Dreams and Misunderstandings: A Novel

Chapter 1

The party was due to start at 7pm. At 6.30, Jessica was sitting in front of the mirror, eyes tightly shut and trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach. Under her breath she was muttering a prayer:

Please let him come, please let him come, please let him come.

She tried to think what bargain she could make with whoever she was praying to, but she had had a good first year at college, passed her exams, and adjusted to life away from home, and she guiltily felt a reward was due.

Him was her best friend Elizabeth’s older brother, Rick. Jessie hadn’t seen him for nearly a year, since she left for her Boston college, but he had been a constant part of her life since as long as she could remember. His older brother status had changed for Jessie when she was fourteen and caught a new, appraising expression in his blue eyes as he helped her onto her horse.

She opened her eyes and gazed in the mirror, eyeing her appearance critically. She had a little makeup on to highlight her green eyes, and her long red-gold hair was caught up in a clasp at the back, which she hoped made her look more grown up. As someone happier in jeans than dresses, she had asked her friend Sarah to help her shop for a dress in Boston. Sarah had enthusiastically talked her into an almond green chiffon, tightly swathed at the bodice with tiny shoestring straps and ending just above the knee. Now though Jessie wondered if the dress wasn’t a bit too revealing. It had a sweetheart neckline that accentuated her full breasts. She shrugged and smiled at herself. Oh well, she thought, at least I don’t still look like a schoolgirl.

Just then there was a quiet tap on her door and her father came in. Hi Jess, are you nearly ready?

Hey, Dad, what do you think?

He gave a low whistle as she spun around to show off her dress. I guess that’s the reason my credit card bill jumped up this past month.

Jessie tried to look contrite. Yeah, I guess so. Do you mind?

Bill smiled. Honey, if it makes you feel as good as you look, then it was worth it. You’ve got a long way to catch up to your mother, I can tell you! I got you a little something for your birthday. Turn around and I’ll put it on.

Jessica turned around and he clasped something around her neck. She turned back to the mirror.

Oh, I love it. Thank you so much. It really finishes off the dress. She touched the antique gold chain with the gold cross. It was art nouveau, with tendrils of leaves intertwined and a couple of tiny diamonds. Jessie threw her arms around her father’s neck and kissed him on the cheek.

Well, I’m pleased you like it, he said. I thought the cross might remind you to keep away from temptation. I don’t want anyone getting too close to my little girl just yet.

Jessie laughed. Don’t worry. Just as long as I can see all my friends and do some dancing, I’ll be happy.

They walked downstairs together and joined her mother, Marianne, who was fussing around making sure the flowers, catering, and everything else were all up to her high standards. The house looked spectacular, having been decorated with great expense and flair. The rugs had been lifted from the dark polished floors in the large conservatory, and a bluegrass band had started playing softly in the corner as the first guests came trickling in. Waiters with trays of champagne, soda, and beer stood by the front door handing out glasses as people arrived.

The first guests were Bill and Marianne’s best friends, Mike and Yvonne Preston, and their only son, Scott. Mike had a transport business, and Yvonne was a Texan like Marianne. The two women vied with each other for the best houses, parties, and holidays but were united in their feeling of superiority over their neighbours and their determination to have the best for their respective children. There had been quite a few family skiing holidays together and there was a general assumption that Scott and Jessica would eventually marry, combining two successful business empires and leading to happy retirement for the two couples.

Other guests crowded in, and the room grew louder. Jessica was thrilled to see many of her old friends. However, as she stood in the entrance with her parents greeting everyone, her eyes kept going back to the front door waiting for Rick and Elizabeth. She was very anxious that it was only a few weeks since their mother had died and neither of them would be up to a party. She answered people automatically, expressing delight at the many birthday gifts brought, and waited, trying to hide her disappointment.

An hour passed. Most of the guests had arrived and Marianne decided it was time to start mingling instead of receiving. At a signal from her the band broke into a bluegrass version of Tennessee Waltz, and Bill held his arms out to his daughter for the first dance. They circled sedately around the large room, eventually joined by others who couldn’t resist the music. After that the tempo picked up, Bill went to ask his wife for a dance and Jessie was claimed by a neighbour. He had no sense of rhythm, and dancing with him was hard going, but suddenly there was a tap on his shoulder and a quiet voice asking, Do you mind if I cut in?

Rick looked down at Jessie quizzically, taking in her flushed face and the sparkle in her eyes. She tried to keep the smile off her face. I had just about given up on you, she scolded.

Sorry Jess, we had chores to finish. How are you? You look different somehow. He smiled, More grown up I guess.

Well you haven’t seen me for a year! Is Elizabeth here too?

She sure is, he replied. There’s no way she would miss your party, but she was a bundle of nerves. Our grandfather sent her a dress from London, but she nearly didn’t wear it. Thought it was too much. Here she is, see for yourself.

They walked over to Elizabeth who was standing shyly with a group she knew from school. She was wearing a short, fitted white silk dress that showed off her copper skin and brown hair. Jessie threw her arms around her. Oh Elizabeth, you look really beautiful, but I’m so sorry about your mother. We are all going to miss her dreadfully. She was such a special person.

Elizabeth’s eyes filled with tears, but she brushed them away. I know, she loved you too you know. I’ve brought you something she wanted me to give you. Keep it until later when you are on your own. It’s very personal, and there’s a letter to go with it.

Jessie hugged her. Oh I wish we were at college together. I miss you so much. Just then the tempo of the music picked up and Rick looked at Jessica with a grin. Do you want to practice some of the steps she taught us? he said.

Lead me to it, replied Jessie. He took her hand, and they moved on to the dance floor. They had been dancing together since they were both young, and although it had been over a year since their last lesson, they moved together in perfect harmony. Jessie’s normally pale skin was flushed, and she looked slim and graceful in her green dress. Rick was the dark counterpoint to her pallor—his long black hair tied back, lithe but muscular body, and copper skin. The sleeves of his white shirt were rolled to his elbows, and his strong wrists kept hold of Jessie just as she thought she was spinning out of control. They were concentrating hard but both laughing with exhilaration and the magnetism, and harmony between them soon cleared the dance floor, where less experienced dancers gave them room to move and became the audience.

Among the audience were Yvonne and Scott. Yvonne took in Jessie’s flushed face and the smile on Rick’s normally impassive face and suddenly saw a vision of all her hopes and dreams disappearing into dust. She nudged Scott crossly. Go and ask Jessica to dance, Scott. You can’t leave her to the mercies of that Indian.

A slower number followed, and Rick and Jessie had just started to dance in time to the music when there was a heavy tap on Rick’s shoulder. My turn with my girl, Scott slurred. Rick good naturedly moved away and Scott grabbed Jessie, holding her too close and breathing beer fumes in her face. He had no sense of rhythm and barged around the floor pulling Jessie with him.

He pushed Jessie through the open doors onto the deep porch where drinks and food were being served. Never been much for dancing, he said. Prefer the football field. I need a drink. He grabbed a beer at the table without releasing Jessie’s arm. Let’s get some fresh air, he muttered. He pulled her down the porch steps and into the garden, where there was an ornamental pool and fountain. Suddenly and uneasily, Jessie realised they were alone. The other guests were either on the porch or on the dance floor. She tried to suppress a little shiver. Scott finished his beer in one huge gulp, and after tossing the bottle onto the grass he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her roughly to his chest.

Let me go, Scott, Jessie said, trying to keep her voice even as her temper started to rise. I need to get back to my guests. And what did you mean by ‘my girl’? I’m not anyone’s girl.

Don’t get mad, said Scott. You know it’s just a matter of time. Your family gets together with mine and all that. I wasn’t in any hurry, but seeing you in that dress, well, maybe we should move things along a little. He grinned at her, eyeing her low-cut dress. With one arm holding her in a vicelike grip, he grasped her chin in his other hand and jerked her face around to meet his.

Jessie was furious. She tried to stamp her high heel on his foot, but he was holding her too tightly. She struggled against him, angry tears welling in her eyes. Leave me alone, she tried to say against his lips. You’re hurting me. Scott loosened his grip on her chin but bent lower and nuzzled his face into her breasts. Jessie grabbed a handful of his hair and yanked, but he didn’t seem to feel it.

Suddenly there was a quiet voice behind them. Let her go, Scott. She asked you nicely. Scott straightened up and swung around angrily with his fist. Get stuffed, he said, and get your fucking hand off my arm. He pushed Jessie out of the way, trying to land a heavy blow on Rick. He was three inches taller and considerably heavier, but Rick was strong and wiry, not to mention sober. Scott’s punch landed wide, but Rick landed a perfect hit on Scott’s jaw. Scott reeled and staggered, and Rick dragged him towards the pond, where he pushed him face down in the water. He left him there for a moment, then pulled him gasping and spluttering to the edge where he lolled, barely conscious.

Once Rick was sure Scott no longer posed a threat, he turned back to find Jessie right behind him, her face frozen in shock, Scott’s beer bottle in her hand. Rick put up his hands. Whoa, Jessie, I was trying to save you. Don’t hit me. Jessie dropped the bottle and took a deep breath. I wasn’t going to hit you, she said. It was for Scott. How did you do that? He was the school wrestling champ and he’s huge.

Rick grinned at her. My grandfather’s been teaching me how to box. He’s pretty good, and it’s not hard to beat someone who’s drunk! He looked at Jessie and saw that Scott had left red marks on her arms, jaw, and chest. Her hair was coming undone and she looked angry and distressed. Without thinking, he brushed the tears away from her cheeks. I think we’d better move before he comes to. He put his hand on her waist and steered her towards the house. He wanted to put his arms around her, but after her reaction to Scott he thought better of it. Come through the back door, Jess. You might need to get some ice on your face and tidy up first. Perhaps I need to go and have a talk to your father.

Jessie ducked through the back door heading for the kitchen, and Rick went looking for her father. Excuse me, Mr Haring, can I talk to you for a minute? Rick knew of the close relationship between Jessica’s and Scott’s families and was determined to get his version of events in before Scott got the chance. He got on fairly well with Bill Haring but was very wary of Marianne, knowing in his heart that she disapproved of him.

What can I do for you Rick, replied Bill.

I think I’ve just upset the Preston family and I thought I’d better set the record straight before the stories start flying.

Bill raised his eyebrows. Spit it out, son.

Scott’s just had a bit of a soaking in your pond. He’s not going to be too happy about it. He took a deep breath and continued, He was mauling Jessie. She was struggling to get away from him. I tried to intervene and he took a swing at me. He missed, but I swung back and caught him on the jaw. He landed in the pond. Nothing hurt except his temper, but I don’t think he’ll forget it.

Bill looked at Rick appraisingly. He’s considerably bigger than you, used to be school wrestling champ. I’m amazed you got him down.

He’s pretty drunk, replied Rick with a smile. It wasn’t too difficult.

Where’s Jessica? Is she all right? asked Bill.

Yes, she’s a bit shaken up, gone to redo her makeup or whatever. She’s not far away.

I’ll talk to her about it later. You were right to come to me. The Prestons won’t like this one little bit, but they need to teach their son some control. Just watch your back. Scott isn’t a guy you want to get on the wrong side of.

I’m afraid it’s too late for that, but thanks for the warning and for the understanding. They shook hands and Rick headed back to the party. Bill sipped thoughtfully on his drink, trying to decide what to do next. He was a straight talker but decided in this instance to do nothing until he had spoken to Jessie. He did, however, wander into the garden to see if Scott was still there, but there was no sign of him.

Chapter 2

Rick slipped back into the party. He smiled to see his sister dancing, her face lit up for the first time in months, he thought. She had no shortage of partners and lost her shyness in her love of dancing, when she didn’t have to talk to anyone. Rick stood in the shadows with his back to the wall, watching in case Scott came back but also looking for Jessie. She arrived arm in arm with a few of her friends, all chatting animatedly, and was soon claimed back to the dance floor. Rick quietly watched her, fairly certain she didn’t know he was there, as she laughed and joked and moved to the music, never without a partner. One of her friends spotted him. Come and dance with me, Rick. It’s a pity to waste all that talent.

Sure, Rachel, he replied and followed her onto the floor. Rachel had had a couple of champagnes too many and had timed her move on Rick just as a slow dance was starting. She wound her arms around his neck, pressing her body against his. Rick spun her around and deliberately collided with Jessie, who was dancing with one of the boys from town. Oh, I’m sorry, he said. It’s getting a little crowded in here. Why don’t we all take a break and go get some food?

He headed toward the big porch, hoping the others would follow. There was a table laden with food, and they all took plates and helped themselves. A waiter led them to a small table for four and organised a fresh bottle of champagne. This is a great party, Jessica, Rick said. Thank you so much for the invitation. I hope you’re having a good time too, being the birthday girl?

Um yes, thank you. I’m happy you could all come, Jessie said. Turning eighteen will stay in my memory forever. She took a sip of champagne, her first for the evening, and exchanged a wry look with Rick.

I’m having a great time too, Rachel said, taking another gulp of champagne. Rick’s an amazing dancer.

Jessie could feel the colour coming to her cheeks. Rob’s not bad either, she said, turning to her partner. Rob you and Rachel should have a dance when we go back in. It’s really good to move around! Neither of them looked too impressed with that idea, but Jessie insisted, and as soon as they had gone inside, Rick touched Jessie’s hand. Come into the garden for a minute, he said. I want to ask you something. She followed him back into the garden, relieved to see there was no sign of Scott.

It was a beautiful warm evening with the scent of hundreds of roses from Marianne’s garden. Other couples were now strolling around too, so Rick kept his distance but spoke urgently, Jess, can you get free tomorrow afternoon?

Jessie looked at him, thinking that whatever he asked her, there was probably nothing she wouldn’t do. Just to have him close to her was intoxicating, and she stopped herself from reaching out to him. She closed her eyes for a second to concentrate. Um yes, no problem. What did you have in mind?

I want to give you your birthday present and talk to you. I need to explain something. Can you saddle up your horse and meet me on the mountain slopes, just before the trees start? Say about 2.00 p.m.?

Sure, I can get away. I haven’t ridden since I came home. I’m sure my horse will enjoy it too!

Rick caught a flash of excitement in her eyes. Don’t let Scott know, he warned. I don’t think we need his company.

Jessie grimaced. Don’t worry. It’s a long time before I want to see him again. He’s the last person I’d tell.

Emboldened by the moonlight and a glass of champagne, Rick took Jessie’s hand, turned it over, and kissed the palm. He then lifted his hand and ran his fingers gently down her cheek.

I should have told you before, but you look beautiful tonight.

Jessie felt a jolt go through her at his touch, and as his eyes held hers, her breathing started to accelerate. At that moment they heard the announcement from the band for the last dance. Rob and Rachel came outside looking for them and they were both claimed. As the two couples moved around the floor, Jessie felt as though a magnet were pulling her to Rick, who was dancing with Rachel. Although they tried to concentrate on their partners, they managed to brush each other often, and it took all of Rick’s self-control not to drop Rachel on the floor and fold Jessie in his arms.

The evening ended and Jessie stood with her parents at the front door bidding farewell to the guests. Rick found Elizabeth and they queued to say good-bye too. Jessie and Elizabeth kissed cheeks, promising to get together in the following week. Rick bent down and kissed Jessie’s cheek too, whispering in her ear, See you tomorrow and flashing her a quick grin.

Soon everyone was gone except the Prestons, and they stayed for a last drink. Jessie quickly thanked her parents for such a wonderful party and kissed them goodnight before excusing herself for bed. She heard Yvonne say in a sharp voice, I don’t know what happened to Scott. I haven’t seen him for ages. He must still be here somewhere!

Bill patted her hand soothingly. He wasn’t feeling the best. I understand he managed to fall into the pond and went home. Didn’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, of course. He’ll probably be right as rain in the morning.

What do you mean he wasn’t feeling the best? He was fine when we arrived and looking forward to seeing Jessie again.

Yvonne, I don’t know how many drinks he’d had before he arrived, but he managed to down quite a few here. Not surprising he fell in the pond. Perhaps it’s part of the sports culture, but I don’t really want him around Jessie when he’s been drinking. He needs to think about that. He spoke evenly, not wanting to offend his old friends but needing to get his point across. Naturally he didn’t mention Rick’s part in all this, hoping Scott wouldn’t remember.

Yvonne huffed and got up. Come on, Mike, we’d better go. We don’t want to outstay our welcome.

Marianne said nothing but graciously led them to the front door and fussed over them until they had left. What was all that about Scott? she asked.

Just as I said, my dear, he replied blandly. I know we’ve always thought something would happen between Jessica and Scott, but he didn’t behave very well tonight, and they—and you—need to know. Jessie’s no blind fool, and she may well head in a different direction. She’s headstrong, like her beautiful mother. She won’t settle for second rate or put up with bad behaviour just to please us.

Marianne filed his comments away in her memory and let him lead her to bed, satisfied that it had been a truly successful party, fitting for their only daughter.

Chapter 3

Rick and Elizabeth’s mother, Caroline, was an English rose. She had escaped her boarding school and social background for a year of adventure working on a ranch in Wyoming. She fell in love with one of the farmhands, a young Native American, and their wedding had caused a massive rift with her family in England. Her father lent them the money to buy some land and then washed his hands of them, saying they would have to work hard and make regular repayments or he would foreclose.

They did work hard, both had a talent for working with horses, and they slowly built a reputation as breeders and trainers. They had three children—Rick was the eldest, then Elizabeth, and lastly Blake. Life was a struggle financially, but they were getting on their feet when Jacob, while making a rare visit to town one day, was killed in a botched bank hold up. The shock and grief to his family were horrendous. He was forty-four, a very fit, strong man, and a huge inspiration to his children and the wider community.

Caroline couldn’t cope, and for months she barely got out of bed. Neighbours were very kind and kept food on the table for the first few weeks, but Rick knew it was up to him to run the household and farm. His days were long; horses had no respect for death or grief, and he worked from sunrise to sundown. In the evenings, with Elizabeth’s help, he prepared meals, coaxed his mother to eat, and helped with homework. He tried to keep his mother’s vegetable and flower gardens going but didn’t have her dedication or enough time or energy, and they quickly became overgrown. Meals were basic and Rick did his best with washing and housework, but they too started to run out of control.

Rick had always been a lively, energetic boy who loved to be moving, but now his serious side came to the fore, and with each passing month he became quieter and more determined. His boyish physique filled out into a man’s as he grew in both height and stature. He grew his black hair long and tied it back, and he could have been taken for a full-blooded Native American if it weren’t for his startlingly blue eyes, inherited from his blond mother.

After about six months he was shocked to come in from work one day, as it was getting dark, to find Caroline in the kitchen, still in her dressing gown but attempting to prepare a meal. She turned and looked at him, tears in her eyes.

Oh, Rick, I’m so sorry. I’ve left you to do everything, and I just didn’t realise it’s been terrible for all of you as well. Her voice tailed off. Tomorrow I’ll get dressed and make a start. She headed back to bed, and he thought that was the end of it, but when he got out of bed early the next day she was already up and dressed