Tag: Will Montgomery

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Kingsport #40

“What’s all of this?”

Dr. Connor Windsor looked up to find Will Montgomery standing in the doorway of his kitchen, clutching a bottle of red wine in his hands. Connor fumbled with a slotted spoon as he said, “I… Look, I’ve been a jerk lately.”

Will raised a deft eyebrow. “Go on.”

“And… I wanted to do something nice for you. I remembered how much you liked the meal I made for you for our six-month anniversary, so…I wanted to make it for you again.”

“That’s very sweet, but you didn’t have to do this, Connor.”

“I feel like I do.” Connor sat on a stool as he looked woefully at Will. “I love you. I love you so much, Will. I think the stress of the wedding, the planning, my work at the hospital, our parents, your sister…it’s all starting to get to me.”

Will sat next to Connor, taking his hands in his. “It doesn’t have to, Connor. India won’t do anything because my parents are watching her. As for the wedding, we can let my staff handle it. The only thing we need to do it show up on the day. That is…if you want to marry me.” Will surveyed Connor’s face for any trace of emotion. “Do you?”

“Yes,” Connor said, meekly. “I always have. I do.”

“Me too.” Will kissed Connor with such delicacy, he thought he was dreaming. “But, if you aren’t comfortable with my family’s wealth and money, then our marriage will never work, Connor. I can’t do anything about it. It’s…it’s who I am.”

Connor stroked Will’s arm as he said, “I know. It’s not your fault. I just wish your parents weren’t so involved in your life and our relationship.”

“They’ve never been involved in my life, Connor. Not really.”

“The way they’ve been acting…”

“That’s far from how they are, Connor. My parents have been hands-off parents my entire life. They intercede when it suits them. My mother is the worst, but my dad isn’t too far behind. I think…with your history with India, they’re a little more invested than they were when Warren married Jill.”

“Then we shouldn’t let your mother buy us a house as a wedding present.”

Will let out an exasperated groan. “Just let her do it, Connor. Fighting with my mother over a house isn’t the cross on which you want to die. She’s buying it for us. It won’t make a world of difference at the end of the day.”

“I feel weird about it, Will. Why can’t you see that?”

“I don’t know, Connor. Maybe it’s something you need to deal with on your own.”

“I can’t believe you’d say that to me…”

“I didn’t mean it like that,” said Will, quickly. “I just think that we’d both be happier if we focused on each other…on our upcoming wedding…than fighting about my mom buying us a house. It’s not that big a deal!”

“To you it isn’t!”

Will let out an annoyed groan. “Why can’t you just accept it?!?”

“Because I don’t want to be beholden to your parents! God! It’s like you’re blind to how controlling they are, Will. I’m trying to protect you.”

“I don’t need protection from my parents,” spat Will, tersely. “I shouldn’t’ve come here…”

“What? The minute I have an opinion, you want to runoff? God, Will! You need to listen to me!”

“Why?!?! You’re only going to say that my parents are trying to control me and the rest of it. I’m sick of it. They do not control me. In their own weird way, they love me. I’m sorry if the way they show it isn’t good enough for you, Connor, but it’s who they are. I don’t try to change them, like I haven’t tried to change you. I accept people for who they are; not for who I want them to be!”

“So, it’s all my fault? Really, Will?”

Will turned to Connor with fire in his eyes. “You aren’t making it very easy to be around you right now. I’m going home.”

“Will…if you walk out of here, the wedding is off.”

“Why? Because I didn’t let you get your way? If that’s the price of being with you, then I’m out, Connor.”

“Will, I love you. Please. Try to see my side of things,” replied Connor with mounting desperation.

“You won’t see my side of anything unless it relates to yours. I’m sick of it, Connor. I will not marry a man who thinks he has to control me in order for me to be with him. Despite what you may think, I have thoughts, dreams, and opinions outside of you, my parents, and the rest of the world!”

“I never…”

“You didn’t have to,” interjected Will. “I know what people think about me. ‘Poor little rich boy. Poor Will Montgomery. Men must only be with him for his money.’ I’ve heard it all before and I won’t tolerate it anymore. Not from you…or anyone else!”

Connor chased Will out of the kitchen into the foyer, his heart racing a mile a minute. “What’re you saying, Will? Come on, don’t leave it like this…please…”

Will stared into Connor’s soulful eyes. In that instant, he remembered why he’d fallen in love with this man…the only man in a very long time he’d even imagined a future with beyond a second date. “I need time.”

“Time? How much time? We’re getting married in three weeks!”

“I’m perfectly aware of that, Connor.” Will grabbed his car keys from the side table before adding, “You can’t have it both ways. I will not marry a man who’s so insecure when it comes to my parents and our money.”

“Come on,” pleaded Connor. “Let’s have dinner and forget it.”

“I can’t forget it! You’ve made yourself abundantly clear and now I’m doing the same: Either get on board with who I am and what I bring to this relationship or we’re over, Connor. I will not have the same fight with you for the rest of my life.”

“You have to see where I’m coming from, Will. If we accept that house from your mother, we’re wedded to her as much as to each other.”

“If that’s what you think, then I see no point in continuing with our engagement. I’m sorry, Connor, but the wedding is off.”

 

In our next installment, Lisa runs into Sheila…

 

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Kingsport #35

Will Montgomery and Dr. Connor Windsor’s wedding plans had taken on a life of their own. Chefs were flown in from around the world to prepare lavish tasting menus; every floral arrangement known to man had been created; every society matron had offered her humble opinion; and musicians from around the world played tunes ranging from the inane to the caustic. Will wanted his wedding day to be perfect; Connor wanted it to be memorable. However, their parents wanted this most exclusive wedding day to befit their established images in Kingsport.

Raquel Windsor squinted her eyes at the floral centerpiece arrangements which lined the greenhouse on the Montgomery Estate. “I simply don’t know…everything is so beautiful!”

Alison Farrell Montgomery rolled her eyes. She’d known Raquel for over thirty years due to Raquel’s marriage to her childhood friend, Alistair Windsor. To Alison, Raquel was the worst kind of interloper because she forgot where she came from while pretending she’d been to the manor born like Alistair, Alison, and Charles. While Raquel may have softened her roughest edges, Alison always liked to remind her that she’d never be one of them. “I think it’s the right amount if we want to err on the side of understatement,” snapped Alison.

“Oh, yes, I didn’t see it that way,” chimed in Raquel. “Connor,” she purred to her son, “I think Alison and Will are correct.”

Connor smiled tightly. The last thing he wanted was look at floral centerpieces with his mother and Alison, but he loved Will so he said, “Will and I will be too busy enjoying the wedding to even think about centerpieces.”

“These things do matter,” added Will, “but Connor has a point.”

Raquel nodded in agreement. “Oh, I couldn’t agree more, Will!”

Alison exhaled loudly. “Look at the time. I’m sure Chef is having lunch up to the library as we speak. We mustn’t be late.” Alison floated out of the greenhouse with Raquel tripping over herself to keep up.

“I don’t know why your mother is so short with my mom,” sniffed Connor.

Will forced a tight smile on his face. “I don’t know why my mom does half the things she does, Connor.”

“She’s a snob.”

“Ouch. Be nice.”

Connor placed his arm around Will’s tight waist. “I’m sorry.” He kissed Will’s scented neck. “Let’s skip lunch. I’ve had enough of our mothers for one day.”

“We have to go. It’s lunch, not the gallows,” laughed Will as they stepped into the hot August sun. “Besides, our mothers will have to learn how to get along,” sighed Will.

“Then you need to talk to your mother,” snapped Connor. “Everyone knows my mother is desperate for Alison’s approval.”

Will exhaled sharply. “I’ll have a word with her. Connor,” began Will, softly, “my mother wants to buy us a house as her wedding present to us.”

Connor turned to Will with marked bewilderment. “Why? You can live in my house.”

“Well, she thinks it’ll be good for us to establish a home off of your family’s estate.”

“Will, you need to tell your mother to mind her business!”

“Connor!”

“I’m serious! There’s nothing wrong with my house. You never cared that it’s at the back of my family’s land. Only your mother would care about something so…trivial!”

“Okay, calm down,” snapped Will. “It’s just a house. Anyway, you always said your sister wanted your house, so why not give it to her?”

“Will, stop letting your parents control you.”

“My parents do not control me,” scoffed Will, hotly.

Connor shook his head as they approached the main house. “If you believe that…”

“They don’t!” insisted Will.

“Wake up, Will. You have more money than God, but your mother wants to buy our marital home. Oh, and let’s not forget that your dad bought the polo club for you. No wonder you have no qualms spending a million dollars of your money on our wedding because you never pay for anything! For crying out loud, you still live at home!”

Will froze in steely silence as he averted Connor’s gaze. In that moment, it felt like the world had lots its color, sounds ceased to exist, and joy had yet to be known. “You should go,” said Will, crisply.

“I can’t have an opinion?!?!”

“Go, Connor. I won’t ask you again,” replied Will, icily.

“Fine,” snapped Connor.

Will watched as Connor disappeared into the house as he wondered what he’d done to deserve such treatment from the man he loved. Just as the tears were about to flow, Alison walked out of the house towards her son. “Connor had to leave,” Will told his mother.

Alison shook her head in disbelief. “I heard you two from the hall. Oh, Billy…”

“Mom, please. Don’t. Pity is the last thing I need from you.”

“I’m not giving you my pity, Billy.” Alison seized her son by his hands, turned his face towards hers, and said, “You need to think long and hard about Connor. This is the moment every couple faces during the run-up to their wedding… It dictates whether or not they will commit themselves to each other…forever. If Connor is intimidated by your money…your family, then he is not the right man for you.”

“How can you say that to me?!”

“Billy,” Alison continued, firmly, “you need to hear this. Yes, Connor’s family has some money, but not they’re not like us. If Connor can’t handle it, then call off the wedding, Billy. I mean it.”

 

In our next installment, Jill lets a secret slip…

 

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Kingsport #27

Jill Stanhope Montgomery walked into the drawing room of her home to find Will Montgomery and her husband, Warren, having an early afternoon cocktail. While Jill wasn’t a stranger to the joys of alcohol, she detested the flagrant way in which Will so easily led Warren down the wrong path. Even though Warren was older than Will by nearly ten years, Jill considered Will to be the bad influence.

“I thought you were at the country club,” Warren said to his wife. “Billy and I were just talking about the wedding.”

Jill scrunched up her nose. “Oh. Are your parents paying for it?”

Will rolled his eyes. “Actually, I’m paying for my wedding, Jill. I don’t need my parents to fund my lifestyle.”

“Except that your father bought the polo club for you and your parents contribute to your trust fund,” sniffed Jill. “I’ve often told Warren that I think it will be good for our girls to grow up like normal people away from the burdens of excessive wealth.”

Will glared at his sister-in-law with marked contempt. They’d never been friends. Will found her to be vain, condescending, and rigid. Jill wasn’t the kind of person Will would ever help in a crisis, even if their lives depended on it. However, in this moment, he chose to say nothing because he valued his relationship with Warren far too much to waste his time on the likes of the financially derelict Jill Stanhope.

“Jill,” Warren said evenly, “the girls will be prepared for the wealth they will inherit. They are Montgomerys after all.”

“Actually,” said Will, “I stopped by because I wanted to ask you and Warren a question.”

Jill folded her arms with pronounced annoyance. “What?”

“I would like for Hannah and Kate to be flower girls at my wedding to Connor.”

Jill could feel the fury rising from within her. Flower girls, thought Jill, hotly. The last thing she wanted to do was subject her children to the sham of a wedding between Connor and Will. She knew all too well that Connor was not an upstanding man by any means, even if he was the single best lover she had never known. As for Will, Jill loathed him and she refused to let her girls attend any wedding to which he was a party.

“I think it’s great!” chirped Warren. “I know Hannah and Kate will love it.”

“Warren,” Jill said quickly, “don’t you think we should discuss this first?”

“What’s there to discuss,” interjected Will. “They’re going to be flower girls, not drug mules.”

Jill glared at Will. “I just think it’s something my husband and I should discuss.”

“Why?” asked Will, evenly. He did not like Jill. Furthermore, he felt he knew the reason why she didn’t like him. “Jill, I hope this doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that this is a gay wedding. I know the Stanhopes are known for their…provincial way of life…but I do hope that’s not what’s on your mind.”

Jill’s eyes flashed with marked fury. “How dare you…!”

“It’s a simple question,” insisted Will. “I’d love to have my nieces in the wedding…”

“Have you asked if Faren will be in the wedding party?” spat Jill.

Warren glared at his wife, unable to ascertain why she was behaving in such an unbecoming manner. “Jill, what has gotten into you?”

“To answer your question,” Will said as he stood up, “I asked Eli if Faren can be a flower girl and he said it was fine with him as long as Hannah and Kate were in the wedding party, too. He didn’t want anyone left out.” With that, Will bade goodbye to Warren and Jill before leaving their house.

“What the hell was that about?!” Warren said once his brother had gone.

“Don’t speak to me like that when you’ve been drinking,” huffed Jill. “I’m going to the country club.”

“Hang on,” Warren said, quickly. He moved to block Jill from leaving the drawing room, his mind racing at a thousand miles a minute. “Billy’s right.” Warren looked into Jill’s eyes which showed no hint of emotion. “He’s right, isn’t he?” Warren let all of the air out of his lungs as he moaned, “Oh, Jill…”

“I don’t approve of Billy and Connor’s marriage! Fine! I said it! I don’t want my daughters photographed for newspapers and magazines around the world at a gay wedding, Warren. My family would be mortified! I know your family will do anything to placate Billy, but I won’t do it!”

“How can you be so cruel and homophobic?!”

“I am not cruel or homophobic!”

“Jill…”

“No! Just because I don’t share the same beliefs as you, Warren, doesn’t mean I’m wrong. I am so sick of your family trying to make me into one of you. God! I don’t care if Eli lets Faren be a flower girl! I will not stand for my daughters being in that freak show!”

“How dare you say that about my brother!”

“Oh, please. Wake up, Warren. You think Billy is some sort of saint and he’s not. He’s planning to marry the man who allegedly raped your sister!”

Warren felt the blood drain from his face. “How do you know about that?!” he seethed.

“Everyone knows,” Jill said in a low growl. “It’s the worst kept secret in Kingsport. People think the Montgomery family is a joke because of Billy and Connor. You people pretend to be so upstanding and noble when your skeletons are literally falling out of your closets. I refuse to let my children be a party to this unseemly affair.”

“They’re my children, too! Don’t force my hand, Jill.”

Jill stared at Warren with contempt for the first time in their marriage. “Are you trying to threaten me?”

“I have the resources of my trusts and the Montgomery family at my disposal. You have what I give you. I will destroy you if you try to play me against my children and my family.” Warren’s eyes narrowed as he transfixed his gaze on Jill. “You get away with a lot, my dear wife. You may think you’re high and mighty, but that’s only due to me. You came from less than nothing! Society trash at its best. No money; just a name. I made you. I gave you money…access…real class… If you cross me where Billy is concerned, you’ll be out on the streets with nothing but what’s in our prenup and that’s not much, Jill.”

“You’d threaten the mother of your children…”

“No.” Warren closed his eyes to regain his thoughts. “I’m simply stating the facts. You may think you’ve won this round, but you will apologize to Billy…”

“I will not!”

“You will!!”

“No! I’m not apologizing to anyone! I do not support his union to Connor. I will not subject my daughters to that freak show, Warren. If you so much as push me on this issue, I will let everyone know about what really goes on in this family. You may have the money, Warren, but I will win in the court of public opinion.”

Warren eyed his wife carefully because, in truth, she seemed more like a stranger. “Where did you learn to be so vile?”

“From your family,” she said, pointedly.

With that, Warren stormed out of the drawing room and out of the house.

Jill collapsed on a divan as she heard Warren’s car peal down the driveway. She could hardly contain her emotions as she began to cry without knowing if the tears would ever cease. Oh, and how she ached for Connor. As she tried to console herself in her eight-million-dollar home, Jill knew all too well that Warren was right about everything. In spite of that, she couldn’t let him take away her children. And yet, she couldn’t let her children be in Will and Connor’s wedding. Either way, she would lose. However, there was only one way to ensure she wouldn’t have to compromise: Jill had to ensure Will and Connor never made it to their wedding day…

In our next installment, Warren confides in Charles…

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Kingsport #26

India Montgomery stepped into the Morning Room to find Dr. Connor Windsor with his arm draped around her brother, Will, without a care in the world. The sight of them together made her sick. Ever since their mother, Alison, had returned from Paris for Will and Connor’s engagement, she hadn’t been able to try and win back Connor. Alison hadn’t said anything to her, but she knew all too well not to upset Will in front of Alison because their mother would always side with Will. India had hated Will since the day he was born and that showed no signs of abating now. The only thing India wanted was for Will to get out of the way because he was the only one stopping her path to happiness.

“Good morning,” chirped India as she made her presence known.

Without turning his head, Will blithely replied, “Can’t you eat in another room?”

“You expect me to eat breakfast outside of the Morning Room? I’m not middle class, Billy,” spat India. She sat across from Connor and her brother and rang a small silver bell. “I considered taking breakfast in the rose garden, but it is far too humid for my tastes.” India focused on Connor, who was doing everything in his power to avoid her gaze. “I only like getting hot and sticky…sometimes…” India said, her eyes never leaving Connor.

A moment later, Ada Burke appeared with India’s breakfast under a silver dome. In a flash, Ada vanished into the servant’s quarters.

“Connor, let’s go out for dinner tonight.”

“I can’t,” sighed Connor. “I have to consult for a surgery next week.”

Will kissed Connor’s cheek. “It’s all right. I’ll find something to do.”

“I’m sure you will,” snapped India. “I think you should go play with your horses or whatever it is you do, Billy.”

Connor glared at India with marked contempt. “If you’re only going to stir up trouble, you can have the Morning Room to yourself, India. Come on, Billy.”

Before India could respond, Connor took Will by the hand and left India alone in the Morning Room. She wanted to scream. She wanted to kick something or someone. India’s blood simmered because she knew Connor loved her, not Will. She knew Connor was using Will to get to her. India knew she had to get Connor alone in order for them to reconnect. It was only a matter of time before Will and Connor got married which meant if she didn’t act quickly, her life with Connor would be ruined as it had been before. India wouldn’t let that happen again…she couldn’t…

Sheila Davenport and Alison Farrell Montgomery clinked their champagne flutes over breakfast at the Kingsport Arms Hotel. While it wasn’t normal for either of these two society women to be seen dining in public in such a flagrant fashion, Alison had suggested the idea to her best friend. And, as it turned out, they were having a marvelous time.

“I only wish I knew what to do about India,” Alison said through the din of the restaurant. “Her obsession with Connor is unhealthy.”

“I know you and Charles are worried about her, Ali, but India is a grown woman. She has to make a life for herself without interfering with Billy and Connor.”

“That’s easier said than done,” sighed Alison. “India’s always had an attachment problem. It’s just a shame she hasn’t put all of this energy into her relationship with Faren.”

Sheila took a long sip from her champagne flute. “I hate to say it, Ali, but I feel that Faren is better off with Elijah than with India.”

“No argument there,” added Alison. “It’s a shame really. India will never know the joys of being a mother because of her obsession with Connor.”

“Do you think the two are linked?”

“Yes,” insisted Alison. “Anyway, I didn’t come here to talk about my daughter. Are you still seeing Robert Fairman?”

Sheila made a face of distaste. “Absolutely not! That man turned out to be nothing but a chancer! Trash. I couldn’t get him out of my life fast enough. Are you still dating Count Andre du Renault?”

Alison could feel her face flush. How she wanted to tell Sheila everything that had happened with the count which had been the catalyst for her sudden return to Kingsport. “I… He and I have decided that it’s no longer wise to see each other,” Alison stated diplomatically. “We’re very different people…and I have a husband…”

“You and Charles haven’t had a real marriage in years,” tutted Sheila. “You two deserve to be happy.”

“Sheila, I don’t want to talk about Charles.”

“You two are on the same estate. You’re bound to see each other.”

Alison cast her eyes down to her smoked salmon. “Outside of seeing him once with Billy, we’ve kept out of each other’s way. Sheila, we shared a few lovely years, raised our children, and decided it was best if we went our separate ways. It works for us.”

“I understand, Ali. It’s just…”

“What?” inquired Sheila.

“If you love him, tell the old coot.”

Alison burst into peals of laughter. “Sheila!” cried Alison as she attempted to stifle her laugh. “What a thing to say!”

Before Alison could say anything else, she and Sheila both saw the same sight: Charles Montgomery, IV emerging from the private dining room with a young little thing hanging from his arm. A wave of fury and embarrassment rushed through Alison. Before she knew it, Alison was marching to confront her husband.

“Alison,” stammered Charles. “I…”

“I’m Alison Montgomery. His wife,” Alison said in a low, cautious voice to the young woman.

The young woman turned six shades of red as Alison gave her an icy stare. “I…”

“Please. I have no use for your pitiful explanations. Just go.” Alison watched the young woman scurry away faster than the wind could carry her. “We said we’d be discrete,” Alison said to Charles, quietly.

“I was being discrete.” He cleared his throat as he took Alison by the hand and stepped into the shadows. “You had no right to make a scene.”

“I’m your wife! This is my reputation, too!”

“You’ve lived in Paris for the better part of two decades, Alison! You’re the one who wanted nothing to do with me. We’re estranged.”

“We may be estranged,” bit Alison, “but I am still Mrs. Charles Montgomery, IV. That will never change.”

“My, my, my,” taunted Charles, “I think you’re jealous.”

“I am not jealous!” huffed Alison. “If you’re going to have affairs with cheap young women, do it in New York City, not in Kingsport.”

Charles gazed at his wife with loving contempt. “You want me. You hate me. You loathe me. You can’t stand being around me. Which is it, Alison?” He waited for a response which never came because Alison stalked off towards the restroom leaving Charles and Sheila completely bewildered over what had just happened. However, Charles knew one thing was for sure: Now was the time to ask his wife for the one thing he wanted, yet was afraid to broach. Charles Montgomery, IV wanted a divorce.

In our next installment, Warren and Jill have a heated argument…

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Kingsport #22

“I’m not upset, Billy, I’m miffed.” Alison Farrell Montgomery stirred a splash of cream into her ink black coffee. She sighed with mild irritation before adding, “I don’t understand why you wouldn’t tell me about your engagement before you alerted the press. It seems the only time any of you want to talk to me is when you’re having a crisis.” Alison took a long, protracted sip of her coffee. “I am your mother, Billy.”

Will Montgomery lowered his eyes to avoid his Alison’s contemptuous gaze. He looked at the patterned carpeting in the sitting room of her bedroom suite before saying, “I’m sorry. I was caught up in the moment.”

“That’s really no excuse,” sniffed Alison, haughtily.

“Mom, I’ve been apologizing all weekend. You barely talked to me at the Independence Day party. Do you have any intention of forgiving me?”

Alison’s face was a stony, unreadable mask. She wouldn’t ever let her children know when she had forgiven them because it always allowed her to have the upper hand in all of their interactions. She merely said, “Do you need help financing the wedding? I know the Windsors aren’t as financially abundant as we are, so it may be best if your father and I paid for the affair.”

Will could feel the heat rise in his cheeks. Ever since he was a little boy, he had been wholly aware of the enormous generational wealth his family had which never seemed to deplete. Rather, it grew and grew with very little work or effort. He was always wary about the subject of his family’s money, even though his parents both loved talking about it. “Actually, I was going to pay for it. I barely the income from my trust fund, so you and Dad are off the hook.”

“Well, that’s very mature of you, Billy.” Alison fiddled with the diamond watch on her wrist. “I think we should discuss another matter.” She cleared her throat before saying in a low, hushed voice, “I’m concerned about how your wedding to Connor will affect India.”

Will rolled his eyes with annoyance. “I wish everyone would stop wondering how India’s going to feel when Connor and I get married. She’s obsessed with him. He doesn’t even like her.”

“You needn’t be so flippant; she’s your sister.”

“She’s crazy.”

“Billy, you have to consider how India’s obsession with Connor will color your marriage. She’s not going anywhere. When she was with me in Paris, I thought she was getting better. However, she’s self-destructive. Any time she would meet a nice man from the right background, she would find a fault with him, create unnecessary drama, and cry about how nobody loves her.” Alison shook her head wearily. “I don’t know if there’s any hope for her, but I want to ensure that you and Connor are prepared for her presence in your life.”

Will pondered his mother’s words for a moment. His mother rarely spoke so candidly about anything, especially when it came to her children. Either she was worried about Will or she was concerned about India. He couldn’t tell. “Connor and I will be fine, Mom. I think moving off the estate will help a lot. Connor and I are talking about living in his house.”

“That little house at the back of the Windsor Mansion? Oh, Billy, you can do better than that! I’ll call my estate agent to see if we can find a suitable mansion for you and Connor. It’ll be my wedding present to you, held in trust, of course. We don’t need the local papers in our private affairs,” stressed Alison.

“Mom, you don’t have to buy me a house!”

“Billy, I want to do this for you. To be honest, there were times when I didn’t know if you’d ever find someone to make you happy. If Connor is that person, then I will be here to celebrate your love until the wedding.”

Will looked at Alison with a mix of shock and surprise. “You’re staying in Kingsport until the wedding?”

“I intend to. Have you set a date?”

“We’re thinking of September after the end of the Season.”

“That’ll be fine, Billy.”

Alison rose from her chair and walked over to the windows which overlooked the rose garden. Her mind raced with so many private worries which she couldn’t share with anyone. Being in Kingsport until her son’s wedding would be hard, but going back to Paris right now would be even harder. Whether she liked it or not, Kingsport was her home. The Montgomery Estate was her rightful residence. It was safe. As she tried to forget about the events of the recent past, all Alison could think about was the pain, hurt, and sorrow which had haunted her for her entire life…

Nicholas Davenport sat at his computer in his Manhattan co-op apartment with a sense of dread in his heart. He re-read the email which stated that his latest investment, a dating app which used astrology to match partners, was closing down. His entire investment of five hundred thousand dollars would be lost. Nicholas knew his accountant could write it off on his taxes, but that wasn’t the point. It was one more thing that proved his mother right about his lack of savvy business or financial acumen. A moment later, Nicholas logged into his bank account and let out a little sigh. He had two hundred and fifty thousand dollars in cash, ten million dollars spread across various savings accounts, thirty million dollars in money market funds, a twenty-million-dollar investment portfolio, one million shares of Davenport Technology stock worth eighty million dollars, and a recent dividend payment of five hundred and sixty thousand dollars. Nicholas Davenport, like his mother and siblings, was one of the richest, yet unknown black people in America. He knew he was a long way off being broke or poor, but because he had so little access to so much of his money, he felt trapped and yoked to his family.

He walked into his pristine kitchen, turned on the kettle, and waited.

Nothing in Nicholas’ life made him feel at ease. He always felt rudderless. He felt like a child even though he had lived quite a life. His encounter with his mother the other week was just another incident where he felt powerless and voiceless. For the first time in his life, Nicholas needed something to happen. His writing career had stalled, his investments outside of his trust fund were failing, and he was practically estranged from his family.

The sound of the wailing kettle brought Nicholas back to life.

Suddenly, something in his mind told him what to do next.

It could be risky. It could pay off. Or, it could explode in his face.

Despite the risk, Nicholas pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed a familiar number which was answered after one ring. “Hey, it’s me,” he said quickly. “I’d like to come visit you on Wednesday. It’s important.” Before receiving an answer, Nicholas ended the call and dialed another number. “Hi, this is Nicholas Davenport. I’d like to charter a plane for tomorrow night from New York City to San Francisco.”

 

In our next installment, Barbara receives life changing news…

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Posted on

Kingsport #18

The news of William Harrison Montgomery’s engagement to Dr. Connor Daniel Windsor was front page news in the Kingsport Press. A piece of public relations which only could have been crafted from the minds hired by the Montgomery family to put the best spin on their sorted private lives made people from around town send their best wishes. Women cursed the fact that two eligible bachelors were off the market while some men cursed the fact that they hadn’t been smart enough to snag Will. Everyone agreed that their union would be one of the most important since Charles Montgomery married Alison Farrell almost fifty years ago. While some things do change, the fact that society marriages are business transactions trussed up in tulle and taffeta was only known to a few. For everyone else, the gaiety and pomp during the run-up to the wedding day was the result of glitter being thrown into the eyes of those who weren’t privy to the truth.

For India Montgomery, the news of her brother’s engagement to Connor sent her into a tailspin. She wanted nothing more than to get Will out of the way, but she was warned by her father that her antics wouldn’t be appreciated or taken kindly this time around. While she had no intention of complying with Charles’ wishes, she knew better than to make an obvious disruption during Will and Connor’s engagement.

Engagement.

The word coursed through her mind with pure venom. For most of her life, she’d done whatever she could to get rid of Will. Now he was assuming her life by way of marrying Connor. It wasn’t fair. She loved Connor. She had done everything in her power to get him to love her. She had stalked him, obsessed about him, and lied about him in order for him to notice her. Now he was marring Will.

Will.

She hated him from the minute of his birth. One of her earliest memories was trying to smother him with a pillow, but one of the maids stopped her when she came in to change the bedding. A few years later, she pushed him down the stairs of the main house. At least he broke his arm that time. When Will was in college, she paid someone to hack into his computer and leak his nude photos. That was a great scandal which was never traced back to her. However, this was different. Will had gone after the man she loved. Connor was always meant to be hers and hers alone.

As India sat in the quiet of her bedroom in the main house of the Montgomery Estate, a wicked thought took root in her brain. She decided that the best thing she could do right now was to do nothing. Instead of causing a scene, she would do nothing but smile, smile, and smile again. She would tell everyone, “Yes, I am happy for my brother and Connor. The whole family is thrilled for them.” She would tell as many lies as she could to get herself through this horrific moment. And then…when everyone least expected it, she would launch an assault with such venom that no one could stop her. By the time she was done, Will would be out of the picture and Connor would be hers. It didn’t matter how far she had to go. It didn’t matter who got hurt in the end. Connor belonged to her. And, before anyone else knew it, she would become Connor’s wife.

 

 

“I really am happy for you,” Warren told Will and Connor over breakfast at his house. “It’s nice to celebrate good news for once.”

Jill Stanhope Montgomery chewed on a bagel with a false smile plastered on her face. “This really is great to hear,” said Jill, coolly.

“Has India given you any grief?” asked Warren.

Will shook his head. “It’s the oddest thing. She seems fine with it.”

“India’s finally got the hint that I don’t want anything to do with her,” said Connor, firmly. “I’m with the man I love.”

Warren smiled broadly. “That’s what I like to hear. I hate to break-up this little gathering, but I have to get to the office.”

“Could you drop me off at the polo club? I have some work to do before we see Connor’s parents tonight,” said Will.

Jill watched as Will and Warren left the house, bonded in their mutual brotherly love. She turned to Connor with disdain in her eyes. For years she had avoided this man. Now she was engaged to her brother-in-law and she’d never be free of craving him with every inch of her being. “You can leave now,” she said, hotly.

“Jill,” cooed Connor. “Even after two children, you look as fit as I remember.” He gave her a dashing smile. “We had fun, didn’t we?”

A nervous sensation coursed through Jill’s body. The sound of his voice – the sound which haunted her dreams – made her wet with desire. “That was a long time ago. I’m happy with Warren.”

“Warren’s a great guy…”

“And one of your friends…”

“But he’s not me. Remember that time you squirted clear across the room at the Kingsport Arms?” Connor moved closer to Jill, his hot breath tickling the hairs on her neck. “I remember how you would masturbated in front of me before going on your first date with Warren.” He leaned into her, his lips just millimeters from her ear. “I can still smell you all over me.”

Jill sat frozen in her suppressed lust for Connor. “I’m happy with Warren.”

“That’s the thing about happy people… They don’t convince everyone that they’re happy.” He let his hand graze her bare knees. “We did have fun, Jill… So much dirty fun,” he whispered. “Well,” he said, his voice returning to normal, “thank you for breakfast. Whoever would have thought that we’d end up married to the Montgomery brothers. We must be lucky.” Connor stood up and began walking to the entryway of the dining room.

“Do you love Will?”

Connor turned to Jill with a bemused smirk. “Yes, I love him.”

“Does he know about us?”

Connor’s gunmetal blue eyes shimmered with menace. “He never will. It was years ago.”

“I could tell him.”

“You won’t.”

“I should.”

“You won’t.” Connor sauntered over to Jill, placed his hand between her legs, and rubbed the sensitive spot on her thigh that always made her quiver. “Don’t ever threaten me again.” His voice dropped as he whispered, “If you don’t want to wind up like India, keep your mouth shut.”

“Connor,” Jill said, her voice quaking with fear and lust.

“Go masturbate, Jill. Oh, and thanks for breakfast.”

Jill sat in her seat for what seemed like hours. No matter how much she hated Connor, she wanted him. Even though she wanted to expose him to the world, she knew he could ruin her life. She felt trapped. She hated this man, but craved him all the same. In that moment, Jill Stanhope Montgomery cried for the first time in years. The tears weren’t because she was afraid, but because she was willing to throw everything away for one more night with Connor. She knew he could be dangerous, but his touch alone made Jill lose her mind. There, in the perfect dining room in her perfect house, Jill Stanhope Montgomery let the tears fall as she rued the day she’d ever met Dr. Connor Windsor.

 

In our next installment, Nicholas arrives in Kingsport…

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