The Battle Within (19 page)

April rolled her eyes, and Troy grunted, “I doubt it. Is there beer in this thing?”

She scrunched up her nose, “You’re such a beast. Even when you’re all dressed up you still don’t know how to act.”

“You’re just going to call me a beast? There are many things I could say, but I won’t because you’re Franklin’s girl…but don’t push me.”

Franklin put his hands up, “Hey! Stop it! Both of you. We haven’t been in the car for five minutes, and you’re already insulting each other. I’d hoped that the three of us could start over, and maybe we could somehow manage to enjoy ourselves a little. Take our minds off of the craziness that is life. If that was a mistake, then, how about neither of you say anything to each for the rest of way.”

The ride over to the Rutherford’s was only about ten minutes, but with the stony silence in the car, it felt more like hours.

*****

Jason was antsy. How was it possible to be late for the party when they spent the night at his parent’s home? He checked his watch for the fourth time, “Come on Vicky…we’re going to be late. Mom and dad want us downstairs to welcome all the guests with them.”

She yelled out from the bathroom, “I’m almost ready. Just give me a second.”

“You said that ten minutes ago.”

Finally, Vicky came out of her dressing room, and Jason couldn’t be prouder, “Aren’t you beautiful?”

She twirled for him in her sparkling emerald green mermaid dress, “Thank you handsome.” He pulled her into his embrace, and she adjusted his bow-tie. “You don’t look too shabby yourself.”

Jason moved to kiss her, but Vicky pulled away, “Ah ah ah…if we start that then we for sure will be late.” A throaty laugh escaped from between her lips, “Before we go down did you check on the kids?”

“Yes. Angel was watching that movie with the two sisters and the snowman with the nanny for the gazillionth time, and Jay was napping.”

“If she’s watching that, we’ll be fine for a few hours. That’s her favorite movie. I’ll come back up and check on them later.”

“No, you won’t. You’ll be dancing the night away with me. Now come on.” He grabbed her hand, and they made their way downstairs to the foyer where guests were starting to arrive.

John Rutherford was standing at the bottom of the stairs. His smiled broadly as Vicky descended, “My goodness Vicky, you are a vision!” He kissed her on both cheeks once she reached the bottom of the steps. “She makes you look good, son.”

Vicky blushed, “Thank you.”

“She does…doesn’t she?” Jason looked around, “Where’s mom?”

John shook his head, “Still upstairs primping for her grand entrance I suspect. Men, we can get ready in twenty minutes.” He looked at Vicky, “Why does it take you ladies forever and a day to get ready?”

“Hmmm…I’m not sure about Miriam, but I don’t think either of you would want to see what I’d look like after twenty minutes of primping.”

Jason’s eyes turned mischievous, “You look good in nothing but a sheet…only to look equally as good in nothing.”

Her eyes widened, “Jason!” Did he just say that in front of his father?

“Oh…come. Jay didn’t get here by us smiling at each other all day.”

Blushing furiously, Vicky turned away from Jason to face John, “You look incredibly handsome. And…I’m sure Miriam is taking the extra time because she wants to look perfect for you.”

“Yes, I do.” Everyone turned their head and at the top of the staircase stood, Mrs. Miriam Rutherford looking regal and incredibly beautiful.

She made being in her sixties look fabulous. Miriam let her brunette hair hang loose in long waves that fell to her shoulders. But, Vicky was blinded by all the diamonds she wore…the earrings and necklace were stunning.

This woman knew how to make an entrance as several other guests gathered at the foot of the staircase.

Miriam wore white. A fitted white dress that accentuated her full bosom, narrow waist, and hugged her hips. As she walked, all you could see were long toned legs through the slit that went all the way up to her mid-thigh.

Vicky leaned over into Jason’s ear, “Wow. Remind me to take lessons on how to make an entrance. Nobody does it like your mother.”

He whispered back, “As beautiful as my mother is, she ain’t got nothing on you.”

John couldn’t have been more proud. The wait was well worth it. Miriam’s eyes locked onto his as she extended her arms to him.

“Sweetheart, you are more beautiful today that you were when I married you forty-two years ago.”

“And, I love you more today than I did on the day we said I do. Thank you so much for the lovely earrings and necklace.”

He pulled Miriam into his arms and kissed her as if no one were in the room except the two of them. The kiss lasted for so long Jason had to clear his throat. His parents didn’t seem to hear him, so he had to tap his dad on his shoulder before he finally pulled away.

Applause broke out from everyone in attendance who arrived early enough to witness it.

Miriam fanned herself, “See, romance
isn’t
dead. Look what you have to look forward to Vicky. The Rutherford men are a pretty insatiable bunch.”

Vicky laughed, “That they are. You look lovely, Miriam.”

Miriam cupped Vicky’s face in her hands, “And, so do you…just lovely dear.”

“Thank you.”

“Now, let’s go and properly welcome our guests.”

*****

They spent over an hour greeting John and Miriam’s friends to the party. There were so many unfamiliar faces that it was a breath of fresh air when Aunt Shirley and John Lucas finally arrived.

Aunt Shirley was beaming on his arm. She wore her jet-black locs sprinkled with a little gray swept up into an updo. It more than complimented her African inspired gown.

Vicky couldn’t help but think it was more than nice to be able to look into the eyes of someone who looked like her. She hardly knew anyone because they were mostly friends of the Rutherford’s, business partners, media, and people who wanted to do business with CkR.

“Look at you Aunt Shirley, I absolutely adore your dress.”

She whispered into her ear, “I figured this party could probably use a little of my flavor.”

Jason overheard her, “You’re right, and you’re beautiful. Mr. Lucas is a lucky man.”

Mr. Lucas, while in his sixties, wasn’t very much taller than Aunt Shirley. He wasn’t classically handsome like Mr. Rutherford. His hair was sandy brown with barely any gray and his dark brown eyes that were too far apart sparkled. His nose appeared as if it had broken a time or two, gave him depth. Especially, when he was trying cases in the courtroom. His olive colored skin was still tanned from the vacation they’d taken with the Rutherford’s. However, he seemed to beam from the inside out whenever he looked at Aunt Shirley. “Yes, I am lucky. There is something about these Martin women that is just addictive.”

Jason nodded in agreement, “Don’t I know it. I was hooked from day one.”

“So was I young man…so was I.” They shared a laugh before leaving to enter the main party room.

Shortly after Aunt Shirley and John Lucas went into the main room, Sandy, Roman, and Andrea arrived. They came through the receiving line looking more than a little tense.

Miriam beamed at the couple, “Sandra, Roman, and Andrea right? We’re so glad you could make it.”

Andrea smiled brightly, Roman didn’t smile at all, and Sandra’s smile was forced.

Roman wasn’t very welcoming as he shook hands with John. John kissed Sandy on the cheek. “Well thank you for coming and we hope you have a good time.”

Miriam and John exchanged a glance with one another. Something was very off considering they were getting married in a week. They should be ecstatic.

The trio made it down to Vicky and Jason.

Vicky gave her a questioning look as she noticed the exchange with the Rutherford’s too. She kissed Sandy on the cheek, “Hey…is everything okay?”

Sandy responded, “Yes. It’s just been a long day.”

Jason hugged Sandy and extended his hand out to Roman, “Hey Roman, Sandy, Andrea.”

Andrea spoke with enthusiasm, “Hey Vicky…Jason. Your parent’s home is incredible!”

Jason smiled, “Thanks, Andrea.”

Roman shook his hand but barely nodded.

Vicky caught Sandy’s eyes as they were about to make their way into the party room. She whispered to her, “I’ll find you in the party after we’re done here okay?”

Sandy nodded as she, Roman, and Andrea walked into the main room.

Jason leaned over, “What was that about?”

“I have no idea, but I’m going to find out.”

No more than fifteen minutes later did Franklin, April and Troy arrive.

John was surprised, “Troy? I didn’t think you’d be able to make it tonight.”

“Yes sir, Mr. Rutherford. I wasn’t sure either, but I extended my vacation, so I’m glad I was able to make it.”

Franklin had to turn around to see if that was his brother speaking. He hadn’t heard him this respectful since he was around twelve years old.

John pulled Troy into a bear hug, “We didn’t have much of a visit over at Matthew’s. You’re going to have to get by here to visit more often.”

Troy nodded and smiled.

Franklin extended his hand to John, “Mr. Rutherford, it looks like a great turnout.”

John stared at his hand but didn’t take it. Instead he pulled him into an embrace. He whispered in his ear, “How are you? I’ve been worried.”

“I’m fine. Thank you for the other day.”

“You know you can always call if you need me.”

Franklin choked up a bit as he pulled back, then drew April close to him and held her by the small of her back, “Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford, you remember April Linden?”

Miriam extended her hand, “Oh yes. Nice to see you again, April.”

John responded, “Of course. We’re glad you could make it.”

April smiled at them, but it didn’t reach her eyes, “Nice to see you both again too. Your home is lovely.”

Miriam could spot a fake anywhere, and April was definitely a fake. She never did understand Franklin’s infatuation with that girl. But, it wasn’t her business. So, she returned April’s frozen smile with one of her own, “Thank you. Please…go inside and enjoy the party.”

Franklin, Troy and April made their way to Jason and Vicky. April was stony to Vicky but spoke coolly to both her and Jason.

Franklin asked Jason, “Have you seen my parents?”

“Yes. They are in here somewhere. They got here early.”

“Great. When you’re done here, find me. We won’t be able to stay long.”

Jason nodded to him as they made their way into the party room too.

However, on the way inside, Troy joked with Jason, “I’m expecting an introduction to Andrea tonight my friend. Don’t you forget it.”

Jason and Vicky turned to each other after they’d gone inside. She took hold of his hand, “My goodness…this is supposed to be a festive occasion and all of our friends look miserable.”

He squeezed her hand, “Something about a Rutherford Anniversary party is magical. I’ll always remember it was at one of these shindigs that we decided we wanted a life together. So, while everyone may look like they want to kill each other, hopefully, after a lot of drinks, that’ll change.”

Speaking of drinks, Vicky could use one of her own. All the smiling was making her face hurt. However, the smile that had been plastered on her face suddenly froze.

Jason knew exactly what caused her face to freeze because he’d seen them at the same time she did. Quickly, Vicky turned to him but he returned her gaze with a confused one of his own.

There stood in all their glory were Mr. and Mrs. Reed…and Bridget.

As she made her way into the party, Mrs. Reed clasped Miriam’s hand, “Miriam…John, you know we wouldn’t have missed this party for anything. After a twenty-year friendship, we’re quite sure a little tiff amongst our children wouldn’t sink it. We understand our invitation had to have been misplaced.”

Miriam started to speak, “What in the hell…”

John touched her arm, “Please, go inside and enjoy the party.”

She looked at him like he was crazy.

He leaned over and whispered in her ear, “The press. We don’t need a scene. It’ll just look bad for Jason and Vicky. We’ll deal with them later. ”

Bridget spoke softly like the delicate flower she was not, “Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford; it’s so good to see you again. It’s been awhile.” She quickly moved down the receiving line to Jason and Vicky. “Hello, Jason. It’s good to see you.” She didn’t even acknowledge Vicky.

His voice was tight, “Bridget” was all he could manage.

Vicky gave Jason the death glare for even responding.

Miriam and Vicky were standing next to each other, she leaned over and spoke through clenched teeth, “Mom…please keep me from strangling her.”

Miriam held her hand, “If you’ll do the same for me. John said we’ll deal with them at the party.”

Vicky nodded, “Yes we will.”

Chapter 22

The party was in full swing. However, Sandra and Roman hardly spoke to each other. Out of the three of them, Andrea seemed to be the only one having a good time.

Sandra couldn’t help but wonder if coming tonight had been a huge mistake.

Roman stood next to her trying to figure out for the life of him, why he came to this party this evening. He knew why he came. There was no convincing Sandy to stay home and since Franklin was going to be here that meant he needed to be here too.

He bent low to whisper in her ear. The edge in his voice was unmistakable, “How long are we going to have to stay?”

She looked up at him, “Once the Rutherford’s come into the main room…maybe an hour?”

“I’ll need several drinks for that. I’m heading over to the bar.” Roman walked away without a backward glance.

Andrea was sipping on a glass of champagne, “Sandy, what the hell is up with you and Roman? The tension between you two is ridiculous.”

She sighed, “He doesn’t want to be here.”

The sarcasm was dripping from her lips, “You think? My question is why?”

Sandy hadn’t told Andrea about the whole episode with Franklin or that Roman found out about it. She just didn’t want to deal with all the questions. Luckily before she had to respond, Jason and Vicky joined them.