The Beast of Napa

11 - Rebirth

Catriona couldn't help herself from petting the leather car interior. She had only ever ridden in cabs for brief moments of time, and they were never worth looking at. But Patrick's car was completely different from anything she had ever experienced. It was a taste of luxury she never had before.

"Is this your first time?" Patrick asked, popping up an amused eyebrow. "Riding in a luxury car, I mean."

She put her hands in her lap. "Is it that obvious?"

He chuckled darkly, unbuttoning the last button of his suit jacket before slumping back in the car seat.

"I should think things like this would be a common experience for you," he said, "considering how much the staff praises your work."

"Praise? Whoever would praise me?"

"Everyone," he said with a wave of his hand around the car as if there were others with them. "Mrs. Greene, the other staff members, even Nathaniel has mentioned it."

Her stomach fluttered. "Mr. Griffin said that about me?"

He nodded. "He's not good with expressing his emotions, but they're quite obvious when you watch him carefully. That goes for many people, really."

Catriona paused for a moment, considering.

"I can't say I'm skilled in such a thing," she admitted.

Maybe if she were, she could have read her sister better. Or the people she worked for who always short-changed her. Or her current boss, the mysterious and ever-intriguing Nathaniel Griffin.

"It's a necessity," Patrick returned. "One should always know his enemy for victory. And eventually, everyone becomes an enemy."

Catriona laughed, confused. "I'd say that's rather pessimistic."

"Then you haven't lived long enough."

"Your mind is full of so many interesting perspectives. It makes me wonder what I could find if I watched you carefully, Mr. Patrick."

His eyes glittered for a moment.

"Possibilities," he answered.

They pulled into town, to the city department store. She only ever went there to window shop when she had the courage. She wasn't from money and the salespeople could see it, she was sure. With their eyes turned to her now, she felt that uneasiness, but Patrick stepped in before she could dwell on it.

"Leave this up to me," he said. "We'll have you as the irresistible spokesmodel from Griffin Winery in only a matter of hours."

He first took her to the salon to have her hair styled. Her long, dead tresses were turned into a shoulder-length bob, the ends curling gently at the nape of her neck. After, she was handed piles of clothes to try. Patrick whittled away the outfits down to two business outfits, one a deep maroon and the other a simple black. Catriona was given black heels and black flats, along with a pearl necklace and earrings.

"This is far too much," Catriona said as Patrick handed the cash over to the cashier. "You can't possibly buy these things for me without me repaying you."

He smiled and waved his hand dismissively. "Sell some wine and that'll be all the repayment I need. Are you hungry? It's lunchtime. Come, I know a fabulous place nearby."

He took her to the restaurant next to the department store, the dim lights and dark carpet an indication of the price of the menu. The receptionist took their coats and escorted them to a booth in the back, the candles on the table the only real light. He handed her the menu, but she was instantly overwhelmed by the names of the dishes.

"I can't read French," she admitted.

"Neither can I," he whispered back. "I know just enough to appear civilized."

He smiled warmly and she returned it, the long day starting to melt from her shoulders. Patrick was nothing like Griffin in terms of personality. Patrick was warm and joyful, and easy to be around. He was never condescending or strict, and - unlike most of the people in Catriona's life - he had no interest in taking advantage of her. He had paid for her entire career before it even began.

"Shall I order for you?" he asked.

She realized she had been staring at him while lost in thought. Sheepish, she nodded and turned her head away.

He ordered a red wine and the entrees, then rested his head on his palm to look at her across the table.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Nothing," he said with a smile. "I was just wondering about the beautiful Catriona McCallister. I wondered what secrets she held."

Her shoulders slumped. "None, I'm afraid. My life has been a very boring story of working nonstop."

"No family? No friends?"

She shook her head. "In America, I only have my sister, Sara."

"And what does your sister do?"

An uncomfortable beat passed, which was thankfully interrupted by the waiter. Patrick ordered French dishes with a perfect accent, while Catriona played with the new length of her hair. Would Griffin approve of her new look? He wanted her to become bolder, right? Would this be something he considered brave?

She had done many jobs to feed her family. This was the first time she was doing a job to get someone's approval.

Nathaniel Griffin's approval.

"Are you worried about the job?" Patrick asked, breaking Catriona's thoughts. "I promise you, with your looks and my training, I'll have you as good as Rose in a matter of weeks."

Catriona's ears and heart perked up. "As good as Rose?"

He nodded. "Rose is a brilliant businesswoman with plenty of experience. You can be at the same level one day, I guarantee it."

Catriona couldn't help but smile at the idea. Rose was certainly a woman worth approving. She was independent, witty, charming, and gorgeous. Catriona sometimes questioned why God would make a woman as perfect as Rose, and then turn around and make a woman as imperfect as herself.

Such two different people. One who had everything the other wanted.

Catriona would give anything to be a fraction of what Rose was.

"So what do you say?" Patrick said. "Are you ready to be the irresistible, unstoppable woman you were born to be, Miss McCallister?"

His eyes were playful but honest. Patrick was determined, and it was undeniable that he was Catriona's best opportunity.

Maybe this was her chance. No more jobs for scraps. No more being pushed around by the cruelty of the world.

Catriona McCallister was going to be born again.

"Just tell me what I need to do," Catriona said, clutching the hem of her dress. "I'm ready to do whatever it takes."

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Sorry for the LONG wait for this update. I'm really bad at gauging what I'm actually capable of doing versus what I want to do. 

But now that GODS OF THE SEA is finished, this story will now be a weekly update. I hope you enjoy this style.