First a Dream (Dreams Come True #1) (3 page)

Then her friend disappeared down the stairs and Isabella leaned down to pick up the first mug. It was lying on Jack’s note. She must have brought it through the house with her without realizing it. She reread it then crumpled the note, disgusted that Jack would even presume to know what love was. Isabella herself no longer knew what love was, but at least she knew when she lacked it. Finally, she had had the guts to do something about it.

While she sipped on the tea, she had some serious decision making to do. Isabella had already determined what was missing from her life. She wanted to be happy. She deserved it, her kids deserved it. It was her job to protect them now. She knew right where to start.

I will never depend on a man again
, Isabella swore to herself.
If ever a man is in my life again, it will be because I want him there, and not because I need him.

“They’re fed and watching a movie,” Jessie announced as she reached the bedroom. “Ready to talk?”

Isabella frowned. “You’ve been very patient.” Sitting up, she set her tea down on the nightstand and gazed at her friend. “When we couldn’t do Girl’s Night, I surprised him at work and found him with my sister.” She carefully blew air out of her pursed lips to steady her emotions again.

“Whoa. That’s terrible. The betrayal...from both of them.” Jessie’s stare turned sad.

“Yeah. So I told him we couldn’t be together.” She shrugged. “I don’t know what I thought was going to happen next. He didn’t come home. And when I returned from work today, he had moved out.” She looked down at her wedding rings which she had been twisting as she spoke. Slowly, she pulled them off and absorbed the feeling of being naked. “I married him for all the wrong reasons. I don’t know if I ever loved him.” Isabella’s head hung as she stuck the rings in her nightstand drawer. “I married Jack to get out of my mother’s house. I turned him into some hero who had rescued me. Why had I never thought to rescue myself?” She threw her hands up in disgust.

“Your mom.” Jessie spoke quietly. “Why would you ever think you could be on your own?  She needed you. You’re too nice.” She scowled.

Isabella considered her words. Her brow rose. “No more. I can do this all by myself.” She crossed her arms over her chest resolutely. Jessie rewarded her with a smile and a hug. She would be fine. She would be grounded in reality, put aside her dream of a fairy tale ending, and she would be happy.

***

Gabriel

“Come out tonight,” Sebastian ordered.

Gabriel pulled the phone away from his face long enough to check the time. He had come home from work and taken a nap. Now he was acutely aware of his hunger pangs. “What’s the plan?  If we’re meeting for dinner, I’m in.” Sliding off the bed, he walked into the bathroom to check his hair.

“Damn, you’re easy. Fine. You pick the place, we’ll meet there in thirty minutes. Will that give you enough time, pretty boy?” He could actually picture Sebastian’s sneer through the phone.

“I can make it work. Let’s go to that fine dining restaurant everyone loves, conveniently located around the corner from our favorite club.” He picked up a comb from the vanity and ran it through his goatee.

Sebastian was quiet for a moment. “The club with all the Americans, easy picking, or the club a little out of the way?”

Chuckling, Gabriel responded. “The easy one. I get tired of hearing you complain about going home alone.”

“We’ll see who goes home alone tonight. See you then.” Then Sebastian ended the call.

After removing his tie and undoing his first few buttons, Gabriel sprayed on fresh cologne, checked his deodorant, and strutted out of his room. Feeling rested, he took the stairs to the first floor, being careful to nod politely at the help he encountered along the way. As he reached for the front door, his father called out from his office.

“Gabriel, is that you?”

He leaned his head against the large wooden door a moment before he turned and responded. “Yes, father. I’m meeting the guys for dinner and drinks. I’ll be home late.”

“Or early.” His father cleared his throat. “It all depends on how I look at it. We’ll talk later.”

“Have a nice night!” Gabriel called on his way out the door.

The moment he shut it behind him, he felt lighter. Using the key fob, he unlocked his door. Seconds later, he was inside the BMW, feeling relaxed and happy once more. This would likely change as soon as he met up with his friends. If Sebastian were in a foul mood, everyone would pay for it.

It was a short ten-minute drive to his destination. He parked in a nearby garage, having learned the hard way it was safer to pay for protection than take his chances on the streets. This wasn’t his first Beemer.

After locking it, he walked confidently around the corner and entered the restaurant. As usual, his friends were already there, waiting for him. Gabriel smiled and sat in the open seat. Ian and Eric nodded, but Ben was the first to greet him.

“Good to see you, Gabe. What have you been up to?” He smiled pleasantly.

“Closing deals. Taking classes. The usual.” Gabriel chuckled. While they all came from billionaire stock, not all of his friends were going to keep living the lifestyle they were accustomed to. Ben was a prime example. He had a hefty trust fund, but no love for business.

“I’m happy for you.” Ben beamed.

It amazed Gabriel to realize the sentiment was genuine. Ben had always been his favorite in the group. While he expected to see jealousy rear its ugly head at some time, apparently money wasn’t a hot button. “Thank you.”

“Is the love fest gonna continue or can we order and eat now?” Sebastian pushed up his sleeves as he reclined in his chair.

“Oh, by all means.” Gabriel gestured to the menus and grinned when he saw everyone pick theirs up.

Forty-five minutes later, they were finishing their second bottle of wine when Matty piped in. “Anyone want to take a trip this summer?”

“Where to?” Sebastian asked as he leaned forward with interest.

Matty shrugged. “Anywhere that’s not here.” He turned his gaze to Gabriel. “You always have great ideas. Where do you want to go?”

Shaking his head, Gabriel swallowed one last sip of wine before answering. “I can’t go anywhere until the middle to the end of August.”

“Why the fuck not?” Sebastian scowled.

“Classes.” Gabriel reached for another slice of bread.

“I thought you couldn’t find any at McGill.” Ben’s brow furrowed as he commented.

Buttering his bread, Gabriel explained. “I couldn’t, but I was determined to graduate as planned. This MBA is kicking my ass.”

“You don’t even need a degree. Daddy hired you. I don’t know why you’re bothering.” Sebastian wadded his napkin up and tossed it on the table.

He chewed his bite slowly as he stared at his friend. After swallowing, he spoke evenly. “I want respect. No one will respect me if they think I was handed everything and I’m not deserving. I’m proving myself.” He took another healthy bite.

“It’s the smart thing to do,” Matty agreed.

“Thank you.” Gabriel nodded his direction.

“So, where are you going to take the classes?” Ben seemed genuinely interested.

“Plattsburgh. I’ve done all the work and registered, although there may be a problem with one class. Anyway, I’ll be living there four days a week and coming back here on the weekends until the second summer session is over.” He calmly leaned back in his seat.

“Plattsburgh?” Sebastian’s face twisted in disgust. “Why would anyone go there?”

A smile tugged on the corners of Gabriel’s lips as he recalled why he made the choice. “Pictures.” He began simply. “I went online and requested information from all the colleges within an hour radius of Montreal, but when I looked through the glossy pages of the informational catalog, I immediately reconsidered.” This time he beamed before continuing. “Each photograph captured the beauty of the area, the architecture, the pastoral setting, and the students relaxing and enjoying themselves. For a moment, I wanted to climb into those photographs and be a part of that life.”

From the far end of the table, Sebastian pretended to blow his nose in the napkin and dab at his eyes. “Wow, man. That’s really beautiful.” He rolled his eyes.

Gabriel looked away and spoke solely to Ben. “I don’t know how to explain it, but I have this feeling that going there is going to change my life.”

“You don’t like your life?” Ben tilted his head.

Sighing, Gabriel admitted, “I do and I don’t. It could be better.”

Ben nodded. “I get it. I want more too. Not money. Fulfillment.” He grumbled. “I can’t explain it.”

Though he said nothing else, Gabriel understood completely. He had plenty of money. His own money, not his father’s. He had great friends. He looked over at Sebastian. Mostly. As he looked up, a young woman was staring at him from a nearby table. When their eyes met, she smiled. He could have almost any woman he wanted. Despite it all, there was a hole in him he had yet to fill. He needed a fresh challenge, a new adventure. Maybe Plattsburgh held what he needed because so far, Montreal hadn’t.

Chapter Three

Isabella

A month had flown by since Jack moved out and Isabella decided to focus on making a concerted effort to put her life back together. Still, there were times she struggled and her work reflected it. She remembered the other day when she found Kristofer studying some of her proofs from a shoot she had on campus, pictures the college wanted for their magazine. “Hmmm,” he began, ready to critically appraise her work, while tempering his commentary with love. “If these were taken by anyone but you, I would think they were…fine.”

She had let out a hollow laugh. “Fine, huh?  Thanks for the rave review.” She watched him, knowing there was more, knowing he would explain.

“Yes. Just ‘fine.’” He turned to her and leaned on the counter. “I’ve seen so much better from you, Isabella. Somehow you need to regain your passion. This sadness you haven’t entirely conquered is affecting your work.” He grasped her face in both of his hands. She stiffened, afraid of what might come next, but he merely spoke to her. “Find the passion, Isabella.”

Today, the air seemed electrically charged. There would be some monumental change. Isabella could feel it. So she wasn’t surprised when Kristofer greeted her and announced she must call Dr. Pam right away. Isabella ducked into the office and called her mentor.

“Isabella,” Dr. Pam exclaimed, “I’m thrilled that you were able to call me so quickly. Now, what I really need is for you to come see me during your lunch hour.”

“I…,” Isabella began.

“Don’t worry about what time. Just come when you can.” Dr. Pam said resolutely.

Knowing she would never deny her mentor any request, she responded, “Absolutely. I’ll get there when I can.”

For the next two hours, she agonized over why Dr. Pam needed to see her so urgently. She played out various scenarios in her mind until Kristofer tired of how distracted she was. “Oh, just go,” he insisted. “I want your head in your work when you come back. And pick up some Chinese too.” He winked as she bolted for the door.

Crossing campus, Isabella‘s mind reeled. She had no idea why she was rushing to this meeting. At last, she reached the metal door to her professor’s office. Hesitantly, she tapped.

“Come in,” Dr. Pam’s welcoming voice boomed from inside.

“Um, hello, Dr. Pam,” Isabella began tentatively. Dr. Pam gestured for her to sit in the lumpy chair in front of the desk directly across from hers, so Isabella gladly accommodated her. Unsure of what would happen next, she took a deep breath.

“Apparently you were able to take an early lunch,” Dr. Pam began with a twinkle in her eye and a glance at the clock.

It was only half past ten. Isabella blushed. “Kristofer sent me.”

Dr. Pam nodded and said, “So, how are you and Kristofer getting on?”

Smiling warmly, Isabella responded, “He’s wonderful to work for. I’ve learned so much already. I feel like I’ve really grown…” Her voice trailed off. She knew what she’d been about to reveal, and apparently, so did Dr. Pam.

“Until recently, huh?” Dr. Pam noted with a comforting smile.

Isabella nodded and offered a wistful smile in return. Somehow, she began to tell bits and pieces of her life story, her recent separation and impending divorce. Not one to reveal her life to strangers, and only rarely to her friends, Isabella wondered what had stirred her to pour out her heart to Dr. Pam. The voice was hers, and yet she felt as though she watched someone else speak, her behavior seemed so uncharacteristic.

“So you see, Dr. Pam,” she said tentatively, “it’s as though I have lost my passion. I don’t see the pictures the way I used to. In the past, I instinctively knew what to shoot, from what angle, and always found the right light. Now…I’m not as good. Kristofer noticed. Did he tell you?”

Dr. Pam, who had been leaning forward listening intently until now, slipped back in her chair. The worn leather creaked against her back. She sat pensive for a moment, rubbing her chin, gazing at the room around her. The walls were covered in framed photographs, mostly black and white. Piles of photographs filled every inch of available workspace. Cameras lined the shelves. The room was illuminated by sunlight filtered through a hazy window. Suddenly, Dr. Pam began rifling through stacks of proofs and art magazines scattered on her desk. Pausing, she leaned forward again.

“No, my dear. You haven’t lost your passion. It’s merely overshadowed by your sorrow. Because you didn’t want to be sad, you’ve shut off your feelings as a defense mechanism to survive right now.” Dr. Pam studied Isabella’s face for a moment. “I hope you know...feelings aren’t a sign of weakness.”

“Wait. I feel!” Isabella interrupted. She wanted to say more, but her professor raised her hand.

“Of course you feel, but you only allow yourself to experience the good, you fear suffering, even though you are right now.” Isabella’s head dropped as her eyes fell to her lap. “It’s okay to be angry. It’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to be scared. And most importantly, whenever you experience any of those emotions…it’s okay to cry.”

Isabella’s shoulders heaved as she struggled to control her emotions still.

Dr. Pam sighed. “But that’s not why I called you here,” she said seriously. “I have good news and more good news.

Looking up and offering a shy smile, Isabella murmured, “I could use some of that.”

“First, let me say that those pictures you took around campus…”

Isabella opened her mouth to protest, eyes wide with fear.

“No, not the ones for Kristofer, the ones you took for my class before you graduated. Anyway, they were so well done that when I heard a new catalog was being created for the college and the committee came to me for photographs…I gave them yours.”

Isabella sat there biting her lip. “And?”

“And they loved them.” She slid the catalog through the debris on her desk. “I know I should have mentioned it sooner, since they have been in distribution for several months now, but…better late than never, right?” She shrugged.

Tentatively, Isabella flipped through the pages. They must have used at least ten of her photographs. She had been credited for each one. She glowed with pride. “Wow. I can’t believe you can tell me any better news than this.”

“That’s what you think.” Dr. Pam smiled widely. “Isabella, my dear, I am about to make your dream come true.”

Isabella looked at her curiously. She knew she used to have dreams, but recently she had set them all aside in her struggle to survive each day. Apparently now it was impacting her work. She had lost her edge and her confidence when Jack tore their family apart. “I’m afraid I’m fresh out of dreams. What are you referring to?”

“A gallery show.” Dr. Pam said simply. “You will have your own gallery show in Montreal. Someone saw your work in the catalog and called the college. They referred the gentleman to me, and now I’m talking to you. He sent me his card. Call him and then get back to me.”

Isabella was instantly numb and racked with doubts about having an entire show devoted to her work. Still, seeing her photos in the college catalog had helped her confidence some. She nodded wide-eyed at Dr. Pam, took the offered card, and slowly, mechanically exited the building.

She barely remembered the drive back to the studio. Why didn’t she just walk?  It was such a beautiful day and her destination was so close. The minute she saw Kristofer, she remembered and bit her lip. “I forgot the Chinese food,” she said apologetically. “We can have it delivered. I’ll pay the delivery fee and the tip.”

Kristofer smiled. “Darn right you will,” he said happily. “So, how’d the meeting go?”

“Well, can I let you know after I make a phone call?” Before he could respond, she had gone into his office and shut the door behind her.

The phone rang three times before it was answered. “Jean Paul, please,” she said. The man who answered responded in rapid French.
Great,
she thought to herself,
of all the times to be rusty.
“Does anyone there speak English?” She paced around the room while she waited. He murmured something and while she didn’t understand his words, there was no mistaking his disgust. She could hear him speaking with another man who finally took the phone.

“Hello, may I help you?” His voice was warm and inviting. For a moment she was completely lost in the sound of it.

Finally she snapped out of it and responded. “I hope so.” Isabella released an embarrassed laugh. “I’m sorry about the language barrier. I studied French but haven’t had cause to use it in years.”

“So, you need me to act as a translator, mademoiselle?”

Isabella took a moment to explain why she was calling.

“Those pictures were yours?” The man asked incredulously. “I saw them in the catalog. They are the reason I will be attending the college this summer.” He paused for a moment. “Maybe we can meet while I am there?”

Having been out of the dating game for too many years, Isabella saw it as a casual query. “Sure, I guess. Now, if you could find out the date and time of the show. Oh, and if you could discover anything else which might be useful to me, I would greatly appreciate it.”

When Kristofer checked on her minutes later, Isabella was sitting with her face down on the blotter. His initial reaction was one of alarm, until she slowly raised her head. “My photos were published in the college catalog. Some gallery owner in Montreal saw them and has offered me a show.”

Kristofer danced around whooping. Then stopped when he saw Isabella hadn’t moved. “Why isn’t this good?”

“Because I’m not,” Isabella responded. “You said it yourself. I’ve lost my passion. And it looks as though I only have until next fall to get it back.”

“Over a year?  That’s plenty of time,” Kristofer scoffed.

***

Gabriel

Smiling to himself, Gabriel passed the phone back to Jean Paul. Realizing he must look silly, he immediately straightened. “So, is my father’s newest acquisition ready yet?”

A moment later he held the wrapped painting in his hand. He began to exit the gallery when a thought occurred to him. Minutes before, he had tried to set a date with a woman he didn’t know. What if she was hideous?  “Have you met Isabella Parker?”

Jean Paul smiled. “No, sir. I haven’t met her, nor have I seen pictures of her.”

Dissatisfied and determined to forget what he had just done, Gabriel drove back to the estate to pack. He needed to be moved into his apartment by Friday, since classes would start Monday. On top of that, he had to set an appointment with a professor. He was determined to get into that class one way or another. He refused to postpone graduation because a general education requirement like art history was closed out.