“Thanks, mate.” Jason knew the look Chris was talking about, had seen him use it to intimidate even the toughest of men—and it usually worked. Chris was a scary son of a bitch when he set his mind to it.
“Fuck, I wish she didn’t insist on this lunch thing. Bloody hard to keep a decent watch over the room when bodies are shifting about all over the joint.” Jason rubbed his temples, trying to reduce the tension that had his body coiled as tight as a spring. He hated that he didn’t have total control of the situation. Toni was floating around the room, introducing herself and chatting with all the guests. Jason just wanted to shout out for everyone to take a seat and stop moving around. He couldn’t see all the hands, needed to know that they were all empty—that no one held some sort of weapon.
Jason had hoped after his and Toni’s little altercation at the office the day before—which had resulted in the best makeup sex of his life—he’d be feeling more relaxed.
He’d certainly not wasted any time yesterday getting her back to the motel room, naked and flat on her back. He’d been so shocked when Toni had turned to him, sure she’d been about to give him a spray for what he’d said. Seeing her face and realizing that she was turned on had just about blown his mind. Seriously, the woman had him tied up in fucking knots most days. His dick had gone ramrod straight at the sight of her chewing on her own lip and that had been before he’d noticed her nipples poking against her top, just begging for his attention.
He’d paid homage to those rose-colored peaks the first chance he’d gotten. Teased, nipped and sucked on them until Toni had been a writhing mass beneath him. Then he’d kissed a trail down between her ribs, her abdomen, swirled his tongue in and around her navel before continuing his journey. His resting place? The haven between Toni’s thighs. Holding her pussy lips apart with his thumbs, Jason had plunged his tongue deep into her cunt. Savored the taste of her arousal that had filled his mouth.
He’d drunk deeply from her creamy wet cunt until she’d screamed his name in ecstasy and even then, he hadn’t stopped. He’d been a man possessed, intoxicated by her sweet perfume and her exotic taste. He’d been coiled up so tight with worry that he hadn’t been able to control his own emotions. It hadn’t been until he’d felt Toni’s hand brush against his forehead, in an attempt to push him away, that her pleas of “Stop” had registered. He’d lifted his head and seen her tears.
Terrified that he’d hurt her, scared her, he had torn himself away, backed himself up against the wall, horrified at his actions. But Toni had once again thrown his equilibrium off kilter. She had climbed off the bed, walked right up to where he’d stood and knelt down before him. She’d wrapped her fingers around his cock and she’d looked up at him, her eyes still glistening from the tears she’d shed, and apologized to him. “I’m so sorry, Jason, for making you so stressed—for not understanding that you really are worried about me, for not remembering what you’ve been through, what you’ve seen. I didn’t think about it from your side. I was just thinking of myself, how it affected me. I’m so sorry I’m making you crazy. I promise I will listen to everything you say from now on.”
Then Toni had sucked his cock into her mouth, while he’d stood there like a frickin’ statue, trying to figure out what the hell had just happened. Toni had made him forget his own thoughts soon enough. Her wicked little tongue and mouth performing magic on his throbbing cock. She’d sucked and licked every inch of his dick and balls, taking him so far into her mouth he’d felt her throat tighten around his head as she’d swallowed.
They’d made love again a short time later, more slowly, taking time to caress and love each other. Then he’d fallen asleep, feeling more relaxed than he had in days—Toni tucked up safe and sound in his arms.
But that feeling was long gone now, and Jason knew this was not the time or place to be reliving such erotic memories. Toni was about to start her speech.
Jason’s gaze was immediately drawn to her, as she smiled at the crowd before she picked up the microphone.
“Hello and welcome. For those of you that have not met me, I’m Toni Grimaldi. My family and I are deeply saddened over the horrible tragedy that has occurred on this site. We want you to know that we are standing here with you, beside you. We grieve for those that have been lost and hope the injured will heal quickly. We will do everything we can to help.”
Some of the attendees started out aggressively, taking out their frustrations over the accident and the current mine closure on Toni. It made Jason bristle hearing them accuse her—the Grimaldis—of not doing enough.
“She’s doing fine, mate. Calm down. You look like you’re gonna start throwing punches. Toni has the room wrapped around her little finger.”
Chris was right. Jason had realized his fists were clenched by his side. He had to get a grip. Toni was holding her own. He was so proud of her—the way she was answering all the accusations and questions thoughtfully and with a calm self-assuredness that was quickly winning the hearts of all that were present. Jason could see it in their posture. Most of the guests were sitting back in their chairs, nodding in agreement as Toni spoke of the efforts being done by her family’s company.
“I’m okay. She’s bloody awesome, the way she’s handling herself. I don’t understand how Toni ever felt she didn’t fit into the role of socialite or mining magnate’s daughter. She’s a natural. Once this is done, we’ve only got to worry about the visits to the families of the deceased. I guess Toni sitting with a few widows, sharing a cup of tea and sympathy, could hardly be classed as dangerous. ”
“I hate to mention it, J-man, but I think your radar might be on the blink. I think there would be a mass revolt if anyone threatened a hair on her pretty little head.”
“You might be right, Chris, but if you ever make me think you are paying that much attention to my girl again, we may have a problem. I’m the only one that gets to notice how pretty she is. Got it?”
“Calm down, lover boy. It’s just a figure of speech. She’s not my type anyway. Toni’s a settlin’ down kind of woman and that scares the shit outta me, J-man. I’m still surprised she managed to get her hooks in you. The J-man I knew wouldn’t have gone near her. She’s got you so wound up that if she pulled the trigger, you’d be spinning around like a friggin’ tornado.”
Chris was still chuckling at his own humor when Toni joined them.
“What’s so funny?” she asked, as she placed her hand in Jason’s. She looked so happy. Jason couldn’t blame her either. The lunch had been such a huge success and Toni deserved to feel pleased with the outcome, with her efforts. Jason couldn’t wait to reward her.
“Chris thinks he’s got a future in comedy but I have my doubts. You, however, luv, are bloody awesome. You had them all hanging off your every word. You should be really pleased with what you’ve done here and what you will achieve in the future with the Foundation. There’s plenty of Grimaldi in your genes, babe. You just hadn’t found the right outlet for it.”
Jason watched in horror as Toni’s eyes filled with tears.
What the fuck did I say this time? Sheesh, women—never understood ’em.
Without warning she flung her arms around him, her strength quite astonishing as she squeezed Jason’s ribs so hard he thought she might actually crack one.
“I love you, Jason Beck. Meeting you has given me so much more than you’ll ever know. I’m a different person now. I got brave. You gave me the strength to find the courage to reach out for what I wanted. I wish I was just as good for you. Instead, I just give you more to worry about.”
“Oh for God’s sake, you two, get a room. All this lovey-dovey stuff is making me feel all skittish and girly,” Chris said, the sound of his laughter fading as he walked away.
* * * *
She paused in front of the green door a moment to gather her thoughts. The lunch she’d organized had gone without a hiccup. She’d been so nervous, bordering on terrified at the thought of facing the media whilst delivering her speech. Scared that she would trip over or spill food down the front of her neat two-piece suit, in front of everyone. But none of her predicted disasters had happened and Jason’s fears had been unfounded as well. It had all gone smoothly. But these visits to the widows were taking their toll on her. Today, Toni was meeting Mrs. Carlton. Her husband had been a miner for almost forty years and now he was gone. What could she say that would make any difference?
I can let the woman know I’m thinking of her.
After taking a deep breath then releasing it slowly, Toni knocked on the door. The sound of muffled footsteps approached before the door swung open.
“Well, hello, dear, you must be Miss Grimaldi… Or are you one of those New Age girls that likes to use the Ms. title? Never understood it myself.”
Mrs. Carlton was a small, dainty woman. Her silver-gray hair was neatly pinned in a bun on the top of her head. She wore an apron that was so bright that sunflowers seemed to jump from the fabric, and Toni had to fight the urge to pull out her sunglasses.
“Hello, Mrs. Carlton. Yes, I’m Toni Grimaldi, Toni. I’m glad you had time to see me.”
“Time, that’s all I have left, dear. Come in, Toni. Is that short for something? Antonia, Antoinette…” Mrs. Carlton was still talking as she led Toni into the house. “I’ve been doing some baking. My Harry used to say if he came home and found the kitchen full of cakes and scones, he knew something was up.”
There was a wonderful aroma filling the house and after spotting the assortment of baked goodies on the kitchen counter Toni understood why. Lamingtons, scones, muffins and cookies filled every available space. “They look delicious and smell even better, Mrs. Carlton.”
“Call me Bea, dear, short for Beatrice. Would you like to try something? There is quite a lot here…”
Bea paused. Toni waited for her to continue but she appeared to be lost in thought. Toni wasn’t sure if she should say something or just keep silent.
“I think I may have gone a little overboard this time,” Bea finally said but her voice held such sadness in it that Toni wanted to wrap her arms around her.
“I’m sure there are families who would be happy to take them off your hands, Bea. I could help you deliver them if you like? That is, after I try one of your lamingtons. Is that fresh cream inside?”
“Of course it is, and homemade jam as well. I might make us a pot of tea. So, Toni, why have you come visiting? Not that I’m complaining. It’s nice to have a lovely young woman to chat with.”
“I wanted to make sure you were doing okay and let you know my family are thinking of you, that we are so sorry for your loss and to offer any support you might need, now and in the future.” Her words sounded so inadequate considering the circumstances, and Toni was embarrassed by them.
“That’s very kind of you, dear, and your family. Pass on my thanks.” Bea poured tea into a cup then handed it to Toni. “I’ll get you a lamington.”
Toni took a moment to look around the kitchen. Despite all the cooking Bea had obviously done, the room was spotless. Benches were neat and tidy, the kitchen sink sparkled. Sunshine beamed through the large window, bouncing off the lemon colored curtains bringing an extra brightness to the room. A total contrast to the dark and gloomy reason for her visit.
“Here you are. Enjoy.” Bea placed the cake on the table in front of Toni. “I’m not sure there is anything anyone can do for me. It is going to take some time to get my head around the idea that Harry will not be coming home. But, unfortunately, that is the way of life. People you love are taken from you too soon. I’m very lucky to have had my husband for so long. We’ve been married for forty-five years next March. Harry and I met in primary school. I guess people call us childhood sweethearts, and we were. I loved him and he loved me. We had our share of hard times but always worked through them together. Do you have a special someone, Toni?”
Toni had eaten half of the lamington and it tasted wonderful. The cream in the filling had been mixed with something, possibly a liqueur of some sort, and the jam was tangy and sweet but it was all curdling in Toni’s stomach. It was all so sad. She and Jason had only known each other for a moment compared to the life Harry and Bea had shared. “Yes I do, his name is Jason. It’s all very new for us, though. We only met a short time ago.”
“My advice to you is if you love him, don’t hesitate. Grab hold of happiness with both hands and don’t let go. Live life like there is no tomorrow. I wouldn’t trade a minute of my life with Harry. We spoke of the dangers involved with his job, I understood that this day might come, but what could I do? Mining was in Harry’s blood. His father was a miner and his grandfather. It was rumored that Harry’s great-grandfather was a rebel during the Eureka Stockade. It’s a tough job and Harry’s working days were coming to an end. He would have been forced to retire soon. He was getting on, you know.” Bea winked.
“Was it hard, worrying about him when he went off to work?”
“I didn’t worry, Toni. Harry knew what he was doing. He didn’t take risks and he wasn’t foolhardy. You can’t waste time worrying about things out of your control. It doesn’t help anyone. People are taken from this life every day, expected or not. Doesn’t change a thing if you make yourself sick with anxiety over the what-ifs. Don’t get me wrong. I’m still half numb trying to come to terms with my loss. Harry was my life. I’m not sure I ever will, completely. Of course I’d hoped and said a few prayers that this kind of accident would not happen to my husband. But it has, and now I have to learn to live with that loss and sorrow the best I can.”
This tiny woman was so strong. Tears rolled down Toni’s cheeks as Bea spoke of times she and Harry had shared. It was almost unbearable to Toni that this couple, who had loved each other for so long, were now parted. It was difficult not to feel responsible. If he hadn’t worked for her family… Maybe.
“As to my future, I will have to think about that. God didn’t favor us with children but I do have a sister in Perth. I don’t really want to leave. This is my home, has been since Harry started working here. Long before your family took over the lease, my girl, so get that look off your face. I know your family took all the safety issues seriously. Harry would not have let the miners go in if he didn’t think it was all above board. He wasn’t the union representative but he certainly was well-known and respected. The men listened to him.”