Anything But Mine (35 page)

Drew’s hazel eyes grew wide. “Yes, that’s exactly what happened. How did you know?”

“Things aren’t always what they seem to be.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll show you. Come with me,” Jen said, as she stood up and ushered Drew towards the dining room.

“What’s all this?” Drew asked, surprised to see a portion of the dining room table covered with documents, photos, a checkbook and an open computer. As Jen took him through the timeline she had pieced together based on Vince’s journal entries, e-
mails
, the checks he had written, and the reports and photos from the private investigators, Drew’s hands began to shake and all color drained from his face. He pulled out a chair, sat down, and buried his head in his hands. “So Vince was your stalker? He orchestrated the attack on you?”

“Yes,” Jen replied, simply.

“And everything between Collette and me, these past couple of years, was a lie?”

“Yes.”

Turning towards Jennifer, Drew asked, “And Vince did all of this to keep us apart?”

Jen sank down into the chair next to Drew. “Yes, Drew, he apparently did. Vince clearly had to have me at all costs, and he wasn’t going to let you, or my fantasizing about the idea of you, stand in his way. He hired a thug to attack me so I’d move in with him, and then he hired Collette to seduce you so we would both give up on the dream of being together,” Jen said, softly, as she reached out and tentatively placed an arm around Drew’s shoulders. “He even bought enough shares of SNN in order to take over the board of directors, just so he could keep the network from hiring you. He was a very sick man.”

Drew put his head down, sitting silently as he digested the information. When he finally looked up, he shook his head and said, “So much wasted time, Jen. So much wasted time. And it’s all my fault. I never should have pushed you away. Even though Vince played a part in keeping us apart, I still blame myself. I should have fought for you, and never let you go in the first place.”

Jen sat silently, not knowing what to say, as Drew stood up and again looked through the all the evidence spread out on the dining room table. She watched as he flipped through the checkbook and the folders containing the surveillance photos of him and Jen. “Unbelievable. So much wasted time,” he repeated over and over.

Drew returned to where Jen had remained seated. “This may not be the right time, but I don’t want to ever lose you again,” he said, as he dropped to one knee and took her hands in his. “Jen, I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT

“W
hat?” Jen’s head spun, not sure she heard Drew correctly. “I’m sorry, Drew, can you repeat that?”

Still on one knee, he repeated, “Will you marry me?”

Jen took a deep breath, before answering, “No.”

Drew recoiled as if he had been slapped across the face. “What?”

Jen abruptly stood up and walked toward the other end of the room. “Drew, I just buried my husband yesterday. Your timing is, umm,” Jen hesitated, searching for the right words.

“My timing stinks, I know,” Drew replied, with a lopsided grin, as he picked himself up from the floor and walked across the room to where Jen stood. “But I love you and can’t take the chance of losing you again.”

“I get it, but…,” Jen’s voice trailed off. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “Growing up, I was Peter and Grace’s daughter. Then I went away to college and was Taylor’s girlfriend. I came home to focus on my career and became Chris’s girlfriend, your best friend, and then Vince’s wife. I need time to just be me, and to take back control of my life.”

“Okay,” Drew said, tentatively taking Jen into his arms. “I understand.”

Jen began to shake. “No! You don’t understand,” she cried. “You don’t understand at all. I loved him. I loved Vince. I loved my husband,” she wailed, uncontrollably.

“Shhh,” Drew said, as he smoothed her hair and kissed her on top of her head. “I know you did. I know you loved him. You’ll find yourself again. It’s just going to take time.”

Jen sniffled and nodded, trying to compose herself. “I need time,” she repeated.

“Of course you do. Take all the time you need. But promise me one thing,” he said, taking a deep breath, and exhaling, “when you are ready to move on, you will move on with me.”

Jen focused on Drew’s large hazel eyes, so full of hope and love, and in that moment knew she had found her future. “I promise you, Drew, that when I’m ready to move on, you will be the only one I move on with. It may take me a few months, though, maybe more, before I’m ready to be with someone new, even if that someone is you. Can you wait for me?”

“Do what you have to do, Jen. I’ll wait for you, for as long as it takes. Like I’ve always said, patience is a virtue.”

That afternoon, once Drew left and she was alone in the apartment, Jen changed into a track suit and running shoes, before asking Lou, Vince’s driver, to take her to Green-
Wood
Cemetery.

When Lou brought the limousine to a stop outside the Moscolo mausoleum, Jen hopped out and said, “Wait here, Lou. I’m going for a run.”

“But Mrs. Moscolo, you don’t have a bodyguard with you.”

“I don’t need one.”
Not anymore.

Jen pounded the pavement, running up and down the hills as she made her way around the cemetery. As she ran, her grief and guilt turned back into anger towards Vince. She circled back towards the mausoleum and, bounding up the steps, began screaming, “You bastard! Why did you do this to me? Goddamn it Vince, you sick, sick bastard.” She became hysterical, gulping for air and pounding her fists into the mausoleum door. “Why did you do it? Why? Why?”

At the sound of Jen’s screams, Lou leaped out of the limousine, and ran towards her as she collapsed in a heap on the mausoleum’s granite steps. Picking her up off the ground, he said, “Mrs. Moscolo, are you okay? Don’t make a scene. There are people across the way looking at you.”

Jen struggled out of his grasp. “Leave me alone,” she cried, gripping the ornamental metal gate that covered the mausoleum door. “Goddamn it,” she shrieked as she again banged her fists on the mausoleum door. “I loved you. How could you do this to me? Why? Why?”

Emotionally spent, Jen retreated to the master suite once she returned to the Fifth Avenue apartment, politely declining Mary’s offer of dinner.
I haven’t slept in days,
she thought, as she tossed and turned in the bed she had once shared with her husband, thinking about what her father had said to her earlier in the day.
Dad is right. I have the capacity to do a tremendous amount of good with the money in Vince’s estate. I don’t need 24 billion dollars. Even the eight billion is more money than I could ever possibly need or spend,
she thought.
I could even give more than half of the eight billion away, and still have billions left over,
she thought, as she finally drifted off to sleep, at peace with her decision.

The next day, following the board of directors meeting at Penn Worldwide, Jen asked to speak privately with Seth in Vince’s office. Once they were seated at the small conference table, Jen smoothed the fabric of her black Chanel suit, before quietly speaking. “Thank you, Seth, for getting me through today. I couldn’t have done it without you by my side.”

“I’m here for you, Jen. Whatever you need.”

Jen nodded her head. “I appreciate that, because I’m going to need your help. I’ve decided that I’m not going to let Vince control me anymore. I want to set up a charitable foundation with the two-
thirds
of Vince’s estate that I would forfeit if I married again.”

Seth was unable to hide his shock. “You’re giving up sixteen billion dollars for no reason? Don’t you want to think about this some more?”

“No, I don’t. I don’t want Vince to continue to have control over me anymore. It doesn’t matter to me whether I decide to re-
marry
, or not. I need to be my own person again, and I don’t want Vince or his money to influence or control my decisions going forward.”

Seth stared in near-
disbelief
at his best friend’s young widow. “If that’s what you want, then I’ll do it. You’re a better person than most, Jen. I can’t think of anyone who would give up that kind of money.” He extracted a pen and legal pad from his briefcase, and said, “Let’s start now.”

Together, they hashed out a plan for the Penn Worldwide Foundation, with a mission to eradicate global hunger and childhood diseases. “I’ll get the paperwork started as soon as I get back to the office,” Seth said.

“When can I make the first phone call about a donation?”

“From the foundation? As soon as the paperwork is filed and approved.”

“How long will that take?”

“Maybe a month or so. But, you know, there is nothing preventing you from making charitable donations in your own name if you want to.”

“Yes, that’s true,” she said, walking Seth to the door. “I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Thank you.”

“My pleasure. I’ll keep you posted on the status of the paperwork,” Seth said as he was leaving.

Jen closed the office door, and sat down on the plush leather chair at Vince’s desk. She turned on the computer and searched for a phone number, before lifting the receiver and dialing the telephone.

On the other end of the line, a woman’s voice answered, “Peconic Land Trust, how may I direct your call?”

“I’d like to speak with someone about making a major gift to preserve farm land in the Hamptons,” Jen replied.

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

N
early five months later, Jen boarded the plane that would take her back to New York for the first time since the beginning of January. As she sank into her seat, she was grateful that, while she had given much of Vince’s fortune away, she decided to keep his private jet, rationalizing that it could quickly get her out of some dicey situations in the remote parts of the world that she visited. Her work as a goodwill ambassador for the Penn Worldwide Foundation had taken her away from all that was familiar to her, giving her the chance to devote herself to eradicating disease, hunger and poverty, and also giving her time to deal with her anger, hurt and guilt in the aftermath of her marriage to Vince.

While she was away, Jen kept in contact with Seth, who she had asked to manage the foundation they had set up. She also spoke regularly with Catherine and her husband, Luke, who gave her the inside scoop on the day-
to
-
day
business of Penn Worldwide. Allison and Carly kept her up to date on Knit Hampton by e-
mail
, while Lucy, Pablo and Mary took care of the homes in Southampton and New York City.

She kept in touch with her family as well, and when her mother called to break the news that Mrs. Prince, the widow of a local farmer, had died, and that the Prince children were planning on selling their family farm, Jen knew she had to take action, and instructed Seth to purchase the property in the foundation’s name. “It’s in keeping with the mission of the foundation, because the farm can be used as an internship opportunity for agricultural students, and all the crops can be donated to local food banks,” she rationalized. “And it will keep the Prince family farm out of Jim Flanagan’s hands.”

The only person who she purposely minimized contact with during her five month self-
imposed
exile from New York was Drew, explaining to him that she needed to put some distance between them for a while so she could clear her head, and so they could have a fresh start when she returned.
I can’t wait to see him on Friday,
she thought, as she nodded off to sleep.

Waking up from her nap, Jen glanced at her watch and realized that she had slept for most of the flight. Looking out the window of the jet as it made the final descent towards the runway at JFK airport, her thoughts once again turned to Drew.
Nothing is standing in our way now,
she thought.
Finally, we can be together.

After clearing customs, Jen found Pablo waiting for her, and greeted him with a warm hug. “It’s good to be back,” she said, handing him her bags.

“It’s good to have you back, Mrs. Moscolo,” he replied, as they walked towards the waiting limousine. “Lucy will have dinner ready for you when you get to the house.”

“Thanks, Pablo.” As Jen entered the back seat, she was surprised to find a bouquet of roses. She tore open the card, and read the note from Drew, saying that he couldn’t wait to see her over the weekend. Digging her cell phone out of her tote bag, she dialed his number, her heart beating quickly with anticipation until he picked up the phone.

“Welcome home,” Drew said, as he answered the phone. “When did you land?”

Jen closed her eyes and pictured Drew’s handsome face. “Just a few minutes ago. Pablo hasn’t even gotten us out of the airport yet,” Jen said, looking out the window of the limousine. “Thank you for the roses. They’re beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you, Jen. I can’t wait to see you on Friday.”

“I can’t wait either. I’ve missed you, Drew.”

“I’ve missed you too. More than you know.”

When Jen arrived at Knit Hampton early on Friday morning, she was greeted by Allison, who asked, “What are you doing here?”

Carly chimed in, “Why aren’t you at home getting ready? Drew will be here in a few hours.”

Jen laughed, and hugged her friends. “I’m too nervous to stay at home and wait for him, so I thought I’d come in for a little while,” she said. “It might sound a little silly, but I have butterflies in my stomach.”

“Of course you do,” Carly offered. “You’ve waited a long time for this day.”

“I have,” Jen said. “We both have waited a long time.”

After helping some customers with yarn purchases, and going over the schedule for the upcoming summer knitting classes, Allison and Carly pushed Jen out the door. “Go home,” Allison said. “He’ll be here soon.”

Jen got back to Fair Fields just in time to say goodbye to Pablo and Lucy, who, at Jen’s insistence, were taking the weekend off, and visiting their daughter in the city.

Lucy asked, “Are you sure you’re going to be okay without us this weekend?”

Jen chuckled, and assured them she would be fine. “I lived on my own for a long time, Lucy,” Jen said, chiding her housekeeper. “I’m sure everything will be okay.”

“Well, just to be sure, I made some shrimp salad with fresh dill for you and Mr. Crawford to have for lunch,” Lucy said, as she got into her and Pablo’s car. “And there’s a ripe avocado on the counter. Have a good time this weekend.”

Jen waved as Lucy and Pablo’s car disappeared down the driveway and through the gates onto Ox Pasture Road. Closing the door behind her, she wandered around the big house, realizing that it was the first time she had ever been completely alone in it.
My gilded cage,
she thought.
Vince kept me in a gilded cage. But I’m at peace with it now, and it’s all behind me.

Too nervous to sit down, Jen repeatedly checked the windows at the front of the house, and her heart leapt up into her throat when she heard the sound of a car coming up the gravel driveway. “He’s here!” she exclaimed.

Barely able to contain her excitement, she rushed to the front door. Opening it, she found Drew on the other side, with a wide grin on his face and a duffel bag slung over his shoulder.

Drew entered the house, and dropped his bag in the foyer. He scooped Jen up in his arms, holding her so tightly that she could barely breathe. “God, I’ve missed you,” he whispered in her ear, as he smoothed her hair and kissed her on top of her head.

Exhaling, Jen whispered back, “I’ve missed you too.” They stood embracing each other in the foyer for a few minutes, neither of them wanting to let go of the other, until finally Jen said, “You must be hungry. Do you want some lunch?”

Laughing out loud, Drew released Jen, took a step back, and looked her in the eyes. “I’m hungry, Jen, but not for whatever you have for lunch. The only thing I want is you.” He reached out, and lightly ran his fingers down the side of her face, trailing them down her neck as he felt her sharp intake of breath. “We’ve both waited so long for this day, Jen,” he said, leaning in to kiss her tenderly on the mouth, before repeating, “All I want is you.”

“I’m all yours, Drew,” Jen purred. “Come with me,” she said, as she took him by the hand and led him to the staircase.

Once upstairs, Drew followed Jen down the hall and into the master suite. “Wow, this is huge,” he said, looking around the enormous bedroom and sitting area, before focusing on the bed at the far end of the room, next to where Jen was standing.

“Come here,” Jen said, beckoning him over. “I’ll give you the ‘grand tour’ of the house later.”

Drew slowly made his way across the room. “I just want to take in everything, and sear it in my memory.”

“We’re going to make lots of memories together, starting today,” Jen replied.

As he walked towards her, Jen gazed at Drew with a shy smile, and tilted her head up so that her lips met his in a soft kiss, that grew more passionate as their tongues explored each other’s mouths. When his lips trailed down her neck and towards her ear, Jen felt as though she was melting, and all the years of desire and love for Drew that she had carefully hidden away were being dissolved by the heat that was building between them.

Drew held her firmly, his strong hands roaming up and down her back, until he reached the hem of her top and pulled it up and over her head, exposing her pale pink lace bra and tanned skin. Next, he reached for Jen’s waist, where he found and untied the bow that held her long wrap skirt in place. Her skirt fell to the floor, revealing Jen’s matching pink lace panties and long, tanned legs. “You’re more beautiful than I ever imagined,” Drew said, as he took her into his arms and kissed her deeply, as his tongue explored her mouth.

Jen began to unbutton his oxford shirt, and moved her mouth to Drew’s chest, kissing him and lightly running her tongue over his exposed skin as she opened each button. Once she finished removing his shirt, Jen turned her attention to Drew’s pants. Slowly, she opened the belt buckle, then the button and zipper on his pants, before pushing them down towards his ankles. As he stepped out of his pants, it was Jen’s turn to ogle Drew’s body, as her eyes traveled down from his broad shoulders to his six-
pack
abs, and back up to his hazel eyes, before letting her eyes drop down again, taking in his erection straining against his boxer briefs. She breathed deep and, overwhelmed, shook her head. “You’re the beautiful one, Drew.”

“Come here,” Drew said, as he reached for her and eased her back onto the bed. “I need you, Jen,” he whispered in her ear as he climbed on top of her, covering her body in kisses.

Breathless with anticipation, Jen replied, “Oh God, Drew, I need you too.” As he reached around her back to unhook her bra, Jen’s body felt as though it was on fire, and that only Drew’s love would be able to calm the inferno inside her. She reached for the waistband of his underpants, and as his erection was freed from the fabric, she gasped at her first sight of his manhood.

As she took him into her hands, he moaned and begged her to stop. “I am so hot for you right now, that if you keep doing what you’re doing I’m not going to make it inside you.” He pushed her panties down her legs and threw them across the bedroom floor, adding, “And I need to be inside you, Jen.”

Drew reached down between Jen’s legs, and found her wet and ready for him. “Oh my God, Jen, you’re practically dripping,” he said, as he ran his fingers up and down along her opening, causing her to gasp and moan as he found her sweet spot. “Ooh, you like that don’t you,” he said, as he toyed with her, delighting in seeing her body react with pleasure at his touch.

Jen felt as though she had lost control of her body as Drew brought her to the brink over and over again. “Please, Drew,” she begged. “Please let me…,” she said.

“No way, Jen. Not yet,” he said with a wide grin. “I’m having way too much fun watching you.”

When she couldn’t take it anymore, she moaned, “Please, Drew, I need you. I need you now.” She pulled him on top of her and parted her legs, opening herself to him so she could feel his rock-
hard
erection push against her core.

Without entering her, Drew rubbed himself against her, sliding his manhood against her most sensitive spot, causing Jen to cry out in ecstasy. “Hold on, Jen, not yet,” he said, as he grasped her tightly and pushed himself deep inside her.

As their bodies became one, Jen cried out in joy. “Oh, Drew,” she said, overwhelmed with passion and love.

Drew rocked his hips back and forth, and with each thrust Jen reached up to meet him. They moved together in perfect harmony, until Jen’s breathing became more and more shallow.

“Oh God, Drew, oh my God,” she gasped, feeling herself lose control as she reached dizzying heights of pleasure.

Sensing that Jen was on the brink, Drew pounded at her body, grunting and panting as he watched her body convulse uncontrollably when she reached her climax. When he heard her call out his name, he allowed himself his own release, with all the love in his heart erupting deep inside her body.

Drew continued to breathe heavily as he collapsed on top of Jen, who was also trying to catch her breath. They lay together quietly for a moment, their limbs still tangled together, until Drew finally spoke. “Oh my God, Jen, that was amazing. We waited so long for today, it’s hard to believe that finally…,” his voice trailed off as his mouth met her mouth in a kiss.

“Oooh, that feels good,” Jen half-
whispered
as Drew’s lips moved down to her neck and then to her breasts.

“I only want to make you feel good, Jen,” Drew replied. “I want to make you feel good forever. I love you.”

“I love you too, Drew.”