Seeing Julia by Katherine Owen Page A

to most of them and these kinds of things just take on a life of their own. And his ex-bride is in a raging snit over it. There are other names I would describe her as, if Jake wasn’t a client.” She uses her index fingers for quotation marks when she says the word client. “So, give the guy a break. By the parade of flowers he’s sent you, I think you can safely say he’s sorry for his momentary transgression with you. And, I think we can agree worse things have happened to both of you.”
    And this is exactly why all her clients clamor to work with her, the woman is never fearful of calling things out; even though I’m stunned by what’s she said. Kimberley rarely directs her wrath at me. In a huff, she steps into a red silk dress and clips her hair back. She shoots me a dagger look. Remorse begins to filter through, but the guilt and grief I’ve been swimming with all day wins out.
    “I’m sorry. You’re right. Can I just tell you … that it’s been a very trying day?” I pinch the bridge of my nose to stop the sudden threat of tears.
    Kimberley tosses lingerie my way, some all red and black lace ensemble to match the dress she’s bought for me. I let my hair fall forward to hide my face, so she won’t guess I’m crying. I focus on producing more material from the skimpy bra, camisole, and panties, by pulling this way and that, but finally give up.
    “What happened with Dr. Stevenson today?” she asks. “You were with him over an hour. What did you two talk about?” There’s that supernatural perception of hers.
    “Oh you know…” I attempt to smile, but fail. “I got to tell him about the whole Elizabeth shrine story today. How Evan left me before Reid was born. And my feelings surrounding all of that.”
    I wave through the air with one hand and swipe at a tear with the other but miss. A silent Kimberley holds out the dress and I step into it. She zips it up and hugs me from behind.
    “Here I was complaining about Gregoire driving me crazy. Do you want to talk about it?”
    “No. I’ve done enough talking about my feelings for one day. Thank you very much. I don’t’ know why I even said anything. He has this uncanny way of making me talk about things I’ve left unsaid for years. God. It’s painful, like opening Julia’s personal Pandora’s Box of everything bad that’s ever happened. And I love Evan. I do. I love … loved him.” I struggle with even thinking past tense. “I still love him. And, I shouldn’t have told the good doctor so much. It’s in the past. None of it matters. I just wish … I just wish so much Evan was here.”
    “Me too. I loved him, too,” she says with a sigh. “I just wish he hadn’t hurt you before. God, Julia I just want your life to work out. I want that for you so much.”
    “It wasn’t perfect,” I whisper.
    “No, but it was grand. He made you happy. This last summer. The two of you. I saw it. Everyone did. And, then, Reid … surely he makes it all worth it.” Kimberley lets go grabs a tissue and dabs it at her face. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have invited Jake. Or at least asked you first.”
    “Yes. You should have. Whatever.” I give her a rueful glance. “We’re going to have to see each other eventually; it’s probably best to get it over with. But I don’t want to talk about Hamilton Equities or Jake Winston, his benevolence or otherwise, tonight,” I say. “It’s my baby’s first Christmas and he’s all I want to focus on.”
    “It’s all about Reid.” Kimberley laughs.
    “My baby’s first Christmas.”
    I turn side to side in the mirror and stare at the stranger looking back at me. Grief has ravaged my body as well as my spirit. I look like a waif or a fairy in this black silk dress. Make-up does a pretty good job of hiding the dark circles under my eyes, but days of sorrow have taken their toll on my physical form.
    “I’ll probably be sporting a grey hair or two next.”
    “No, you won’t.” Kimberley