Page 19 of Passion and Privilege

“Where is she?” I asked, my temper barely under control.

“She’s on a plane as we speak,” Regina replied, her tone curt and final.

The call ended abruptly, leaving me with a surge of anger and a profound sense of responsibility toward Paisley. I had to try and save the kid from herself. I knew all about rebelling and acting out. Paisley felt ignored. I had to try and get through to her.

Bennet shook his head. “Is she okay?”

“Physically, yes,” I said. “She totaled one of Jim’s cars.”

Bennet smiled and then quickly wiped it away. “Which one?”

“The Rolls,” I answered, barely able to hide my own smirk.

“That’s unfortunate,” he said dryly.

“Indeed.”

I sat thinking about Regina. “I dodged a bullet, didn’t I?” I asked.

“I think you did,” he said.

Regina had changed drastically the minute after the vows were exchanged. I had envisioned a happy family. I was looking forward to the American dream. My goal had always been living in the house with a few kids. I wanted our backyard littered with toys. A soccer net set up for them to practice their kicks. I was foolish enough to dream about big Christmas gatherings with our gaggle of kids screaming and running downstairs at the crack of dawn to open gifts.

It wasn’t going to happen. I sighed heavily, running my fingers through my hair and trying to shake off the feelings of anger and betrayal that always came up when I had to deal with Regina. I knew I did everything right with Regina. I had tried so hard to make her happy. She had everything she could possibly want. I agreed to live in the city for a little while to let her enjoy the benefits of living in high society. We attended practically every party. People surrounded her, always heaping praise on how beautiful she was.

For every party, she needed a new designer dress and jewelry. I was happy to give it all to her. When we did show up at parties, I was proud to have her on my arm. She made me feel like a million bucks. She smiled and told charming stories that won everyone over.

And then we would go home to the privacy of our bedroom and she turned into an ice queen. I was glad she was out of my life, but we still had Paisley to connect us. I didn’t know how I would ever be completely rid of her. I was doomed.

When we pulled up the driveway to the house, I saw Catherine’s truck was already parked outside. I was surprised by my reaction to seeing her truck. She was different from any other woman I had ever met. I liked watching her work and I loved listening to her talk about her work.

“They’ve been hustling all week,” Bennet said. “I’m happy to say there has been significant progress.”

We walked into the house and found Catherine meticulously working on the ornate wooden railing of the grand staircase. I took a few seconds to watch her work.

She didn’t seem to notice our entrance at first. Her expert fingers were moving deftly over the detailed carvings in the wood. She had the sleeves of her work shirt rolled up, showing off toned arms and her natural tan. Her hair was pulled back in a clip, but a few tendrils had escaped, framing her face perfectly.

I cleared my throat, drawing her attention. She looked over and broke into a warm smile that managed to soften me. “Hey,” she said. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

“You looked busy,” I said.

“I am. I can’t wait to show you how much work we’ve gotten done since you’ve been gone.”

She was too perky. I was in a foul mood because of my ex. I didn’t have the patience or the energy.

“Call it a day,” I said in a gruff voice.

“What?” she asked with confusion.

“Go home. I need quiet. You can come back tomorrow.”

Catherine’s smile faded, replaced by a look of hurt. “Oh, okay. I didn’t mean to bother you.”

“I know,” I muttered and nodded toward the door. As she packed up her tools and left the room, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret at my behavior.

The door shut behind her with a soft click, and Bennet cleared his throat. “Well, I guess I’ll leave you alone, too.”

“You think that was wrong,” I said.