Page 39 of Robert

It bothered her that she was feeling hurt and abandoned, which was ridiculous. They did not owe each other anything and he happened to be a very busy man.

“I saw him on TV just last night. He has presence and is very scary when making a point.” Deidre’s lips curved slightly. “I have to admit that I quite admire him. And you were right to choose him darling, he is a brilliant man and attractive in a harsh sort of way.” A frown touched her brow.

“But I noticed how taken he is with you. He couldn’t take his eyes off you at the wedding and at the reception, he was determined to keep you next to him. I hope he makes you happy.”

“You know I am never one to depend on another person for my happiness.”

Diedre stared at her for a few seconds before picking up her wine glass and taking a delicate sip. They were at the Café la Monde again, but at this time of the day, the place was practically empty.

“You are determined to prove that you are an independent woman and that is admirable. But there comes a time when a woman needs a man, not only in her bed, but by her side to act as support. You are no different from the rest of us, you know.”

“I certainly am not going to use a man as a crutch.”

“And you think that’s what I do?” Taking another sip of the wine, Diedre put away the glass. “Perhaps you are right. I have always known how beautiful I am. I was constantly told by my mother who urged me to use it to my advantage. I did that and when I met your father, he was bowled over.” She shook her head.

“But he was different from all the other men vying for my attention. As smitten as he was, he never allowed me to walk all over him. He loved me, really loved me and it took me a while to figure it out.” She stared at her daughter.

“I loved him too, so damn much and when he died, he took the best part of me with him. I was angry with him for leaving me, for leaving us.” She sighed softly. “I married all those men out of defiance as well as trying to recapture what I had with your father. I never did and I don’t think, I ever will.”

Sonya had no idea how to process all that information. Her mother had never spoken to her this way before and it left her shaken.

“I had no idea.”

“How could you?” She shrugged elegantly. “It was my business and speaking about it was not something I felt comfortable doing. Now it is up to you to discover what you feel about your husband and decide what to do about it. What you do, your charities are all well and good, but at the end of it, you will need someone.”

*****

She was a fan of the opera and should have been enjoying the performance, but her mind was not on what was happening on stage. She had finally given into the pressure of attending with a few friends.

It was four days since he had left, and he had not called. She had suffered first from anger and then had settled into resentment and then jealousy. Her mind was working overtime.

Perhaps he had gone there with someone. And had given her the excuse about having a crisis. But she had seen the evidence in the papers and on the internet. Robert Faulkner was news and apparently taking over the factory was a big deal, big enough to be reported on CNN and other major networks.

So, he was where he said he would be. And apparently making waves. But what was he doing with his nights? Was he with someone? Doing the things with her that he did while they were at the cottage? Damn him for making her so insecure and constantly thinking of him. Why hadn’t he called? Was it punishment for turning him away?

Determined to shake him from her mind, she concentrated fiercely on what was happening in front of her.

It was an Italian play, and the soprano was brilliant, her voice sultry and provocative. The scenes were well put together and incredibly moving. For the duration, she was caught up in the acts and felt herself riveted and moving to the edge of her seat until it was all over.

“What do you think?” Arlene Buckingham was a brilliant environmental lawyer and an acquaintance of hers.

“I think it was worth the exorbitant fee.”

The older woman laughed softly as they made their way to the front of the theater where the others were waiting for them. “I completely agree. We have a reservation at Kelly’s. Care to join us?”

“Why the hell not.”

And she had to admit that being among friends and having an excellent meal had made her forget her problems. But when she got home, they came back full force.

*****

“Michael, I am sorry, but I am swamped today. You could not have chosen a worse time to call. I have meetings…”

“I really need to see you Sonya.” He sounded tense and harried.

“What’s this about?”

“Something I cannot discuss over the phone. Can you meet me?”

---