Taking Tiffany (15 page)

Todd

I FINALLY MADE it home around dinnertime. The day exhausted me. My emotions bounced around like a tennis ball between champions—something I didn’t want to experience again. At least everything was okay with Tiffany. I could handle anything else, but not that. I wondered what Savannah wanted to talk with me about. After four years of hearing nothing, to have her show up out of the blue threw me. I still hadn’t had time to think about it.

All the years of wanting Savannah seemed so long ago. She looked the same, but I was sure she’d changed. But seeing her sent a swirling mass of once-repressed emotions to the surface. I’d done so much work to stuff them inside, only to have her show up, smile, and send me into a tailspin. I wouldn’t allow her to do it to me again.

Tiffany would most likely need a little extra attention in the new few weeks after my performance at the baby shower, which I would be happy to do. Once I managed to reassure her, I was sure everything would be fine.

I had the choice of working out in the gym, or putting on boxer shorts and watching sports. Sports won. I grabbed a bottled water and flopped down on the sofa, ready for a night of relaxation. Just as I turned on the television, my doorbell buzzed.
Maybe it was Tiffany
. She told me she was too tired to move, but I hoped she’d had a burst of energy. That would make the night ideal. My favorite evenings were spent watching sports with Tiffany. She loved baseball the most, often yelling at the umpires. I enjoyed watching her more than the games.

I opened the door to find my doorman shifting from foot to foot. “I’m so sorry to disturb you, Mr. Jameson. I tried to contact you by cell phone, but I didn’t get an answer.”

Looking in the carved wooden bowl on the entry table, I noticed my phone wasn’t there.

“Sorry, Ben. I thought I had it. I must have left it in my car. What’s up?”

“You have a guest. A Miss Savannah Hammond.”

My stomach dropped. I did not want to talk to her now. I looked forward to either Tiffany or sports. Savannah didn’t play into my plans.

“Can you get rid of her? Tell her I’m not home?” I asked.

“I heard that!” Savannah appeared from around the corner.

I turned to Ben. “You let her up?”

His eyes looked ready to pop out. “No, sir. She must have seen the password. I’m so sorry!”

“Aw. Don’t get angry with Ben. I already knew you probably didn’t want to see me, so I stole the code and snuck up.”

Resigned, I said, “All right, you have ten minutes.” I turned to Ben. “Don’t let this happen again, okay?”

“No, sir. I’ll talk with Mr. Hartnett in management, and we’ll change the code for your elevator tonight. Once again, I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”

“Goodnight, Ben.” I turned toward Savannah. “I guess we have some things to talk about?”

“Yes. May I come in?” Savannah always had impeccable manners.

“Sure, make yourself at home.”
For ten minutes
.  I needed to get this over with; the sooner the better.

She walked around the room, studying it. She passed a few tables in the living room, running her fingertips over the surfaces. Picking up pictures, she’d give them a few seconds’ glance then put them back down. I plopped down in my favorite chair and she sat down on the sofa across from me.

“You’ve done well.”

“I’ve worked hard.”

“Was it to prove me wrong? Or to prove my family wrong?”

She got right to the point. “No, I’ve done it strictly for myself. I found a job I love and I’ve worked hard at it. I have a good life, Savannah. Despite...everything.”

 She looked lonely and lost, like the first day I met her so long ago. She continued, “I’ve wanted to talk to you about that last day. I feel horrible about the way it turned out. I never dreamed we’d end up like this, four years later, with this awkwardness between us. You were my best friend.”

“Well, you had a funny way of showing it. But it doesn’t matter now. I’ve moved on.”

“About that. You’ve been dating that woman at the party. You mentioned her name is Tiffany, right?”

“Yes.” I didn’t like her talking about Tiffany.

“I heard from someone at the party that you’ve been dating for a few months.”

A memory flashed forward. When Savannah was interested in something, she made sure to get answers. I needed to stop her from forming any ideas about us.

“It’s been longer. The actual dating didn’t start until a couple of months ago, but I knew I loved her well before then.” That should push any thoughts about a reconciliation out of her mind.

Her body seemed to deflate.

“You love her?” she asked.

“Yeah. A lot.”

A tear rolled down her cheek. For some reason, the teardrop, and its track down her face, made me angry.
Why now?

“Why are you here?” My tone was sharp.

Her head snapped up. “I wanted to see you, to make sure you were okay.” Her lip trembled.

Now I felt like a jerk. “I’m sorry, but your presence at the party caused a bit of a problem with Tiffany and me. She wasn’t exactly happy about seeing my old girlfriend show up at her parents’ house.”

“My mom told me about the party, and I figured you’d probably be there. She had a copy of the guest list and made a few calls.” She looked down. “Sorry about crashing it.  I knew you probably wouldn’t want to talk to me after the way things ended.” She took a deep breath. “I’ve kept track of your career. I know you work with Braydon Decker.”

“Why?”

“I never got over it. I never got over you.” She looked down at her fidgeting hands.

Her words were like a slap in the face.
What the hell?

I got up from my seat and paced the room. I would have given anything for her to say those words to me before, but not now.

“Now you decide? Now?” I forced myself to keep my voice low. I wanted to yell and throw something. All those years wanting her, missing her. And now that I was happy, she decides to come back.

“It’s taken this long for my dad to realize that it was you, it was always you that I loved. He’s watched me suffer.”

“Well, you’re too late.” I needed some air, so I left the room and went to cool off on the deck.

She joined me next to the railing. “I dated a man, someone my parents approved of,” she said quietly.

I crossed my arms and waited for her to continue.

“It was horrible, Todd.”

“What you do mean?”

“He hit me.” She said it so softly, I barely heard her.

Something large and heavy weighed on my chest. Her big, green eyes were vulnerable, so sad. She was barely five-feet tall.
Who the hell would do such a thing?

“The last time I was hospitalized. I had a punctured lung and broken ribs.”  She burst into tears and threw herself against my chest, continuing to sob. “My dad, my dad…he was so upset. He knew he’d made a mistake with you, by sending you away. He told me to come find you. I don’t have to choose anymore. Can you please think about it? Please?”

I closed my eyes and drifted back to the early days, when we were happy. It was so good, I didn’t think anything could break us up. The dreams of her floated back, soft as a cloud
. I loved her once. Could we go back?

HE HAD TO lay low for the first month because Tiffany’s father became suspicious and assigned her a bodyguard. The security team surrounding Tiffany was good, but not good enough to detect him. He’d waited patiently, and, sure enough, they’d backed off. They probably decided the incidents were someone’s idea of a prank. He smiled, because, once again, they’d played right into his hands.

He thought this assignment would be a challenge since he’d never done anything like this before, but it proved to be easier to manipulate these people than he thought. It was like playing chess, and he was almost to check-mate.

Success in almost everything he attempted became boring, and the world felt hollow. The wealth, the accolades, all of it, didn’t matter. He didn’t have the love of the woman he wanted. She was gone, probably forever. But he could get revenge, which would soothe him to some extent. The sixty million pay-out wouldn’t really hurt his intended victim; he was wealthy after all. But making the victim think Tiffany was gone, or even dead, would be priceless. He wouldn’t see the suffering himself, but he would imagine it, savor it, and that would be satisfaction enough.

His employer revealed her hand gradually, over months. He guessed her motives were more than money, even though she’d tried to conceal them. Her real motives were irrelevant, though. He’d carry out his part of the bargain, take his twenty million cut, and pretend it never happened. That was the deal.

He hadn’t planned on growing fond of Tiffany, though. She was one of
them
,
the
wealthy,
the
elite. How had she managed to come through untouched? He’d watched her now for so long, he felt he knew everything about her.

She was different, just like him. He hadn’t let his family’s wealth taint him, and neither had Tiffany. There were no weekly trips to the beauty salon, the mall for shopping, or any of the other usual haunts where wealthy woman liked to pamper themselves.

She didn’t attend fancy parties, unless it was for a charity or another event that would benefit the downtrodden.

Her job was what fascinated him. She spent half her time in a storage locker, moving around couches, tables, and kitchen items. Sometimes, she’d fill her car and drop them off at someone’s house, usually in the Seattle area. Through his research, he discovered she shared responsibility with Jain Decker for a charitable foundation for ALS. Most of her activities were related to that.  

Her other job also entailed visiting homes, this time for foster children. Always with a briefcase and clipboard, she would bravely enter the strangers’ homes. Her job as a social worker was precarious at best, and severely underpaid. Tiffany’s job was to check-in with each foster child to make sure they were adjusting to their new homes and that parents were treating them properly. There was abuse in the system, and it appeared Tiffany was trying to do something about it.

 She worked part-time, but his plan to kidnap her could still be pulled off. The days she worked were constant; always on a Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. He could take her Thursday, obtain the ransom, and return her on Friday evening. No one would be the wiser. That was the beauty of his plan. Tiffany would be kidnapped, and she wouldn’t even know it. He would be an innocent bystander.

First, though, he needed to complete his plan to get Todd out of her life. He was a nuisance. Upping his game and installing a listening device in her home paid off. Hearing Tiffany talk about the importance of honesty gave him a new idea. He could make things happen, especially now that Todd’s old girlfriend was in town. He smiled, remembering the satisfaction he felt when Savannah showed up at the party. These stupid people were making things too easy. His puppet strings were in place, and so far, his skills as a puppeteer were stellar.

He’d had a hard time finding any faults with Tiffany. But he finally found one. She was insecure and didn’t give her trust easily. It was surprising, but he would use that to his advantage.

He knew his next move would hurt Tiffany. But it was essential for success. Todd needed to go, and he knew exactly how to make that happen.

Tiffany

“YOU TAKE THAT last scone, and your life as you know it will cease to exist,” I informed Colin.

Colin, Jain, and I were sitting around my kitchen island with bagels, cream cheese, fruit, and juice covering almost every surface. And…only one scone.

 “You’re the host! Isn’t there a rule somewhere stating that the hostess has to forfeit the last scone?” Colin’s hand hovered over the plate.

 “There might be, but it doesn’t apply if the guest has already scarfed down four scones to the hostess’s one.” I gave him my best don’t-mess-with-me look.

He took his hand back and exaggerated a moan.

I matched his moan. “Oh, for goodness’ sakes, I’ll split it with you.”

His little boy smile popped back onto his face. 
Ugh! I’d just been played.

“Unless Jain wants another?” I turned to ask her. She’d been watching our back and forth with a large grin.

“No, you can count me out. I’m full.” She rubbed her belly and looked around. “I love being back in my old condo. You’ve done a beautiful job decorating, Tiffany. This feels like old times!” She turned to Colin.                  “We had some great memories here. I miss you so much.” She waved her hand, fanning her face, blinking back tears. “Baby hormones strike again!”

We all laughed.

“Change of subject,” Colin said. “So, we called this little meeting to help you get over your heartbreak, but you look just fine.” He stopped to study me carefully.

I let my smile come through.

“Mission accomplished!” He raised his hands in victory.

I laughed. “I’m sorry to burst your bubble, Colin, but it wasn’t you. Todd came over after the party and straightened everything out.”

“I’m so glad.” Jain reached over and took my hand. “We were a little worried.”

“So was I! But we had a long talk, and he told me he has no interest in getting back together with Savannah. I wasn’t sure at first, you know, after their stare-fest and the forgetting of my name, but he promised me, so I feel comfortable with that. I do trust Todd.”

“You should! Braydon told me Todd assured him he didn’t have any feelings for Savannah. It was shock and confusion that made him freeze like that.”

“Yeah. After we talked, I felt much bet—” I was interrupted by the doorbell. “Maybe that’s him now!” I jumped off my stool and headed for the front door. A stare out the peephole showed nothing. I looked down and saw a large envelope with my name written across the front had been slipped under the door.

A little voice told me not to pick it up. But I was curious, so I went against my better judgment. Grasping it gingerly, I carried it back to the kitchen.

“I have a mystery envelope.” I waved it in the air between Colin and Jain.

Colin’s brow furrowed. “That can’t be anything good. You shouldn’t open it.”

“I’m thinking the same thing,” Jain said.

“I agree. But you know me. I’ll pace around it for the next two hours, wondering what’s inside. I’m sure it’s nothing. Let’s take a peek, shall we?” I took a deep breath and opened it carefully.

“It’s just pictures.” My breath started to even out. I didn’t know what I was so worried about. But then, when I looked closely at the pictures, I didn’t feel better. I felt sick. “Todd,” I said.

“Let’s see!” Colin took one of the pictures then stopped and said under his breath, “Oh, shit.”

“What? I want to see!” Jain held out her hand, and Colin put one of the pictures in her palm.

Her eyes widened, and she shook her head. “I know this looks bad, but this could be

Photoshopped.”

“Yes! Photoshopped!  He would never be hugging his old girlfriend on the deck like that. Wait a minute. That 
is
 his deck, there’s the table and chairs he always has outside. Oh, there’s the clock.” I pushed the picture in front of Colin because he had the best eyesight. “Can you read the time?”

Looking a little uncomfortable, he peered down at the picture. “It looks like nine o’clock. I think it’s an accurate time because you can see the sun is about to set in the window reflection.”

“He left here yesterday at seven. So it is possible.” I looked back and forth between them. “These have to be fake, right?”

 “I think you’re going to need to call him to get straight answers,” Colin advised.

“That’s a good idea.” I grabbed the cell phone from my purse and speed-dialed with shaking fingers. I tried twice because I pushed on the wrong buttons.

We all waited as it rang. And rang. And rang some more. I hung up. I didn’t want to leave a message while I was freaked out.

“Ugh! I can’t stand this! My imagination is doing all sorts of horrible things to me right now. He sat across from me yesterday and promised me the truth. I told him a lie of omission was as bad as a flat-out lie.                    He didn’t call me last night to tell me she came over. What could that mean?” I was full-on shaking, my heart beat triple time, and I felt light-headed. Deep breathing, I reminded myself. My phone pinged. “It’s a text from Todd,” I said aloud.

Todd: What’s up?

Me: I had some pictures delivered to me today. They looked like you and Savannah hugging on your deck.

Todd: I’m sorry you had to see those.

Sorry? Is that all he has to say?
 I almost didn’t reply, but I continued.

Me: What does that mean?

Todd: I need to talk to you about this in person. Can we meet?

Me: I want to know now.

Maybe I should meet him in person, but I thought I might combust not knowing for another second.

Todd: You asked me to be honest.

Me: Yes, go on.

Todd:  Savannah’s moving to Seattle, and we’re going to start over. I know I promised you, but Savannah told me some things I couldn’t ignore.

I could barely punch in the letters.

Me: What about your promise? Does that mean anything?

Todd: I didn’t want this to happen. I will always care for you. But I think it’s best to make a clean break.

Me: What?

Todd: Tiffany, you have to know I’d never purposely hurt you. I’m so sorry, but please don’t call or come to my condo.

I pushed the phone across the table toward Colin and Jain. “Well, that clears up that mystery.”

Colin picked it up and waited for my permission. I nodded. I watched as he read the conversation. His face turned red, and he looked like he wanted to throw the phone.

I was in complete and total shock. He was so convincing yesterday. 
But remember how convincing Fletcher was?
  “I’m such a fool. I really believed him.”

It was Jain’s turn to read the message. She stood up suddenly.

“Braydon is going to kick some ass! Todd told him the same things he told you. What the hell?” She placed her hands on the counter and stared at the phone.

She could stare at it all day, but the message wouldn’t change. Colin got up from his stool and began to pace. I was glad I wasn’t alone for this, but I’d need some space to work through what I knew would be a massive heartbreak. 

Why was I so dense? I saw the way he looked at her.

I was angry, mostly at myself.

“This is why I’ve avoided a relationship all these years! Is every man like Fletcher? Why would he go back to her? She left him four years ago! That’s not nice. She’s not a nice person; I know it!” I’d crossed over to irrational.

Jain quit staring at the phone and came over to hug me. Colin joined in with a, “Group hug!” and it worked, calming me for about two seconds.

“Wait, you guys. Maybe someone took fake photos, stole his phone, and sent the messages. Remember those incidents from a few months ago?”

They seemed to consider it for a moment. “Yeah. I suppose all those things 
could
 be connected,” Colin said.

“I’m grasping at straws here, aren’t I?”

“No, no,” they both responded.

I could tell they didn’t want to discourage me. But it was a longshot at this point.

“I’m going to his condo. I want him to tell me to my face.”

“I hope it’s all been a misunderstanding.” Jain rubbed my back.

“If it isn’t, I’m going to go home.”

Colin’s eyebrow rose. I knew why. He didn’t want me running home when things got hard. I didn’t blame him, but that wasn’t why I wanted to go home.

“It’s not like that. My parents are in Los Angeles, attending some conference. I’ll have the entire house to myself.” I didn’t mention it was mostly because I wanted to be alone. I loved them, but I didn’t want them to feel like they had to change their plans to hold my hand.

They both studied me with concern. Or was it pity?

“I’d come stay with you, but as you know I’m headed to the airport in a couple minutes. It’s my week to fly down to Palm Springs.” He didn’t look happy about it.

“Well, I hope things are going well for you two at least.” I tried to act normal, but tears threatened, and my heart raced. I wanted to go. Now.

“That’s a different subject,” he shrugged.

“What?” I hoped it wasn’t anything serious.

“Charlie’s been acting off lately. He isn’t available half the time, and he’s been distant. That’s why I’m going down. After this trip, who knows, we might both be single.” He corrected himself. “I mean,
I
might be single.”

“It’s okay. Ugh! I don’t like love anymore. If this doesn’t work out, I’m never doing it again.” I forced the unshed tears back where they belonged.
I will not cry
. There was still a chance.

 Jain studied me closely. “Braydon is taking us to the ocean today, but I can call it off if you think you’ll need me, or need my help?” Jain’s mouth turned down and she blinked rapidly. 

If Jain had a hard time keeping it together, what chance did I have? I’d make sure she knew I’d be okay and send her off with her family.  “No, Jain. I’ll be okay. Nothing is certain. Once I talk to Todd in person                   I’ll let you know. I’ll feel better knowing you haven’t cancelled your vacation for me. ” I forced a smile.

“Yeah, I want to know also. If those pictures and text are correct, my fist will become acquainted with his nose,” Colin assured me.

I smiled at that visual. Colin was the most laid-back person I’d ever met. He’d never punch Todd or anyone else.

Jain and Colin reluctantly left a few minutes later. Jain was his ride to the airport. Soon after, Jain and her beautiful family would be headed for the beach.

I made the excruciatingly long trip from my condo to Todd’s in downtown Seattle. Traffic was light, but each minute that passed felt like an eternity.

Parking the car in the building’s visitor section, I exited and crossed the lobby to the penthouse elevator. I punched in the code before the doors closed.

A dainty manicured hand stopped the doors. In walked perfection by the name of Savannah.

“The code won’t work, Todd had it changed last night,” she said, smiling as though she held a secret.

“Oh?” 
God, I was so stupid.

“Yes. He said he didn’t want any uninvited visitors if you know what I mean.” She was inches shorter, but managed to look down her nose at me anyway. “You’re Tiffany, right?”

I wanted to leave, but I stood frozen and nodded.

“You might as well give up now. When I want something, I get it. In this case, it's Todd.”

I know. He already told me.

“
He gave security a code just for me. I left some items in his condo last night.” She flashed a satisfied smile. “You’ll need to leave the elevator so I can go on up.”

“My pleasure.” With head held high, I marched out and turned around. “Oh, Savannah?” The doors started to close. “You’re a bitch.” I watched her insincere smile turn to a scowl. The doors shut before she was able to respond. Childish, I knew, but it felt good.

It was confirmed. Todd was an idiot.

I texted both Jain and Colin.