Cascade

By Tallulah Grace

Jade Kingsley had run out of options. Surviving a disastrous marriage, and subsequent divorce, her life had dwindled to not much more than a shadow existence within the four walls of her tiny apartment. When her friends, Robert and Dana, invite her to move to Starsdale, she packs up and takes a chance on a new life.

Nothing could have prepared her for the spellbinding attraction she feels for Justin Devereaux, a friend of Robert’s with plans to develop Starsdale. Jade and Justin discover that, sometimes, love is a freefall; the only choice you have is to go along for the ride.

Romance is not the only thing in store for Justin and Jade. Will an ordinary business trip turn deadly, ending their chance for happiness? Lives balance precariously as Mother Nature unleashes an unexpected storm, threatening to change relationships in Starsdale forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kalyko Creations
• Release date: Nov 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311128393

Tallulah Grace

Raised in the foothills of the mystical Blue Ridge Mountains, I attribute my love of beautiful landscapes and fascination with all things paranormal to my environment. The settings and characters in my novels reflect my appreciation for natural beauty as well as a desire to explore the what-if’s of things unseen. Throw in a degree in Psychology paired with a strong interest in the workings of the criminally insane mind and you have a breeding ground for a psychological thriller.Becoming an author was not a conscious decision; I've always been a writer. Channeling a passion for story-telling into my livelihood required a giant leap of faith, one that I'll never regret as I truly love what I do.When I'm not writing, I enjoy antiquing, bead-weaving and sharing time with my incredible daughter and our two spoiled-rotten cats.

Book preview

Cascade

Stories of Starsdale

Book Three

By Tallulah Grace

Copyright 2013 Tallulah Grace

Smashwords Edition

The names, places and events contained within this book are fictional. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including recording, photocopying or any other information storage and retrieval system without prior, written permission of the Author.

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Chapter One

Sitting on the edge of the bed in the midst of open suitcases and strewn clothing, Jade Kingsley stared down at the glittering diamond and emerald ring she held between two fingers. Memories more precious than the nearly perfect three carat white diamond set between two impressive emerald baguettes flooded her soul. A gift from Laurence on their third wedding anniversary, the ring reminded her of the most romantic evening she had ever known.

After whisking her away to a secluded cottage in Carmel, Laurence surprised her with a candlelight dinner, prepared by a personal chef and served on their deck, overlooking the Pacific. As the sun dipped into the ocean, he kept her laughing with stories from his travels, warmed her heart with visions of their future and generally made her fall in love with him all over again. Three years of marriage had not been perfect, but Jade knew that Laurence loved her, believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that this man was her destiny.

After dinner, he insisted upon dancing beneath the stars on their private stretch of sand. She remembered the precise moment when he stopped dancing, kissed her thoroughly and slipped the ring onto her finger.

The stones symbolize our three years together. I chose the most precious stones because you are so precious to me. I cherish you, Jade. I want this ring to always remind you of our deep and abiding love.

Jade remembered letting the tears fall as her heart burst with feeling for her husband.

I’ll love you forever, my darling. This ring will never leave my finger.

Now, as she held the ring in her hand, the magic of that evening and the years it symbolized still seemed to vibrate from its sparkle. Other memories flashed at her like a kaleidoscope: picnics in the rain, Laurence’s arms sheltering her from the sudden storm; long, slow walks along their favorite beach, hours of intimate conversation in front of the fire in their mountain hideaway; the look in Laurence’s eyes as he joined her in the ageless dance of love.

The memories had been her retreat for the first awful year after the split, a safe harbor where she could pretend that everything was as before. He adored her again and she trusted him as a child trusts, completely and unfailingly. They had celebrated four more anniversaries since the fairy tale night in Carmel. Each one was special, but Jade continued to cherish their third. She had devoted her life to Laurence and to making him happy.

Straightening her back, she remembered why she had taken the ring from the safe today. She had to let it go, just as Laurence had let her go.

Leaving her life in Sacramento, such as it had become, was not difficult. Everything she owned fit into a few boxes.

I will not miss this. Slipping the ring into the suitcase, she quickly tossed in the remaining clothes and snapped the case shut.

Living with Robert and Dana in Starsdale has to be better than this, Jade’s conviction was unmistakable.

Chapter Two

Molly, take these roller skates to your room, Jade will be here any minute, Dana called to her daughter as she rushed in from the greenhouse.

Cutting it a little close, aren’t you? Robert grinned at his wife as she sprinted across the verandah.

I know, I lost track of time. You could have reminded me. She stopped long enough to drop a kiss on his forehead before moving towards the house. Has Jade called? I hope she can find the place.

No, she hasn’t called. Stop worrying, Jade knows how to read a map. Robert refocused on the papers spread out in front of him.

Are those the plats for Justin Devereaux? Dana paused, one hand on the door handle.

Yeah, Mac dropped them by a little while ago. From the look of it, Devereaux has his pick of places, ripe for development. I really wish we knew what he had in mind.

We’ll know soon enough, he’ll be here tonight. Frowning, she sighed. I hope Jade doesn’t feel like we’re throwing her in the deep end. I wanted more time with her before the party. As it is, she’ll barely have time to shower and change.

Surely you’re joking, we’ve got at least four hours until the party. Jade will be fine. Robert shook his head, thinking that Dana was being silly. It was just a dinner party. How ready did she have to be?

Shaking her head at her clueless husband, Dana raced into the house, her mind spinning with last minute details.

~~~

Jade followed the winding road that she hoped led to Robert and Dana’s farm. Keeping an eye on the gas gauge as it drifted towards ‘E’, she whispered a silent prayer that the car would make it all the way.

It had been months since she’d seen Robert, even longer since she’d seen Dana. Robert always checked on her when he came to the city. Friends since childhood, Robert never hesitated to speak his mind, especially when it came to her life. She still remembered the kick in the pants he had given her, the last time they met.

It’s time you put Laurence out of your mind and moved on. One minute is too long to grieve over a man like Kingsley and you’ve been at it for almost two years. You live like a hermit and you look like hell. You are not the same person that you used to be. I never hear you laugh anymore. What have you done with my friend Jade?

Thinking back on Robert’s tirade brought a smile to Jade’s lips. He’d challenged her that day, uncovered a fighting spirit that she’d forgotten was part of her. She had Robert to thank for giving her the push she needed to finish her novel and send it out into the world. She also had him to thank for her new haircut and the mini shopping spree she’d indulged in before leaving Sacramento.

New woman, new look, her smile grew as she rounded the curve, catching her breath at the beauty of the landscape in front of her. Majestic granite peaks, tipped in white, rose up to meet a perfect azure sky. It was better than any postcard she’d ever seen.

No wonder they moved here, this is amazing, she whispered as the car rode past giant trees, whose tops she could not see. Rolling down the window, she breathed in the fresh scent of evergreens and felt the crispness of autumn in the mountains.

The air practically crackled with change; she felt it, she welcomed it, but she had no idea how to nurture it.

Just let it happen, open up enough to feel alive again. The tiny voice in the back of her mind surprised her. It was easy to be positive with nature’s beauty all around.

It’s been too long since I’ve felt this way. Robert was right; I miss the old Jade too.

The feeling stayed with her as the road led to a long drive, flanked by two large porticos. Guiding the car between the stones, she looked ahead across fields of corn to the sprawling mansion at the top of the hill.

A stacked stone porch ran the length of the facade, then disappeared around both sides. Oversized rocking chairs in groups of two, spaced with flowering potted plants and hanging ferns, decorated the front of the house. The overall effect was charming and inviting.

A high-pitched squeal broke through Jade’s concentration as a little girl with curly red hair suddenly appeared at the driver’s side window.

Aunt Jade, Aunt Jade! Momma, Aunt Jade is here! Molly, Robert and Dana’s ten-year-old daughter, jumped up and down with excitement as she screamed.

The child’s enthusiasm was infectious. Laughing, Jade opened the door and stepped out, only to be knocked back as Molly flung herself into her arms.

I’m so glad you’re here, I’ve missed you! Did Momma tell you I’ve got a new bike? And I might get a puppy, do you like puppies? We can ride through the fields, did you know that? I’m going on a sleepover tonight at my best friend Amy’s house. Momma said I’ll have more fun at Amy’s than I will at the grown-up party. We’re sleeping in sleeping bags, do you have a sleeping bag?

Molly kept up the nonstop chatter as Jade gave her big hug. She’d forgotten what a spitfire Molly could be; it felt wonderful to see her again.

Molly, take a breath, Robert laughed as he came around the side of the house. Give Jade a minute to get her bearings. You’ll make her wish she’d brought earplugs.

I’m happy to see you too, Molly, Jade laughed and held the child at arm’s length. You’ve grown at least a foot since last winter, and I swear that you’re prettier than ever.

You’re pretty too, Aunt Jade. Do you wanna see my bike? Molly started to race off, but Robert caught her.

There’ll be time for that later, sweet pea. Run upstairs and let your mom know that Jade is here, please. Placing her on her feet, he pointed her in the direction of the front stairs.

Okay, Daddy. Be right back Aunt Jade.

Wow, she’s still a whirlwind, Jade laughed and gave Robert a quick hug. How do you keep up with her, old man?

Just wait, you’ll feel old too, after a few days with Miss Molly. How was the trip? Robert eyed the old Toyota skeptically, wondering how it was still running, much less how it managed to get Jade over the mountains.

It was great. This place is amazing, no wonder you rarely come into the city. Jade popped the trunk and unlocked the back door.

I admit that it’s hard to leave. Robert grinned, reaching for her suitcase. Did you ship the rest of your things?

No, this is everything, Jade blushed, suddenly embarrassed by the paltry amount of her possessions.

Finally, a woman who understands the advantages of traveling light; I’m impressed! Robert tried to cover his blunder with praise, he hated that his comment reminded Jade of how little she owned. Let’s get you inside, I’ll get the rest of this later. Robert hefted two suitcases and led the way to the porch. Dana got lost in her greenhouse this morning; she’s getting a quick shower, but she’ll be down soon.

I can’t wait to see her. I didn’t realize how much I missed you guys until I saw Molly just now. Thanks again for having me.

No thanks necessary, you know that. You are always welcome in our home. And now, our home is your home, for as long as you want it to be. I mean that, Jade. Dana does too. Robert sat down the suitcases and looked Jade in the eyes. You are a part of our family.

I know. And you are mine. Jade leaned up to kiss his cheek.

Hey, who’s that gorgeous woman kissing my husband? Dana came down the stairs, Molly hot on her heels.

That’s Aunt Jade, Momma, Molly sounded exasperated, as only a ten-year-old girl could.

I know, sweetie, Dana laughed, coming to Jade with her arms open. I can’t believe that you’re finally here. I’ve missed you!

As the two women embraced, Robert lifted Molly to his shoulders. I bet you’re starving, eh sweet pea? Let’s get lunch on the table, what do you say?

Okay, Daddy, I’m holding on. Molly grabbed two handfuls of Robert’s hair as they galloped away.

Those two are adorable, and the house, wow. You’ve done a wonderful job, Dana. It’s truly lovely.

Thanks. It’s about time you got up here to see it. Let me look at you. Dana stood back and gave Jade the once over. You haven’t been sleeping, she admonished, and you look like a good wind could blow you away. I can see that I’ve got my work cut out for me. Love the hair, though. When did you get it done?

Last week, thanks. And I’ll take the good wind comment as a compliment, too. Jade ignored Dana’s reference to the circles she knew had taken up permanent residence beneath her eyes.

You look great, as usual, but you could do with some fattening up, and maybe a bit more rest. Dana put her arm around Jade and led her down the hall. Don’t you worry, we’ll have you right as rain in no time.

Thanks, I think. Jade rolled her eyes.

So, tell me about your book. I can’t wait to read it.

It’s sort of an autobiography, but the book has a happy ending, so it’s actually fiction. Jade didn’t recognize the sadness of her statement. Dana did.

I know things have been hard for you in the past couple of years, but you have to know that it’s all about to change. You made the decision to move here, to Starsdale, where you have people who love you and friends you haven’t even met yet. Speaking of, Dana transitioned smoothly into tonight’s gathering, we’re having a little do tonight. Nothing fancy, just dinner with a few friends and one business contact. In fact, you may know him, Justin Devereaux, from Sacramento.

You’re having a party tonight? Jade reacted just as Dana feared.

Not a party, a dinner. I want you to meet our friends, trust me, you’ll love them. Mr. Devereaux is visiting Starsdale and we want to find out why, so the dinner is mostly a fact-finding mission. I’m sorry to spring this on you first thing, but that’s the way the timing worked out. So, do you know him?

 Justin Devereaux? No, but I know of him. He’s a hotshot developer, right? You think he’s interested in building something in Starsdale?

That’s what we want to find out. He booked a room with my friend, Chelsea, you’ve heard me speak of her, she’s the one who runs the B&B, and we’re all very curious as to why. Starsdale is not exactly a mecca for the rich and famous. There must be another reason for his visit.

Does Robert know him? They would have run in the same circles in town.

Yes, in fact, Robert mentioned Starsdale to him several months ago. Then our friend, John Mills, a fairly well-known architect, died recently and there was a bit of a buzz about his last projects, the B&B and a restaurant, Cliffhangers.

Your friend Sharon runs Cliffhangers, yes? Jade tried to remember the people Dana had told her about over the last year.

Yes, you’ll meet her tonight, along with JB, her boyfriend, partner, significant other, what do you call a couple these days? Anyway, you’ll also meet Chelsea and Mac, her boyfriend who is also John Mills’ son. Mac owns most of the land around Starsdale, so whatever Justin is interested in doing will likely have to go through him.

That’s convenient, at least you know someone who cares about the town will have a say in what happens here.

Exactly. But we still need to know what Devereaux is thinking, which is why tonight is so important. I know you weren’t expecting to meet everyone so soon, but it actually works out nicely that you’re here to round out the table.

I don’t know, Dana. It’s been a while since I’ve been in any kind of social setting. My conversational skills are rusty, to say the least.

Trust me, with this group you’ll be lucky to get a word in edgewise. There’s no reason to feel uncomfortable, just show up and be your beautiful self. Everyone will love you.

Jade merely smiled, the butterflies in her stomach taking flight as she followed Dana to the verandah. There was a time when attending a dinner party, large or small, was second nature to her, but those days had disappeared along with Laurence. Of the two of them, Laurence was the one with the money and the power, so he was the one who remained on their so-called friend’s guest lists. It was as if Jade had never existed.

Now, nervous at the thought of making small talk with a group of strangers, she mentally ran over her wardrobe, all the while wondering how it would feel to socialize as herself, not as Laurence Kingsley’s wife. The thought was both scary and exciting.

Aunt Jade, sit by me, sit by me, Molly’s squeal brought Jade back to reality. Smiling at the little girl she so loved, Jade took in her surroundings before joining Molly.

Oh, my God. Is all of that yours? Stunned at the fields that stretched as far as she could see, Jade turned to Robert and Dana.

It is, Robert told her with a grin. It keeps Dana out of trouble.

When you said farm, I thought you meant a few veggie patches and maybe a chicken or two. Nothing like this, Jade spread her arms over the land.

We do have a few veggie patches, they’re just a little larger than you were expecting. Sorry to disappoint, but we have no chickens. Not yet, at least. Dana laughed and looked at her daughter’s upturned face. Molly had been begging for chickens, a dog and any other animal that happens to cross her mind lately.

It’s amazing. How do you keep up with it all?

I have a lot of help. Even this guy pitches in. Dana patted Robert on the shoulder.

I have a hard time picturing him in overalls, harvesting corn, Jade laughed; they all joined in.

Me too, but it could be interesting, Dana cut her eyes at her husband. What I meant is that he helps me with the accounts and the bookwork. And Molly here is my chief taste-tester.

That sounds like my kind of work, put me down as Molly’s assistant.

Done, Dana sat and indicated for Jade to do the same. You can begin with lunch. Everything here came from our gardens.

It looks delicious, thanks. Jade sat next to Molly, feeling instantly at home. The butterflies began to disappear.

Did you tell Jade about the dinner? Robert asked as he reached for the potato salad.

I did. Dana spooned cut fruit onto Molly’s plate.

I hope you’re not too tired from the trip to join us. Sorry about planning something for your first night here, but it couldn’t be helped. Robert looked closely at Jade, seeing a hint of apprehension flit across her face.

No, I’m fine. It will be fine, Jade insisted, even though she felt just the opposite.

Good, you’ll love our friends, just as they will love you. Did Dana give you the run down?

She did, and I’m looking forward to it, Jade lied.

Good, Robert breathed a sigh of relief. Jade was putting on a brave face now, but he truly believed that she would enjoy herself. He intended to make sure of it.

Chapter Three

The dinner party was in full swing when Jade finally emerged from her room. A nap that she didn’t know she needed had turned into a deep sleep, lasting for hours longer than she’d planned. It was just as well, sleeping the afternoon away kept her from stressing over the evening. As it was, she barely had time to take a quick shower and throw on the first thing she found without wrinkles.

Stepping onto the verandah, she had no idea of the image she created. The circles beneath her eyes were still visible, but their shadows gave her a haunting, fragile aura that contrasted sharply with the sensuality of the green silk dress hugging her every curve.

The massive porch was alive with twinkling candles, the clink of ice against crystal, and mingled conversation. Jade scanned the space for Robert or Dana, a nervous smile hovering on