Lila brushed her long brown hair as she studied the list of foods that she was supposed to select from for tonight's menu. Her father was having a small dinner party this evening, for a select group of entrepreneurs and local business investors, and he had given her the task to choose the appetizers and main dishes. She had always played organizer for his numerous parties, and hostess to George's friends for as long as she could remember.
She pulled her hair back and inserted a turquoise barrette at the side of her head. Lila smiled as she remembered being about seven years old, insisting that they serve pink and only pink champagne at one of their events, and after being disappointed that she couldn't drink any, her father had requested that the kitchen staff drop a hint of red coloring into sparkling cider just for her. She had felt so grown up that night, as a child, she didn't like the taste of champagne, and thought she was important, because her own special drink tasted a lot better.
Cornish hens with apricot glaze or Chilean Sea Bass with citrus salsa? Blueberry crumb bars or French apple tarts? Who cares anyway,? she thought to herself. It will be another boring party where all they talk about is the state of the market.
You better care Lila,! she admonished herself.
You're a real business woman now, and Daddy says you should start paying attention to the world of finance.
He had told her that he expected her to help and guide her little brother with the fortune he planned on splitting in half for them to share. His words were assuring, she had always been uneasy about the thought of being disinherited by George someday, when his real heir came along. It wasn't exactly a warm and fuzzy method of restoring her confidence of his love for her, but it was her father's way. It had always been his way. Ever since her meeting with Gerald Baker, she had developed an entirely new appreciation for George Fowler.
Everything from his mannerisms, his elegant clothing, to the way he always made sure the oil in her car was changed without her even knowing, brought in a new feeling of gratitude towards him. He had made a considerable effort to be more attentive towards her, and Lila couldn't be anything but grateful. He was the only father she had ever known, and, given the circumstances of her mother's position at the time of her birth, Lila realized that she couldn't have asked for a better upbringing.
The blow she had felt after the tabloid scandal had almost diminished, and Lila had gotten good at ignoring the pointing and staring of people who were determined to see her put down a peg or two. Her business was doing better than ever, and things were looking up. She went into the kitchen and gave the Fowler's chef her final decisions for the night, and after saying goodbye to her parents, went downtown to her office. She got out of the car and saw Enid Rollins in the parking lot, struggling with her baby carrier and a duffle bag, which slipped out of her hand and crashed to the pavement.
Should I help her? Lila thought.
Be nice Lila, and give her a hand…
Here let me help you, Lila smiled stiffly, as she picked up the bag and placed it on the car's trunk.
Oh, thanks Lila, Enid said gratefully, as the baby squirmed.
She's so cute, Lila said, as little Alex put her hand in her mouth.
Oh, ummm, thanks, Enid said again.
How old is she now? Lila asked.
Eight months, Enid replied, her voice less hesitant.
I remember when George, my little brother was that age.
Oh that's right. Enid said. I forgot you had a baby brother.
So you're working here now,? Lila asked, looking at the blue and white stripped Tender Hands awning. I usually go to the one at the mall, to have my face steamed.
Yes, I do mostly body therapy though, Enid informed her.
The two of them chatted and traded baby stories for a while when a slate blue Jaguar pulled up in front of them, and Enid's face lit up in the brightest smile that Lila had ever seen. She was surprised when Dr Ray Spencer, came out of the car and walked towards them, then planted a kiss on Enid's cheek. Lila's mouth almost dropped open at the scene.
Where the hell have I been,? Lila thought to herself. When did this happen? Drippy Rollins has a hot doctor for a boyfriend? Although he really isn't a boy. More like a man. He isn't forty yet, but he has to be more than thirty.
Lila, have you met Ray?
Oh yes, Lila said, as she shifted her purse and shook his hand. Lila was dying to find out the details of this apparent new relationship. You live pretty near me don't you? Lila asked. Up on Valley Crest Drive?
Yes, I just moved in to a new house, the doctor said, nodding at her.
Although it's kind of big for me, but I'm hoping I might have some permanent company soon, he continued, smiling at Enid.
Oh,? Lila nodded knowingly, giving Enid a grin. She examined Ray again, admiring his broad chin and the sparkling hazel eyes. Well, ummm, she said awkwardly. I have to get to work. See you two later, she smiled walking away. At the other end of the parking lot, she spotted Caroline Pierce coming out of her car on her way to the doctor's office.
Hi Lila, Caroline smiled brightly, her green eyes full of curiosity as she spied Enid and Ray in the distance.
Caroline, Lila rolled her eyes under her sunglasses.
How is your new dad doing?
It was you wasn't it? Lila said, crossing her arms. You found out somehow about my father and you blabbed it to your boyfriend. So how did you find out?
Actually, Caroline twirled a lock of red hair, I heard it directly from you. I overheard you talking about it with Roger Patman, and did a little investigating. Lighten up Lila, she said, when Lila gave her a cross look. You know you like a good story as much as I do. And it was about to come out eventually.
Lila cringed as Caroline gave her an all too friendly pat on the arm. I have to go. My wedding is coming up, and I'm working on getting rid of my freckles. See ya!
Lila shook her head. She wanted to scream and yell at Caroline, and mop the parking lot with her bright red hair, but she thought against it. Sometimes it was better to just let things go.
My secret is out, and I have nothing else to hide. Caroline can't hurt me anymore….
In the early evening, Lila had Eva lay out her new creme silk faille skirt, and black cashmere sweater. She got dressed, added a string of pearls around her neck, and brushed out her wavy hair. Guests had already began to arrive, she heard voices coming from the parlor, and smelled the delicious food coming from the kitchen. A knock on the door alerted her to the time, and she opened it to see her mother and brother waiting for her.
He's not eating with us is he? Lila laughed as her mother deposited the freshly bathed eighteen month old on her bedroom floor.
No, we're just going to introduce him to everyone, Grace replied. And then Lena will take him away before he starts using his new teeth to bite our guests. He took a long nap today, and he's full of energy.
Lila picked up her brother, just as he was about to grab at her legs. The last thing she needed now was a snag in her stocking. The three of them made their way into the Fowler's opulent parlor, and Lila walked into the room, with Georgie in her arms, looking around. There were about ten people there, all of them with glasses in their hands, enjoying the mini crab cakes and petite spinach quiche that were making the rounds.
A beautiful, tall dark haired woman caught her attention, and Lila immediately recognized Skye Morrow. The Morrows were wealthy, even wealthier than the Fowlers, and Lila remembered being jealous of their daughter Regina. Back then, it was clear to Lila that Regina had it all, she was prettier, her father richer, and her ex model mother was always a strong presence in her life. She had come into Sweet Valley High and charmed everyone, and it wasn't because of her money or good looks. It's because she was a kind, genuine person who wasn't focused on showing off her massive wealth and her family's rank in society.
And she's no longer here, Lila thought sadly. Dead at only sixteen. I should have been nicer to her when she was alive.
She watched as Grace went over to Skye and the two women were joined by Kurt Morrow.
Now that's a sexy older guy, Lila grinned to herself, as Georgie grabbed her hair.
No! Be good Georgie,! she whispered to him, as she went over to introduce him to the Morrows.
He's adorable, Skye gushed. He's gotten so big, since the last time I saw him. You're so lucky Grace, to have him so long after your daughter. And you look lovely Lila.
Thank you Mrs Morrow, Lila smiled at the couple. Hello Mr Morrow.
Lila, Kurt nodded and smiled at her, and for a moment, Lila had a vision of Regina's blue eyes.
I know, Grace responded. It was quite a surprise when I found out I was having him. And it was so much harder the second time around.
Her brother squirmed in Lila's arms and Skye held out her arms to the toddler. To her surprise, Georgie, who wasn't quite comfortable with strangers, reached out to her and squealed with happiness as Skye held him and gave him a hug. His little hand went immediately to her ear.
So that's what he wanted, Skye laughed, as she moved his hand away. It's not me he likes, it's my earring.
After chatting with the Morrows, Lila excused herself, took the baby from Skye, and went forward to where her father was standing. He was in conversation with Lane Simmons, one of George's oldest associates. Lane was old, ancient even, and was always the first to fall asleep whenever he was at a party. His wife Clementine, was half his age, and Lila hated the way the woman eyed her father up and down, like he was a piece of steak she wanted to sink her clawed nails into. She made polite chit chat with the couple as she looked to the doorway to see Roger walking in with Sheila on his arm. Lila's eyes narrowed dangerously.
What's he doing here? And how dare he show up with her!
Lila gritted her teeth as the blonde girl flashed her a smug grin.
The nerve of her, gloating at me in my own house! She walked over to them, her nose in the air. The last time she saw Roger, was in the Patman's pool house. She had called him up and gone to his family's estate to apologize for accusing him of disclosing her secret. She found him distracted, and it was obvious that his mind was occupied.
Something is going on with my aunt and uncle, Roger had said.
What is it?
Roger frowned. I might as well tell you. I guess it will come out eventually. Aunt Marie came crying to me the other day. I've never seen her so upset. She's usually as cold as ice, when it comes to me anyway. I mean, she's warmed up since I first moved in with them, but she still loves to insinuate that I'll never measure up to Bruce. Roger shook his head. I had the strangest experience with her the other day, and she was practically crying on my shoulder.
So what is it,? Lila had queried. What's wrong with her? Is she ill?
No, nothing like that. Roger ran a hand through his hair. She told me that my uncle will soon be moving in here. She's throwing him out of the main house.
Apparently, Roger explained, last month, a woman gave birth to uncle Henry's son.
Lila gasped. No!
Roger shook his head. I still can't believe it. My aunt is furious. She's said a few choice words, that I won't repeat in front of you. I mean, ones that would even make my no good drunk stepfather blush.
You're kidding! Lila exclaimed. How could he do that to her? After all those years?
How does he know for sure, that the baby is his? Lila eyed Roger suspiciously. I can't even tell you how many women I had to send packing after they showed up trying to claim Daddy as the father of their brat!
Apparently he had a test done, and the baby is his, Roger said. Aunt Marie had been drinking one afternoon, and, she couldn't keep her mouth shut about it. I've been dealing with it, trying to keep the servants from hearing too much. But they know. I'm sure they know. He looked at Lila. You know how it is, servants know more about us than we know ourselves.
Yes, I do, Lila said, holding his hand, encouraging him to continue.
And she says other things too.
Like what?
She talks about Alice Robertson, the wedding, and revenge. Then she talks about the baby. She said he was sick and they had to send him away.
Alice Robertson,? Lila said confusedly. That's Jessica's mom. What does she have to do with this? I know that Jessica's mom almost married your uncle. It was a long time ago, before any of us were born. And something's wrong with the baby?
I have no idea, Roger shrugged. That's just it. I asked her if she meant the new baby, but she said no, he's perfectly healthy even though his mother is a tramp. She said it's the other baby. The one who wasn't well. Then she broke down and told me it wasn't her fault.
Does Bruce know?
Not as far as I know. You know how he is. He's so smug about being the one and only Patman son. I mean, he was bad enough when I came into his family and he had to share the spotlight with me. And now he has a brand new brother that he doesn't know about. I can't tell him. Let his parents deal with it. Besides, he's….
He's what?
My cousin is very busy nowadays. He claims…
What? You can tell me.
Well, it might bother you.
Just say it Roger!
My cousin claims he's in love. For real this time.
Lila laughed out loud. Why would that bother me?
Well, the two of you were quite the item weren't you?
Roger, that was a long time ago, she said, linking her hand with his.
You don't have residual feelings for him do you,? he said softly, turning away.
No, of course not!, Lila insisted. Wait...Are you jealous? You are,! she said, seeing his expression. You're jealous of my relationship with Bruce.
I am not!, Roger insisted, but his eyes told another story….
Hello Lila, Roger said, giving her a one over. His eyes told her that he appreciated the vision. You remember Sheila don't you?
Hi, Sheila said, looking Lila up and down. You have a lovely home, she said politely, looking at Lila's brother. Roger didn't tell me you had a son.
He's my little brother, Lila corrected her, trying to keep the annoyance out of her voice. Say hi Georgie.
Yaaaaa, the baby said, reaching out to Sheila's ample chest. It took everything out of Lila to keep herself from laughing when Georgie grabbed on to the top of Sheila's breast, and the girl looked mortified.
He probably thinks she's a cow with those big boobs,! Lila thought meanly.
I'll take him now Miss Lila, Lena's voice interrupted them as she approached. Lila turned to Roger after handing George to his nanny.
You didn't tell me you were coming, she said, raising her brow.
Roger cleared his throat. Your father invited me just this morning, after I told him I would be starting work at Wyndham Bay Investments.
Oh? I see. So you're not going to be working with your uncle,? Lila asked.
No, I wanted to venture out on my own. Besides, Bruce is talking about coming home sometime next year.
On your own huh? Just like you like being in the pool house more than the main house, Lila grinned wickedly at Sheila's discomfort. I know you've had some good times in there, she added.
Yes, he replied, looking deep into her eyes and he sipped his champagne, forgetting Sheila standing next to him, they were very memorable.
Excuse me, Lila said, as her father motioned her over. She walked over to him and he introduced her to a Mitchell Sherman, a lawyer who was soon to be joining his team. The Fowlers had a string of lawyers on retainer, always prepared to take action if someone dared to sue them. After polite conversation where she played the ever dutiful daughter, Lila exited the parlor and snuck into the dining room where she examined the place cards in front of the plates.
She quickly put her name next to Roger's and giggled as she put Sheila on the other side of the table, opposite her and Roger. Within minutes, the call for dinner came, and Lila ran through a hidden door that led to a hallway. She then casually made her way around and back to the dining room, and conveniently sauntered in just as everyone else entered.
She took her seat right next to Roger, and gave Sheila the sweetest smile she could muster, while trying not to smirk at her irritation. The servers came into the room and placed various portions of the meal on everyone's plates. Lively conversation began as everyone enjoyed the delicious dinner. The primary topic, as Lila predicted, was the stock market, and she tried her hardest to pay attention when Roger and her father talked about dividends and mutual funds.
I don't understand any of what they're saying, Lila heard Grace whisper to Skye Morrow.
Me neither, Skye giggled, with a sheepish grin. I have to admit I don't keep up with trends and investments as I should, she heard Skye say as her own husband started in on the latest microchip technology. Lila almost yawned as Sheila spoke up, and grimaced when everyone, including her father, seemed impressed with the young woman's knowledge. After about an hour, dessert was served and Kurt Morrow turned to Roger.
So young man, I hear you'll be working with my good friend Miles Goodman at Wyndham, he said, referring to Roger's soon to be boss.
Ah Miles, George said. Good man.
Very Good man, Kurt agreed. But don't let the name fool you, he said laughing. He is a good man, but tough as nails.
I'm surprised you won't be working with your uncle Henry, George said, looking at Roger.
Well, I'd like to branch on my own for now. Try to work for people who have a different last name than me. After a few years, who knows, maybe I will join my uncle and cousin and take my place at their side.
Good idea boy, very good idea, Lane Simmons, who everyone assumed was sleeping, broke into the conversation. I admire that, very much. Forming your own path, finding your own legs.
My son says the same thing, Kurt stated. He wants to make it on his own. I should have known when we sent him off to Yale that he wouldn't be coming back anytime soon.
Well, Nicholas is very settled on the east coast, Skye added. It's understandable, since he lived most of his life in Boston. And now that he's moved into an apartment with Elizabeth…
Hmmm? Lila thought, looking at Skye. What's this?
Elizabeth? Lila asked.
Yes, Elizabeth Wakefield, Skye confirmed. You're familiar with her aren't you Lila? She's such a lovely, sweet girl.
Yes, very much, Lila replied. I've known her all my life. Her sister is one of my best friends.
Lila tuned out the conversation. Elizabeth and Nicholas! So Liz is shacking up with Nicholas Morrow? Very interesting... Why didn't Jess tell me? I'll have to grill her later for some details! Nicholas is the ultimate catch. But so is Roger, she bit her lip. She sighed in silent frustration. I'm beginning to look pathetic! Everyone has a man except me! Even boring Enid Rollins! I can't believe Roger thinks I'm still into Bruce! No wonder he's playing hard to get! I'll just have to convince him I'm not...
Elizabeth was a friend of mine, Roger stated, his eyes widening as he felt Lila's slender hand going up his leg. I was surprised too, when I heard she was living in New York City. But I certainly understand it. The east coast does have its appeal, he said, as Lila felt him stiffen under her hand.
I spent some time in Maine when I was a young man, Lane Simmons informed them. Best days of my life. Catching lobsters and selling them to tourists. That's how I started.
So you went to Princeton, didn't you Roger,? George asked. Yes sir, he said, as he almost laughed as Lila rubbed her foot up his calf. She took a sip of her mineral water and almost burst out the contents all over the table when Sheila gave her an evil look.
So, Sheila? how do you like California,? Grace looked at her across the table. You and Roger met at Princeton I hear.
We did, Sheila said. I'm actually from Rumson in New Jersey, a little over an hour from the city. I'm actually looking for a job there. Hopefully on Wall Street.
Who cares where you're from? Maybe you should spend more time in New Jersey instead of flying back and forth to Sweet Valley,! Lila sneered silently.
Our son works there, Skye said. In the city. Princeton is a good school.
It's a great school. I wish I could have gone to a college like that, George said, but I never had the money to go to an Ivy league school, and to be honest, with my background, I never thought I had the pedigree.
With that, the conversation turned into the selectivity of the most prestigious schools, and Kurt ended up talking about his college days, and how he convinced his old money wife to marry him. Lila continued playing footsie with Roger, while her hand crept further up his thigh, as she kept twirling her hair innocently, watching him trying not to react.
After final glasses of champagne, everyone got up from the table and went out to the lawn in front of the pool, watching the lights of the valley beneath them. Sheila excused herself and went to one of the powder rooms, and Lila took it as an opportunity to pounce.
She pulled Roger back into the house then to the hallway, and into the darkness of a broom closet, shutting the door behind them.
Lila! Roger started. What are you doing? Pawning me at dinner!
Don't tell me you didn't like it! She pulled him into a kiss. They broke apart, and Roger, very affected, moaned into her ear.
What is she doing back here? Lila said, cupping his chin.
Look, she's a nice girl. I'm trying to let her down gently. Deep down she knows we're not going to work...
Because,? Lila prodded.
Because she knows... she knows I like someone else.
And who would that be? Say you like me! Say it,! Lila insisted.
You say it first!
Fine, Roger Patman, I do like you.
Well, I like you too!
Now what? Lila folded her arms.
This…...he responded by pulling his closer and sticking his lips on hers.
You're going to have to break up with her,! Lila demanded, running her hand along his arm. I refuse to be the other woman!
She lay a series of kisses on his neck.
Alright, Roger said breathlessly, trying to gain control. He pulled her closer, and pressed himself up against her. Meet me in the poolhouse? Tonight? Roger said hopefully.
No,! Lila said, knowing that she was in charge now. I'm not going to be your mistress! Not until she leaves, she whispered in his ear. For good this time!
All right I'll tell her, Roger promised.
The door swung open suddenly, and the couple broke apart, guilty looks on both their faces.
Oh…. Eva's embarrassed voice sounded out. Excuse me Miss Lila. She shut the door quickly.
I'm going up to Big Bear over the weekend, Roger murmured between kisses. Come with me.
For what?
To fish.
Fish? Ewww!
Come on Lila, it will be fun. We'll get a cabin. I'll teach you.
Lila folded her arms. I'm not completely helpless. I've done the outdoorsy thing before. Did you take Sheila there?
No, of course not! Look, I'll have to tell her this is her last trip to California.
You promise? Lila said, leaning in for another kiss, completely forgetting about the guests outside.
I promise, Roger said, his voice husky.
All right, I'll go, Lila huffed, pulling him closer and wrapping her arms around his neck. But I'm not touching any worms…..
