Katia's Promise (5 page)

Austin laughed heartily. “I’m afraid I’ll be keeping those...at least until my death, which I hope isn’t for quite some time. But they will be on loan to the city and housed in the museum. I want younger generations, especially, to understand how thrilling it must have been for the inventors of another age to literally change the way human beings live. Only the airplane and the computer have had as great an impact on our everyday lives as the automobile. I’m proud that my grandfather was a pioneer in the automotive industry over a hundred years ago. This is my way of making certain that his contribution is remembered.”

Mrs. Beabots folded her arms over her chest and mumbled something under her breath, though Katia couldn’t make out what she said.

Katia was keenly aware that the crowd was hanging on Austin’s every word. The reporters took copious notes, and people were filming and taking photos of Austin on their phones. Katia wouldn’t be the only one trying to sell Austin insurance. The difference between Katia and other agencies—she hoped—was that she was desperate to save her company, so she would take some risks that others might not. She had already placed inquiries to a dozen companies that she represented to put a package together for Austin that she hoped would make him salivate.

Austin wrapped up his speech and invited everyone to take part in the buffet that had been set out in the dining room. “There’s plenty of local Crenshaw Vineyards wine, as well. And we are graced by Liz Crenshaw herself to introduce you to the splendors of their award-winning product.”

Austin thrust his arm in Liz’s direction to point her out to the guests.

Liz stepped away from the wall and moved forward, stirring the crowd just enough to give Katia a full view of Austin.

Her eyes locked on his, and though he saw her, he didn’t seem to recognize her. Or he did, and he was a superb actor.

Austin’s hands dropped to his sides. Though he kept a smile clamped on his face, he remained rigid.

The crowd dispersed slowly, like the shifting sand after a wave has rushed onto shore.

Mrs. Beabots was the last to leave the room, and then it was just Katia standing across from Austin in the front parlor of the house she grew up in.

“Hello, Austin.”

“Katia.”

She thought her heart would hammer a hole right through her chest, but she didn’t dare let him know how much he affected her. She couldn’t decide whether to smile at him, rush to him and hold his hand or ask his forgiveness on the spot. She felt as if she’d turned to stone. She couldn’t think or move.

She was filled with blistering guilt.

“Austin, I’m so—”

His hands shot up to silence her. “Katia, leave. Now.”

“But, Austin, I want to talk to you...”

He shook his head. “Leave. It’s what you do best.”

He spun on his heel and stormed into the hall. Katia followed him out of the front parlor and stepped into the main hallway in time to see him talking to a woman carrying a tray of marinated shrimp. Katia assumed she was his cook or housekeeper.

“Daisy, there is a woman in the living room,” Austin was saying. “If she’s still there after you put that tray in the dining room, call the cops and have her removed.”

“Sure thing,” Daisy replied.

Katia watched as Austin raced up the majestic staircase and disappeared.

CHAPTER FIVE

K
ATIA
WAS
STUNNED
by Austin’s anger. If she’d ever doubted that he’d loved her once, she didn’t anymore. This degree of hatred could only be balanced by the same degree of love. A long time ago, Austin had believed in her and had finally realized that she loved him.

“But we were only kids...”

Katia’s eyes brimmed with tears as she gazed up the empty staircase, knowing Austin had gone to his room. He’d abandoned his guests because of her. He’d told his housekeeper to have her thrown out.

Katia knew she’d be in trouble if she stayed, but Jack’s directive wasn’t far from her mind. She needed to meet the people in that dining room, needed their expertise and guidance to help her establish Carter and Associates in town. She couldn’t let this opportunity pass her by.

Yet her heart went out to Austin. What could she say to him? An apology, after all this time, seemed meaningless. Austin wasn’t angry because she’d moved. He was angry because she hadn’t come back. And worse, she hadn’t come back for him.

Was that what he was saying now? That he thought she’d come back to rekindle their romance? Nothing could have been further from her thoughts. She wasn’t in love with Austin. She’d put those feelings away a long time ago. She was here to keep her job and build her future. With Jack.

One day, after she made all that happen, she would move back to Chicago and resume her life.
Yes
, she thought,
I’ll go back, and everything will be just as it was.

Just then, the housekeeper came out of the dining room with an empty bowl. She peered up at Katia. “You’re staying, aren’t you?”

Katia made the decision on the spot. “Yes,” she said. “Are you going to call the police like he asked?”

Daisy shook her head and planted a hand on her hip. “If I had a nickel for every time he told me to do something stupid and I didn’t do it—”

“I get it,” Katia said, her eyes wandering up the stairs again. “Is he often like this?”

“Angry? No. Shutting himself away? Always.”

“Really? But why?”

Daisy’s eyes narrowed. “You’re new in town, aren’t ya?”

“Sort of. Well, yes.”

“So you don’t know about him?” Daisy pointed to the second floor.

Katia was tempted to share the whole story, but then thought better of it. “What should I know?”

“He likes being alone. A lot. He’s a recluse, I’d guess you’d say. And I would know. I’ve been here for nearly twenty years. I nursed Mrs. McCreary through her grief. Then cancer. I went to Austin’s college graduation. Hanna and I were the only ones there. I’m just about the only family he’s got left, really.”

Katia smiled and thrust her hand out to Daisy. “Then, I’m grateful to you for taking care of him. I’m—”

“Katia,” Daisy replied, staring at Katia’s hand.

“You recognized me?”

“Not till just a minute ago.”

“So he told you about me?” Katia asked, lowering her hand and wondering if she even wanted to hear the truth.

“His mother did. Broke his heart, she told me. You two musta been somethin’ back then for him to act like this after all these years. Still,” Daisy mused, looking up the stairs, “this is typical Austin behavior. You might as well go in and have somethin’ to eat. He won’t be back down.”

“What? He has guests!”

Daisy shrugged. “Oh, them? They don’t care. They probably didn’t expect him to hang around after his talk anyway. He doesn’t socialize.”

Katia was disbelieving at first, but then she glanced into the dining room and saw everyone chatting and eating as if nothing had happened. Daisy certainly knew more about the Austin of today than she did. “So Austin is incommunicado for the rest of the afternoon?”

“He’ll be on his phone or laptop until they leave,” Daisy told her. “Then he’ll go to the plant till late in the evening, as usual.”

“Well, thank you, Daisy. I think I will have something to eat. It’s a long drive back to Chicago.”

“Oh, so that’s where you’ve been?” Daisy probed.

Katia understood in an instant that Daisy was probably as loyal to Austin as she was to Jack. Daisy would relay any information she revealed. Katia chose her words carefully. “For the moment, yes. My insurance firm is relocating here to Indian Lake. That’s why I do need to introduce myself to some of the guests. I’m looking to rent office space, hire office personnel, find both myself and my boss places to live. Things like that.”

“What about your family?” Daisy asked.

“I’m alone,” Katia replied, intending to sound neutral. Instead, the word came out of her mouth with a great deal more feeling than she’d planned. Again, she had no idea why her emotions kept overwhelming her at such inopportune times. It was as if they had a life of their own, and the steel-edged control she’d always maintained had sprung a leak. “What I meant was I’m not married, and I don’t have to worry about children and schools and all that.”

“I know what you meant,” Daisy said. “Housing is hard to find here in Indian Lake. Good luck with that.” Without another word, Daisy turned and trounced toward the kitchen.

Glancing up the stairs one last time, Katia felt a strange pull to ignore her company’s mission and go straight to Austin’s bedroom and demand to speak with him, but she chickened out.

Katia forced herself to move into the dining room. The buffet table was centered with a huge bouquet of sunflowers, bronze chrysanthemums and yellow roses. The guests were laughing and discussing the impact of the car museum on Indian Lake tourism. The tourism board members were tossing around ideas about ad campaigns, and she heard two of the city council members chatting about potential problems with traffic and parking.

“Katia,” Liz called from the far side of the room. “Come join us.”

Liz was standing with Mrs. Beabots and Maddie next to a dessert table that was laden with dozens of exquisitely iced and decorated cupcakes. Mrs. Beabots sipped a small glass of white wine.

“Those are gorgeous,” Katia gushed as she inspected the desserts.

“Thanks,” Maddie replied. “I wanted them to be a bit over-the-top for Austin.”

Katia’s head jerked up. “Why’s that?”

“If it weren’t for Austin being my first investor, my café here in town would never have existed and I wouldn’t have dreamed of building my business into franchises.”

Katia was surprised. Austin might be a recluse, but he obviously had a head for business. “He did that?”

Maddie smiled broadly. “He’s a strange duck, I’ll give him that. He’s never set foot in my café, can you believe that? I still bring him seven cupcakes every Friday morning at eight. Just like clockwork. Although I mix up the flavors for him so he can try my new recipes.” She rocked back on her heels, seeming both proud and grateful. “He’s been a very good friend to me.”

“I should say so,” Mrs. Beabots added. “I’ve known Austin and his family since I was a young girl.”

“Really?” Katia and Maddie chirped in unison. Katia swallowed back a guilt-edged lump in her throat. She remembered Mrs. Beabots as the kindly older lady down the street whose gardens she always admired. She also recalled Hanna talking about charity committees she served on with Mrs. Beabots. Since Mrs. Beabots had known the family for decades, she would have heard all about Katia and her former relationship with Austin. Mrs. Beabots could be a very good ally for her.

Liz handed Katia a glass of white wine. “Try this chardonnay, Katia. It’s a new reserve for us. Aged eighteen months in French oak barrels. I value your opinion.”

Katia sipped the wine and smiled. “It’s so buttery and smooth. I love it.”

“I thought you would.” Liz beamed and then noticed Maddie and Mrs. Beabots staring at her. “What?”

Mrs. Beabots patted Liz’s arm. “Katia was just about to tell us why she’s come back to Indian Lake. Weren’t you, dear?”

Katia nearly choked on the wine. Maybe Mrs. Beabots wouldn’t be the best ally after all. She cleared her throat. “I-I’m relocating my company to Indian Lake as soon as I can find an appropriate office.”

“That is so cool!” Liz interjected happily.

“How large of a space?” Maddie asked perfunctorily. “Do you plan for many employees? Will they be moving here with you?”

Mrs. Beabots placed her hand on Maddie’s cheek and looked at Katia. “She gets excited. Now, Katia, there’s a lovely upstairs loft across from the courthouse that had a rental sign in the window. I saw it just last week. Let’s see...” She glanced around the room. “Yes. There’s Sharon Goodman. I’ll introduce you. The space would be perfect for you. It’s got a beautiful view and two walls of glass. You’ll like that.”

Maddie shot a curious look at Mrs. Beabots. “How do you know what she’d like?”

“Why, it’s obvious. She’s been working in Chicago with all those lights and city amenities. She and her boss will never stand being on the outskirts of town for a minute. They’d go stir-crazy. That intersection is the busiest in the county. It’s only a block to the deli. A block and half to Enzo’s. The bank is on the corner and—” she stared pointedly at Katia “—it’s only six blocks to my house.”

“Your house?” Katia asked.

“That’s a great idea!” Maddie exclaimed. “Mrs. Beabots has an entire third floor that was renovated into a very nice apartment a year ago. It used to be a ballroom. Luke Bosworth and his two children lived there before he married Sarah Jensen next door.”

“Sarah Jensen? Do I know her?” Katia asked Mrs. Beabots.

“She’s a bit younger than you, but you might remember her mother, Ann Marie Jensen. She died a couple years ago. Cancer. You might recall that Ann Marie planted the flowers along Maple Avenue. Sarah lives in the family house now with Luke, Annie and Timmy.”

A hundred memories of being a little girl flashed through Katia’s mind. Walking along this street to go to school, to church or into town with her mother to shop. Happy memories. Loving memories. Suddenly, Katia’s life in Chicago dissipated like fog lifting off a hill as it rose out of a valley. She
did
remember Ann Marie kneeling on the November cool earth of the boulevard, planting tulip and iris bulbs. Mrs. Jensen had taught her how to plant a bulb. She’d shown Katia how to place the bulb in the earth with the flat side down and the tiny shoots pointing upward. It hadn’t been the kind of information that would change anyone’s life, but the kindness, tenderness and concern she’d shown Katia, who had been all too aware that she was only a housekeeper’s daughter, had stuck with her.

“I would like to meet Sarah,” Katia told Mrs. Beabots. “We have a lot in common, both having lost our mothers.”

“Consider it done,” Mrs. Beabots assured her. “And I insist you move in with me. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“It sounds lovely...” Katia hesitated.

Maddie nudged Katia with her elbow. “Trust me, there are no high-rises here. No doormen. There aren’t any complexes at all, if you remember. That much about Indian Lake hasn’t changed. The best apartments are in the houses along Maple Avenue. Mrs. Beabots’s is the prettiest and the biggest of all.”

Katia’s eyes widened. “How big?”

“Very,” Mrs. Beabots cut in. “Two bedrooms, large bath, living room and kitchenette. When Luke lived there, I usually cooked for him and the children. Then there are formal gardens in back for reading and contemplating. Lester MacDougal does all the yard work now. Except for the spring planting. I do most of that myself,” she said proudly. “I’d be happy to show it to you this afternoon.”

“I would love to see it.”

Mrs. Beabots clinked her glass against Katia’s. “You will find, my dear, that securing office rental in Indian Lake is child’s play. Residential housing is nearly impossible. You can walk six blocks, can’t you, dear?” Mrs. Beabots asked.

Katia grinned widely. She wasn’t sure if her mother was watching over her and putting all these puzzle pieces of her life together, but there was no question that today was fortuitous. This was so far beyond lucky that it frightened her.

Katia raised her glass and saluted Mrs. Beabots. In one fell swoop, she’d gotten a lead on an office space, a potential place to live and, she hoped, a wily but knowledgeable ally in her pursuit of Austin’s business. “Oh, I can walk it back and forth all day long,” Katia assured her.

“Well, then. Let me introduce you to our mayor, Blair Milo. She’s a few years younger than you are, dear, but she’s a real dynamo. She will show you the ropes around Indian Lake in a jiffy—the new ones, that is. You should join her on her Fitness Friday jogs.”

“The mayor runs?”

“She does it all over the state,” Maddie said, biting into a shrimp.

“I think I’m going to like Indian Lake,” Katia said.

“I certainly hope so.” Mrs. Beabots’s gaze drifted toward the empty hallway.

Katia knew Mrs. Beabots was thinking about Austin. She couldn’t help wondering just how much Mrs. Beabots knew about their teenage romance. Had Austin ever talked about her after she’d left Indian Lake, or had he kept his feelings to himself?

Apparently, everyone in town knew that Austin was a loner, and they accepted him for it. But he hadn’t been like that when she’d known him. Of course, they were just kids then, and their personalities hadn’t molded into who they were today.

As much as Mrs. Beabots, Liz and Maddie were enthusiastic about Katia’s move and welcoming her to the community, something unsettling continued to plague her.

That something, she knew, was sitting upstairs in the bedroom at the end of the hall.