WHEN ANN APPROACHED THE owners of the house, they were as anxious to get rid of it as Gil Cooley had suspected. With Gil’s help, Ann was able to start her third renovation by early spring.
Phillip was as good as his word. He listened to Ann when she described how she and Guido were getting along, but made no disparaging comments, and nights or weekends when she was busy, he went out of his way to keep Evie amused so she did not miss her mother.
By the time the new house was finished, Ann decided the whole family deserved a treat, and on Labor Day she planned an elaborate picnic.
Armed with blankets, pillows, and a huge basket of food, they drove up the steep, winding road and parked the car near the top of Mount Tamalpais, from where they could look out over the Bay Area. The bright sunshine, Evie’s joy at the outing, Phillip and Simon’s relaxed pleasure, all conspired to make the day a special one. We’re a family, and a united one, Phillip thought, and as he and Ann looked down at the city below, he put his arm around her waist, pulled her close to him, and told her how happy he was.
He was taken totally unaware when she said, “Oh, Phillip, I’m so glad you don’t mind my working anymore. Now that I’ve finally got my broker’s license, I want to go out on my own. But I was afraid you’d disapprove.”
Phillip didn’t know what to say. He hated to ruin their holiday, but he had hoped that with her three houses all fully rented, Ann would finally be content. He had tried over the past year not to resent her success, but each new triumph underlined his own sense of failure.
“Do we need to discuss it now?” he said, holding her tighter. “It’s so peaceful here. Look …” And he pointed in the direction of the Pacific.
Ann too hated to break the spell, but she had waited so long to approach Phillip, and she felt pressured by the fact that a rare vacancy had come up in a storefront on Chestnut, two blocks from Violet’s. It would be perfect for what she had in mind, and if she didn’t grab it, someone else would doubtless snatch it up, on a long lease.
In Ann’s opinion it was definitely the moment to strike out on her own. A lot of exciting things were about to happen in real estate. She decided to test Phillip’s mood.
“Honey, I’ve been thinking about leaving Violet ever since I passed the broker’s exam. My certificate came in the mail last week.”
Phillip was silent. Once again, Ann hadn’t confided in him. She had gone ahead and made her decision without him.
“It’s always nice to be your own boss,” he said, trying to maintain a neutral tone. “What plans have you made?”
“There’s a great location on Chestnut available. I think it would be ideal for an office, don’t you?”
Phillip had no illusions that she was soliciting his advice. “I’m sure you know what you’re doing, dear. You usually do.” But despite the edge to his voice, Phillip really couldn’t begrudge her the satisfaction of being her own boss. Heaven only knew, he would have loved to have his own law practice—had he been able to make the grade. No, it was a dream come true for her. And there was no reason in the world to doubt that she would be a success.
Ann studied his face. She wasn’t so wrapped up in her career that she had failed to recognize the conflicting feelings that tormented her husband. She knew that her business triumphs disturbed him profoundly; threatened him even. And she loved Phillip and couldn’t bear to watch the rift that was forming in their marriage. But she had an idea.
“Phillip—why don’t you leave Kenny and help open the real estate office with me?”
To Ann, the plan made sense. Phillip had no future with Kenny, or in the law, for that matter. Ann had begun to take Kenny’s measure. On the surface, he was affable and easygoing, but underneath was a barely concealed hostility and ruthless competitiveness. In the end, no one counted with Kenny Newman but Kenny Newman. And Phillip was being victimized by him. Ann held her breath, waiting for Phillip’s answer.
Slowly, Phillip’s arm dropped from her waist. He didn’t need more than a moment to reflect: Ann needs me just about as much as Kenny does. “No, thanks,” he said coldly. “There’s no house big enough for two mistresses.”
Ann felt a knot in her stomach at his flat rejection. It was my fault—maybe I should have phrased it differently.
As they walked back to Simon and Evie, Ann hoped that he might eventually reconsider. They could still be a team. Maybe they would even be happy….