Page 13 of Axel
The appliances were the latest technology because her son had insisted on her having the best. Everything was at the touch of a button. She had insisted on the color being a mellow yellow and the designer had balked at the idea, but she would not budge. So, her request had been honored.
The woman had gone to Axel to complain that his mother was meddling in matters she had no business meddling in. The woman had underestimated Axel’s devotion to his family and overestimated her importance. Axel had told her curtly that his mother was the one who was going to be living here and whatever she said -goes.
So, Caitlin had gotten her desire and the large kitchen, which was three times the tiny house they had lived in was homey despite the elegance. Putting the kettle on, she went to the rows of cupboards to select a box of tea.
*****
Tucking her legs beneath her, Ellie polished off the rest of the rather delicious casserole and leaned back in the chair. Balancing the glass on the edge of the sofa, she cradled the phone between her shoulder blades. “You sound enthused.”
“I am,” she admitted to her friend. “It is a charming little town and the little I have seen on my way in, impressed me. There are lots of colors everywhere. It seems like fall comes early here. The leaves are starting to change, and I am sitting in the bedroom and can see outside, and everything is fresh and glorious.
Get this, Axel Lakeside’s mother and sister came bearing gifts as a welcome to River Glades. An actual picnic basket with food so delicious, I swear to you that I have never tasted better. They brought enough to last me several days. You know how terrible I am in the kitchen.”
“You don’t have to remind me.” Marcia’s dry tone had her laughing. “I still cannot get the fact that you insisted on making rosemary chicken for Thanksgiving two years ago.”
“It wasn’t that bad,” she protested.
“Honey, it tasted like burnt rubber and we had to get rid of it and order in.”
“That right there taught me that my talent does not lie in the kitchen.”
“How were the relatives and have you met the man of the hour yet?”
“No. I am supposed to meet with him tomorrow afternoon. His assistant is going to call with the time. I have not spoken directly to him. The man is as elusive as old gold.”
“Not to mention the fact that he was reluctant to agree to the interview.”
“There is that. I expect to meet up with some resistance. But the mother and sister seem nice.” Picking up her glass, she took a thoughtful sip. “I have been invited to dinner.”
“You said yes of course.”
“I did.” She gazed into the crackling fire that had thrown the room into shadows and made it even more cozy. “I am going to take pictures and send them to you.” She paused and drank some more wine. “What’s going on with Jackie?”
“She is having problems with Paul as usual,” Marcia hesitated briefly, “I did not want to say anything to her, but I have been hearing rumors.”
“What kind?”
“He is cheating on her.” Marcia sighed. “They are both unhappy and it’s obvious. Paul spends his days with the children and that sort of inactivity and mindset is bound to get him wanting more.”
“I think they should apply for help with the children, and he should find something to do. I am sorry Marcia, but a man staying home, does not sit well with me.”
“You are a chauvinist.” Marcia teased.
“And I make no apologies for my opinion. Paul is a jerk with a roving eye. Anyway, I am crashing as we speak and really need to get some sleep. Call you tomorrow.”
Hanging up, she finished the wine and sat there for a few minutes before turning in.
Chapter 4
Ellie loved her job, and she was particularly good at it. When she had decided that she wanted to quit modeling, writing was what had come to mind. She had gone to college and majored in journalism, but the allure of the camera had enticed her.
Eleanor had hoped she would follow in her footsteps, but acting was not something she wanted to do. She had started modeling right after college because she was determined to get an education first.
Her time in the spotlight had been exciting, heady, and exhausting. She had met several people, gone to bed with one or two guys, but nothing serious enough to make her want to settle down.
Her parents’ life was a deterrent. She had also seen how marriages tend to get broken after only years and the ugliness that always seems to follow behind that. Couples who had declared their love for each other and pledged vows fighting like cats and dogs. She wanted someone who was going to be with her for the long haul.
The magazine had hired her because of who she was. A former model and the daughter of Eleanor Bailey. She had resented not being hired based on her qualifications but had been determined to prove herself.