Wings Unfolding-6

"Patrick. Come on in. We're about through here." Monroe rose to introduce him to everyone. She was glad that he was tall and confident, easy on the eyes. Another plus in her column. "This is Patrick Bertrell, Father's good friend. And mine." She smiled up at him.

"Apologies for my tardiness." He nodded at everyone then looked down at Monroe. "We must have gotten our wires crossed about the time I was to be here." When he leaned forward she turned her head, accepting his polite peck on her cheek.

"Nonsense, Patrick. You are here at just the right time. We're about ready to let Mr. Potts be on his way and have some lunch ourselves. I'm sure Father discussed all of this with you anyway. There can't possibly be any surprises."

Patrick looked at her quizzically, then she watched a fake smile spread over his face no doubt for the sake of their audience. "No, we never discussed it. But that doesn't matter. You can fill me in later."

"He didn't tell you about the donation to your clinic?"

"No."

He seemed genuinely surprised. Monroe was baffled. He and Father had been so tight. She was so certain it had been part of Patrick's overall plan.

"Well, then you should be pleasantly surprised. Let's talk about it over the meal. Shall we everyone?"

"I don't care to be in your company any longer than necessary Monroe," Serena said, standing. "You think you're beautiful, but you're nothing but an ugly thief. First Mom, now this. I hope you rot from the inside out with all your lies and deception. But first go ahead and have lunch. We'll take care of whatever we need to do with Mr. Potts and we'll be on our way."

"Suit yourself." Monroe linked her arm through Patrick's and they left the study.

"Victory?" Patrick asked once they were out of earshot. He was all too familiar with the family dynamics and what she'd wanted to achieve.

"Victory." Monroe pulled her arm from his.

"Okay, Monroe. What's going on. You aren't wearing your ring."

"I didn't want you to be accused of brainwashing or manipulating me. Believe me, it was a straw they'd have grabbed at like a lifeline. So I made sure you weren't in any way linked to me as far as they were concerned."

"I see."

"Even though you really have been brainwashing and manipulating me."

He gripped her arm and pulled her around to face him. "I knew something was up with you. What's going on here, Monroe?"

"I heard you. You thought I was gone for the night, but I was still at the hospital. I heard you and Father talk about your plans for me and for this house. Father was so happy he didn’t' have to leave it to 'just Monie' and that in your hands it would be properly cared for. It all came clear, listening to both of you."

"But, Monroe--"

"Let me finish! You asked."

"Okay," he said, taking his hand off her arm and stuffing his fists into his pockets.

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Tune in tomorrow for the conclusion of Wings Unfolding :)