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The Tessarae Inn |
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Poseidon Rising CHAPTER 4 Blair noticed that even though she and Pratt both stared openly at Todd, Viki looked down at her hands as if they held some secret code. When a beautiful blonde woman floated down the staircase and into view, Blair found herself repeating her motto: No more drama. No more drama in my life. She studied the woman whose hair tumbled in long waves almost to the center of her back and who wore a dress of sheer layers that moved like a gentle breeze was swirling around her. The woman was Amanda she assumed. Amanda moved next to Todd and he pulled her closer and encircled her waist with his left arm. “This is my wife, Amanda. I married her before I knew my true identity. I know that we are not legally married but she is my heart-wife--the wife of my heart.” Pratt let out a small gasp then said, “Mr. Manning, this is somewhat…” “She saved my life and when I couldn’t remember anything she was there for me. It may not be fair to fall in love when you can’t remember your past but you can’t control your feelings.” Blair took a deep breath, uncrossed her legs and sat up straight. “There is nothing about life that is fair but maybe I can help.” She reached into her briefcase and pulled out another document. She handed it to Pratt. Pratt studied it for a minute then looked over at Todd. “They’re divorce papers.” “What! You hear I’m alive and the first thing you do is have divorce papers drawn up? When did you have time to do all of this, Blair?” “I had them drawn up at the same time I had the other documents filed and hired the service to maintain the penthouse for you.” Blair put the blue folder back into her briefcase, stood up and smoothed her skirt. “It was nice to meet you, Amanda. I wish you and Todd well. Todd, all you have to do is sign the papers. A quick trip to the Dominican Republic and in a few days, you’ll be free to make it legal with Amanda. You remember how to get to the Dominican Republic, don’t you?” She saw anger flash in his eyes. Amnesia my ass.
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Blair turned to leave but he quickly pulled himself away from Amanda and walked after her. “Blair, wait. I don’t understand why you seem so matter of fact about all of this. I heard we were very much in love.” She stopped walking, turned and faced him. “I was but you don’t know the meaning of the word.” She shifted her gaze to some point behind him. “Sorry, Amanda. I’m sure you will save his soul. I’ve given up that ministry.” “Aren’t you even glad to see me?” For the first time since she walked into the penthouse he could see her face soften. “I am very glad you are alive and safe. I am glad our children will not have to grow up without a father.” "What about you?” “It’s too late for me.” For a long five count he looked directly into her eyes. “I already grew up without a father,” she said then turned, walked away from him and out the front door. His heart sank as she disappeared from sight. He knew if she had her way about it she had just disappeared from his life as well. ======== “Oh, Mac, I love this place. It’s better than your sister’s place. I like the vibe.” “Stop calling me Mac.” “Todd doesn’t suit you nearly as well as Mac.” Todd flopped on the chair by the fireplace. How in the world had things gone so badly? He had hoped against hope that his death had forced Blair to forgive him for the baby lie. She seemed to have forgiven him and forgotten him at the same time. She didn’t even touch him—not once. “This is not going well.” “What did you do to her anyway?” “It doesn’t matter.” Amanda, who was lying on the couch, placed both feet on the floor and sat up straight. “Why didn’t you tell me how gorgeous you wife is though? I mean she’s breathtaking. Those legs, those eyes and that body! Did you see how that dress fit her? How did you keep yourself from jumping her bones right in front of all of us?” “Shut up, Amanda.” “Oh, and that chilly vibe. I liked that razor sharp edge. Confident… self-assured…hard” Amanda used her hand and fanned her face. “Whew! I bet she has a black leather suit or two.” “Give it a rest, will you.” “If you want my opinion, sign the divorce papers and cut your losses on this one. If she ever loved you, she doesn’t now.” “Shut up, Amanda. Just SHUT UP.” Todd walked over to the window and studied the skyline for a few minutes. Plan A was a major bust. It was time for Plan B. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed the number quickly. “It’s me.” “Yes?” “I want to see my children as soon as possible. Don’t try to say no.” Blair sighed so loudly the sound crackled in his ear. “I’ll bring them by tomorrow morning. To the penthouse, right? They can stay overnight and I’ll pick them up Sunday morning.” “I can come over there now.” “I’ll bring them in the morning, Todd.” “Where are you staying? I hear you have a new house. I have a right to know where my children are living.” “Do you remember them now?” “I saw a picture or two and it all came back to me.” “It’s a miracle. Yet again,” said Blair then broke the connection. Todd resisted the urge to call her right back. He needed to calm down and step carefully. In the end, Starr might be his best weapon. He looked over at Amanda who was sitting on the couch with her right leg resting on the knee of her left leg picking at her toenails. “You get to play stepmommy tomorrow. Blair is bringing the children over here first thing.” “Blair? Blair’s coming over tomorrow?” “Yeah, and I need to make the most of it. So cool your jets and stay focused. Do you know anything about children?” “I’m a nurse, Mac, remember? Remember. I loved the way she kept saying ‘remember.’” “Amanda.” “Yeah, sure. I can take care of a kid or two.” “Jack’s a baby. We need to make sure we have diapers and stuff. Go check their rooms upstairs to see if Blair put something there for them.” “Listen. I agreed to help you with your stupid scheme but that doesn’t make me your paid servant. You go check.” Todd cut his eye at her but he took the steps two at a time. When he searched Starr and Jack’s rooms, his worst fears were realized. The rooms were fully decorated and loaded with appropriate things: toys, stuffed animals, diapers, CD players, CDs, games, clothes…. When he checked the kitchen he found plenty of baby food and Starr’s favorite foods. She was serious about bringing them. She was not going to try to keep the children away from him. Damn her.
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