One Step Closer(83)

“After today, things should be better. That’s if that woman doesn’t get her hooks into him; I don’t like her at all.”

Wren had quickly rinsed the conditioner from her long hair and was soaping down her body. She paused for a beat at the coincidence that Jonesy was also thinking about the repercussions Macy brought to the table. She couldn’t have said it better herself.

“Do you think Cale is influenced by her?” she asked.

“Hummph!” Jonesy snorted. Her disgust was clear, even from the other room. “I hope not, but I’ve seen the way she drapes all over him. When she can’t find him she berates me about where he is.”

Wren shut off the water and wrapped one towel around her hair and then one around her body before she stepped from the large, glass-enclosed shower.

“Caleb isn’t the type to be controlled or to give a play-by-play of his schedule.” She knew that he had always been independent and doubted he’d be * whipped by any woman. “He won’t let her control him.”

“She’s going to try, I’m afraid. She was oozing all over him this morning. It was so distasteful, I was surprised he didn’t go into insulin shock.”

By now Wren had dried off and was starting to run a comb through her damp hair. “Maybe she was just concerned,” Wren said, unconvinced. Macy had an agenda all right.

“She’s a snake. I can see it from a mile away; I just hope Caleb isn’t fooled by her polished, supportive act. Now that she knows his background about the company, she has dollar signs in her eyes. Women like that don’t do anything without a motive.”

Wren knew too well that Jonesy was on the right track, but she couldn’t be sure money was Macy’s only motivation. “Caleb is a catch even without the money,” she said simply, realizing she might have slipped and given too much of her real feelings away.

The kind old woman appeared in the bathroom doorway and the expression on her face was sad. “Of course he is. I always thought you and Caleb might end up together. If something is happening between you two, don’t you let that little conniving bitch keep you apart.”

Wren’s eyes widened as she looked at Jonesy’s reflection in the mirror. Wren couldn’t remember the housekeeper ever swearing in all the ten years she’d known her. It was clear evidence of how strongly she disliked Macy.

“I had the same dream. I’ve always loved him, Jonesy.”

“I know, dear. It’s as plain as the nose on your face.”

Wren flushed in embarrassment. If it were this clear to Jonesy, did everyone else know? Macy’s behavior clearly showed her suspicion. But, what about Caleb? Did last night mean as much to him as it did to her, or was it just one of those times you hear about; that everybody has sex around funerals as verification of life? She inwardly groaned and hoped her feelings weren’t pouring out in her expression. “Even Lois Lane fell in love with Superman. Caleb is my Superman.”

“I know. I love the two of you like my own family.” Jonesy’s weathered face was full of sadness, her eyes glassed over, and she swallowed hard. Her voice thickened with emotion. “You’re like my own children or grandchildren and I hate to see you go your separate ways. I’m not sure what will become of me if that happens; you’re the only family I have.”

Wren was still wrapped in a towel but she walked over and put her arms around the older woman. “Oh Jonesy.” Wren hugged her tightly, trying to reassure her. “Nothing will change. Cale will take care of you. We both adore you.”

Jonesy patted Wren’s back. “Not if Macy has anything to say about it. ”

Wren wasn’t sure what Caleb planned to do with the estate or the company, but she was certain he wouldn’t leave Jonesy out in the cold. “I don’t know exactly what Caleb’s relationship is with her, or what he’ll do with the assets, Jonesy, but what I do know is that he won’t turn his back on you. Macy, or no Macy.” Wren had seen Macy trying to be close to Caleb, and while he was considerate of her, Wren hadn’t seen him return her affection and it gave her a small ray of hope. She went to her dresser and gathered clean lingerie, taking them back to the bathroom to put on in privacy.

“Well, I can’t stand her,” Jonesy retorted. “Men think with the wrong head, if you ask me!”

Wren went into her closet to retrieve her dress followed by the difficult realization that Caleb had spent time in bed with Macy, too. Until she was able to see and talk to him she could only guess at his real feelings. “Truthfully? Me either. Did she go with Caleb to the church?” She finally asked the question that had been eating away at her.

Wren wished she could confide in Jonesy about her confrontation with Macy the day before and her night in Caleb’s arms to get her advice, but they were running late. It might not be a good idea anyway. Wren stepped into her dress and turned, silently asking Jonesy to zip it up.

“Fortunately for us, yes.” Jonesy slid the zipper into place and patted Wren’s back lightly with one hand.

“I just hope she’s thinking of him more than of herself. It’s gonna be a rough day for him. He seems so strong, but I know he’s more vulnerable than he lets on. Despite his estrangement from Edison, I know he’s hurting.” Wren was thinking of the way he’d melted into her arms in grief. “The first night I was home; the first time Caleb saw me, he lost it. We both did.”