A/N I own nothing – I just like taking the characters out to play in my own sandbox.
Okay – now for some disturbing news. One of my stories; Black Swan and the Alpha (A twilight fic) was recently removed from Fanfic. I am not sure why. I got no warning or notice that it was being done. Just one day it was there and the next it wasn't.
Though I don't agree with this policy, I am not going to get on my soap box about it. Most of you have heard from other authors about this and all I can say is that I feel the same. I have however looked into other locations for my stories, just in case this happens to another of my stories. Personally, I think I have read way more NC-17 work on here than what was in my story, but alas, I am not part of the governing body and it is their site after all.
So if you go looking for a story of mine and it is gone, check my profile. I will try to keep people updated.
Okay enough of that – back to a happier place…Like this story (he he)
Thank you, thank you for reading this story. I have gotten a few PM asking why this is going to be short. Well, it is not going to be super short. But we have several sequels already worked out for this. It is just not going to be Epic like An Elegant Death.
Some other people asked why Sookie can't see what Bill really is. I hope this chapter answers some of the questions.
Thank you again for reading. Lilgray and I are super thrilled. She is my goddess of inspiration for this story and my expert in betaing. I thank her from the bottom of my heart for putting up with all my mistakes. You have patience personified. Thank you my friend.
Now, without further ado…on with the show!
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Chapter 4 – Your Smiling Face
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SPOV
I roll over and stretch. Opening my eyes I look out the bay window and smile. I love that I get to see the lake every morning. And this morning seems to be extra shiny and fresh.
I take a deep breath and smile. I don't think I've felt this good, well in forever. The only thing that would make me feel any better would be to wake up surrounded by a tall blonde Adonis. MMMM, that would be MUCH better.
This man is making me entertain thoughts and feelings I never imagined I would. I never woke up wondering about Bill, thinking about him, wanting him, or needing his touch. The thought of that makes me almost sad. Bill would always be in the back of my mind, true. But, I never woke wanting him. It has always been like I knew he was there, somewhere, just not close.
Why did I allow myself to be in this situation for so long? Why did I expect so little for myself that I would concede to a passionless relationship? I saw love all around me. Jason and Crystal had eyes for only each other. I saw the way Gramps used to look at Gran. And Daddy just adored Momma. My friends were caring and happy people. So, why did I not expect passion and love for myself?
I lean back and look out at the lake. I feel the answer tickling in the back of my brain. Wanting to come out but not quite getting there. I just never thought I deserved love. I didn't deserve to be wanted, if I am loved that much, then that person goes away. Daddy, Momma, Aunt Linda, Hadley, Gramps, Gran, all went away. The only person that didn't leave was Jason and he found his own life. But no one stayed for me.
So why did I let Bill in? Because he was there for me when I went numb, that's why.
The weeks after Gran passed still seem like a blur. One day rolled into the next. I felt so cold and alone from almost the moment I found her. She passed quietly in her sleep. There wasn't any noise, no choir of angels, no trumpets sounding. Just silence. I think that made it worse. Gran was the most beautiful person I knew. The world should have been outraged by her leaving it. But yet, the only sound I heard that morning was the mockingbirds by the lake.
I knew my friends were around, but they had their own lives too. Tara was getting ready to leave for LSU; Amelia was already there with Tray and JB finishing up their degrees. Jason was already living in Shreveport. I know he would have come home if I asked him too, but he had Crystal. Sam and Lafayette were here but they had their own crosses to bear considering they only came out as a couple the year or so before. We all knew, but respected their privacy. Sam is a quiet and reserved man, whereas Laf is big and loud. Still the polar opposite personalities seem to work for them. And finally, there is Alcide who was just finishing his degree and coming home. But he had to deal with working and trying to prove himself to his father.
The first morning before the sheriff arrived, I noticed the house was so cold and empty. Like the warmth and love was sucked right out of it. I had to leave. I couldn't sit in it and have that feeling fill me. I ran out to the lake. I could still feel her at the lake. It was still warm and comforting. I felt safe there.
Everyone came running when I called the first week to help me with the arrangements and of course to help me get through the funeral. But then they all had to get back to their lives. I don't blame them. They were all moving forward and my life was still in limbo. My chances of leaving Bon Temps were getting slimmer and slimmer with the passing days. My dreams were fading faster than Gran's scent in the house. I really didn't know what I was going to do. Even after all the people that had come running to me to help, in the end, it was just me.
The services were beautiful. The whole town came out and there were more casseroles in this house than I think Adele Stackhouse made in her life time. Why do people think that when someone dies you desperately crave for Macaroni and Cheese casseroles or Jello molds? I had more things made with condensed milk, cream of mushroom soup or Jello than I could ever want or need. You would be surprised how many things you can make with canned soup, I for one was surprised.
But when the smoke cleared and the excitement waned, it was just me, alone and by myself in the old house. Jason had to deal with his own feelings. He tried, Lord knows he did. But Gran dying took just as much out of him as it did me, probably more so. He may not have admitted then or even now, but Gran was his touch stone, his life line to what is real versus what is made up in people's imagination about him. He never bought into the hoopla that was THE Jason Stackhouse. Even in his hay day, he kept himself grounded and level headed. Did he like the attention? I'm sure he did. But when the fan fare receded after whatever game, it was Gran that had him fixing shutters or hanging a new wash line or reminding him that he needed at least a B on the next biology test or that his term paper in English was due. She never wanted him to just slide through school. We are Corbett Stackhouse's children, she would remind us, we're smart and should show the world. Was she proud of Jason? Of course she was. She never missed one game. She would cheer as loud as anyone. But she also knew what was important and what would help him in the long run. She was always proud of him but never idolized him.
First, Jason wanted me to come live with him. But I couldn't. I couldn't leave the homestead. It was the only place that I could still feel Gran. I was connected to all of them here. I could look out in the yard and see Gran messing in the flowerbeds or look out to the tree line to see Jason playing. I could look down to the water and see Daddy and Gramps fishing or look to the dock to see Momma sitting and dangling her feet. The house may have been growing cold but the land was enriched with the Stackhouse blood. It was the only place I could feel at home.
We knew exactly where all the documents and papers were in the house. Gran made sure that Jason and I both knew what her wishes were for her final rest and where we needed to go to discuss her final wishes.
When Jason and I made the trip into New Orleans to see the lawyers, I was numb. I would get up and do what I needed to do, but I couldn't feel anything. Gran was my whole world for so long. She kept me safe. She made me feel whole. She kept the bad things away. Now, I had no one. Who would keep the bad things away now?
This is when I met William Compton Sr. and William Compton, Jr. Attorneys at law. I barely remember the reading of the will that first morning. I didn't hear a lot of it. I was stuck on a memory of Gran on the front porch. Not much of it was making sense to me anyway. All except the part that said I could have the house. Gran had left the homestead to me. There was no way I would leave now. The only stipulation she had was that I had to sell my portion of our parent's place to Jason. This way she was assured that we were both taken care of. That was no problem. Jason had already been living there and his business was taking off. He had no reason to contest Gran's wishes.
"Besides," Jason said, "it isn't like I can't come and visit when I need to get away."
I agreed with him. It wasn't like he would never see the place again and both properties were almost the same size. My Daddy had carved out a nice life for us before he left. Jason was very happy in Shreveport.
The only thing I added was a rider in the agreement that if I was to ever want to sell the homestead, that Jason would get first dibs. This was met with a little resistance from Bill. He seemed to think that unnecessary. But I didn't. If I ever needed to leave for any reason, I wanted to make sure that the land stayed in the family if at all possible.
After that there were many papers to sign. I would read some of them but they read like stereo instructions with 10 point scrabble words. At first, William Sr. would do his best to explain them to me and Jason. After the first few days, he defaulted to his son to help me. Jason didn't come to those meetings. It seemed that he wasn't needed. I didn't give too much thought into it. Gran trusted these people and I figured I should too.
At our first meeting, Bill seemed calming, steady and sure of himself. He wanted to help me and would show me where I needed to sign and make sure all the t's were crossed and I's were dotted. Crystal was there for Jason through the whole thing. If I didn't love that woman before all of this, I totally loved her then. They had barely started dating and she never left his side. Bill stood by me the whole week we were there. I still don't know to this day why there was so much to go over. When I came home, there really wasn't more than Gran's life insurance and the house. There was a little money for Jason and I to share, but nothing that should have constituted a weeklong stay in the Big Easy. But the time moved quickly with Bill at my side and when we weren't in meetings, he would take me out here and there showing me the city. We never had a meal that wasn't together and he was being very attentive. Something I had never experienced before from a possible suitor. Bill was polite and was a complete gentleman. Always leaving me in my suite and never trying to make advances. But by the time I awoke the next morning, he would be at my door to either have breakfast in or take me out. I must admit that at the time the attention was welcoming. Too bad it didn't last.
When I came home, I just went back to my daily life. The only difference was Bill seemed to be there. He would call me several times a day. He would remind me to get up and go about my business. He would come to see me once or twice a week and before I knew it, I was heading to New Orleans for this and that. I never needed to think about it. When he requested me, he would send a car. When I needed to dress a certain way, the clothes were waiting for me at his house. When I was with him, every minute of my day was planned. And when I wasn't, he would call me to keep me on track. He did explain to me that now that I was in Bon Temps, I would not be able to see him as often. His work would keep him busy for most of the week. But it didn't stop him from calling me several times a day. In fact, he purchased me a new cell phone so that he knew I would be available to him. After the first few months, the calls came once a day. Then after the campaign started, they came a few times a week. Now, I usually hear from him maybe once a week, with a text or email thrown in. He is very busy, I understand that and accept it. He and Lorena are serious about his career, more so than I am. It's best I stay in the background.
Once I was home and trying to sort out my life, I took all the paperwork for Julliard and stuffed it into a box and pushed it into the closet. I knew even before Gran passed that my dreams to go there were dashed. We couldn't afford it and after she was gone, it was all I could do to keep my head above water. I didn't feel like dancing much anyway.
The only thing I had going for me was that Amelia had submitted my story to the publishing house that she was interning at. She didn't even tell me that she was doing it. Or if she did tell me, I don't remember. She had found it when she was home for spring break right before Gran passed. She thought it was brilliant.
"Amelia, it is just an assignment for class." I told her.
For senior English, I decided to take a creative writing course. It was an advance class and the basic idea was for you to write a novel or 5 short stories in a specific genre. The instructor, Mrs. Fant, would help you with storylines and concepts. But it was basically free writing.
"Sook," Amelia read the first five chapters in one afternoon. "This is really good. You should try to get this published." She said to me.
I shook my head. "Amelia, it is just a writing assignment." I told her.
A week or two after she went back to school, Amelia called to tell me that the publishing house was reviewing the story. A month after Gran passed; she called again to tell me that they were interested.
Bill was not too pleased with the announcement that they were going to publish it. When he found out what it was about, he was even more unpleasant.
"Sookie, who's going to want to read a story about Vampires?" He asked me.
"Bill it's a very popular genre. Have you headed into a bookstore lately?" I asked.
"Yes for gothic dressed people and degenerates. I have seen those Anne Rice books. Or how about those other ones that they were talking about on the radio, all sex and orgies, nothing but filth and what not. Is that what you want to write about?"
I didn't say much else. I knew that wasn't what my story was about and I was happy someone wanted to read it. If it didn't sell, then so be it. But it was the only ray of sunshine I had and I was not about to let it go.
I continued to work at Merlotte's while my book was hitting the stands, much to Bill's dismay. I have no idea where he thought I would work, but he totally didn't want me in a bar.
When the book cracked the top 100, I was hopeful. When it hit the top 10 I was joyous, especially when the money started to roll in. When it hit number one for fifteen weeks straight, I wanted to scream from the rafters. But Bill didn't feel like celebrating. In fact we had to go to some dinner and he specifically told me not to mention it to anyone. The thought of his name associated with MY BOOK, was not the image he wanted to give to his colleagues. So I stayed silent.
That was until I got home and whooped it up with my friends. The gang was waiting for me at Merlotte's with a big banner that wished me good luck. It was really nice of them and I was a bit embarrassed. I started to believe that my story really was nothing special. I mean it was only a silly writing assignment. I just hoped that Amelia wasn't too disappointed when the book floated off into oblivion.
But for that one night, I was happy and having a blast for myself. Which lead to a night of crazy fun and a whole week of being ignored by Bill. For some reason, my phone had gotten turned off and I didn't get any of his messages until the next morning, late. I also guess that some pictures from that night made it onto a few facebook pages. Bill was fuming by the time I spoke to him. He made me quit after that night. At first I refused which lead to the week of silence from him. But then I got my first royalty check and decided that I could live off of that for some time. Plus to my shock and awe, the publishing house wanted me to sign a contract to write four more stories. I couldn't for the life of me understand why but I agreed. I really liked to write and the characters I was developing felt like old friends.
Bill didn't want to know anything about my stories. We never spoke about them and he never encouraged me to write or asked me about my deadlines. It has always been the big elephant in the room. He just walks around it.
By this time, I felt like I owed Bill something. He would constantly remind me that he was the only one who was there for me after Gran passed. That if it wasn't for him and his quick legal skills, I probably would have lost the Homestead. Gran didn't have much money but Bill seemed to figure out a way to catch up all the bills for me. I didn't need to worry for several months after her death. But once I needed to start paying the bills and taxes again, Bill was the one pushing for the sale. But by then I was starting to come out of my haze and kept refusing. This would constitute an argument and then silence from Bill for a few days. He would let the discussion drop for a month or two, only to bring it back up. The cycle felt like it was endless. Until I started making renovations with my royalty checks, then he was just outright rude about it.
"Sookie, what are you going to do with that house?" He asked me.
"Live in it." I said to him as I walked from his kitchen to the parlor.
"Don't get flip with me." He growled. "We will be leaving for DC once I am elected. What will you do then?" He asks.
"Bill, I don't have to live in DC full time. What will I do? I want to be home when I can, please?" I pleaded.
"You are so ungrateful, Sookie." He huffed. "I am making a name for us. I will be a Senator for Godsakes. And all you want to think about is your little house. Sell the backwoods lot. It has nothing for you anymore. You could give the money to my campaign. Invest in our future." He sat next to me. "Show a little support for a change. I give and give to you. All I ask is you do the same."
But I didn't sell. In fact, I grew the homestead. Bill didn't speak to me for a week. Only discussing where we needed to be and many times he would have Lorena or his mother relay messages to me. At parties, he would stand next to me but we never spoke unless appearances required it.
Why I didn't end it then, I don't know. I felt on some level I needed him; that I owed him for taking care of me. Obligation is a strong emotion. One I don't take lightly. He had been there. I should show him some respect, right?
I shake my head. I want him out of it and Eric back in. This is so sad. I mean last night could have really been just the moment. He could have been swept away in the music just like I was. But what about him not minding people thinking we were together. Was that a ploy too? Was it just harmless flirting? I bet he has a dozen women waiting for him. Maybe he had one last night after leaving me? A man like that can't be single. And if he is, it's by choice.
I shake my head again. No, Sookie stop thinking like this. You deserve to be happy. Yeah, I keep telling myself that, maybe someday I will believe it. I don't need a man to hold me. Then why am I sticking with Bill? Well he doesn't hold me so I don't know if he counts. But I want Eric to hold me. I want him to be there for me. I want to share things with him. I want to show him my life and hear about his. I want to discuss things with him and make decisions. I want him to hold me all night after making love and I want to wake to his strong arms and kisses. That's the difference. I don't want a man, I want THAT man.
I look at the clock, a little after 10am. Okay, I need to get up. I have to leave for Shreveport in a few hours and I need to clear my head.
Only two things really refocus me, writing and dancing. And since I was up to wee hours in the morning writing, I decide to head over to the studio.
Getting up I quickly make up the bed and head to the closet for some dancing clothes. Once ready, I head on back to the studio. I smile when I step into the room. I always feel such comfort in this room.
I step over to my shoes and grab my toe shoes. Sitting down, I lace them up and step up into them. I always feel so light and free in them. Like I'm the swan I've pretended to be or the princess in the Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, all of their grace and elegance flowing from my feet into my heart.
Smiling again, I take a step over to the music. I have learned and created many dances over the years to both classical and contemporary music. But this morning I know exactly what I want to dance to. I find the CD and smile again, Peace White Light by Leo Perez.
I put it on and take my place in the middle of the room. Once the music begins, I stick my first position and take flight.
I float around the room closing my eyes for most of it. I never even notice others walk in.
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Jason's POV
"Are you sure you want to come, hon. You aren't supposed to be up." I ask my beautiful wife.
"If you're going to talk some sense into that girl, I'm coming too. I want our Sookie to be around for her nieces, Jay. They need her. Who else is going to teach them how to be a free spirit?" She laughs.
I love Crystal. She has been so good for me. When Gran passed she was my rock. She held me until I could find my way back to reality.
One of the first things I said about Sookie was how 'free' she was. Sookie loved everything that moved you. Writing, dancing, singing, you could see the calm fall over her face when she danced. When she would walk down by the lake and the leaves would blow, she would turn her face into the wind and smile. She could lighten any room just by entering it. No she didn't enter a room, she floated into it. And when she would perform, nothing else in the world mattered at that moment. She was our Angel, our guiding light, our hope and none of us want to lose that. And she doesn't even know it. She has no clue how special she is to all of us. We just took for granted that she knew. I failed her in that, I know. I should have told her every day that she was special. I should have shown her how much she meant to me, how much she meant to all of us. But we all thought she knew. It was stupid and selfish. I thought she would always be here, until we lost her, lost her to him. Now I know what I need to do. The soft spoken little nudges aren't working. We need to show her. We need to tell her. Once and for all or we will lose her forever. I know it in my soul. Bill Compton is going to kill everything that is good in my sister. I can't let him. I can't let her down again.
She doesn't know I know she got into Julliard. Gran got a call from them about her admittance. We were both over the moon about it, but Sookie never mentioned it. Then I found the financial documents. The cost after discounts, grants and scholarships was just too great. Sookie didn't have that kind of money. My college was all but paid for with scholarships. I didn't have much but I was willing to give it to her to go. Gran even looked into mortgaging the homestead. But we waited for Sookie to tell us. I was just about to have a sit down with my little sister when Gran passed. All thoughts of Julliard were put away and when the smoked cleared and I finally came back to myself, my sister was attached to that lead weight, Compton. I don't even remember how it happened, but she never discussed Julliard or college for that matter. She just went back to work.
If it wasn't for Amelia and her quick thinking, Sookie would have abandoned her writing as well. It was the only thing that kept a little of our Sookie with us. It wasn't easy. Bill tried to destroy that too. But when she signed the contract for the book, it was me and Amelia with her. Bill was out of town somewhere. When he returned, he was furious that she didn't let him go over the contract. Like Amelia and I would ever let anyone take advantage of our girl. But still, he was not pleased.
When she redid the house, I was thrilled. Not because it would be all new and clean, but because she was adding an office to write and a studio to dance in. I thought maybe, just maybe she was coming back to us. But then Compton kept her away so long. Then he forbids her to go to Merlotte's or be with any of us, for that matter.
But seeing her last night, it was almost like she had the light back in her eyes. Her smile on her face was almost the fresh and new one I always looked forward to seeing. And I knew it was from the company she was keeping.
I wasn't sure about him at first but after talking to Amelia last night, I started to see how perfectly he is suited for our girl. Not that any man is ever going to be good enough for her, but he seems to have the right attributes to come close. And if I want to be completely honest with myself, if he is going to put that smile back on my sister's face, I will give him my blessing ten times over. I want my angel back in my life. My wife needs her sister and her nieces are going to need her too.
I help Crystal into the car. I knew once she heard what we're going to do there is no way she is staying behind.
"Who all is coming?" She asked.
I smile getting into the driver's seat. "Pam and Amelia are picking up Laf and Sam." I say. "Tara and JB will meet us there too. Alcide is out of town but he told Am's that if he's needed to get him on speaker." I laugh at my old friend. He loves Sookie just as much as I do, probably more so. I'm no fool. I know the only reason he never approached her was because of our friendship. That 'bro' code was really deep between us and he would never have gone against me. Why I didn't allow it, I am not really sure. Alcide is a great guy with a smart head for business and construction. He would have been good for my sister. I just couldn't ever give him the nod. So instead, he settled on being her friend. But he didn't fool me for one second. He loves her. He always will.
Crystal laughs. "I'm surprised Alcide didn't get on a plane last night." She says.
"Oh, he wanted to. But he has some big meeting down in Mississippi and his father wanted him to take care of the situation personally. Otherwise he would have been here by sunup. He will be home in a couple of days and he told Amelia that if we can't talk sense into her, he is going to hogtie her and put her into the basement until she sees reason." I laugh. "I don't think he's kidding this time."
She laughs as well. "No, I'm not sure he is. Jason we got to get her away from Bill. I am serious. Something isn't right about him. There's something really creepy about their relationship. Is Pam bringing her brother?" She asks.
I shake my head. "She didn't want to scare Sookie. From what I gather, they are both really into one another. Pam spent the entire afternoon on the phone with her brother yesterday. He has it bad." I think about my conversation with Amelia. I will concede that he may be good for her. But if he ever hurts her, I will get out my gun.
I pull up in front of my sister's house and see that Amelia is already here.
I get out of the car and help my wife. She waddles to the front door and for the tenth time today, she takes my breath away. God I love her and she is just so beautiful, especially carrying our children.
After a round of hugs and kisses, we head into the house. I have a key, so there isn't any reason to knock. Before I can call for Sookie, I hear the music. I know exactly where she is.
We all head through the living room out to the back of the house and through the door to Sookie's dance studio. The music is lifting and powerful, I don't think I've ever heard it before. But then I see my sister floating around the room as if it's easier than breathing. I hear a gasp next to me and look at Pam. She has tears in her eyes as does everyone else. I look back at my sister and look up to her face. She looks like an angel. She's almost glowing. But her face, it's that smile, no, my smile. Sookie has found her smiling face.
In that moment I know. I can feel it in my bones. I will do whatever we need to do to make sure that Sookie never loses it again.
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EPOV
I wake up with the sun on my face. I love my new room. The windows are protective glass so that it doesn't get too hot. But the feeling of the sun still comes through. I open my eyes to a bright summer morning. My thoughts drift instantly to the angel that was in my arms last night.
I would have done just about anything to keep her in my arms last night. I wanted to hold her, kiss her and yes, make her mine. But it's too early. I want everything with Sookie and that won't happen if I take her without warning. Something tells me that Sookie is new to all things that have to do with men.
I wonder what Compton has been doing with her? I suspect nothing. Every touch every advance I made was taken with a look of surprise and then pleasure. Like it was the first time anyone has done anything like that. But how could that be? I mean I couldn't keep my eyes off her. She was beauty and grace personified. Could I dare to hope that she is as fresh and pure as I suspect? Could she be untouched? Could her experience with men be that new? Could I be that lucky?
But how could Compton keep his hands off of her? I lasted less than a day. If I am honest, I wanted to touch her the moment I saw her. But after I brushed her arm, I wanted it all the more; so much more. I wanted to feel everything from her. I wanted to touch her constantly, like it was my life line. I was like I couldn't exist unless we were connected somehow.
When I asked her to dinner, I had no intention of touching Sookie last night. I wanted to take it slow. I wanted her to see what I wanted from her. Not just one night, but all her nights. However, that all changed when I heard the music and saw her eyes light up with the possibility of dancing. I just couldn't contain myself any longer. And when we started dancing, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Every move I made, she countered. Every step I took, she matched. The heat and passion between us was rolling through the room. I could tell by the look in many of the patron's eyes. We were a show, performing for our own enjoyment but it didn't mean that others weren't benefiting from it. If we hadn't stopped when we did, I don't know what would have happened.
Like hell, I don't. I would have had her up against the wall, on the hood of my car, Fuck, over the bar if she would have let me. But if my suspicions are correct, Sookie will deserve more than that. She deserves to be worshiped. She deserves to be loved. No, the first time I have her will not be quick and easy. I will worship her for hours. Then I will make her mine.
I sigh and feel the pull in my pants. I look down. I'm rock hard solid again. God, if I don't get her soon, I'm going to do damage to my wrist.
I get up and make my way to the shower. 20 minutes later and three, yes I said three attempts to fix the situation down below; I head to the kitchen and to my phone to check on things.
I may be a dancer, but I still have a business to run too. Contrary to my father's beliefs, I'm serious about both my careers. I just spend more time with one than the other. But I am in no need of money. My financial status is one that I could stop working tomorrow and still live very comfortably. But I enjoy what I do. I am selective and careful not to let it interfere with competing, but I still have my eye on the ball.
I call my PA, Robert Burnham. He always has everything I need first thing in the morning.
"Good morning, Mr. Northman." He says.
"Robert, how does everything look today?" I ask him.
"Very good, sir. You have a few things you need to sign off on and there are a few new projects that are sitting on your desk. Would you like me to bring them up to you?" He asks me.
I smile. Robert is very efficient. "No, thank you. I will be down in a bit. But I will need to clear my schedule for this afternoon. I have an appointment at one and it will probably be for the rest of the day." I say. He is used to this. When Felicia and I would dance, we would pick either morning or afternoon to work. But when we got closer to competition dates, we would work all day. He was a master at getting everything in that I needed to deal with.
"The only thing you had was a call from Ms. LeClerq. She wanted you to make time for her sometime today." He says.
Of course she does. Sophie-Anne has already heard about Felicia. I'm not a fool. Sophie would drop her dance partner, who happens to be her step-brother, in a heartbeat. She is ruthless and calculated.
We had a thing about a year ago. But it didn't last long. She has been trying ever since to find a way into my life and my bed. I haven't given her an inch and it's killing her. She's a very beautiful woman and no one has ever said no to her, ever.
"Please tell Ms. LeClerq that I'll not be able to see her at the present time, possibly after the competition, but that is iffy as well." I say to him.
"Sir, if I may be so bold, you have found another partner?" He asks.
I smile. "I'm working on it." I say. "I'll need you to send some flowers for me, Sunflowers to a lady friend of mine." I say to him.
I give him Sookie's address and tell him what I want on the card.
"I wish them to be delivered by noon." I say. I look at the clock, it's just after 10 now. "I will pay extra for the quick delivery." I say. "Call Mabry House I'd also like a table for two at seven tonight." I say.
Mabry House is one of the best restaurants in Louisiana. I can't wait to take Sookie to Dallas, New York, LA, Milan and Paris. That's where the next competitions are going to be and I can't wait to show her those beautiful cities. I want to show Sookie the world. When I have traveled in the past, I usually stay in the hotels. Not wanting to lose my concentration or focus. This time will be different. I want to show her everything. I want her to see what life with me will be like. She doesn't need DC or a Senator. She can have the world with me. I will show her everything being with me has to offer.
"Excellent, Mr. Northman. Should I expect to be sending flowers to this Miss Stackhouse often?" I hear the inflection in Robert's voice. I think he is pleased I'm showing an interest in someone.
I have known Robert Burnham since I was five years old. . Okay, Robert was my Govenor when I was younger, Pam's as well. He stayed on to work for my father after Pam and I went to college and then came to work for me after I graduated. He is in his 60's but still a handsome man. More like a father to me than mine ever was. He encouraged my dancing. He felt it was his duty to assist me in anything that I needed. Once I started the firm and then continued to dance, my father was furious. Robert just tried to help me find a way to make it all work.
"I do believe we will be, Robert, thank you." I say to him. "She is a very special woman."
"If I may, sir, the NOBA will be in Shreveport in two weeks." He says. "And the new Cirque de Sole is opening in New Orleans the week after. Should I try to procure tickets for either?" He pauses. "I am sorry Sir, Ms. Pam may have mentioned your Miss Stackhouse to me."
Pam loves Robert, and I do mean loves. She would run to him for things faster than she would to me. He had been more than a tutor to both of us.
"I see, well then you know more than I did when I met her." I say with a laugh. "And yes, if you can get tickets for either or both that will be wonderful, thank you." I say to him.
"Excellent. I will be waiting for you in your office." He says.
I smile and thank him. Saying good bye, I turn to look out the window. I love this view. I love how I can see over the entire city. It is much more dramatic at night, but this morning looks fresh and clean. Like a whole new start to my life. Without a doubt, it is a whole new start to my outlook on my life. And in the center of that outlook is my Sookie's smiling face.
***********0*********
SPOV
I made up this dance almost a year ago. It just came to me one night. It was one of the few nights I was actually home. I had been missing Gran so much that night that I couldn't sleep. I came in here and just started to dance. Before I knew it, I was smiling thinking of her at all my classes and practices. How she would do my hair for a recital and take extra care to make sure it was just so. The thought of anyone loving me so much still takes my breath away. I don't deserve that kind of love. I know that, but she didn't and I let her. For a moment, nothing else mattered except for the love Gran had for me. I fed on it. It was like oxygen. I needed it so badly.
By the end of that night I had choreographed a whole new piece and I loved it.
Now I dance this dance when I am happy, when I want to feel the warmth of her again.
The music ends and I open my eyes. Through the mirrors I see my friends. No my family, watching me with tears in their eyes. It isn't sad tears, I hope.
I turn around and look at them. "Hey." I say.
They all just stare at me. "What's wrong?" I ask.
"Sookie," Amelia clears her throat. "We want to talk to you." She says.
"What is this, like an intervention?" I ask.
"Something like that, Cher." Sam says.
I look at all of them again. They all have this look on their faces. I can't quite place it. "Okay," I say, "let me get my slippers off and I can make you all breakfast." I say with a smile.
"Sookie," Pam says softly, "that was beautiful." I can hear the crack in her voice.
I smile with tears in my eyes. I know how she feels, I missed out on Julliard too. "Thank you." I say softly.
Before anyone can say anything else, I sit and take off my slippers and pad over to them. I kiss everyone and then give an extra special hug and kiss to my sister-in-laws huge belly. I love thinking of my nieces and I can't wait to meet them.
I smile at everyone and head into my kitchen. Someplace else I love to be. It is approximately the same place that Gran's was, just a lot bigger and it opens to my sun room on the side and a huge family room that overlooks the back patio.
I go to pull out things to start breakfast when Laf stops me. "Sunshine, come over here." He pulls me around the island to one of the couches. "We want to talk to you."
I sit down with Crystal on one side of me and Amelia on the other. Lafayette and Sam have sat down on the side couch and Tara and JB are seated in one of the overstuffed chairs. Jason sits directly in front of me on the coffee table and takes my hand.
"Sookie, honey, you know how much we all love you, right?" He asks me and I nod. Oh God, what's wrong with me. Am I dying?"
"What…what…is," I swallow, "what's going on?" I ask with tears welling up in my eyes.
"Baby," Jason says, "we have all missed you so very much." He sniffles. "We don't want to lose you." He says.
"How are you going to lose me?" I ask him.
"Sook," Crystal says and I turn to her. "I want my girls to know their auntie. They need you to show them how to be butterflies in the spring and skip through mud puddles and laugh through thunderstorms." She says and I can see the tears rolling down her cheeks.
"I will be there for that." I try to smile. "For that and so much more, I can't wait to meet them." I put my hand on her belly.
"But you won't, Sookie. Not if you keep going the way you are." Tara says leaning forward.
I shake my head. "I don't…I don't know what you're talking about." I say. "What's wrong with me?" I look at all of them.
"What's wrong is that bastard, Compton is killing you." Sam says.
Jason squeezes my hand. "It's true, Sook." He says to me. "Watching you," he takes a deep breath. "Watching you dance just now. I haven't…I haven't seen you smile like that since, I don't know when. And when I saw you last night, you had a spark, a twinkle in your eye again. You were you again." He sighs. "Sookie, I have failed you. We all have failed you."
I try to say something but he puts up his hand. "No, it's true. We should have said something years ago. But, well we thought you knew. We thought you wouldn't let this get as far as it has. Sookie, we love you so much. You deserve so much more than what you have right now. We all want you to be happy. And that ass doesn't want you to be you. We want you to come home to us, please." He looks at me. For a minute he looks like a 10 year old little boy asking for a cookie.
I look down. "I know. I know that I haven't been around." I sniffle back. "But that is going to change. As soon as he…"
"NO!" Pam screams. I look up and see her come from the windows. "NO! You can't let him do this to you, Sookie." She says and I can see the tears in her eyes. "Fuck!" She looks away and then back at me. "Sookie, I have known you the shortest, I know this and I shouldn't be saying anything. I didn't know the Sookie that they all say you were. But if what I just saw in that studio is only half the girl you used to be…I am going to fight just as hard as everyone else to get you back." She is full on crying right now. "Do you know what it is like to see someone who can dance like that? Even on my best day I didn't look as beautiful as you did. And the look on your face was…it was pure bliss. I felt everything you were feeling just by watching you. You can't lose that girl again, I won't let you. It will kill everyone in this room if you go away again." Amelia stands up and pulls Pam close.
"Pammy?" She says to her.
"NO, she doesn't get it. She is beauty and light and all that bastard Compton wants to do is kill it." She shakes her head. "You should have heard him yesterday, Ams. You didn't hear his voice." Pam mumbles.
"Whose voice, Pam?" I ask.. I know she isn't talking about Bill. I can only hope she is talking about Eric.
She shakes her head. "He never thought he would find you, Sookie. Not just someone like you, you. I knew. The moment I met you, I knew. You can't leave us again. You won't only kill us, you will kill him."
"Pam, I just met him." I say to her.
"It doesn't fucking matter. You are two parts of one whole." She says. "Eric will never live through this if you leave."
"She's right, Sookie." Sam says. "Both Laf and I saw you dancing. You're perfect for one another."
I look around the room at all my loved ones. "Have I been that bad?" I ask.
Jason pulls my attention back to him. "Not bad, just lost. We lost you and Compton wanted it that way." He says. "Why do you stay with him? He hates everything that makes you who you are?" He asks.
"He…I owe him…he was…there…after…Gran…after Gran died." I say to him. "You were grieving too. He made sure everything got done." I say softly.
"Sookie, he made sure you were alone." Tara says softly.
"What?" I look up to her.
"Honey, Laf and I headed down the day after you and Jason got there. Laf thought you may need him." She looks at our friend who smiles. I always forget that Lafayette is a lawyer. Well not really, forget. He does look over my contracts from the publishing house. But with Amelia in charge of all of that, I really don't think anyone is going to swindle me.
I look at him confused. "I…don't…I didn't see you?" I look to Jason.
He nods. "Yeah, they were there. But every time they went to see you, Bill was there, telling them you needed to rest. They didn't want to push you." He says softly. "He really didn't want me there either." He shrugs. "But I was too torn up to think straight at the time."
"Sookie, honey, I even went to their offices and told them I was your representative. Bill's father showed me a waiver you signed to have Bill speak on your behalf." He says.
"What? I don't..I don't remember signing anything like that." I say. I would have loved to have had Lafayette with me. I love that man. He would have made sure I got what I needed. Why I didn't think to bring him before we left, I don't know. But the thought that he was there and I didn't know it makes me very uneasy.
He nods. "I thought as much." Lafayette says. "Sookie, I'm not sure we all know exactly what game Bill Compton has been playing, but one thing is for sure, he wanted you to be alone and dependant on him." He says.
"The house," I say softly.
"What's that?" Crystal says.
"The house," I say a little louder. "I had a codicil put into the agreement with Jason, that if I ever wanted to sell the homestead, that Jason gets first dibs on buying it. Bill wasn't happy. He thought it unnecessary. But," I look up at Jason, "I wanted to give a Stackhouse a chance to have the house before anyone else."
He squeezes my hands. "Sweetie, we all know you are planning on living here until you are old and gray." He laughs. "They are going to have to drag you off this place."
"Yeah, well I think Bill expected me to sell it the first chance I got.." I say.
"I don't understand." He says. "With the trust that Daddy left to us, the house should have been fine for a good 10 years." He says.
"Trust, what trust?" I ask.
He looks wide eyed at me. "Sookie, the trust that Daddy left," he looks at me, "it was in Gran's will, don't you remember?" He asks me.
I shake my head.
"Do you think Daddy left us with nothing?" He asks me. "I thought for sure if you didn't use the money for school, you used it for the house. But there should have been enough for both." He looks from me to Laf. "Why doesn't she know about it?"
Laf stands up and walks over to us. "Sookie, from what Jason has told me in the past, there was a trust left to the two of you. Gran could have used it to raise you but that was money left to the both of you and she wouldn't touch it. It's what Jason used to expand his practice and redo your parent's house." He says.
"And I still have enough in the bank for the twin's college." He says to me. "And enough to live on if I decide not to work, like ever, Sookie."
I look shocked. "No, there was just enough money to keep the house going for a few months." I say and look at Sam. "That's why I kept working. I couldn't afford to stay if I didn't work. And then when my book hit the shelves, well…" I trail off. "Where is this money?" I look at all of them trying not to think what I am thinking.
"Sookie, do you have the documents from back then?" Lafayette says, "Anything that you signed or copies of anything?"
I sit there is shock for a moment. Then I shake my head. "No, he wouldn't have done that." I say softly.
Bill wouldn't have done that. He wouldn't have taken advantage of me, would he have?
"Sookie, do you have any of the documents?" He asks.
I nod and walk off to my office. I pull out the file of what Bill gave me and bring it back to him.
"Okay, I want to go over this." Lafayette says. "Jason, I'll need to have anything you got too."
Jason nods his head and then looks back at me.
"Sweetie that's not why we're here," he says. "I mean, I'm glad that we're clearing up some of this mystery but we need you to understand how really bad this man is for you." He says.
I wipe the tears from my face. It is one thing to think the man I have been with for the last four years is just stoic. It is another thing to think that he has been stealing from me.
I look up to him and around the room. "I told Amelia already that I am going to break things off with him when he gets back. I promised I would go to the Gala with him." I look around. "He needs me there to help…"
Jason puts his hand up. "Do you really want Governor Brigant, Governor Edgington and Senator Davis to think that you are supporting Bill Compton's views? Sookie, do you even know what his views are?" He asks.
Do I want those men that knew my father and grandfather so well to think I support Bill? Is Jason right? Do I know Bill's views?
"Sookie, do you know Bill is against same sex marriages?" Sam asks. "Did he tell you that he's in talks with a group called the Collegiate for Moral Order?" He asks.
I look up at him. I don't follow politics but that group is against everything! They don't like anything other than the perfect picture of American life. Complete with church going folk with two cars and perfect jobs.
I shake my head. "Do you know that he's against the work that Daddy did?" I look up to Jason who has tears in his eyes. "He's calling for the closing of clinics like he started." He said softly.
I look around the room. Where have I been for the past four years?
"Sookie, we all have tickets to the Gala. Nial sent them personally." Amelia says.
I look in shock but she smiles. "Pam's parents are good friends with him too."
I look over at Pam and she shrugs. "My Dad owns NortRav Pharmaceuticals." She shrugs.
I know that name. They are on the leading edge of many innovative medical research programs. It is a very large company. I had no idea that Pam's father owned that.
"Okay?" I look at all of them.
"Uncle Nial will want you there regardless." Jason says. I still find it funny to call the governor of our state, Uncle. He isn't our real uncle but still, it's funny.
"So what do I do?" I ask them all. "I can't break up with someone over the phone." I say.
"Why the HELL not?" Tara jumps up. "It isn't like he's around anyway!" She says. "Sookie, he treats you like a hired hand, not a girlfriend. Just let him know that the arrangement is no longer good for you."
Does he treat me like a hired hand? Am I just a prop for his campaign? But why would he need me? I am nothing but someone on his arm. Other than the few people I know through my father, what else could I give him? And where is this trust?
I sigh. "Okay, how about I do this. I will call him and try to get him to make time to talk to me. If he won't then I will just do it. But what am I going to do about the Gala?" I ask them.
"You're going with us." Amelia says.
"And when you meet with Bill we are coming with you." JB finally says something. He is a quiet man but a pensive one. He has always had my back, same as Alcide and Jason.
"Alcide is in on this too. He's just out of town." Jason says. "And we're not letting you alone with that asshole. He has a way to twist you in knots and I'm not going to let him do it to you again."
"So, I still need to learn to dance. I mean, I still may have to go with Bill…." I say.
"NO!" They all yell.
"Wow, intense much?" I ask them all.
"Sookie, if you walk in on Bill's arm, it's as good as endorsing him to the people you know." Jason says.
I shake my head. "I don't have that much power." I say to them all.
"Sookie, you really don't understand how much everyone loves you. You may not be the driving force behind their endorsements but you are a factor." He says.
I huff. "Okay, I am not sure if he is in California or Colorado." I look at the clock. "But he should be up."
I pick up my phone and dial it.
It rings twice and goes to voicemail, just my luck. I wait for his message to finish and then I start talking.
"Bill, I really need to talk to you. It's important and I would rather not do it over the phone. But if I don't hear back from you in a few days, then I will know your answer. Please call me or have Lorena pencil me in to have a few minutes. Bill, I know you are angry about me leaving New Orleans, but I think we need to talk. I am seriously concerned about our future and where we are heading." I say. "I am awaiting your call." I say and hang up.
I look at them and they are all staring at me. "What? It's one thing to break up over the phone. It's a whole other thing to break up to his voicemail. I mean, that's like breaking up in an email or on Facebook. God, guys, Gran raised me a little better than that." I say to them. "Do you really want me to live up to Elizabeth Compton's opinion of me by breaking up with her son like that? The woman thinks I am trailer trash as it is." I sigh.
"Sookie, you are far from that." Jason says standing and kissing my forehead. "But when you do talk to him, we are with you, got it." He says.
They all laugh a little. "Yeah, I got it." I say. I look at Pam. "What do I tell Eric?" I ask her.
"Well you will still need to learn how to Waltz. But I know my brother. It wouldn't matter if you didn't anymore. I think he's too far gone on you to care at this point. Just know that he doesn't do anything half way, Sookie. If he's into you, you're going to know it and fast." Pam smiles at me.
Before I can say anything, the doorbell rings.
I go to answer it and it's the delivery truck from Exquisite Flowers. I smile at the boy and take the arrangement into the house.
I think they're beautiful, Sunflowers with greens. I love Sunflowers. They always remind me of love, happiness and fun times. I walk into the room with them and everyone looks up.
"Look who is getting flowers after a hot date." Tara laughs.
I look over to Jason. Instead of seeing the scowl I expect I see happiness and joy in his eyes.
I put them down on the table and pull out the card. Reading it I smile.
"Well!" Amelia says.
I laugh and begin to read the card.
Sookie,
I had a wonderful time last night. Looking forward to many more with you in my
arms and watching the light dance on your smiling face.
Yours
~E
"And it begins." Pam says which causes everyone to laugh and me to blush.
******************0***********
Lorena's POV
Bill is in the shower when his phone goes off. I usually answer it for him but when I see the name; I just let it go to voicemail. That twit knows better than to call. I shake my head. I go back to looking over my notes for today. We have several meetings. One of which is with that collegiate group. They are really stuffy, but I will forego my own feelings if it helps my Bill get elected.
A minute later the phone rings again, indicating a voicemail message.
I pick it up, punching in his access code and listen.
What is this little hick up to? What future to their relationship. The only relationship is in her mind and in the press. She will never have him. And there is no way they are spending anytime alone together. I am having none of that. I am getting him right where I want him.
If it wasn't for his parent's reaction, we would be together right now. It is by shear will that I don't do something that will cause a stir. But I need to make them all see; I am the right choice for Bill. And I don't like being in the background. I want his name and everything that comes with it.
I quickly delete the message. Let her stew. Bill is mine for now and she can't have him back.
*************0**********
Lafayette's POV
We say goodbye to Sookie and head out to the car. Amelia and Pam are going to drop us off at the restaurant.
That's right I am a lawyer who cooks, got a problem with that?
I love to cook. Have since I was knee high to my grandmother. And I love Sam. Have since the moment I met him in ninth grade. It took him a little longer to come around and even longer to come out in public. But once he did, we have been, well perfect.
"That went well." Amelia said.
"mmm," is all I say.
"You aren't happy." Sam says.
I nod. "Something stinks like day old fish about all of this." I wave my hand. "I am going to get to the bottom of it." I say.
"You think he stole her money?" Pam asks.
I nod. "Among other things," I sigh. "I knew I should have gone with them right off." I say. "I should have never left her alone with those sharks."
That's why I don't practice in a firm. They're all sharks and bottom feeder. It is kill or be killed and I'm just not like that. Well, that is until you hurt someone in my family.
"Are you going to be able to fix it?" Amelia asks.
I nod. "I should." I look out the window. "I just have to figure out what it, is." I laugh a little.
"You will Laf," Sam takes my hand. "You're brilliant."
I smile at him. "Thanks, babe." I say and then look up to Pam. "Please tell me your brother is going to do right by her?" I ask.
She turns around in her seat. "Sookie is Eric's other half, his soul mate. Nothing is going to keep her from him. He won't let it." She says with a smile.
"God I hope so." Sam says. "Cause it will destroy her if it's only a fling." He says.
She looks at both of us. "Believe me, if he is feeling half of what he was projecting to me over the phone, Sookie Stackhouse is in for the ride of her life. He is going to romance the feet right from under her."
We all laugh. I hope Pam is right, because if what I think happened, happened, Sookie is going to need all of us to pick her up. But she is going to need Eric Northman to put her heart back together.
*****************0****************
? POV
I look out the window at the beautiful gardens, thinking on how to proceed. I need to be careful. It has to be tactful, but effective, all the same.
I pick up the phone. It rings once before the other person answers it.
"It's me." I say.
"What can I do for you?" I hear on the other end.
"I have a job for you." I say.
"I'm listening." Always so eager, I laugh to myself.
"I need you to dig up dirt on Miss Sookie Stackhouse." I say.
"The author?" I cringe at the question.
"Yes, I need to make her look like she would never be good enough for William Compton. I need to disgrace her name. I am tired of this game he is playing with her. She is completely ill suited. I want her gone.
I need her name ran through the mud and when you are done she will not be able to get within 100 yards of any political arena." I am well aware of her connections to several people. We need to make it so bad that they won't even touch her.
"I need it done before the Governor's Gala." I say.
"That's pretty fast." I hear a laugh. "Not sure I can ruin a life that quickly."
"You have done it in one night with one picture so don't give me that. I want it done and I want it done soon." I say.
"Okay, okay." I hate using outside sources, but I am not getting close enough to this to link myself to this.
"Keep me posted." I say and hang up.
There. Everything will be in place. Bill will be in office and Sookie will be gone. All will be right in the world.
**************0**************
SPOV
I say goodbye to everyone and go to get changed. Today I pull on some more dance clothes but add another outfit in my bag, just in case. Checking my bag, again, I throw in my toiletries and hair stuff to clean up and change later. I quickly grab a black bra, garter and hose to add for the night. Then I go back to grab a beautiful black spaghetti strap mini dress with peep toe pumps. The dress is one of Tara's designs and fits me like a glove. Bill hates it because it shows off too many curves. I love it for the same reasons.
Grabbing all my things, I run to the door. I just know I'm going to be late.
When the phone rings, I'm startled.
"Hello." I say.
"Sookie, it's Elizabeth." She says very short. Oh Shit, Bill called his mother. What kind of junk is that? Well, he is a momma's boy.
"Yes, Elizabeth, I am just on my way out." I say. "What can I do for you?" I ask her.
"Hmm, out late? You know my Bill wouldn't approve." She says. "You never know who's watching, you know." She says.
"Elizabeth, I am going to be late. Is there something you wanted?" I ask.
Obviously she doesn't know I called Bill yet or she would be grilling me.
"You are needed here Wednesday. I need you to fill in at a tea and…"
I cut her off. "No." I say.
"Excuse me?" She says.
"No. I am not going to anymore teas, hat society luncheons, meetings at the mayor's office or afternoon cocktail hours. I have things to do here. So, if you will excuse me." I say and try to hang up.
"Do NOT think you can just dismiss me, Sookie Stackhouse. You will do what Bill wishes and that is final. You will be here on Wednesday or so help me, you name will mean nothing in this town." She growls.
I laugh. "It means nothing now." I say. "I have to go Elizabeth, goodbye."
I hang up and head out the door. God it's good to be smiling again.
**********0**********
A/N I know – not much E/S but we are getting there. I thought we needed a bit more background.
The song for this chapter is "Your Smiling Face" by James Taylor http:/www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=wngudRTCe1Y
I know my music tastes are all over the map – just wait! Hey, I have been on this earth for quite a few years…I have had a long time to appreciate music.
Next chapter: Eric's POV, more of E/S dancing and there second date. Will they hold to the three date rule and will Bill call Sookie so she can dump his cheating butt? We will have to wait and see.
Thanks for reading. Please let us know what you think. I am working on more pictures for the story. The link is on my profile.