9781631054631ChoiceAffairsSalisbury Read online

  “Mother, why don’t you and I go see about dinner? I’m sure Apolo would appreciate a few minutes to change his clothes before we discuss your unplanned move.”

  “There’s nothing about it being unplanned. I knew the moment you two were married that I needed to be closer.”

  “Come. Did you bring some appetizers?” Caitlyn guided the beast out of the room and from my sight before I went nuclear.

  I turned and headed into the bedroom, refilling my glass before I left. Changing was a good idea. Calling Jacob was even better. I shut the door behind me while I got him on the line.

  “Yeah, Apolo. What can I do for you this gorgeous, Friday evening?”

  “You can start with telling me who is paying for Caitlyn’s mother to stay at the Watergate. In a suite, no less. Because it certainly isn’t her.”

  “She showed up? In Washington?”

  “Yes, damn it! She’s moved here. Some nonsense about being closer to Caitlyn in case her daughter needs her. A bunch of horseshit, if I ever heard it. Find out and get back with me tonight!”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I’ll work on her this evening. See if I can find out where she’s been hiding. Not that I expect her to tell me.”

  “The answer lies with whoever is paying her way. I’m on it. Shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. I’ll text you when I know something.”

  “Good man. Thank you.” I disconnected, took a long swallow of whiskey, and headed for the closet. I looked around and saw Caitlyn’s clothes that she had obviously ditched for her more appealing attire when I arrived. Naked. Damn relatives!

  I rejoined the ladies, who were sitting on the couch in front of various dishes of appetizers. I nodded in Caitlyn’s direction, letting her know I’d contacted Jacob. I poured myself yet another glass of whiskey, this time adding a splash of soda. I needed to have my wits around me when Jacob called back. Which, knowing Jacob, wouldn’t be long.

  “Feel better, dear?” Susan asked without glancing up. She was fixing herself a plate.

  Suddenly, I realized that what little lunch I’d shared with Caitlyn was long gone. “Much, thank you.” I took a sip off my drink and sat down across from them. I proceeded to get myself some food while Caiti and her mother chit chatted about whatever self-absorbed thing Susan could conjure up. Then, I placed my phone on the table next to me and waited. “So enlighten me, Susan, just how did you manage to sneak past Jacob’s men? Of course, if you don’t want to, don’t worry. Jacob will come up with the answer.”

  “But he hasn’t, has he?” she quipped, a catty smile crossing her lips.

  “Not on this particular incident, no.” I eyed Caitlyn over a meatball I had forked off my plate and winked.

  “No hard feelings, I hope?”

  “For what, Susan? Eluding my men? Or the part where you deliberately tried to trump everyone up at your own daughter’s wedding by wearing a dress that was not meant, by any stretch of the imagination, for a mother of the bride? Or where you cleverly went behind everyone’s back and helped my very, very former girlfriend obtain entrance to the reception? Whom, by the way, you seemed to be quite chummy with, if I recall.

  “Or—and I love this one—your need to be the center of attention by selling out private photos of not only our wedding ceremony itself, but of the reception? Come on, Susan, which is it?”

  She knew she was caught and about to be roasted, so, rather than answer me, she turned to her daughter for sympathy. “Does he talk to all his female relations like this, Caitlyn? I pray he doesn’t speak so to you.”

  “Oh, Mother, give it a rest, will you? Enough with the theatrics. It’s true, and you know it. You made sure you disobeyed everything we asked of you. Just like a spoiled child. And to top it all off, you just had to sell that photo of our ceremony, the one thing we wanted private, to the highest bidder. Shame on you. And yes, Apolo can speak to you in whatever manner he wishes, because I back him up all the way.”

  I heard a “well I never!” just as Jacob texted me with the name of a certain senator who was paying Susan’s bills in Washington. A man I knew by reputation, one whom I wasn’t a fan of. He had an unknown grudge against me, or rather, my company. Interesting stuff. It showed up as a shell company, but it took Jacob mere minutes to dig out who it really was. “So, tell me, Susan, who’s this senator who’s paying for your stay here in Washington? Is he your sugar daddy, or is it something more?”

  “My private affairs are none of your business, Apolo Choice, and don’t you dare forget that.”

  “Apolo?” Caitlyn had an eyebrow cocked in curiosity.

  “Yes, it seems this high-powered senator is paying her bills. To get to me. Of that, I’m sure.”

  “Why?”

  “He and I go back a number of years. Let’s just say he doesn’t like self-made billionaires, who had no help from anyone. Unlike him. He’s tried to prevent Choice Enterprises from obtaining numerous ventures, but has yet to be successful.”

  “Mother, how could you?”

  “I won’t sit here and have your husband talk to me like this. Furthermore, Caitlyn, I can’t believe you’d allow it.”

  “Oh, Mother…”

  I sat forward in my chair and stared at her. “This is the way things are going to run while we live here, Susan. You brought this on yourself, so don’t try crying to Caitlyn because she backs whatever I say. You will not be on our visitor’s list. If you want to come over, you will call and arrange it with us in advance. If you continue going to the press, I will have my attorneys get a gag order. Our private life is off limits to you. Do I make myself clear?”

  “You can’t do that, Apolo. Caitlyn’s my daughter first.”

  “She’s my wife now. This is a politically charged town, Susan. Choose who you sleep around with very carefully. The outcome you thought you were going to get might not be the one you sought. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  “Oh, I understand all right. You’re trying to keep my daughter from me.”

  “Mother, I’m warning you…give it a rest. You know damn good and well that’s not what Apolo is trying to do. What he’s telling you is—if you’re going to play ball with the big boys, in the big league here in Washington, make sure you’ve chosen your partners carefully. Because if you haven’t, it might come back to bite you in the butt.”

  Susan stood up. Her eyes were filled with hatred. Something I can’t say I’ve ever seen before. “I’m not going to sit here and listen to this. Enjoy your supper.”

  “Mother, I thought you were happy for Apolo and me. Instead, you’re sneaking behind our backs, selling stories, getting cozy with people you know dislike Apolo. Why? What’s in it for you? Are you that much in need of attention that you’ll stoop to whatever level just to get it? And what about Pop? You treat him like dirt.”

  “I am happy for you, Caitlyn. I just don’t like being treated like I’m some contagious disease.” She started toward the door in a huff, sniffling like she had at our wedding. The woman had no shame.

  Caitlyn began to go after her, but I took her elbow, shaking my head. We’d just be playing into her game if Caitlyn tried to console her. No, it was best to end it now.

  “I’ll text you my address and my new phone number tomorrow,” Susan sniveled as she entered the elevator. “Apolo, Caitlyn. Have a good evening.”

  She was gone. I could see Caitlyn blow out a breath. Out of relief, I’m sure. I knew I was feeling the same.

  “That woman’s a piece of work, Apolo. But it’s not going to end with her, is it?”

  “I’m afraid not, love. She’s crawled into bed with some very unsavory folk. I’ll keep an eye on her.”

  “I know you will,” she replied, grabbing my ass. “I suggest we eat then move on to what we were doing earlier.”

  “Oh, I will, and I’ll be keeping an eye on her newfound friends as well. As to what we were doing earlier? Yes, but I think we must start over. Once we’ve eaten.”

  Chapter Ei
ght

  I gathered the plates and Mother’s wine glass from the living room and took them to the kitchen, where Apolo was going through the cartons of food she had brought with her. “Anything good?”

  “Hmmmm, yes. But I’d rather have those steaks and whatever else you picked up.”

  “So would I, but we can’t let all this go to waste.”

  “I have an idea,” he replied, walking out of the kitchen. I followed him to the intercom located near the elevator. “Danny, this is Apolo Choice. By chance, have any of you eaten dinner this evening?”

  “No, sir, Senator Choice. We were just now going to begin our dinner breaks. Why? Do you need something?”

  “No, I don’t need a thing. I do have a shit load of Italian food, more than Mrs. Choice and I can possibly eat. I thought perhaps I’d share.”

  “That’s very generous, Senator Choice.”

  “Good! Then, it’s settled. I’ll bring it down to the desk momentarily. See you in a few minutes.”

  “Thank you, senator.”

  Apolo turned to me, a sly grin on his face. “You see?”

  “Clever, Apolo. But it does keep all that food from going to waste.”

  “Come, help me put it back into the bags. See if we have any disposable plates we can send. I saw forks and knives already, so we’re good there.”

  We walked back into the kitchen and quickly had everything back in the two bags. Finding a package of disposable plates, I added a stack.

  “Would you like me to come with you?”

  “If you wish. Though, I’d rather you stay here and start our supper. I’m starving, Caiti.”

  I chuckled. I knew his ploy. He wanted to take all this downstairs and, while there, casually mention the fact that my mother, under no circumstances, was to be given access to the building. “Okay, I can manage that. Don’t be too long, though, okay?”

  “I won’t, I promise.” He enveloped me in his arms and kissed me softly. “Besides, after dinner, I believe we have some fun activities to get back to.”

  “You have a one track mind sometimes, Apolo. But I love you for it.”

  “I know you do,” he quipped as he quickly picked up the two sacks.

  I shook my head and opened the Sub-Zero. I began pulling out everything I’d purchased earlier in the afternoon. I found a bottle of marinade Apolo liked to use from time to time and added it to the plastic bag that held the steaks. While they were getting ready, I prepared a salad. Something told me I had plenty of time. I set the table, and went back into the kitchen to wait. Everything was ready, or near ready, and the steaks would go on as soon as my husband came back.

  A short time later while we were enjoying our meal, I thought to bring up our most recent visitor. “I’m going to call Pop in the morning. See what his take on all of this is. If he has one. He might not know about any of this, and I certainly don’t know what has transpired between him and my mother.”

  “I agree. At least call him, let him know we’re settling in. Then, bring up your mother. See if he’s willing to share. I’m not sure he will, however. He hits me as an extremely private man.”

  “He is. Proud, too. I think that’s where him being private comes from. As much as I hate to say it, I think he would be so much happier divorced from my mother. She obviously cares nothing for him unless it benefits her.” I couldn’t believe I actually, finally, had come out and said that. I knew Apolo agreed—it was just strange hearing myself admit my parents would be better off apart than together.

  “Well, my only advice to you is this. Don’t share what we know about your mother with him. If he is unaware of her activities, there’s no reason we should.”

  “And if he does?”

  “Go slow. Let him do the talking, if he wants to.”

  I sat, toying with a piece of steak on my plate. “What the hell is wrong with my family? My brother is up to no good, and my mother is getting herself into a bad situation. I know every family has their dynamics, but hell, this is too much.”

  He reached over and touched my forearm, laying his hand there for a moment. “Try not to let it consume you, okay? I know that’s easier said than done. I have everything being looked into.”

  “I know you do,” I replied, popping the last remaining piece of our fabulous meal into my mouth. “And while we’re on the subject, what is the connection with my mother, Delpheine, and this senator? It’s too weird. Of all people for my mother to be cozying up to.”

  “That’s another thing we’re looking at. I don’t have the answers right now, sweet.”

  “I know you don’t. I suppose I’m trying to figure things out. Talking about it helps me.”

  “Then talk. You know I’m always here to listen.”

  I leaned back in my chair and smiled at him. This man would move heaven and earth for me, if I asked. “So, what plans have you got for us, senator?”

  “Absolutely none. No, that’s not true. At some point I’d like for us to go over our schedules together. See what each of us has going on next week.”

  “Good idea, and I’m also sure you’re going to want to spend some time catching up on whatever is going on down in Atlanta. Am I right?”

  “Yes, you are. I promise not to spend too much time. I just need to follow up on some projects.”

  “Good. Oh, and by the way, did you notice how strange my mother was talking at times?”

  “Your mother always talks strange, Caitlyn.” He winked and tried to duck as I playfully threw my napkin at him.

  * * * *

  The weekend went by quietly. I was too glad, because I knew this wouldn’t be the case all the time. Apolo and I had gone over our individual schedules for the upcoming week. Something that would become routine in our everyday lives. I would put his into mine and vice versa. That way if we weren’t able to phone the other, we could at least look and get an idea of where the other one was.

  Apolo tried to talk me into hiring an assistant, but I put my foot down. At least for now. My schedule was manageable. I could handle it by myself. The appointments I had were minimal. I assured him that when it got to the point where I was feeling overwhelmed, I’d reconsider.

  I was especially excited Monday. My first appointment with a couple of the heads of a group for the disabled. One Apolo had always quietly donated money to. Now, perhaps, I could help him, and them, get the word out. We were to meet at a restaurant for lunch, making it a little more relaxing and informal.

  Bo drove me to my destination. Jacob was obviously busy with other matters. Poor man. Apolo kept him running.

  We pulled up in front of the restaurant, and I went inside. I was greeted by Amy Knight, a petite brunette with enough enthusiasm for ten people.

  “Mrs. Choice. Thank you for coming,” she said, shaking my hand. She had on a grey business suit that was stunning. It seemed to compliment her immensely. “If you’ll follow me, Stacy is waiting at our table.”

  “Thank you,” I replied. Amy was probably not but a few years older than I was, I mused.

  We approached a table off to one side, out of the main line of traffic. A tall blond stood up and immediately came our way. Must be Stacy Newton.

  “Mrs. Choice, how nice to see you. Thank you for coming.”

  I nodded and made my reply, sitting down at one of the empty spots. We were all settling in when I happened to look across the room and see my mother. She waved. It was her lunch partner that concerned me. Delpheine.

  Immediately, my head began to spin. What were the two of them doing here? How did they know I would be here? Too many questions. Too many unanswered questions.

  The three of us began the polite, getting-to-know-each-other conversation. I tried to ignore my mother and her new found pal, but found it hard to do. Then, I suddenly realized I’d left my purse in the back seat of the Bentley.

  Taking advantage of the situation, I quietly informed Amy and Stacy what I’d done and got out of my seat to retrieve my bag. I knew Bo would be parked r
ight outside, and I made sure I left going nowhere near my mother’s table.

  Finding Bo, who was standing next to the limo enjoying the nice afternoon weather, I approached quickly. “I need you to do me a favor. Call or text Jacob. Tell him my mother and Delpheine are here having lunch. This is not a coincidence, Bo. And no one knew my schedule.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’ll do that right now.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket and began texting.

  While he was doing that, I retrieved my purse from the backseat. “Thank you, Bo. I shouldn’t be but an hour more.”

  “Not a problem, Mrs. Choice.”

  I returned to my table, noticing my mother and my husband’s ex-girlfriend deep in conversation. Ignoring them, I continued on with my meeting.

  “We can’t begin to tell you how excited we were to get your call, Mrs. Choice. Your husband has been a huge financial supporter for years,” Stacy remarked over her salad. “We thought perhaps today we could share ideas, things like that.”

  “This is something that’s quite close to his heart. For personal reasons, especially,” I replied. “And, please, call me Caitlyn. I haven’t quite gotten used to the formality of Mrs. Choice, much less being a senator’s wife. It’s all quite daunting.”

  “I can imagine,” Amy said. “Your husband seems like a very intense, determined man. I’ve always enjoyed our meetings. He’s quite professional, but reachable. At least in this instance.”

  “He is intense, but you’re right about all the rest.”

  “Can you elaborate any on your husband’s injury?” Stacy inquired.

  “The only thing I can tell you is that he lost his leg in a tragic accident right after he graduated college. Unless he changes his mind, I’m afraid that’s all I can share with you. Apolo hates to put himself in the limelight, especially on this topic.”

  We chatted a bit about what Apolo and I, me in particular, would like to do to help get the word out. Nothing too flamboyant or over the top. Not at first. Just some behind the scenes help and involvement.

  As we were eating our lunch, my mother and her new-found friend made sure they stopped by our table. Mother acted like nothing at all had transpired between us a few days before.