have to send this to old Mister Devereaux himself. See if you can find out who delivered the flowers and from what florist.”

  “Ok. Harrison?”

  “Yes cheri?”

  “Do you think we should be worried?”

  “Oui Danielle, I think we should be concerned. If the threat of a lawsuit and possible jail time isn’t stopping her, then I am afraid this could get worse before it gets better. I wish I could tell you different. I really do.”

  “Ok, I thought so.”

  “I’m going to make my calls and I would like you to take care of those other things, if you could before you leave. Please remember to text me when you are coming and going, so I know you are okay. “

  “What, don’t you have Albert checking in with you?”

  “Well, yes of course I do, but I like hearing it from you better. I love you, Danielle. Bye.”

  “Bye…love you too.”

  I look around the room and notice that Clarke has taken the card with her. Out in the hallway, I can hear voices coming from the kitchen. I enter the room to find my mom, Clarke and Eleanor sitting around the island. The hush in the room when I entered was unbearable. “Really ladies, it’s not like I can’t figure out that you are talking about me. Could you be a little less obvious?”

  “Oh, honey, it was all good. We were telling Eleanor about your dress and the plans for the wedding.”

  I spot the card sitting on the counter by Clarke’s elbow. “Aha! That’s just what I was looking for. Eleanor, Harrison told me to ask you to let me in to his office, so I can send this to him by fax.”

  She nods, “Certainly, Mrs. Towers. Follow me.”

  I walk with her down the long corridor to a door at the end. She opens the door and it seems a little stuffy. I imagine it’s because it has not been utilized in quite some time.

  “The machine is over there, but don’t ask me how to use it. I only know how to run vacuum cleaners and ovens.” She chuckles.

  I had to giggle. “That’s okay, sometimes technology gets the better of me too.”

  “I will leave you to it. Let me know if you need anything else. Just lock the door behind you when you are finished.”

  “Okay, thank you. Oh, hold on Eleanor. Do you know who delivered the flowers today or who the florist is? Harrison asked me to find out.”

  She shakes her head, “I don’t know that, but I think that Mr. O’Shaughnessy, the doorman, migh
t know. I will give him a buzz and let you know.” Before she leaves, “You know, the florist might have their logo or something on the envelope. Let me check that too.”

  “Thank you, Eleanor.”

  I walk over to the fax machine and realize that I need to make a copy of the card first, as it won’t go through the fax machine otherwise. I look around and spot a small copier in the corner. It is not powered up, so I hit the power button and stand waiting for the machine to come to life. While I wait, I wander around the room, looking at pictures and plaques on the walls. The accomplishments and awards that Harrison has achieved makes my heart warm and fuzzy. I hear a beep, beep, beep come from the machine, which I assume means it is ready for action.

  Just as I am about to head over to the copier, a photo album catches my eye. It is odd that I even noticed it, as it is on a dark bookshelf at the very far end. It is a dark, mahogany colored leather bound book. I pull it out and begin looking through. It begins as what I assume is Harrison graduating from college. He has his cap and gown on, and looks really young. He was attractive then, of course, but he has really grown into his looks. So much so that I find the man he is today blows this young man out of the water.

  I turn several pages and my eyes fix on a face that I know. It is a picture of Harrison and Marion. They are surrounded by many people and the sign above their heads says ‘congratulations!’ She too is wearing a gown of the same color and is holding up her left hand to show that there is a ring on it. I quickly turn to the next page, and sure enough, there are several more pictures from the same setting. The next several pictures tell a story of two lovers who just graduated and got engaged. The two lovers are Marion and Harrison. What the hell? He has never told me that they were engaged to be married. Well, aside from the recent fake engagement. Surely, the one in the pictures was real. If I do the math correctly, this would have been around twenty years ago. I wonder if Marion has been harboring resentment all of these years? My stomach is turning more to acid, as I continue to see more pictures of Marion and Harrison and their life together some twenty years ago. I notice something else, as I am about a third of the way to the end of the book. A lovely young woman with blonde hair has started appearing in the pictures, and there seems to be less of Marion. I take a piece of paper from the desk to mark my page and then I turn back several pages to one of the graduation-slash-engagement party pictures. Yes, there she is. The blonde girl was at the party wearing a gown too. It appears that she went to college with them.