Chapter XVI: Operation Copacabana
Spice Meter: 2 flames
Oh dearest reader… this Author's chest tightens over Shane's and Oliver's heartache. Darn you, Lydia! Oliver, my boy, you must get your head out of the fog it's in! No passion project should be more important than the love of your life!
This Author is on the edge of her (his?) seat and about to throw this manuscript up in the air! Let's get on with it, why don't we?
"Hello! I'm Joseph O'Toole, Oliver's father. I assume you're the lady in charge of this operation. Lillian, right?" Joe's voice boomed, as he interrupted the scene in front of him.
Lydia blinked, looking up towards Joe. She tried to hide a nasty little grimace, but Joe caught it and looked at her dead in the eye. She stood up and extended her hand. "It's Lydia, Mr. O'Toole, and the pleasure's all mine." Joe shook her hand firmly, noticing it was clammy in his grasp.
"How's my grandfather's museum coming along?" Joe asked, attempting to make conversation to see if he could get a gauge on the woman who was causing turmoil between his children.
"It's coming along nicely. I just wish Oliver could be more available for this project, instead of spending so much time at the post office."
"The mission of the DLO is a big part of what makes Oliver who he is. He would never give that up," Joe said emphatically.
"He could if he wanted to. If I inherited a fortune, I'd retire in a minute," Lydia said loftily.
"That's how you and my son differ," Joe said, looking at her intently. Shane was right. This woman was out for Oliver. She was so obvious and blatant, and Oliver, in his desire to see his passion project come alive, failed to see this woman for who she was: a clichéd gold digger who bulldozed her way through to get what she wanted.
Oliver cleared his throat and said softly, "You never have enough money if all you have is money."
"What…?" Lydia looked puzzled at Oliver's words.
"Just some words of wisdom from someone in my past." Oliver grinned softly, as he and his father shared knowing glances.
Joe could see that understanding was dawning on Oliver. He heaved a sigh of relief. The fog was finally lifting.
###
Oliver was deep in thought as he drove home after dropping Joe off. God only knew how much he wanted the museum, this tribute to his great-grandfather, to come alive. He just didn't want it enough to cause Shane any kind of pain. Oliver was going to do whatever it took to take care of the situation. His heart simply couldn't handle being out-of-sorts with the love of his life.
As he pulled the Jag into the driveway, he saw Shane closing the front door. Oliver parked and quickly got out of the car, dashing towards his wife. "Please, Shane, wait. We need to talk."
Shane's sad eyes were almost his undoing. "Oliver, I still need some space. Can we talk in the morning? I really want to go for a jog now." He noticed she was wearing her running gear and her hair was in that side braid he adored. Oliver's face fell, all his feelings evident in his expression. This was a far cry from the stoic Oliver of times past. It was a testament to how much he'd been changed by his love for Shane and their marriage. However, he understood, and he would give her all the space she needed.
Oliver let her pass, repressing the urge to grab her and hold her close. Yet again he found himself looking at her retreating form with longing in his heart. He could only pray they could find their way back to each other again.
After entering the house, Oliver went to the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea. He could see Shane had done the same for herself and there was still hot water in the kettle on the stove. While he was choosing a green tea and jasmine blend, he felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. If it was Lydia, he was definitely not answering. He didn't recognize the number. Thinking something might have happened to Shane, he quickly answered.
"Son. Hi, it's Sharon." Oliver was delighted to hear from his mother-in-law, but at the same time he knew the reason for her call. He couldn't help feeling uneasy.
Oliver's conversation with Sharon was warm and earnest. She never doubted his love for her daughter and knew they would get over this rough spot. She just felt the need to tell her son to be a bit patient with Shane and to simply trust her. Her daughter, who loved so much, was a force of nature, but she could be very strong-willed. Oliver reassured Sharon everything would be alright. It just had to be!
While he was on the phone, Flynn pranced into the kitchen. Oliver shook his head as he looked at his trousers. They were covered with cat hair, since Flynn had rubbed himself against Oliver legs to his heart's content. He went upstairs with Flynn close behind, ready for a shower and some time to decompress. After taking off his clothes, using the lint roller to rid the trousers of cat hair, and carefully setting his suit aside for dry-cleaning, he stepped into the shower. The stream of hot water did little to comfort him, but he felt some of the tension melting away from his muscles. As he lathered up, Oliver realized that during this whole fracas, he hadn't had the urge to have a Yoohoo.
"Wow," he said to himself. That was certainly a milestone! But how could he crave a Yoohoo when all he wanted was Shane!
After getting dressed, Oliver went to his den and stood in front of his record player. He felt a deep need to fill the air with music. After selecting his Coltrane vinyl, he set the needle on the first groove. When "In a sentimental mood" started playing, Oliver's heart clenched, remembering how he and Shane had danced to it while honeymooning in Marbella. It was a deeply sensual tune, but at the same time it was wistful, suiting his current emotional state. That was the wonder of jazz… with its highs and lows, dips, and soars… it could suit any mood. Oliver sat in his wingback chair and Flynn comfortably settled on his lap.
"Flynn, what are we going to do about your mom? She must know there could never be any other woman for me. Shane knows me better than that."
Flynn purred in agreement.
"I don't know what I'm going to do, but if firing Lydia is the only way to get out of this, so be it. I just don't know how to do so without making the Foundation vulnerable to a lawsuit."
Flynn yawned and licked his chops. Oliver absentmindedly gave him long strokes, from the top of his head to the tip of his tail.
Shane had returned home from her run when Oliver started playing the Coltrane tune in his den. She almost ran into the room to throw herself in his arms, but she held back. They would have their conversation in the morning and not a moment before. However, hearing him talk to Flynn was almost her undoing. After all his big talk calling Flynn and Valentino hooligans, Flynn had indeed become Oliver's fur baby. Shane's heart melted, but she kept her resolve, and didn't disturb Oliver. She was exhausted and wanted to shower and climb directly into bed.
Oliver woke up startled a couple of hours later. He couldn't believe he had fallen asleep. Apparently, the emotional turmoil of the day and the soothing comfort of having Flynn on his lap had done him in. Oliver walked over to the master bedroom, looking in on Shane. He didn't want to sleep alone. He needed her beside him. Shane started to fidget in her sleep, and he could hear a soft whimpering sound come from her. Wanting to provide comfort, he lay on the bed beside her, gently touching Shane's hand. Instinctively she laced her fingers around his, keeping a firm grip on his hand. Oliver exhaled softly and he smiled. Since his soul felt a bit lighter, sleep was able to find him again.
When Oliver opened his eyes at the crack of dawn, he saw his hand still holding Shane's, her fingers entwined with his.
###
Shane woke up feeling rested even though she'd had a couple of bad dreams. Oddly enough, she felt comforted at some point during the night. That possibly helped in finding restful sleep, she mused. Shane reached over and Oliver's side of the bed was empty. Her heart remembered the previous day's events and she felt tears stinging her eyes. This current situation had to change! Could she just forgive and forget? Shane rubbed her eyes and rose from the bed. It was time to have the postponed conversation with her husband.
Shane chose her outfit carefully. Clothes didn't make the woman, but they could certainly boost one's confidence. She decided on a sleeveless, cowl-necked, beige sweater dress that gently hugged her curves. Paired with knee-high camel-colored boots, Shane knew she could turn heads today! Her curls framed her face and simple makeup highlighted her lovely features. Shane was ready to face the world. All she needed was coffee. And maybe feeling Oliver's mouth on hers in a dizzying good morning kiss would be the icing on the cake.
When she walked into the kitchen, Oliver felt like he had been punched in the stomach. His reaction to Shane was so visceral he couldn't help it. With his heart thudding rapidly in his chest, he said, "Shane, my love, you're so beautiful."
"Stop it, Oliver, or you're going to make me ruin my makeup," Shane laughed softly, trying to ease the tension.
Oliver wanted to reach out and kiss her senseless, but he didn't want to make the wrong move and make the situation worse. When he awoke next to Shane that morning, it took all he had not to skim his lips over her tender skin and make love to her right then and there. He got out of bed as silently as he had climbed in the previous night. After his morning ablutions, he got her favorite blueberry muffins from the neighborhood bakery along with her signature latte. He also prepared a couple of yogurt and berry parfaits when he got home. Breakfast was ready, but was he ready for their conversation? He certainly hoped so.
"Oliver…"
"Shane…"
They apprehensively smiled at each other as they spoke simultaneously.
"Beautiful ladies, first. Please, my love, go ahead."
"Oliver, I thought a lot about this situation yesterday, and all I want is for you to consider how unhealthy, for lack of a better word, it is to keep Lydia around. I can't help but remember what you asked me in DC, after I returned from the government assignment overseas. Had I considered Steve wanting to retain me for other reasons than the job at hand? I'd ask you to consider the same as it pertains to Lydia. Might she have some sort of agenda of a more personal nature up her sleeve?"
"Shane, I will take care of this. Please, trust me," he said, his expression contrite as he looked at her.
"I want to, Oliver. It felt so awful…that woman belittling me, and you not saying a word in my defense."
Oliver's face contorted. "You don't know how sorry I am about that, Shane."
She laid a hand on his cheek, and he immediately took it in his own. He kissed her palm ardently, sending ricochets of pulsing energy through Shane's veins.
"Will you join me for dinner tonight, my love?"
"I join you for dinner every night, Oliver," Shane smiled gently, a slight hint of mischief in her eyes.
"It's important to me that you accept my invitation for tonight," Oliver insisted, now holding both her hands, rubbing her knuckles. He could tell she wasn't immune to his touch. She was betrayed by the goosebumps on her arms.
"Of course, Oliver. I would love to have dinner with my husband."
"Can I kiss you?" he asked, his boyish expression almost made Shane cave.
"I have a feeling it'll be better if we save it for tonight. After our date." She kissed the corner of his lips and proceeded to have breakfast. "Thank you for this, Oliver, I really appreciate it," Shane said softly.
Those words were accompanied by glimmering eyes, and in an instant Oliver was certain they'd emerge triumphant from these unfortunate series of events.
###
Shane and Oliver went to work separately that morning. Oliver needed to face Lydia and inform her of the changes that were going to take place. He had consulted his lawyer and he didn't have grounds to fire her without exposing himself and the O'Toole Foundation to a lawsuit. Oliver wanted to have good news for Shane that evening and he fervently prayed everything fell into place with his plan.
When he entered the house, he heard Lydia's unique voice drifting from the kitchen. Oliver held back, not letting his presence be known. He didn't approve of eavesdropping on other people's conversations, but something told him to keep silent and wait.
"…oh yes, the little wife is inconsequential, my friend. I'll have her out of the picture before you know it!" Lydia said, laughing throatily. "Oliver? Oh, he's wealthy alright, and so handsome! Blue eyes that you can drown yourself in…"
Her voice trailed off for a few seconds. Oliver could only assume the other person on the line was responding to Lydia's comments. He shook his head and silently reprimanded himself. How could he have been so blind? How could he have been so hyper-focused on this project that he didn't see Lydia for who she was? The way she was talking about Shane was appalling! He groaned inwardly. He had really made a mess of things!
"By the time this museum is finished, I will have Oliver O'Toole wrapped around my little finger. You know men can't resist me, darling."
Oliver's phone rang, and he couldn't silence it in time. It was Norman, but the call would have to wait. Lydia walked into the foyer and gasped. She still held her phone to her ear.
His expression stoic he said, "Good morning, Lydia. I believe we need to have a chat."
###
Meanwhile at the DLO, Rita was frantically waiting for Shane.
"Rita, you look as if you're about to jump out of your skin! Are you alright?" Shane asked, worried for her friend.
"Oh, Shane, Norman and I did something... And now Norman can't get in touch with Oliver…. But… where's Oliver? Didn't he come with you?" Rita spoke hurriedly, her eyes wide as she wringed her hands.
"Rita, calm down. Oliver's at the museum. He went to speak with Lydia."
"Oh dear!" Rita exclaimed.
"Don't worry… things will be fine between us. I think Oliver finally gets it. He told me to trust him and I will. But Rita…" Shane paused for a second, as she saw how upset her friend was. "What in the world is going on?"
"Norman and I initiated Operation Copacabana and it yielded results!" Rita blurted.
"Wait, what?" Shane's lips twitched. "Operation Copacabana?"
"Oh, that was all Norman, but that's not the point! We were worried about you and Oliver. Nothing's more important to us than your happiness. I asked Norman to dig around a little. You know his cousins, they know so many people, and there are so many of them. It turns out that Luthor, during his many travels, visited Rio de Janeiro and became friends with a guy who used to work with Lydia. That guy, Mauricio, dug around some more, and then other people started talking…"
Shane was getting exasperated. She needed Rita to get to the point! "Oh my goodness, Rita! What's the bottom line? Did you find out anything about Lydia?"
"Yes! The reason why she does not keep a job for long is because she gets involved with her bosses! She picks jobs that lead to a wealthy man and then she sinks her hooks into him. She finds out his weaknesses and always ends up resorting to blackmail to avoid a lawsuit or having the intended victim press charges. In the end, she always walks away with a lot of cash, leaving a path of destruction behind her."
Shane paled. In the end, she had been right. Her intuition had been spot on, but now wasn't the moment for I told you so's. "Rita, we need to find Oliver as soon as possible!"
Lydia, you're worse than the villain in a telenovela! Ooohhhh, this Author can't wait for the woman to get her due. As for Mr. O'Toole… Oliver, honey, darling… you messed up BIG TIME. You'd better make it up to Shane!
On another note, this Author can't help but ponder how the infamous Ms. Dos Santos underestimated the people surrounding Oliver. I just love how everyone rallied to protect him and Shane. This Author is very proud of how Rita and Norman took charge. That my dear reader, is what family looks like. Even if you sign with a different last name!