“Oooo! Here it is!” Katherine excitedly cooed as she dragged Julius into the newly opened art gallery.
Though its grand opening was still a week away it was open for business. Located along East Houston Street it enjoyed proximity to several other galleries and ensured a steady stream of curious visitors. His father might not have much experience when it came to art but he knew a good location so Julius was not surprised; however, it still didn’t explain why his father bought the art gallery in the first place.
He sighed. It had only taken a day for Katherine to recover from his father’s public rejection. Julius hated to admit it but she had some fortitude. She probably thought it earned her sympathy from him but he couldn’t care less, if she wanted to punish herself by irritating his father that was her business.
Julius glanced around him to distract himself from her irritatingly shrill voice. Gray Studio Gallery’s mission was to be the premiere proprietor of M. Gray’s work: both past as well as current. Gray’s new show was set to debut exclusively at this location and promised to garner quite the reception during its grand opening. It was rumored the illusive artist in question would even be making a personal appearance. No effort was spared to present a sophisticated atmosphere in the gallery including the rather odd addition of a grand piano.
Julius didn’t have an eye for art but as he looked at the various photographs his interest was piqued. There was something captivating in the compositions whether in color or in black and white. Lighting, angle and focus all harmonized to create subtle but intriguing moods. Images were raw when they were meant to provoke the viewer and soft where they meant to inspire. He could see why M. Gray was touted as a ground breaking artist. The praise was definitely earned.
“Doctor, how is she?” Augustus demanded as soon as she exited the bedroom.
Signing for quiet, the doctor peered into the bedroom at her patient comfortably resting before pulling the door closed. Maia Darman had been practicing for over two decades and had gathered a rather exclusive clientele. Though her hair was slowly fading to gray now, her wits were as sharp as ever.
It was often assumed the rich were entitled and self-absorbed, and in some cases that was undoubtedly true. However, there was also a reason for their entitlement, especially in terms of healthcare. After all, ensuring their good health as well as the health of their heirs was doubly important when the rumor of a cold was enough to affect their company’s profits and stocks.
With such stakes, it wasn’t a surprise they rarely stepped into a hospital, preferring the physician to make a house call. Of course, that doctor had to be trustworthy enough not to succumb to idle gossip, not the promise of selling confidential information to the media. Augustus DaLair was no different, but he wasn’t impossible with his demands. As such, she was able to maintain her own practice aided by his generous donation and endorsement.
Many people feared him, but they would be surprised to see the concern and worry he exuded now. There was nothing more important to Augustus than his family and their health. The fact he had been pacing the hallway the entire time while Maia checked on her patient was proof of how dearly he cared about his daughter-in-law.
“She’s resting comfortably now,” Maia said. “I prescribed her something for the nausea if it gets worse, but the most important thing for her right now is rest and to reduce her stress levels.”
“Stress?”
“This is her first pregnancy and, according to what she told me, her cycles are generally irregular,” the doctor explained. Macey had known Augustus would be concerned for her health and had given her permission to share this much information. “Irregular cycles can be a sign of hormonal imbalances, in which case getting pregnant can be more difficult and also more difficult to maintain, especially in the first trimester.”
Augustus felt himself go pale. His wife had a hard time conceiving and Rose had as well. Was Macey similarly cursed?
“What about the baby?”
“As far as I can tell, without further tests, it’s fine,” the doctor sighed.
Augustus let out a slow breath.
“She should continue to rest and allow the pregnancy to establish itself. She should take it easy and relax and you should keep as much stress out of her daily life as possible.”
“It shall be done,” Augustus nodded.
“I’ll return in a couple of days for a follow-up, but call me if anything comes up before then.”
“Of course, thank you doctor.”
A sidelong glance at Stephen was all that was necessary to instruct the younger man to escort the doctor out. When they were both gone, Augustus quietly let himself into the bedroom. With a sigh, he took a seat beside the bed and stared at the woman comfortably sleeping.
It had been two days since she left Julius. She left everything behind aside from a handful of cash. Even her cell phone had been discarded. If he hadn’t the foresight to send Stephen to shadow her, she would have disappeared completely forever out of his sight and protection. Augustus couldn’t let that happen.
He owed his life to her father. Carl Grayson was a simple man, or so Augustus thought at their first meeting. They met in basic training along with the other men that would soon be placed under Augustus’s command. Their training had centered on working together until their deployment. While the other men in the squad soon developed close ties and camaraderie, Carl maintained an aloof manner and kept everyone at a distance.
He obeyed orders and carried them out to the letter, but seemed to lack imagination. Battle was a fluid thing and sometimes it was necessary to think on one’s feet, but Carl seemed to lack this ability. It caused strife among the other members. When not actively training, he spent an inordinate amount of time checking his gear, sharpening his knife or disassembling and cleaning his weapon rather than hanging out with others. Even at meal time, he kept himself apart, quietly observing and listening to them, but never actively participating in their conversations. Not wanting any disharmony with his men, Augustus took Carl aside to confront him about these issues. Carl merely nodded quietly and shrugged when he was asked to work on them. Frustrated, Augustus demanded, “These men are your comrades. How can you expect them to watch your back if you don’t prove yourself to them?” “I don’t expect them too,” Carl answered easily. Augustus was at a
“How are you feeling, my dear?” Augustus asked. “Better.” Macey managed a smile. She was relaxed, reclining on her pillows. It had been just over a week since she arrived at the mansion. The staff had been told not to reveal the identity of their guest and to treat her with the upmost care, following doctor’s orders. Luckily, his sons were infrequent visitors and since his birthday party there was little need from them to come home when they saw him at work every day. Normally, Augustus lamented their inattention, but now he was grateful as it allowed Macey to recover without interruption. “I’m glad,” Augustus sighed. “And the baby?” “The doctor says its heartbeat is strong, so she doesn’t think there will be any complications as long as I avoid unnecessary stress.” “Good.” Augustus didn’t try to hide his relief, but worried how the next topic would affect her. “As much as I don’t want to, I need to discuss something wi
Augustus fell silent. If it was over, why was Julius looking for her so desperately? Something didn’t add up. Could it be? Could Julius have finally realized the truth? Maybe…But was it too little too late? The woman in front of him was resigned. She had given up the love she had nurtured for so long, truly believing it was over. Would Julius be able to convince her he made a mistake? No. In her current state, she probably wouldn’t even listen. “Let’s face it, he and I, we’re too different. I just don’t belong in his world and I guess he knew it from the beginning,” Macey let out a sniffle, prompting him to give her a tissue. “It’s better if I just leave. I don’t want to cause problems.” Augustus studied her for a long moment in silence. Perhaps it was better to put distance between them, for now. Macey had always lacked confidence when it came to standing among the DaLairs. Though they treated her as a member of the family, she could
“Are you all right Miss?” Stephen asked with concern as they exited customs. “I’m fine,” Macey sighed. “Air travel has never been my favorite.” “It will be much easier from here.” Hailing a cab, Stephen loaded her luggage into the trunk, then gave instructions to the driver. Macey listened, amazed at the ease with which he handled the situation. “Stephen, I didn’t know you could speak French.” “I can’t.” “But.” “I learned a bit when I came here to set up your apartment,” he said, “but I only know enough to give the correct address.” Macey was silent for a time, “I’m going to need to learn.” “Miss?” “French. If I’m going to stay here I really should learn the language, don’t you think?” “You have a point. It will be useful when you begin attending school. But the state has several remedial programs, specifically for immigrants to learn the language.”
Victoria stepped out of the cab with a sigh, checking her phone for the address one more time before entering the building. Though she was generally confident and carefree, she had to admit she was feeling a little anxious about this meeting. She had seen the advertisement a week ago for a private tutor willing to teach remedial French to a newly arrived immigrant from America. Like many people, she didn’t have a favorable opinion of Americans in general. They were arrogant in their claims of coming from the greatest country in the world, as if their country never did anything wrong or didn’t have problems. At least other countries admitted their shortcomings. Then there was the American fascination with sex and sexuality when, at the same time, they were completely uncomfortable with their own bodies. They either saw themselves as too fat or too thin, too short or too tall. Half the population was busy trying to reach some unattainable ideal, while the
Macey woke with a sudden urge to pee. With a grunt, she pushed herself out of bed, struggling with her rather large stomach. She gently stroked it. It had been months since the doctor told her she was not having just one baby but two. Twins. It still didn’t seem real despite her expanding middle. Twins, actual twins. She eased out of bed and retreated to the bathroom to relieve herself. Once she was comfortable again, she moved to the living room and sat on the sofa. She was grateful for the large cushions. Her back and feet constantly ached. Now, it seemed the twins had settled permanently on her bladder. That was something no one warned her about. She inhaled deeply as her body tensed. For the past couple of weeks she had been having minor contractions. Her doctor explained it was her body’s way of preparing for labor and to not be alarmed by them. The moment passed. She winced as a wave of heartburn came next. It seemed she was a
“Miss Macey?” Stephen prompted when she didn’t reply. “Is everything all right?” “Yes. Sorry. I’m calling because dad wanted to know when I went into labor. Well, I am. In labor.” “Are you all right? Are you alone? Do you need me to make calls for you? Arrange transportation?” “No. It’s fine. Vicki is here. She’s calling the hospital and a cab is on the way. We’ll be heading to the hospital shortly.” “Understood. I’ll arrange transportation for Mister DaLair. He’ll be there as soon as he is able.” “Oh, you don’t have to do that. I mean…” “Mister DaLair insists. I will let you know his ETA as soon as I confirm it.” “…Okay.” “Come on Macey. We got to go.” Victoria said, hauling the prepared duffle bag out of the entry closet where it had been stashed for the last two months. Though Victoria might have momentarily panicked, she was once again in control. “Right.
“Ah, dad?” March stared as his father stood. Not that he wasn’t ready to end the meeting as well, but it was out of character for his father to do so. Augustus never ended meetings early. “Something important just came up. I’ll be leaving now. Good work everyone,” Augustus said as Stephen moved ahead of him and opened the door. “March, take your brother home. Next time, I want him awake and sober.” “Yeah, dad.” March rubbed his temples, looking at the shell that was once his brother. He stood and circled the table. “Come one, Jules. Let’s get you home. Work day is over.” Julius muttered groggily as his brother pulled him to his feet. Though he looked asleep, he was surprisingly aware. How could he sleep when Macey was out there? Their baby would soon make its entrance into the world and he still hadn’t found them. There had to be a way. Macey was too responsible to neglect her own care, let alone her baby. She wouldn’t shu
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Finding no support anywhere Jenna finally fled. No one paid her further mind as they watched the kids swarm around their parents comforting their mother. It was a sweet and tender scene and many began to see Silas in a completely different light. * * * Jenna screamed as she storme
Jenna stepped forward intentionally shoving her shoulder and made Ava stumble back. “W-What is—” Jenna stuttered as the video paused. “Who was calling who shameless?” Alexis demanded standing next to her mother arms crossed in front of her chest. “So playing with people’s
The music started slowly with just a few notes announcing the beginning of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The simple melody became more complex as notes overlapped and weaved a new organic pattern but always maintaining the integrity of the piece. Conversation lulled as everyone turned their