Destiny Undone 2 Read online

  “Come on. You? Old? You’re a babe in the woods. Now tell me the truth—what really happened? I can’t imagine you duking it out with someone at a bar.”

  “Nothing that exciting. I got into an accident.”

  “Geesh, Gabe. Are you okay? Oh my God, is the car okay?”

  My naturally competitive associate had a thing for my car. Once I’d let her drive it to pick up something from the office supply store and she’d grinned for a whole hour afterwards. Yeah, she liked it—probably much more than she liked me if she had to choose between the two!

  “Yes, I’m fine, but the car’s in the shop. It’ll be fine, too, and thanks for your concern.”

  “I’m glad you’re okay. I’d hate to have to take your job,” she chuckled. Bobbie Jo’s comment ended with a laugh, but I knew deep down inside, she’d have no problem taking over if ever I were to leave. Sometimes I wondered if maybe she still felt a little angry or jealous about my promotion. Comparatively, we had similar qualifications although she had a bit more time in at the Lab than I did.

  She had a bad haircut, but Bobbie Jo was super-intelligent and had kind, brown eyes. I thought they were her most attractive feature, but they didn’t reveal very much about her. You’d never know what she was thinking until she wanted to tell you what she wanted you to know.

  I knew absolutely nothing about her family and I only found out by accident that she was from Pensacola Beach, because she was asked in a television interview a few years ago.

  “You want to grab some lunch before we get back to the Lab?”

  “Yeah, I could go for a burger.” She gave me a gap-toothed grin.

  “I thought you were a vegetarian now?” I laughed as I opened the door for her.

  “Only during months that have an “R” in them.”

  “Okay, then. That makes complete sense.” We drove out of the school and into a nearby burger shack. We ordered, took a seat in a vinyl booth and waited for our food to be delivered.

  “I’m glad we finally have a chance to talk, Gabe. I’ve got some questions about Pepper Anderson.”

  “Come on, Bobbie Jo. Please don’t give me a hard time about her. I thought we were past all that? Let’s just have a nice lunch.”

  “What? I can’t ask questions now? I’m not attacking her. She’s proven to be good with Singh and she’s a decent worker, but you have to tell her everything. She doesn’t have any initiative when it comes to free time. Outside of the pool, she’s not one to pick up a broom on her own, but that’s beside the point. A lot of the younger generation is like that, I know—we just left a classroom full of them. What pisses me off about her is the Good Old Boy system that we seem to have going at Sea Lab.”

  I had a feeling I knew what she was about to say, so I covertly took a deep breath and committed myself to listen to my co-worker.

  “Okay, and before I jump to any conclusions, tell me what you mean by that.”

  “How was she, in any way, qualified to be an intern for Sea Lab? Now, we’ve got her and that’s that, I understand, but how did that happen? Her rich daddy paid you a visit and the next thing I knew, she was in—that was it. And what really annoys me is somebody, somewhere worked their ass off to have a shot with us and Miss Florida comes in and takes it right from under their nose. What the hell, Gabe? I thought you were a different kind of rich kid.”

  Bobbie Jo had made her point and I could tell she was angry. She just stared out the huge window next to the booth. This obviously bothered her deeply and I wondered why. Again, I’d probably never know.

  “I didn’t know Pepper Anderson before she came to work for us, so you can put that idea to rest. I’d never even met her. Her father came to me and said he needed some help to get a mixed-up young woman—his daughter—to change her life. Doug Anderson isn’t a good ol’ boy. He’s a nice guy who happens to be wealthy and who’s been a very good friend to our facility, but no money changed hands. No promises were made and there was no quid pro quo, as you suggest. As far as the intern slot goes, there’s another program coming up this fall and dozens of volunteer positions available for the rest of summer, so there’s no shortage of opportunities, Bobbie Jo.”

  “It wasn’t right, Gabe.”

  “Well, that’s the decision I made based on our meeting and like you said, that’s it. Now what? Are you going to continue to be pissed off at me?”

  “No, not all, but I’d like you to promise me that in future, you’ll talk with me before you give away intern positions when I’m the one who has to train them. You told me we were a team, so are we or aren’t we?”

  She had me there, but she’d spelled out what the problem really was. Bobbie Jo hadn’t been consulted before I “hired” Pepper. I leaned back in the booth and surveyed my associate. What did she expect? What would make her happy?

  “I don’t think any other wealthy tycoons are going to come banging on my door. Is this a real problem or is it just Pepper you don’t like?”

  She sneered. “I don’t like her. I guess I’ve made that obvious, but as long as she does her job, we’ll get along just fine. So, you don’t want my input into the hiring decisions?”

  I simply wasn’t going to take the bait. It wasn’t a black and white situation. “Sometimes, you just have to help people for the greater good, and that’s what I did. Sometimes, you have to give people a chance and I was in a position to make that possible, so yeah, I did it and I don’t regret it. So far, Pepper Anderson hasn’t given me any reason to regret my decision, unless there’s something you aren’t telling me?”

  The older lady glared at me and admitted there wasn’t anything else to share. “If something comes up, I will be sure and let you know.”Thankfully, the burgers arrived and the discussion changed to the upcoming gala. I was relieved at the turn of conversation, but I had an idea that I hadn’t heard the end of it.

  Chapter Three — Pepper

  I thought about everything that had happened over the past few weeks. Soon, it would be a month since I’d came to work at Sea Lab, and I thought about how quickly my life had changed in that short space of time. I could have never imagined that I’d fall in love with a dolphin and when I talked with Dad recently, I got the feeling that he was surprised as well.

  “Dad, I’m really enjoying my time at the Lab. The animals are so smart and Gabe says I have a way with them. Kind of like a super power I never knew I had. That’s so cool.”

  He grinned at me. Dad was still an attractive man—tall, thin, with silver hair and a bright white smile. “Are you sure it’s just the dolphin you are in love with?”

  I turned bright red and couldn’t help but stammer, “Dad!” I didn’t deny I was beginning to feel something for Gabe, but love? I’d never been in love, not really. I wasn’t sure this was it, but it was definitely something. Something warm and sometimes heartbreakingly painful.

  I arrived at work right on time, grabbed my gym bag and headed inside. Everyone else was already there and I was anxious to see Gabe. I wanted to talk to him, but I didn’t see him anywhere. I hadn’t seen him in a while. I knew he taught at the school occasionally, but I was surprised that I hadn’t seen him at all.

  We rarely worked on a Saturday, but the time for the gala was drawing near and we had a lot of work to do. Bobbie Jo smiled when I walked in, which was a rarity for her.

  “Hi, Pepper.”

  “Hey, Bobbie Jo.” I sat my bag down on the table and pulled out a chair. “Have you seen Gabe lately? I haven’t seen him in like… forever.”

  “Yeah, he should be here somewhere.” Sometimes we didn’t get along very well, especially in the beginning, but I think she was warming up to me. Much to her surprise—and probably mine too—I wasn’t a quitter. Not this time, anyway.

  Bobbie Jo talked about the goals for the gala—apparently, Sea Lab needed to raise two million dollars for the new, larger tanks to add the new support facilities and the Lab was also taking possession of two rescued killer whales that needed a home
. I didn’t plan on riding those—too big and too temperamental for this chickie.

  Bobbie Jo had told us last week that Sea Lab had received a number of pledges from wealthy donors, but nowhere near enough funds to carry out everything they’d planned for the park. We all sat around the table and listened intently to her as she went through the agenda with us. I’d be on Singh, Tracee would work with Abu and Martin and David would work with both of us from the decks. Before we could get into the specifics, Gabe poked his head in the door.

  “Sorry to interrupt, Bobbie Jo. Pepper, may I speak with you? I’ll have her back in just a second.”

  She nodded and kept going, but my heart fell in my stomach. His tone was dead serious, kind of sad. The wonderful kiss we’d shared seemed to have been forgotten—he was all business. I figured he was about to fire me. Oh, well. I sighed. I tried my best.

  I followed him down the carpeted hall to this office. He led me inside without saying a word, then closed the door behind us and walked to the window that overlooked the park. Finally, I had the chance to look at his face and noticed that he had a big, black bruise under his left eye.

  “What happened to you? Are you okay? Is that from the other night?”

  He tensed up. “No, your friend never hit me with his fist. This happened afterwards.” I walked over to him to get a closer look.

  “What do you mean? Afterwards? You saw him again? He followed you? I’m so sorry, Gabriel.” I reached out for him, but he jerked away and before I could say anything else, the phone on his desk beeped.

  “Gabe?” the voice came from the speaker.

  He turned toward the phone and asked, “Yeah, what is it, Chuck?”

  “There’s a lady here to see Pepper Anderson.”

  My eyes widened. “Huh? Who’d be coming here to see me? I better go downstairs and see what’s going on. Can we talk when I get back?” He nodded and I walked out of the office, glad that I could delay this conversation for another minute or two. I didn’t like the way things were going at all and if we were actually dating, I would definitely qualify this is as the start of a “Dear Jane” conversation.

  I jogged down the stairs to the lower deck and walked to the reception desk. Oh, great, I might have guessed. It’s Evangeline. As usual, my mother dressed like she was heading to a fashion shoot, although truth be told, she hadn’t strutted the catwalk for a very long time now. No, lately she’d been a spokesperson for some kind of high-priced wrinkle cream, even though it was plastic surgery that kept her looking like she was thirty-ish. Today’s ensemble included a leopard print pencil skirt, a bright red fitted top with faux leopard fur collar, a massive red handbag and ultra-high heels. She wore heels all the time, even with her pajamas and it was more than embarrassing. What is it like to have a normal mother? One that eats ice cream and goes to the ball park? I guess I’d never know.

  “What are you doing here? I’m at work, Evangeline. Not a good time. Never a good time, in fact.”

  “Is that any way to greet me? Here I’ve come to surprise you, and that’s all the kindness you give me?” I didn’t reply to her. Instead, I looked at Chuck who lingered nearby, amazed to see a former supermodel standing in front of him and he was completely unsure what to do.

  “Thanks, Chuck.” I smiled and the old man turned and walked away, occasionally looking over his shoulder, presumably to confirm it was actually her that he’d seen.

  “What do you want, Mom?” She winced and I pretended that I didn’t see her repugnance for the use of that word.

  “Where can we talk?”

  “Haven’t we done enough talking this week? Honestly, I can’t remember a time when we’ve talked more.” I pointed to two padded wicker chairs in the reception area near the front door. “Over here is fine, but I have to get back to work. I came out of an important meeting with my boss to see who was here for me.”

  Evangeline took a seat and stared at me. “I know you don’t want to talk to me. You walked out on me in that disgusting country club, and now you won’t answer my phone calls, but despite your obstinacy, your sister insists that I try again.” She patted my hand with her bright red, manicured hands and said in a soothing voice, “Now you know that what happened with Jonathan was not my fault and you think that I planned that, but it’s not true. It was totally spontaneous. I had come upstairs looking for you and had no idea that Jonathan was there. We hit it off immediately and then one thing led to another.”

  My jaw dropped. I stared right back at her. “Is this your way of apologizing?” Ugh! If she said “Jonathan” one more time I was going to throw up.

  “What do I have to apologize for? I told you—it just happened. We didn’t plan it. Don’t you believe me?”

  “Why should I believe you? I watched you screw around on Dad for years—do you think I would believe that you wouldn’t screw around on me, too? Give it a rest, Evangeline.” I stood up, ready to leave. “In the future, please don’t come to my workplace. I have a job to do. It’s not professional at all.”

  “You can’t tell me where to go or when to go. I’m not the child, darling. I’m the parent. And how dare you take that man’s side after everything I’ve been through. Always defending the great Doug Anderson!” She gave me a wicked smile, “You really have no idea, do you?” I could tell she was ready to spew some more of her hatred, but I wasn’t about to indulge her.

  “I’m not going to listen to you trash my father. If you want to be a tramp all your life then go ahead, but how about keeping it away from Mills? She’s the only one that still thinks you’ve got some good in you—and you may have screwed that up, too, after your latest indiscretions. Do something with your life, Evangeline, but do it away from me!”

  She jumped up to her feet and looked like she was ready to knock me down with her purse. “Like you? Working here in this giant… fish tank? Did dear sweet Daddy cut you off now?”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Gabe poised at the top of the stairs. I could see him, but she didn’t have a clue yet. I’m sure if she knew he was there, she would have changed her tone.

  “I’m done with you. Get out!” I yelled at her and stomped back up the staircase. She spun around on her expensive heels and left the building. I pushed gently past Gabe and went straight to the bathroom to splash water on my face. I didn’t want him to see the tears and the anger I was feeling right now.

  That was it! I had made up mind. I was going to do everything I could to be just the opposite of Evangeline. When I got home, I was going to look into colleges. No way was I going to be like her when I was forty-five. Desperate, lonely and heartless.

  No fucking way!

  A heard a light tap on my door. “Pepper? You okay?”

  I took a second to compose myself and wiped my nose with a tissue. “Yes, I’m okay. I’ll be right out.” I dried my face with a paper towel, checked my makeup and walked out the bathroom, straight into the gaze of Gabe’s dark, sexy eyes.

  “Why don’t you go home and take the rest of the day off?”

  “What? Am I fired? I didn’t know she was coming! I swear!” I didn’t want to cry again, not in front of Gabe. He reached for me, grabbed my shoulders gently and bent down a little, so we were eye-to-eye.

  “No, you are not fired. I’m giving you the rest of the day off because you deserve it. You’ve been working hard, really hard. I think we can manage without you for a day or so. Why don’t you go spend some time with your sister? Maybe call your Dad?”

  “That’s very kind of you, but I don’t need a vacation or a day off. I just need her to leave me alone. I guess you wouldn’t understand that.” He let go of my shoulders and contemplated my words.

  “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “It means you have no idea what life is like having that woman as a mother. The constant parade of reporters, the drama, the cold indifference. You wouldn’t understand what it’s like.” He crossed his arms and kept watching me, and then he spoke quietly, yet confidentl
y.

  “No, you don’t get it, Pepper. Sure, she’s crazy and she’s not a good mother, but she is your mother. You can’t expect her to be anything else, can you? Why don’t you try to find a way to make peace with her?”

  “Oh, Gabe. You really don’t get it. You don’t know her like I do. This woman sleeps with my ex-boyfriends. When she and Dad were still married, that woman—my mother—slept with the gardener, the pool guy, or guys, you name it. She has no respect for herself and she’s not happy unless she’s hurting me and everyone else around her.”

  “But as long as you let her hurt you, she will. Stop letting it hurt.”

  “That’s the stupidest thing I have ever heard!”

  “Well, that’s all I got. You’re right—I don’t understand what it’s like to have a promiscuous supermodel for a mother, so maybe I am luckier than you. I have good parents, and I rarely see them, but that’s beside the point. Instead of looking at how hurt you are and how much she hurts you, look at what you do have.”

  “What do you mean?”

  He sighed. His arms were still crossed and his deep voice softened. “You have a father who came to me begging me to help you. He loves you, probably more than you know. You have a sweet sister who looks up to you. You have a lot, Pepper. You have more than you think you do.”

  I knew what he was saying was true, but he still wasn’t getting it. He didn’t want to admit that he had it better. I sighed and couldn’t help but frown.

  “You know, I think I will go home for the day. Thanks for the chat.” I walked away and wrapped myself in self-pity. I knew he was right but I wasn’t done punishing my mother yet. Or myself.

  Chapter Four — Gabe

  I looked at the clock. Aggravated, frustrated—I wasn’t even sure what I felt. Damn, I need to just stop thinking about this. I hated messy situations, and so far Pepper had been as messy as they come. Maybe I was just tired. After all, I had woken up early to say goodbye to my jet-setting parents before they left again to embark on their latest philanthropic tour of some third world country. They were great people, but it would’ve been nice to have them around for more than a week at a time. Once again, I couldn’t depend on them for advice because they weren’t here. What would I say, anyway? I was a grown man—I’d have to deal with this myself.