Bizzy mind had begun to wander. She couldn't help to think of the smile on Susan's face when she got home and saw the meal Bizzy had prepared. The last few weeks Bizzy had been doing little things to lift Susan's spirits. She planned movie nights, agreed to take her second trip to a nightclub and did several crossword puzzles.
Because she couldn't be with her tonight, she wanted to make sure Susan had dinner. When Susan was depressed she tended not to eat. But if Bizzy had made the meal she would force herself to eat, so she wouldn't hurt Bizzy's feelings. Bizzy wasn't above using guilt to make sure Susan took care of herself.
"They wouldn't even serve her." Bizzy heard Maureen say.
"I'm sorry."
"Mary Taylor was refused service at Beige." Beth Angelo answered. Bizzy and the Captain were having a dinner party. She had invited three couples Maureen, Beth Angelo and Francis Wild and their husbands.
"What do you mean she was refused service?" Mrs. Wild asked.
"They 'lost' her reservation."
"Beige never loses a reservation." Mrs. Wild responded.
"Then she went to Carmel and they said they could no longer serve her."
"Oh My… I can't believe it." Bizzy remained silent in the conversation. She had invited these three women purposely. Francis Wild and Beth Angelo were the biggest gossip in her social circle. If anyone knew the newest gossip they would.
Bizzy had known Bizzy since grade school. If anyone considered themselves Bizzy's best friend it would be Maureen. She would connect the dots better than the other three. And given that Maureen was not above sharing her speculations with others, Bizzy would effectively deliver her message without causeing Susan anymore.
Maureen looked at Bizzy. "She's being frozen out." Maureen said this as she held Bizzy's gaze looking for a denial. When one of them needed to teach someone a lesson they would drop them from the list to the latest dinner party. Freezing someone out took a lot of clout. The only person that had that kind of power was Bizzy.
Mrs. Wild continued excitedly, "Everyone has ignored the invitation to the Gala. And she has been dropped from the Women's luncheon." Maureen was in shock. When people were frozen out it was because they were divorcing or had slept with someone else's husband. It was something Bizzy never did. Everyone slept with the Captain. Bizzy ignored it making sure that no woman really interfered with her life by needlessly falling in love with him. When Maureen had committed that indiscretion, Bizzy had just asked her if she was done.
What had Mary Taylor done that pissed Bizzy off enough to take this action.
XX
Mary Taylor was surprised when she received a call from Bizzy inviting her shopping. Bizzy rarely made calls to arrange social outings, she usually left such activities to Susan. And she never made it on less than 24 hours notice. However, last night Mary received a call from Bizzy inviting her shopping. And to turn Bizzy down would be social suicide. Especially given that she was being frozen out, and the only person she could think of who could and would do that was Bizzy Montgomery.
When Mary had asked Bizzy if she would fight to keep Susan in her employment, she was not expecting much of a fight. Bizzy found most of her staff to be replaceable. Though no one had ever tried to poach a member of Bizzy's staff, the redhead had been known to let go of someone that was not meeting the challenges of working for a Forbes Montgomery.
Mary thought she would take a chance, she could offer Susan more than Bizzy could. At least that's what she assumed. What Mary had not expected was that Susan would not want to leave Bizzy's employment. No matter what Mary tempted her with, Susan always declined. The more she declined the more Mary wanted her. Dropping sly hints of Susan's sexuality to Mrs. Guntherson was her somewhat misguided attempt to make Susan a source of gossip. And Bizzy despised all forms of gossip. But instead of immediately dismissing Susan, Bizzy had retaliated in a way that shocked Mary and sent a message to many others.
Bizzy wasn't one to lord her power over you. She only used it when it suited her. And usually only in small doses. It made one forget her true reach. Since the freezing out had begun, every guest to her biggest event of the year had cancelled, she was asked not to attend the meetings of three boards she chaired, and her checks were returned from every charity she sponsored this year. People joked about the wrath of Bizzy Montgomery, but as far as she knew Mary was the only one who ever truly felt it.
"Have you filled your secretarial position?" Mary stopped to look at Bizzy confused.
"I have someone in mind but its taking me a while to woo them away."
"Mmmm. Its hard find someone that is a suitable match. Before Susan, I felt like I had the worse secretaries ever."
"I'm sure Susan is replaceable."
"Then you shouldn't have a problem finding someone as competent."
"I want Susan for more than just her competency." Mary moved to another rack. She eyed Bizzy over the scarf she held to her face.
"Yes, I am aware. If you want a lover Mary then why don't you seduce her."
"Because I want both." The real answer was she had tried and Susan had flatly rejected every advance. Mary assumed that if she forced Susan away from Bizzy she would be more compliant. She hadn't expected Bizzy to hold on so tight.
Now Bizzy had showed her true power by forcing Mary into a position of needing her to maintain her social position. She knew that Bizzy would restore her if she gave up her need for Susan.
"Well, Susan is currently unavailable for the position of secretary."
"The Captain led me to believe that Susan was looking for a new position." This was Mary's final weapon. If the Captain wanted a member of the staff terminated Bizzy didn't usually argue.
"Doubtful, Susan works for me. The Captain does not concern himself with my personal staffing." Bizzy waited a moment, she wanted Mary to fully understand that further interference with Susan would not be tolerated. "I received your invitation for the Words and Pictures Gala. Susan is checking my schedule to see if I have any availability."
Mary looked at Bizzy. She knew that Bizzy saying yes to attend would bring the freeze out to an end. But Mary hated to lose. She hated even more that Bizzy Montgomery could make her give up something she wanted. "I wanted to use Jean Claude as my caterer unless you can suggest someone else." Mary said uncle.
"Jean Claude is good. But Stephan is better. I'll have Susan put in a call for you and forward you the details." She turned her attention to the attendant. "Will you box this and have it sent to my home."
"Thank you, Bizzy." Mary said.
Bizzy knew that Mary had decided that a fling wasn't worth the trouble. For Bizzy Susan wasn't a fling. She was worth more than social standing and juvenile gossip. She was worth everything.
XXX
When Bizzy came in Susan was asleep on the couch a book was open on her chest. Bizzy took a moment just to watch her. The redhead felt more at home here in the carriage house than she did in any other place; and she knew it was because this is where Susan was. She picked the book up and placed it on the table. Susan began to stir.
"Bizzy," she said her eyes slowly opening. "You're home. How was shopping?"
"Productive."
"Did you buy anything?" Susan looked around for packages and when she saw none assumed that Bizzy had them sent to her bedroom.
"One thing; it should be arrive here later. What have you been doing all day?"
"Not much. Making arrangements for the flower show in Houston. I arranged to have the house on the Cape tended to while you are in Houston and traveling with the Captain. And a few other things."
"Mmmm. Always thinking ahead. You should RSVP yes to Mary Taylor's Gala."
"OK. I'll have Robert bring over a selection of gowns. You're cutting it kinda close but I'm sure he can get you fitted for something. Bizzy who did you go shopping with today?" It was unusual that Susan would not have already had this information, but Bizzy had made the plans without her. "Mary Taylor. She's agreed to back off. I've agreed to let the ice on the freeze out melt. Will you also arrange a lunch with Mrs. Guntherson? Its time for her antics to stop."
"Bizzy, people are going to talk."
"No they won't. I've made it very clear that I am not to be played with. These high school games irritate me. They will move onto someone else and I can go back to living my life, our life, the way we please."
Bizzy's stretched out on Susan. "I love you. I won't let anyone hurt you."
"I should be making your life easier, not causing more distress."
Bizzy kissed Susan deeply. "You make my life. You make everything worth it."