The Promise Page 3

  Mrs. Rank’s back stiffened. She did not reply and continued with her task.

  Crap, I wonder if she knows she’s a lesbian and doesn’t like that. Puts me in the crapper.

  Kris heaved a sigh of relief as Mrs. Rank finally spoke as she laid the tea things on the table. “Ms. Claire is spoiled. She has never understood the true meaning of life or the joy that could come from it. She’s a taker, like her parents. I have not seen her since she broke the heart of one of our ladies in town.”

  Kris was lost for words and sipped on the tea the older woman had set in front of her. It was good. “People change, maybe she has.”

  “Perhaps, but it would take a deep love that eclipsed everything else for that to happen.” Mrs. Rank stirred her silver spoon in the dark liquid in her cup. “Now you, on the other hand, have so much potential.”

  Kris scratched the side of her head. “Really? You think so? We’ve only just met. My parents once said that when I was fourteen, but I disappointed them.”

  Mrs. Rank stared intently at her, and Kris was mesmerized.

  “You need the right place, the right time, and the right person—we shall see if it comes to fruition.”

  Kris opened her mouth to speak but stopped when Mrs. Rank stood.

  “Let me show you your room. Tomorrow Mrs. Jackson arrives, so you’ll want to be fresh.”

  Kris looked at the time. It was barely 7:00 p.m. “Thank you, sure.” She quickly took another sip of tea, stood, and followed Mrs. Rank out of the kitchen.

  †

  “It’s been a long time, Ricky, a very long time.” Shirley Rank starred at the photo on her bedside table of a young man in military fatigues. He smiled broadly.

  Shirley’s heart raced as she looked at the picture. They had been married barely two weeks before the Army shipped him to Vietnam. The picture had been taken a few hours before he left. She recalled his words.

  “Shirl, you know I’ll be back. Heck, who would dare ever separate us? Remember the promise.” Ricky Rank grinned and pulled her into his arms.

  “I don’t want you to go. I have a feeling—”

  Ricky laughed and placed her at arm’s length so they could see each other.

  “Guaranteed to come back safe and sound, right? It’s what you said, and you are never wrong. I remember you saying that the day we met at Seasons.”

  Shirley looked around. “It isn’t Seasons, Ricky. We need to go back, back to where we met, and then perhaps I will feel how this really transpires.”

  Ricky released her and threw his arms out to his sides. “I will not be a deserter. How would that look? How would I feel? Better yet, how would you?”

  Shirley drew in a deep breath.

  “Neither one of us could live with the nametag ‘deserter,’” she sagely replied.

  “There’s a but though, right?”

  Shirley shrugged. “I’m going to be waiting until the end of time for your return. You know that, right?”

  Ricky grinned, hugged her close, and kissed her soundly.

  “They’re saying the war’s almost over. About time, I say. I love you, Shirl. No one is more beautiful in my eyes or ever will be. That’s a promise.”

  Shirley sank into the hug.

  “I love you.”

  Shirley sat on the edge of her bed and shook her head.

  “It’s almost time, Ricky. I feel it in my bones. I want this legacy to continue, and when it does, I can move on with the rest of my life until we are together again.”

  Chapter Four

  Melissa glanced at her granddaughter, who wore a sullen look. Not uncommon. She’d seen it on many occasions when things hadn’t gone her way. However, Claire had willingly agreed to this without too much prompting, so why was she looking like a sourpuss? Melissa sighed.

  “Are you okay, Grams?”

  “I’m good. I was thinking, that was all.”

  “Care to share?”

  For a split second, Melissa took her eyes off the road and smiled before returning her vigilant gaze to the traffic. My, how her face changes when she’s animated—even with those scars. “Hmm, sharing with you? Not really.” She chuckled. “Claire, I want you to be nice to the young woman I’ve employed to help you. Do you think you can do that?”

  “Sure. What is her name again?”

  “Her name is Kris Lake.”

  Claire laughed. “Interesting name, I hope she lives up to the hype. Is she attractive?”

  Melissa ground her teeth—her dentist was going to charge her heavily for the abuse. “That young woman saved me from a terrible accident. I think beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You of all people should appreciate that now.” Melissa spoke the truth; sometimes it hurt. Glossing over Kris’s less than attractive features wouldn’t help the situation. “Do you have a problem with people who aren’t considered, in your social set, beautiful?” In her peripheral view, Claire shuffled in the seat. “Yes or no.”

  “Once maybe I did, and I know others do. My parents for example and—”

  “Racheal?” Melissa immediately added and wished she hadn’t.

  “Yeah, Racheal and our closest friends. I understand,” Claire bitterly replied and slouched.

  Melissa smiled as she continued to watch the road and saw the gates looming that led to their destination. “Seasons, my love. Here you will find the real you as you are today. Other people’s opinions won’t matter. Besides, I think this will help you enormously. Being cooped up in your basement apartment was good in the beginning, but not now.”

  Claire sat upright again. “Grams, it doesn’t matter where you are or what you do. At some stage other people’s opinions matter. Isn’t that life?”

  Melissa laughed and stopped the car as they reached the gate. “Darling, you are learning, except ultimately only one person’s opinion will matter. It comes down to a promise.”

  Claire frowned. “A promise? Okay, I’ll buy in to that. Not actually sure what you mean, but then you have always come up with odd explanations. I love you, Grams. Thank you for taking me out of that hellhole I called home. This will be good for me, meeting new people and old ones, even if I can’t remember them.”

  My darling, I’m sure that’s what aggravates you the most, your memory loss. Well, it’s time to make new ones. Melissa chuckled. “Good to know. When love comes with a promise, you will have endless riches of the heart.”

  Claire shook her head. “Who said anything about love? I’d rather have riches in the bank balance.”

  “Claire, I love you dearly, but you have a lot to learn. Make me a promise that you will actually try to be happy while you are here.”

  Claire shrugged, then grinned. “For you, Grams, anything. Even being nice to a stranger named Kris. I remember someone called Mrs. Rank, but the rest is foggy.”

  Melissa smiled. “Shirley Rank is a fixture. Seasons wouldn’t be the same without her. She can be quite… unexpected, and she adores you.”

  “Hmm, now you have my interest.” Claire grinned.

  “Well, your interest can wait. We haven’t updated the gate to automatic, so you’ll need to open it.” Melissa grinned at her granddaughter.

  Claire groaned. “And I thought we had money.” She climbed out of the car.

  Melissa watched her walk proudly to the gate, then bit her lip as Claire struggled to open it with her good arm. “This will be great for her, I know it. I just know it,” she whispered and gave Claire two thumbs-up as the gate opened.

  Claire shrugged and trudged toward the car.

  “Seasons, here we come,” Melissa said brightly once Claire was back in the vehicle, and they drove through the gates.

  “Damn, this means I have to shut them too.” Claire frowned.

  “No, darling, I’m not staying long. I have a dinner engagement tonight at the golf club. I’ll be back late but will see you in the morning for breakfast before I head home.” Melissa drove toward the main house.

  She placed her foot hard on the bra
ke and drew up to the house, with squeal of tires preventing the front end of the car from colliding with the steps leading to the main entrance.

  “Grams, you really need to brake earlier. You almost ended up in the front door.” Claire released the panic handle.

  Melissa disengaged the engine and opened her door. “You are not the only one in the family who likes to drive dangerously.” Her heart dropped like a stone as she realized how insensitive that must have sounded.

  Claire grinned and climbed out of the passenger side. “I was only teasing, Grams. Hey, now I know where my need for speed comes from. Dad will be pissed. He thought it was from him.”

  Melissa sighed softly in relief and shook her head. “Your father is the only man I can guarantee will never get a ticket in his lifetime. My goodness, a tortoise travels faster than he does.”

  Claire chuckled. “Yeah, I feel sorry for the Merc SLS he drives. God, what I wouldn’t give to drive that.”

  “It’s a manual, a little difficult in your current circumstances.” Melissa immediately regretted her words, silently chastising herself.

  “Hey, Grams, at least that’s one thing he can’t blame me for if something goes wrong with his car when I’m gone.”

  “So very true, my darling.”

  The door to the house opened and Mrs. Rank appeared.

  “Hmm, not so sure I’ll not get blamed for all manner of things with her,” Claire muttered.

  Melissa laughed. “Shirley, how lovely. You remember my granddaughter, Claire. She’s all grown up since you last saw her when she was seventeen.”

  “Mrs. Rank, how wonderful to see you again. You haven’t change a bit.” Claire shook the older woman’s hand.

  †

  Kris watched the sporty-looking car virtually drive through the front window. A squeal of brakes halted the collision.

  Two women were in the front, one she knew, and the other only by her first name.

  “My gosh, I wonder what Melissa’s granddaughter is really like. Mrs. Rank was lukewarm about her.” Kris drew in a huge breath. “I’ll like her unless she’s opinionated. I hate that.”

  A few moments later, both got out of the vehicle, and the younger woman shook Mrs. Rank’s hand.

  She was surprised when Mrs. Rank didn’t drop Claire’s hand. Hmm, that’s interesting. Kris took advantage of the moment to check out Claire and noted that she looked familiar. Exuding confidence, her face from the side view was beautiful with its pale complexion and soft, warm features.

  “I bet she wows everyone she meets.”

  Kris gasped as Claire turned to the house. Lifting a hand to her mouth, she let out a cry of sympathy. One side of Claire’s face was flawless, the other ravaged by scars, her lips on the left side dropping into an almost sarcastic expression. How cruel life can be.

  Then Claire cast her gaze upward and caught hers. Kris shrunk away from the window and retreated to her room.

  †

  Claire looked around the lounge and drew in a shallow breath. It looks familiar, but I can’t place it, and I should. Damn, I hate this memory loss.

  “Looks good, Mrs. Rank.” She turned to the housekeeper.

  “Thank you, I do my best. I have your old room ready,” Mrs. Rank said, pointing to the hallway.

  “Actually I want to meet Ms. Lake. I assume she is here?”

  “Claire, behave,” Melissa softly growled.

  “Grams, I’m being nice. It’s always polite to meet people as soon as you arrive. It would be awkward if we met at breakfast without being introduced.”

  Melissa frowned.

  “I will find her for you, Ms. Claire.” Mrs. Rank turned to leave.

  Claire’s temper flared. “Forget it. We’ll meet tomorrow. I’m tired.”

  “Of course, of course, Ms. Claire. I have salmon for your dinner. Do you want it served in your room?” Mrs. Rank shuffled and twisted her fingers together.

  Claire was frustrated at her lack of control. Damn, I hate salmon, always did. Don’t have the heart to tell the old soul as she’s made the effort and she does look familiar in a good way. “Can it wait until tomorrow, maybe lunch?” Claire smiled.

  “Yes, yes, of course. I’ll make those preparations. Excuse me for a few minutes. I need to check something in the garage.”

  “Absolutely.” Claire smiled and turned to her grandmother as Mrs. Rank walked off. “And?”

  “And what?” Melissa smirked.

  Claire narrowed her eyes. “You have something to impart before you leave me in this mausoleum.”

  Melissa chuckled.

  “Funny, Grams, sure. Out with it.”

  Melissa hugged her tight. “I love you. No matter what people say about you, inside there is a very special person waiting to explode. Keep the faith, darling. I’ll see you tomorrow morning before I head for the city.”

  Claire growled. “Hmm, this must be someone important. Do I know him?”

  “No, actually no. Love you.” Melissa grinned and gave Claire a peck on the cheek before she disappeared out of the front door.

  Guess it’s me and…. Claire looked around. She was alone. “Damn, who gives promises these days and keeps them? Me obviously.”

  †

  Melissa was about to open her car door when she spied Shirley at the side entrance of the triple garage. She headed in the same direction, shouting for Shirley’s attention.

  “Shirley, I’m sorry about Claire. She can sometimes have irrational mood swings.”

  “Oh that’s perfectly all right, Mrs. Jackson, I understand after such a horrific accident.” Shirley smiled.

  Melissa nodded. “That’s the right word for it too. I still to this day can’t understand how she came out of it alive.”

  “She still has things to do in this life; that’s why she was spared.”

  Melissa shook her head. “Hmm, thank God the train was slowing for the track change to the station or it would be a different story.”

  “As I said, she still has work to do here.”

  “You always were optimistic, even after your Ricky died, I envied you the strength of will to keep going. I’m glad you were there for me when Graham passed. The way you cared for me is the reason I believe Claire staying here is the best thing that can happen to her right now.” Melissa frowned. “What do you think of Kris?”

  Shirley gave her an intense stare and nodded. “Perfect choice. I’ll take care of Miss Claire and Miss Lake...I promise.”

  Melissa smiled and hugged Shirley close. “Thank you, my friend. I will see you at breakfast.” She turned away and then swiveled back. “How is the family? Are any little ones on the way?”

  Shirley’s expression became sad as she shook her head.

  “It will happen. I feel it in my bones. Bye, Shirley.”

  Melissa strode off in the direction of her car.

  Chapter Five

  Kris awoke with the sun streaming in from the French window, which was slightly ajar, allowing a tepid wind to flow into the room. The scent of the sea tickled her senses. She crinkled her nose, relishing the aroma of nature at its best. It was so far removed from her small apartment in the city and the gas fumes that choked the air.

  She glanced at the round, black, stainless-steel travel alarm clock. She’d set it for six thirty; it was only five forty-five. Regardless, she sprang out of bed and looked out the window. Startled to see a figure standing in the middle of the lawn, Kris pursed her lips and frowned. From this distance, she couldn’t distinguish if it was a man or a woman. Their back was turned and they were dressed in black, slim-fitting trousers and a bright red, cable-knit sweater with, contrarily, flip-flops. A black baseball cap hid their hair.

  Perhaps it was a gardener surveying what work was needed that day, or maybe a neighbor. On second thought, a neighbor wasn’t probable at this time of the day, as the property was at least a mile from the next house. Or it seemed that way when she’d traveled here.

  For a few more seconds, she rema
ined at the window and wished she hadn’t seen the figure turn, and their gaze catch her own like a missile. There was no mistaking the feminine profile, and from this distance, it was an arresting one.

  “Claire.” Kris snuck back into the shadows of her room and sighed. “She’s gonna think I’m crazy, or worse, a pervert who watches people when they aren’t looking.”

  She headed to the bathroom for a quick shower, having promised Mrs. Rank she would help with breakfast. The thought made her nervous.

  †

  Claire sat at the breakfast table, resplendent with polished cutlery and every imaginable bread and fruit concoction. She’d chosen a seat that overlooked the view of the sea. While she sat, a fleeting memory engaged her. Grams had said that as a child, Claire had apparently coveted the view, but her father had always assumed that place. I guess it was the privilege of the head of the family. The image faded.

  “Ms. Claire, how wonderful. You are an early riser.”

  Claire smiled as the housekeeper scurried into the room.

  “Always. Can’t seem to change a habit of a lifetime. Believe me, I’ve tried.”

  Mrs. Rank gave her one of those looks that might seem like censure but in fact was understanding. The housekeeper was a strange duck. She was always reliable no matter what—even if she didn’t approve. Claire didn’t know how she knew that, but she did.

  “This is wonderful. Kris is an early riser too. We’ve made pancakes, Canadian bacon, and eggs. Do you want everything or…the salmon from last night?”

  Claire almost choked on the juice she’d just sampled. “Maybe lunch for the salmon. Everything else, absolutely.” Claire looked behind Mrs. Rank. “Where is Ms. Lake?”

  “Oh, she said she wasn’t hungry. I believe she headed for the cottage to get started on her task. It will be interesting to see the old place habitable again. It hasn’t been since—”

  “I’ll have coffee with my breakfast. French. Do you have it?” Claire said, bored with the conversation, yet wanting to know why Kris Lake didn’t stay to eat or at least be sociable. They were supposed to be working together.