Now What

By Wendiann

Recording the twisted story freed Jade Prency from her pain. He had left her with a sorrow that had taken years to overcome. Never expecting to become a best-selling author, she grabbed hold of her promising future. The streak of bad luck finally over.

Out of nowhere he reappeared. All the memories replayed in slow motion. Hold it together, Jade silently lectured. Unsteady, she looked at her assistant who sat opposite in the limo, a worried look etched upon her face.

Why now? She was on the verge of realizing all her dreams. Her stomach lurched and she quickly opened the window. When the limo pulled in front of the hotel, Jade betrayed the urge to run and hide.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wendiann
• Release date: Jun 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301411306

Wendiann

I am a regular, everyday person, who sees herself as a realist and dreamer. The dreamer wants to write full time, the realist keeps me pushing at a day job. My dramatic fiction trilogy; 'And When, Now What and Who Knew', follows the life of a middle-aged woman, coping with unexpected twists and turns. Far from glamorous or perfect, she must find ways to navigate challenges of illness, grief, health, love, relationship and discover who she is, what she wants as she follows life. For Producers of Films/Television and Publishing houses to take note, they check # of sales and followers, not if it is a well written, great story that relates to audiences. Those with fame or who have contacts to those in the know, rise up the ranks as it is a numbers/money game. Indie's hope to gain enough likes on Facebook and Linked-In platforms, to receive thousands of reviews to stand a chance. Funny, the Harry Potter series was written by an unknown who for years was overlooked. It took one person taking a chance after reading the manuscript. That is what all Indies pray to emulate, all it takes is the right person to read their book. For me, hearing how my books make you feel is my reward. Good or bad, I love reviews as they help me be a better writer. The realist knows it's a one in a million shot and with working full time, what little time left at the end of the day is spent creating. Maybe someday that one person will read my work, who knows? I don't have time to worry about it, so instead I write because I simply love it. I've started two novels in different genres, a futuristic crime and a comedy. They are each half complete and I will keep at them as time allows. To readers who have taken the time; It's all up to you. If you want to leave a review, the more feedback, the more it pushes me to continue writing. It's like a burst of creative and inspiration for me. If you want to like my pages, I welcome your support. I am simply humbled and grateful you took the time to read my work. Thank you!

Book preview

Prologue

The half dozen horses grazed at their leisure in front of the barn as Jade debated the property from her seat on the tailgate. Having drawn her dream house many times, she shaded the sun from her eyes and imagined the structure placed next to the older home.

The charcoal gray two story Georgian home would have white pillars to the second floor of the center structure and from there, wings would jut out on either side. White railings would encompass the upper and lower balcony and white shutters around each window, the perfect contrast. Blooms in yellows and reds on each side of the walkway would lead to the front door with a glass inlay that would welcome guests.

The front eleven acres of pasture allowed the horses to run and hosted the road to the barn at the edge of the property. She wouldn’t live in the original home, but strategically build hers to the right to view the horses from her bedroom every morning. Of the eighty acres, sixty were of the tranquil rolling hills with trails throughout. A stream and pond were somewhere on the property and she imagined it a regular stop on rides.

She blinked and the vision disappeared. Was she ready to make it a reality? A dream is a hope until you touch it with your hands, she mused. The listing an hour west of Washington and off the Lee Highway, had an asking price of three hundred and ninety-seven thousand. If it cost another two-hundred thousand to build, it would be within budget.

As a car approach on the road, she jumped off the tailgate and walked to the back of the truck, anxious to greet him.

Hey, you, he said as he emerged. So, this is what’s got you all riled up.

I’m glad you could make it. I know it’s crazy, but I need a second opinion. How was the flight?

The same as every other flight, he said with a chuckle and hugged her. By that smile of yours I don’t think you need me. You’ve already made up your mind.

Not fully. I brought the drawing so you can see what I plan. She walked to the cab and picked up the document then slid off the elastic bands and unrolled it. It’s a rough sketch and may change but imagine it on the right of the existing house. She watched him study the diagram then look off in the distance.

Now that’d be pretty. He held the diagram at arm’s length to place it where she’d wanted it.

Leave your rental here and we’ll take the truck to the house. The agent arranged with the owners to lend us mounts to explore. We have all day if we want.

You thought of everything. Let’s go, he said excitedly.

From the driveway they inspected the fencing to find the place well cared for, nothing needing repair. Once they parked in front of the house, David and Kathy came out to greet them.

Hello again, Miss Jade, and this must be the cavalry to the rescue. Trevor called this morning to say you was coming. We’ll let ya wander around on your own. Billy saddled the horses and they’re in the barn waiting on you, David said.

Thank you for this. I promise this is the last time I come out.

Ain’t no bother, Miss Jade, Kathy said softly. We been here fifty-four years and we’d rather give it over to someone who’s gonna love it as much as we did. She blushed. We decided that if you see fit to take it over, we’d throw in everything to get ya started.

That’s right, David spoke up. We’re fixing to move to Florida to be close to the grandkids, so we got no use for saddles, tractors or horses. It’d save us worrying about where it’d all end up.

You’d leave everything? Jade was stunned.

I even spoke to Billy and he’d stay on if you’d like. He’s been with us nine years and keeps everything running right as rain. David smiled warmly.

Are you serious? Jade felt as if everything aligned to make every piece fall into place.

Kathy reached and took her hand. You are what we prayed for, Miss. The way your eyes shone that first day you come, reminds me of the first day we set foot here. We hope you keep it alive and let us visit every now and again.

You’d always be welcome here, but I want to show you what I plan first. Jade passed them the diagram and waited.

David held one side as Kathy unrolled it. That’s mighty fine. I suppose this old house has seen better days.

No, I’d build this one over there. She turned and pointed. If it’d be alright with you, I’d like to keep your home as a guest house.

You’d keep it? David’s eyes watered.

Would it be okay to build my dream alongside yours?

Watching her interact with the elderly couple warmed his heart and he’d do whatever it took to help her with the dream.

Follow me up to the barn and I’ll introduce you to Billy. David said as he walked towards the road to the barn.

Gone Not Forgotten

Chapter One

She’s not gonna know what hit her, Brady mumbled as he packed his laptop.

With vacation scheduled for next month when his sons arrived, these next seven days he took as personal leave. Passing through checkpoint security, he walked out of the office and into the hot Texas sun. Once in the truck, he maneuvered through the electronic gate, then turned onto the highway to set his plan in motion. Glancing over, the book lay on the passenger seat where he’d placed it that morning.

No chickening out, this time you’re going to do it, he mumbled.

Glancing at the picture of his two sons on the visor, he was proud he’d finally change things. Dylan almost fourteen and Cody, twelve, were at an age when they understood more. Both miniature versions of himself, Dylan was most like him in his teens, having a daredevil nature. Cody, the emotional one, questioned life’s meaning, much like he had the past four years. He’d nurtured them individually, enduring stress from Dylan’s antics, while he tried to toughen his youngest to understand the world wasn’t always fair.

The drive to Garland flew by and he arrived earlier than planned. Look at the cars, he thought as he turned into the parking lot of the mall.

Sunshine, you’ve touched more people than I thought, he mumbled as he looked for a free space.

He maneuvered the truck to the lane at the side of the building to wait for someone to leave and reached for the book to examine her face on the back cover. He’d have explaining and he’d tell her the truth, no matter how hard. Jade Prency, the name was burned into his soul. The most confounding, stubborn, pig-headed woman he’d ever met. Her laughter and wit drew him, but her heart of gold, held him. He wished he’d figured it out years ago. Out of all the women, he’d hurt her the most and didn’t understand why until the shrink explained it.

Building connections made him feel wanted and needed. Hearing it point blank had struck a chord. It all finally made sense to him. Women would divulge their hurts and he’d make them happy again. He knew the words to say and how to say them, but it always started problems as conversations sparked their romantic illusions and he’d move on.

There’d been so many women he’d forgotten most of their names, all but one, the crazy Canadian.

On the way to meet her that first time, he thought she’d be like the others he’d met. His building relationships online was an addiction. With others, he’d move on and let conversations fizzle, but not with her. No, he’d spent a year talking to her, right up to the day they met and the next two, trying to hold onto her but it all went to hell.

Getting to know Jade was like listening to a soap opera. The more he’d learned about her, the more she’d intrigued him. He saw a twisted logic to her choices and understood her completely. More stubborn than a weed, she laughed at life to face the hardships. After all the time they’d spent on the phone and computer, there was no way he’d pass up the opportunity to meet her in person. That way he could break the news gently in person. He had the speech ready and practiced it on the long drive, but when he saw her, he couldn’t say a damn word.

He walked through that door thinking for sure she’d lied like many had, yet she was everything he imagined and more. No wonder his life changed in that moment. Her long dark hair swirled down her chest and those bedroom eyes looked at him with uncertainty as she smiled nervously. His sunglasses in place, he scanned her from head to toe, a full–figured beauty and then some. In jeans and a loose pink shirt, he was imagining what lie beneath when out of nowhere she wrapped her arms around him. In that awkward embrace her shape formed to him and he instinctively wound his arms around her. He could barely think.

The first hours together, her shyness made her even more attractive and he wasn’t sure what would happen when he lay next to her. She curled to him as he slid his arm around her shoulder. Her hair teased his senses with the silk and scent. Tentatively, he let his fingers move through the mass needing to feel it slide between his fingers. He wanted nothing more than to touch her and steeled his desire, enjoying the heat of her against him. It felt natural and a need to protect her from life’s hurts washed over him. He knew she’d been through enough in this lifetime. Hell, she’d been through enough for five lifetimes.

Then she asked to kiss him. He’d studied her for several moments, lips quivering, her eyes said that took everything out of her. He should’ve said no and told her the truth, but he wanted it. He’d keep it short and simple, then he’d tell her right after. When her lips touched his, all control vanished. Soft, warm, she’d started a fire like nothing he’d ever felt. Even now he still felt the pulse she created within.

A horn beeped and Brady saw a car right behind him. Oh, ya know, why couldn’t you go through the other entrance, dumbass! he barked as he set his truck in motion.

A free space in the third aisle caught his eye and he made his way over and backed in. With a view into the store, he squinted to see a line up and decided to wait. A half hour later, he stood in the travel section and peered through the shelves to the center. There she was, flanked by two women on either side. The books piled on the table, the flyer posted behind proclaimed, ‘Meet Jade Prency.’ With a half dozen people waiting for her, Brady looked at his watch as this was supposed to end a half hour ago. There she sat, good old popular Jade.

The bookstore announced shoppers had one last chance to get their books signed, the line now gone. She stood with her back to him and the time had come. He walked to the table clutching his copy and when he announced his presence, the look on her face wasn’t expected. The air stilled and her face paled.

‘The signings are over,’ she snipped, then left through the back with a person in tow. The lady at the table offered a pre-signed photo, but he declined and headed to his truck, furious.

***

Jade paced the living area in her hotel room. Did he expect I’d melt with seeing him? she raged.

What are you going to do? Jackie asked, watching Jade move back and forth across the carpet.

Can you believe the nerve of him? I thought he was dead! It took years to get over him and he waltzed in and asks for an autograph? He’s got balls, I tell ya! How did he think I’d react?

I saw your face. I’m surprised you didn’t fall over. Jackie paused. It’s strange he’d appear when your future is set, isn’t it?

Part of me wants to know what the hell happened and the other, wants to slap his face.

Jade stopped and stared out the balcony door. At almost 104 degrees, she watched people below, ant sized from this height, they walked as if the heat weighed down their feet.

Look, Jackie, your brother is waiting. You should head out and I’ll see you next week. The flight leaves Thursday, so as long as you’re back by then, take some time to enjoy with family.

I can’t leave! This obviously has shaken you. I wouldn’t feel right taking off, Jackie refuted.

Oh no you don’t. I don’t need looking after. Besides, Derek will be here Tuesday to look at the property. I’ll be fine as long as we remain on schedule. I’ve worked too damn hard to let a ghost get to me.

Are you sure? Jackie asked hesitantly as she turned to leave.

Yes, I’m sure. Brady is dead to me and I’m keeping it that way.

Ok I’ll be back Wednesday. Don’t forget to go over the changes and I’ll send them off when I get back.

Say hi to the family for me. Jade smiled as she playfully pushed Jackie out the door.

Alone, Jade mixed a strong and much needed vodka to still her shaking. Taking a sip, she sat on the couch and shuffled through the script pages. The red ink on each page meant edits to agree to or veto. For each thought portrayed in the book, the screenwriter transformed it into script. Her agent retained some creative right and a tidy sum from the studio to artfully bring the pages to the screen. She’d been at it a half hour when the phone rang. Getting up from her comfy spot, she made her way to the desk by the door at the other end of the room.

Hello, she said vacantly.

How is the brilliant writer today? Derek’s voice brought her out of work mode.

I’m doing okay, how are things back home?

It’s boring. All I do is work. I miss having you to curl up with.

I’ve only been gone a couple months, surely you can’t be starved for attention?

You’ll be lucky to walk after Tuesday.

It’d taken a long time to believe his interest genuine and he’d been patient with how she kept him at a distance the first months. Now, with their engagement, they spent nights at either her or his apartment when both in New York.

What’s next on the schedule?

I’m done until Thursday when we leave for New Orleans. I sent Jackie off to visit her brother and Diane went to the airport to head home. She’ll meet us in Louisiana. I have the next few days to dig into editing and I might even do a bit of shopping to find something special to wear for your arrival.

What color are you thinking? Let me twirl it around in my head the next few days.

It’ll be a surprise. Jade quickly used her laptop to find the nearest plus size lingerie store. Shit! she mumbled.

What? Why shit?

It’s nothing, a minor glitch in the editing. She scribbled the store address down and added it to her list of things to do.

I knew it, working while we’re talking. You’re knee deep in it as usual. He chuckled. I’ll call you when I land in Seattle Monday after I settle in. I’m in meetings all day, then again Tuesday morning. My flight leaves at three p.m. so I’ll be in Garland by eight.

Our appointment is on Wednesday at eleven to see the property. We can drive out early and take a good look around before he arrives to scope it out. Jade picked up the listing of the ranch Derek had found.

Let’s cross our fingers we found our vacation home.

I’m not getting my hopes up. We’ve seen many and didn’t like any of them so far.

We’ll find out soon enough. Okay, don’t work too much and remember, red is my favorite color.

I’ll see what I can do.

She hung up the phone as her stomach grumbled. Diane hadn’t let them risk going to a restaurant this morning since the bookstore arranged transportation to and from the signing. Reading the take-out menus in the room, nothing appealed. She decided to head out and called the front desk to arrange a taxi in an hour as she’d need time to get ready.

Leaving the hotel in a purple cotton skirt and loose white blouse, she felt refreshed, free from the dress clothes from earlier.

Where to, Ma’am, the driver’s thick drawl made her smile as he started to pull onto the service road.

I’m craving a rare steak with a baked potato, so where would you suggest?

There is a steakhouse with buffets that has good eats, but I don’t reckon ya’ll like that type of place. Maybe I should take ya to the fancy place downtown. Don’t know if it’s any good though.

The buffet place will do. If you say it’s the best, then that’s where I’m going.

After a twenty-minute ride to the other side of Garland, they arrived at a restaurant on the edge of a mall parking lot.

Perfect, I can eat then wander around the shops, she told the driver as she paid the fare.

Entering the restaurant, she was greeted with a sea of cowboy hats. Nothing said ruggedly handsome like a cowboy, the driver couldn’t have picked a more perfect restaurant.

A waitress led her to a booth in the back corner, took her order, then invited her to help herself to several buffets. She started at the salad bar, then shifted to the warm buffet to find the deep-fried okra. Once back in her booth, she sipped the vodka and coke, officially on vacation and wanting to enjoy.

Liquid Courage

Chapter Two

Of all the rude! Brady vented as he walked back to his vehicle. I knew it would take her by surprise, but I expect some form of hello!

In his truck, he threw the book aside, then made his way to the side road at the back of the store. Sure enough, a limo pulled out and headed in the opposite direction.

Damn it!

Spinning his truck around, he followed it back to a hotel on the east side of town and when it pulled in, he hung back as the occupants exited. He parked in the second row with a clear view of the front doors. If this is how it’s gonna be, he’d be patient. The hotel didn’t have a full restaurant, so he knew she’d eventually have to eat. He’d waited this long, so he’d watch for delivery drivers and bring the food up.

The doors opened and her friend appeared with a suitcase. With hand on the door handle, he watched for Jade to follow. The woman climbed into a car parked two away from his and left.

Hmm, where’s ya friend going, Hon? he mumbled.

He settled in his seat until the cab pulled in and he saw her exit. Fastening his seat belt, he followed, then parked at the Inver Mall and watched her head into the Cozy Corral. He waited to let her settle in then entered. Spotting her at the salad bar with her back to him, he waved down a waitress.

I’ll have a Ribeye with all the trimmings. Water and I’ll be joining my friend, he said and pointed at Jade’s table.

She sat as he filled a plate with salad, then he slid next to her in the booth, blocking her in.

Do you know how long I waited for you to come out of your hotel?

This time she couldn’t run and the look on her face wasn’t any warmer than the previous meeting, her fork mid-air.

I tell ya, Sunshine, it got hot waiting for you. I placed my order, so we’ll be dining together. Ya know, catching up like two old friends should, not leaving without saying a word. Brady began eating.

What the hell? You followed me? Are you some kind of stalker? He looked good for his forty-six years, but she was infuriated to see his eyes sparkle as he looked at her.

What’s the matter, Sunshine, aren’t you hungry? Figured with you hopping all over the place with work you’d have a bigger appetite than you used to. By the way, you look good, still beautiful as ever. And yep, your eyes still tell me what you’re thinking. He smiled then took another mouthful of salad.

What do you want, Brady?

To catch up, and oh, He pointed towards the door with his fork. My book is in the truck, so I can get that autograph. I thought authors signed all the books people brought. After all, I am your biggest fan. I’ve bought every single thing you’ve published and followed your career. He swallowed a bite of salad. By the way, not gonna work with you and what’s his name. He’s not your type. Too tame for ya, so I don’t know why you’d pick him, he said then turned his attention back to his salad.

Don’t you dare judge! You left my life years ago without a word, her voice rose.

About to continue, Jade quieted seeing the waitress approach with the entrées.

Are you finished with your salad, ma’am? the waitress asked, the plate half-full and pushed away.

Jade pushed it towards her, but Brady intercepted it.

You can leave it. I’ll finish it like I always do. He winked and she left the table. You’d best dig in, Hon. That steak will get cold. Don’t want that, do ya?

I’m not hungry. Look, let me out. She felt like she was going crazy. This doesn’t happen in real life.

Oh, come now, ya gotta eat. Knowing you, ya skipped on lunch to get things done and probably haven’t eaten much today. That’s no way to take care of your health. You know how important that is after all you went through. Finishing her salad, he moved the empty plate to the side. Tell ya what. I see you have a million questions, so let’s make a deal. For every bite of food, you ask one question and I’ll answer, how about it?

The questions don’t matter. You wouldn’t tell the truth anyways.

I swear, Scout’s honor. He held up three fingers as a pledge. I’ll even sit across the booth so you can look me in the eye every time I answer.

She wanted to know. They’d been best friends, but he’d damaged her completely. He’d destroyed it all and his final phone call left her haunted, the suicidal goodbye obviously wasn’t the truth.

Okay, I’ll ask questions, but one feeling of doubt, if I suspect its bullshit, I’m leaving. Is that understood?

Deal, he said and stuck out his hand for her to shake.

Hesitantly, she placed her hand in his. The tingling she’d felt years ago now a nothingness. The spell broken and the nightmares he’d caused began to replay. From having a shoulder to lean on to suddenly gone, had devastated her. He moved and began cutting his steak, a smile on his face.

I thought you died. That night you called, I thought you did something stupid. Why did you do that to me? His voice clear in her mind as if it happened yesterday.

I’m so sorry. He looked at her. Sorry for everything. I was messed up and I couldn’t see clear to the next day. I knew I hurt you. I’d done so too many times and I wanted to not hurt you anymore, if that makes sense. I needed to figure out my life and change it. That’s at least two bites of food, go on eat.

Jade cut into her steak and took her time, then downed her vodka and signaled the waitress to bring another. Liquid courage wasn’t the answer, but she needed to calm her insides.

Why didn’t you call to let me know you were okay? I left messages, sent emails, so you knew I thought you’d died.

The first few months were the hardest. I fought myself every day to not hit speed dial. I kept your messages on my phone and I’d listen to them to hear your voice. I didn’t know how to change the mess I’d created. It took years and professional help to figure it out. That’s another bite.

The waitress brought her drink. She sipped, watching the man before her who seemed unbothered, his appetite kept him moving. He’d glance at her between mouthfuls. Jade dutifully ate as she debated if any of these questions mattered. She had a life, made a name, moved on, and was over the past. In a way, meeting him fueled her success. Taking horror stories of meeting online, she melded them together and wrote to help others avoid being hurt, but it came at a cost to her.

What happened after the phone call?

I stayed married for half a year only because I’d created a bad situation for everyone. Once we filed for divorce and sorted out the financials, I hardly had enough to live on. I moved in with a buddy of mine and lived as a single dad with two kids every weekend. With my ex-wife getting a job it eased things, then when we sold the house, we got a little extra. I paid alimony and once she re-married, I ended up with only child support.

He took another mouthful and she waited, not wanting to have to ask every detail.

At first, I thought this is great, I could do what I wanted. After a month, I realized it’s not freedom if you don’t have that person you love with you. He took a sip. I was let go at work because of the accusations, but a buddy of mine set me up with a security company. I landed a new job, worked my butt off during the week and spent time with my boys on the weekends.

He pointed his fork at her plate, signaling her to eat. To spite him, she sipped her vodka. How often does one run into dead people?

Why are you in Texas? Did you follow me?

He laughed the throaty chuckle she remembered. Hell no, I live here. I moved two years ago when I was promoted. With no room for me to go anywhere in Washington, they sent me here to look after one of the divisions.

What about your kids?

Um, Sunshine, I didn’t see you swallow anything before the question. He winked and she took a small mouthful.

When they transferred me to Texas, the ex and I renegotiated. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best solution since they’d moved to North Carolina. I couldn’t say no. Brady paused. Ya know, it was nice to see her smile the way she should’ve. I’d put her through hell with my stupidity, so when Zach came into her life, I did whatever I could to let her find happiness. He’s a good guy and he takes real good care of the boys. We settled on the kids staying with her for the school year, then they fly out here for the summer and most holidays to be with me. Sometimes they all come down and we share holidays together. Plus, I travel for business, so I make a stop in North Carolina to see them. You were right, my kids were happier after we split.

She finished what she could of her meal. Never in a million years could she have imagined this moment. She’d lived without him and it was best to leave things that way.

Check please, Jade asked a passing waitress.

She moved to the edge of the bench seat. Brady reached to touch her hand, but she pulled it away.

Where are ya going? I thought we could spend time. Besides, you still haven’t autographed my book. His voice wasn’t playful.

He looked