I couldn't possibly be having feelings for her. It had to just be the strain of my father's presence and the worry over my mother's health. I rolled my shoulders and tried to let it all go.
"So, wow, someone's got the big bucks," Ginny said. She turned away from the view to give my father a friendly smile.
Xavier laughed, completely unused to going unrecognized. "Any friend of Corsica's is welcome."
Corsica let out a strangled cry and swept across the room. She caught Ginny by the arm and dragged her towards the bedroom. "Excuse us, please. We'll be right back," she called over her shoulder.
Right back would not be soon enough, I thought.
It killed me how time was so tangled up with thoughts of my father. No matter how inebriated he had been during my childhood, time had been a hard and fast rule. I had been torn between his near-militant observation of time and my mother's flowing concept of life. I still could not understand how two so vastly different people had ever come together long enough to have a child.
Though, I was starting to understand how attraction had nothing to do with surface similarities. Something deep under our different looks and lives had already tied me to Corsica. Yes, maybe it was the stress of my current situation looking for a safe outlet, but her absence made me antsy.
I scrubbed the back of my neck and willed time to go faster so Corsica would return before my father tried to talk to me again.
"Do you need to pack?" Xavier asked.
"No."
My father followed my glance and frowned. "Why are you lying to her about who you are?"
"Who says I'm lying?" I snapped.
Xavier undid his tailored suit coat and slipped his hands into his pockets. "You obviously don't want her to know we're related, but why haven't you told her the rest?"
I ran both hands through my tangled hair. It took a concentrated effort not to pull my hair out. "Why can't you, of all people, get it? Aren't you sick of people treating you like an ATM or a demigod? Nah, you probably love being surrounded by sycophants all day long."
"I don't run away from it. I learned a long time ago that you can't run from who you are."
"But I can sure as hell get away from who you are."
My father rocked back on the heels of his Italian shoes. "Penn, I need to tell you some things-"
I ground my teeth hard. "You know, you're right. I really should go pack."
Xavier moved like lightning to stop me, and I froze. One hand was suspended between us, blocking an anticipated blow. My father saw the instinctual reflex and turned white as a sheet.
"Penn, please," he begged.
"We're not going to talk." I balled my hand into a fist and forced it down by my side. "We're not going to put anything behind us. I like it between us, it gives me the distance I need."
"Because you're afraid you're going to turn out just like me," Xavier said.
I snorted. "No. Sorry, Dad, but I didn't inherit your addictions. I don't crave money; I don't sacrifice everything to ambition."
"No," Xavier said quietly. "You're just closed off. I know those walls, Penn. You have to trust someone; you have to let someone in."
"Well, it sure as hell isn't going to be you."
"What about your mother?" he asked. "You've hardly talked the last two years, and she hasn't seen you. How can you close her out?"
"I learned from the best," I snapped. Then, I felt the twist in my chest. "She kept looking at me like I was a wounded animal. You know that look? Like all she needed to do was get close enough and she could snatch the thorn right out. She doesn't get that it's part of who I am now."
Xavier's dark eyes looked too shiny. "She's a healer. You can't blame her for trying. But, I understand. Some things you have to heal yourself. That's what I wanted to talk to you about-"
"There you are," I called as Corsica came back in the room. "Did Ginny get the tour? What do you think?"
"I think she's crazy to leave this place, even for Monterey," Ginny said.
Corsica elbowed her friend. "Actually, we were talking about that-"
"If you love this place, you'll love the house in Monterey. Same feel, but different views," I said as I strode across the room. When I was out of earshot of my father, I held out my hand. "Please, don't leave me alone with him. I know this is insane, but I promise I'll make the trip worth your while."
"What's insane is that you work for Xavier Templeton," Ginny said.
"No, what's insane is that you didn't recognize him," Corsica hissed. "I don't know, Penn. You and your, ah, employer seem to have other things going on. I don't want to get in the way."
"That's exactly where I need you," I pleaded. "There's a piano at the Monterey house. I'll get you lessons. You can spend the whole time writing songs or singing or just enjoying the coast. Please?"
Ginny tossed her bouncy hair. "Oh, she's going," she said. "Corsica's now enrolled in a crash course on spontaneity and I'm grading her. Don't worry, though. I'll be keeping an eye on you, too. With Mr. High Profile over there, it should be easy to keep tabs on you all. Plus, I'll just be a short drive away in Santa Cruz."
"So, you'll come?" I grabbed Corsica's hand and squeezed.
"Oh. God. Yes, I'll come." She forced the fear in her eyes aside and gave me a lopsided grin. "I guess someone's got to save you. I mean, we wouldn't want Mr. Templeton's good taste or impeccable grooming habits to wear off on you, now, would we?"
Ginny clapped her hands as I pulled Corsica in for a hug. My father cleared his throat and edged towards the door.
"I have a business meeting, but the arrangements have all been made. Make sure that criminal driver of yours gets you to the helipad on time," Xavier said. "Ladies, it was a pleasure."
"I should go, too," Ginny said. "I borrowed a friend's car. Oh, God, I hope it isn't blocking Mr. Templeton!"
"Hold on, Ginny. Wait!" Corsica cried.
"Do you still want to go with her?" I asked.
Corsica hesitated, then straightened her shoulders. "No. I said I would help you."
I grinned to hide my relief. "You're just staying because you want a ride home on Xavier Templeton's helicopter."
"Would that make me an awful person?" Corsica's eyes lightened with her challenging look.
"No. Yes. I mean, I would understand." I shook my head and tried to get my thoughts in order. The only thing I knew for sure was that I felt better with Corsica around. "Thanks for staying."
"Does that earn me an explanation for your, ah, business relationship?" She stepped forward and peered up into my face.
I sighed and tried to smile. "Sorry. That'll cost extra."
Corsica considered my teasing. "How about a friendly pat on the back?"
"Sure." When she leaned over, I swung my arm over hers and tugged against my chest. "Or, how about a hug?"
Her head flew back and those blue eyes blazed. Then, Corsica looked at me and I felt all the playful fight run out of her. She wrapped her arms around me and held me tight.