"Cain, come in," Andrew Hollingsworth said.

Cain looked to Keith Livingston and then his father in-law. His summons wasn't too surprising, though he was curious to see the two men interact. Closing the door behind him, he stepped inside. "You wanted to see me?"

"I was just telling Keith here about our Fourth of July trip to Martha's Vineyard. Best striped ba.s.s to be caught in the Vineyard. Wouldn't you agree?"

"He speaks the truth," Cain nodded. He walked over to the empty chair, sitting across from Hollingsworth and to the left of Keith Livingston in the private office. No smoking was allowed in the building except in Andrew Hollingsworth's office. He actually had a special filter to deal with the smoke. He fired up a cigar and puffed. "So Keith and his lovely wife Simone are joining us this Fourth of July," Andrew said, narrowing his eyes on Cain. "As you and Maryanne are."

Cain returned the stare of his father in-law.

"He tells me that you two are neighbors, which got me to thinking. You should host a dinner for him and his wife. I'll bring Bonnie. We need to invite all the executives to get everyone acquainted with our newest family member," Hollingsworth said.

"I was telling Andrew that it isn't necessary to go through that kind of trouble," Keith interjected.

Andrew? So they were on a first name basis now?

Cain said nothing. Not really opposed to or for the event, he understood the orders of his father in-law.

"So it's settled. Cain, see to it," Andrew ordered.

"Why tell me? Tell Maryanne. You and I both know she'll always do what Daddy wants her to," he said.

Andrew puffed on his cigar and his grey eyes narrowed. "See to it," was his reply. He put aside the stogie. "Now, I hear you've been busy today. National Accounts is a cl.u.s.ter f.u.c.k. Isn't it, Cain?"

Cain smirked at how Keith stiffened in his posture. He imagined the office etiquette that Livingston was used to in New York made it even more difficult to swallow the hardcore language of Hollingsworth.

"I wouldn't call it a cl.u.s.ter f.u.c.k, dear old Dad. We've made you and the company money," Cain offered.

Andrew chuckled. Keith looked between them both, not sure of the intent of the joke. Andrew waved his hand, clearing the fog of smoke hanging over his head. "Well, I want to be kept abreast of things. Any changes to National Accounts should go through me for review first. I have the final word."

"Of course," Livingston smiled.

"Agreed," Cain nodded.

Andrew, now satisfied, stood. "Keith, do you play golf? How about we take lunch at the country club?"

Livingston looked to Cain who shrugged. "Well sure, I'll have my secretary put me on your calendar."

"f.u.c.k it. Let's get an early dinner instead. Now. The day's over."

"Well, I had meetings," Keith said.

"Cancel them. Don't want to work our new executive too hard. Besides, it'll give me some time to get to know you better. I'm curious to hear about why the partners thought it best to send you in from New York."

Andrew flashed a hard look at Keith. The tone he used gave no room for refusal. Keith nodded that he accepted. Cain rose, having seen enough. It was clear that his father in-law wasn't quite sold on the new man from corporate. That could present problems. He'd offer to help Keith through the minefield if he wasn't such an arrogant s.h.i.t. Today had been a ball-busting day under Keith Livingston. Good luck to him.

"Cain?" Andrew spoke, now seated behind his large black-oak desk.

"Yes?"

"Don't you want to join us? He is your new boss. Good time to make a lasting impression."

Cain smirked. He looked to Keith and then to his father in-law. "Oh, I think Mr. Livingston and I understand each other. Besides, my guess is the impression he makes on you is the one that counts."

He walked out before Andrew could react to the barb. He was done for the day as well, but he sure as h.e.l.l wouldn't spend it between those two. If Keith was going to be under his father in-law's boot heel for the rest of the day, he was leaving early. Maybe a special trip to O'Rielly's.

After lunch, she managed to avoid the coastal roads, thanks to her GPS. Though the view of the sea off the cliffs was extremely inviting, she had a fear of two lane highways that wrapped around mountainous ridges. Simone pressed the volume control on her steering wheel and Anita Baker's song filled the car. Her sultry voice purred the lyrics of giving her man the best that she's got. She sang along, thinking over the past six years with her husband, and the rest of her days in Castle Rock at his side.

Her cell phone was connected to the Mercedes sound system. When it buzzed, the volume lowered on her radio for her to answer. It was a gift to her from Keith when he bought her the car. He complained of not being able to reach her when she drove out of Manhattan to see Kim and the boys. He also felt it dangerous for her to travel without him. Traffic and crazies is what he complained about mostly. Well, there didn't seem to be much of either in Castle Rock. The town was so quiet it was nerve racking.

"h.e.l.lo?" Simone said in the car.

"Hey, it's me."

"Hey, you. What's up? Thought you'd be too busy to call me during the day," she joked. Answering silence was the response. "Kim, you there?"

"Yeah, sorry. I'm here. I was wondering. Thinking actually."

"Thinking what?"

"I was thinking about you missing the boys and the boys missing you. What if you came to visit us? You and Keith I mean, for the Fourth? I know you guys just got there but...well it would be good to not be spending the holiday alone."

"Oh girl, yes! YES!" Simone screamed out in the car then erupting into a fit of giggles. "We should be twins! You know that? I was thinking the same thing!"

"You were?" Kim sighed, relieved.

"I miss my babies something awful. I need to see them." At the traffic light, she saw an elderly couple next to her looking at her as if she was crazy. She winked at them. "I'm sure Keith wants to see his ole stuck up mother, so he won't be any problem. We'll definitely come!"

"Thanks, Simone. They'll be so happy."

"Hey, you sound a little weird. You sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine. I embarra.s.sed myself today and now I can't think of a way to get out of it."

"What did you do?"

"Long story. I just needed to know that you would come. I miss you."

Simone could hear the tension in her voice. Dennis was big on holidays. Dennis was big on anything family related. Even before he bought the house near the bay, he was celebrating the Fourth with barbecues and card games, while Kim cooked. Simone hated that Keith never warmed up to Dennis and his firefighter friends. He was always purposefully stiff around them.

"I miss you too, but to be honest, I miss Denny and Danny more. I'm so afraid they won't know their auntie. Driving me nuts, girl. So, we are coming. I'll tell Keith tonight."

"Love you," Kim sighed.

"Love you too. Bye."

She hung up. With a smile, she rolled up to her drive. The commute was too easy, too quick. At least in the car she had something to do. Now she was home. Stopping the car at the foot of the drive, she got out and went straight for the mailbox. Mail had been diverted a week prior to their move in. Inside the personalized box, she found a hunter green envelope with gold writing addressed to the Livingstons. Curious, she stood there opening it.

Mr. & Mrs. Livingston, Welcome to Mulberry Heights! Since 1916, Mulberry Heights and its residents often find the easy pleasures of life in Castle Rock enriched at the Bella Sh.o.r.e Country Club. It is my pleasure to inform you that The Hollingsworths have offered an invitation to you to join our facilities. We are extremely pleased and anxious to make you a part of the Mulberry family.

Our golf course is a Donald Ross gem hidden in the heart of Castle Rock. It features two challenging putting greens and a wonderful practice area and driving range. Adjacent to the clubhouse are two beautiful tennis courts with tennis professionals available for lessons. We also offer professional golf coaches, a ma.s.seuse, and several physical trainers for our state of the art gym.

Our award-winning clubhouse is a wife's dream. Bella Sh.o.r.e Country Club has a full spa and salon featuring a sauna and clinic for your cosmetic needs. We also feature wonderful dining with a culinary team and gracious staff serving the best cuisine on the coast.

To schedule a tour, please call us at 339-555-9393 and ask for Rebecca Stein. We can't wait to see you on the greens!

Sincerely, The President and co-founder of Bella Sh.o.r.e Country Club Arnold Getz Simone checked the envelope and removed the brochure. Inside the envelope she found a golden keycard of admittance for Keith and her. She glanced at the house next door. In that instant, she saw the curtain drop back. She was being watched. How did Maryanne Hollingsworth Gatlin deliver an exclusive invitation hand delivered to her that quick? And why?

The lock turned. The click disturbed her restless sleep. Simone sat upright. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness just as the door opened. She wiped the drool from the side of her mouth. Disappointment swelled in her chest once more, and she fought back the urge to cry.

As casual as he pleased, Keith strolled in with his briefcase and tie loosened.

"Where the h.e.l.l were you? It's..." she looked at her watch. "It's eleven-thirty!" she nearly shouted at him.

"Things ran over at work. I ate at the club," he said.

"Club?" Simone blinked at him confused.

"Country Club, Bella Sh.o.r.e."

"Ran over? You said we were going to dinner. To be dressed and ready. Look at me! I waited. I called you over and-"

He walked towards the stairs without a word. She leapt to her feet, hurrying after him. "Keith?" she yelled from the bottom of the stairs. "How could you let me worry about you like this? I was going to call the police."

"Like I said, it couldn't be helped!" he shouted back as he reached the top of the stairs. Then he was gone.

Simone turned with her arms crossed. She put a hand to her eyes and tried to calm herself. It was the disrespect that burned the worst. Shaking her head, she went back to the sofa. She'd sleep there tonight. Screw him.

Maryanne had turned off every light downstairs. He came in and found the foyer light switch and flipped it on. He looked up and figured she'd be there with plenty of questions, plans, s.h.i.t he didn't care to hear about. Shedding his sports coat, he headed for the kitchen instead. He'd eaten onion rings and a burger. Now he would take another beer and sit out on his terrace until he was sleepy enough or drunk enough to venture upstairs to bed.

He popped the lid and walked out with the beer pressed to his lips. He was about to step out onto the terrace when Maryanne emerged from the shadows. "You've been out all evening drinking and you come home to drink?"

"It's a beer, Maryanne, not tequila."

"I called you."

"I know," he snipped, walking off. The open windows allowed the night breeze to roll through like a cool ocean wave. It felt good.

"Cain, this has to stop. Mother says that the partners at Caspian sent in those Livingstons to hurt Daddy. She said Daddy thinks they're trying to force him out. We need to join forces. That promotion was yours. Corporate was the one to steal it from you, not Daddy."

"Maryanne, I don't give a s.h.i.t," he moaned and walked out on the terrace. The threat of rain made the air moist. He inhaled deep. Maybe he'd do some yard work soon. He missed getting his hands dirty and spring was fast approaching.

"Of course you do. You're just as upset about this as I am! They want to take away my legacy and yours too. Daddy was going to retire everything to you. You know that."

Cain chuckled bitterly. "Yeah right."

"Well they won't get away with it. Mother said Daddy needs your help."

"Maryanne! Shut the f.u.c.k up, okay?"

Maryanne blinked at him, shocked. Cain slammed his beer down on the patio table. "I'm sorry. I just don't care what Mother said, what Daddy thinks. This is my house. You're my wife. I can barely get my d.i.c.k sucked unless there's a reward in it for you! Just leave me alone."

Maryanne shook her head. "Sometimes I don't even think you like me, Cain."

"Sometimes I don't," he mumbled.

She narrowed her eyes on him. She stepped out on the terrace to get in his face and be heard.

"Oh here we go..." Cain groaned. His wife wanted to fight. And by the look in her eyes, they would have it tonight.

Restless, and still in her c.o.c.ktail dress, she sat up on the sofa. She felt trapped, confined. Simone, in bare feet, decided to revisit her gazebo. When she walked out on her terrace, she paused. The sounds of voices were distinctly clear in the silent night. Simone scanned the dark shadows surrounding her neighbor's terrace and soon located the source. The Gatlin's were outside. Maryanne Gatlin stood with her hands to her hips, her blonde hair swaying about her shoulders as her necked worked. Simone turned to leave when she caught the tail end of their conversation.

"You listen to me, Cain Gatlin! I married your a.s.s when you were nothing. Remember those days? Being nothing, having nothing, wanting something? A scholarship punk kid with a loser family trying to fit in. Suck your d.i.c.k? Grow some b.a.l.l.s and I might suck your d.i.c.k."

Cain laughed. Simone heard the laughter and smiled too. Maybe they were just playing. Soon she understood they weren't.

"I'm the one fighting for us to have the life we should while you mope through it! You cut the s.h.i.t. You're my husband because I want you to be. Otherwise, you're nothing! And you don't want to be nothing. Don't forget that!"

She flipped her hair and sashayed off with her robe flowing behind her. Simone frowned to see Cain lift his beer and sip before he dropped down in the chair behind him. He looked up and saw her. She quickly stepped back into the shadows, but she knew he saw her. Closing the patio door, she withdrew, not sure what to make of that scene. The Gaitlins were an interesting couple.

Chapter Six.

Making a Friend Kim The weekends were the worst. Her cravings sometimes left her in bed with fever. But no matter how much she burned for another fix, she would never take a pill around her babies. Never. The thought of being unable to respond or not at her best when they needed her scared her sober. She'd rather suffer anything to avoid that crisis. And she did.

She reasoned that her ability to withstand proved she wasn't an addict. An addict wouldn't have any self-control. And she'd never slipped.

Sat.u.r.day, she woke to empty cabinets and a bare fridge. Anne didn't warn her to stock up. The boys had little tolerance for no milk in their cups. So she dressed them and herself for the trip to the market, all the while fighting the fatigue that weighted her eyelids. A thought occurred to her to treat them with a visit to the docks to see the boats before dinner. Denny really loved boats.

At the grocery store, Kim found a close parking spot. Thankfully, she didn't have to go far to locate a double buggy. She went to this market often with the boys because they had them shaped like toy cars. The twins sat up like big boys for her while she shopped, turning the toy steering wheel attachments as if they were steering. Whoever invented the buggies deserved a big kiss. It took so much pressure off her shoulders for lugging them around.

With both in a basket, she pushed her way from the parking lot through the store. Money was tight and her budget thin, so she had a list that she couldn't deviate from. Problem was the prices were increasing everywhere she turned. A loaf of bread was almost three dollars now and a gallon of milk almost five. Each time she reached for a favorite brand her hand dropped and her eyes scanned the shelves for the generic or redline item instead.

"Mama?" Danny said. "Mama!"