Chapter Fifteen-Birthday Bash
The days few by and it was now the weekend before Terra's birthday. The first day of the reunion happened to fall on her twenty-eighth birthday, so to ensure that she celebrated this special occassion with the ones she loved, a party was being held a few days early. The party was held at her parents' house and they had moved heaven and earth to guarantee that their only child would have the party of her dreams. In addition to family, all of Terra's friends, acquaintences, frenemies, enemies, and everyone else in between were in attendance.
Terra looked resplendent in a stunning, if not revealing crimson dress. It was a sleeveless silk number that was slit to the navel and completely bare in the back. The cut of the dress not only drew attention to her firm bum, it would have been on total display if the cut had been any lower. Her hair was swept up in an elaborate style, displaying the diamond and ruby drop earrings that her parents presented as a birthday gift. A wreath shaped diamond choker, bracelet, and cocktail ring completed her elaborate ensemble.
Everyone was dressed to the nines, but Terra was the only one in red, per her firm instructions. She was currently huddled in a corner engaged in hushed, fervent gossip with her friends Phoebe, Alexa, Vivienne, Kate, and Aubree. Like Terra, they were tall, slim, blonde, and hopeless, shameless gossips. The six friends, or frenemies depending on the circumstances, not only socialized frequently, they jogged every Saturday morning and often went to the gym together.
As everyone mixed and mingled on the inside, Mary was taking a much needed reprieve outside. Large crowds made her nervous and could trigger an anxiety attack if correct measures weren't taken. She was taking refuge outside, sitting on the terrace slowly sipping her glass of wine and silently pleading with her heart to stop pounding so intently. Crowds were always difficult for her, but adding the fact that all anyone wanted to discuss was her attack and Bobby's presence just made the situation that much more difficult.
Mary was currently standing, looking around as she decided where she wanted to sit. She walked to the left, shook her head and moved to the right. She repeated this act three more times before settling for a chair to her left. She moved from one chair to the next, silently debating her choices. All the chairs were identical, but her subconscious would only let her choose the "right" option.
Finally, she decided to forgo the chairs entirely and sat in the corner of a bench that wrapped around the entire length of the terrace. She gathered her legs up to her chest, feeling her her sensitive nerves starting to calm. She held her face up and closed her eyes, enjoying the soft breeze against her skin. It was a warm eevning, but an occassional breeze made the heat not only bearable, but enjoyable. When she opened her eyes, she saw Bobby, approaching her, holding two more glasses and plates.
Bobby sat beside her, setting a plate of appetizers and a glass of water beside her. Mary hadn't eatten much that day and nothing at all since arriving at the party. She thanked him as she took a sip of water and selected an item from her plate to sample. Her original thought was to simply placate Bobby, but to her surprise the food was actually satisfactory. As she polished off the plate's contents, Bobby spoke.
"Terra's parents have a beautiful home. How long have they live here?"
"Sixteen years. They moved into a smaller home when they first moved to New York, but upgraded once Daddy and Uncle Mark's business took off. Terra and I were eight when we moved here. We moved a few times, given our fathers' position in the military..."
"Yes, I remember you telling me you lived in Colorado before moving to New York. I imagine that was quite a change for you."
Mary nodded. "Fort Carson is located near Colorado Springs and there is no comparing that to here. Winters were mild with snow rarely falling between October-May. My birthday is in February and it was so nice to not have to worry about a blizzard occuring on my special day. Summer is gorgeous in Colorado Springs because it is so warm and I loved warm weather as a child. I would spend my days swimming, going to water parks, anything water related. When Daddy and Uncle Mark were working, Aunt Linda would take us to the Rocky Mountains and we would go hiking.
I could never go as far up the mountain as I liked because Daddy is so overprotective, but I appreciated Aunt Linda providing me the opportunity. If Daddy had it his way I don't think I would have ever left my room."
Bobby's lips twitched in amusement as Mary continued speaking. "When I moved to New York, I felt as if I were on another planet. Everything just seemed so large and loud...too much. Terra adjusted fairly quickly, but I felt in over my head. It took years for me to feel any sense of comfort."
Bobby took a drink of water and looked around, letting the opulence of his surroundings sink in. The McCavern's house was a six bedroom, seven bath home of French design set on three secluded acres. The home was decorated French style and featured a separate indoor spa complex with hand painted domed ceiling, Palladian windows, French doors, fireplace, 20X40 heated pool, gym, and sauna. There was a fully automated greenhouse and a separate one acre building lot.
"Have you lived in New York your entire life?" Mary asked, sick of talking about herself and wanting to learn more about her protector. He was just as guarded as her, so prying information out of him was no easy task.
Bobby nodded. "I grew up in Canarsie and lived there until I went to college. After college, I joined the army and was stationed in Germany and South Korea. After leaving the army I moved back to Brooklyn, which is where I live now."
"How come you never married or had children? Didn't you want to?"
"Yes," Bobby said with a shrug. "but those things just never came about. I've had relationships, some of them serious, but they just never progressed to the next level. My job isn't condusive to forming a normal relationship-the long, erratic hours, working undercover. Not all women can handle being romantically involved with a police officer. It sounds exciting at first, but the truth is police work can be tedious at times, as well dangerous. Not all women want to worry about their boyfriend dying on the job."
"Anyone can die at work, though. I work from home and look what happened. Besides, I read that the crime rate in New York City is decreasing. I also read that most law enforcement officers never have to use their weapons. I read in most cases they are used a deterrent, but officers usually don't have to use them."
"That is correct," Bobby replied. "I have had to use my firearm on occassion, but only as a last resort. I know movies and modern media portray law enforcement as firing their guns at every given opportunity, but any good law enforcement officer will tell you that is not par for the course."
"I'm sure that is a relief. I think police work is fascinating, but I could never have a career in law enforcement. The mere sight of a gun makes me nervous. I can't even touch or a gun or go near Terra's gun cabinet."
"Has your father ever tried to help you overcome your fear? Has he ever taken you to the shooting range?"
Mary shook her head. "He's afraid the noise and adrenelene would be bad for my heart or could potentially cause another seizure. My health is under control now, but I was pretty sick as a child. I was in and out of hospitals for various reasons. My health started to improve in my teenage years, but it wasn't until I was in my twenties that I started feeling secure and somewhat normal."
"When was your last heart transplant?" Bobby asked.
"A few years ago," Mary said, wanting to change the subject. "tell me about your family. I know you are single and have no children, but surely you have an extended family?"
"My parents and brother are deceased. I have a nephew Donnie and a neice named Molly. She's eleven now and lives with her Aunt in Michigan."
"Are you close to your neice and nephew?"
"Molly and I keep in touch, but we live out of state so that complicates matters. As for Donnie...well, he has his own life."
Mary noticed the sadness in Bobby's eyes when he started talking about Donnie. She sensed there was more to the story, but for his own reasons he was holding back, like Mary in regards to her health. They sat in silence for a while until Aunt Linda approached them.
"Mary, Bobby, we are serving dinner now," she said, smiling at them. They stood up and followed her into the house. Aunt Linda wrapped her arm around Mary's shoulders as they walked towards the formal dinning room.
"You look beautiful tonight," Linda replied. Linda looks amazing in a dark green, floor length gown.
"Thank you Linda, so do you."
Mary looked lovely in a one shoulder, floor length, black silk dress. Her naturally curly hair was worn down and her make up was kept simple. She wore simple diamond studs in her ears, a diamond and amethyst bracelet as well as her charm bracelet and onyx and diamond cocktail ring. The ring was a recent gift from Terra. She loved making jewelry for her friends and made the ring for Mary since she felt strongly that every woman should have a good cocktail ring. Mary didn't wear jewelry very much, save for her charm bracelet, but she really liked her new ring.
As soon as Mary, Linda, and Bobby entered the room, Stephen immediately approached them. He gave Mary a hug and took her hand, leading her to the table.
"I was looking for you earlier, but you disappeared. Are you feeling alright? Do you need to go lay down?" he asked, looking concerned. His gaze immediately shifted over to Bobby and shifted from love and concern to anger.
"I hired you to protect and care for my daughter, and I expect you to honor your obligations. Is that quite understood?"
"Daddy, Bobby is more than honoring his obligations, I can assure you. He has gone above and beyond to help me through my ordeal."
Stephen didn't respond to Mary's defensive comment and instead dove into the next order of business. "Did you know that your next door neighbors are moving?"
"No, Daddy I didn't, but as you know I'm not the most sociable person in the world," Mary replied.
Despite the fact she had lived in her apartment building for years, she knew almost nothing about her neighbors. The only ones she knew anything about were the downstairs neighbors who always quarreled, and that was only because Mary and the girls could hear them through the heat vent.
"In light of your cousin's impending move I called your building to see if any apartments were available," Stephen said. "as it turns out your neighbors to the right are selling their apartment because they are starting a family and require something larger. I put an offer on the place and as of today it's ours. I know you were planning for Maegan and the girls to stay with you and the girls, but they are now able to move into a home of their own straight away and no one is inconvenienced."
Bobby raised his eyebrows, not at all surprised that the General took it upon himself to make such a monumental decision for his family and discussing it only after the fact. It also wasn't surprising when Mary supported his decision.
"I think that's a wonderful idea, Daddy. I've spoken to her a few times this week and she has voiced concerns about putting everyone out. Terra was also complaining about the prospect of tighter living quarters and the possibility of us having to share bedrooms, so I think this a wonderful idea."
Stephen looked pleased at his daughter's approval and was suddenly hit by a bout of inspiration. "Instead of having two apartments side-by-side, I think combining both living quarters into one is an excellent idea. Your living space would double so there would be plenty of room and having large apartment would make it easier for the seven of you to spend time together. I know you and the girls love being together as much as possible and having easy access to their three aunts would thrill Raziah and Malia."
"Daddy, I don't know how I feel about this," Mary said, looking hesitant. "I love the idea of Maegan and the girls living closeby, but the prospect of living in a construction zone is bothersome. The noise from the workers' equipment would aggrevate my headaches, the sawdust would aggravate my allergies and possibly flare up my asthma, and to be perfect honest, I don't like the idea of strange men wandering through my home."
"I took your prospective concerns into account, so you and the girls can stay with your mother and me throughout the duration of the construction process. It should only take a few days to complete the job since all it really entails is tearing out a wall, adding new flooring, repainting the walls..."
"Oh, is that all?" Bobby asked, bemused by The General's attitude of assuming because he wanted something to happened, it would. It wouldn't have surprised Bobby if in The General's world the apartment simply remodeled itself.
"After the party tonight Bobby can go back to the apartment and pack your things so you don't have to go all the way back to the city. Our home is next to Terra's and since you are staying with your mother and me tonight, there is no need for you to leave. You'll have your own room with your own restroom and Bobby will stay in one of the guest rooms."
With the decision seemingly made, Stephen made his way over to Carolyn and embraced her before they took their seats. As everyone sat down, Carolyn made eye contact and gave her a knowing, sympathetic look. Mary smiled at her mother, relieved that at least one of her parents was normal. Bobby pulled out Mary's chair and after she was seated and her chair pushed back to the table, Bobby lowered himself into his own seat, which was next to her. When Mark, Linda, and Terra were finalizing the seating arrangements, Stephen made it clear he wanted Bobby placed next to Mary for her own protection. The McCaverns thought Stephen's request was outlandish and unnecessary, but those two words perfectly defined the dear general, so they acquiesced.
As Bobby placed his napkin on his lap, Mary leaned over and murmured in his ear. "Was your father anything like mine?"
"I don't there is a soul on this planet that in any way compares to your father," Bobby replied.
Mary giggled and the dinner began. Terra instructed the family chef to prepare a traditional French dinner and he prepared a succulent feast. Mary didn't eat much during the meal, but to be fair the variety of food seemed endless, so Bobby couldn't find too much fault with her inability to keep up. The cold hors d'oeurves had already been served, so guests were presented with bowls of coconut chicken and shrimp soup. After the soup course they were presented with ginger glazed chicken, beef bourguignon, arugula salad with apples, carmenlized pecans and blue cheese, cheese plate, apple tarte tatin, and various fruits and coffee.
As guests tucked into their coffee, or in Mary's case tea since she didn't care for coffee, the final part of the meal was rolled into the room. In addition to the apple tarte tatin, Terra wanted a cake and Beth exceeded her expectations. Terra wanted a succulent, sexy confection, so Beth prepared a flourless chocolate cake with layers of chocolate mousse, creme brulee, and raspberry gelee. Everyone sang happy birthday and after Terra blew out the requisit candle, the mutli tierred treat was plated up and presented to guests. As everyone tucked into their cake, Terra began the process of tearing into her mountain of presents.
Linda rose from her seat and walked over to the table that housed what was affectionately referred as "Terra's tower." She handed a beautifully wrapped package to her daughter and looked over at Mary, who seemed to be in her own little world. She was worried about her neice and wanted to help bring her out of her shell without putting her too much on display.
"Mary, would you be a dear and please document the gifts as they are unwrapped? We need to keep track of what was given and from whom, so if you could keep an itemized list while I hand Terra her presents that would be so helpful."
"Certainly, Aunt Linda," Mary replied.
She was well aware of her aunt's motivation for enlisting her help and appreciated the fact she was given a low profile task. Linda handed her a blue notebook and pen and Mary looked forward to the opportunity of burying her face in the notebook. The herculean task of tearing through the appearingly limitless pile began and everyone ohhed and ahhed over Terra's new trinkets. After what seemed like a lifetime and with carpel tunnell possibly looming in Mary's future, one final gift remained. Actually, it was several gifts placed on top of each in a tierred affect, which immediately drew Terra's attention.
She opened the card and smiled with surprise when she realized this was from Bobby. After reading the card, she placed it back in the envelope and handed it to Mary, who placed it in a box Linda provided for the mountain of cards. Terra was curious as to what Bobby bought for her since they didn't know each other well. She opened the first box and discovered three Alice in Wonderland inspired catchalls. Alice in Wonderland was her favorite book as a child and even as an adult the story still held a special place in her hear.
They were glass and the illustrations and quotations were in black and white. One depicted the Cheshire cat, the other the White Rabbir, and the final one the Queen of Hearts. The queen was Terra's favorite character in the story, since she likened herself as one. The next package held two glass garden globes. They were globes that housed green plants resting on small rocks.
Terra had mentioned she needed some greenery in her room to brighten up the place and was touched Bobby remembered. The plants seemed easy to care for, a requirement for Terra since she wasn't quite the green thumb her mother was. The next box held a Faberge egg styled into a Nutcracker music box. Terra collected both Faberge eggs and music boxes, so this was the best of both worlds. If Alice in Wonderland was her favorite book, the Nutcracker was her favorite ballet.
It sparkled with more than one hundred hand-set simulated gems and twenty-two carat scroll work. It was heirloom porcelain and painted mostly in red, which was Terra's favorite color. The bottom depicted ballet dancers and the detail was breathtaking. Terra would have perfectly satiated with the music box, but there were more boxes to unwrap, so she forged ahead. The next package contained monogrammed travel make up cases and the final box contained the last of her goodies.
She opened a small box to find a heart shaped perfume bottle. It was dipped in crimson and gold glitter and a crown shaped sprayer was placed on the top. Bobby had gone to a perfume shop that specialized in custom made perfume. He knew Terra would love something created just for her and the crown seemed to justify her feelings of regalness. She removed the tissue paper from her final presents and discovered an antique mercury glass jewelry box, tealight holder and matching hand mirror.
Terra loved mercury glass, appreciating its old fashioned beauty. Terra smiled as she lifted the mirror, a happy memory coming to her. She looked over at Mary, who was scribbling the last of Terra's loot into the notebook.
"Mary, does this remind you of anything?" Terra asked, holding up the mirror.
Mary looked at the mirror and the two ladies shared a knowing laugh. Bobby looked over at Mary, happy to hear mirth coming from her direction and curious as to what comedic value hand mirrors possessed.
"As you may have noticed, I have a fairly healthy sense of self worth," Terra replied.
"That's her uncharacteristically modest way of saying she worships herself," Mary said to Bobby.
"It's not my fault I am perfection," Terra said with a dismissive shrug. Mary rolled her eyes and Terra continued speaking.
"In honor of my finely honed sense of self, Mary gave me quite the memorable Christmas present last year. I opened the box and discovered it was filled with a variety of mirrors-the lid of the box even had a mirror glued on the inside! During the night she hung mirrors on every wall in my room, as well as over my bed! It was meant as a joke, but I so loved the result I kept the mirrors in place. I love getting to look at myself first thing in the morning. I realize most people don't look their best when they first awaken, but I am in a happy minority."
Bobby merely raised his eyebrows and Mary placed a hand on her forehead, lowering her head as she shook it slightly. Bobby heard someone chuckle and it was non other than Terra's dinner companion, Mike Logan. He looked dashing in a black tux and much happier than the last time Bobby saw him. Bobby hadn't spoken to Logan since Logan left law enforcement three years prior.
"Thank you, Bobby," Terra said, smiling warmly at him and walking over to give him a hug. "your gifts were so incredibly thoughtful. I'm going to have my work cut out for me when it's your birthday," she teased.
"I'm glad you liked everything Terra, but don't you don't have to give me anything," Bobby said.
"When is your birthday? Mary, do you know?" Terra asked.
Before either one could respond, Mike took the initiative, looking at Terra with bemused affection. "August 20. Do you think four weeks is enough time to raid every department store in the city?"
"Possibly, if I have you to help me," Terra replied. "we can hit the shops before we go to the bar."
"Are you planning on going to the bar everyday for four weeks?" Bobby asked. "I know you like to socialize, but drinking everyday seems a bit...excessive."
"God Bobby no, I'm not an alcoholic!" Terra said with a laugh. "I worked as a bar tender during college and the early years of my business. To this day I will occassionally fill in for Stacee or Mike if their bar tenders need time off or if they need help training a new employee."
"How long have you and Logan known each other?" Bobby asked.
"About two and a half years. Someone had robbed a clothing store not far from my store, so I placed an ad in the paper looking for a security guard. Mike applied for the job and he seemed the most capable candidate, so I hired him. Logan's was still in its infant stages, so he worked for me until business took off a few months later."
"There are worse things in life than staring at a pretty girl all day," Mike said with a shrug.
With every morsal eatten and every present received, guests moved towards the living room for drinks. Terra found her blonde possee and headed outside, so they could continue their gossiping. Mary fell into conversation with her father and Stacee and Beth stuck together. Bobby and Mike found themselves standing beside each other, nodding to each other as their accepted a drink from a server. After sampling their choice they looked at each other, grappling for an opening line. Finally it was Bobby who made the first move.
"You look good, man. The tux really suits you," Bobby said.
"Do you really find work at Major Case so unstimulating you are now moonlighting as purse holder for the rich and famous?"
Bobby let out a short laugh before explaining how he came to be said purse holder. Bobby and Mike looked at Mary, who laughed at something her father said.
"How is Mary coping?" Mike asked.
"She's trying, but it's still a struggle for her," Bobby replied. "she barely eats and can't sleep more than two or three hours at a time before she wakes up in a cold sweat. She's isolating herself from her loved ones and they are worried about her."
"Terra told me what happened to Mary. She wanted to know how she could best help Mary and thought since I was a detective for twenty-five years I would have some suggestions. I told her to let Mary take it one at a time and let her open up when she's ready. What Mary needs now is love and support, which she seems to have in abundance."
"Mary certainly has a close relationship with her father," Bobby said.
"Oh yes, the G-Man," Mike said, a disdainful expression flickering across his face. "from what Terra tells me he made quite the first impression on you."
"It isn't everyday I'm slammed against a wall and threatened by a complete stranger," Bobby said with a shrug.
"Yes, I know. For you it's the other way around."
"Maybe so, but at least my actions haven't resulted in a ten year exile to Rikers."
"You're still young, give it time."
Bobby chuckled and took another drink as Mike continued talking. "Something tells me most people would choose a ten year stint on Rikers over being around Mary's father on a regular basis. Rikers seems like a vacation in comparison to being around that self indulent prick."
"He's just concerned about his daughter's well being," Bobby said. "Mary was sick as a child, so it is normal for parents to become overprotective when they are in constant panic over their child's mortality."
"Overprotective is one thing, but Terra told me Mary and The General shared a room until she was nine. Their beds were placed beside each other and according to Terra, he would awaken several times during the night to check on her. One time, when Mary didn't stir as soon as their alarm went off, he lost it and began screaming her name, feeling for a pulse, checking her breathing...When Mary finally did open her eyes, he had his hands on her chest and was about to start performing CPR. You can call him "over protective" all you like, but that is an understatement. Something isn't right in the state of Mayfield Manor."
Bobby frowned thoughtfully and allowed his information to sink in as he finished his drink. It was at that moment Stephen stormed up to him, his posture aggressive, his eyes blasing.
"Detective Goren, you are being paid to ensure my daughter's safety, not to binge drink with your drinking buddy. Is this job too difficult for you or do you think you could possibly pull yourself away from your Bourbon long enough to escort my daughter home?"
"Yes sir. I am on my way sir," Bobby said, looking over at Mike who had an obvious expression of "I told you so!"
Before Mike had the chance to seal that expression with an extended tongue or some other expression of merryment, Bobby said his goodbyes and rejoined Mary. Under normal circumstances Bobby would have never endured a tongue lashing from a hot head, but he decided against making a scene, not wanting to upset Mary. After Mary said her goodbyes, she collected her purse and Bobby escorted her back to her parents' home, all while under General Mayfield's watchful glare.