"I have no idea who you're speaking about," she claimed with a wide-eyed stare
"Of course you do, damn it! Don't give me those big eyes and fluttering lashes I'm immune to your charms, Ms. Christopher, plentiful as they may be." I promised me. I flew two thousand miles from New York, drove three hours from the airport to this god forsaken nowhereville, got lost five times on theroad and walked the last mile in the pouring rain.
My voice had started off at a reasonable tone, but rose with each breath so that my specech now crescendoed at shouting level, my face an angry scowl. "Now, you tell Will to get out here this istant ! I'm tired of playing games."
She stared at him for a moment, speechless.Then She laughed, politely covering her mouth with her hand. Perhaps it was a nervous reaction to her fear or another of her game.
Whatever it's non of my business, am here for a purposes and not going without achieving it. "I don't appreciate your amusement at my expenses, Ms. Christopher," I said sternly.
"Please, call me Olivia," she suggested politely. We are on shouting terms and all."
"All right, Olivia," I agreed through gritted teeth. "Now you are either going to tell Will to come out and face the music, or I'll search this place from cellar to attic."
"Help yourself." She waved my arm airily. "But it won't do you any good. Will isn't here."
I quickly glanced around the room, as it expecting my brother to step out from behind the couch or a curtain. Then I looked back at her, glaring at her, obviously considering my next move.
"Maybe that is true," I said finally, rubbig my jaw with hand." I doubt that even my brother would stay in hiding this long while his fair damsel faced the dragon alone."
I paced around the room, peered out the Window at the wretched weather and then dropped the curtain back in place "So, why isn't he here?" I persisted. "Are you two superstitious? No letting the groom view the bride before she walks down the aisle and all that?"
"I'm not the least bit superstitious,"she said honestly. "But Will is. Funny thing for a scientist, isn't it?"
"Very amusing," I replied blandly. "Where is he? You might as well tell me now and save us both.a lot of trouble," I warned.
"I don't know," she answered simply. I stared at her in disbelief, she shrugged. "Honestly."
I started to say something, then pursed my lips and sighed as I gazed around the room, as if seeing it for the first time. She gazed around as I did, seeing the place from my eyes.
The swayback couch, of 1990s vintage, was actually valuable-if she ever had the extra money to refinish the wood trim and repair the tear in the burgundy satin upholstery that was now cleverly camouflaged by a hand-knit afghan. The rocker, with its carewon velvet cushions, was in need of repair as well. Knowing very well her source of income that she can't afford all this. She hooked up to my rich guy.
"You collect antiques, I see," I said finally.
"Some pieces are antiques. Some are just...old," she admitted. "I got most of the things through my business. I have a shop in town," she explained. "It's sort of a combination thrift store, antique and vintage clothes shop we sell all kinds of thing."
"Yes, I know all about it Olivia's Attic," I replied,
"Yes, that's right, she answered, lifting her chin.
I stalked around my living room like a disgruntled tiger, practically growling under my breath. I picked up a china dish off the end table and checked the imprint on the bottom. It was Limoges, a discontinued pattern. Despite the hairline crack in the finish, it was worth something, especially to a collector.
"Nice," I noted as I carefully set it down again."From your shop as well?"
"That's right."
"I imagine you don't make much profit, if you take home all the best pieces for yourself."
"I do all right," she bristled.
I laughed, and said . I've already told you once. Don't lie to me. I know very well what kind of trade Olivia's Attic does-or doesn't do."
"Do you?" She challenged.
"Down to the last dollar I' ve done some research, you see. Your prolit margin is not very...... impressive."
"You're the last person on earth I'm interested in impressing." Mr. Adams, she replied smoothly after some time "But just so your facts are straight, you can note that I have other sources of income."
"I'Il bet," I said in a harsh, accusing tone. "Like my brother, for instance?" I added harshly, Well, as of tonight, you can strike Will Adams from your balance sheet. You'll have to find some other Wealthy boyfriend to set you up in the affluent style to which you obviously aspire. Clearly, your tastes exceed your income, Ms. Christopher." She stared at me, too shocked to speak. "of course, with your looks, it shouldn't be too hard to find another rich sap," I added before she could reply "With that face.....and body to match..... I'm not surprised you had a guy like Will twisted around your little finger," I looked at her attractive figure though she dressed densently, she turned on me, and I saw her temper exploding.
"You have some unbelievable nerve! Waking me up in the middle of the night. Raving like a madman. Coming into my home and insulting me in this outrageous manner."
"Yes, play the part of the outraged maiden, why don't you? The sensitive, innocent flower, trampled and slandered by a brute. An absolute beast," I added in a mocking tone. "Have I bruised your tender sensibilities so harshly, Ms. Christopher? Well, let me put it to you another way then. As far as I can see, you are-as they'd say in the good old days......a fortune hunter, madam. Plain and simple, one who is after my brother's money. If you think you' re going to marry him, think again," I shouted at me.
"I'm sure you re the one who needs to think again, Mr. Adams, she replied, echoing my cutting tone. "Your brother is an intelligent, responsible adult who can and will choose who he wishes to marry . And without your grandiose, overbearing interference or approval. I might add."
"You will not marry him," I warned her. I stared at her from across the room where I stood silhouetted against the long frame window. I know she despised me, but am not going to let her ruin my brother bright future.