 
### Family Seasons

### By Patricia Rick

### Copyright 2104

### Smashword Edition

### This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and didn't purchase it, or if was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of these authors.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter40

About Patricia Rick

Other Titles by Patricia Rick

Connect with Patricia Rick lexiatgeorge@gmail.com; patriciahall1967@gmail.com

Chapter 1

\- Autumn –

Lydia recognized the song pumping from the car behind her as it poured through the open moon roof of her Lexus SUV. Jay Z and Alicia Key lyrics filtered into Lydia's SUV from the ghetto chariot behind her. The unseasonably warm November day released an outbreak of sun worshipers trying to soak in the last warm rays before the dead of winter. Lydia hated going down Stuyvesant Avenue but it was the fastest route to the Hiltonia section of Trenton.

The traffic light on the corner of Parkside and Stuyvesant separated West Trenton into two parts, the do and the do not's. The do's were those who had money and lived in sprawling homes and property. Hitlonia sat along the perimeter of Cadwalader Park, an expansive oasis of trees, a lake for paddle boats, plenty of swings, a merry-go-round for children and an actual monkey house and deer and goose den. In the center of the park sat the original Cadwalader Mansion displaying it former glory of wealth designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted the same person who designed Central Park in New York City. Lydia's mother once worked as a maid in one of the sizeable home in the early 60's. Sometimes Lydia would accompany her mother to work and watch her clean the house knowing deep down inside that she would one day own a home just like the one her mother cleaned.

The traffic light finally changed permitted the loud music and its passengers to charge past Lydia and make a left on Parkside no doubt toward the entrance of the park. It was Sunday afternoon and Cadwalder Park was filled with people sprawled on blankets with picnic lunches, children running and chasing each other in their Sunday best, joggers appreciative to have a place to run and young couples pushing their children in strollers. It had taken several years for Lydia and her church committee to petition the City Council and Mayor to re-open the park, but after several fund raisers and her husband's openhanded contribution to the mayoral campaign, re-opening the park one day a week from April to November was a great start in the effort of adding life to a city demised by the 1968 riots.

Hiltonia was part but not of Trenton. It had its own post office a railroad station making the connection into Philadelphia utterly easy, a large grocery story filled with every fresh fruit and any vegetable you could think of, a private girl's academy and two churches, one Catholic and one Episcopalian. The streets were wide and aligned with Maple trees manicured lawns that housed neighbors that quickly become friends. Hiltonia residents held prominent positions in state and local governments. Lydia rode past old Man Leonard, the first black man to live in Hiltonia. He was a retired dentist whose two children grew up to become dentist as well and now own a successful practice in Hamilton Township. His home was modest, if you called a four bedroom two bath home modest. His lawn was impeccable and all the neighbors looked to Mr. Leonard for lawn protocol. On one of her afternoon walks, Lydia met up with Old Man Leonard and complimented his lawn. He told her that he hated the work but he didn't want folks thinking he didn't care about his property, being that folks would judge people based on how they kept their lawn. Lydia agreed knowing exactly what he meant.

Pulling into her circular driveway she saw Ronald Wair leaving her home, not unusual for Raymond, her husband to be working with one of his young attorneys, but on a Sunday it seemed rather peculiars. She put the SUV in park and retrieved her wide brim church hat she from the passenger seat and carried the two plastic bags of groceries she got from the Mega Food Bazaar at the Roebling Market. She knew the house would be quite, which was a welcome relief. Jazzmine was gone and Valencia was certainly out with her fiancé Eric. Angelique was not expected until two days.

She was worn-out today. Her body ached all over from serving food to the homeless. Thanksgiving was on Thursday and each year her church not only fed over two hundred people on the Sunday before Thanksgiving but sent each family home with a turkey and the fixings.

"Hello dear." Raymond said as he reached for the bags in his wife's hand. "How was church?"

"If you really want to know, you should come with me sometime." Lydia said grateful that he was there to take the bags from her.

"Now you know I go to church." Raymond reminded her. "I just don't participate like you do."

"Now what does that mean? Participate?" Lydia asked bemused. "Participate. Is that what you call what I am doing, participating?" She rolled her eyes as she removed her blazer resting it on the back of the barstool along the center island.

"What I mean is that I go to church but I just don't have time to get involved in all those things." Raymond quickly changed the topic."We have a busy week ahead of us. Angelique comes back tonight from Italy and your sister should be here as well."

"Please don't remind me I have to finish making the peach cobblers and hide them in the basement freezer before Jazzmine gets her grubby hands on them." Lydia moved to the sink took out the mixed greens from the bag and began to wash them out before storing them in plastic containers.

"You know how much the girls love your cooking especially your peach cobbler, being you only make it once a year." Raymond joked. "Don't tell me you stopped at that Food Bazaar again." Raymond asked finally noticing the words written in green letters across the bag. "We have a perfectly fine grocery store here."

"Don't be such a snob Raymond! They have better prices and it's on the way home from church. Besides, why would I come past our home to go to an overpriced grocery store with the same if not better products?" Lydia said almost annoyed. "You know I don't like what you're thinking." She scolded Raymond. "What would your friend Rick say if he knew how you felt?"

"Rick knows exactly how I feel and trust me; he gets his comments in about us as well. I'm hungry." Raymond conceded closing the refrigerator door.

"Well, I don't like it." Lydia placed the lid on the plastic container moved past Raymond ignoring his comment. "Make yourself a sandwich I am much too tired to cook today."

"How about we go out tonight just the two of us?" Raymond suggested.

"That sounds really nice Ray." Lydia said turning to her husband her voice soothing. "I would really enjoy a nice quite dinner before I start this hectic week." Lydia sighed thinking of the labor that lay ahead.

"What do you say to a steak dinner at Pete Lorenzo's?" Raymond held his wife close their noses touching. She was still the stunning beauty he married thirty years ago. Slender build with long legs and strong arms. Her walnut skin matched her walnut eyes and auburn hair. It was true that she carried a little more stuff in the trunk, but Raymond preferred it that way. "Mrs. Farrior, have I told you lately that I love you?"

"Yes Mr. Farrior, you've and I love you too." Lydia kissed Ray on his cheek. "I am going upstairs to soak in a nice long bath before dinner."

"You want company?" Raymond teased.

"No not today." Lydia said giving Raymond the you better not even try it look. "Besides, the way Ronald left here today. I think you've some work to do. What was that all about?"

Raymond stumbled over his words. "He....a...he...he was here picking up some papers, nothing important." Raymond waved his hand trying to brush whatever Lydia was thinking from her mind. Lydia was smart too smart and Raymond knew it.

"I tired waved to him when I pulled into the driveway to get his attention but he sped by me so fast that he didn't even see me."

Lydia had the look Raymond recognized as the, I am holding out to see how much you know and are willing to give me, but you know I will eventually find out. She was fishing for information and Raymond could feel the sweat build on his for head. He wanted to play it cool and could not let her know what he was up to. "Sweetie, why don't you start your bath? I'll bring you a glass of wine how would you like that?"

"Sounds perfect." Lydia smiled wryly walking out of the kitchen. "I'll be waiting." She shouted from the hall.

Raymond retrieved a bottle of white Chardonnay from the wine cooler and quickly poured a glass for Lydia. He knew that Lydia would want some grapes so he placed and small pile on a saucer with crackers. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and called Ronald who didn't answer. Raymond left a message. "Listen Ronald, you need to be careful and keep your emotions in check. I don't want anyone to know what I am doing. My wife saw you leave our house and now she is asking questions. You've got to be more careful." Raymond hung up the phone picked up the wine, grapes and crackers and headed upstairs to his wife.

Lydia was standing in front of her mirror waiting for the tub to fill. She had on her white terry cloth robe and the soft fibers felt good against her skin. Her thoughts were a million miles away from whatever Raymond was trying to hide. Normally she would corner Raymond with a barrage of questions but today Lydia was tired. In church Pastor Conrad spoke about casting your cares and worries to the Lord once and for all. "Give it to him!" He told the congregation, "He wants everything you've, the good, the bad and the ugly." When she heard those words, Lydia lowered her head and silently in her spirit simply asked the Lord to remove the lump she had found on her breast three weeks ago.

The light over the vanity casted an glow over Lydia as she removed her robe and ran her hand along the breast searching for the lump. With one single swipe she found the mass resting in the very spot reminding her that it was still there mocking her for thinking that it would be gone. She swallowed hard sending the tears to rest in the pit of her stomach. "Not now." She whispered, "Not ever."

She could hear Raymond approaching so she quickly disrobed and climbed into the warm water, laid her had back on the rim and closed her eyes. Lydia didn't want to see Raymond right now.

"I brought you some wine and snacks I thought you could use a glass." Raymond placed the tray carefully on the vanity then tossed a grape in his mouth.

Lydia kept her eyes closed. "Raymond, would you mind if we skip dinner tonight. I think I'd rather sit in this tub, finish my wine and get in bed with a good book."

"Well, if that's what you really want to do?" Raymond said disappointed that he wouldn't get his steak dinner. "I'm okay with that."

"Thank you darling. Maybe you can take Jazzmine out for dinner. I am sure she would like to go with her father, after all she's been really busy managing that real estate office and she could use a break."

"If I know Jazzmine she already has plans. Don't worry about me, I'll find something. Besides, you forgot that Angelique comes in tonight."

Lydia flashed her eyes open and sat up looking at Raymond who was still eating grapes. "Oh my goodness, I forgot about Angelique!" Lydia reached for the towel hanging above her on the towel rack and began to get out.

"Don't worry about her. I can get her from the airport. Her plane does not come in until ten tonight. I'll get some dinner review some contracts for my meeting with Stark and Stark and drive up to get her."

"Are you sure Raymond, I can go with you really I can."

"You just told me you were tired and needed some rest. Trust me, it's not a problem."

Lydia was grateful and smiled at her husband as she handed her the wine glass wondering what he was hiding from her and afraid that he would find out her truth.

**********

Lydia poured herself a glass a red wine and decided against the Valium. There was no need for it tonight. Exhaustion had settled deep into her bones like a sudden wave of illness. She turned on the television a habit she had grown accustomed to before settling into bed. The volume was low and the light form the flat-screen was bright enough to illuminate the otherwise dim room. She turned on the lamp on her nightstand picked up the magazine and tossed it on the bed before nesting her overworked body on top of her white duvet and brown and tiffany blue silk covered pillows. She thought about her sister Sarah who would arrive on Thanksgiving Day along with her husband and daughters. She enjoyed having her sister in town as it provided a sense of ease and a familiarity to the past she had left behind so many years ago.

Tonight the Farrior home was vast and void of life. There was no need to explore its emptiness. Jazzmine was gone; Lydia was sure on another one of her escapades, "Probably with the basketball player Owen whatever his last name was." She thought sipping from her wine glass. All the Farrior's would be under one roof and the sound of family would be a welcomed relief to the shrieking silence. There were times when Lydia wanted to be alone and even had days when she prayed to be alone, but she never thought of how alone would feel. Raymond was a great support and was around when she needed him, but somehow, Lydia never lost the desire to be needed, to feel as though she was a part of someone's life, not just a postscript in their passing lives. Bored with the magazine Lydia placed it on the nightstand and reached for more wine and poured a second glass. Grabbing the remote she turned up the volume on the television and settled on HGTV a personal favorite. It amazed Lydia how professional designers managed to decorate an entire room on a simple budget of five hundred dollars and make it look fabulous, while she sat surrounded in custom luxury with a price tag in the thousands.

The wine relaxed her mind and an unexpected warm smile traced her face as she felt herself get lighter. Lydia Farrior was a very well put together woman. She loved to exercise and swam almost every day. Her thoughts were random changing from her children coming home and Raymond suspicious behavior. She could sense he was up to something. He was too dumb to try cheating besides; she thought.

Lydia didn't realize that she had fallen asleep until she heard the faint ringing of the telephone emerging louder in her ear.

"Hello." Lydia kept her eyes shut to block out the glare from the television.

"Well it's about time you picked up the phone; I was starting to get worried." Her sister Sarah blared.

"What time is it?" The sound of Lydia's own voice pounded against her skull. Her head felt heavy and she could barely lift it from the pillow.

"Its 9:30" She replied sardonically. Sarah was taken aback at the question sensing her sisters unusually tone.

"Sarah let me call you back once I get myself together. Raymond should be here with Angelique in about an hour and I want to be ready for them." Lydia squeezed her eyes as hard as she could in an attempt to stop the throbbing of her self-induced headache.

"Well I just wanted to tell you that we are still coming. I was able to get an earlier flight so I will be there around 12:30 instead of 3:00."

"Alright Sarah, let me call you in two minutes." She pleaded rubbing her hand along her forehead.

"Lydia, are you OK?" Sarah's asked full of concern for her younger sister.

"Of course I am I just woke up. Why are you asking?" Lydia retorted.

"Well, when I called you last night you seemed just as woozy as you do now."

"Well maybe if you stop calling me so late I wouldn't sound so woozy." Lydia snapped.

"No need to get offensive. I'm just making an observation." Sarah changed her tone not wanting to further upset Lydia.

"Well if you are trying to build a case on your observations just stop. There is nothing here for you to consider being out of the ordinary or woozy as you say."

"I'm sorry Lydia, but I worry about you. You're my baby sister and I can't help myself."

"What are you so worried about Sarah? I am fine. I tell you that all the time. I am fine." Lydia said the words unconvincingly trying to shift her limp body out of bed stumbling sending the empty wine bottle crashing to the floor.

"Lydia, what was that noise. Girl are you okay?"

"It was nothing Sarah, you woke me up out of a sound sleep and I was trying to turn on the light and knocked the lamp over. Now I have to clean this mess up. I have to go." Lydia tossed the phone in anger forgetting to hang up. She could hear Sarah's muffled voice coming from the other end. She moaned realizing that she had finished off the entire bottle of wine. It was something she hadn't done in a very long time and had no intention of doing it again. She had to be ready for tomorrow and this episode would make hosting the perfect Thanksgiving Dinner she was planning almost impossible.

Lydia's brain throbbed against her skull as she bent to pick up the broken glass strewn on the floor. As she was gathering most the shard glass behind the nightstand she noticed a manila envelope with the name Ronals written in black marker.

"Ronald Wair," Lydia said aloud, "Didn't he just leave our house?" Lydia was tempted to open the package when she heard the busy signal blaring from the phone. She walked to the phone and placed it on the cradle

"Mother!"

"Angelique, I didn't hear you coming in. She replied dropping the package as she ran toward her with open arms."Oh my God you startled me! It's so good to see you honey." She said melting into her daughter hugs.

"Mom, are you okay?" Angelique asked.

Lydia wiped the tears from her eyes cupped her daughters face in her hands and smiled.

"Mom, you're shaking, what is it?"

"I am so happy to see you that's all. Oh how I've missed you."

"What happened to your finger its bleeding?" Angelique grabbed her mother's hand to examine it closer.

"Oh nothing." Lydia dismissed, "I must have cut myself while cooking earlier today. I guess I should put on a band aid to cover it up. Give me a few minutes to gather myself and we can go downstairs so that I can fix you something. You must be hungry?" Lydia could not stop smiling at her daughter. "I want to hear all about your wonderful life in Europe and about that breathtaking mink you've on." Lydia asked.

Angelique had to laugh, "I'll tell you as soon as you come downstairs.

"By the way where is your father?" Lydia asked looking at herself in the mirror.

"He's putting my suitcases away in my room" Angelique could not stop looking at her mother. She was gone for almost four months and yet it seemed that her mother had changed.

"No. I'll see him downstairs. Was your father on time picking you up from the airport?" Lydia reached for her cold cream twisted the lid open and swiped two fingers over the pink ointment spreading it methodically against her smooth walnut colored skin.

"Daddy was standing at the airport gate waiting patiently when I arrived. I hear you've peach cobbler in the fridge." Angelique leaned against the vanity her back to the mirror.

"That is for Thursday's dinner. Jazzmine already took a piece when I wasn't looking. I hid the others in the cellar freezer or else we wouldn't be having any on Thursday."

Angelique stared at her mother admiring her stunning looks. She watched her carefully tracing her mother's face with her eyes. Lydia's hair was pulled back into a ponytail so that she could scrub her face with a warm washcloth. Angelique smiled wide recalling the familiar routine form her childhood memory."You know how much we love your peach cobbler." She said breaking the silence, "Is Jazzie here?" Angelique asked handing her mother a towel.

"Now you know your sister better than I do. She took off to go see that no good Owen. I don't know what she sees in that man. He is so rude. He never comes here to pick her up either. What kind of man only works half the year and playing basketball at that?"

"A rich man mother." Angelique rolled her eyes to her forehead, grabbed her mother's hand and escorted her into the kitchen where Raymond was already making coffee.

"Hard work never killed anyone. Why look at your father. He started his business right out of law school in the ghetto with no money. I know because it took three months before I was able to get my first paycheck. And look at him today a proud owner of three major law firms." Lydia boasted reaching for three coffee mugs.

"Enough about Jazzie mother, I have a cool gift for you and daddy."

"You can give me the gift later I want to know about that new coat?" Raymond pointed to the stole Angelique still had on.

"I got it in London. Well actually it was a gift." Angelique walked to the table and sat with her father.

"A gift, that's a mink coat. Who would give you an expensive gift like that?"

"Some guy." Angelique said casually.

"Does this guy have a name?" Raymond asked shoving a piece of crumb cake into his mouth.

"It's Marco, Marco Gervasoni. He owns the restaurant where I frequented." Angelique said finally taking the coat off and letting if fall on the chair behind her.

"Is there anything I need to know?" Ray asked with raised eyebrows.

"Daddy, he's just a friend. He wishes we were more but he is not my type. He's bi-sexual. The coat is supposed to be an engagement gift. I'm giving it back when I return." Angelique explained nonchalantly.

"My daughter is seeing a bi-sexual what is happening to society? As your mother would say, the devil is loose." Raymond shook his head in disappointment.

"Relax Daddy. We are not seeing each other cut me a break. He's living with this guy. He just wants to marry me so we can have a baby and the child would have his name. He'll never be able to leave Anthony."

"Please enough. I've heard enough." He mumbled under his breath. Angelique couldn't help but to laugh.

"Where was Jazzmine going?" Raymond asked wanting desperately to change the topic of conversation.

"She was going to meet a friend at the Hyatt." Lydia answered.

"Really, I just left there. I had a drawn out meeting about the firm that we are taking over. I bumped into Owen Norton in the lobby having drinks with some groupies as I was leaving. He's a great ball player."

"He's a player alright.' Angelique said.

"By the way Raymond, I found a file marked Ronald Wair behind our nightstand I placed it the desk in our bedroom." Lydia said looking into Raymond's stunned face.

Chapter 2

Raymond Farrior stood fixed in front of the large mirror that rested perfectly against the wall of his walk-in closet. The collection of expensive watches lay impeccably atop the mahogany chest of drawers custom built to fit the space and showcase its majestic perfection the details of which were cleverly considered by Raymond himself. He ran his large hand along the mahogany surface admiring his first custom piece, a _piece_ that showed his wealth, a _piece_ that was personal, a _piece_ that held his secrets. His suits aligned the wall most of which were tailored by Mr. Kelly of La Rukico in Manhattan, each hanging according to size, color and importance. The darker blues were for job related meetings and small dinner parties, the black were for formal parties and special events. The lighter suits were everyday suits, just suits that he wore to work, suits of no importance. His shirts were made of one hundred percent Swiss cotton and rested on wooden hangers each with a plastic casing. Like the suits, they were aligned according to importance and color. His shoes trailed the base of the mahogany wainscoting an unnecessary luxury. "The best kind of luxury," Raymond thought to himself. Everything in his closet was set to perfection his suits, shirts and shoes all in order, by color, importance and use. It was the same way Raymond observed and evaluated people according to importance and use.

He needed to be sure about his suit for his meeting tonight and thought carefully about what he would wear. He was already dressed in a navy blue pinned striped suit and a light blue shirt with the white collar and a yellow bowtie. He was pleased looking at himself in the mirror.

"Not bad for a sixty-one year old man." He said aloud.

He placed both of his large hands on his stomach sighed heavily to himself making a silent promise to start exercising right after the New Year. Raymond was a handsome man with salt and pepper hair tapered close. His matching mustache complimented his full lips and fiery caramel eyes. His broad shoulders were well proportioned to fit his 6ft 3in. frame. He was strong, rich and influential. At least that is what is father told him years ago when he was an idealistic and overzealous young attorney. "You look influential, son." The last thing Raymond wanted to be was influential. Powerful, now that's something to be, but influential, Mother Teresa is influential. Raymond thought to himself. "I want to be powerful, now that is true influence."

Raymond reached for the sterling silver frame, sitting top-center of his custom chest that housed his Man of the Year Award. It was an award he cherished and honored He held the frame and read the inscription,

TO DADDY

WE HONOR YOU WITH THIS AWARD FOR BEING THE BEST FATHER IN THE WORLD. YOU ARE THE BEST MAN WE KNOW.

LOVE YOUR DAUGHTERS,

VALENCIA, JAZZMINE and ANGELIQUE

He smiled remembering the day his daughters presented the award to him. Father's day, twenty years ago it was Jazzmine's idea. Everything seemed to be Jazzmine's idea. Raymond laughed aloud recalling the memory. Angelique was all but three years old and did whatever her sister's told her. Valencia knew better than to argue with Jazzmine. Being the middle child was tough for most but somehow Jazzmine became the undisputed boss.

Raymond decided he needed a power color and that somehow the yellow bowtie was not going to produce the result he wanted. "Red, now that is a power color." He said reaching for the red paisley strap.

Raymond fumbled with his bowtie in the mirror, a task that often failed him. He liked to wear his bowties with his suits not many men could or would even dare but that is what made Raymond different from the rest of the attorneys and that is why he was now the leading attorney in Mercer County. Smiling to himself, he conceded his defeat and searched for Jazzmine, his middle daughter to complete the task of knotting his bowtie. Leaving his sanctuary he could smell the early preparation of Thanksgiving Dinner. Lydia usually spent the week testing new menus and baking.

"Hi daddy", Jazzmine was coming out of her bedroom with evidence of peach cobbler on her fingers.

"Jazzmine, does your mother know that you had some of her famous peach cobbler?" Her father scolded lightheartedly.

"Of course daddy" Jazzmine sheepishly replied.

"Well if you help me with this damned bowtie your secret will be safe with me". Raymond said as he smiled with a raised eyebrow handing his daughter the black strap. "Go wash your sticky fingers."

Jazzmine tied her father's bowtie perfectly, a task she loved doing. She wondered if he really knew how to master the bowtie, or was it just an excuse to share a moment with his daughter. It didn't matter to Jazzmine she loved to please her father and was willing to do so anytime he asked. She watched him closely as she knotted his bowtie.

"Jazzmine, is there something on your mind?"

"No daddy I just love you." Jazzmine answered.

"Well sweetie I love you too now you better disappear I think I hear your mother coming." Raymond chuckled to himself, thinking how clever Jazzmine was the most like him, she took no prisoners and was always two-steps ahead of everyone else.

"Ray" a soft voice from the end of the hall called. Raymond turned to see his wife's familiar warm smile. It was the same smile he noticed the day she walked into his office thirty years ago at his first law office on the Trenton Commons. She was all of eighteen years old with no marketable experience and fresh out of high school. She had dreams of becoming a nurse and needed a job to help her pay for school. His partner Joseph Saxton told Raymond that she was not suitable for the job, but because Raymond always got what he wanted Lydia was hired and the rest as they say is history.

Lydia's apron had evidence of flour and syrup and she wiped her hands into it as she approached her husband. "Are you almost ready for your meeting? It's almost seven." Lydia reminded Raymond.

"I'm just about done." He responded.

"What are you meeting about anyway? I thought that the acquisition was complete. I personally reviewed the agreement and with some minor changes, that I am sure could be done with a simple conference call, everything seemed first-rate. I discussed the changes with Joe, and he assured me that the final contractual agreement should have been ready two days ago." Although Lydia had given up being Raymond's secretary when Valencia was born, she could not let go of all she had learned when she worked with Raymond. Early in his career he often brought work home and used Lydia as an impromptu paralegal, judge, jury or whatever else he needed. She was bright and had a quick wit about her and could always think out of the proverbial box.

"Well you know how these things are Lydia nothing is really over until all parties have signed and agreed to every term. I'm sure that this is procedural on their part. Mr. Stark called this meeting and has every intention of being there so I feel I should be there as well. Joe can handle himself without me but I think my presence will give him the support he needs."

"All right, just don't forget to call me if you are going to be later than usual." Lydia responded removing her apron and heading toward the bedroom as Raymond followed.

"I promise I will." Raymond was back in the closet trying on watches, he finally decided on a Rolex Yacht Master.

Lydia sat in her chair removing her shoes telling Raymond about the new recipe she was going to try tomorrow and all the errands she had to run before Thanksgiving dinner. "Raymond, honey, are you listening to me, do you've to work tomorrow?" She repeated.

"It depends on how things go tonight that will determine what my day will be like tomorrow why are you asking?" Raymond fussed with the bowtie in the mirror wondering if red was the right choice. He decided it was.

"Well, Valencia is coming with Eric tomorrow and I want you to be around for her you know how sensitive she's been lately."

"Yes, I know." Raymond lied. "Anyway, Kimball should be here any minute."

"Kimball? Why is he coming to get you?" Lydia was surprised to hear his name. "Does Jazzmine know he's coming?"

"Jazzmine?" Raymond asked curiously, "He's coming to get some documents that I need him to review tonight a memorandum to analyze our new clients legal position."

"Well, you know how I feel about Kimball. The way he stares at Jazzmine makes me think he is up to something."

"Stop worrying I'll be fine, I'll have my cell phone if you need to reach me." Raymond went to his wife and held her close from behind.

"You smell good enough to eat." He sniffed her neck

"It a new fragrance I'm trying, peach cobbler, you like?" Lydia cocked her neck allowing Raymond to kiss the nape of her neck and nibbling her ear.

"Me like." He groaned.

Lydia turned slowly and met Raymond's eyes; she smiled and rested her hands around his broad shoulders locking her fingers together. "You look handsome tonight."

"Well, well, you two have still got it! Daddy, Kimball is downstairs." Jazzmine said approaching them interrupting their kiss.

"Jazzmine, tell him I'll be right down. I need to get my portfolio and my coat."

Lydia headed to the shower so he had to move quickly. Reaching under the desk that sat in front of their bedroom bow window Raymond retrieved his hidden key and returned to the closet. He opened the only keyed drawer camouflaged by the logo of his alma mater the open mouth of the Princeton Tiger. Raymond rummaged and fumbled through the pile of documents searching for the envelope marked "Kimball Robinson". He was certain that he had placed the envelope in the drawer two weeks ago after their meeting. Reaching further into the drawer he pulled out two large envelops, one marked Eric and the other Kimball. "That's strange, one is missing." He whispered. He closed the secret drawer and quickly exited the closet and bumped into Lydia who was standing in only a towel

"I thought you left?" Lydia asked surprised.

Raymond was startled to see his wife in front him. He wondered how long she was standing there and if she saw what he was doing. "I had to get my portfolio, I, I just don't know where my mind is these days, I didn't hear you coming out of the shower, are you trying to get me to stay home so we can finish what we started?" Raymond tried to distract Lydia as he covertly placed the key into his pant pocket.

"That would be very nice but I've been cooking all day and I am too exhausted. Anyway, you said this meeting was important to you so you should go. I'll see you when you get home tonight."

"Okay honey, I'll see you then." Raymond said turning to leave the room.

"Raymond" Lydia said, "Don't forget your portfolio." She said handing it to him.

Raymond grabbed the portfolio and kissed his wife on the cheek. Once in the hall he removed the key from his pocket and placed it in his wallet so as not to arise suspicion should he forget to retrieve it when he got home. He could hear Jazzmine and Kimball talking downstairs.

"Kimball, my father said to wait here." She turned to walk away smiling peevishly to herself.

"Jazzmine," Kimball said as he reached out for her arm, "I need you to tell me what happened to us? What did I do to? Why are you mad at me?"

"Kim," she said sternly, "That's it right there. Grown men don't talk like that. Why are you mad at me? We're not in High School man-up have some dignity."

"Jazzmine, give me another chance. Let's go out one more time." Kimball whispered noticing that Raymond was approaching.

"Have your people call my people." Jazzmine smiled to herself as she turned away from heartbroken Kimball Robinson.

"He's all yours daddy." Jazzmine said looking at her father with a smirk.

"Kimball" Raymond greeted his guest.

"Mr. Farrior, how are you?" Kimball extended his but Raymond ignored the gesture.

"Fine, fine, why don't you walk me to my car?" Raymond said as he walked past Kimball and out of front door. The amber November sky hung low tossing falling leaves about the grounds of the Farrior estate. The cold wind howled jaggedly making it difficult for Lydia to hear what the two men were talking about from the slightly open window above. Lydia closed the window and retreated into her room.

Raymond carefully handed Kimball the document stating, "I'm sure you'll find the requirements of what we talked about very pleasing. Just be sure that you keep your end of the agreement before this contract will be fully executed."

"I promise I won't let you down." Kimball said eagerly.

"You better not, you've too much to lose."

Chapter 3

Jazzmine sat soaking in her garden tub thinking about how she treated Kimball Robinson. He had pursued her several times in the past and when Jazzmine finally relented, he proved too be a total waste of her time. The date started out like most of the other dates, a quick dinner at the Hyatt Regency and only if Jazzmine was in the mood the lucky suitor would earn a ride up the elevator to a room where they would engage in inconsequential sex, which according to Jazzmine was the best kind. Kimball had not yet earned the ride on the elevator but Jazzmine knew that it was never going to go any further than a simple dinner.

Kimball was from a simple family with simple ways and it showed in his demeanor, wardrobe and lifestyle. He was of course a golfer, the obligatory sport of business men and he collected comic books, both of which Jazzmine found rather dull. Kimball was someone she could toy with and Jazzmine needed someone stronger, aggressive and in control not someone who was so eager to please.

Last year at the annual Fourth of July picnic at her parents' home, he spent all of his time following Jazzmine like a puppy dog talking about the latest science fiction novel he just read and how it was now going to be made into a major motion picture. It seemed rather peculiar to Jazzmine that he was so into comic books and science fiction, especially because he was handsome. He didn't wear glasses and had a really nice athletic build. When he spoke, he had the gift of grabbing people's attention and making them listen to what he was saying and take a true vested interest in the conversation. Jazzmine was happy when her father took him aside so that she could finally feel free to mingle with the other male guest in sporty shorts and tight shirts.

She quickly pushed Kimball out of her mind when the telephone in her bathroom rang. Slipping out of the soapy tub she reached for a plush white monogrammed Turkish towel and clutched the phone with her free hand.

"Jazzmine is that you?" The familiar voice said.

"Owen Norton, I don't believe it." Jazzmine looked at her wet body she still had soap bubbles on her breast and playfully wiped them away. "What can I do you for?" She smiled devilishly raising an eyebrow.

Owen laughed, "You always know what to say. Can you meet me at the Hyatt Regency? I want to talk to you."

"Well if that's all you want to do, then no." Jazzmine toyed with Owen. She knew what he liked and she was up for giving it to him.

"What are you doing now? Are you busy?"

Jazzmine looked at the garden tub filled with warm water she ran her hand along the surface cupping a handful of the bubbles a retreat she often engaged in and desperately needed. "No, not really. I'm not busy." She knew what he was after.

"Good. Meet me in the lobby." Jazzmine could almost see Owen grinning from ear to ear showing his perfect white even teeth. "I can't wait to see you." He said.

Jazzmine hurried to the garage with her overnight bag in hand. She kept her head down to block the wind from hitting her face. Goose bumps layered her naked curvy body hidden underneath her fur coat. Jazzmine took longer strides and loosen the grip on the coat to let the cold wind brush her inner thighs sending tingling sensation throughout her body and harden her nipples. She knew exactly what Owen wanted to talk about and she was not about to disappoint him.

Owen could not take his eyes off Jazzmine as she entered the crowed lobby of the Hyatt Regency. She was tall and slender, the color of creamed coffee with honey eyes with slight specks of yellow and full red lips. The thin waist gave way to her curvy thighs that showed strength but remained dainty and inviting. Her breasts were full and round easily cupped by a large man's hand. Her body seemed to have been sculpted by Michelangelo himself.

"Well are you going to stare at me or are you going to give me a hug and help a lady with her bag?" Jazzmine said in a playful coy tone.

"You look great." They hugged and walked to the elevator. "When I called I figured you would be at your mother's house all night."

"I'll be with my family all day tomorrow. Tonight it's just us." Jazzmine said as she slid her key into the familiar hotel room.

Once inside the room the couple wasted no time. Jazzmine stood in front of the king sized bed and dropped her coat revealing her naked body. Owen shook his head in amazement and with raised eyebrows said, "You don't believe in wasting anytime do you?"

"We both know why we're here. I don't believe in pretense if that's what you mean." Jazzmine stood with both arms at her hips. "It's getting a bit breezy in here. Are you just going to stand there all night and ask questions?"

Jazzmine and Owen were in full motion. She sat atop him as though she were on top of a Clydesdale. Her hands were pressed flat on his sweaty hairless chest, while her hips moved up and down and his long hands and fingers glided over her thighs and breast. She rode him slow and even wanting to make sure she was satisfying Owen and taking him to the cusp of excitement. Then she stopped suddenly.

"Oh please don't stop." Owen closed his eyes and bit his bottom lip. He was aching for it and Jazzmine knew it.

"Beg for it." She said sitting atop his manhood.

"What?" Owen looked at her stunned by her words.

"You heard me. If you want me to go on then beg me." Jazzmine teased. She was in control and she knew it. Having Owen, a highly successful professional basketball player beg for her was the ultimate rise of satisfaction for Jazzmine. She was in complete control.

Owen could easily overpower Jazzmine. His large frame was strewn on the bed ready to complete what he started. But Owen was respectful and would never force a woman to do something she didn't want to. However, looking at Jazzmine smiling down on him, he knew she wanted to and allowed her to play her game. "Please Jazzmine. Please don't stop. I need it baby please." His sex stood erect and ready as his hips began to vibrate and thrust in rhythm with hers. The moved in unison until finally the exploded with delight pleased she climbed off Owen and headed to the bathroom to finally take her long awaited bath.

Chapter 4

Eric and Valencia sat at their usual table eating lunch in the dining room that overlooked the large courtyard of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The garden was trimmed with a fall landscape of orange, red and brown foliage. The scattered mums sat in copper planters adding to the adornment of the seasonal décor. Valencia envisioned her spring wedding under the gazebo that was now laced with orange and red leaves and matched the brick patio. Eric perused a file that he brought with him from the office wanting to be prepared for his meeting with his new clients that afternoon.

"Is that all your having?' Eric asked as the waiter placed her salad down.

"Yes," she said "I had a big breakfast before I left the house this morning." Valencia picked up her fork in a labored gesture and poked at her plate. It seemed that the sight of food repulsed her anymore. "Eric." Her voice was lighthearted, "what do you think of a spring wedding?'

"What's gonging on for dinner do you've any plans?" Eric ignored her question.

"No why?" Valencia pushed her fork around the plate looking down at the perfectly made Cobb Salad.

"Would you like to come to my mother's house? She's dying to see you."

'Oh sure," Valencia agreed, "You know that Thanksgiving is in tomorrow and Angelique is in town. So I was hoping that you could spend a little time with us."

"What if I come over for some dessert after I have dinner with my family?" Eric opted instead.

"Okay." Valencia said indifferently.

Eric closed his file and looked at his fiancé sitting across from him. He was elated that she agreed to marry him. It had not been an easy victory, but nonetheless, a conquest that would make his future brighter. He stared at Valencia's brown eyes and watched her full lips moves as she ranted about some poor animal story she had read in one of those women magazines that she secretly kept hidden in her designer Bags. Valencia loved animals but not enough to stop wearing leather boots, coats or purses.

'"Anyway I think it is awful that those poor animals are being treated with such disregard. What are you staring at?" Valencia asked smiling at Eric.

"You." Eric replied slicing into his chicken and pasta.

"What were you reading? Is that a new case you just got?" Valencia asked pointing to Eric's portfolio.

"Yeah. Raymond believes that I should handle this one being that I won the last three just like them" He bragged. "I just have to figure out how the pharmaceutical company neglected to provide an appropriate warning despite the caution label on the package. It's a real shame," Eric continued between bites, "A young mother gives her child what she thinks is an over the counter medication instead the child becomes lethargic and eventually ends up in a coma. He's okay thank God but there are some minor neurological issues that he unfortunately sustained."

"So what are you trying to do for this poor family?" Valencia asked intrigued finally taking a bite of her salad. "Is she a single mother?"

"Well, I want to prove that the Pharmaceutical Company neglected to put the appropriate warning label on their package. I also want them to pay for the child's medical expenses and pain and suffering, you know, the usual. And yes, she is s single mother" Eric finished his meal quickly and sipped his coffee. "Honey I have to go. I have a conference call that I have to take before my meeting. Will I see you tonight?"

"Of course."

"Are you going back to see your dad? I can give you a ride."

"No, I am going to stay here for a few minutes. I want to talk to the caterer and then I'm going shopping at Nassau Park for shoes."

"You've enough shoes." Eric said standing and gathering his brief.

"A girl can never have enough shoes." Valencia corrected as she lifted her cheek to meet Eric's lips. She watched him weave through the restaurant with a confident gait off into the world he loved best, his job.

"Excuse me Miss, may I get you anything else?" The waiter asked Valencia.

"Yes may I have your special triple layer chocolate cake with the whipped icing?" Valencia said almost drooling.

"Is that all Ma'am?" He asked.

"For now, thank you." Valencia reached for her cell phone and dialed her mother at home. When she left the house this morning her mother was already in the kitchen peeling potatoes. Valencia wanted to look occupied to keep the other patrons in the restaurant from looking and making her feel uncomfortable especially when she was eating alone.

"Hello mother."

"Hi sweetie, how are you?"

"I'm fine mother. I'm just calling to tell you not to fix an extra plate for me tonight. I am going to Eric's mother house for dinner."

"Not a problem honey. Did you get an opportunity to look over the invitations?"

"Invitations! Mother, what are you talking about? I am not even at that point, and we need to slow down. I have other things that I want to do with my life right now."

"I know Valencia you've plans, you always have plans. I am just trying to help you along, that's all. Is it so bad for a mother to want to help her daughter?"

"Help is one thing, control is another. I have to go." The sudden outburst even surprised Valencia.

"Valencia, wait. I'm sorry if you think I am trying to control you honey it's just that I..."

"I know mother, you love me. Sometimes I need more than to be told that I am loved I need to feel the joy of love. I didn't call to fight with you mother. I am sorry; I just have a lot of emotions going on right now and I feel so out of control. I will get it together."

"I know you will you always do." Lydia's voice was so comforting to Valencia; it was soft and full of genuine confidence for her daughter. "Know that you are stronger than you think you are Valencia you need to know this as I know it for you."

"I love you mother." She sighed.

"Okay sweetie. I love you too and trust me when I tell you that I fully understand how you feel and if you want to talk, well, I am always here for you."

"Okay, bye mom." She replied quickly then tossed the phone into her purse as the waiter sat the gold trim plate lined with powdered sugar in front of her. The mound of chocolate sat impeccably atop the white-laced doily. Valencia mechanically shoveled each piece of cake in her mouth as she thought of her mother's words. With each bite of her dessert she wondered how the joy had seeped from her life escaping slowly like sap from a bruised tree. She had everything she needed, a man who loved her and wanted to be with her. She was on her way to the body she wanted, now a size four and on her way to a size two. Money was not an issue for her and she had shoes lots of shoes. Joy is an emotion that most people search for and desire and often times attempt to pray its existence in their heart. It was Valencia's constant prayer. Her mother had told her that once joy is obtained people fear that they will lose it or that something in the universe will take it away. Valencia was determined to keep and fight for what was rightfully hers. She just needed to know who the enemy was.

**********

Valencia pulled up to the split-level home with the well-manicured lawn and took deep breath. Reaching into her purse she pulled out her Pink Palace lip-gloss, a guilty pleasure that she kept hidden from her snobby sister Jazzmine. She rubbed the gloss on her full lips looked into the mirror of her Clinique compact and smiled. She was satisfied and eady to have dinner with her future family. Future family, the words felt almost like a betrayal to her own family. She brushed her hand across her rust colored suede skirt snapped the top button on her cream silk blouse. Valencia looked down at her new boots she just purchased during her afternoon shopping spree thinking it may be too much but she could not resist the thigh Jimmy Choo brown leather with the four-inch heels.

Valencia approached the porch adorned with carved pumpkins sitting atop the bale of hay and the harvest corn hanging from the door. "Dollar store décor, how quaint." Valencia said chuckling. She promised that herself that she would never allow Eric to follow in his mother decorating footsteps.

"Well hello Valencia come in, it's so good to see you again." Mrs. Winston was a well-put together woman who loved to match her shoes with her earrings so it was no surprise to Valencia when she immediately saw the small plump woman with hair rolled up in a bun with matching turquoise round hoops and her turquoise patent leather shoes with gold a brass band. Aside from her fashion sense, Mrs. Winston instantly felt like a friend from the warmth that seemed to generate from her perpetual smile.

"Mrs. Winston, It is so good to see you as well I brought some wine for you and your husband is he here?" She hugged her future mother-in-law.

"Thank you," Mrs. Winston replied as she took the nicely wrapped gift bag, "he's downstairs in the basement tinkering with his tools; he's getting ready to put lights outside for the Christmas season. Let me take your coat."

Valencia handed Mrs. Winston her coat and followed her into the kitchen. "Hey girl, I love those boots! I have to get me a pair of those!" Karen said as she tossed the salad.

"Thanks Karen, you can borrow them anytime." Valencia was shocked at her sudden generosity but deep down she really meant the offer. "I just got them today I knew I had to have them the minute I saw them."

"Well you do have great taste, and yes I will be asking you to borrow them. I know just where I want to wear them." The two ladies laughed as the hugged each other.

"Where's Eric I didn't see his car outside?" Valencia asked as he helped herself to a sliced cucumber.

"I sent him to the store with Darryl to get me some batteries; he should've been back by now." Mr. Winston said as he entered the room holding a strand of Christmas lights. "That boy sure is slow." Mr. Winston complained as he set the tangled lights on the marble countertop.

"Hello Mr. Winston." Valencia extended her hand.

Mr. Winston accepted Valencia's hand and squeezed it firmly and smiled broadly. He was a tall man who has since retired as a High School Principal and worked part-time tutoring adults at night school. "It is so good to see you Valencia. You look beautiful as always. Eric is lucky I ain't twenty-five years younger."

"Now Carl Winston, you know you need to stop embarrassing our guest like that." Mrs. Winston said hitting him with the dish towel, "Anyway what are you going to do with the more experienced woman you've right here."

"Mother please!" Karen said disgusted. "Valencia I am so sorry about my rude parents."

Valencia laughed heartily "That's okay Karen. It's good to see that a couple married as long as your parents still have some excitement left in their marriage. It gives me hope with your brother Eric." Valencia said just as Eric and Darryl walked through the door.

"What did I miss?" Eric said looking confused.

"Nothing!" They said collectively.

"Why don't we all move into the dining room?" Mrs. Winston said as she escorted the family to the table that was aptly adorned with matching russet colored tablemats and napkins. The centerpiece was made up of Cattails and colorful oak leaves that played amid a bounty of orange roses, Gerbera daisies and bronze pomes nestled in a lively orange square ceramic vase the perfect complement to this sprightly bouquet and the mahogany colored plates. Valencia took pleasure in visiting Eric's home. Although she was not particularly fond of Mrs. Winston's decorating sense, she respected how Mrs. Winston somehow always managed to make the colors of her home comfortable and inviting a place where you could put your feet up and no one would object. A stark contrast to the grandeur she was accustomed to at the Farrior Estate.

"Darryl, how are you doing in your senior year at Rutgers?" Valencia asked from across the table.

"I am doing well; I have finals when I get back and a paper that I have to finish by this Monday but I 'm taking it all in stride, you know what I mean, I can handle my business"

"You need to handle more than your business and get it done." Karen interjected

"No one asked you Karen."

"Okay now settle down," Mrs. Winston said carrying in the roast, "but Karen is right Darryl you came home late last night and you'ven't opened a book since you've been home."

"I'll get it done mom." Darryl conceded.

"You'd better," said Mr. Winston, "I am paying too much for you not to get it done." Mr. Winston's voice was stern. "By the way how is that new coach working out?"

"It looks like all the money that they paid for that new coach is paying off." Darryl replied passing the dinner rolls to his mother.

"Paying off, now there's a phrase for you," Eric said, "Did you know that the coach has a helicopter that takes him to the game from his home upstate? I see a lot of mismanagement of funds in many of corporate cases that I deal with, but this is a blatant display of gross and frivolous spending for the mere glorification of a game, Take the case of the people that I met with this afternoon. A major Pharmaceutical company decides to make financial cuts in the packaging of their children's over-the-counter medication and instead allocated the money to four Vice Presidents who wanted hefty retirement packages."

"I don't see a problem with that." Darryl said, "Why not get paid. Isn't that the reason why you work hard all those years, so that you can retire happy and secure?" He said shrugging his shoulders looking at Eric like he was missing something.

"Yes, but at whose expense Darryl?" Eric tried to hide his annoyance at the comment and instead sipped his wine.

"Darryl the point that you are missing is that someone's gain is always another man's downfall." Karen replied rolling her eyes.

"Exactly Karen. Every time someone decides to take a shortcut to benefit them it will always leaves a mess for someone else to clean up. The unfortunate part is that you will never know whom you are directly affecting by your own self-interest."

Valencia looked down at the food on her plate and moved her fork gingerly across the potatoes and green beans. "That's a very interesting comment Eric. I know that deals are made every day without all parties being fully aware of the details and yet no one is the wiser and life goes on as usual. Sometimes, what you don't know won't hurt you"

"That's what I'm talking about." Replied Darryl "If someone were to offer me a helicopter there would be no way I wouldn't jump at the chance."

"You'd jump at anything anyone would ever give you. But I am not so sure that not knowing is the best policy to live by." Karen remarked, "I mean I would like to believe that any decision made about my life and the life of the people around me was a direct result of the choices I made."

"All I can say is that every choice I made turned out to be good choices." Mr. Winston said. "Some of those choices I made where bad ones but they were mine nonetheless. I was able to turn a bad thing into a good thing. But right now the next choice I want to make is for everyone to shut-up and finish eating so that I can have a piece of that Strawberry Shortcake I saw in the refrigerator today."

Once dinner was over and Mrs. Winston and Karen cleared the table then joined the others in the living room. Mrs. Winston came out carrying strawberry short cake for dessert.

"Oh Mrs. Winston, after that wonderful dinner you're going to bring out this." She looked at the mounds of whip cream and strawberries. "I can see the pounds that I am going to gain." Valencia said as she took her seat on the couch.

"Now don't take what small pleasures I have away for me." Mr. Winston protested. "I've been waiting for this cake all day."

"Oh nonsense" Mrs. Winston said, "Eat up, Valencia, eat up." Mrs. Winston handed her a slice which Valencia accepted.

"So how is your family doing Valencia?" Mrs. Winston asked, 'Eric tells us that your sister Angelique just returned from Milan. "How exciting!" Karen shook her head in agreement.

'Yes, she's been working with a new designer and two of her own designs were featured in a fashion show."

"I wish I could go to Milan just to see all those beautiful clothes." Karen said.

"It does sound exciting but I know that she works very hard. The competition is intense and to have one design featured in a show is a huge ordeal because no designer wants to share the runway, especially with a newcomer" Valencia explained

"Valencia told me that Angelique might even design her wedding dress." Eric reported.

"Wow that sounds very exciting." Mrs. Winston said.

"It does." Karen agreed.

Valencia just smiled and quickly finished her cake then excused herself and went to the bathroom. She checked her hair and her outfit. Then Valencia lifted the toilet seat stuck her two middle fingers down her throat and watched her dinner and desert plunged into the bowl. Valencia flushed, washed her hands, put on some lipstick, popped a lifesaver in her mouth and headed into the living room.

"Val, we're in here." She heard Eric calling. She followed the voices into the kitchen and saw that Eric had taken his tie and jacket off. He looked relaxed. The lines on his face seem to fade over his smooth brown skin like the last ripple resting over a still lake. Eric was a very handsome man especially when he relaxed. He smiled broadly at the sight of his fiancé and his his eyes traced her body in that come hither look. Valencia almost felt like a schoolgirl walking into the kitchen. She was astounded at her reaction and found herself being trance as she moved toward Eric's outstretched arms and rested in his arms.

"Where are Karen and Darryl?" Valencia asked noticing that they were nowhere to be seen.

"You know college kids; they said they had a party to go to." Eric replied as he reached for Valencia nestled her and kissed her neck.

"There goes the assignment he was supposed to do." Mrs. Winston said.

"There goes my money." Mr. Winston added.

"Mom, Dad, I think it's time we should be going, I have meeting early tomorrow morning and I want to finish my brief for the judge."

"You've a meeting?" Valencia turned to look at Eric's confused face. "I thought you were meeting me at school. This is my last year of law school and I have so much work to be done you said you were going to help me. You said you were going to be there." Valencia realized that her voice was louder than it should have been but she could not control herself. "Eric, tell me that you are not serious. I was counting on your help, I cannot do this alone." Valencia's voice was shaking and she shut her eyes to keep the tears from rolling down her cheeks. She couldn't look at him any longer "Mrs. Winston, thank you for a lovely evening, everything was just perfect."

"You are so welcomed here anytime. Please don't be a stranger." Mrs. Winston gave her a kiss on the cheek and politely kept her comments to herself.

"Just twenty-five years younger." Mr. Winston said trying to lighten the mood as he hugged Valencia catching her off guard. Valencia closed her eyes tightly and didn't reciprocate. "It always works out." He whispered in her ear.

"Good night Mr. Winston," was all that she could manage to say.

"Val, let me drive you home," Eric pleaded as the two walked toward the front door.

"No, I have an appointment in the morning and need my car."

"Please, let me just drive you home. I can call and reschedule the appointment. I let Darryl borrow my car so that I could drive you home and spend some time with you."

"Sounds like a personal problem to me." Valencia spewed. She could see that the words stung Eric, the ripples on his face had returned and his eyes were searching hers an explanation of her sudden eruption that seemed to have no basis for such a simple misunderstanding.

'Fine," Valencia finally agreed, "You can drive me home."

Eric sat silently hands gripping the wheel of Valencia's 550BMW so hard it turned his knuckles white. Her behavior seemed so erratic he could not understand the sudden outburst especially in the presence of his parents. He was embarrassed and angry at her behavior. Then there was the issue of the odor on her neck when he kissed her. What was that about?

"Eric, pumpkin, I am sorry for losing it in front of your parents. It was rude and uncalled for; please apologize to them for my outlandish behavior." Eric sensed the sincerity in Valencia's tone as she placed her hand on Eric's leg, instantly he relax and let out a slow and steady sigh and slouched deeper into the leather seat spreading his legs wider and moaned as Valencia hands crept up is thigh.

"Eric, did you hear what I said."

"Yes," keeping his eyes on the road he grabbed Valencia hand and removed it from his groin, "Val, I need to know what happened back there. Why the sudden flare-up from nowhere, one minute your fine and the next you are jumping down my throat."

"It's just that we talked about you being around for me after the interview and then I heard you say you had a meeting and I instantly thought here we go again, Eric's not there for me."

"We've been through this already. I will always be there when you need me. I am only a phone call away. I promise."

"Who are you meeting with anyway? I though you blocked your entire calendar to finish your brief and to spend quality time with me."

"I did block my calendar." Eric retorted, "But this is a last minute meeting to figure out how to best handle a contractual agreement within the firm."

"Sounds boring."

"It is, and it should only take half an hour, after that I will be sitting patiently in my office awaiting your phone call." Eric pulled into the circular driveway of the Farrior Home. "Valencia why don't you go in, I'm just going to make a quick call to the office voice mail."

"Don't be long. I will be in the kitchen."

"I won't." Eric replied

Eric dialed the familiar numbers to the office and pressed extension 101. "Hello, Mr. Farrior, I just want move our meeting from 8:00 to 8:30 tomorrow morning. I hope you will be able to accommodate me. I reviewed the contract and it sounds promising, exactly as we discussed, thank you sir.

Chapter 5

Lydia and her sister Sarah stood outside on the large stone patio of the Farrior home, arms folded across their chest to protect themselves from the chill. Sarah took a puff of her cigarette blowing small circles into the frosty air looking into the deep yard; the trees stood leafless their frozen limbs stretched upward, the grass no longer green was blanketed with icy dew the sun too high to radiate its warmth on the sisters.

"Does Glenderson know you smoke?" Lydia asked frowning.

"No, this is the only opportunity that I have to smoke and I am going to enjoy it. I don't the chance to smoke a lot but when I can I like to enjoy every drag." Sarah held the cigarette in her hand and examined the cylinder closely. Twirling the cigarette she watched the smoke flit upward and away from her. "You know Lydia, I've been thinking about our last phone conversation. I could tell you were drinking." She lifted the cigarette puckered her lips and inhaled deeply closing her eyes as she did so.

Lydia was shocked at Sarah's accusation and remained silent neither denying nor admitting to the incident not wanting to interrupt Sarah who seemed to be in an inquisitive mood. Lydia watched her sister intently trying to read her thoughts.

"It's getting cold we should be getting inside it's almost time to take the Turkey out of the oven." Lydia said heading to the door.

"Lydia, do you remember when we were little girls and we used to play in Grandma's yard and the time that I plucked all her flowers from her bushes." Sarah finished smoking and tossed the butt onto deck floor stamping out the lit cigarette with her foot. "Do you remember that Lydia?"

"What I remember is that Grandma tore your behind up with a switch form that same bush." Lydia said smiling.

"She did tear up my behind. I think I still have scars from that beating." Sarah laughed rubbing her backside.

Lydia could not contain her laughter recalling the incident. "I was so scared for you but I ran like hell hid behind the shed and stayed there for almost three hours." Lydia had tears in her eyes from laughing at the memory. "Grandma was crazy and she loved those flowers." Lydia could feel herself relaxing and an ease began to flow from her shoulders. "You know what I was thinking when I was hiding?"

"What?" Sarah asked

"I was thinking how the hell am I going to get out of here?"

"Are you still thinking that?" Sarah voice was serious sending Lydia head spinning like a wild top.

"No, I am not," Lydia was annoyed and the look of disdain was obvious to Sarah. She turned to walk into the house, "Sarah why are you being so...so..."

"So honest." Sarah grabbed her sister's arm preventing Lydia from leaving, "You don't look happy to me. What is going on with you?"

"We all have our moments I can't be happy all the time everyone wants me to be happy. I have my moments just like everyone else. Aren't I entitled to that much?" Lydia voice started to escalate.

"Of course you are but I am not your enemy. I just want to help you figure out what is going on that's all."

"Sarah I am fine. I'm really happy that you are here together with our daughters. I'm happy that Glenderson is here playing pool with Raymond in the basement. I' m fine please don't worry about me."

"Famous last words," Sarah said letting go of her sister's arm.

"Sarah please trust me I'm okay." Lydia kissed Sarah on her cheek and the two entered the home hand in hand finding .the girls gathered around the granite island nibbling on appetizers Lydia and Sarah had prepared earlier.

"My gosh!" Charlotte, exclaimed, "Look at the size of that stone." She was admiring Jazzmine's engagement ring. Charlotte was the youngest of Sarah's daughters and a sophomore at University of Michigan still undecided on a major. Her enthusiasm was a little over the top, a trait she carried over from being a former cheerleader.

"What does he do?" Sarah asked reaching for a stuffed mushroom appetizers laid out on the center island.

"Well he owns a real estate agency and a few office building along the Route One corridor." Jazzmine began to blush a little, shocking even herself at the reaction.

"Very impressive Jazzmine," Her aunt remarked "Is that how you met him, through one of your real estate deals?"

"The family hasn't met him yet why don't you tell us why Jazzmine?" Valencia asked smirking.

"It's no big secret Valencia, he's married." Jazzmine replied flatly.

"What?" Her cousins said.

"Well, his divorce will be finalized by Christmas," Jazzmine said looking at her watch, "As a matter of fact, I am expecting his call."

"Your life is always so exciting." He cousin Diane said in awe of Jazzmine.

"Be careful what you ask for Diane, some people have a gift for glamorizing things infested with crap." Valencia said

"Yes, like the way you dress, glamour dress, crappy body." Jazzmine snapped.

"Enough, I am warning the both of you, watch yourselves." Lydia cautioned.

"Do you love him?" Sarah asked

"Yes, why else would I marry him?" Jazzmine didn't mind the family inquisition, it was family after all and that is what family is supposed to do. She was surprised that her Aunt Sarah hadn't said more about dating a married man. Jazzmine knew that her Aunt has strict rules when it came to dating. Dating a married man was as her Aunt had put it several times, fornication and an atrocity against God. Aunt Sarah knew the Bible and although she was not pretentious about her knowledge was not afraid to speak her mind about how God felt about such behaviors when she was asked. Aunt Sarah believed that if you were going to ask her opinion then you should be ready for the truth. She would never judge others about what they were doing because she knew that the God she served was a forgiving God and that everyone had faults.

"That's not too hard to figure out." Valencia said finally sipping her mimosa. "We all know how Jazzmine is, don't we?"

"Mother if you don't tell her to shut up, I'll ruin this perfect little evening when I slam her head against this counter,"

Lydia sighed, "Oh pay no attention to her, she does it because she knows she can get to you. Besides you are a grown woman, you know what you're doing."

Valencia looked at Jazzmine daring her to make good on her threat. Valencia was bold and she had taken on Jazzmine a few times before successfully.

The telephone rang. 'It's for me," Jazzmine got up and walked over to the table purposely bumping into Valencia. "Hello," She listened, "Oh, hi Paddy, how did everything go? "Oh that's good, okay, I'll see you tomorrow then. Goodbye dear". She hung up the phone.

"You mean you are not running off anywhere?" Valencia said.

"No Paddy is going to spend the night with his children." She sat down next to her aunt.

"Children, you never mentioned that this man had children," her mother said. "Jazzmine, what have you gotten yourself into. I knew that you were dating him and I tried not to meddle into your business but now you're talking about children, do you get along with his wife?"

"Mom Jazzmine has everything under control; you know Jazzmine would not get involved in anything if she didn't think about it twice. She's smart." Angelique said in support of her sister.

"Thank you sis, anyway, you can't call them kids; they are all out of high school."

'Well, goodness Jazzmine, how old is he?" Valencia's arrogance was obvious to everyone.

"Look he's fifty-one, yup, fifty-one. We've been seeing each other for two years. He's crazy about me and I am crazy about him. Yes, our relationship is a bit confused or shall I say was confused, but I don't give a damn who like or dislikes it1"

"Jazzmine there is no need to get all excited. Everyone here knows you can take care of yourself." Her mother said sternly 'I just want you to be careful."

"Well think of yourself as lucky, he's already trained," Sarah said, "and thank God you don't have to worry about his mid-life crisis because you were it." All but Valencia laughed.

"Yeah, I never thought of it that way." Jazzmine raised her glass to toast that comment.

"Well, my Eric is not like that." Valencia said in attempt to turn the attention to her.

"Oh please Valencia you are so naïve." Jazzmine finished her drink and her seafood dip, tapped her lips with the linen napkin carefully folding it and placed it on the counter all the while staring unforgivably at Valencia and asserted, "It's really scary how naïve and blind you can be when you choose to be that way."

"Well, Angelique did you meet anyone in Europe?" Valencia said to her younger sister Angelique ignoring Jazzmine dramatics, "You've managed to stay quiet."

"No, I didn't and if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway?" Angelique stared at Valencia, Jazzmine gave Angelique an approving smile stood and announced, "Well I have to go."

"And where pray tell are you going now?" Valencia demanded.

"I'm meeting Eric, how about that!" Jazzmine teased.

"Mother!" Valencia cried

"Jazzmine that's enough, you've gone too far. Apologize for your rude statement."

"I'm sorry Valencia is so rude!"

"Mother, what is wrong with her." Valencia cried carring two plates full of appetizers up to her bedroom.

Once Valencia exited the kitchen, Charlotte, Angelique and Diane laughed uncontrollably holding their stomachs high-fiving each other. "You are crazy Jazzmine." Charlotte said in-between breaths.

"It's not right the way you carry on with your sister. Why do you tease her so much? Really Jazzmine, it's not nice the way you treat her." Lydia scolded her daughter as she and Sarah began to clear the center island.

"What's not nice is the way she acts so snooty about her life, her relationship with Eric and how she pretends that everything is so perfect. She couldn't see the truth if it hit her on her nappy head."

"Jazzmine, that's enough! I worked too hard to have my family with me this holiday and I am not going to let you or anyone else ruin it for me." A new wave of energy filled the room followed by an uncomfortable silence hovered as Lydia continued. "You need to examine your own life before you go around criticizing other people." Lydia regretted the statement but the sting in Jazzmine's face told her it was too late to take the words back. "Jazzmine not everything is about you, stop and think about others. People in glass houses should not through stones." Lydia braced the counter for balance as a wave of nausea overcame her body.

"Mom, I'm sorry I upset you so much, I don't hate Valencia I was just joking, she's an easy target, I'm sorry." Jazzmine apologized seeing her mother so upset. Lydia's erratic behavior was something Jazzmine and Angelique were not used to seeing. The sudden explosion left them reeling and helpless.

"Mom I think you should go lie down. I think you're overworked, you've been working so hard, you must be tired. Diane and Charlotte can help me clean up and set the dinner table." Jazzmine wondered where Angelique found her courage and was amazed at how she took control.

"Angelique honey that is a wonderful idea, Diane and Charlotte, stay here I'm going to take Lydia upstairs for a minute, Jazzmine, can you tell your father and uncle that dinner will be a few more minutes never mind telling them about this here incident you understand?" Sarah instructions were direct and Jazzmine understood the seriousness.

"Yes, Aunt Sarah."

"Jazzmine, I'm sorry sweetie." Lydia was feeble and the tears fell from her eyes fast. She had hurt her daughter deeply.

"Mom," Jazzmine embraced her mother wiped her tears, "it's okay."

"Jazzmine, go on, I've got your mother she is going to be alright." Sarah walked with Lydia upstairs and sat her on the bed. "Where do you keep your washcloths?"

Lydia pointed to the linen closet of her bathroom sobbing quietly laying her head on the neatly made bed.

"You're going to tell me what is going on with you." Sarah demanded as she placed the cold and wet washcloth on her sister forehead. "You've been acting strange and now you are crying. I never heard you speak like that to anyone especially your children. Lydia please tell me what is going on I'm worried about you."

Lydia turned her head toward her sister and cupped Sarah's face with her hand. "Sarah, you are so beautiful." Lydia's voice was low and tired "I love you so much sometimes I feel like you are all I got in this world you're so protective of me. I miss you Sarah."

"Lydia please, please let me in, what is going on. I'm not going anywhere. I've already decided that I am going to stay here with you. Diane and Charlotte have to get ready to go back to school and Glenderson has to pick up some mandatory overtime at the work so I can stay here with you for as long as you need me." Sarah wiped the tears from her face and climbed in bed with her sister. "Do you remember when we used to sleep together and you would tell me stories so that I could fall asleep? You told me about places in the world I never heard of like the mines in South Africa, and The Mighty Ganges River. You were always reading something then telling me about what you just learned, do you remember that Lydia."

Lydia squeezed Sarah's hand and turned to face her sister. "There is a danger in planning out your life. It's a feat very few people get to accomplish" Lydia seemed to be saying the words without regard. "Life doesn't always work out the way we want it. All those books I read and all the things I learned I wanted those things. I wanted to have the perfect life and children and you know what Sarah I got it. I got the beautiful house three beautiful girls a faithful husband. I gave up a lot to have this life and when you give up a lot and try to get back to what you had you lose your current life."

"Lydia, honey you're not making any sense." Sarah sat up in the bed and removed the now damp washcloth from Lydia's forehead. "Are you saying you missed out on something you wanted to do and didn't get to do? Are you telling me you are not satisfied with the life God blessed you with?" Sarah was confused desperately searching her sister's face for some detection of what she was trying to tell her a clue to the thoughts she knew were jumbled in Lydia's mind. "Lydia, I told you I am going to stay with you no matter what I am here, I am here. I know God will give us the strength to endure what he has in store for you. We will do this together but you've to tell me what is going on." Sarah pleaded through the sobs wanting desperately for Lydia to release what she was holding inside. How long had she held this? Why hadn't she picked up on the signs sooner? She should have confronted her when she was on the phone with her?

Lydia climbed out of bed and walked toward the window and asked Sarah to join her. Standing next to her she grasped both of her hands and looking into her eyes said, "Sarah, I have breast cancer."

Sarah's knees buckled from under her and before she hit the floor shouted "Father God!"

Chapter 6-

Angelique parked her Vovlo C30 in the driveway of Ronald Wair's house grabbed her black leather clutch and got out of the car. Once in front of the red double doors she gave a loud sigh and rang the doorbell ready to do what she committed herself to do. A tall light brown skinned clean-shaven man answered the door.

"Angelique, come in." His deep voice said. She entered the foyer where he offered to take her mink jacket.

"Mink?" He said, "Impressive." He hung it in the hall closet.

"Oh that." She began, "That was a gift from a friend."

"Is it a close friend?" He asked inquisitively.

"He's trying." She admitted as Ronald led her into the living room

"I've forgotten how nice your house is, are your parents home?" Angelique asked.

"I guess you've forgotten that my parents moved to Florida and left me the house." Ronald reminded Angelique.

"Oh, I guess I did." Angelique admitted.

"You look very nice." He smiled at her the fact that Angelique had called him was enough for him. "I'm glad that you accepted my invitation tonight it's been a long time. How was Europe?"

"It is absolutely wonderful. Italy is stunning and I can't wait to get back."

Ronald felt a pang in his stomach hearing the news."You're going back?" He asked confused.

"Yes, I have to tie up some loose ends." Angelique kept her comments short answering Ronald's question but not providing more information than was necessary.

'Well, you look very nice." He said hoping that Angelique would not notice his disappointment. "Why don't we sit and talk."

"Thank you." She took a deep breath sat on the large sofa. "Look Ron, the main reason why I am here." She paused trying to calm the fluttering in her stomach. And as she did she noticed that there were two wine glasses and a bottle of wine by the lit fireplace. "I know my father put you up to calling me. I know he called you tonight and told you to ask me out. Please Ron, if you've any respect for me what-so-ever stop doing this. If you're afraid of what my father might do to you I'll explain to him how I would like to pick my own dates." She stood up to leave.

Ronald looked at her in shock his bright smile quickly fading. "Angelique, I'm sorry... I uh, I didn't mean to hurt you." He was searching for words that were quickly escaping him.

"It's not really your fault. You want to keep your job and do what you feel is necessary to keep my father happy which means to act as though you are interested in his daughter. You are a very nice man Ron but I am not interested." Angelique said flatly as though she was giving away a used garment.

Ronald stood stunned at what he just heard. The Angelique he had gone out with last summer was so shy and modest. She looked the same, hazel eyes, jet-black hair, very neat, very fashionable, but when she opened her mouth she seemed to be a stranger. Had Europe changed her that much?

"May I have my coat please?" Her request made it was obvious that she was no longer interested in staying a moment longer.

Ronald moved as though he was in a thick and heavy haze and could not see what was in front of him. The pang in his stomach grew to a spasm and he clenched his teeth to control the sudden rage he felt. Angelique followed Ronald to the foyer closet and retrieved her coat trying to conceal the awkwardness that lingered in the air between them.

"Ronald, I didn't mean to offend you. Please believe me; I'm just not ready to get involved with anyone right now with school and all...."

"Angelique I know we went out a few times and it was great." He hesitated. "Angelique, please why don't we go out once more for old time sake?"

"No, Ronald, I'm sorry I think it's better this way." She opened the door fished for her car keys and turned away saying, "Goodbye Ronald."

Ronald Wair stood on his front porch the cold wind blowing against his sleeveless arms. He watched powerlessly as Angelique drove down the street and away with his future and his heart. He closed the door behind him and poured a glass of wine gulping it so fast, it was gone before he sat in the very spot Angelique so eloquently let him down. He glared at the fire and the strategically placed pillows atop the fur blanket strewn by the fire. He pictured Angelique's naked body being warmed by the fire and the heat he wanted to generate with her as he kissed her exploring every inch of her body. He snatched the empty glass and through it into the roaring blaze.

"Dam the Farrior's!" The venom in his voice was a poisons slur. He snatched to bottle and headed into his bedroom.

When Ronald awoke he was still fully dressed and wine bottle lay empty next to him. His head was heavy and throbbing reminding him of his days at West Chester Law School. He cursed aloud releasing the pungent smell of his breath into the room sending his head and stomach into overdrive. He thought of how Angelique looked and all that he wanted to do with her and what marring her would eventually do for him. His palms were moist, and his sex stood erect. The idea of being Vice President at Commonwealth Bank excited him. He reached down into his underwear and released himself until he heard himself moan with pleasure.

He pulled himself out of bed, showered and decided on wearing his best suit in preparation for his meeting with Mr. Farrior. Wanting to make a first-rate impression he did a final onceover in his bedroom mirror and was satisfied. Ronald decided against breakfast fearing it would upset his stomach choosing instead to have hot tea from the office kitchenette. Reaching for his cell phone he retrieved the lone message.

"You're not doing too well Mr. Wair. I want Angelique totally taken in by you. I want her to be so smitten with you that she can't think straight. Understood?" The thunderous voice said. "You do whatever you've to do make her love you. IF you fail, consider yourself no longer a member of my firm." The line went dead.

Ronald arrived at the office earlier than usual and made himself the much needed tea to settle his stomach. He half wished for a little brandy to help settle the nerves that somehow materialized form nowhere. After about an hour of checking his emails, answering a few overdue notices and organizing his scheduled for the day, Mr. Farrior's secretary called Ronald to his office.

"Come in." Mr. Farrior said his head buried in the document he was reviewing.

"You wanted to see me sir?" Ronald asked scarcely moving from where he stood.

"Sit down Ron." Raymond motioned to one of the leather chairs in front of his large mahogany desk. "Ron, you're a good Lawyer." He began. "You've has a great year so far wouldn't you agree?" Mr. Farrior leaned back in his chair.

Ronald thought he was going to be reprimanded but Mr. Farrior seemed relaxed and even complimented his work. Ronald breathed a sigh of relief adjusted himself in the chair comfortably and replied. " I think I have, thank you, thank you Mr. Farrior."

"But if I feel it necessary to let you go I will not hesitate." Raymond warned. "How is our project fairing?"

"So far so good, I see great progress in the very near future." Ronald said confidently.

"Then why the hell did she come home early last night," He said slamming his hand on his desk startling Ronald. "Did you think that I wouldn't notice?"

"Mr. Farrior I've tried everything possible, but your daughter is not interested in me." He said almost pleading taken aback at the sudden outburst.

"Of course she is she just doesn't know it yet."

"No Sir, really I think she doesn't like me." Ronald sounded defeated a trait that despised Raymond.

Mr. Farrior moved from his chair and leaned against the front of his desk looking at down at Ronald "I don't pay you to think I pay you to perform and this performance you are screwing up. Ron, I thought I made myself clear. I want Angelique with you. If she isn't by the time she graduates, kiss the Farrior Firm goodbye, Understand?"

"Yes Sir." Ronald mumbled.

"Understood!" Mr. Farrior raised his voice.

"Yes Sir." Ron said standing up.

"You've until May." Mr. Farrior said.

"Yes Sir. Thank you sir, I'll do everything I can sir." Ronald graveled as he exited the large office.

Ronald sat at his desk tormented at the thought of having to call Angelique after she dumped him last night. He reached into his desk and popped three pills in his mouth and gulped his bottled water until it was empty. He had to think of a plan, he had to get Angelique to fall in love with him or at least date him so that her father would get off his back and he could think of a way out. Ronald knew what he had to do. He pulled out his Blackberry and looked up the number of his college friend Jay.
Chapter 7

Jazzmine pulled up in front of her father's law office building and watched as Kimball approached her small sports car. Kimball Robinson was a tall man, Jazzmine estimated at least six feet and standing next to her five four frame made him seem even taller. He kept himself neat, with a trimmed mustache, well maintained hair close to his scalp, nice shoes, and decent suit. Nothing like what her father wore but respectable nonetheless. He had perfect teeth an important quality Jazzmine considered should be a standard for all men especially any man interested in her. There was a boyish skip in Kimball's gait as he approached her car. "What have I gotten myself into?" She wondered almost regretting that she agreed to the lunch date.

"Hi Jazzmine." Kimball greeted her with all the enthusiasm of a teenage boy.

"Kim." Jazzmine return the salutation with a mocking smile.

As the pair drove in silence, Kimball repeated silent affirmations from the book he read last night on _How to Impress the Girl of Your Dreams._ He had to perform at his best during lunch if he was going to impress someone like Jazzmine. He was grateful to the author for giving him and others like him the confidence to take charge of their love life. Today, as far as Kimball was convinced, was the day he would take charge and profess his love for Jazzmine just as the book suggested.

"What the...?" Kim looked around realizing that Jazzmine had taken him to the Hyatt Regency Hotel instead of the restaurant.

"Be quite this is my treat." She got out of the car and gave a flirty smile to the valet. Kimball's mouth fell open and he obediently followed Jazzmine in to the front desk of the hotel.

"Hello Ms. Farrior." Steven, the desk clerk said.

"Hello Steven, is my room available?"

"Let me check for you, just one moment." Steven searched the computer for the room Jazzmine occupied only yesterday afternoon. "Um, I 'm sorry Ms Farrior, this room is occupied but would you like another?"

"What's available?" Jazzmine asked as he pressed more keys.

"Let me see," he waited, "We have a suite on the fifth floor that is available."

"Sounds great."

"And I'll only charge you for a regular room rate, being you are a regular."

"Why thank you Steven and watch yourself." Jazzmine said with a forewarning grin to Steve's red face as she handed him a twenty.

"My pleasure Ms. Farrior!" A large smile came across his face as he watched her walk away and Kimball following like an obedient puppy.

In the suite Jazzmine began to undress as though she was preparing more for a medical examination than an afternoon Trist. She removed her long wool coat placed on the chair, kicked off her winter white snake skin pumps. Kimball watched her carefully confused ,dazed and strangely excited. Jazzmine removed her silk blouse revealing her 36C cup breasts nestled in a white lace underwire bra. With the skill of a magician she unbuttoned her wool skirt and slipped out of it in one motion. Jazzmine watched Kimball's eyes twinkle as he gazed at her white laced panties that she wore over her matching garter belt. She bent down rolling her off white stockings.

Kimball's eyes followed her to the opposite side of the bed where he sat. She pulled back the cover and climbed in. "Now you," she said softly.

Kimball stood clearing his throat. He moved slowly glancing at Jazzmine from the corner of his eyes. He threw his double breasted cardigan wool coat on the widow seat near the large window. He undid his tie, his belt and then his shirt. The shirt he folded and placed on top of his tie which lay on his coat. He stripped out of his shoes and his pants to reveal his boxers.

Jazzmine rolled her eyes as Kimball turned down his side of the bed and proceeded to get in.

"You forgot something didn't you?" She said to Kim before he made himself to comfortable. He looked down at his waist at the underwear he was still wearing.

"Bingo Bud." She rolled her eyes. "Do I have to tell you everything?"

Kimball hesitated but complied with his temptress request and stripped out of his boxers.

"Oh no honey," Jazzmine said, "That just won't do." She fell back onto the pillow.

"What?" Kimball Robinson stood frozen and exposed not sure of how to make of Jazzmine's comment.

"You might as well get dressed." Jazzmine said not even looking at him.

"Huh?" Kimball could not process what was happening to him. He was immobile and not sure what to do next.

"Stop mumbling and get dressed." Jazzmine said pointing to his penis. "That won't do."

"But you can't be serious." Kimball pleaded in his nakedness. "It's not the size of the ship it's the motion of the ocean. I've never had any complaints before. You can't be serious?" Kimball repeated.

"Oh yes I can, Cover up that, that... it's so small I don't even know what it is. Please get dressed."

Kimball had loved Jazzmine for a very long time and waited for months just to get to this point. And now here she was with a devious smirk on her face no longer acknowledging his presence. "The dick teaser she won't even give me pity sex." Kimball mumbled as he started to get dressed again. He had heard that there is a thin line between love and hate, and now at this very moment he felt himself crossing to the other side feeling disdain for the woman he once loved. It was cruel what Jazzmine was doing to him, humiliating him damaging his ego. He couldn't help what he was blessed with. He had no complaints before and if she wasn't so shallow she would have seen how much he truly loved her, how he would have held her softly, how he would have caressed her and kissed her entire body gently and how he would have looked in her eyes when he was inside her listening to her moans moving with her and wouldn't stop until she was completely satisfied. He may not be the size she was looking for, but he could go longer than most men. He never finished before a woman; he always made sure of that. But Jazzmine turned her back to him, wouldn't even watch him get dressed. He no longer wanted any part of her. She was easy to climb into bed with anyway, what kind of man would want a woman who was so willing to drop her panties in an instant. It was no wonder her father had to pay someone to be with her. Kimball turned to look at Jazzmine who was already on the phone ordering room service. The bed sheets draped over her naked body like Bathsheba in a Rembrandt Painting.

"Jazzmine," Kimball choked when he called to her, "Jazzmine," he called to her again as he stood with one hand on the knob.

"What is it Kimball?"

"I hope I see you in hell."

-Winter –
Chapter 8

"Our first tree," Patrick said caressing Jazzmine's hand. "It's radiant just like you." He kissed her cheek as she snuggled deeper into his chest. She enjoyed being buried in his arms and for a brief moment she felt his heart beat softly in his chest. She closed her eyes smiled to herself feeling the rise and fall of his breathing. She sighed deeply then replied. "Thank you Paddy."

Jazzmine could see the snow falling through the patio doors of Patrick's second story condo and welcomed surprise after the unseasonably warm weather. The treetops surrounding the property began to turn white. She thought about asking Patrick if he wanted to go out and have fun in the snow, maybe a spontaneous walk but she knew that he would make some excuse and turn her offer down. It was quiet and their silence held an awkwardness that Jazzmine was sure Patrick could feel.

"So, he said breaking the silence much to Jazzmine's dismay, "When am I coming over to meet your parents?"

"Paddy, I told you we should at least wait until your divorce is final." Jazzmine stood turning her back to Patrick.

"Fine, But can't we at least make plans? "I got it!" His voice was filled with excitement. "Why don't you invite me over for Christmas dinner that's only two weeks away and my divorce will be final by then?"

Jazzmine felt nauseous and struggled to smile at Patrick's suggestion. He was so excite that he reached to hug her but Jazzmine scurried to the couch where her coat was strewn over the armrest and fumbled for her purse.

"I should be going before the snow gets heavier." Jazzmine knew it was useless to disagree. Patrick has made up his mind there was nothing more she could say or do

"I thought we could get cozier and you could spend the night tonight."

'Sounds tempting, but I really need to get up early tomorrow morning, I have a staff meeting with the sales team then I have to plan our annual benefit and then I have to meet a new client who is looking to open a chain of health food stores, not to mention that..."

"I get it Jazzmine, I get it. You're busy. Why don't you call me tomorrow when you've free time?" A sullen Patrick responded.

"Paddy, I'm sorry," Jazzmine slipped on her shoes and looked around the room as if for the first time. She noticed how the flames from the fireplace cast yellow hues into the room like a blanket of warm haze. Fresh fruits, imported cheese and white wine were perfectly adorned on a tray resting atop the coffee table and Robin Thicke's music imbued the serene setting. The lit candles atop the mantel permeated a winter mint fragrance into the room that was both pleasant and soothing. Underneath the newly ornamented Christmas tree Jazzmine noticed a small box with a white ribbon.

Patrick followed Jazzmine's eyes as she scanned the room. "Well, are you sure you want to go?"

"Patrick, I just..." Jazzmine could not look at him and averted her eyes struggling to find words wishing she could simply convinced herself to stay and make love to him all night long just as he had planned, but the words were trapped. "Patrick I have to go, I really have to get up early tomorrow morning."

"I understand, maybe next time then".

Jazzmine left the condo and sitting in her car she took out her cell phone and checked her voicemail messages as she waited for the heated leather seats to warm. She could see Patrick's apartment from where she was parked. His shadow scattered about the room in random motions. "He's probably clearing everything off the floor," Jazzmine thought. Once she retrieved all her phone messages she tossed her phone into her purse, shifted her car in to gear but before pulling away she took a second look at Patrick's window and noticed a second shadow moving about the room. Shocked, and straining to identify the figure in Patrick's condo she rolled down the window ignoring the frosty air that struck her face. Jazzmine cursed under her breath wishing she had her glasses but had left them in her desk drawer. The second figure was thin and moved as quickly as Patrick. "He's friendly with the old lady across the hall," Jazzmine tried to rationalize. "But why is she there now and this late?" Jazzmine could feel an unfamiliar tinge of jealously rise in her. She wasn't accustomed to being the jealous type but she would be dammed if she'd let another women take her man. She was tempted to get out of her car and investigate The two figures seemed to stand still for a few minutes. She could see Patrick walk toward the window and peer into the parking lot. She ducked hoping he would not see her, but it was futile and much too obvious, he knew her car and where she had parked. He walked away from the window and Jazzmine drove off confused and not knowing what to think. "Who was she? Was it a female?" It had to be the little old lady from across the hall; he was probably giving her all the fruit we didn't eat. Rationalizing lies was easy when you wanted to convince yourself that nothing was going on. Ignorance is bliss and sometimes not knowing was good enough. Jazzmine always wanted to be one step ahead of everyone else and Patrick's sudden change in behavior left her reeling. Playing the scene over in her mind proved to be useless and provided no new details or information already that was already committed and registered in her brain. It was the way women worked they had the memory of and elephant especially when men were involved.

One thought after the next flooded into Jazzmine's head like a tidal wave and with each new thought her foot pressed harder on the gas. She felt anger rise from her belly climbing steady into her head the onset of a migraine. Why was she so angry at Patrick for doing exactly what she herself had done so many times before with other men? After all, Patrick was still married and being with him made them both cheaters.

Her thoughts were interrupted from the blaring music coming from her cell phone. Patrick's home number flashed a glaring reminder of what she had just witnessed. She reached for the phone and tried not to sound provoked. "Hello."

"Jazzie are you alright? I saw you in the parking lot you speed away so quickly." Patrick asked concerned.

He called me Jazzie, when the hell has he ever called me Jazzie she thought to herself before answering him. "I was waiting for the heater to kick in it is snowing after all." She responded flatly trying to listen for background noise coming from his condo.

"Okay, I just wanted to make sure that you are okay."

"I'm fine, how are you?" She rolled her eyes into the phone, was he actually trying to rush me off the phone.

"What?"

"You heard me, how are you, or should I ask, who are you with?" She couldn't hide her contempt any longer.

"What are you talking about, Jazzmine?"

"I've got to go, I just passed a police officer and he saw me talking to you on this phone."

"I'll call you later Jazzmine, just be careful."

"Yeah, you too." Jazzmine hurled the phone hitting the dashboard and raised her hand above her eyes to block out the officers glaring red lights coming from behind her as she pulled her car to a stop.

"You should really slow down, the roads aren't in the best condition for speeding." Jazzmine stared blankly at the empty road ahead. Everyone else it seemed decided to stay indoors tonight and here she was in about to get ticketed for speeding. The drops of snow landed on her warm cheek and fell into the car, she was in no mood for the Officer Friendly's warning, if he was going to issue a ticket she wished he would just do it and get it over with quickly. Whenever she found herself in a sticky situation she would usually smile turn on her charm and the ticket would disappear but tonight her charm had abandoned her.

"Sorry" was all that Jazzmine could muster from her lips. As she turned to face the Officer she was met with his crotch staring back at her. The Officer's pants were snug and the crinkled lines only made the bulge more pronounced. Her eyes climbed up the Officer's athletic build forcing Jazzmine to tilt her head slightly upward. She bit her bottom lip and as did she, the tension eased form her shoulders cascading over her breast and finally to her waist.

Leaning into the Jazzmine's small two-door coupe and resting one arm on the window, the Officer lowered his body making it possible to see Jazzmine's face. He smiled at her revealing a strand of perfectly white teeth. "Miss, are you in some kind of hurry? Being out here this late alone and under these weather conditions is not a good idea."

"I'm sorry Officer, what seems to be the problem." There was a tingle in her voice.

"For one thing you were speeding, secondly you were speaking on your cell phone, and lastly, your headlights were not on."

"If you could only look underneath my coat you would see differently" Jazzmine thought to herself. "Officer, I am sorry, I'm on my way home and I am anxious to get there I had a long day and have a lot on my mind. I promise I will be more careful. This isn't the way I drive and I always obey the law." Jazzmine said her line like a well rehearsed actress.

"Great, next you'll tell me that you were just returning from seeing a sick friend."

Jazzmine had to laugh at his sarcasm. This was going to take a little more work. "So do you really want to see my credentials?" She flirted. "I mean I can pull them out if you want?"

"Well," the officer chuckled. "I at least need to know your name."

"Farrior, Jazzmine Farrior."

"As in Attorney Raymond Farrior, Farrior?" The Officer asked with a wryly look.

"Yes, and why the look?" Jazzmine asked taken aback.

"Well, I knew that Ray had three daughters but I just figured..." He asked looking at Jazzmine bewildered shaking his head, "I thought you were away and married."

"Married! Away! And why are you calling my father Ray? Who are you?" Jazzmine demanded feeling somewhat infringed upon at the information that the officer was telling her as though he was reading a grocery list. Obviously the Farrior's were a topic of conversation around the police station.

"Some of your father's lawyers come into Court to do some criminal cases and you know some of the guys get to talking."

"Is that so, you guys get to talking. Can I ask who is doing the talking?" Jazzmine was trying to hide her annoyance and control the rage that was building.

"Well I just heard scuttlebutt about how the Farrior girls are off limits because of some pre-arranged thing your father has going on." The Officer was almost apologetic. "I'm sure it's rumors you know how guys are they trash talk all the time,"

Jazzmine felt the blood rise in her again and she shook her head in frustration. Her father was up to his old tricks again. "What else have you heard about the Farrior girls, is that how the guys in your department refer to us, as the Farrior girls."

"No come on please don't get upset, why don't we forget about this incident , it's cold out here and I'm on lunch in five minutes I can take you to the diner up the road they're still open and I can buy you a coffee I was headed there before I stopped you."

"Why so you can go back and tell everyone that you met one of the Farrior girls, I don't think so, I am not anyone's joke or topic of conversation. You can do all your trash talking all by yourself. Are you going to give me a ticket or not?" She asked angrily.

"Miss. Farrior, I promise, I am not like that, I promise. One officer that worked a case with you father was talking about the guy we found in the river yesterday. Someone said that they thought he was connected to your father's firm."

Jazzmine grew cold she knew almost every person at her father's firm. "What guy in the river?" Her voice quivered.

'"Some guy who jumped off the bridge a few days ago, they just found his body I think his name was Kimball Robinson, why did you know him?"

Jazzmine felt her head get heavy and her eyes trying to roll to the back of her head. The air was starting to close around her throat lodging the scream that was attempting to escape. She blinked rapidly holding the back the tears. "I have to go, please I have to go."

"Sure, Miss. Are you okay?" The officer asked

"Yes, please I have to go home." Jazzmine pulled away leaving the Officer standing in the empty street with the fallen snow. The road was becoming increasingly blurry and her thoughts were consumed of Kimball Robinson. When she was far enough, she pulled over, opened the door and vomited all that was in her releasing with it screams of guilt and shame.

**********

"Hello Detective Powell what seems to be the problem?" Raymond said to the gentleman sitting on the brown leather couch as he entered the den. He looked at the second officer dressed in standard police uniform and nodded. Lydia stood when Raymond entered; she rubbed her hands nervously wanting to know the purpose of their visits.

"Well, I am afraid I have some bad news Mr. Farrior" Detective Powell said.

"What do you mean?" Raymond asked.

"Oh my God, is it one our daughters?" Lydia said holding her hand to her chest. "Please Raymond; I don't know if I can take this." Lydia said as the eyes swelled.

'Detective, please get to the point, my wife is very upset." Raymond urged. "Lydia calm down let the officer speak." His nervousness could be felt and heard in his voice.

'It appears that one of your employees is dead, a Mr. Kimball Robinson. The remains of his body were pulled from the river."

"What?" Raymond looked at Lydia confused over what he just learned. "He's dead." He repeated.

"Oh my God, poor Kimball, he was here not too long ago." Lydia said.

"How long ago was that Mrs. Farrior?" Detective Powell inquired.

"It was around Thanksgiving." Raymond responded.

"We are not sure yet as to how long he has been dead. We weren't even sure as too how long he had been missing. Exactly when was that?" Detective Powell pulled out a small pad and pencil scribbled some notes.

"Like I said, it was the soon after Thanksgiving." Raymond recollected. "I want to say it was the Wednesday after because of the Littman case I had to reassign it someone else."

"How well did you know him?" Detective Powell asked.

"Well he worked for me for two years. He was a hard worker not too successful though." Raymond noted.

"What do you mean?"

"He rarely won a case." Detective Powell scribbled down some more.

"What about his social life?" The younger detective asked much to Powell's annoyance.

"He was interested in my daughter; they went out once or twice my daughter wasn't really interested though, other than that I don't know. Detective can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"Was his body just washed up?" Raymond was curious.

"Oh no, no, his mother called the department over the weekend and reported him missing. It seems that she had gotten worried when she hadn't heard from him, nothing unusual, but she said she found a suicide note when she convinced the landlord to allow her into the apartment. Poor woman, she's a wreck.

"Suicide?" Mr. Farrior got a cold chill.

"Well you can read about it in tomorrow's paper. I really shouldn't have told you as much as I did." He stood up and held out his hand. "Thank you for your cooperation."

Mr. Farrior stood. "Of course Detective." He escorted them to the door. As he opened the door Jazzmine was there. She was shaken and her worst fears were about to be confirmed Kimball was dead.

"Hello daddy." Jazzmine tried to compose herself and looked at the detective blinking rapidly to avoid the tears that were lodged forcing themselves to come forward.

"Hello Jazzmine. Are you okay, you seem shaky?" Her father asked.

"I'm fine, daddy, I'm just cold."

"This is Jazzmine?" The detective asked with raised eyebrows. Jazzmine immediately remembered what the police officer told her earlier about the scuttlebutt floating around the station.

"Yes, Jazzmine, this is Detective Powell." Her father reported, "Detective Powell, Jazzmine." They shook hands but Jazzmine quickly pulled away.

"Jazzmine I am afraid the Detective has come with some upsetting news."

Jazzmine's feet were rooted where she stood. The Detective muttered words about water and a bridge, missing reports, it was all very obscure for Jazzmine, she couldn't concentrate and wanted the detective to shut up and blurt out what she already new. She turned to her father for clarity.

"What daddy." She took off her coat looking toward her father for some semblance of what the detective was trying to tell her.

"It's Kim, Jazzmine, he's" he hesitated, "He's dead."

"Dead?' she shuttered she formed the word but could not comprehend its meaning. She closed her eyes hard wanting it all to be a dream. "Oh my God." The tears flowed at once down her cheeks and she could sense herself fading.

"Jazzmine, are you alright." Lydia ran to her side holding her limp body.

Detective Powell unaware of Jazzmine's condition continued speaking. She wished he would stop talking her head was already too full. "Yes Ms. Farrior, it seems that it was an apparent suicide."

"Oh God." She cried before fainting into her father's arms.

Chapter 9

The parking lot of The First Baptist Church of Christ Jesus on the Mount was crowded as usual. The rain didn't help either. Lydia and Raymond circled the parking lot twice before Raymond decided to let Lydia off at the entrance. Raymond considered returning to the office and then meeting Lydia later at the repast but thought it improper. Skipping breakfast was not the smart thing to do but he had to make sure that all his files were completely locked in his secret compartment before he left the house. Raymond felt the grumble in his stomach and placed his large hand over his belly to conceal the sound. Lydia had searched her purse for something to quite his stomach but all she came up with were Lifesavers and a small bag of salted peanuts. It was a tease of a treat for a large man like Raymond but it seem to quell his stomach for now.

Circling the building for the third time Raymond was able to find a spot near the gate that opened to the street. It was a precarious spot to put the Mercedes but it was raining and the thought of circling the tight parking lot once more was more than Raymond wanted to endure.

Once inside he spotted Lydia sitting next to Carol, his secretary. Eric and Valencia were seated in front of Lydia. He scanned the room taking in all the chairs wondering if his own funeral would be so full. An elderly woman sat in the front crying into her handkerchief and shaking her head left to right. Raymond immediately recognized her has Kimball's mother, Ms. Greta Robinson. She wore a hateful black hat adorned with feathers, ribbons and a large oranate gem. Lydia always questioned why a woman would wear such things on her head. It seems so pretentious to wear an oversized brimmed hat with oversized bow and feathers. Mrs. Robinson sobs were deep and soft as she cried into the shoulder of her daughter Irene. Sitting next to Ms. Robinson were his grandparents and two younger brothers, Jay and Nathan. Kimball rarely spoke about his family but Raymond remembered meeting them at his annual July 4th picnic.

Finally taking his seat next to his wife, Raymond reached for his handkerchief and wiped the rain and sweat from his forehead and listened to the Preacher pontificate about how Kimball was in a better place even though he decided to take his own life.

"God forgives crazy," the Preached told the crowd, "And I have to believe Kimball was crazy to kill himself. For how can a man leave his this beautiful family? How can one want to take his own life? I want to believe that God forgives everything so I will believe God will forgive him."

Raymond squirmed in his chair and shook his head. Lydia coughed to block the laughter. Carol was not so demure, however, replying "Help me Jesus," raising one hand in that caused a stir in the room among the mourners.

"Yes, Jesus" a man sitting behind Raymond agreed as others followed his cry.

"Yes, Lord, you are a forgiving God." Yelled a woman now standing on her feet, "Thank you Jesus," they continued.

The organist piped macabre music into the church over the muffled of the crowd which seemed like a performance enhanced gesture by the Pastor the effects of which fell short. The crowd burst into a hymn of what Raymond recognized as a "going home song" sang well above the cadence of the attendees making the moment even more awkward than what it already was.

Raymond could not take the sermon anymore so he did what he often did whenever he was in a meeting that he didn't want to be in, he thought of something else. Returning to the events of the morning he traced his steps carefully wanting to make sure he shredded the files marked Kimball Robinson hidden in the mahogany chest in his closet. If anyone found them it would expose his plans and point him as an accomplice to Kimball's suicide. It was a stretch, but being in law for over thirty-five years nothing ever surprised him and Kimball's family looked like they could use the money.

The Preacher finally ended his overly charged sermon and the mourners were allowed to pay their respects to the family. The isle was full so Raymond stayed closed to Lydia who was much better at these things than he was. Following her lead he mimicked her condolences and extended his hand to the grieving family. He was grateful for the low music that played over the speakers and murmuring voices that concealed the rumbling of his stomach.

"Mr. Farrior, thank you so much for the wonderful fruit basket and the generous donation to Kimball's niece and nephew." Ms. Greta Robinson held the now wet handkerchief both in her hand and Raymond's.

"You are very welcome. It was the least we could do for them. Kimball told us all at the office of how proud he was of them and how he wanted to make sure that they would go to college." Raymond pulled his moist hand away.

"God Bless you sir." Ms. Robinson embraced Raymond around his neck and kissed his cheek. "God Bless you."

The repast was held in the Multi-Purpose room of the church that was adorned with the usual long tables with plastic tablecloths. The sterno's were all ablaze increasing the temperature in the room to uncomfortable but bearable warmth. Raymond' stomach beckoned and he was all too willing to oblige with sweet potatoes, collard greens, fried chicken and fried turkey, potato salad and coconut cake for dessert. Lydia and Carol nibbled on brown rice and fired whiting. Valencia managed to eat a green salad and a bread roll.

"Raymond, how are you?" A soft voice said over his shoulder.

Raymond lifted his head away from his plate to see Elyse Toliver standing over him. "Lydia, this is Elyse Toliver, she's an attorney with Stark." The two women politely greeted each other, "You waste no time, do you Elyse?" He said turning back to his food.

"Well, I always say the early bird gets the worm. Have you thought about what we discussed?" Elyse was a beautiful woman, young and well put together. Some would say she favored Vanessa Williams with the appetite of a shark on the prowl. It was the way she had become so successful never missing an occasion to advance and being ready at a moment's notice when the opportunity made itself available. Raymond couldn't trust her; but appreciated her efforts to not let the opportunity get by.

"Mr. Toliver, this is not the time or place to discuss such matters your timing is absolutely flawed." Raymond was infuriated by her insolence wanting her to go away.

"Well, you obviously need an attorney you got my number." Elyse said shrugging her shoulders and walked away smiling.

"What was that about?" Eric was curious.

"Nothing." Raymond said, She's got another thing coming if she thinks I'm going to hire her" Raymond lost his appetite, "Let's go."

"Some people have no couth here we are at Kimball's funeral and she is already vying for a job of a man who was just buried." Valencia said.

"How did you know her?" Lydia asked.

"She works at Stark's." Raymond tried to avoid the questioning. He could tell that Lydia suspected more than what Raymond eluded. She had great instincts and any smart women knew when another woman was up to no good. Elyse steps were calculated and Raymond had to ensure he would always be one step ahead of Ms. Elyse Toliver

Chapter 10

Jazzmine remained secluded in her bedroom blocking any semblance of the outside world from penetrating the cocoon she placed herself in. She spent the last eight days crying the death of Kimball Robison who was a kind giving man with the boyish grin perpetually plastered on his face. The heart cannot control who it loves and for Kimball it appeared that Jazzmine was the one for him.

Barricading herself in her room seemed just punishment for Jazzmine. The thought of a man jumping from a bridge from love gone wrong seemed so cliché, so far from what Jazzmine was, but the cliché had become her reality. According to the article in the newspaper, better known in the community as the gossip rag, Kimball's car was found in the parking lot of the Trenton Public Library which was not unusual for Kimball who spent many hours doing research. He was last seen leaving the Neon bar just one block from the library around midnight. The bartender reported that although Kimball had a few drinks and nothing appeared unusual.

When Kimball's body was pulled from the murky water of the Delaware River, the divers found a necklace with a diamond ring around his neck. His family had no clue about the ring or its significance. Once the information was released to the newspaper, the reporters ran with the story and dubbed Kimball "The Fallen Lover". The story of his suicide appeared in the paper for the next two days in hopes of someone coming forward to claim the ring. They expert interviewed for the article stated that it was not uncommon for a suicide note to be left where it would likely be found, however, in Kimball's case the expert thought it a bit peculiar that he had the note on his person when he died. However, the contents of the note could not properly decipher any information from the tattered note.

Learning of how the city now looked at Kimball as "The Fallen Lover" infuriated Jazzmine and their audacity of the reporters to portray Kimball as a man who appeared to be tormented by love. Kimball was more than just a scorn man, more than what he was made out to be in the public eye. He was a brilliant man full of promise and hope and an inspiration for his young nephew and niece whom he adored. He was a quirky handsome man ready to make any woman a proud faithful husband and devoted father.

It was evident that Kimball would make a good husband for a much docile and bland woman complacent with the mundane way of life. Someone who wouldn't mind having Sunday dinners after church, going to PTA meetings and riding cross country in Winnebago. Jazzmine needed more than Kimball could offer and she knew that dating him would never amount to anything more than what it was, nothing.

Her room became a safe haven where the metamorphous of who she was to become would emerge on its own time. She had no plans on leaving and had cancelled all her appointments and barely communicated via text or emails. The lull in the real estate market came as an unexpected hiatus, nonetheless a welcomed retreat.

Barbara had managed to keep things under control at the office in the past when Jazzmine was on vacation, so there was no concern that Global Elite Realty functions would continue considering her present state. She knew that she would eventually have to get back to work but the idea seemed overwhelming and far from what she wanted.

Jazzmine sighed thinking about her own relationship with Patrick. At twenty-seven she was involved with a married man who had three grown children. "What the hell am I doing with a man with three grown ass children? Her relationship with Patrick was going on for almost two years now and not much had changed since the time he walked into the Real Estate office as one of her first customers. The romantic getaways were reduced to overnights at the condo and special dinners had become ordering from the local shops. Jazzmine owned a lot to Patrick, but somehow she feared she had sold her soul for his business savvy and influence in the local business world. It was Patrick that encouraged her to open Global Elite Realty, the first minority owned realty in Princeton.

The room was becoming smaller with each passing thought that crawled through Jazzmine's mind, especially the thoughts about the choices that had gotten her to the point of seclusion. She moved from her unmade bed to the chair next to her window overlooking the covered pool. The air outside looked cold and the wind moved swiftly across the yard carrying the residual fall leaves to a new destination. Jazzmine looked at the grey sky and saw hints of a winter sun attempting to make its brightness known but the clouds moved quickly across the sky covering any hope the sun may have had to shine its majestic beauty all day. The arrogance of the clouds in thinking that it could shield the brightness of the sun. Didn't the clouds know that nothing could keep the sun from penetrating down to the earth and shine for everyone and everything that depended on its warmth? Jazzmine chuckled at the mere coincidence and connection she felt with the sun. She had been the shining star of her family, always achieving everything first, the first to learn how to ride a bike, the first to join a sports team in school, the first to get high honors and the first to lose her virginity.

It wasn't that Jazzmine set herself apart from her sisters; it was that things came easy to her. There was no need for long drawn out explanations or complex drawings. Her mind worked quicker than most and she found conventional learning boring. It amazed her parents on how Jazzmine never managed to study or even read, but would always make the honor roll in school. College was out of the question for Jazzmine she knew that at an early age much to her parents' dismay. She often argued with her father about how the greatest thinkers used life as their classrooms and quoted Einstein saying, "... _that_ _the spirit of learning and creative thought was lost in strict rote learning_." It was futile to argue with Jazzmine because somehow everyone knew that if she fell she would always land on her feet.

But today was different. Today Jazzmine was not on her feet she had lost her footing and the ground beneath her was unsteady afraid of the new path that it had placed her on. The attachment to the life she formally lived was gone with the wind that carried the leaves outside. She was changing and felt the change slowly wash off her like dirt from a river rock.

She returned to her bed and moved the newspapers and clothing that was scattered about and noticed that for the first time in three days she was beginning to get an appetite. She noticed the picture on the nightstand next of her and Angelique embracing. They were standing in the driveway of their home almost eight years ago. It was the very day, that Jazzmine told Angelique told her that she lost her virginity to the twenty-two year old neighbor next door. Jimmy Myers, a white boy home from college preparing to attend grad school at Princeton in the fall. The experience changed Jazzmine instantly. She became like a strung out druggie chasing a first high and could not get enough. Jazzmine was casual in the beginning sleeping with anyone who would show the slightest interest but the more experience she got, the more selective she became with her partners. She had an insatiable appetite for sex and used sex as experimentation to learn from others and perfect the skill. She used all that she had learned to lure men and control.

Being away from the world forced Jazzmine to look at herself internally and see how she allowed herself to become so self-centered. She had no real girlfriends that she could call. Every woman needs the company of other woman to talk to and comfort them in their time of need. A woman can speak to another woman without using words; communicate in the way they hold you up when you are down. In her quest to learn about love, Jazzmine had forgotten to find the love of a sister, a friend, a mother a real woman to cultivate the femininity in her as she crossed the rite of passage from girlhood to womanhood. She managed to land on her feet, as was her style, but she had forgotten to take support along for the ride. She depended only on herself and thought that she could only do things herself not realizing that the world is full of people that are willing to help and guide along the way.

All of her friends were men; her cell phone was loaded with numbers from men in search of the one thing Jazzmine had made a standard in the relationships. She had given so much of herself away and now she was ready to claim it all back. And if she could, she was sure going to try. She had too much to lose and change only comes when you can see all that you are about to lose and for Jazzmine that was herself.

Jazzmine had realized in her weakness and in her self-induced seclusion of the room and surrendering to herself that she was simply lost without a cause and purpose. There had to be something bigger for her. She was in search for something more so that she would not live a life full of regrets. She was learning in the cocooned she placed herself in that she had to look internally to find what was missing. She realized in Kimball's death that actions do have consequences and that everyone we meet has an impact in our life whether directly or indirectly. We are all connected and we have to disconnect ourselves from those that lead us on the wrong path.

Jazzmine could hear the cell phone vibrated under the papers that she no longer was interested in reviewing. She wasn't ready to face anyone most especially Patrick, especially after their last meeting. She hadn't forgotten about the incident at his condo. She needed to address it before he would make her think she was the crazy one and try to convince her that what she saw didn't actually happen. She knew how men played and she wanted to be ready for him. It flashed Patrick's number; she answered it instinctively immediately regretting the gesture.

"Jazzmine, hi I've been worried about you. How are you?" Patrick words came out rushed as though he was being timed little did he know he was right.

"Okay." Jazzmine answered impassively almost startled at the sound of her own voice.

"Good I am sending a car to pick you up for dinner at the condo."

"Paddy, I'm not really in the mood. Besides have you forgotten our last conversation, you never answered me, who was the women in the condo with you when I left. Did you think that I had forgotten about that?"

"Jazzmine, look, I understand how you must feel."

"No you don't Paddy!" she shouted, "You've no idea how I feel and answer my questions, stop avoiding my questions who was she."

"I should have told you sooner, it was my ex-wife, she came over to visit our neighbor and while she was here she stopped by to drop off a gift. I swear that is all it was nothing more."

"You really want me to believe that your ex-wife came over to visit your neighbor at ten o'clock at night." Jazzmine said in disbelief.

"It's true, really Jazzmine."

"Don't old people go to bed after dinner? Mrs. Harris is seventy-four years old; I know that woman is not expecting any visitors at ten in the evening. Come on Patrick what the hell is going on." Jazzmine asked not really wanting to get into an argument but she could not be held responsible for her actions right now.

"Really, Jazzmine she only stopped by to drop off a gift. I swear." Patrick said pleading.

"When you figure out what it is and who it is you want call me. No scratch that, call your ex-wife." She yelled into the phone before hanging up.

Jazzmine looked around her dark room, the curtains were drawn shut. She wasn't sure of the time of day and after eight days locked in her room she felt the sudden urge to leave her nest. Telling Patrick off had awakened a strange surge of anger. It wasn't an anger of revenge or hatred; it was more like an annoyance directing her to correct the mistakes that had consumed her life. She admitted that she may have overacted, but deciding that she no longer wanted to be on the same path the led her to her seclusion she began to put thoughts of making changes in her life.

There are events in our lives that can change us forever. Like the death of Kimball Robinson. His death affected Jazzmine in ways she could not understand. It was the first time that death had even entered into her life. She had never lost a close relative or friend. Kimball was the first person that died that she actually knew personally and her relationship with him was built on nothing more than abuse. Abuse of her good looks to taunt and tease and control men. She had not realized until this point that what she was actually doing with her life was endangering herself, her self-esteem and her reputation. She would not be held responsible for the slander that could possibly befall the Farrior name.

Her sexual escapades were irresponsible tryst that put her at risk and lessened who she would to become as a woman. Even Steven, the clerk at the hotel started to make comments. If Jazzmine was going to change, she had to do it the right way. Patrick would easily forgive her, of that she was convinced. It wasn't going to be easy Jazzmine was not fooling herself. But if she was going to change and have a true convicted change one that had lasting effects, she needed to be serious.

Death had altered her view of life as she formally known it only a few days earlier. Most lasting changes come unexpectedly the results of which we cannot control. The point and purpose of change is growth. If change has caused growth in your life then the change was good. The key to change is deciding to move from where you are. Jazzmine simply wanted to be in love.

Chapter 11

Angelique gazed out of the oblong window from her airplane seat content that her finals in Milan were over and she could begin her last semester at the Pratt Institute. Aunt Sarah reported during one of her many calls that her mother's was in good spirits and that the two sisters had even enrolled in an aerobics class. Although, she was only gone for three weeks, it seemed like an eternity since the incident at Thanksgiving. She thought Aunt Sarah's presence added to her mother's new found joy and having her there preparing for Christmas Angelique lessen her mother's burden. Angelique smiled relieved that her Aunt decided to extend her stay to care for her mother.

"You've a beautiful smile."

"Excuse me?" Angelique turned her head quickly and noticed the man sitting next to her. She was unaware of his presence until now.

"Your smile" He repeated, "It's lovely."

Angelique looked down at her lap then up at the gentleman in the grey wool pants, light blue shirt and navy blazer with gold buttons. It was a habit she formed long ago; look at what the man is wearing it will always reveal a truth. "Thank you, I didn't realize I was smiling."

"Well you were and like it said, it's a beautiful one."

Angelique held her stare just long enough to capture his black Ferragamo shoes and a hint of his Oliver Creed's Sliver Mountain cologne. "Thank you," were the only words she could manage to say.

"You're welcome." The gentleman leaned back in his chair closed his eyes and smiled while putting the headphones of his iPod in his ears.

Angelique stole glimpses of the man in the chair next to her. He was older, that was obvious, but was in excellent physical shape. He had man hands thick long fingers and well manicured. She noticed a scar on his thumb and was intrigued but its shape, but what intrigued her more was his ring-less finger. His jaw line was square, and clean shaven his lips were small. His eyes seemed to be smiling even now as he slept. His hair was sandy brown, kept neat and clean, longer in front but kept short and tapered around the sides and back. She took a deep breath inhaling the cologne that she knew was expensive. She remembered the fragrance from a boutique in Milan that Henrico had taken her when he was looking for a gift for Antonio. She quickly tossed the notion of this man being gay to the side, this man was straight it exuded from him. Mysterious that is what she decided. He was a mysterious man with an Australian accent.

The plane landed at Hitherto International for a ninety minute layover. Angelique had planned to spend her wait time shopping in the various stores hoping to find new magazines or even a book that would occupy her six hour flight into New York.

As she perused the postcards in the gift shop by the next departure gate, she caught a glimpse of the mystery man who sat next to her on the airplane. He tried to avoid him but when she looked at him again for the third time, she meet his eyes and was frozen like a deer in headlights.

"Hello." He said to her smiling

"Hi." She turned her head quickly embarrassed that he caught her staring. She picked up the first postcard and pretended to read it.

"Don't you hate layovers?" he asked her in his strong Australian accent.

"Actually, I don't mind a break from the plane. I hate flying, especially alone." Angelique placed the card back in its spot and walked toward the magazines.

"Yeah, I know the feeling." He followed her trying to be inconspicuous.

Angelique has already purchased the magazines she wanted at the previous gift shop but she took her time hoping this gentleman would continue to talk to her.

"Where are you headed?" He finally asked holding a snow globe of Big Ben.

"America, uh, New Jersey actually."

"Is that where you're from?"

"Uh hum, my family is expecting me for the holiday. How about you? Where are you headed?" For the first time she looked at him directly in his blue eyes that captured her gaze.

"Well, I'm going to spend the holiday with my good friend in New York."

"Oh". She loved the way he pronounced his words. She could listen to him talk all day. He could read me the phone book and I would love it. She thought.

"Are you hungry? I noticed you didn't eat on the airplane."

"I detest airplane food." She didn't know what else to say.

"I know what you mean? You wanna get a quick bite?" He looked at her and liked what he saw.

"Uh, well I'm not sure if I am going to have enough time. My plan is scheduled to take off in about forty minutes and I really don't want to miss it." Angelique said wanting to kick herself for not being more spontaneous like her sister Jazzmine.

"Well, I am pretty sure that I am on that same flight and I think we have plenty of time to get a little something to hold us over. It is a six hour flight after all." He said hoping to change her mind.

"Why not." She agreed.

They decided to order from a small eatery and sat at a table with only two chairs by the large window overlooking the runway. "Oh God. I never thought I would miss French-fries.

"Is that all you're eating?" He asked pointing to her tray.

"Yes, trust me this is plenty." Angelique said eating another French-fry. "Where are you from originally?" She asked him

"Australia." He bit into his Turkey on rye sandwich.

"Oh it's so beautiful there, I've never been, but I've seen pictures." Angelique said.

"It is lovely. Once I settle down, I'm going back. Are you making Italy your home now?" He asked

"Oh no I am studying fashion there." She responded.

"I should have guessed you had something to do with fashion you're so sharp." Angelique blushed. "Ya know we don't even know each other's name, forgive me, I'm Robert, Robert Briskin.' He wiped his hand with his napkin and held it out for Angelique held it just a second longer hoping she would not notice.

"My name is Angelique Farrior." She said coyly.

"Angelique," He repeated sending chills when he said her name. "What a beautiful name," she blushed again, "A beautiful name for a very beautiful girl." More chills traveled down her spine.

Angelique found out the Mr. Robert Andrew Briskin was from a very well to do Australian family owned a horse farm where they bred Walers. Robert was educated at a private boy's school and went onto Oxford where he received a degree in International Business. After graduating, he returned to Australia and became a sergeant in the Australian Defense Force and later joined the Defense Intelligence Organization. His work with the Intelligence agency led him to his current work with the International Security and Investigating Services better known as ISIS. He told Angelique that his work took him all over the world He had been to Tokyo, Albania, Indonesia, Cairo, Paris, Guatemala, the United States and he just completed an assignment in Milan Italy.

"Your life seems so exciting. I can't believe all the places you've been."

"I've done all the talking so far. You'ven't told me anything about yourself." Robert noted.

"Oh my God!" Angelique said noticing the time. "It's six-thirty, our flight left over an hour ago!" Angelique stood frantic that her parents would be waiting at the airport for her. "I have to inform my parents, they'll be worried. How could I be so careless?" Angelique said almost in tears.

"I'm so sorry Angelique, it my fault," he said not wanting Angelique to be further upset. "Don't worry. I'll see what I can do about us getting a later flight."

Angelique watched as Robert went to the ticket desk. He asked about the next flight to America. When he returned he informed Angelique of how the next flight wasn't until tomorrow morning at 9:40.

"Oh God, what am I going to do?" She looked at Robert, "My luggage is on that plane. My parents are excepting me."

"Don't worry, look, I'll purchase tickets for the next flight and we'll have to find rooms for the night."

"No, no, I'll purchase my own ticket." She reached into her purse and pulled out her Charge Card and walked to the ticket desk.

Robert followed her saying, "I feel so guilty, if I hadn't kept you chatting so long you would have never missed the blasted thing,"

"Robert it's not your fault. You weren't talking to yourself. " Angelique grabbed the tickets and placed it in her bag. "Besides," She said feeling less tense, "I've enjoyed spending this time with you." She felt her face go flush, was she flirting? "I better call my parents." She pressed the numbers and asked Robert, "Aren't you going to call your friend?"

Robert smiled, "Sure, why not." He reached in his jacket and retrieved his Blackberry to appease the young woman that he could not get out of his mind.

Angelique spoke to her father whose only parental warning were, "Well be careful and call in before your plane leaves."

By the time Angelique had finished speaking to her father, Robert had found out that the Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel was less than a mile and actually had a shuttle from the airport. He suggested that they check in the morning for breakfast. Angelique graciously accepted the invitation making any excuse to see Robert again.

The Radisson was an ornate hotel situated minutes from Heathrow Airport. As Angelique climbed off the shuttle bus, Robert reached for her hand. The hotel was lavishly designed and decorated with Oriental artifacts that appeared to be genuine artifacts from Asia. The marble floor was wide adorned with white, red and gold colors that flowed to the front desk. Behind the counter was a young woman hair pulled back and bright red lipstick. Her smiled looked as if it was a permanent fixture.

"Welcome to the Radisson, my name is Nancy how can I help you tonight?"

"We'll be needing a room." Robert said

"Of course, let me see here." Nancy wore her smile as she turned to her computer to check availability. "Okay, we have a one bedroom available."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I meant we each need a room." Robert explained.

"I'm so sorry, I just assumed..." Nancy turned back to the computer, "I'm sorry sir, but all of our other rooms are booked for this evening."

"There has to be something else." Angelique insisted. "It's really late and I don't want to miss my flight tomorrow, I have to get home."

"I'm so sorry miss, but we have nothing else." Nancy responded her bright red lips pursed in a tense smile.

"Look uh, you take it, and I'll find another hotel." Robert suggested

"Oh Robert, that's not fair" She said exasperated. "Look the airport is right here and the plane leaves early in the morning. It doesn't make sense for you to waste time searching, so look, we'll both take the room and split the coast."

"How many beds are there?" Robert asked the front desk clerk.

"One a king sized." Angelique and Robert looked at each other.

"We'll take it." Angelique decided, ready to have the day done with so that she can get bed and her family.

"Are you sure?" Robert asked with raised eyebrows.

"Yes, it's convenient and we're tired. We have no other choice." Angelique handed the man her charge card.

"No," Robert insisted, "At least let me pay for the room. Please, I feel really bad about you missing your plane."

"No Robert," she persisted and gave Nancy the credit card her who looked as though she was watching a tennis match as she tried to figure out which card to take.

Robert placed his hand on Angelique's arm and said, "I insist." He smiled broadly and looking directly into Angelique's instantly making her weak with compliance loosening an unfamiliar tension that was building.

The room had a warm classic ambience with rich fabrics and a marble bathroom. A window overlooking the parking was on the far wall. Next to the window was a brown chair and ottoman. The oriental theme was carried in the room with painting of Geishas in various stances. Angelique was first to enter and stopped in the center of the room staring at the bed.

"It's not too late to change your mind. Angelique, really I understand." Robert could see the anxious look on her face.

"Robert please there's no more discussion to it." She smiled at him sitting on the bed. She sat her purse next to her and sat still thought about what Jazzmine say knowing that she was about to share a room with a handsome stranger. He was the most beautiful man she had ever met. The way he looked at her when he spoke drew her want to hear more and not miss a word. And that accent, that incredible delicious accent. Whenever he said her name she would exhale from the shiver that traveled through her body want to hear it more. Angelique could tell that he was older, maybe thirty, but that body would make any young surfer want to keep his shirt on. She watched him carefully, almost studying him as he moved past her and to the chair in a corner and sat down.

"Comfy." He said slapping the arm rests and raising his eyebrows mocking to himself.

"The bed is big enough for the both of us." Angelique couldn't believe that she was asking a stranger, a man she had only known for a few hours, to share space on the bed with her. But guilt had set in seeing Robert's masculine body cramped into a small hotel chair that was not even suited for a young boy let alone a man of Robert stature and build. She couldn't help but to feel regret for making him miss his flight. Angelique noticed the time long before the plane was scheduled to take off, but she was captivated by his conversation tracing his mouth with her eyes, absorbing his words wanting to her his accent and the way he said her name and fearing that letting him get on the plane would be the single most regrettable thing she has ever done. She sensed an instant connection to this beautiful stranger so willing to give up a night of comfort for her. And although she had never thought of doing anything like this before in her life, she allowed the force that was steering her to take over.

"No, no. I will be perfectly fine. Look you got me up here now so this is where I am sleeping." There was no humor in his voice.

"I cannot sleep in this huge bed knowing you are in that thing."

"Angelique, there's no problem. I've been in worse situations than this before, now lie down and get some sleep."

Angelique took of her shoes and coat grabbed her purse and went into the bathroom. She carried and extra bag of incidentals, as her mother called them in her purse. She had learned from her travels that having such a bag was a necessity for every woman. The bathroom was of good size with bright white tiles on the floor and wall and hints of red and black splashed throughout. She washed her face with warm water, brushed her teeth and used the complimentary lotion on her hands elbows and feet. A deep red hand towel sat in a black ceramic bowl surrounded by oriental soaps and fragrances of spices, musk and cinnamon with hints of vanilla and chocolates. She opened the small package of complimentary vanilla soap and thought about calling Jazzmine but quickly changed her mind realizing the time difference. She checked herself in the mirror took a deep breath and exited hoping Robert was still awake.

Robert had his socks and shoes off; his suit jacket was hung neatly in the closet next to his shirt and Angelique's coat. The bed was turned down and Robert managed to make the chair look semi-comfortable pushing the ottoman as far back as his six foot three frame would allow. He had his socks and shoes off and stayed dressed in only his slacks and cotton white t-shirt. Two were pillows propped behind his head and the curtains were drawn shut.

"Thank you for hanging up my coat." Angelique said rushing to the opposite side of the bed.

"You're very welcome." Robert mumbled.

Angelique sat in her side at the bed and looked at Robert coyly not wanting to disturb him. She wanted his attention but was too shy to disturb him for fear she would upset him further.

"What's the matter?" Robert asked after a noticing the light was still not turned l.

"I want to call the front desk for an 8:00 wakeup call."

"Okay, sounds like a good idea, go right ahead."

"The phone is on the desk by your chair." She pointed to the table

Without a word Robert picked up the phone gave the front desk instructions and even inquired about breakfast.

"Thank you Robert" She said as she turned off the light.

'You're welcome. It was actually a good idea. Glad you thought about it." Robert coiled his body unsuccessfully in the chair and punched the pillow several times trying to form a cove for his head.

"Robert."

"Yes."

"If you don't get in this bed I am going to wait in the lobby." She turned the light on again.

"Look Angelique, I am fine really."

"You don't sound fine and we have a long flight tomorrow." She stood slipping into her shoes, "I'll see you on the plane. She grabbed her coat and headed for the door.

"Wait, wait." Robert quickly go out of the chair and walked to her. "Is it really that big of a deal?"

"Robert I really feel bad about missing our flight and just having only one room available. Please don't make me feel any worse. I cannot sleep in that huge bed when I know you're in that pitiful chair."

"Okay, alright." He took a deep breath, "I'll sleep in the bed. But how do I know you are not some wanted murder who flushes their victim's body parts down the latrine. Robert laughed at the look of horror on Angelique's face. "I'm teasing you, really I am. Bad joke, I promise no more bad jokes."

His smile was enough to put Angelique at ease; she loved it when he smiled at her. Robert grabbed the pillows he had placed on the chair and climbed into the opposite side of the bed.

"Good night Robert."

"Good night Angel."

"He called me Angel." She said to herself beaming broadly. Unable to fall asleep Angelique, turned the light on. "I can't sleep. I think I'm excited about finally going home."

"Well the Angelique, why don't you tell me all about home then." Robert said smiling into her eyes.

They talked about their families. He told her stories of when he was with the Australian military. They laughed and talked well into the early morning. Angelique was relieved to hear that the friend Robert was going to see was a friend, from the ISIS training camp together.

At 4:30 Angelique glanced at her watch. "Good Lord. Look at the time.

"The sun will be up soon." Robert said, "I don't know, it seems whenever we talk, I seem to lose all track of time. You're such a good listener."

"That's because you are so interesting." Angelique said.

"You think so huh?"

"I do, and if I didn't know any better, I might say my father planned the whole thing."

"What?"

"You see sometimes I get the feeling that my father wants me and my sisters to do what he wants, that includes marrying men he thinks would best for us."

"You're kidding!" Robert said surprised. "Well I assure you I never met your father so he didn't arrange this as far as I know.' Robert teased.

"Oh I know that, you're the wrong candidate."

"Excuse me?"  
"You've to be a young attorney, someone that he could probably easily influence. He can be a very intimidating man. Like all fathers, they mean well but are usually misguided."

"I guess that's why God made mothers." Robert said.

"I suppose you are right. Anyway, you wouldn't have anything to gain by being with someone like me."

"Well I wouldn't say I have nothing to gain. Anyone would be pleased if not honored to have you. You're beautiful, intelligent, witty a delight to be with, you've incredible infectious laugh and have I mentioned that you are stunning?" He said eyes fixed with hers. They sat silent each feeling the magic between them. Robert lifted his hand slowly and moved the long strand of hair away from her face. "You're blushing. I'm sorry, I am embarrassing you." They stared at each other. Robert began to feel the urge to kiss her but stopped. "It's late." He said. "If we ever plan on getting out of here tomorrow, we better get some shut eye.

"Yeah," Angelique agreed. She reached for the light. "Good night Robert," her heart raced when she said his name.

"Good night love."

Angelique finally drifted off to sleep as Robert watched her face in the light from the sunrise. "My God Angelique, what is it about you?" Robert sighed.

Chapter 12

Robert Andrew Briskin sat on the deck of his house with his feet propped on the railings overlooking Lake George. The icy lake stretched past the thicket of trees that rested at the base of the thirty-five acres that had become his home. Robert sipped his brandy as he watched his friend Phillip place two thick logs into the terracotta fire pit and awkwardly used a poker to position the logs to burn evenly. Phillip was able to create an even blaze that sent a hue of yellow and orange warmth into the night sky. Robert could feel the brandy warm his chest and the slight twinge told him that the brandy was working its magic.

The weather reports predicted a forecast of snow for this evening into tomorrow morning, and the signs of snow were definitely lingering in the air, but for tonight, it was a perfect night; he only wished for Angelique was sitting next to him.

"Robert is there something you'ven't told me?" Phillip, one year Robert's junior asked as he poured himself a glass of brandy then sat on the Adirondack chair where he could monitor the blaze.

"What do you mean? Is there something you know that I don't" Robert sipped his brandy to cover the smile he knew crept onto his face.

"No, no" Phillip poked at the fire and glanced at Robert, "You just seem different. Do you've an upcoming assignment?"

"No Phil, I have nothing in the works." Robert said wanting to change the topic. He knew where Phillip line of questioning was going. They had been partners for over nearly fifteen years at ISIS and when a person works as closely on mission like Robert and Phillip did; you get to know how they think.

Sensing the hesitation from Robert to tell Phillip what was really on his mind, Phillip began to tell Robert of the house he and Tracy, his wife, were considering buying in Hawaii. "If you've the time, I'd like you to fly out there and look it over."

Robert thoughts were nowhere near Hawaii. He was envisioning Angelique sleeping body next to him. He had watched her sleep and missed the rise and fall of her chest and the faint smile on her face as she slept on her side. It was the first time in a very long time that Robert had spent the night with a woman only to watch her sleep. Angelique was different from most of the women Robert dated. She was beautiful, as were the others, but what stood at the most was her innocence and not to mention the age difference. She was only twenty-two years old and had a soul that was much older. It was in the way Angelique thought, the respect she commanded through her body language. The difference about Angelique and the other woman was that at such a young age, she knew who she was and what she wanted to become. Robert was able to tell that Angelique knew at twenty-two what most people, if they were lucky, would learn much later in life. Who you are is separate from what you are and when you allow for what you are to define you, then you're truly lost. Robert was impressed with Angelique. Awed with her coy confidence and felt that the possibility of love was available for a man who was only two steps away from loneliness.

"Robert." Phillip tired to get his attention. "Robert!" he said again almost raising his voice.

"Huh?"

"What the hell is wrong with you? If I didn't know you, I'd swear your mind was on a woman."

"Actually Phil, it is. And she's gorgeous, simply gorgeous." Robert looked down at his brandy glass and ran his finger on the rim waiting for Phillips reaction. Robert's confession surprised even him. Intimidated by love he still wanted to pursue the woman that continually occupied his mind. Phillip knew Robert's past and although he didn't judge him for it, Phillip always believed that Robert was not the type to get serious with any woman.

"Wow, wait a minute," Phillip sat up straight, "Is this the same Robert I've known for over fifteen years, the Robert who has romanced tons of women on every continent?"

"Come on Phillip give me a break, that was the old me that was a long time ago. Let's leave the past in the past. Besides it hasn't been tons of women as you say." Robert was annoyed at Phillip for bringing up such schoolyard trash.

"My my my, are we getting a little delicate here, did I touch a sore spot with you." Phillip joked with Robert. "Okay then spill, who is she? Where 'd ya meet her." Phillip was curious and was not going to let Robert of the hook so easily. Robert finding someone to be smitten about was a rarity that Phillip wanted to uncover.

Robert explained with great passion how he had noticed Angelique at the Milan airport and had his seat changed so that he could sit next to her and how he purposely kept her talking and busy so that she would miss her flight. He felt guilty doing it but he told Phillip that Angelique swept him off his feet the moment he laid eyes on her and he has been soaring ever since that moment. She was all the he could think about and it made him new and dare he say, special.

"You mean she actually let you stay in the same hotel room with her?" Phillip asked as he reached for out Tracy's hand as she walked toward him.

'Tracy," Phillip said, "Guess what, Robert's in love."

"Yeah sure, who is it this week?" Tracy said as wrapped herself in the fleece and nestled on her husband's lap.

"No really Tracy, he actually sounds like he's really in love this time. You should hear him talk about her."

"You two would love her." Robert sat up in his chair. "She studies fashion at Pratt and is finished her semester in Milan." Robert placed his empty brandy glass on floor next to him and continued. "I think she is going to complete her degree at Pratt in Brooklyn. You know that I was already thinking about retiring.

"Wait a minute," Tracy interrupted, "You're serious," she said looking at Robert.

"He's very serious," Phillip said hugging his wife to blocking the cold breeze that swept onto the deck.

"I don't believe it." She said, "Robert the Playboy in love, the world must be ending."

"Look, He's blushing." Phillip pointed at Robert who was indeed smiling.

"Oh come on you two, this is exactly what I had to endure when you two first fell in love." Robert joked back.

"What's her name/" Tracy asked returning Robert's infectious smile.

"Angelique Farrior, she lives in Hiltona, New Jersey. God she's beautiful."

"Well, when can we meet her?" Tracy asked.

"I'm hoping to see her sometime during her break I plan on calling her this week. I wouldn't mind seeing her again that's for sure." Robert smiled to himself at the prospect of seeing Angelique again.

"Why don't you ask her to come to Hawaii when we show you the house we are buying?"

Robert seemed surprised, "You're buying a house?"

"Never mind Robert." Phillip said.

Chapter 13

Ronald swigged the last of the beer and hurled the bottle against the motel room wall shattering tiny pieces of glass onto the bed he shared with the naked prostitute sleeping next to him.

"What the hell was that?" The woman annoyed that her sleep was interrupted blindly reached for her cigarettes and lighter to avoid the dim stale light that flickered above the bed, "you ready to go again?" She asked out of habit and duty more than a desire to do so.

"You know Angelique returns soon." Ronald said to himself.

"Who?" The woman asked puffing smoke into the musty air.

"Angelique, the woman who can make me a very rich man" The woman opened her eyes and gave Ronald an empty-headed look. Pulling the sheets over her exposed breasts she sat up combing her long fingernails through her obvious auburn wig then she stretched her arms above her head as though she were about to comment but decided against it. She allowed Ronald to lament about Angelique, perhaps she was the love he lost, the one that got away with his heart. She studied Ronald closely noticing his lean body, smooth skin and decided he wasn't a bad looking man, he was nothing to brag home about but he wouldn't leave a nightclub alone. She was familiar with the pang of her rented suitor's wounds. Ronald was no different from all the rest. Searching for something in her that she was not willing or gonna give. He seemed to be somewhere else, but all her customers where always somewhere else.

"Somehow, I gotta get her; I got to get her to love me."

It was worse than she thought. She was familiar with this kind of anguish and Ronald's pain verged on the cusp of fanatical love and one-sided obsession which usually lead to disaster and destruction

"Yeah sure. Look it's late I gotta get back."

She stood up and began to pull her shimmering light blue dress over her head; there was no need for underwear, she considered them a job hazard. She stepped into her white high heel pumps grabbed her cigarettes and walked to the mirror to fix her wig.

Ronald was already up and into his wallet, "Here," he tossed two hundred to her.

"I need cab fare." She said with her back toward Ronald rubbing lip-gloss against her lips. Sucking the gloss from her teeth she added, "You look like you need some help, you gonna be okay?"

Ronald looked impassively at the woman standing in the mirror tossed her another hundred then headed into the bathroom and jumped in the shower. He considered calling the women in to join him but decided against another romp with someone who wasn't Angelique.

Kimball's death weighed heavily on Ronald's shoulders. He vowed to evade the demise of his former colleague by attempting to construct a plan the efforts of which eluded him at the moment. The pressure from Raymond Farrior was more than he could endure but he had to hold on and convince Mr. Farrior that he was closer to getting Angelique to marry him. Mr. Farrior's plan seemed ludicrous at first passing. Eric seemed willing from the start especially since Valencia's ultimate goal was to obtain her MRS from any man who was willing. Ronald was only sorry he turned down her invitation to dinner a year ago.

It was at the annual Farrior Fourth of July picnic when Raymond revealed his misguided plan to Ronald, Eric and Kimball. While fireworks displayed their brilliant beauty in the night sky, Raymond Farrior auctioned each of his daughters' lives to the unsuspecting bidders as he sat behind his desk in the den of his home.

"These envelopes contain information that will ultimately change each of your lives and the way you practice law. I have selected all of you not because what you can offer this firm, but what you can offer me. What I seek most is peace of mind. My most important treasure in this world is my family and the security that I can offer them. I have been very blessed with my talent as an Attorney to secure their future and my wise investments have made me a very rich man. I worked hard to get where I am and for what I have. I want to keep getting bigger and stronger and richer. My daughters mean everything to me and their wish is my every command. I will stop at nothing to ensure their complete happiness. Sometimes, like all children, they saunter into areas that are not comfortable to those of us who are parents, so I see my role as a conductor of their lives to be led in the right direction."

"Don't you think that should be up to them." Kimball was always thinking of others Ronald thought to himself as he stood looking at Mr. Farrior unveiling his plan.

"Kimball that is very noble of you, however, what I am doing is giving my daughters an opportunity to have a great life avoiding all the obstacles that I had to overcome, to avoid the pain that I had to endure to get where I am."

"Pain and suffering build character Mr. Farrior. Your daughters should be able to experience life the way it's meant to be experienced." Kimball was not giving up. It amazed Ronald that Kimball could not win major cases in court even though put up a good argument.

"What way is that Kimball, what way should my daughters experience life, is it wrong for a father to love their daughters so much that all he wants to guarantee their happiness."

"There are no guarantees in life Mr. Farrior, as an Attorney you should know that." Kimball was relentless.

"Look Kimball that only reason I chose you to be part of this is because I see the way you droll over my daughter Jazzmine. You are a helpless pathetic puppy around her and I know that you will do anything to make sure that she is happy." Raymond's voice was firm he got up from his desk sipped his scotch placed it carefully on the coaster and continued standing in front of the large window as the fireworks colors filled the room. "What I am offering is more than any of you would ever be able to achieve. Eric this should be very easy for you since my daughter Valencia is already in love with you, God knows why, and Ronald your demeanor most compliments my youngest Angelique it shouldn't be so difficult to woe her she is unfussy and coy. Review each of your packets that I have meticulously prepared. I expect an answer in the morning. And remember, there is always room for negotiation."

"Mr. Farrior, what are you asking of us?" Ronald managed to say

"I thought I made myself clear." With that Raymond returned to his family leaving the men sitting dumbfounded.

Ronald climbed out of the shower and sat on his bed holding the packet in his wet hands. The lucrative proposal could certainly entice even the most honest of attorney to seriously consider accepting the offer. The money was the minimal part of the deal, to be a judge now that was the draw for Ronald. Ronald tossed the papers onto the bed reached for his blackberry and started on his plan. Angelique would have no other choice but to marry him, he would make sure of it.
Chapter 14

Robert Briskin arrived at the Farrior house in the rented SUV thirty minutes earlier than planned, a habit he acquired early on in his career. His training taught him to always anticipate every possible scenario and to be prepared for anything and relying on his training and instinct was the mantra he lived by, not to mention his excitement on seeing Angelique again.

The first time Robert noticed Angelique in Milan he was self-admittedly swept off his proverbial feet. There was something different about Angelique, not unusual in the strange kind of way, but more extraordinary about how Angelique was easy to notice, hard to miss and once you spotted her your eyes were obligated to follow. It didn't matter who you were, Angelique was someone people took notice of immediately. The irony was that Angelique was oblivious to the power she held.

He first spotted her in the private first class lounge perusing a fashion magazine that she pulled out from her oversized purse. She sat patiently flipping each page examining them as though she were looking at painting in a museum. After a few minutes, she stood poured herself a glass of cranberry juice and tonic and approached the ticket agent that appeared to be more of a concierge. In her terrible Italian she asked the well dressed agent when the flight was scheduled to leave and he responded in English that the plane was delayed for forty minutes and then pointed to the flat screen television that displayed the same information. Angelique shrugged her shoulders and took her seat sipping her drink. Robert smiled to himself convinced that Angelique was a woman he had to meet.

Robert examined himself in the rearview mirror then blew into his cupped hand to check his breath. The house was guarded by stone fence that opened to a circular driveway. The trees that swelled from the grounds seemed to be strategically placed to create a landscape worth painting. The house was more than what he expected in all its grandeur of Christmas décor, but it seemed fitting for Angelique.

Robert looked at his Rolex realizing that only five minutes had passed since he arrived at Angelique's house. He thought about circling the block once more to kill some time but decided against it noticing a green Jeep Cherokee running idle awkwardly parked across the street. Taking a closer look Robert saw a man sitting in the driver seat taking pictures of Angelique's house. Instinctively he jumped got out of the SUV and moved quickly toward the Cherokee; the stranger in the car spotted Robert approaching, shifted the car into drive and sped away quickly. Robert gave chase but the Cherokee rounded the corner and disappeared down the road. Robert ran toward his SUV in an attempt to follow the Cherokee, but it and the driver where long gone. Sitting in front of the Farrior home, he combed the area quickly and as he reached for the weapon he kept under the front seat, his blackberry rang.

"Hello luv, are you alright?" Robert quickly scanned the street wondering if the Cherokee would return.

"Don't be silly, of course I am, where are you? You sound out of breath." Angelique asked concerned.

Robert didn't want to worry her, at least not yet. "Angle, I am just pulling up, I'll see you in two minutes."

"Okay, when you get here just follow my lead, I want us to go out tonight and be alone away from my family." Angelique explained.

Robert felt Angelique smiling over the phone, "You sound beautiful, Angel. I can't wait to see you." Robert parked in the circular driveway and climbed out of the SUV he carried with him a long white box with a red bow. He walked slowly toward the large Mahogany doors. There was an awkward silence in the cold air. The only sound he heard was the crunch of the snow under his feet as he made his way to the door. Before he could ring the doorbell, he was greeted by Angelique, and instantly taken aback by her beauty.

"You look stunning." Robert could not move his eyes away from Angelique curves in the Knit mini dress she wore.

"Thank you, are these for me?" Angelique asked.

"Yes. Yes they are." Robert handed the large box to Angelique and greeted her with a kiss. "It's so good to see you again."

Angelique reached for the box and led him into the living room where the family eagerly awaited his arrival. Instantly; the room grew silent as Robert entered the room. Jazzmine gave her little sister a wink from across the room as a sign of encouragement. "Everyone, I would like you all to meet Robert. Robert this is my family." Angelique held Roberts hand as the pair faced the family and greeted each one. Jazzmine of course was the only one to hug Robert and although Angelique told her not to make such a fuss, did anyway.

"It's a pleasure meeting all of you, thank you for allowing me into your home."

Angelique led Robert to her parents who were sitting with Glenderson and Sarah at the far end of the living room. Raymond and Lydia stood to greet their guest.

"Mom, Dad this is Robert Briskin. Robert, these are my parents, Raymond and Lydia Farrior."

"It's a pleasure meeting you; Angelique has told me so much about you both."

"Well it's a shame she didn't tell us about you." Mr. Farrior replied with a raised eyebrow.

"How are you Mr. Briskin?" Lydia said.

"I am fine, Mrs. Farrior how are you." Robert ignored Mr. Farrior, he was accustomed to arrogant men and knew exactly how to handle them. "Please call me Robert."

"Welcome to our home, please make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink?"

"What's in the box?" Jazzmine interrupted knowing that Angelique wanted to get on the road and having Robert sit and drink would only postpone her plan.

"Yeah, what's in the box? Diane her cousin asked. "Aren't you going to open it?"

"Yes, I will later." Angelique said embarrassed.

"Oh come on Aunt Sarah encouraged, "Just open the box. We are all dying to see what's inside."

Angelique hesitated then sat down putting the box on her lap. She looked at Robert who could not stop smiling at her. She lifted the top lid and a flora scent filled the room. Then removed the green tissue paper and saw five-dozen long stemmed red roses.

"Oh isn't that sweet," Mrs. Farrior said nudging her husband's side. "Angelique those are beautiful, why don't I take them and put them in a vase and set them on the table in the hall. I think they would look lovely out there in front of the window."

Angelique was stunned at how many roses were actually in the box. "I didn't think they could put all these in here. Robert, these are beautiful and thank you so much, I never had anyone give me flowers like this before, thank you so much." Angelique said astonished.

"There must be at least one-hundred roses in there!" Diane said

"How many are there?" Charlotte asked

"Five dozen." Robert said.

'It sounds like he is showing off" Raymond whispered to Glenderson. "Angelique, we were getting ready to have dessert and drinks, why don't you and your guest join us so that we can get better acquainted." Raymond announced.

'Thanks," Angelique said, "But, we have to be going."

"So soon?" Her mother asked. "But it's Christmas. Where on earth are you going? Why don't you just stay here with us, Robert you are more than welcomed to join us we have plenty."

"I know we do mom, but unfortunately we have plans." Angelique repeated "Robert is only around for another few hours." She grabbed Roberts hand and quickly led him out of the room before anyone else would intervene with other ideas.

"It was nice to meet all of you." Robert as he was brisk out of the room.

Once in the hall, Angelique said, "Robert that was so sweet of you. Thank you, you know, that's the first time anyone has ever given my flowers and sixty at that. Thank you." She kissed him on the lips. "That was really sweet."

"Do you mean the flowers or the kiss?" Robert asked

"They jury is still out." Angelique joked.

"Well, maybe you need more evidence." Robert leaned in for another kiss but Angelique pulled away.

"Grab your coat and let's get out of here, I'll drive" She said teasingly.

"On second thought, why don't you let me drive?"

Robert helped Angelique into the SUV scanning the area for anything unusual; however nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. Once in the driver seat, Robert felt a little more relaxed and wanting to distract Angelique asked, "So why the sudden break out routine."

"Oh thank you for playing along with that, I mean I love my family, but after five hours of gifts food and family, I was ready to leave."

'You mean you didn't want to be alone with me?"

"Well, maybe that too" Angelique admitted.

"So where do you propose we go?"

"I didn't think about that really. I don't mind, anywhere is fine with me."

"Well, lucky for you I did my research and found a great place called Marsha Brown, have you heard of it?"

"In New Hope, I love it there, she has the best seafood, I have ever tasted, how did you find that place?"

"I have my ways. I'm not sure it will be open, it is Christmas after all." Maybe we'll be lucky and find a pub, we can just have drinks instead, how does that sound?"

"Robert, as long as I am with you, it doesn't matter."

The music in the pub was low and the scarce crowd added to quaint atmosphere for Robert and Angelique who sat in a booth lit only by the Tiffany sconce on the wall above the table.

"Your family seems nice, especially your sister Jazzmine." Robert sipped his beer than placed it on the table twirling the bottle left and right.

Robert watched Angelique's as she spoke about her mother always adopted a needy family and presented them with gifts. She told Robert how her mother made each of them give up getting gifts at Christmas once they turned eighteen and taught them the importance of giving. "You know what makes it really worth it is how grateful the family really appreciate what we are doing for them. Giving really goes a long way."

"Angelique," He interrupted stood and sat next to her in the booth.

"Yes. Robert, what are you doing?"

"I have something else for you."

"Oh Robert please."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small square box and placed in on the table in front of Angelique. It was wrapped in gold paper and white bow.

"Oh Robert, I can't" Angelique turned toward Robert. "I didn't get you anything."

"Please, Angelique, when I saw it I knew it was for you. He placed the box in Angelique's hand. "Open it."

Angelique slowly lifted the top of the box. Her eyes beamed when she saw the gold bracelet set off by an emerald heart in a crown of tiny diamonds surrounded by tow gold hands.

"It's called a claddagh bracelet" He took the bracelet out of the box, "You see, he pointed, "The hands symbolize friendship, the crown loyalty and the heart love."

'Robert this is too much." She looked at him. "There's absolutely no way that I can accept this."

"Angelique please listen, you're all I have been thinking about since I left you at the airport, I don't know what this is all I know is that I never felt like this for any woman before."

"Robert –"

He touched her hand gently. "Please Angel, let me finish, I know this may sound odd especially because I hardly know you, but I just can't explain how I feel. "

"Robert..."

"No listen, Angel I can't keep this to myself. I need to say this...."

"No Robert, you listen I do understand, I feel the same way." Robert looked at her

"You do?"

"Yes, this is so crazy, it's so perfect it can't be real. Any minute I expect to wake up from this dream."

Robert took her left hand and put the bracelet on her wrist. "It looks beautiful on you just like I knew it would."

"Oh Robert you've got to stop doing that."

"What?"

"Stop complimenting me."

"I can't help it, you're so beautiful, and it just comes natural." He smiled

"Robert."

"Yes"

"Why me?"

"Why you, don't get me wrong Angel I have been with many women and none of them have made me feel the way you do. The moment we met eyes on the airplane, this, this feeling took over me. Phil my friend noticed it and so did his wife. Once I felt at ease I told them. Then I couldn't shut up. Everything I said was about you."

"That's how that woman who answered the phone knew who I was."

"Yes, that's Tracy, Phil's wife. They're eager to meet you. Bye the way they've invited you to come to Hawaii with us."

"What."

"Yeah, you see they want to buy a house out there, they've invited me to look at it and they want you to come along too."

""Uh well, I don't know."

"I don't want to push you, but please think about it. I know this is a family holiday, but I really would like to be with you and I really would hate not to go with them."

'So, if I don't go you won't go?"

"Probably not. I want to spend as much time with you as possible before you go back to school."

"Okay, I will at least think about it. When do they leave?"

"They day after tomorrow, we won't stay long."

"You know, I've never been to Hawaii."

'Does that mean –"

"It means that I will think about it." She smiled

"Okay, I'll stop asking, but promise me something, the next time I see you please look as beautiful as you do tonight."

"You're doing it again."

"Oh, I'm sorry." He said smiling at her.

Robert and Angelique pulled into the driveway around 4:00am. They got out of the car and walked up to the door.

"Promise me you'll think about Hawaii."

"I promise,"

Robert put his hand around her waist. "Thanks for letting me see you. Are you sure you don't want me to come inside in case your dad's upset?"

"I'm twenty-two years old. What's he going to do, ground me?"

"Okay, I'll call you tomorrow."

"I'll give you my answer then." They looked into each other's eyes and kissed as though their lips were joined together. Pulling away, Robert began to kiss her face lightly, first her chin, her nose, her cheeks and the gently laid his soft lips on her neck.

"Oh Angel." He whispered in her ear. Angelique wanted to tell Robert not to stop kissing her the way he was, but her vocal cord were frozen from the excitement her body was experiencing.

Robert cupped her chin in his hand and looked into her eyes; He kissed her gently on her lips, "Bye." His arm still around her waist, "I can't seem to let go."

"Don't" she said softly, "it's okay, I feel safe with you."

"I have to go." He smiled as he looked at her and kissed her forehead. 'I'll talk to you tomorrow okay."

"Okay." They released each other. He waited until Angelique was in the house before he walked back to his car.

Once she was upstairs she quietly walked past Valencia's room as she came upon Jazzmine's room the door-opened startling Angelique.

"Come here." Jazzmine whispered.

"Why are you up so late?" Angelique said entering her room

"I've been up waiting for you. How did it go?"

"You've been waiting up this long?"

"Not really, I just got home thirty minutes ago, I was about to climb in bed when I heard you two outside. How did it go?" Jazzmine grabbed Angelique's arm and escorted her to the bed.

"Before I give you the details let me change out of these clothes and come back. We can have a slumber party like we used to have."

"Just use my bathroom and slip into one of my nightshirts, I can't wait to hear the details."

"Okay, give me two minutes." Angelique headed into bathroom and as promised came out two minutes later wearing Jazzmine's silk button down nightshirt

"How can you sleep in this, it feels so slippery." Angelique complained as she climbed onto the bed alongside Jazzmine.

"That's the point; now get on with the details." Jazzmine said.

"Jazzie, it went great, I mean we talked for hours about everything and nothing. I told him things I had forgotten all about, things that were good memories, things that made me happy the stuff that made me mad. We laughed so much my stomach hurt. It was nice to laugh so hard that you end up crying. I wasn't sure where we were going at first but we ended up at in New Hope and we walked the street just to the two of us, under the glimmering trees aligned with white Christmas lights along Main Street. It was cold, but somehow being next to him was exactly where I wanted to be where I needed to be. I could listen to him talk forever."

"Girl with an accent like that so could I." Jazzmine agreed

"That accent drives me crazy too." She paused, "you know, he asked me to go to Hawaii with him and his friends."

"You're kidding! When are you leaving?"

"I haven't said yes yet."

Jazzmine put her hand up to her sister's forehead; you don't feel like you have a fever but you sound ill to me."

"What are you talking about?" Angelique asked naively.

"Look at you, ever since you got back all you've been doing is talking about Robert, his and Robert that. You've been walking around with this ridiculous smile on your face. Angelique face it you are head over heels in love with this man, and it's obvious that he feels the same way about you." Jazzmine fell back onto her pillow happy for her sister and yet feeling a little jealous for herself.

Angelique took a deep breath as she pulled the comforter over her body and nestled her head on the pillows, and though about what her sister was telling her.

Jazzmine knew that her sister was treading on unfamiliar territory and that Angelique stood at a precipice unfamiliar to her. Jazzmine had to let Angelique know that once love struck, the emotions come fast and furious and if you're not ready for it, then all is lost and bad decisions are made. Angelique seemed lost and Jazzmine knew that she had to tread carefully so as not to steer Angelique away from love, an emotion that had often eluded her. Jazzmine wanted Angelique to have what she could not obtain for herself. But she knew that she had to lead her in the right direction of love, it was one of the few experiences in life that changes a person completely and Jazzmine knew that her sister had found it, she just had to convince her that she had.

"I don't know, Robert is a man of the world, what would he want with a girl like me?"

"Angelique, you've to realize what took me a long time to learn and that is that you are worthy of being love. You've to open yourself up to the opportunity that has presented itself. You've two choices right now. You can both run and pretend like none of this is happening or you can follow your heart."

"Following your heart is not always the best idea." Angelique reminded her.

"True, but you've to follow your heart first so that your mind will coincide with what is happening to you, and when that happens, you will know it."

"I'm not sure I know what you are talking about?" Angelique tried to processes what Jazzmine was saying but to no avail.

"Sweetie, if your heart was not in it, your mind would have already told you so. Besides, look at the gifts you got from him." Jazzmine joked.

"Jazzie, money isn't everything, you know that. The roses are beautiful, but they don't last forever."

"I know that, but the fact that he bought them shows that he is thinking of you. I have only gotten flowers after the fact." Jazzmine sat up and sighed heavily. "Angelique I have made so many mistakes with men and I know now that I want to make thing different in my life. I want to be with a man who is thinking of me even when I am not around, to think about loving me and not just make love to me."

"I didn't know you thought about love like that Jazzmine."

"I never did, but circumstances in life sometimes force us to look at ourselves and when we do honestly, we can make the changes we need to make. Angelique, if you want to change your life, you've to change what you are doing."

"You know that when it comes to men I am not as experienced as you are. I mean that I have never really dated anyone."

"I know what you mean Angelique. You've always been reserved and never really showed interest. I was actually beginning to worry about you."

"Worry?"

"Yes, I was worried that you would not give yourself permission to do what your heart wanted. You do that with fashion, but there is more to life that your work and school."

"You are so right." Angelique pushed the sleeve of her night shirt up and showed her sister the bracelet. Jazzmine's mouth fell open.

"Wait a minute," Jazzmine inspected the bracelet. "Those are diamonds and that's and emerald! He gave you a Diamond, Emerald bracelet and roses all on the same night? Girl you and I are going shopping tomorrow."

'For what?" Angelique asked

"We're going to buy you something to wear on this trip."

"But I haven't said I was going yet?"

"Oh, you're going, believe me you are going."

Chapter 15

Jazzmine awoke to find Angelique dressed and ready to join the others for breakfast downstairs. After of night of gossip the last thing Jazzmine wanted to do was get out of her comfortable goose down feather bed to join her family in the kitchen.

'Wake up sleepy head, Mom and Aunt Sarah made breakfast for everyone, Uncle Glenderson, Charlotte and Diane are leaving today to go home."

"Isn't Aunt Sarah going with them?" Jazzmine asked stretching.

"She is returning, she stayed long enough and I heard her say that she missed her home and family. Angelique finished brushing out her hair and placed the brush on the dresser and checked her work in the mirror.

"Don't even talk about it." Jazzmine pulled the eye mask back over her face and fell back on her pillow. "I am happy about the change in mom and grateful for Aunt Sarah for what she has done, but I know she stayed because there was something serious concerning mom, I just hope that they were able to work out what they needed to work out." Jazzmine pulled the duvet over and sank deeper into the featherbed.

"Come on, Jazzmine get up, I need you downstairs when I tell everyone I am going to Hawaii with Robert." Angelique stood at the door waiting for Jazzmine to climb out of bed.

"Oh, Angel I forgot, okay, I'll be right down, give me ten minutes." Jazzmine jumped out of bed as Angelique joined her family at the breakfast table.

"What time will you be leaving Aunt Sarah?" Angelique asked her mother.

"Around one o'clock." She responded

"Oh, well I guess I'd better say goodbye early then." Angelique poured herself some tea then reached for a croissant to avoid all the eyes staring at her.

"Why?" Her mother said carefully sensing something important was about to be announced.

"You see," Angelique looked at her parents and continued, "I'm going to Hawaii with Robert."

"What!" Her father yelled.

"We leave tonight." Angelique blurted the words before she could change her mind. .

"This is all of a sudden don't you think?" Mr. Farrior said. "How can you announce something like this and tell us that you are leaving tonight! Angelique are you insane?"

"I think so. Angelique, you have to admit that it does sound a little bazaar. First you don't tell us about Robert then you introduce him to the family only to whisk him away before we can actually get to know him." Valencia commented.

"No one asked you." Jazzmine said entering the kitchen to defend her sister.

"I do admit that it seems a little rushed." Angelique tried to explain.

"A little, "Mrs. Farrior said, "Honey are you sure?"  
"Yes mom, I 'mm sure and I know what I am doing, it will only be for a few days."

"I think its good Angelique has found someone," Jazzmine said "Someone who is really interested in her." She glared at her father. "Angelique pay no attention to anyone down here; let's go upstairs so that I can help you pack. After all that shopping we did your going to need help deciding what to take."

"Jazzmine I already told you about your mouth, you be careful, your father has every right to be concerned for his daughter and ask about who she is dating and where she is going." Lydia gave her daughter to stern look cautioning her to tread carefully.

"I know mom, but he does not have a right to control everything." Jazzmine responded rolling her eyes.

"I am not trying to control anything, Jazzmine; I just want to make sure that Angelique is safe. Going away with a man you've only just met is not safe. I am concerned has your father."

"I know that you are concerned for my safety, but it t should be up to me daddy and I am happy, right now Robert makes me happy and I am very interested in seeing where this takes me." Angelique said.

"I have to admit Angelique that I am not happy about this and right now I cannot support you in this random decision. You are asking me to accept that my baby girl be allowed to fly across the country with a man I do not know and then you want me to be okay with that. Do you realize what you are asking of me?" Mrs. Farrior said.

Angelique walked toward her mother, "Mother I know that you are afraid for me, but I am afraid that if I don't go I will regret it."

"That's silly." Mr. Farrior said.

"Right now daddy, all I am asking is that you allow me to do with my life what I want, I have at least earned that right."

"Fine, Angelique, you've earned the right to choose what you want to do with your life. But why do you've to go away with him so quickly? You haven't even known each other for a week. Aren't you a little curious as to why he wants to take you away so soon?" Lydia said.

"Mom of course I questioned all that, but I also think of when we spent the night together in Europe in that hotel room. He had every opportunity to try something then but he didn't. Last night, we went to New Hope to talk and that's all we did, talk. When we go to Hawaii we will have separate bedrooms. Mom he's been nothing but a perfect gentleman. He's sweet and is kind and has made his profession saving lives. Why should he want to hurt me?"

"I understand all that Angelique but a mother's job is to protect her child and we stay in a constant state of worry. I will never stop worrying about you and going to Hawaii only after meeting someone less than a week seems a little peculiar."

"I told you." Valencia said.

"This is your life that I am concerned about. Are you really sure?"

"Yes mom, haven't you always wanted to just react spontaneously and not worry about rules and do exactly what your heart wanted to do without any regard to the circumstances?"

"The heart can be misleading sometimes, but what I have learned and it took me a long time to learn, is that I cannot control your heart or your mind, my job is to teach you how to use them."

Thank you all for your concern, I know that each of you've my best interest at heart. I know that I will be fine. We are going with his friend Phillip and his wife Tracy."

"Angelique I am not trying to convince you not to go, I am being a mother and what kind of mother I would be if I didn't question your sudden desire to go to Hawaii with a man you didn't even let us meet for more than twenty seconds. I trust you and have faith in all that you do, but I do not know this man."

"Mom, the first time you met daddy, how did you feel?" Lydia could not contain the smile that crept on her face unexpectedly.

"Mom, that's exactly how I feel. I promise that I will be careful and will include you in what I decide to do."

"I hope so. I love you and I just worry about you. Please Angelique just don't rush into anything that doesn't feel secure."

Robert arrived to pick up Angelique just before dinner. Lydia greeted Robert at the door examining him from head to toe and wanting to be cordial forced a smile then simply said, "Hello."

"Mrs. Farrior, it is a pleasure to see you again."

"It's good to see you as well, come in. Angelique is upstairs I'll get her in a moment, why don't you join me and my husband in the den."

"Thank you." Robert said as he followed Mrs. Farrior into the den

Mr. Farrior descended the staircase looked into the den and saw Robert sitting, he entered the room and walked to liquor cabinet retrieved two glasses dropped cubed ice into them and poured brandy for himself and his guest.

"Hello Mr. Farrior." Robert said standing and reaching for the brandy.

"Hello Robert. They shook hands. The sat down on opposite ends of the couch.

"This is a very fine brandy, smooth and gentle." Robert tried to make small talk before the questions came. He had been in worse situations he reminded himself, he could handle this.

Raymond ignored him. "So," he looked at Robert, "I hear you're taking my daughter to Hawaii?"

"Well yes I am."

"How long have you known my daughter?"  
"Not long."

"And you've asked her to go to Hawaii with you?"

"Yes, you see..."

"What do you want from my daughter?"

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. I want to know what you want from Angelique."

"I don't want anything from her. I like your daughter very much."

"Oh really, if I am not mistaken, you two have only just met."

"Yes but your daughter is someone I want to get to know better. If you're worried about me taking advantage of her, there is no need. Once in Hawaii, we well have separate sleeping quarters. I would never dream of taking advantage of her." Robert sat up.

"I wasn't talking about taking advantage of her sexually but since you brought it up, is this some sick fantasy you've, a white man wanting a beautiful black woman."

"Raymond!" Lydia scowled. "I have to apologize for his comment."

"Lydia, this is a conversation between two men, stay out of if."

'Raymond, don't embarrass yourself in front of our guest. Robert, you've to understand how strange this all seems, Angelique comes home doesn't tell us about you, then only briefly introduces you to our family and now she is talking about going to Hawaii. I don't get it, what is this all about?"

"It's about getting to know your daughter, wanting to be with her." Robert replied.

'Why can't you get to know her in, in her own town with her family? You are a handsome man who I am sure has had some experience with many woman, why our daughter." Lydia asked

"That's just it, your daughter is different, I want to get to know her better, not only is she beautiful there is an innocence about her that I have come to appreciate and admire."

'Aren't you too old for all that corny stuff? I have plans for my daughter and you are not in them." Raymond finished his brandy and placed the glass on the coffee table.

"That may sound corny to you, but it is exactly how I feel and I will not apologize for liking your daughter."

"Robert, oh... hi. I didn't know you were already here."

Robert stood greeted Angelique with a kiss on the cheek. "I'll be ready in a few seconds." Angelique could feel the tension in the air. "Mom, Daddy is everything okay?

"Just getting aquatinted dear" Lydia answered, "there is nothing to worry about."

"Robert? Are you okay?

'I am love, no worries." Robert smiled at Angelique and held her closer. Raymond glared at Robert.

"Well Robert, I am done packing, I'll get my things so that you can help me put them in your car." Angelique held her gaze at her father. "If that's all for now, then I guess we should be going."

"Yes, That's all." Raymond responded with a look a disdain toward Robert. Raymond could not allow Robert Briskin to interfere with his plans. He needed Ronald to step up his game and if he was going to make a move, he needed to make it quickly. Raymond cleared his throat and excused himself from the room. "Lydia, I need to make a phone call now that we have the house to ourselves again why don't we have a small dinner in the kitchen, we can have leftover if you like."

"Raymond, don't do anything crazy, I trust Angelique and I rely on that to get me through this. I'll see what we have, I am not that hungry, I'll fix us a salad it will go great with the turkey." She walked toward Raymond, gave him a peck on the cheek.

Chapter 16

Angelique fought to stay awake, but after a full day of holiday consumption, sleeping was all she could do in the front seat of Robert's SUV. The warmth from the heater was the perfect antidote to a day overflowing with family and food. Angelique's eyes were heavy and tried desperately to participate in a conversation with Robert, but the sounds that came from her were muffled an incoherent. Robert laughed at the Angelique's effort to stay awake, even teasing her asking complicated political questions that Angelique tried very hard to answer. Having mercy on his prey, Robert turned the radio to soft jazz station made sure the temperature was at a comfortable level and had Angelique recline her seat allowing his sleeping beauty to drift away in a restful and peaceful slumber.

Meeting Angelique's family was awe-inspiring for Robert who came from a much smaller family. He knew that Angelique had style and class from the way she dressed and spoke, but her beauty was an obvious inheritance from her stunning mother. The Farrior's were a close clan headed by an overbearing patriarch. Robert expected the stares and the questioning but he could not help to feel that Raymond's inquiry about his intentions were with a dissent agenda. He looked at Angelique and smiled, took her hand into hers and kissed it gently. Angelique reciprocated by squeezing his and kissing his hand. They held hands until Robert kissed it again telling Angelique that they had arrived.

"Oh my gosh, I must look a mess." Angelique stretched smiling at Robert.

"You could never look a mess. Did you get enough rest?" Robert said as he parked the SUV that seemed to be in the middle of know where.

"I did for now, I'm not sure what came over me, must have been the _"I-tis_ " Angelique saw the confused look on Robert's face. "It's a cultural thing, I'll explain some other time." Angelique chuckled. She stepped out of the vehicle meeting Robert who escorted her over the rocky path toward the house visible by moonlight and the dim porch light. The night air felt colder than the air at home, triggering Angelique to bury her head into her shoulders to keep warm. "Where are we, it's so dark here, I can't see a thing." Angelique could not contain her displeasure of being blindly led in the cold night air to an unfamiliar place.

"Lake George, you should see it during the day right now it looks desolate." Robert could sense the tension in Angelique and felt almost responsible for bringing her out here. He should have just met her at the airport like he initially planned. "Thank you for agreeing to come to Hawaii, you're really going to like Tracy and Phillip. Are you nervous?" Robert asked wanting to change the mood.

"A little, are you?" Angelique was a little troubled at Robert question but brushed it off climbing the three steps to the front door.

"More excited than nervous," Robert said, "Here we are. I called Phillip while you were sleeping to tell him that we would be late coming in, so he should be awake."

Angelique quickly ran her hands through her hair and did a quick once over of her wardrobe, after all, first impressions were usually lasting impressions. Although Robert was given a key, Phillip met him at the door with Tracy both still fully dressed.

"Well, so you are the one who has been occupying Robert's mind." Tracy greeted Angelique with a friendly embrace as she entered the open living room.

Angelique just smiled said hello and returned an awkward embrace feeling shaky at Tracy's comment.

"Hello Angelique welcome to our home." Phillip said with his arms stretched open, "If there's anything you need just ask."

The home was an impressive display of modern meets old tastefully done in an non-intrusive manner much to Angelique's liking. The warmth Tracy was going for in the subtle compromise between colors and furniture was well displayed around the room. Angelique scanned the room quickly and saw pictures of Tracy and Phillip but no pictures of children.

"Now, where's your luggage?" Phillip asked

"Oh we left those in the car." Robert answered

"Why don't we bring them inside, Tracy can get Angelique settled." He and Phillip left the house.

"I love what you've done with your home, you've great taste."

"Thank you, interior design is one of my hobbies." Tracy said escorting Angelique toward the sofa. "Robert tells me you study fashion in Italy." Tracy sat next to Angelique, "Oh I'm sorry, I didn't offer to take your coat, where's my head, can I get you anything?" Tracy was apologetic.

"No, please it's okay, I understand, I feel bad that we showed up so late, but there where so many people at my parents home and I really wanted to be with my cousins a for a little while longer, I don't get to see them that often. That's why we're so late, it's my fault." Angelique took off her coat and rested it on the arm of the couch realizing that she was babbling. She wondered if Tracy could sense her nerves.

"Nonsense, it perfectly fine, no need to apologize, Phillip and I are just getting in ourselves, we have friends down the road who invited us for dinner and we really wanted to see them before we left for Hawaii." Tracy tried to be subtle, but she couldn't stop looking at Angelique. "You're awfully pretty."

"Oh, thank you." Angelique blushed and started to relax, but only just a little.

"You've got a real special guy there. We've known Robert for a long time and this is the first time we've seen him behave this way. He's almost like a school boy."

"What way is that?" Angelique could feel he cheeks getting warmer what is taking Robert so long. She didn't understand Tracy questioning and wondered why she was being so protective.

"Oh trust me Angelique Robert thinks a lot of you. You're all he's talked about since he's been here. Robert has had a lot of girlfriends, but not one has affected him quite like this. Did you like the bracelet?"

"Oh yes," Angelique lifted her sleeve showed the bracelet resting perfectly on her wrist.

"He spent all afternoon looking for the perfect gift." Tracy noticed Angelique uncertainty so she quickly changed the topic. "Robert tells us that you are spending a year in Milan to study fashion?"

"Yes, well my plan was to spend the next semester in Milan, but I want to be in New York for Fashion week so I am returning to Pratt Institute for the spring semester." She was relieved to be talking about something else. Being the center of attention was not Angelique's cup of tea.

"Then we are going to have a great time here in New York" Tracy headed for the front door hearing the mean grumbling on the porch

"Good Lord," Phillip said, placing the suitcases on the living room floor, "She packs more than you."

"A girl can never have too many clothes, isn't that right Angelique." Tracy said defensively.

"Especially someone who studies fashion." Angelique responded as the two women laughed.

"You can put those in the bedroom at the end of the hall, Robert you know the room."

"Um sure, of course." Robert responded.

"Angelique, come let me show you to the room." Angelique followed Tracy down the hall to the cozy room with one queen size bed. "You'll probably need this," Tracy retrieved a blanket form the closet and turned to Angelique still standing in the doorway. "It gets kind of cold in this house, but then again you'll have Robert to warm you."

"Um, we're sharing a room?" Angelique asked walking toward the bed slowly.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I just assumed, Oh, how embarrassing, I'm sorry really." Tracy's was flushed, "Angelique, sometimes, I just go on and on, you know Phillip tells me I should...Angelique, I'm sorry."

"We're going to have separate rooms in Hawaii aren't we?" Angelique looked at Tracy with deer stricken eyes unable to move.

"Oh yes, there are four bedrooms, really Angelique, I'm sorry."

"That's okay Tracy, I thought Robert told you." She responded with a sigh of relief.

"Well Robert has been so excited about you going it probably slipped his mind." There is an extra room; Robert can stay in there tonight."

Angelique quickly scanned the room and saw that Robert things were already placed and had been for some time. "Tracy, I cannot stay in here, why don't I stay in the spare bedroom and Robert can keep his."

Without another sound and learning her lesson, Tracy exited the room and showed Angelique her safe haven. "I'll have Phillip bring your bags in here."

"I hope I am not being too difficult, thank you for understanding." Angelique said.

"Angelique, I can see exactly why Robert is drawn to you, you truly are special and I admire that in a woman." Tracy smiled warmly gave Angelique another embrace "I'll see you in the morning."

****************

The next morning, Robert awoke at six-thirty. He put on his slippers and robe and stepped into the hall and headed to the room where Angelique was sleeping. He thought about knocking but decided to let her sleep fearing that she had not gotten over the _"I-tis"_ About thirty minutes later, Angelique awoke putting on her matching pink penior set Jazzmine had picked out for her. She slipped on her new slippers and walked down the hall to the bathroom where she washed her face and brushed her teeth. She pulled her hair back in a pin and followed the scent of breakfast into the kitchen.

"Good morning," Angelique walked over to Robert and kissed him on the cheek.

"Well I didn't except you up so soon." Robert leaned in to accept the kiss.

"How did you sleep? Where you comfortable?" Robert asked.

"Yes, very comfortable. That five hour drive wore me out, I needed that rest. I didn't realize that I was working so hard these past couple of weeks."

"Well I'm glad you're rested."

"I didn't know you knew how to cook."

"When you've been a bachelor as long as I have you to learn to do certain things, besides it just eggs, anybody can cook eggs."

Angelique sat on the barstool at the center island where she could watch Robert cook. "Are you any good?" She teased.

"You'll find out." Robert couldn't stop thinking about Angelique sitting in her penior.

"That's not enough for four people." She said pointing to the pan.

"They don't get up until noon. That's why we are not leaving until three this afternoon."

"Oh, well I'll go shower and change, it won't take me long."

"I'm almost done", Robert replied, "it'll only take a few seconds." Robert wanted Angelique to stay with him longer.

"Okay." She sat she agreed

"Pardon me, but I must say you look exceptionally beautiful this morning." Robert placed the plate of eggs, toast and fresh fruit in front of Angelique.

"Thank you." She continued to smile and glanced up at Robert noticing his open robe and bare chest.

They heard voices in the hall, Robert looked at his watch, "It can't be." Robert said as Phillip and Tracy entered the kitchen.

"Good morning." They said.

"I can't believe it, the Jones are up this early, I hope the world is not going to end." Robert said jokingly.

"We still haven't packed." Tracy said.

"Did you sleep well Angelique?"

"Oh. Just fine, thanks for the extra blanket."

"I didn't fix anything for you two." Robert said pointing to their plate.

"We don't eat before noon, our system can't handle it." They laughed and poured themselves a glass of orange juice joining them at the table.

"That is a gorgeous penior." Tracy said. "Did you get that in Milan?"

"Thanks, no, my sister helped me pick it out." Angelique pulled the collar closed around her neck and ate with her head down. Robert ate in silence gave Phillip a boyish grin.

"Robert, I think we should get an early start to the airport, I think I may snow late this after and I do not want to get caught in traffic."

"Sounds like a great idea, I'll finish up here then." Robert said.

'Then I should go start and finish packing." Tracy stood to leave the table.

"I can help you, I mean I am so used to packing, I feel like that is all I have been doing in the last few months." Angelique told Tracy in hopes of accompanying her and not being left alone with two men.

'Angelique, are you done?" Robert asked

"Yes, it was delicious, you're right you can cook even if it is just eggs." She stood and followed Tracy to her room where there were clothes strewn throughout the room.

"I was really glad to hear that you decided to go with us, Robert thought you wouldn't."

"So did I actually."

"What made you change your mind if you don't mind me asking?" Tracy asked as she shut her suitcase.

"Well, this may sound crazy, but Robert makes it so hard to say no to him. I wanted to say no to him, being that we just met and I really didn't know him well enough to get on a plane and fly clear across the country and then some. But Robert is so, so charming and when I am with him I just, well I just oh my gosh, I am rambling aren't I?"

The two women laughed. "Angelique, you are so lovely, I see why Robert is taken with you," There was a knock on Tracy's door. "Come in."

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but Angel, are you sure you don't want me to make you something else to eat?"

"Positive." She answered, "I'm not hungry now, maybe for lunch before we go, that way Tracy and Phillip can join us."

"You go it."He closed the door behind him.

"Angelique, I have to tell you that I don't recognize this man, but I like what I am seeing."

"Me too. Me too." Angelique replied.

Chapter 17

Valencia awoke around eleven-thirty Wednesday morning to the sounds of her stomach grumbling. Outside the snow had come to a complete freeze making the commute to the reception hall and dress shop a daunting task. She turned from the window rolled on her back wondering how Angelique and her new friend Robert where doing in Hawaii away from this dreadful New Jersey weather. It seemed to Valencia that the skies were always grey and that the sun had forgotten to cast its radiant glow over this part of the world. She was sure that Angelique and Robert were frolicking in the sun hand in hand like the two corny lovebirds. From the moment Valencia saw Angelique and Robert, she felt their genuine attraction for each other and wished that she could feel the same with Eric. There was a time when she could not get enough of Eric but lately everything seemed to be spinning out of control in a direction that Valencia could not easily understand or grasp. Life was moving forward and with each step, Valencia felt as though she was trailing behind her life watching it move forward out of control. Her body rested deep into the featherbed atop her mattress she forced her eyes closed hoping to fall asleep and avoid the day. She knew exactly what she had planned for this morning; waited three weeks for it; wished for it and worked strategically, diligently and methodically to make it happen.

Valencia's stomach demanded food and made its brash request known. She had grown accustom to the echo in her belly the sounds of which she muffled with the pillows. Yesterday she ate an entire bag of popcorn an overindulgence she allowed herself for working out extra hard with her mother at the gym. Popcorn was a treat she reserved for special occasions and proving to her mother that she was in good health was well worth running eight miles and eating every morsel of that popcorn. The last time she ate an entire bag of popcorn she passed her exam at law-school, earning the highest grade in her class.

Today she planned for food, not just any food but the comfort food that made her feel calm, content and in control. Sweet foods like peach cobbler, ice cream, chocolate cake, and cookies, the starches like, mashed potatoes, French fries and baked bread beckoned. She smiled to herself just thinking of the food dancing around in her mouth. She was in a love hate relationship with food, but today Valencia needed all her favorites. Eric's sudden request for a spring wedding only made matters worse. There was so much planning to do and now with her last semester in Law School planning a wedding at the same time was virtually impossible. If she could convince Eric to keep the plans for an autumn wedding that could buy her some time. Pressure from her mother didn't ease her anxiety. On the contrary, her constant questions and review of the plans only exasperated Eric actions.

Valencia finally managed to climb out of bed and made it into the bathroom where she quickly brushed her teeth, washed her faced and brushed her hair back into a ponytail. She knew that her mother would already be gone to the gym and she remember her saying that she had a few other appointments before meeting her at the Hyatt. Jazzmine was either at work or with Patrick and her father was surely at the office since eight this morning.

She went downstairs into the kitchen and fixed herself a heavy plate of leftover ham from Christmas, two slices of chocolate cake, a box of cookies she found hidden in the pantry, and six dinner rolls. The large glass of milk was assurance that everything would wash down. Valencia never looked at the plate she created. It was a personal rule; never show your enemy any emotion before the slaughter. Just go in for the kill and make sure you are the last one standing.

Hunched over her plate like ravenous stray animal she ate with her hands and the fork, shoving bite after bite into her mouth not sure if she even tasted the food. She ate fast shoving bite after bite into her mouth not caring in what order or fashion, there was no need to care about table manners either. She ate at the kitchen table her leg bounding up and down as she did. Tears began to stroll down her face, but she could not stop, she needed this food, she wanted this food to blanket her every part of her being and take away the self loathing insecure woman she had become.

As the silent tears dropped to the plate, Valencia recalled the moment Twelve years ago when she celebrated her thirteenth birthday. Everyone in school, at least the cool kids, and some of the must invites, had received their individually engraved invitations personally delivered by Valencia in a convertible yellow corvette driven by Anthony Parker, basketball player for the 76sixers on respite because of injury and obligatory favor to Mr. Farrior for getting him out of a DUI. Valencia was the envy of her school and she was pleased at the jealousy that dripped from the girls at school. For weeks she begged Angelique, her younger sister to draw a beautiful dress, a talent evident by the illustrations plastered on her bedroom walls. Once she agreed on a dress, Valencia asked her mother to take the picture to the Asian seamstress downtown.

The first year of middle school was hard, but now Valencia knew that this party would catapult her into the popular group. It was a position that not many kids would achieve and Valencia made every assurance that this evening would secure her spot and must go off without a hitch.

The cake was brought onto the tennis court of her home that was converted to Moroccan Palace complete with cushions, tent, lighting, lamps, silk drapes and candles. When she bent to blow out the candles the dress ripped. No one noticed not even Valencia. A few minutes later while waving it like she didn't care on the dance floor; the dressed tore exposing the girdle she wore underneath. It was a full black-laced girdle she secretly ordered from a women's magazine. The dance floor immediately grew still and over a hundred pair of eyes watched the round figure moving wildly with her eyes closed unaware that her dress had fallen. Waving her hands high above her head singing at the top of her voice Mo Money Mo Problems by Notorious B.I.G. she opened her eyes to a sea of gaped mouths and pointing fingers. Her mother sensing that something was horribly wrong ran to the dance floor and froze at the sight. Valencia saw her mother's shocked face, turned to her sister Jazzmine who was grinning. Angelique looked hurt for her sister and her father held his head in his head as he looked down. Valencia was confused, she looked down and was mortified. Valencia looked at everyone and saw pity coming from her mother and her sister Angelique. Jazzmine stared at Valencia no longer grinning but amazed that she had not run away. What Valencia did next shocked everyone, including herself. She stepped out of her dress, put both hands on her hips and asked the DJ to turn up the music then snapped her fingers twice. Everyone admired her courage and high-five her as she made her way inside to change. The party was back on, but what people didn't see is that Valencia cried herself to sleep for the next three weeks. It was then when she decided to begin taking diet pills unbeknownst to anyone in her family.

Valencia pushed the plates away from her in disgust and looked at the empty plates with crumbs scattered on the table and floor. She could not control her sobs that came like a ferocious storm. The primal cry echoed in the empty house bouncing from the walls and into her ears. She covered her ears with both hands shaking her head to block out the realism of what was happening around her. She had removed herself form herself and now sat alone at the kitchen table full of regret. Not able to take another minute of what she had done, she ran to the bathroom shoved two fingers into her throat and watched the clumps of food land in the toilet creating a smorgasbord of chocolate cake, ice cream , cookies, bread and ham. She repeated the ritual two more times until nothing but salvia was tossed into the revolting mix. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand flushed the toilet and began to get dressed for the day.

"Valencia open the door." It was her mother, what was she doing here?

"I'm getting dressed. I thought you had appointments this afternoon?"

"So what you're getting dressed, let me in, have you forgotten about our meeting at the Hyatt we are supposed to be there in thirty minutes." Lydia sounded annoyed talking through the closed door. "There are a few things that I want you to look at before we go". Lydia shook the doorknob. 'Valencia open the door." She repeated.

"I'll be down soon mom, I'm almost done." Valencia yelled back at her mother.

"You missed breakfast you know."

"I know, I'm not hungry, please, mother, I'll be right down."

"Hurry up okay." Lydia walked from the closed bedroom door shook her head as she went to her room to change her clothes

Eric and Raymond were already at the Hyatt with dazed looks in their eyes as the banquet coordinator tried to describe table arrangement and menu options with the two confused men. The coordinator wore a frumpy uniform blue skirt suit, a size too small with heavy makeup and flat shoes. She was expressive and came highly recommended because of her experience and ideas. "I think that a live band would be much nicer than a D.J., don't you think Ray?" The coordinator said pointing to the area of the room where she though the band could be placed wanting to keep Mr. Farrior pleased in hopes to spend more of his money.

"What do you think Valencia?" Eric asked as she approached the group he kissed his fiancé on the cheek.

"Well, I agree, a band does sound nice." Valencia scanned the room imaging the formation of the tables and the décor and the placement of the band. She started to feel excitement being in the room with Eric and the planning was calming the constant tension she felt around her neck.

"Well there you have it," Mrs. Farrior said, "A band it is."

"Mom, what kind of flowers do you think each table should have?" Valencia asked her mother as she wove her arm into her mothers and walking with the coordinator to the opposite end of the room leaving Eric and Mr. Farrior alone.

"Were you able to convince Valencia to change the date of the wedding?" Mr. Farrior asked Eric making sure the woman were a safe distance away.

"I am almost one hundred percent that she will agree to it." Eric responded to Mr. Farrior coldly walking away to avoid further questioning.

"Almost isn't good enough. That wedding has to be in the spring, make sure you get it done." Mr. Farrior countered as she followed Eric joining his wife and daughter who were immersed in conversation about a sweetheart table.

"Valencia, I think the idea of a sweetheart table is adorable, just the two of you sitting together for your entire guest to see how happy you are." Lydia smiled at the mere thought of it all.

"Daddy, what do you think?"

"You can have whatever you want; it's not a problem sweetie." Raymond smiled feeling proud he could please his daughter every wish and whim.

"Why don't you join your mother and I for some lunch, it has been some time since the three of us had some time together it would be a nice change." He asked his daughter.

"Actually," Eric interrupted, "I was hoping Valencia and I could have some time together, I know that I have been busy lately and I would like to spend some time with my fiancé if that is okay with you.?"

'Don't you have to get back to work; I thought you had clients coming in soon." Raymond tried to hide his annoyance at Eric disruption.

"I cancelled all my appointments to spend it with Valencia."

"How romantic why Eric what a thoughtful thing to do." Lydia said.

"It's more irresponsible than romantic, this doesn't look good for the firm, you need to get back to work."

"No," Eric's voice was firm Valencia and Lydia looked shocked. "I want to spend time with Valencia I made the time and that is what I will do, is there a problem with me spending time with your daughter."

Raymond's fury was written on his face but Eric was not moved by Mr. Farrior. "Come on Lydia."

Lydia turned to her daughter and Eric smiled as she left with her husband.

Chapter 18

Raymond sat in his office furious at the display of bravado Eric demonstrated in front of his wife and daughter. He cut lunch short, a gesture Lydia appreciated to complete the rest of her errands. Wanting to return to his office he sat at his desk thinking about Eric's surge of boldness. His change in attitude meant the he could no longer manipulate Eric and by the look on Valencia's face, she was pleased at the new man she would marry. Having support from Valencia was the last thing Raymond wanted. Raymond controlled out of fear and if Eric no longer feared him then he needed a new plan. Raymond reviewed the conversation in his head in an attempt to determine where the course changed and what he said to make Eric react the way he did. Raymond brushed any idea of Eric knowing the details surrounding Kimball's death from his mind.

"I was assured everything was taken care of." Raymond rationalized. "If the police had anything they would have presented their findings to me already." Kimball died because of a selfish act of which Raymond believed he had no part of directly or indirectly. Raymond wasn't sure when the self-doubting thoughts started, but he would make sure that Eric would know his place and who Raymond was, but for now he had to deal with Ronald.

"Carol" he said greeting his secretary at his office door.

"Good afternoon Mr. Farrior," She looked up.

"Carol, get Ronald Wair and tell him I want him in my office at once.

Raymond reviewed the file he pulled from his briefcase strategically placing it where Ronald was sure to see it.

"You can go right in." Carol told Ronald. Ronald entered the office and sat across from his boss looking very nervous.

"So Ron, you know where my daughter is?"

"Angelique sir?"

"Of course Angelique, who the hell else would I be speaking of?"

"Well sir, as a matter of fact I do. I spoke with her yesterday."

"Oh, really, she didn't mention anything to me."

Ronald swallowed hard, "Mr. Farrior, I told you she's not the least bit interested in me."

"I'm finding that out!" He yelled "Look, do you remember what I told you?" Raymond pointed to the open file on his desk. "Are you forgetting what we discussed and agreed? Ronald are you listening to me?"

"Yes," Ronald retorted, "I remember."

"Well Mr. Wair, it was interesting having you here at the Farrior Law Firm, but I feel your services are no longer needed. Your letter of resignation is being typed for you. On your way out, Carol will have you sign it. She also has a few letters of recommendations for you."

Ronald just sat there.

"Good day Mr. Wair."

"Mr. Farrior, please one more chance, I promise I will make her fall in love with me. I'll make her want me, you'll see."

"Sorry, you're too late."

"But..."

"Look Ronald, I feel that I am being very generous to you being that you didn't keep up your end of the bargain. I didn't have to give you those recommendation, you and I both know that you are not a great attorney so take the favor and exit with some dignity."

Ronald walked to the door and turn to look at Mr. Farrior, "you'll regret this day."

"I already have Ronald; now leave before I get security." Mr. Farrior said picking up his desk phone.

Ronald left his office and headed toward Carol's desk. "Carol, Mr. Farrior said you had something for me?"

"Yes, please sing here and here." Carol instructed as she pointed the area with her pen.

"What about the letters of recommendations?" Ronald asked.

"I was just instructed not to release those to you."

"Fine." Ronald left.

Chapter 19

Angelique preferred the charm and romance of Italy, but Hawaii was a favorable compromise to the weather she left behind in New Jersey. Having Robert Briskin as her travel companion didn't hurt either.

"The yard is beautiful," Angelique said sitting in the living room. The sliding glass doors were fully open allowing the breeze to carry in the fresh salty air from ocean that sat three hundred feet away. "Tracy, you certainly picked the perfect house on the perfect location." Angelique said admiring the view. "I can't believe how beautiful the ocean looks from your living room."

"Especially now, Angelique, being here with you is very special." Robert sat with Angelique holding her hand admiring the way so lived in each moment making sure she was part of the experience. Robert could see how Angelique would capture each moment in her memory and stored them for future reference. She had the innocence of a child with the body and mind of a woman.

'Thank you Angelique, I am so happy that you decided to come and join us." Tracy responded. "Did you get settled in okay?" She asked reaching for the wine glass Phillip held out for her.

"Yes, the room is perfect. But if you'll excuse me I want to call home to let my parents know that I have arrived and everything is okay." Angelique closed the door of her bedroom then dialed.

"Hello."

"Hello father." Angelique responded.

"Angelique my angel how are you? How was your flight? How is the house are you okay?"

"Daddy, slow down, I am fine."

"How is mother, is she okay?"

"Of course, I'll put her on." Mr. Farrior handed the phone to his wife who was eager to speak with her.

"Angelique darling, how are you?"

"I'm having the best time mom, I am so happy right now."

"You sound happy; I can hear your smile from here. I am happy for you."

"I just wanted to let you know that I arrived and that everything is perfect."

"Okay my angel, be good and stay safe."

"Bye mom, I love you."

"I love you too." Mrs. Farrior hung up the phone and looked at her husband Ray. "You know Ray, she sounds really happy, and she sounds as though she is in love."

Ray looked up at his wife and then back down at his file, "Did you talk to her like I asked you?"

"I sure did Ray, I sure did." Lydia said smiling.

***********************

"Everything okay?" Robert asked Angelique who joined the others back in the living room.

"Oh yeah, they're fine." Angelique saw the empty chair available for her and that would have more sense to sit in, but wanting to be closer to Robert, excused herself as she stepped over Phillip and Tracy who were huddled in the chaise to reach Robert who sat alone on the sofa.

"I don't know about you guys, but I am tired, this time change is a mess, I am going to take a nap." Tracy stood taking the cue from Angelique obviously marking her territory. "Robert, if you wouldn't mind please wake me in time to shower before dinner. Tracy, I made sure that your room has fresh towels and linen, you should find everything else you need in the drawers, if you don't please let me know, we can get whatever you need when we go shopping tomorrow."

"Tracy, thank you, I sure everything is fine, please you've been so wonderful already and have made me feel so welcomed, thank you." Angelique walked to Tracy and embraced her.

'Well then, I am off to take my shower. I'll see you at dinner." Tracy looked at Phillip in hopes that he would get the hint.

"Maybe, I'll join you." He looked at Robert and winked. He left the room arm in arm with his wife.

"They're a really cute couple," Angelique commented as she made her way to the very spot she left.

"They were made for each other from the moment they set eyes on each other they knew it from the start and haven't slowed down since." Robert was not subtle about placing his arm around Angelique.

"Sounds romantic." Angelique looked down at her white linen skirt then up at Robert. "And very scary."

"Scary, how so?" Robert moved the loose hair bang from Angelique's face tucking it behind her ear; he sat closer knowing that there was an underlined factor to what Angelique was asking. He had to move carefully to encourage her to explore her emotions, not wanting to scare her away and resort to silence and loose her,

"Well, for someone to completely release all of their inhibitions on another person, it just seems so, so...." Angelique was a loss for words, she wondered if Robert could sense her lack of knowledge when it came to courting and relationships.

"So romantic. Angelique love is a complete surrender of your heart. You have to trust that the love you give will be reciprocated by the person you give it to."

"Have you ever given your heart away before?" Angelique knew that a man like Robert must have given his heart to many women in his life time.

"I have once, but when you do, you learn from it, and grow from it, surrendering your heart is one of the easiest and hardest things anyone will ever do, so I do agree that love is scary, but it is scarier not to." Robert moved closer to Angelique and softly kissed her lips. He held her chin as his eyes traced her face for resistance, but there was none. He leaned in Angelique met him halfway closing her eyes to accept his lips against hers.

"What happened?" Angelique was curious about the mystery man she was falling for. "I mean, what happened with your last love."

"It was complicated; we dated for almost two years. She worked for ISIS and our assignments kept us on different continents most of the time. We saw each other when we could which was once maybe twice a month. She wanted to get out of the business and moved forward with plans of retirement, even has a beach house on Grand Cayman. Four weeks prior to settling in the Caribbean she was killed in a plane crash. It was simple pilot error, too much luggage on the small commuter plane."

"Why don't we go outside, it's so nice out there?" Angelique suggested.

Robert stood and held out his hand for Angelique to grasp, he escorted her to the porch swing that overlooked the pool and faced the beach in the distance. They sat in silence still holding hands.

"Robert."

"Yes luv." Robert turned to look at Angelique.

"Do you really mean it when you compliment me the way you do? Are you sure it's not an act?" Angelique didn't want to sound insecure, but she had to make sure.

"An act, of course not." He pulled her close and hugged her, "Angel everything I have said to you is true. I would never lie to you. "He held her, "Is that what you've been thinking all along?"

"What were you and my father talking about yesterday?" She pulled away.

"He just wanted to check my intentions." Robert explained. "Wait a minute; you think your father put me up to this? You said yourself that I would have nothing to gain. I have everything I want; there is no way he could ever pay me off to be with you." Robert looked confused wondering where Angelique was going with the questioning.

"Well why are you interested in me? We're total opposites. There is a fourteen-year difference, we're from two different worlds and in case you'ven't notice, I'm black and you're not." Angelique pulled away from Robert wanting him to explain so that her insecurity would leave.

"Oh Luv, it that what you are worried about?" Robert relaxed at the statement.

"Not really, but did you see how my family greeted us, and the stares that people give us." Angelique snapped.

"I don't care what others think, I don't want to scare you but you are the best thing that has happened to me. I give you compliments because I mean them and it is so easy, because they are all true."

"I'm sorry that I am giving you a hard time, I just don't want to get hurt."

"I won't hurt you, honest, you're too precious." He kissed her forehead. "Angel." He said, he held her hand and gazed into her eyes, "I promise, I will not hurt you." Robert ran two fingers across his heart.

"Do you really mean that?"

"Yes, I do." He smiled, "Now why don't you rest before dinner, you must be tired from the travel."

"Okay," Angelique leaned in for a kiss catching Robert off guard. "I'll see you at dinner."

"Great, Tracy has an exciting day planned for us tomorrow so I think we should eat in tonight, I can fix anything you like, do you've a request?" Robert walked Angelique into the house and toward the kitchen.

"I'm sure anything you come up with will be just fine."

"Okay then, salmon and asparagus, some white wine and salad and dessert, maybe something with pineapples, what do you think?" Robert announced the ingredients as he looked into the subzero refrigerators placing the items on the granite island counter top.

"You were doing fine up until the pineapples!" Angelique chuckled

"Well then, let me go to the store and see what I can come up with, I'll be abck shortly."

"There's no need to go out of your way for me."

'Trust me, I am not going out of my way, I just want to make sure that you've everything that you want."

"I already do."

"Is that so?" Robert grabbed Angelique and the two began to kiss passionately hard and fast. He held her tight her body pressed against the countertop his hands roaming wildly wanting to rip her clothes from her body. Angelique moans softly floating her body moving knowing exactly what to do responding as if it had a mind of its own, she lost control and it felt good. She pushed Robert away. "Please, I .. I..."

"I'm sorry luv, I shouldn't forced you, I'm sorry." Robert breathing was labored; he gripped the countertop angry at himself for moving too fast. "I'm sorry Angelique, I don't know what I was thinking, I should have..."

"Robert, its okay, I'm not angry, I'm going to take a shower." Angelique kissed Robert and left the room floating.

Robert placed the food back in the dinner fixed his clothes and got into Phillips rented convertible. He was still excited thinking about Angelique, he wanted her badly but knew that it was too soon. He could still smell her on his clothes and tasted her lips against his. His thoughts were interrupted with the ringing of his blackberry.

"Hello." Robert recognized the number and his voice was serious.

"I got the information you wanted." The voice said. "There are eleven possible owners of the green Cherokee you described."

"Well there was only one sitting in front of Angelique's house, find out who it belongs too?" Robert narrowed his eyes to shield the sun glaring down on him.

"I am working on a satellite image but it will take a few days."

"A few days, what kind of equipment are you working with? This should take no more than an hour." Robert was yelling at the voice on the phone.

"I understand that, but there are eleven vehicles in that area and I have to eliminate them one by one until I find that one you are looking for."

"Just get me the information." Robert hung up the phone, "Now I wonder if Angelique likes chocolate covered strawberries."

Chapter 20

Sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for. In a moment of distress people make promises and wishes in hopes to change their current situation almost always forgetting about the outcome. Lydia was guilty of making such a wish. Being surrounded by family during the holiday was a more work than she anticipated. Lydia sat in her chaise still in her new Louis Vuitton robe she got for Christmas, waving her hands to and fro air-drying her freshly painted fingernails. Downstairs, the caters Raymond hired for tonight's celebration were busy scurrying about the house making final preparations before leaving to celebrate the coming of the New Year with their own families. Twisting the towel with her thumb and index fingers around her wet hair into a turban, Lydia sank deeper into the chaise thinking how Sarah helped get her through the rough times of radiation treatments. The treatments were brutal, exhausting, draining and left Lydia weak and immobile. Having to endure treatments was hard but having to undergo such pain and torment alone would be have been devastating. Lydia thanked God for Sarah. She was younger, but she was certainly stronger. She could carry the weight of the world on her shoulders and no one would ever know it, not that she did. Sarah had a deep faith in God an entrusted everything to Him. Her faith was enough for the both of them.

Sarah saw the silent tears streaming from Lydia face as the technician plugged her with needles undergoing the radiation treatment from the cancer. Lydia recognized the song Sarah hummed as the one their mother hummed to them at bedtime. Once Sarah finished her hymn, should would close her eyes lean back in the hospital recliner and purse her lips praying in deep meditation Sarah prayed hard, it was her special gift, she told Lydia that God gives everyone a gift and one of her special gift was the gift of prayer. Lydia would glance over at Sarah sitting in the chair, her lips moving so fast, and then she would begin to smile broadly lips still moving with eyes closed. She would begin to lift her hands first the left then the right waving high above her head. Lydia was taken aback at first, but after the second time, she found it comforting and knew that something special was happening at that very moment. Lydia wasn't sure what was happening but she could see the glow coming from Sarah and knew better than to disturb whatever she was working on, or whatever was working through her. Whenever she finished praying, Sarah would open her eyes slowly, smile and ask Lydia how she was doing. Lydia always responded the same, "I feel warm." Sarah would smile broadly and say, "Thank you Holy Spirit" Lydia smiled, feeling grateful for her sister healing faith. Lydia knew she would get better, she had too and wanted to, so she made up her mind that she would and she did.

Today was New Years Eve and Lydia thought about all the accomplishments the past year has brought to her and her family. Raymond worked hard at his firm making it the largest in Mercer County. He worked hard for what he had and worked harder to protect it. His thinking was more unconventional than Lydia, but his heart was filled with good intention, however misguided it came across at times. Not telling him about her cancer was one of the hardest decisions she made. Sparing the suffering from her daughters, Lydia convinced herself, was protecting each of them and making sure that life would go on as it needed to go on for each of them. Sarah tried to convince her that she should allow the family to be part of the treatment, but Lydia insisted on her loyalty and vowed that if the first round of radiation was unsuccessful, she then would tell the family. Hiding the symptoms from her daughters was easy enough, they were all busy with their own lives and Lydia did as little as possible to interfere especially on days when she wasn't feeling well. On days when she when the treatment would get the best of her, Sarah would wash her up, force feed her soup and get her comfortable in bed. Then Sarah would prepare dinner for Raymond leaving it on the stove which Raymond ate in the study reviewing briefs until late in the evening.

Lydia thought about each of her daughters wishing they would be able to celebrate New Years at home tonight with her and Raymond. The house will be full of familiar strangers and each time the familiar song _Auld Lang Syne_ begins to play everyone wants to be surrounded by a loved one. But Jazzmine was sure to go off with Patrick or some other escapade. She was proud of Jazzmine, being a young independent entrepreneur who was surly going places. Jazzmine is an uninhibited soul who knew exactly what she wanted and was not afraid to make it come true. She has a bright and successful future ahead of her and was Lydia's savviest in every aspect of life. Angelique filled with talented, lead her life through her innocence and intelligence. She hoped that Angelique's innocence didn't mislead her into the arms of a stranger all the way to Hawaii. Romance was a dice toss and Lydia prayed that Angelique's gamble would pay off. Worry set in mostly for Valencia. She always knew that she would be the one to follow in her father's footsteps. Obviously the most intelligent, Lydia feared that was all she relied on. She was beautiful inside and out, she just didn't know it yet constantly searching for it in others approval.

"Lydia, are you going to get ready?" Raymond was leaning over the chaise looking at Lydia strange, "Are you okay? You seemed to be somewhere else."

"I'm fine Raymond, help me up." Lydia held out her hand for Raymond and in one swoop, Raymond lifted Lydia into his arms holding her close. "If I didn't know better I'd say you are trying to seduce me."

"It's been a while, Lydia, I've missed you."

"I've missed you to." Lydia touched Raymond face and their eyes were locked on each other. Their lips found each other's and Lydia melted in Raymond's strong arms. She felt comfortable in his embrace. She welcomed his kisses letting him kiss her neck, her ears and then her lips again. He moved tenderly toward her bosom pressing his lips softly against her skin. Lydia sighed heavily then pulled Raymond away fearing he would see her breasts. He gently removed her robe from her shoulder and kissed it, then dropped down to her bosom. Lydia held back.

"Lydia, what's wrong?" Raymond was more surprised than hurt at Lydia hesitation.

"Raymond, trust me, I want this as much as you do, but...but there is something I need to tell you." Lydia took Raymond by the hand and led him to the bed. "You look so handsome in your tuxedo." She ran her hand across his lapel, smiled at him as he sat next to her on the bed wondering how he would take the news she was about to give him, realizing how much power her words had.

"Lydia, please tell me what is going on." He grabbed her hand holding it on his lap. Raymond rarely showed emotion to anyone, in fact the only emotion he ever showed was intimidation, but somehow with Lydia he was like a small child holding on to the only hand that would provide him security and reassurance that everything was okay. Raymond braced himself for the news that would forever change his life. "Lydia, please....." He voice trembled as he pleaded.

"Raymond, I am fine, I mean I wasn't but I am fine now."

"Lydia just tell me directly." Raymond demanded searching Lydia's face for answers.

"Back in September I had a routine breast exam that revealed I had a lump. It didn't seem like anything at first but then Dr. McManus wanted to do more test and that lead to more exams and before you know it I was told that I have breast cancer."

Raymond didn't know how to react; he looked at Lydia urging her to continue.

"It all happened so fast, Raymond, I wanted to tell you but...."

"But, but...but what Lydia, you are diagnosed with breast cancer and you're not sure that you want to tell your husband, this isn't something you keep from me Lydia." Raymond stood shaking his head unable to look at Lydia.

"Raymond, I am fine, I had some treatment and now the doctor said that the lump is completely gone, I didn't want to worry you." Lydia was standing next to Raymond holding his arm.

'Lydia, do you know how much I love you, if anything ever happened to you I wouldn't know what to do. It doesn't matter how much money or things I have I do all of this because I love you, but what you did was lie to me."

"Lie, Ray darling, I didn't lie to you I was protecting you I didn't want to make you suffer."

"Not telling is lying Lydia and as far as suffering isn't that what a married couple is supposed to do, support each other in the good and the bad, you didn't even give me a chance." Raymond sounded hurt.

"I'm sorry, you're right, I'm sorry." Lydia turned away from Raymond walked to the bathroom where the dress she was going to wear tonight hung on the door. She blinked hard to keep the tears from falling. "Raymond, you have to understand. I was doing this to protect you and the girls." She placed the dress on the bed and removed the towel from her head shaking her hands through the hair.

"You did it to protect yourself is that why you had your sister here, you trust her more than me?" Raymond stood began to paced the room.

"Of course not Raymond, I trust you completely I thought of this long and hard and it wasn't an easy decision for me. I wanted to make sure that the lump the doctor found could be taken care of, in my head I knew that I did the right thing."

"But what about in your heart Lydia did you think with your heart, did you think how any of us would have wanted to be with you to support you just to sit by you and hold your hand. That is my job as your husband and you took it upon yourself to decide what my role in your life should be you made me a bystander in one of the most important times of your life." Raymond said exasperated, "We should finish getting dressed guest will be here in an hour." He walked into his closet and returned with a black bowtie found Lydia in the bathroom brushing out her hair. "I love you and I am thankful that you are doing much better but please don't ever keep something like that from me again."

Lydia took the bowtie from Raymond's hand made a perfect knot. "I love you Raymond, I am sorry if I hurt you it was never my intention." She buried her head in his chest as Raymond held her.

Chapter 21

Angelique felt the hot sun coat her body as she sat on the beach watching Robert through her dark sunglasses. The ocean waves that emerged against the shore looked refreshing and inviting but Angelique could not risk ruining her hair and much to Robert's dismay she resorted to sit and watch the man she was totally falling in love with. Lifting her shades, she watched him atop his surfboard letting the ocean waves carry him toward her. She waved to him content that she was exactly where she wanted to be, with Robert in Hawaii on one of the most romantic beaches in the world. The coral string bikini she purposely wore revealed and covered just enough of Angelique's body so as not appear too desperate or too coy. Resting on her elbows, she leaned her head back closed her eyes and took in the suns warmth. Angelique was happy, content and pleased in and with the very moment she was living in.

Earlier in the day Angelique joined Tracy for early day of shopping at One Kalakau Ave and the Aloa Moana Shopping Center and lunch at Top of Waikiki revolving restaurant. The streets were packed with locals and tourist alike scurrying about in preparation of tonight's New Years Eve celebration.

"You look beautiful."

Angelique raised her head and saw Robert standing over her; the afternoon sun hung low casting a glare behind him. He held the surf board with one hand while shaking the excess water and sand out of his hair with the other. "Thank you," Angelique patted the towel signaling Robert to sit down. "You're all wet."

"That I am," Robert stuck the surf board into the sand blocking the glare and lay on his stomach next to Angelique who was on her back.

"How was the ocean?" Angelique asked as she shifted her body to make room for Robert.

"Warm, it's amazing how in the month of December the water can be so warm."

"Well, this is Hawaii after all." Angelique joked.

"Ha, Ha, very funny," Robert shook his hair wetting Angelique as he did so.

Angelique laughed, hoping that the water didn't mess up her hair; she didn't want to seem too pretentious so she said nothing to Robert who was looking at her intently. "Angelique, I have to say that you have a very beautiful body, I mean first the penior now this bikini, your killing me." He couldn't take his eyes off of her.

"You're not so bad looking yourself," Angelique replied.

"Wow, I think that's the first time you've complimented me, I was beginning to worry."

"Worry, what do you mean, worry?" Angelique asked reaching in her bag for sun-block.

"Angel, I have been many places, my job has afforded me the possibility to travel all over the world and yet I have never met anyone close to you." Robert turned toward Angelique laid on his side resting his head in his hand.

"I find that hard to believe."

"What I mean is that there are a lot of interesting people in the world and each one has something to offer, but what they were offering was something that I wasn't interested in. Do you believe in soul mates?"

"Soul mates," Angelique repeated as she handed Robert the sun-block. "I guess I do believe, I suppose we all have soul mates." Angelique turned on her back moved her hair over her shoulders; Robert sat up and rubbed the sun-block smoothly against her skin quietly thinking before responding. Angelique liked the feel of Robert's hand against her back and although Robert rubbed more than he needed to, Angelique didn't object.

"I do believe in soul mates," Robert finally said, "but I also believe that a person can have more than one." Robert could feel tension in Angelique shoulders.

"Two soul mates, at the same time?" Angelique asked

"No, if people believe that they can have two soul mates at the same time then they are only fooling themselves. It's impossible." Robert finished rubbing the sun-block on Angelique's back.

"Robert." Angelique turned to look at Robert who was now on his stomach, propped on his elbows

'Yes, luv," He moved a strand of hair form her face placed there from the breeze that swooped over them.

"Have you ever had a soul mate?" It was a hard question to ask but Angelique had to know.

"Once, but that was a long time ago." Robert looked at Angelique when she spoke; his voice mixed over the crash of the waves.

"Tell me about it, your soul mate." The sincerity in her voice was pure, Robert understood that Angelique wanted to get to know him and she was ready to move emotionally closer to him. She took off her sunglasses.

"I was working in Germany and was stationed there for almost a year. Because of our work schedule and specific assignments, it was almost impossible for me to have any type of social life; I must have worked one hundred hours a week. It was intense work with the military intelligence."

"What do you do Robert?" Angelique was intrigued. "I know you told me that you work for International Security, but what is that exactly?"

"It's a unified organization of worldwide security housed within each nations Homeland Security Unit. In other words, people from all over the world literally work together for world peace. It sounds almost preposterous but that's it in a nutshell. I was in Germany to assistant their military stop infiltration of weapons that were headed to Iran."

"It sounds dangerous."

"It can be at times, in Germany I was assigned to anticipate what could potentially happen then prepare and be ready for it." Robert explained.

"Did you anticipate finding your soul mate there?" Angelique asked returning to the original questioning.

"No, but one day, I went out met a woman and fell madly in love." Robert made it seem like he was doing groceries.

Angelique felt a tinge of jealousy come over her. "Was she pretty?" Her voice was brash.

"Now why it is than when a man brings up another woman to his girlfriend she always wants to know how pretty she is, why is that?" He teased her.

Angelique was stunned, he called her his girlfriend. "I mean...well...anyway, what happened, why did you break up?" She could not stop smiling.

"The love was only one-sided, I was madly in love with her, but she was married and when I found out, I was crushed. But enough of that, I want to concentrate on you." Robert put his hand on her back and began to gently massage her neck. "I don't want to waste this perfect sunset, why don't we go for a walk?"

"Or we could just stay here." Angelique suggested. "Robert I love being here with you, I feel so good about me, for the first time in a long time, I am really happy."

"Angel, I want to make you happy." Robert leaned in and kissed Angelique on the neck and shoulders his fingers moving tenderly along her spine and resting on her buttocks squeezing it gently.

Angelique turned onto her back looking at Robert's green honey eyes. He was beautiful, strong gentle and caring. She reached up and traced his lips with her finger wanting to absorb every feature of the man who was stealing her heart. She kissed his lips softly at first but as he moved closer to her she let all her inhibitions go welcoming his tongue against hers. Their bodies moved in unison complying with what each wanted.

"Angelique,' Robert was breathing heavy, 'I think we should stop."

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No luv, no, I just want to make sure that you are ready. I want you to be one hundred percent sure. I don't want you to get caught up in where we are and..."

"Robert, thank you for always thinking about me, for wanting what is best for me, for even caring enough to ask, but I'm comfortable with you and I trust you completely." Angelique kissed Robert on the lips, "We should get back to the house. Tracy and Philip may have plans for us, being its New Years Eve and all."

Angelique stood as Robert retrieved the surfboard from the sand then helped her collect the blanket and towels. They were holding hands as they entered the lanai of the house where Tracy was talking to the woman who lived next door.

"Aloha." She greeted Angelique and Robert.

"Kerri, these are our guest, Angelique and Robert." Tracy introduced the pair.

"I'm Kerri, Kerri Lionne, me and my husband live here." She was a very pleasant woman full of life who seemed to wear a perpetual smile.

"Kerri was just telling us that she is planning a New Years Eve party, she does it every year, and she invites all the neighbors to come and celebrate." Tracy was explaining to everyone.

"That's really nice of you." Phillip replied. "It would be a good way to meet our neighbors since we are going to buy this house."

"So how about it?" Kerri asked "I can introduce you to everyone and I think I cooked enough to feed an army."

"Okay, why not." Phillip said. "Are you going to have any Hawaiian Jerky?

"Of course and plenty of it, so I'll see you around 9:30?"

"Okay, great, we'll see you around 9:30." Phillip said as he escorted Kerri to the door.

"Tracy," Robert said, "I think Angelique and I will miss the party if you wouldn't mind. I hope you don't mind."

"Of course not, our house is your house, I told you that already. Why don't we get ready for dinner then afterwards we can go our separate ways." Tracy suggested.

"That sounds great." Robert agreed.

"I hope you didn't mind that I turned down the invitation." Robert said to Angelique.

"Oh I didn't mind, actually I didn't want to be around a crowd. I usually spend it alone in my room while my parents throw a lavish party... oh my gosh, I want to call my parents before it strikes midnight in New Jersey excuse me." Angelique rushed to her room.

'Well, why don't you two go get ready and I'll start dinner." Tracy said watching Angelique as she left the room.

'Now don't be silly, you two have a party to go to and I am sure there will be plenty of food, I'll make something for Angelique and myself."

'If you insist." Phillip added

"I do, so don't worry about us." Robert told the couple.

By the time Angelique came out of her room Robert had prepared a dinner of fresh salmon with pecan sauce side of asparagus and baby potatoes. The table was adorned with a fresh bouquet of yellow roses and candlelight. The patio door was open allowing a gentle cool breeze into the room. Robert was pouring white wine into the glass already dressed in kaki slacks and white shirt and bare feet. The glow radiating from his tanned skin only enhanced his good looks. Angelique watched him quietly as he poured wine into a second glass then gave the table a quick once over.

"Everything looks wonderful." Angelique finally said.

'Well hello there sleepy head," Robert handed Angelique the wine glass "You fell asleep and I didn't want to disturb you."

"I guess I must have fallen asleep after I spoke with my parents, I remember talking to them then taking a shower and next thing I knew I was asleep." Angelique sipped her wine.

"It must be the "I-tis". Robert said. "How long does it last?"

Angelique almost spit out her wine she laughed so hard. "Robert you are so cute, remind me to tell you about that later."

"Okay luv" Robert looked confused. "How about we sit down for dinner?"

"It looks great and I do have an appetite, I hadn't had anything to eat since lunch." Angelique said.

"I hope you like it." Robert said, "I wasn't sure what to make so I took the liberty of making salmon, hope you don't mind."

"Not at all, I don't mind salmon." Angelique said.

"Great, then let me make a toast," Robert raised his wine glass from across the table and nodded for Angelique to follow suit. "I would like to toast to Angelique Farrior, the woman who said yes when I asked her to come to Hawaii with me. To the woman who has taken my heart and filled it with joy and to the woman who I cannot stop thinking about." Robert took a sip of his wine and winked at Angelique.

"I would like to make a toast as well." Angelique said looking down at her plate. She took a deep breath raised her glass and looked at Robert from across the table. "I want to toast to the gift of being happy and the package that it has come in, just when I was feeling alone, you showed up in my life and made me feel wanted like a woman needs to be wanted. I want to toast to you, Robert Briskin, the man who has captured my heart and tenderly molds it, to the beautiful man who is patient, understanding and respectful." Angelique gulped her entire glass of wine to ease her nerves. She looked at Robert, then down at her plate her heart was racing wondering if she said too much. When she looked up Robert was standing next to her, he reached for hand, Angelique accepted his hand, "Robert, I am falling in love with you."

Robert kissed her hand "I have already fallen for you; I knew that I would love you from the moment I saw you at the airport."

"You make me feel so good Robert." Angelique stood and kissed Robert. "Excuse me." She stood and left the room. After a few minutes, Robert heard her call from her room.

"Robert?"

"Yes."

"Could you come here please?"

Robert walked toward the room the door was slightly ajar and when he pushed it open, Angelique stood looking at Robert wearing a white teddy. Robert froze as he moved his eyes up and down Angelique's body. Angelique walked toward him and kissed him softly on the lips and grabbed his hand leading him to the bed. She sat on the edge of the bed as Robert allowed himself to be lead, he stood in front of her and she began to unbutton his shirt.

"Angelique," Robert's mouth was dry, "your hands are shaking, are you sure you want to do this?"

"Robert, yes."

"Angelique, you don't have to, this is not what I had in mind when I invited you here."

"Robert, I know that now, I know what I am doing here with you."

Angelique stood and kissed Robert behind his ear breathing heavily, she kissed his neck and felt the toughness of his skin and tasted the colon he wore. She found his mouth and kissed him hard and pulled slowly away to unbutton the rest of his shirt. Robert moved closer to her lifting her onto the bed pressing against her body running his hand down her legs. Robert tasted every part of her taking his time listening to her signals and moving only when she would allow.

Angelique surrendered her body to Robert, letting him explore untouched territory. She laid back on the bed watching Robert move skillfully with his hands and tongue caressing and tasting. She warped her arms around his broad shoulders and intuitively welcomed him into her.

"Angelique, I love you." Robert said

"I love you too Robert."

Angelique lay still as Robert watched her sleep, he kissed her lips gently. Her eye blotted, and then opened. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to wake you." Robert said, "But I couldn't resist."

"That's okay, it isn't every morning that I wake up to a kiss." She smiled.

"Phil and Tracy just got in."

"Oh really, they must have had a good time." She yawned, "Excuse me."

"You know luv, you are full of surprises." Robert curled behind so they were spooning,

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Well, I...you... you surprise me, that's all. I promised myself that I would not take advantage of you."

"You didn't take advantage of me, I came to you. Taking advantage is when one person feels that they got a raw end of the deal; I certainly do not feel that way." Angelique looked over her shoulder wondering what Robert meant.

"Yes, but I should have known better."

"Robert," Angelique wanted him to stop talking.

"No Angel, I feel this is my fault I'm more experienced and I should know when to stop."

"What are you saying that this was a mistake that you didn't want to do this, that I forced you into something you didn't want to do?" Angelique suddenly felt ashamed and pulled the sheets to cover her nakedness.

"Angel you and I last night." Robert tried to explain himself.

"Fine, I understand." She felt a lump in her throat, 'Robert, I think you should leave my room."

Robert sat at the edge of the bed silent picking up his clothes and leaving the room and Angelique in tears.

"Good morning." Tracy greeted Robert in the hall.

"Hello Tracy." Robert sighed heavily "What are you doing up I thought you just got in?"

"We did, I was just getting a bottle of water, and you know Phillip needs water by his nightstand. Tracy looked at him, "Robert, what's wrong?"

"I did a dumb thing." Tracy followed Robert into his room.

"What" Tracy asked looking at Robert like a principal would like at a disobedient student.

"I did something I should not have done." Robert began. "What happened here last night should not have happened."

"Is that the Robert Briskin that I know, the playboy, the ladies man?"

"Tracy I'm serious, that's exactly what I am talking about, neither one of us was ready for that, not yet. How could I be so stupid?" Robert shook his head fell back on his bed. "She doesn't understand."

"Are you sure you're not the one who doesn't understand? Tracy asked. "I mean, without getting too personal, I think I know what happened here last night. What you've to understand is that when a woman gives herself to a man, she gives herself completely. She surrenders everything that she was comfortable with and enters into a whole new world, I am sure that is what Angelique did; she wouldn't do anything that she was not ready for. Do you want me to talk to her?"

"Would you, she must be so confused and feel all alone. I think I messed up majorly." Robert stood, "I think I'll go for a swim, let me know what happens."

"Not a problem," Tracy hugged Robert, " Robert, I am sure she just needs some time to sort things out in her head, these things take time for a woman. I'll talk to her."

"Please tell her that I love her."

Tracy turned and left the room heading across the hall to Angelique's room. She pressed her ear to the door and knocked softly. "Angelique honey, are you awake, can I come in." She could hear movement in the room. "Angelique, I'm coming in honey." Tracy opened the door and was surprised to see Angelique packing.

"I'm leaving, going home; I should have never come in the first place." Angelique was randomly tossing her belongings into the open suitcase on the bed.

"Why?" Tracy wanted to tread carefully, not wanting to further upset Angelique.

"Because, that's why," Angelique knew how juvenile her response was, but it was all she could say. She turned to look at Tracy, "because I no longer feel comfortable here, it has nothing to do with you, you and Phillip have been exceptional hosts welcoming me into your home like you did, but I just cannot stay here anymore."

"Angelique," Tracy placed her hand on Angelique's shoulder and gestured her to sit down. "Angelique, Robert asked me to come in and tell you he's sorry..."

"Sorry! Sorry for what, for giving me the most treasured night of my life and then taking it all back? Sorry for making me feel like a fool because it was me who imitated everything. Tracy, I wanted this and I thought he did too." Angelique couldn't hold in her tears. She let them fall freely.

"What, are you saying Angelique?" Tracy held her close.

'It was me who made this happen, I was the one who put on that ridiculous teddy and seductive perfume just like my sister told me. I made him come into my room and I made a complete fool of myself. Robert took the most precious night of my life and made me feel like I did something wrong."

"Wait a minute, is this your first time?" Tracy looked at Angelique.

"Yes, does it show?" Angelique pulled away grateful that Tracy was there to talk too, she wished that Jazzmine was around, but having another woman to talk too helped.

"It certainly explains a lot."

"Tracy, he made me feel like a child."

"Angelique, trust me, he didn't mean to do that. I know Robert. He probably blames himself because it all happened so soon."

"What really hurts is that he told me he loved me yesterday and now this, this is the wake up greeting I get. Talk about the morning after."

"Angelique he does love you. Phil and I knew that before we even met you. He told me to tell you that he loved you when he sent me in here to talk to you. Angelique, I don't think you should run away. Talk to Robert, listen to him, and then if you don't like what you hear, then you should go. At least give him a chance to explain."

"I don't know." Angelique hesitated, "Do you think I am jumping to silly conclusions."

'No, not at all, you just need to make sure you do not walk away from something that could potentially be the best thing that ever happened to you. Come on give it a try, and like I said, if you don't like what you hear, I will drive you to the airport myself."

"Okay. I guess I owe him that much."

"You owe it to yourself more," Tracy stood, 'I'll be right back."

"Come in." She sat on the bed.

Robert closed the door behind him. "Hi." He said as he sat on her bed. "Angel, Tracy talked to me. She told me how you felt. I'm sorry, I just feel in some way I pushed you into this." Robert was apologetic.

"But how do you mean?"

"I felt as though you did this because that is what you believed I expected."

"That is not why I did it. I made love to you because I love you and I wanted to share with you something I have never shared with any other man. Last night for me was perfect magic, from the dinner to the toast everything seemed to be perfect and giving myself to you only solidified what I was feeling."

"Oh Angel, I am so sorry, I don't know what got into me. Can you forgive me for what I said?" Robert held her tight and kissed her forehead.

"Of course," Robert wiped the tears from her eyes as he cupped her face in his hand and kissed her tenderly.

"Those eyes are too lovely to cry." He said and hugged her again. "I love you," He held her tight; "I love you." He repeated.

Chapter 22

Valencia sat in her girlfriend Annett's apartment surrounded by confetti, streamers and ten of her closest friends. The winged-back whicker chair she sat in was adorned with white tulle and silk bows. Someone turned down the music and the clattering of women came to a quite hush, a glow was carried in from the kitchen to where Valencia sat in the small overcrowded New York City apartment living room. Valencia squint her eyes trying to make out the form that was surely approaching her. The glow grew closer and after tilting her head Valencia was able to see candles atop a chocolate cake shaped like a giant penis being carried by Annette, her roommate from Columbia. Valencia froze at the sight of the giant penis staring back at her.

"On no you didn't put candles on that thing." Shouted one of the guests in the dark room.

"Oh yes I did! Something this big needs to be blown out." Annette replied causing the room to burst out in joyous raucous.

Valencia's head swirled in a circle not knowing what to do. This bridal shower had gone far enough, first the stripper pole demonstration and now this. Valencia could feel her blood rising. She looked around the room and all eyes were watching her smiling faces staring wondering what she would do. This is not what she had in mind when Annette invited her to tea with her sorority sisters. This behavior of Kappa girls was beyond any measure of civility.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Another voice shouted from the back of the room. "Go on Val, you know you want to."

"Does it look like Eric's?" More laughter filled the room.

Valencia looked at the figure before her and contemplated her dilemma. She couldn't take her eyes off the perfectly shaped penis and wondered who would create such a thing. The more she looked at it the more intrigued she became and the more she began to relax. Smiling she looked at Annette whose smile was telling her it was okay. It was okay for Valencia to relax and let go of the tension she had carried for so many years, to let the pain of perfection seep from her body, to live in the moment and not control the moment.

Annette wanted so much for Valencia, and she was there at thirteen when her world seemed to have forever change. Annette was the constant in her world of turmoil and now here she stood before her on the cusp of change urging her friend to close her eyes inhale and let out a colossal release of air. And so Valencia closed her eyes, took in the deepest breath she could conjure griped the arms of the chair tightly open her mouth let out a soft bellow then increased to a yell and finally a profuse sobbing shriek that was imprisoned in the core of her belly and the depths of her soul. The primal sound filled the room like electricity running through her body awaking emotions that lay dormant longer that Valencia cared to remember. The room grew silent and watched in horror at the spectacle coming from the guest of honor. Annette was sobbing watching her friend knowing what was happening while other where trying to figure it out. Valencia opened her eyes and screamed in anger, angry at the life she created for herself, she screamed again for allowing others to dictate her life and being a spectator on the sidelines. She looked at all the women watching her, wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand took another deep breath and said, "Bring that big black dick here!"

The woman not sure what to do, began to chant, "Blow, blow, blow, blow...."

Valencia looked at Annette still sobbing and shook her head in agreement "Val honey, blow it all out."

Valencia stood, raised her hands signaling the crowd to simmer down all of whom obliged. "This is for all the fucking grief I had to endure." She inhaled and with one breath blew out every candle. The room exploded with a chaos of jubilation. "Turn the music back on!" Valencia instructed "And somebody get me a drink!

*******************

Annette was sweeping the floor gathering the mess left by the parting women who all departed almost an hour ago. The sun started to fade brining the closing of another February weekend to an end. Valencia tried to help but Annette told her that the guest of honor should never ever help clean up and should just put her feet up on the ottoman by the oversized chair. Candice had agreed to stay and help with the clean up. Valencia watched her friends clean the tiny apartment reminding her of the dorm the three girls shared at Columbia.

"Did you've a good time Val?" Annett asked gathering the pile of loose paper and streamers breaking Valencia's thoughts.

"I must admit I did, I really did." Valencia said making herself comfortable on the chair.

"Val, I have to ask," Candice said moving the gifts onto the dining table that was pushed against the far wall, "are you okay?" Annett stared at Valencia wanting to ask the very same question.

"I am. For today, I am." Valencia responded.

"Good, then. We are almost done here, so why don't get I start these gifts into your car, you have a long ride home and you should get started before it gets completely dark." Annett said.

'You're right, let me use the restroom before I go and freshen up, I brought a change of clothes so that I can change, would you mind?"

"Of course not Val, you know where the bathroom is, if you need a towel look in the hall closet." Annett said pointing to the linen door next to the bathroom.

Valencia pushed herself up feeling woozy as she did so, thinking that she had one too many drinks, she again attempted to lift her body out of the chair. A wave of heavy nausea came over her and she fell back passing out.

Annett dropped everything and instinctively resorted to her nursing skills. She placed Valencia flat on the floor checking her vitals. Her heart rate was rapid and erratic, she yelled to Candice to call for an ambulance. By the time Candice reached the hospital, Annett was conferring with Dr. Bradley reporting her initial assessment of Valencia who was on the stretcher with tubes attached to both of her arms. Candice gasped at the sight and turned to Annett who gave her a look of reassurance.

"Did you call her mother?" Annett asked.

"Yes, she said she is on her way and should be her in about an hour. Is she okay?" Candice voice was shaky.

"The doctor said that he has to run more tests on her but for now she is stable. Why don't you stay with her, she may want to see a familiar face when she wakes up." Annett hugged Candice and left the room.

Candice sat by Valencia staring at all the tubes attached to her shaking her head wondering if her friend would be okay and did the only thing she knew to do, pray.

*************

Lydia Farrior rushed into the hospital room motioning Candice to stay seated She placed her purse gloves and coat on the empty chair beside Valencia's bed and went toward her daughter.

The room was silent for several minutes before she asked "What did the doctor say was wrong?" Lydia could not stop looking at her daughter. Her appearance was frail, her lips were chapped and dry and her eyes seemed sunken in her skull.

"He hasn't said anything to me, but Annett told me that they had to run more tests." Candice spoke like she was whispering.

"Where is Annett, can I talk to her?" Lydia asked.

"I'll go see if I can find her." Candice didn't notice that Lydia had been crying until she stood to leave the room. "I'm sure she's going to be okay, Mrs. Farrior."

Lydia said nothing as Candice left the room. After a few minutes Annett returned with Dr. Bradley. Candice decided it best to sit in the waiting room. After Annett told Lydia what happened she introduced Dr. Bradley and joined Candice in waiting room.

"As Annett told you," Dr. Bradley began, "your daughter was unconscious as a result of being dehydrated which we are treating intravenously. What concerns me more is that she is seriously underweight." Dr. Bradley looked at Valencia then at Lydia. "Mrs. Farrior, there is no point in prolonging this; your daughter shows severe signs of an eating disorder."

"What!" Lydia was shocked. "I know that she is a picky eater, but eating disorders are you sure?" Lydia took a step back at the accusation.

"When is the last time that you've actually witnessed your daughter eating a full meal? Has her behavior been erratic, does she loose her temper at nothing?"

"Well she has been under a lot of pressure, this is her last semester of law school and she is getting married in a few months. I think she is just under so much strain that she needs to rest." Lydia tried to compromise.

"Please, Mrs. Farrior, don't ignore the signs, I would like to have your daughter properly evaluated by a specialist to determine what actually is going on. All the signs are there, dry lips, loose teeth, marks on her knuckles and redness in the throat. She needs help, Mrs. Farrior. I think that with the proper help and her wiliness to cooperate, she can overcome this."

"I can speak to her and see if she is willing, but..."

"Mrs. Farrior, please do your best, her life depends on it."

Chapter 23

Raymond and Eric rode mostly in silence in the chauffeured Crown Victorian down the New Jersey Turnpike into Manhattan. Lydia kept Raymond abreast on Valencia's condition reporting that a transfer to treatment center in Philadelphia was probable. Dr. Bradley was familiar with Timberline Knolls and recommended the treatment facility top further Valencia's care. Timberland Knolls has a reputable record in the successful treatment of people with eating disorders and Lydia wanted to explore the Christian approach Dr. Bradley spoke of. Raymond wasn't keen on the Christian approach but said nothing weighing their prominent success rate over their philosophical views. Raymond respected those with a deep devotion to God but Raymond had trouble trusting someone who he couldn't see or get an immediate response when he needed one. God, Raymond felt, was someone to fear, and because he didn't fear anyone, there was no real sense in getting to know Him.

The cost for the treatment would not be a factor and Raymond made tentative plans to visit the facility with his wife later in the week, knowing that some inevitable problem would arise providing an opportunity to cancel and Lydia going with Jazzmine or alone. He stared out of the window blankly; a vacuous look on his face thinking about his eldest daughter wondering if her suffering was in part to his contribution and intention. A man's intention can be measured by the actions he demonstrates. If you do nothing then you can expect nothing. Getting involved in Valencia's life was his responsibility Raymond assured himself and it was more than is father ever did for him.

Eric buried his head in the documents of his Pharmaceutical case preparing for a settlement agreement scheduled in the coming weeks. Not wanting to encourage conversation with Raymond, he avoided eye contact and ignored the heavy sighs escaping form Raymond like a daunting chore. The words on the page were jumbled so he gave up trying to make them out about forty minutes ago. He conceded to keeping his head in the file randomly turning pages all the while thinking about Valencia. He knew he didn't love her but he cared about her as a person. He loved her like a deep friend and tried very hard to convince himself that he loved her romantically. She was a very pretty woman but Eric was attracted to thick women with ass and tits. Valencia failed miserably in both categories. He wasn't sure what was wrong with her medically; all he was told was that she was in the hospital and his presence was required. He chuckled at the remark, presence required, an invitation to his own life orchestrated by the man sitting next to him, his boss and future father-in-law, the master of manipulation.

The car slowed as it passed the toll booth at exit eighteen toward the Lincoln Tunnel. The traffic was light for a Monday afternoon. The bright sun penetrated pseudo warmth into the car making Eric want to open the window to let the cool air into the stuffy backseat. The driver announced that the pair should be in New York City in twenty minutes. The sound of the driver's voice cracked the silence hard startling Raymond's fleeting thoughts back into the car. Eric looked at the back of the drivers head and thanked him for the information.

Raymond cleared his throat before speaking, "So what do you really think about Elyse Toliver? I saw the way you looked at her when I introduced her to you and Martin in my office this morning." Raymond refused to look at Eric.

"I've seen her work in court, she's sharp." Eric responded flatly.

"I gave her Ronald's old office; it should be large enough for her."

Eric rolled his eyes, closed his file putting into his briefcase purposely disregarding his statement about Ronald. "What have you heard about Valencia? Anything I should be concerned about?"

"Don't worry about my daughter, I'll do the worrying you just do what I tell you to do."

"So I'm good enough to marry your daughter but not good enough to care for her." Eric was sarcastic, "How ironic."

"You need to lose your new found bravado." Raymond warned.

'Is that what you think this is, bravado, you think that I am showing off for Valencia."

"I don't know what you want to call it or what you think you're doing, I just know that I want it to stop, remember you work for me." Raymond reminded Eric.

"Trust me, I know, you won't let me forget it." Eric snapped.

The driver pulled up to the hospital's front door in the circular driveway, stepped out of the vehicle as Eric watched him walk past his door toward Raymond's side.

"Eric, if you have something to say to me say it. Don't let your anger towards me fester." Raymond looked at Eric hard. "Well."

"Mr. Farrior." The driver said opening the rear passenger door.

"I didn't think so." Raymond turned and exited from the vehicle storming past the driver and into the hospital lobby. Eric flowed close behind Raymond reaching the elevator doors before him.

"You know," Eric began, "a man can only get upset when he has something to hide."

"What the hell are you talking about? Raymond turned to look at Eric.

"Daddy, you made it." Angelique said approaching the elevator with Jazzmine. "Did you just get here?"

Raymond turned to see his daughters walking toward him. "Sweetie, it's good to see you, how have you been?" Raymond gave his daughter a kiss on the cheek. "I just rode up with Eric."

"Hello." Eric greeted the sisters.

"We were just having lunch in the café, we saw you coming in. It looked like you where in a hurry, is Val okay?" Jazzmine asked concerned.

"I haven't heard anything different since I spoke to your mother last." Raymond said climbing into the elevator. "Have you seen her? How is she?"

"Don't be alarm by the tubes in her arms she is being fed intravenously and may be asleep from the medication." Jazzmine explained.

Angelique was the first off the elevator leading the pack to Valencia's room. Lydia was on her cell phone with Sarah just as the family entered. Raymond and Lydia exchanged a kiss as Eric stood at the foot of the bed looking at his unrecognizable fiancé. Raymond looked at the floor then up again at Valencia. Her skin was the color of grey ash, her lips where completely chapped and dry and her hair normally set and styled was wrapped in a silk scarf. Eric could not release his eyes from Valencia he held his gaze locked on the skeletal figure lying on the clean white sheets that seem to pronounce her illness.

Valencia stirred, reaching one hand up to her mouth. Her moaning was inaudible. Lydia moved quickly to her side pushing Jazzmine out of the way knowing instinctively what her child needed. "I'm here baby." She said in her daughter's ear. "It's okay, momma is here." Lydia asked Angelique for the large up of ice water and held the straw to Valencia's dry mouth and cracked lips. "Take a sip of this, it's only water, please sweet pea sip some water." Valencia responded to her mother's words sipping the cold water slowly at first then taking fast deep swings draining the cup completely leaving only a few remaining ice cubes. "That's it good girl, Val." Lydia looked at her family standing around the bed; her eyes began to swell with tears and the sight of her family together in support of their sister. "Your whole family is here; even Eric is here to see you." Raymond griped the rail of the bed forcing back the tears. "Open your eyes Valencia; momma wants to see your eyes." Lydia gave the cup to Jazzmine and ran her hand along Valencia's shoulder and arm. "Sweet Pea, I need you to open your eyes. That's it; open those beautiful eyes for your momma to see."

Valencia slowly opened her eyes and turned her head toward her mother. She said nothing and no one said anything to her. The only sounds came from the monitors hung above Valencia's bed interrupting the silence every few seconds. Valencia squeezed her eyes hard letting the tears roll down her cheeks and onto the pillow. Lydia swabbed the tears with her thumb cupping Valencia's chin as she did so. "It's okay Val honey. Don't be ashamed, your family is here and we love you."

"Val," Jazzmine's voice was barely audible she had to clear her throat, "Val, hi sis. Angelique is here too and we made a promise that we will be here to support you no matter what."

"That's right Val, it's okay, yesterday is gone, leave it there. We love you.' Angelique said.

"You see sweetie, your sisters love you, and they don't hold anything against you." Lydia turned to Raymond encouraging him to speak to his daughter, but he was clearly distraught. 'Girls, why don't you take your father into the waiting room, I'll be there shortly."

"Okay, Val honey will be back later." Jazzmine said leaving with her father and sister.

Valencia looked at her mother, "Do you want me to stay?" Lydia asked.

Valencia shook her head. 'Okay then, I'll go join the others in the waiting room, Eric come get me if you need me."

"Thank you Mrs. Farrior." Eric moved closer to Valencia sitting on the bed, he was nervous and not sure if he felt sadness or pity for Valencia maybe a little of both. She turned her head to look at him tears still streaming down her face. "Why are you crying?"

Valencia just shrugged her shoulders.

"Well just know that I don't hold any judgment towards you. I feel bad that you had to go through whatever it is that you are going through alone. I'm not sure what is going on here, no one has said anything to me so I figure it must be something really personal, you want to talk about it."

Valencia nodded. Sat up on fixed her scarf. She reached for the water on the night and slurped the little water left from the melted ice cubes. "I don't know how to start." Valencia was surprised at the sound of her own voice, it was rough and horse. She cleared her throat wanting to tell Eric of the ordeal, but her brain could not seem to form the words she needed to say to make everything better.

"I think maybe you should rest, there will be plenty of time to talk, and I'm not going anywhere.' Eric reassured Valencia of his commitment to stay in her life.

She smiled at his words, "I want to tell you everything." It was the first truth Valencia verbalized aloud and with it she eased her shoulders and opened her eyes wider. "Yes Eric, if you and I are going to be husband and wife, then we should be honest and open without judgment."

Eric stood and kissed Valencia through the scarf, "I think you should rest, you shouldn't push yourself so quickly." Eric turned slowly toward the door at back at Valencia, 'I can sit with you if you like?"

'That would be nice Eric."

'Do you want me to get your family in here first?"

"Yes."

Eric left the room and saw the family sitting in the private waiting room watching them through the large glass wall that kept noise and guest out, the epitome of the life the Farrior's lead. Eric knew that once he entered that room he was committed to the promise of fifty percent of the Farrior law firm in return for marriage, a trivial price to pay. Eric thought about his parents and having the ability to release them from the financial burden of paying for his sibling's college. He wanted them to enjoy the sunset of their years and if marring Valencia would allow them to do it, so be it.

"Mrs. Farrior," Eric stood in the room amongst his family, "Val wants us in the room."

Chapter 24

Angelique stood under the Marquee of Madison Square Garden waiting for Jazzmine's train to arrive. She thought about going inside, away from the cold air that blew between the skyscrapers but she needed the morning air to ease the nausea she was feeling. Earlier she stopped at the corner coffee shop to a purchase mint tea with honey and grabbed a handful of the soda crackers that were in the basket next to the cash register. Jazzmine's train would arrive in the next ten minutes giving her enough time to call her mother and get an update on Valencia.

Angelique was staying in an apartment near the school when she received the phone call from her mother telling her that Valencia was in the hospital surprised to hear that Valencia was still in New York. Angelique was able to secure a fitting with Valencia at her school studio and then the two went shopping for material in the garment district. Valencia appeared to be her normal rude impatient and demanding self, nothing out of the ordinary.

Angelique cupped the tea with her gloved hands holding it up to her face letting the steam rise into her nostrils. She thought about Robert and the last time they saw each other. Seeing all the Valentine decorations in the store window only made her think of him and missing him sore. Valentines' Day was two days away and five weeks without the man you love to help celebrate your first valentine together would be sad, but Angelique didn't put to much attention into the holiday. She was grateful that she at least had someone to share the holiday with, not matter how far away he was.

"Get your head out of the clouds"

"Jazzmine!" Angelique was so happy to see her sister, 'I've missed you so much."

Jazzmine let her sister hug her hard for a few seconds then said, "you are shaking how long have you been out here?"

"Just few minutes really, you look good as always." She observed.

"How is Valencia? Have you heard from mom?" Jazzmine asked taking her sisters arm and walking toward the taxi stand.

"I just spoke to her and she told me that Valencia is still resting and not much has changed since yesterday. She told me that Eric is also on his way."

"What about dad, is he coming?" Jazzmine asked.

"I thought he would come with you? Didn't you talk to him?" Angelique climbed into the taxi as Jazzmine instructed the driver to take them to Mount Sinai Hospital.

"I spoke to him last night and he told me that he would come after work today." Jazzmine explained that he had an important meeting with a new employee that was starting at the firm and he really wanted to be there to introduce her to the staff.

"Well, as long as he comes to see Valencia that is all I want him to do." Angelique said.

"So, what is new with you, where is Robert?" Jazzmine asked

"He's been away on business for almost five weeks. I only got a chance to speak to him twice."

"Five weeks, you haven't seen Robert in five weeks?" The look on Jazzmine's face told Angelique that she should have kept that information to herself.

"I already told you Jazzmine that his job has him going all over the place and keeps him busy."

"What kind of job keeps a man away from the woman he supposedly loves for over a month? Angelique, are you telling me everything? Are you still seeing him?" Jazzmine's questions were a little more than what Angelique wanted to deal with right now especially because they were the same questions she had asked herself over the last few weeks.

"Jazzmine, his job takes him all over the world. I already told you he works for International Security and when they call he has to respond. This is a special assignment he promised me that he would be here for Valentine's Day so I will see him in two days." Angelique turned to look at the window closed her eyes and whispered "At least I hope so."

**********

Jazzmine, Angelique and Lydia sat in the hospital room watching Valencia sleep. The room was filled with flowers and get well cards. Jazzmine bored of just sitting decided to read the cards that were aligned the window sill next to the bed.

"Jazzmine honey, please don't be so nosy those are addressed to Valencia not you." Lydia said

"How long has she been sleeping?" Jazzmine asked standing next to her sister looking down at her. "She looks so frail"

"She's been sleeping for almost ten hours some is exhaustion mixed with medication." Their mother explained.

"Have you noticed how skinny she has gotten? When I was with her on Saturday measuring her for her dress I couldn't help but to notice, I had to actually take more measurements because they have changed so much."

"I think that's just Valencia's dramatics to how she responds to everything in her life. She is busy with her planning the wedding, which by the way, why is she changing it to spring; she has always wanted a fall wedding? Jazzmine asked.

"To appease Eric's only request, he felt that Valencia made all the decisions so he wanted to win one." Lydia explained.

"But that is what a woman does when she plans a wedding; a man's job is to show up." Jazzmine said sarcastically.

"Jazzmine mind your voice, please, I don't want to disturb Valencia." Lydia said moving toward the bed fixing the bed sheets to keep busy.

"What has the doctor told you mother, what aren't you telling us?" We have a right to know Jazzmine demanded.

"All I know is that she was with Annette."

"Her friend form college?"

"Yes, she was with Annette at her house, they had some of their friends over and she fainted, she had a rapid heart rate, she is dehydrated and her pulse was extremely low."

"Was she having a heart attack?" Angelique asked now standing next to her mother.

"Initially they thought it could have been, but Dr. Bradley told me that Valencia could possibly have an eating disorder." The words were difficult for Lydia to say and hearing them hover in the room was harder. "We shouldn't be talking about this around Valencia."

Jazzmine and Angelique looked at each other shocked at the information they were hearing. "What are you saying mom?"

"Let's go out in the waiting room where we can talk." Lydia walked out to the room and girls followed. Jazzmine and Angelique sat on the couch against the far wall facing their mother who sat facing them in the chair, her back to the entrance of the private waiting room. Jazzmine held her sisters hand while her mother explained that Valencia's situation was serious and that she had an eating disorder problem for almost thirteen years. She explained that Anorexia had completely taken over Valencia's life causing her serious bouts of depression. She told Jazzmine and Angelique that medically Valencia's heart was very weak there were slight signs of it beginning to erode and that she may not be able to have children, Anorexia, especially because it was untreated for many years had caused problem with her reproductive system.

Angelique watched her mother lips carefully not sure she understood the depth of what she heard. Valencia always seemed mean, but that was just her, she never ever imagined that Valencia was in so much physical and emotional pain. She looked at Jazzmine who was reduced to tears; she was moved by Jazzmine's concern for her sister. Jazzmine was tough with Valencia but she loved her. Jazzmine's love runs deep for her family and no matter who needed, Jazzmine was the rock each could lean on.

"I didn't know it was so serious." Jazzmine managed to finally say. "She is so young and may not be able to have children? She has always wanted children."

"I have to go; I've got to get out of here." Angelique ran out of the room toward the elevators.

'I'll go with her mom, why don't you go back with Val. This is hard to hear, I mean, why didn't we see this thirteen years go." Jazzmine said

"We may all feel guilty for a little while, Lord knows I do I've been so selfish thinking about myself these last few months, I just couldn't see what was going on...."

"What do you mean selfish?" Jazzmine interrupted

"Nothing, go find your sister she seemed upset and I don't want her alone right now."

Jazzmine did as her mother told and her and found Angelique sitting alone in the main lobby café. Jazzmine approached her saying nothing and took the empty seat across from her.

"You know when Robert and I met we were sitting at the airport at a small table much like this one. We talked for so long we missed our flight." The thought of Robert put a warm smile on her face. "You know when we were in Hawaii I had a great time with him. His friends Phil and Tracy have a beautiful home; you can see the ocean from the living room. I wished we could have stayed longer but after New Years he was called to work and I had to finish here at Pratt. I've been so busy getting ready for Fashion week and midterms. This is my last semester here and then I want to.... I want to...." Angelique looked at her sister sitting across from her. She was so beautiful; she looked up to her and depended on her strength and guidance. She always knew exactly what to say and now her silence said it all. "It's not fair Jazz, It's just not fair. She wanted to have children and now if she can't it will destroy her she's been through enough." Angelique couldn't hold her tears in any longer she covered her face with her hands sobbing for her sister Valencia and a little for herself.

"Angelique, I feel guilty too for not seeing the signs for thinking that Valencia had it going on, I mean at least that's what it looked like on the outside. I wish I hadn't been so mean to her but I cannot take any of those things back." She reached across the table for her sister's hand. "The only thing that we can do is be here for her support her and more importantly not judge her."

"I know you're right Jazzmine I just feel sad for her. She must have felt so all alone all those years." Angelique said.

"We just can't let her feel that way anymore." Jazzmine said standing, "Are you ready to go upstairs?"

"No Jazz, I need to tell you something." Angelique twisted uncomfortably in her chair sat forward with her elbows on the table. "I need you to sit down Jazz." She pointed the empty chair.

"What is this about?" Jazzmine couldn't take her eyes off of Angelique. "You look serious."

"Jazzmine sit down, I want to tell you something." Angelique demanded.

Jazzmine took her seat, "Why don't we get a coffee or something it's just past lunch and I haven't had anything all day."

"Fine then, order me a turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich, chocolate pudding a side of fries and a large Iced-Tea"

"Are you sure you don't want anything else?" Jazzmine teased.

"I'll come with you just in case I see something I want." Angelique said. After paying for the food Angelique found another table in the corner of the café to eat their food. Their initial table was occupied by a student nurse completing paper work and sipping coffee.

"So what is so important that you couldn't wait to tell me?" Jazzmine said as bit into her veggie wrap.

"Jazzmine Hawaii was so romantic it was absolutely the best time I have ever had in my life". The house was beautiful with exceptional views, views that look like a postcard. We spent most of our days on the beach. Of course we did the tourist thing, shopping and sightseeing, but just being with Robert was perfect." Angelique paused to take two bites of her sandwich and a gulp of her iced-tea. "On New Year's Eve, Phil and Tracy were invited to a neighbor's house to bring in the New Year. Robert didn't want to go and you know what, neither did I. Robert told Phil that he wanted to stay home. I was tired from being on the beach so I went to take a nap, when I woke up Robert already had a scrumptious meal prepared. Jazzmine it was so romantic and he looked sooo good." Angelique stopped to take another bite of her sandwich and two scoops of her pudding.

"Angelique, where are your table manners, you remind me of one of Patrick's children." Jazzmine looked at her sister shoving food in her mouth. "When was the last time you ate?"

Angelique ignored her sister and continued with her story, 'Well, " She swallowed hard, "We had some wine and then we both said some things to each other, Jazzmine," Angelique put her food down and her voice was serious. "Jazzmine I'm not sure why I did what I did, but I knew that it was the right thing to do."

Jazzmine examined Angelique closely. "Go on."

"I asked Robert to join me in my room." Angelique wanted to choose her words carefully not wanting make it look as if she threw herself at Robert. "When he walked in I was standing there in one of the teddy's you helped me pick out."

"Oh my GOD!" Jazzmine covered her mouth with both hands dropping her veggie wrap on the tray as she did so.

"He was so gentle and he took his time with me, he didn't rush me. I felt like all he wanted to do was to please me. He wasn't concerned about just his needs, he made me feel like...like.....like a woman should feel with a man. He made me feel like it was okay to be with him, that I was right for giving myself to him. Jazzmine I almost started crying."

"Angel honey, why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I don't know, I guess I got busy and you're busy with your business and planning your big event."

"We have to promise each other that you, Valencia and I have to get together at least once a month. We are all each other have and I don't want to lose you or Valencia." Jazzmine said.

"I'm glad to hear that because I am going to need you both in the next few months."

"Why?" Jazzmine asked curiously.

"Because I'm pregnant."

Chapter 25

Valencia sat on the hospital bed admiring the flowers in her room. The box of chocolates Eric purchased sat open next to Valencia position like a rattle snake ready to attack its prey at any sudden movement. Eric hid behind the stack legal papers he intentionally brought on his daily visits, dutifully simulating the role of concerned fiancé. "You look much better today." Eric commented.

"Thank you, I feel a little better." Valencia replied as she aimlessly turned the channels of the TV.

Eric returned to his paperwork and left Valencia to her the scrambled thoughts he was sure floated in her head. She seemed her usual perplexed self and disturbing her thoughts could instantly change her mood would ensue a torrent of emotions he was unprepared or cared to tangle with.

"What are you working on, it must be important." Valencia said flatly.

"Do you remember the case that I told you about a few months ago, the one about the little boy who took spoiled medication?"

'Yes"

"Well, the pharmaceutical company wants to settle, or at least they want to meet with our firm which is a giant step in the right direction."

Valencia saw the pride beaming from Eric as she watched him talk about his work. It was one of the few times that seemed to spark an interest in an otherwise dull of a man. He was always busy at work and the moments they spent together were not enough. Eric was a great and gentle lover, concerned for her and her needs saying all the right things but somehow she knew that he was holding back, keeping a distance, afraid to allow the real Eric to permeate to the surface.

Taking a bold stance to her father a few weeks ago, over wedding plans, Eric looked self-assure and the confidence solidified her love for him. He was so brave she thought. The look on her father's face was incalculable, but Eric held his ground unwavering to his belief that he what he was doing was right. He always did what he was supposed to do, never wanting to upset the apple cart just like his own father. He was perfect at times indifferent but mostly cautious. Valencia had to find out what was beneath the man she wanted to marry.

"You've had your head buried in that stuff for over a week."

"I have, I guess when you're passionate about something you work at it until you're satisfied and then that is not even enough."

"Is that how you feel about me?"

Eric put his pen down on the make shift desk and folded his hands and looked at Valencia before he spoke. "I didn't know what to think at first when your father told me that you were in the hospital I was very concerned."

Valencia took a labored breath, "You don't have to pretend."

Eric gulped and stayed fixated on Valencia. "Pretend about what?"

Valencia never took her eyes off the television. "I know how you feel?"

"Feel about you?" Eric adjusted himself in the seat, but could not find a comfortable position.

"I understand it is perfectly normal." Valencia seemed to be talking more to herself than to Eric. "I understand if you don't want to be with someone who is crazy."

"Crazy, Val what are talking about?" He thought for a moment, 'Do you think that you are crazy because of all this?" He stretched his arm out as though he was introducing the proverbial elephant in the room. "Do you think that I don't want to marry you?"

"You don't have too if you don't want to, I come with a lot of baggage."

Eric walked to Valencia and sat next to her on her bed. He held her hand and kissed it gently. Her hand was cold and felt like pile of sticks in his hand. The bruising from the I.V. was fading. "I love you Valencia this is one of those things that we have to get through together.

"You mean you still want to marry me?"

Eric was taken aback at Valencia question, "Of course I do, doesn't my presence her confirm that for you?"

"I guess it does. Valencia tried to squeeze Eric's hand. "I love you Eric."

Eric kissed her hand again." Why don't you rest, I'm going to freshen up, your lunch should be here soon."

"I think I'll just watch television. Go ahead I'll be right here when you return."

Erick left the room just as Dr. Spencer was entering no doubt to discuss a treatment plan. Although Mr. & Mrs. Farrior sought treatment at the facility in Pennsylvania, Valencia was not yet convinced of being away from her family for six weeks. The idea scared her and presented her with issues she didn't want to face. Postponing her wedding and not being able to complete law school. This was her last semester and she wanted to complete it. Eric hoped that she would go away so that he could concentrate on himself and not spend time playing her father's games. The pressure he felt from Mr. Farrior was more than he bargained for and exhausting to be under the constant thumb of such a twisted man.

Eric found the guest lounge and entered the bathroom his head reeling from the conversation with Valencia and the thoughts of her father's threats. He splashed cold water on his face. He gripped the side of the sink and looked in the mirror. He had to stay focused, once he married Valencia things would change for him he would make the firm what he always dreamed it could be, stronger, bigger and more aggressive. He had to keep Valencia at bay she was a smart woman and her suspicions were rising.

He joined Valencia in the room who was on the phone with Angelique.

"I have to go Angelique, but will I see you later.

"Yes you will Val, and I have a surprise for you." Angelique replied.

"Good can't wait to get it."

"Love you."

"Love you too. Bye" Valencia smiled broadly her new found relationship with her sisters made her feel whole and she wanted to sustain that feeling. Being away for six weeks, Valencia thought, would hinder the bond they were creating.

"How is Angelique?" Eric asked returning to his paperwork

"She sounds so happy, much different from when she was here last."

"What did the doctor say?"

"He thinks that I should go to the facility in Pennsylvania. I know I should go, but I'm scared and I don't want to leave you or my family, what about law school and our wedding, there is so much going on right now. I don't know what to think."

"Whoa, slow down honey, there is time for everything; right now we need to concentrate on you. You need to get better so that you can do those things, the things you plan on doing."

"Eric we haven't even begun to address the real issue here. We keep skirting around the issue."

"What issue?" Eric knew that Valencia was sick but not sure to the extent of her illness.

"Eric, do you really know why I'm here?"

"Your father told me that you have problems with your upper respiratory system." Eric said cautiously not wanting to sound unaware of what was actually happening.

"That's daddy for you. Actually, it's more than that Eric. The treatment facility that my parents want me to go to is a facility for people with eating disorders."

"Eating disorder," The words felt foreign in his mouth. "What are you talking about, I've seen you eat many times you don't have problems eating."

"You only saw me pretend to eat Eric. Sometimes we can't see what is really in front of us.

Eric wondered if that statement was a self-proclamation or a warning. "I guess you're right. I've never really taken noticed of your eating habits, I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry Eric, there was nothing you could have done, I kept it hidden from everyone even myself. I thought that I was dieting at first and easy way to get rid of the weight and then it just became the norm for me."

"How long have you been dieting?"

Valencia lay back on her pillows and closed her eyes, "It's not a diet. If you and I are going to spend the rest of our lives together then you need to know the whole ugly truth." As Valencia confessed her situation of Eric she kept her eyes closed fearing a sense of betrayal, disgust and fear that Eric must be feeling. She told her depressing story exactly how she remembered it and with each event she slowly began to feel a weight lift from her. Eric kept silent mostly asking questions where appropriate much a deposition. It was the second time he felt closeness to Valencia, he no longer felt sorry for her as she poured her heart to this man and he was falling in love with the stranger in front of him. Valencia no longer became a way to finance his dreams, or create a direct path to a life that would set him on a pedestal above Raymond Farrior.

He was yielding to a woman seeking what every person sought, to be loved signally wholly without exception and negotiation. The crux of Valencia's quandary in the form of recognition, she merely wanted for another human to see beyond the exterior and into her soul. Eric had encroached on Valencia's right to be loved; never realizing that beneath the exterior was a vulnerable yet ardent, straightforward woman. Valencia is a woman.

Chapter 26

Angelique stared into the refrigerator looking for the mayonnaise jar to top off the turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich she prepared for her lunch. It was the only thing she was in the mood for. A boring Turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich. The jar barely visible was hidden behind the boxed container of leftover shrimp fried rice she attempted to have for dinner last night. She looked at the clock, eleven-thirty. She finished her morning project and was on schedule to complete the next garment to show the designer she was meeting this afternoon in hopes of having one garment shown during fashion week. Angelique knew that the designer wasn't actually the designer but the designer's assistant who probably owed her professor an overdue favor. Most major designers had several assistants. It didn't matter to her, the thought of showing one of her pieces to designer, assistant or not, was a step in the right direction.

Angelique sat on her oversized chair and tucked her legs crisscross under her. The sandwich was a welcomed feast after the fiasco of last night's dinner. She looked around her living room full of swatches and fabric, drawing and half dressed mannequin pleased to be home.

Fashion week was fast approaching making her days longer and nights shorter and lonely. The scheduling of fittings and designs and re-designs was exciting but coming home to a brownstone home was lonely. She thought about her friend Marco in Milan wishing she had completed her last semester in Italy. Her mother always told her that everything happens for a reason and now that Angelique was entering her seventh week of her pregnancy, she was happy to be near family. Valencia was improving at least physically. Her mother was excited about Valencia's transfer to the clinic in Philadelphia and never left her side keeping her company.

Jazzmine and stayed with Angelique for two nights but had to return to work. Angelique appreciated Jazzmine's company, but the company she was looking for was away, far away. Angelique thought of Robert often, especially today, Valentine's Day.

She missed Robert tremendously. She missed his touch against her skin and the feel of his hands massaging her shoulders and his lips gingerly kissing her neck. She missed the sound of his voice and the way he whispered her name, Angel softly in her ear when held her close in his arms. Five weeks away from the man she loved was too much to bear and not hearing from him in as much time was enough for Angelique to think that he may never come back.

Angelique placed the half eaten sandwich on the coffee table next to her purse and retrieved her cell phone. She searched through the address book for Tracy's number then hung up realizing that it was too early to call and that Tracy and Phillip were late risers. She thought for a moment and decided to try the New York number, Robert told her to call that number anytime she wanted to reach him. Phillip would be able to communicate with him.

Angelique quickly dialed the numbers and before the phone rang twice Phillip had answered the line.

"Hi Phillip, its Angelique, how are you?"

"Angelique, it's good to hear from you, how are things with you?" Phillip was happy to hear from Angelique.

"Everything is great, school is going fine, I can't wait to be done this is such a busy time, how is Tracy?" Angelique wanted to get the formalities out of the way, she was eager to get to the reason why she was calling...

'She is doing fine, would like to speak to her?"

"No, no...I mean, well....I was just wondering if you heard from Robert."

"No, not really, I know that he was away on assignment. He hasn't called you?" Phillip sounded surprised.

"No."

"Well, I wouldn't worry; he is probably caught up in all that mess that is going on in Zimbabwe."

"Zimbabwe!" Angelique was alarmed but tried to conceal her fear, "What do you mean Zimbabwe." She stood up and began to pace.

"Well it appears that a judge sent a political oppositionist back to jail to await his trail on treason charges. The prime minister contacted ISIS as a precautionary measure to be ready for a possible civil unrest." Phillip explained. "I'm sure that he was pulled there, I heard that he would be. The story has been on the news, have you seen it?"

Angelique ignored his question, "Phillip, have you spoken to him," She was desperate to reconnect to Robert even if it meant vicariously through Phillip. "Not hearing form him makes me worry."

"Well don't worry; Robert is more than capable of taking care of himself." Phillip reassured Angelique. "I remember being away from Tracy for several weeks, I am sure he is okay."

"I know Phillip; I just want to hear from him, it's been well over a month and I am new to all of this." Angelique couldn't believe her confession to Phillip. She couldn't believe how deep her desire to speak to Robert had become. "Phillip, if you hear from Robert, anything, please let me know."

"How about I send Tracy into Manhattan so that the two of you could talk, I'm sure she would like that."

"That sounds wonderful Phillip, but I'm in the middle of so much with school and helping my sister. Maybe I can meet her sometime in the next few weeks." Angelique could not risk Tracy finding out about the baby.

"Okay then, and I promise, once I hear form Robert, I will immediately call you."

"You promise."

"I promise."

Angelique hung up the phone not sure if she felt any better. She was relieved to hear that Robert was working, but in some far off place like Zimbabwe seemed so extreme and foreign. It was frustrating not knowing, not having any information, it made her feel empty inside wondering why she was holding on to such a relationship. She stood and stretched than ran her hand over her belly. She turned to the floor mirror by the sewing table by the only window in the apartment held one arm under her breast and the other at her waist. She reached for the small pillow on the chair stuffing it under her shirt seeing her pregnant profile for the first time. Tossing the pillow across the room she dropped on the couch sobbing in a fit of rage succumbing to the very trap she avoided and resisted until now. Here she was an educated well adjusted young black woman on her way to fashion success waiting for a much older man to call so that she can continue with her day. Pathetic as it was it was the truth. Angelique had become the very woman she loathed. A girl waiting and wondering if the man she loved would call her, if the man she loved, loved her, if the man she loved would return. An idle mind made for a crazy self-doubting mind and she had to rely on what she knew. Her mother once told her that most answers in life are usually simple if you trust on what your heart tells you. Angelique was sure that Robert loved her and she loved Robert. Robert told Angelique that he would return to her and she had to rest on his promise that he would. She wasn't sure when, but she knew in her heart that he would return.

Angelique still had two and half hours before her meeting with the assistant designer so she reached for her Ugg boats, coat and keys and headed to the fabric store two blocks away. Her sudden outburst inspired a new design and she was anxious to start.

The wind was harsh and unforgiving making Angelique regret her walk to the fabric store. Angelique pulled the gloves from her coat pocket, slipping them over her hands and pulled the hood over her head to block the airstream hitting her face. Mid February came with an unexpected Nor'easter extended the winter season. Angelique kept her head down watching her feet moving quickly in front of her. She walked instinctively to the fabric store turning and crossing at the right times. Once in the store she greeted Ming-Lu, who pointed her to the fabric she would need to complete her new look. She paid and thanked Ming-Lu for her assistance and returned into the blustering wind toward her apartment. When she reached her apartment door, Angelique found a large white box with red tulle neatly securing the box tied in a perfect bow. An envelope was taped to the door. She picked up the box and opened the door taking the note inside with her. She placed the bag and white box on the table and still with her coat on, ripped the open the envelope and pulled out a card that said, "Happy Valentine's Day My Love..." Inside the card read,

" _To my dearest Angelique,_

Sorry I haven't' gotten in contact with you, you'll be seeing me soon, very soon. Love Robert.

As tears rolled down her cheek she lifted the green tissue paper revealing five-dozen long stem roses. She reached for one and held it close to her inhaled the fresh aroma that slowly began to fill the room. She return the long stem rose into the box with the others, fished for the a the large crystal vase and filled it with water, remembering to pour the flower nutrients into the water and placed the already cut roses in the oversized vase next to her sewing table, where she began on to work on her presentation. She worked with an enigmatic vigor for the next three hours skillfully producing the garment of her life. Angelique felt rejuvenated and relied on her innate skills and fashion sense and trends to produce a garment undeniably beautiful, graceful and ready for New York Fashion Week.

Angelique was clipping some loose threads around the shoulder of the garment that hung on the bodice when she heard the doorbell buzz. She rolled the garment to the center of the room, not far from her sewing table, strategically placing it in full view of the assistant designer who stood at the open door shaking the wet beads vigorously off the umbrella.

"I'm from the studio, are you Alex Farrior?" He was tall and dressed in all black except of the yellow umbrella that matched the man-purse he carried across his chest.

"Yes, I'm Angelique Farrior." Angelique corrected him holing the door wider from allowing him to enter the small apartment. "Please come in."

"Whatever, this cannot take long," He waved his free hand in the air and with a pointed nose walked into the apartment. "I have a cab waiting outside and I have two other appointments after..." The lanky man abruptly stopped mid-sentence gasping. 'Is what I am here to see?" He pointed at the bodice.

"Yes, I have been working on it all afternoon, it started as a simple cocktail dress, but I had a sudden inspiration and I let my designer juices flow." Angelique was beaming ear to ear.

"I see." The designer moved closer to the mannequin gawking silently at Angelique's creation. He made humming sounds as he scrutinize the garment closely.

"I'm sorry, I didn't get your name."

"That's because I didn't tell you my name, I only give my name when I am interested in something that I like and has the potential to be great."

Angelique felt deflated. She watched the well-dressed man circle the garment his long index finger poking his chin as he bore a circle in the carpet beneath his feet. She tried to read his face for a glimpse of what he was thinking, but his expression was flat and expressionless.

"What was your inspiration?" His question was non-committal almost uninterested.

"I guess I would have to say it was me."

"You are on to something very interesting here. I think I can work with something like this, not only is it timely, but your attention to detail and overall execution is near perfection."

Angelique was taken aback at the gentleman's comments. Thank you was all that she could manage to say.

"When are you due?"

Angelique was shocked at the question.

"Well you said that you were the inspiration for this garment, so when are you due?" He seemed to be more relaxed and the lines on his forehead disappeared with the façade of who was pretending to be. "You seem so young, how old are you?"

"I'm two and a half months, and I am 22 years old." Angelique placed the palm of her hand on her stomach an instinctual first sign of motherhood.

"Are those flowers from the father?" He pointed to the table displaying the ornate arrangement ill placed in the room filled with fabric and simple furniture.

"Yes."

"Where is he?"

Angelique was again taken aback by his frankness, but welcomed his warmth. Having someone around to talk to, especially someone who was willing to hear her drone on about Robert provided her with comfort. Somehow, speaking his name aloud made his presence real. "He's away on business, he should have been back today, but it looks like that is not going to happen." Angelique finally admitted the truth and hearing it out loud stung her ears.

"My name is Steven," He said holding out his hand. "Do you mind if I sit, I am exhausted, my daughter was up all night she's teething?" He explained plopping his limp body on the only space available on the couch.

Angelique tried to suppress her shock at Steven's confession but failed miserably. Steven stared at her with raised eyebrows. "I'm sorry, I assumed..."

"Close your mouth before you catch a fly, the truth is I want people to assume. It's really hard for someone to take a straight man seriously in the fashion world, so I pretend that I am well, fancy if you will." His fingers made the quotes in the air at the word fancy. "My wife fully understands why I am doing it, believe it or not, fashion is my passion and when I tried to be taken seriously as a straight man well.... I don't need to tell you the rest."

"There are many men who are married and are taken seriously in this business; I don't see why you felt you needed to pretend to be something you're not." Angelique said.

"You may be right, but all I know is that when I started in this business I saw very clearly and quickly how non-straight people got more jobs and how the models were seemed more comfortable working with them, so I assumed a persona to help me along the way." Angelique shrugged it off and changed the topic. "How old is your daughter?"

"She's eight months, her name is Lexi."

"That's a beautiful name."

"So, your dress I really think it is beautiful and I know that it is something that we could use in at Bryant Park."

"Do you really think so?"

"Of course I do, by the way you never told me your name."

"Angelique, my name is Angelique Farrior."

"Well Angelique Farrior, I do think that there is room in our show for your maternity gown, I mean with the recent baby boom in Hollywood I know there is market for it and it is something new and different, it is something unexpected, something that people will not be looking for, it's perfect."

"I am so glad you like it I was worried, initially I was going to make a cocktail dress but this just seemed to come out of me and when I was done I was pleased."

"I can tell how much work you put into it, but let me ask, where did you say your husband was?" Steven asked with raised eyebrows.

"On business," Angelique turned to the dress smoothed the dress with her hand took a deep breath and said, "It's a long story but all I know is that I love him and for the first time in my life it seemed like I was moving in the right direction, like my life was finally making sense and I knew where I was headed. A girl doesn't get that often in life but I was given that chance and now here I am alone waiting for him to return wanting to be desperately close to him, to hold him and to see him again." Angelique hadn't realized she was crying until she tasted the salty tears streaming down her cheeks. "You must think that I'm a fool."

"A fool in love, does he know about the baby?" Steven's voice was compassionate for the stranger who he was sure would become her friend.

"No."

"Is he married?"

"NO!" Angelique yelled.

"You can never be too sure these days I mean after all, look at me" Steven raised his eyebrows. "People put on blinders to avoid seeing what is really there and then when it is time to look back; they realize that reality was staring them in the face the entire time."

Angelique wasn't sure if Steven was referring to himself so she decided to ask, "It sounds like you are talking from experience."

"I am Angelique, I am ten years older than you and I spent three years being someone I wasn't in a situation that is much too long to get into right now." Steven shook his head to get the memory from his head, "I don't mean to offend you Angelique, but you can't think like a little girl anymore, you're a woman about to have a child, think about that I'm sure that things will work out they always do."

"I know you're right, but I can't stop thinking about Robert, I miss him and want him here with me." Angelique didn't recognize her own pleading voice.

"Look, it will work out trust and be patient. Don't rush your life it always works out in the end. As for that dress, I will be here in the next two days to pick it up, or if you like, why don't you bring it to the studio that way you can meet all the designers and models." Steven said as he stood to leave.

"That sounds perfect. Let me have your business card and I will call you before I come out." Angelique said.

Steven pulled his business card from his pocket grabbled his yellow umbrella and headed to the door. "You know Angelique; the best part about love is growing into love."

"What do you mean?" Angelique was confused.

"I can tell that you really love Robert by your body language and the tone in your voice it's sincere and honest. Trust me in this business you learn very quickly when someone is being honest. Angelique rushing love will only extinguish the fire, if you grow a fire, it will burn longer." Steven was standing at the open door, "Just be patient and learn to grow with love."

"I think I am running low in the patience area." Angelique admitted hugging her new friend.

"Well find some quick because I have a funny feeling you two will be together forever." Angelique watched Steven as he stepped back into the rain, sprung his yellow umbrella wide, above his head and marched down the wet pavement toward the subway.

Chapter 27

Robert watched the fancy man with the yellow umbrella climb the stairs of the Brownstown leading to Angelique's first floor apartment. He rang the doorbell several times wanting desperately to be out of the rain and wind. He peered through the glass of the front door searching for Angelique to let him in where it was dry. Robert smiled to himself watching Angelique move quickly about the room from his SUV parked across the street from the apartment. The flowers he placed at her door where in the vase by the sewing table in full view through the bow widow facing the street. Angelique came to the door and let the fancy man in and the pair disappeared into the Brownstone; Robert was sure, to talk fashion. He waited for them to be visible through the window before turning the key in the ignition driving down the vacant cobblestone street.

Robert hated to leave Angelique but what he had to do would make life with his Angel a certainty. The world had a new purpose with Angelique at his side. He wanted to be with Angelique, to hold her close in his arms and kiss her warmly and passionately. He wanted to smell her perfume against her smooth skin and taste her full lips. Robert was gone from her too long and the desire to be with her was greater than anything he ever felt before the ache of her absence was in everything he did. The pull Angelique had on Robert was a force and attraction rooted deep in his belly. He wanted to make sure nothing would surface to taint their relationship. Angelique came into Robert's life at a time when he needed her most.

Robert devoted the early part of his life to his work entrenched on assignments dedicated to establish a semblance of peace and accord. Zimbabwe mission was cut short after ISIS considered the internal forces well equipped to handle a potential insurgence from opposing social parties. After several meetings with Zimbabwe leaders, and other United Nation representatives, ISIS determined that their presence was considered unnecessary and released Robert after the required three day debriefing.

Everything he now did was because of Angelique and for Angelique. He was awakened to a new purpose and wanted to follow his desire to be with her and around her and live his life with her. He wanted to place down roots and be part of something greater.

He thought about the age difference. Eleven years seemed worlds apart especially for someone who was on the cusp of starting her life. Angelique was full of possibilities and Robert didn't want to cage her into a lifestyle that she was not prepared or ready for. Angelique's dreams are her own and Robert would make sure that the dreams she held deep in her heart would come to fruition.

Love presented Robert with a rise of emotions that were franticly unfamiliar to him, emotions that released a freedom and freshness. He was exposed to a new world for the first time and Angelique carried the truth with her realizing the magnitude of loss had Angelique Farrior not entered his life. The magnetism between them was a resolute force connected by the universe and the separation between the lovers was a contradiction to that purpose. Since their time in Hawaii, Robert felt like a vane hanging atop a building pulled by the wind in an unbalanced movement. Angelique held him steady and he needed to return to her to stable his heart. His head was filled with a plethora of emotions and he needed to focus at the task at hand.

Robert looked through the apartment window once more, saw how enthralled the fancy man and Angelique were engaged in conversation. He looked at the address scribbled on the notepad resting on the leather passenger seat plugged the information into the GPS then pressed go. Last Sunday night Karl Hogar met Robert at LaGuardia Airport and personally delivered satellite images of a Jeep Cherokee parked outside of Angelique's parent's home on Christmas day. The images showed an aerial view of the parked vehicle, however, Karl was unable to make out most of the licensed plate. Using the ISIS computer Karl traced the partial license plate and cross referenced the numbers by hacking into the Motor Vehicle records. The result produced three possible vehicles with corresponding license plate sequence. Karl ruled out the first owner after toll booth video showed the vehicle at the Union Toll Plaza of the Garden State Parkway. The second owner of a green Jeep Grand Cherokee belonged to an older gentleman who visited his wife at an Alzheimer facility almost daily. Robert followed the vehicle yesterday to the facility in Bergenfield and after asking the staff several questions and reviewing the sign in book; Samuel Gibson could not have been at the Farrior home on Christmas day. The snapshot taken of the couple sitting in front of the Christmas tree still hung in the main foyer bulletin board of the facility.

Robert drove out of the city crossing the Brooklyn Bridge heading into New Jersey. The address on the GPS read 112 Parkinson Ave Lawrenceville, NJ an approximated a ninety-minute ride, plenty of time for Robert to do what he had to do and return to New York and into Angelique's arms.

The traffic on the turnpike moved about steadily. He glimpsed into the review mirror and inspected the puffiness under his eyes. The trip from Zimbabwe cost him two days of rest. He ran his hand through his thick hair turned on music then slightly opened the window to keep from falling asleep. Robert was anxious to get back to New York and be with Angelique. He wondered if not being there on Valentine's Day upset her, but he knew that meeting Ronald Wair was the first step to a life of happiness.

Karl emailed Ronald Wair's information to Robert who studied the file carefully learning that he not only lived fourteen miles from the Farrior home, but worked at the Farrior Law firm as a junior associate attorney with Raymond Farrior. Running a standard credit check on Ronald Wair revealed that he frequented many strip clubs and spent an exorbitant amount of money at adult book stores. From the picture on his drivers licensed Ronald was neither handsome nor particularly unattractive and could easily be missed in a large, typical characteristic of someone with gauche and bizarre habits. Robert's training instinctually told him that Ronald had the potential to be a dangerous man and in the business Robert followed he had to rely on his instincts.

Robert arrived earlier than anticipated. The truck in the driveway was the exact vehicle stationed outside of the Farrior home and matched the description in the file Karl prepared for Robert. He made a quick K-turn and parked his vehicle along the curb still facing north, less than twenty feet from the crosswalk and in view of Ronald's house. The car sat idle, the rain reduced to a slight drizzle barely noticeable, so Robert turned the wipers off. He looked at his watch, 12:33pm. He waited. Waiting was easy for Robert, he spent most of his time waiting and reacting at exactly the precise time. If Ronald was on a lunch break, as Robert assumed, then he would be leaving his home to return to the office, why else would he be home in the mid-afternoon on a Tuesday?

It didn't take long, Ronald stepped out of his house ten minutes later climbed into his Cherokee and drove past Robert who followed conspicuously behind Ronald. With his cell phone, Robert took a picture of Ronald's truck and stored it for later use.

The green SUV traveled along Primrose Lane heading south them made a left onto Princeton Pike Road and finally onto Route One north. Ronald drove three miles before turning into the driveway of the Sleepy Hallow, a seedy motel along the Route One corridor. He parked his vehicle walked past the motel office and knocked on room door twelve. A few seconds later, a young white brunette woman dressed in tight torn faded blue jeans and an oversized sweater hanging off her shoulder opened the door and without saying a word, stepped aside as Ronald entered the dark room.

Robert kept his eye on the room door, wrote down the name of the hotel and room number. A few minutes later Ronald appeared with the woman who now sported a blond wig that added to inches to her height. Her make-up was heavy and the torn jeans and boots she previously wore were gone and replaced with the oversized sweater and red high heels. Ronald climbed into the passenger seat and the scantily clad woman tossed her large purse in the back seat as she jumped into the driver seat. She pulled sharply out of the driveway screeching the tires against the loose gravel jumping the curb onto oncoming traffic forcing the unsuspecting drivers to swerve to avoid hitting her.

The woman recklessly switched lanes then sharply veered into a jug handle and finally slamming the brakes as she approached the red light. Robert trailed two cars behind the Cherokee. He could see Ronald angrily waving his arms in an obvious attempt to have the woman slow down. Without notice, the woman made an unexpected left hand turn against crossing traffic. Desperate to make a move and avoid losing the pair Robert, put his car in reverse pulling out of the lane, shifted to drive and roared past the cars waiting and raced toward the Cherokee that was no longer visible in the southbound lane. Robert sped by the cars weaving in and out of the lanes both hands on the steering wheel; his eyes pierced intently searching for any semblance of a green Cherokee.

Cruising well above the speed limit; the tires of the SUV gripped the slick road as he continued to weave in and out of lanes. Robert made out the Cherokee ahead in the mist of the other. Following the crazed driver another five miles through a toll both into Pennsylvania then three more miles on Route Thirteen where she turned into the parking lot of Club Risqué, a gentleman's club.

Ronald exited vehicle still yelling at the woman who appeared to be ignoring Ronald's rants and gestures retrieved her belonging from the Cherokee and headed toward the converted warehouse. Ronald lit a cigarette took a puff and followed the woman like a stray puppy.

Robert watched the couple enter the building. He parked his SUV inconspicuously among the scattered cars and trotted toward the entrance dodging the rain that seemed to be come down harder.

The darkness was broken by the neon sign of can-can woman dancing leading the patrons through the second set of double doors into to the main room.

"Ten dollars."

"Excuse me." Robert turned in the direction of the voice. A heavily built man stood behind a counter. He was dressed in black shirt, black slacks; hair cut in a military style. The tattoo on his neck told Robert that he was a former Marine.

"It cost ten dollars to get in or else you've to leave we don't allow ogle's here." The doorman stared hard at Robert folding his arms across his puffy chest. Robert wasn't sure if it was muscle or fat.

"Well now, wouldn't want to be an ogle" Robert mocked as he reached for his clip and paid with a fifty.

"Look all you want but no touching below the waist." The bouncer instructed as he handed Robert his change. "I don't want any problems."

Robert gave the oversized bouncer a wryly look and made his way to the bar that circled the center of the room where Ronald was already sitting drinking beer from a glass. Loud music flitted from suspended speakers precariously hanging from thick steel beams that crossed the ceiling. Small cocktail tables were aligned in front of a long velvet couch that stretched against the perimeter of the room each table held flickering candlelight allowing curious onlooker to covertly observe women sitting atop men's lap. Braless woman in sheer camisoles and panties competed for the attention among the scarcity of men giving each other scornful looks once a customer was marked. Two women were making a direct line to Robert, but before they approached him Robert gestured that he was not interested. Furious, each turned away mumbling obscenities.

Robert shook his head sat at the bar an ordered a beer watching Ronald from where he sat. The crazed driver who escorted Ronald was now dressed in the same sheer camisole approached Ronald took hold of his hand and gently led him toward the rear of the room through a door marked VIP in pink fluorescent letters.

"What do you've to do to get back there?" Robert asked the slightly muscled bartender as he swigged his cold beer.

"That's for our regular guests. You've to be willing to spend, you willing to spend?" The burly man looked at Robert with a crocked smile and leaned in closer as though he was about to reveal privileged information. "You don't look like you're from this part of town, and by the sound of your accent, I say you are from England, am I right?"

"Yeah, sure." Robert grinned

"So you have money. Are you looking for good time?" The bartender gave Robert a curious look.

"I am looking for anything that will get me in that room." Robert nodded toward the door and guzzled his beer. "Listen if you can't help me than...." He stood and turned to walk away.

The bartender grabbed Robert's arm, "Like I said, it's going to take some money."

"How much money?" Robert stared at the man's hand that was wrapped around his arm, then back at him.

"Two hundred dollars." He answered releasing his grip.

Without taking his eyes of the bald burly man, Robert retrieved his holder from his jacket and tossed three crisp one hundred dollar bills on the counter. "The extra is for a breath mint, and if you ever touch me like that again, there's going to be a real problem."

"Well, well an English man with some balls." He reached for the money and with the worst British accent said. "I like a man with some balls."

"I bet you do, now can I get in that room?" Robert said still holding his gaze.

The bartender signaled for the bouncer to come over and instructed him to let Robert into the VIP lounge.

"Same rules apply here, no touching unless you pay first."

Robert ignored the bouncer and crossed the threshold into a narrow hall that opened into the main lounge. The air in the VIP lounge was thick from piped fog that casted a faint haze a ploy for those seeking anonymity. There were thick black curtains hanging over door-less rooms and a strand of dim white lights trailed the floor much like in an airplane isle or movie theater. There was no music, just sounds of low moans and heavy breathing. The floor lights led Robert slowly down the hall to a large open area. In the center of the lounge was a large round leather sofa with silk pillows strewn about. Fully naked woman were over the sofa and each other joined by a few men freely groping whatever body parts their hands and mouths touched a pornographic movie played on the ceiling above them in silent mode.

Robert spotted the woman from the motel dressed in only panties exiting one of the curtained room with a half dressed Ronald following closely behind her. He had to approach Ronald and get back to Angelique. Too much was wasted and he wanted to escape this den of lust and hell. He picked up his pace and just as he approached Ronald pushed him into a room and onto the floor.

"Hey listen man I am not into this you've got the wrong guy." Ronald looked dazed and confused.

"Shut up!" Robert could feel the heat of his anger rising from the back of his neck.

"Look man I don't want any problems here; I told you this is not me." Ronald tried to stand but Robert kicked him in the knee sending him rolling to the floor. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Ronald's voice was loud anger swelled in his eyes.

"I told you to shut up!" Robert spoke through clenched teeth, he was seething from disgust, the very sight of Ronald and his dark habit made his stomach curdle.

"Okay, okay, what the hell is this about?" Ronald grabbed his left knee in pain. "Who are you?"

"I'm a friend of Angelique Farrior." He stood over Ronald as he said her name.

Ronald's blood grew cold and he stared at Robert astound at hearing the name. "Who, who, who sent you? Was it her father? Tell him I'm doing everything I can what more does he want from me?" Ronald pleaded.

Robert swallowed hard; he was confused by Ronald's statement but stayed focused on what he was there to do. "I want you to stay away from Angelique Farrior, if I ever see you as ten feet near her there will be serious consequences to pay. Do you understand?"

"Go to hell!" Ronald yelled from the floor.

Robert stepped on Ronald's neck full force and punched him square in the jaw causing Ronald to lose consciousness.

-Spring-
Chapter 28

Eric sat in the barber chair with his eyes closed head leaned back as the barber coated warm shaving cream around his chin and cheeks preparing to remove the residual stubble from the long weekend he had with Valencia. He let the warm foam absorb onto his skin allowing the barber to gently massage the lather and coat the stubble. Eric settled deeper into the chair ready for the grooming session after letting himself go far too long without his bi-monthly treatment. Traveling to Philadelphia to see Valencia began to take its toll

Valencia was making progress, but at times, Eric thought the progress was slow. She did a lot of crying and blamed the fashion industry, the men in her life and the lack of true friends, for the reason behind eating disorder. However, the team at the hospital was sharp and new better than to let Valencia believe those lies.

Once during a visit, Eric and Valencia went for a long walk on the one hundred acre property of the hospital it was the first time that Eric actually remembers being alone, completely alone with Valencia. And it was the first time that he realized that not only was Valencia was beautiful, but that he had endearing qualities that he looked for in a woman. It was the first time that he actually started to feel compassion for Valencia. It was a perfect spring day on the campus so the opted to have a private picnic lunch far from the buildings surrounded only by trees; they ate and made love, real love. It was the first time Eric told Valencia that he loved her.

Sitting in the chair was the first time Eric was able be still with his thoughts. Raymond required Eric's presence at the clinic and to compensate for his dutiful support as his daughters' fiancé, he lessened his caseload allowing Eric to only focus on the Pharmaceutical case he seemed so engrossed in. Raymond conveniently scheduled meeting on days when the therapist required that he attend family sessions, sending Eric with Lydia instead.

Lydia had accompanied Eric several times on the trip to Philadelphia and he appreciated her company, in fact her presence lessened the burden for Eric. Lydia doted over Valencia obviously compensating for not noticing the gravity of Valencia condition. The doctor likened it to a slow death at which Lydia gasped with horror realizing that the secret she kept hidden indirectly affected the family. Apparently the Farriors were full of secrets neither wanted to share with the other. The idea of keeping secrets was unusual to Eric and didn't fit in his brain, how a family could appear to be so close yet keep secrets from each other under the guise of not wanting to hurt each other seemed so far removed from his upbringing. The logic didn't make sense to Eric. He shared everything important with his family everything that would have a significant impact on him and those he loved. Well almost everything he felt like a hypocrite just thinking that statement but once he was married to Valencia the Farrior's mangled web of secrets would not matter. His family would be financially secure and the marriage would be worth it.

The sessions were intense but the progress they were making was remarkable. Eric didn't anticipate any progress in the relationship, he actually began to enjoy the visits, and especially the private times he shared with Valencia. He was able to learn about himself and what he was actually willing to tolerate and accept. The sessions helped him realize that he loved Valencia, but was not sure he liked her and by Eric's standards you had to like and love the person you intend to spend the rest of your life with.

Valencia was not a hard person to love, she was who she was and made no excuses for her behavior. She spoke her mind as the thoughts came to her mind. She lacked what most people would call a filter between the mouth and the brain. When it was on her mind and if you were offended it was because you apparently cannot take the truth as it always hurt when hearing it. Eric laughed at the very thought of Valencia's motto. She hid her bulimia and preached to others what they needed to do but that's how it normally works, those who preach the loudest are only trying to cover their own sins.

Pattie Labelle crooned in the background as Eric drifted to into a light sleep. He thought about the upcoming summer wedding and how much Valencia was looking forward to the day. She would be discharged in eight days and Eric was fully aware that once she started with the planning there was no stopping her. He wondered if Valencia was more interested in the actual wedding then being married. Her enthusiasm was evident and when she spoke of wedding plans, Eric seemed to disappear into the background gracefully allowing Lydia and Valencia to make all the decisions.

The barber finished passing the razor over the last of Eric's pseudo beard and reached for the mint cool splash that would sooth the freshly shaved skin. The barber splashed a generous portion of the after shave on Eric's neck, cheek and chin. The chimes on the door rang and the barber told the customer that he would only be a few more minutes. Eric was reluctant to get from the chair but he recognized the customer's voice.

"Ronald, where the hell have you been man?" Eric sat up in the chair looking into the large mirror placed in front of him. "I haven't seen you around the office in about a minute."

"I guess you'ven't heard that Farrior decided to let me go. The old man thought my skills didn't fit the needs of his firm, or should I say his needs." Ronald said sarcastically.

"What are you talking about?" Eric said as he moved toward Ronald.

"You know exactly what I am talking about, don't play dumb." Ronald's voice was louder than he wanted it to be.

"Lower your voice Ronald," Eric moved closer to Ronald, "You know Raymond gets his hair cut here don't say anything stupid." Eric was almost whispering.

"Raymond", he chuckled with raised eyebrows, "you're on first name basis now. You already know he fired me and hired that new attorney Elyse whatever her last name is, if I were you I would be careful."

Eric could smell the liquor on Ronald's breath. "Have you been drinking?" It was more of a statement than a question.

Ronald ignored Eric, "All I know is that if I can convince Angelique to marry me then everything will be okay. You've Valencia and I hear that you are getting married this summer."

"The plans are going well as a matter of fact." Eric boasted looking at himself in the mirror running his fingers along his perfectly trimmed mustache.

"Really, how is the scarecrow? I hear she's in some mental institute." Ronald commented.

"Kiss my ass Ronald you're a pathetic loser. And about marring Angelique forget it, she's happy with her new fiancé." Eric reached for his wallet to pay the barber. "And another thing Ronald, if you ever want to practice law in this state again I suggest you tread carefully."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"I know that you've been asking about Angelique, Jazzmine told me you called her asking questions."

Ronald was smug in his response. "So what if I did."

"The last thing you want is for Raymond to find out you are messing with one of his daughters. Listen Angelique seems happy now just stay away from her." Eric warned.

"You know you sound like you've completely bought into the Farrior dream. Well I'm just like you Eric, you and I are exactly the same, two pathetic black men wanting to be part of something that somehow has eluded us all our lives." Ronald slumped into the empty chair waiting for the barber to return from the back room.

"What is that Ronald, what has eluded us as you say?" Eric felt the twinge of Ronald's word reverberate against his skin. He knew exactly what Ronald meant and he feared hearing the words aloud.

"Do you really want me to tell you, do you really want to hear that we are not good enough to do this on our own, that we could easily be manipulated and controlled by a rich giant rabbit holding the proverbial carrot while we chase his empty promises. Is that what you wanted to hear, that we are not good enough."

Eric was right, the words stung harder than he realized. He stood dense looking into Ronald's drunken eyes slumped sloppy in the chair. Ronald clothes were unkempt his hair was overgrown and the bags under his eyes were heavy and dark. He hated what was before him, a man defeated by the pipe dream he dared to chase, the same dream Eric was chasing. Eric cleared his throat, "Well I am good enough."

"Keep telling yourself that Eric, keep believing that and tell me, how it's working for you." Ronald turned his back toward Eric and from mirror in front of him said, "There's only one place to go once you sell your soul to the devil, I'll see you in hell Eric." Ronald smiled broadly and laughed louder than necessary slapping his knee.

Eric turned his body reeling from the conversation. He could still hear Ronald's laughter as the barber shop door closed behind him. The fresh spring air was exactly what Eric needed to clear his head. He had to stay focused and never take his eyes off the proverbial ball. Walking toward his car he reached for his cell phone and called the florist he spotted not far from the hospital where Valencia was and ordered an elaborate arrangement of flowers to be delivered to Valencia to solidify his role in her life.

Once at the office Eric greeted Anna and retrieved his messages and asked if Elyse Toliver was in her office.

"She is still here; she hasn't left her office since she came in this morning." Anna answered.

"Maybe I can convince her to go to lunch with me." Eric responded.

"Yeah, well good luck with that." Anna said as she reached for the phone. "She never takes a lunch."

Eric knocked on Elyse's door and walked into her office before she was able to respond.

"I like what you did with the office." Eric uttered not knowing what else to say.

Elyse jumped not hearing Eric come into the office. "Tha...Thank you," she stuttered. "I didn't hear you come in. I didn't do much, just some pictures to soften the walls."

"Anna told me that you've been in your office all day, I was wondering if you wanted to get something to eat.' Eric moved slowly toward her desk, he kept his hands in his pockets to not appear overly anxious.

"Lunch, now there's a new concept, I don't think I had lunch in quite some time it sounds good but I think I'll pass, I'll have some yogurt later." Elyse turned to her laptop on her desk. The blinds on the window were drawn to block the glare.

"Yogurt," Eric questioned, "come on everyone needs a break what are you working on?" Eric tried to make obvious small talk.

"Is there something on your mind Eric?" Elyse turned in her chair to face Eric. "If you need to talk about a case I would be more than happy to hear about it and give some input." She crossed her legs and smiled at Eric.

"Never mind obviously you're busy," Eric said defeated

"I am very busy." Elyse pointed to the pile of work on her desk.

"What are you working on?" Eric pulled the chair in front of Elyse desk and sat hunched with his elbows on his knees.

"Raymond gave me the Perkins case. It seems whoever had this case before dropped the ball and there is a lot of cleaning up to do in a short amount of time." She looked at the files exasperated at the prospect of having to pilfer through each one. "Were you and Ronald friends?" she asked changing the topic.

"He worked here and I knew him that was the extent of it, why?" Eric sat up straight, feeling a little anxious.

"I was just wondering, he had this Perkins case for some time and did great work but he lost himself along the way it seems he started on another track. Do you think if I reach out to him he will be able to give me his prospective on the case, I would like to know the angle he was going for."

"No, not really, that guy has issues far beyond anyone of us could ever comprehend. Listen, that case has gone from attorney to attorney, there is no way you are going to finish anything today you sure you won't change your mind about lunch?"

"You're pretty insistent about lunch," Elyse was still smiling which gave Eric hope. "What did you've in mind?"

"I go could go out and get us something?"

'I don't know, there is so much that I still have to do." Elyse bit her lip, signaling Eric that she would concede soon.

"Come on, what would you like?" Eric tried to sound as enticing as possible even raising his eyebrows a few times.

"Okay, fine I give in, what do you have in mind?" Elyse asked tossing her pencil on her desk and holding her hands up as though she was being arrested.

"How does an Italian Hoagie sound to you?" Eric answered confidently.

"It sounds fatting, just like the kind of sandwich I like." Elyse reached for her purse hidden in her lower desk drawer. "I guess that means I have to do an extra twenty minutes on the Elliptical Machine tonight".

"Don't worry about that this one is on me." Eric stood to leave.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I am, I invited you and when a man invites a woman he should take care of all the necessary details."

"Valencia is really lucky to have someone so thoughtful."

"Yeah, lucky, real lucky." Eric sighed. "Listen, I'll get us the hoagies and be back soon." His voice was low he turned away from Elyse feeling a charge of emotions press forward like a tsunami unable to stop the surge of the wave and escape its destructive path.

"Eric are you sure you're okay, you seem to unexpectedly change when I mentioned Valencia, is everything okay with her, I know that she is in the hospital." Elyse stood approaching Eric standing by his side placing her hand on his shoulder. It was the first time in a long time that someone took a vested interest in anything remotely close to what Eric thought or felt. Eric was drawn to the sincerity in Elyse's voice and gesture. He heard his name again, a soft gentle sound rising in the room where he stood broken and vulnerable releasing the burden of who he had allowed himself to become and in each silent tear that landed on the carpet beneath his feet he was reduced to the truth, the sum of his life, a merchant victimized by greed, a sellout. Elyse had both hands on his shoulder benevolently calling his name like the flapping wings of a hummingbird waiting to perch itself on a flower. The breath of her words settled softly against his skin, he could smell the perfume she wore on her neck, a pleasing scent. Eric attempted to form words but was afraid that the truth, the truth Ronald exposed to him earlier, would stroll out form his abdomen the hiding place of all his sins. Eric shook his head and sat in the chair with his head in his hands, unable to stop the sordid event he was now living.

"Eric, you need to get a hold of yourself, what is going on that is causing you all this grief." Elyse didn't know what to do or how to handle this situation. She thought about calling Mr. Farrior, but her instinct told her otherwise. She walked to her desk and reached for the tissue box handed it to Eric, and asked, "What is this about?" She was standing behind Eric confused at the sudden outburst of emotion.

"You must think I am the biggest idiot. The biggest loser you've ever met, a grown man you just met crying like a baby in your office." Eric's voice was still low.

"Eric, I have to admit that this came on suddenly and took me off guard. One minute you are insisting I take lunch with you and now I am hovering over you handing you tissues." Elyse responded. "Care to tell me what this is all about?"

"Not sure you'll understand."

"You owe my something some kind of explanation; I'll take anything at this point." Elyse crossed her arms.

Eric didn't speak; he kept silent his mind flooding of conversation and scenarios of the last several months. "I don't even know where to start."

"Why don't we both go out to lunch, you're right, all this paperwork is still going to be here when I get back come on take me to the hoagie shop."

Eric drove the short distance to the sandwich shop and ordered the Italian Hoagie a soda for himself and bottle water, while Elyse found a booth in the back corner of the shop. The sandwich shop was fairly busy even for mid-week afternoon. "I'm glad to see that the warm weather will be with us soon," Eric finally managed to say.

"I am too, but that is not why we are here. We can talk about the weather anytime what was that episode in my office? You couldn't control yourself." Elyse took a large bite from her hoagie she had to put her hand over her mouth to keep the ingredients from falling out.

"Wow, when was the last time you ate?" Eric asked lightheartedly.

"I haven't had a sandwich like this since law school, that must have been four years ago at least." Elyse mouth was still full when she spoke, Eric mocked her muffled voice.

"Well I am glad that you are enjoying it eat up."

"The sandwich can wait Eric, seriously what is going on?" Elyse sipped her bottle water.

"You are relentless." Eric commented.

"It's what makes me a great Attorney, so spill." Elyse took another bite of her sandwich, a dainty bite.

"Last summer Raymond, Mr. Farrior, had a Fourth of July picnic at his home, he has one every year, everyone from the office is invited even their families. The party is an annual event and each year is better than the last one. Everybody at the office looks forward to the picnic welcoming the new crew. There's even a fireworks display. Actually it is a gross display of wealth at its best."

"Sounds like a lot of fun." Elyse said. "Go on."

"I've been with the firm for four years and love my job and what I do. I work hard on all my cases and believe in the doing the right thing, it's how my parents raised me, to always do the right thing."

"Okay." Elyse said slowly as she put her sandwich down she was becoming more intrigued and wanted to hear everything Eric was saying.

"Well just before the fireworks display, Mr. Farrior calls me and two other attorneys into his den. He tells us to sit down and hands us each a package."

"A package?" Elyse asks.

"Not really a package more like an envelope and it has all this information, information about the law firm, how much money comes in, how much goes out, the expected expenditure and projected expense, all this financial information that we couldn't understand, I mean we just looked at the paper and then at each other."

"What did it mean?" Elyse sat up with her elbows on the table forgetting all about the half eaten sandwich.

"At first we didn't know what the hell we were looking at, I am not sure if the other two guys had the same information, but then Raymond started talking about how he loved the work he did and how he wanted a secure future for him and his family and everything he did, he did for them, his family."

"Was he drunk?"

"Maybe, he must have been because what he asked each of us to do came as a shock to us." Eric said

"What was it?' Elyse couldn't conceal her keen interest she leaned in closer.

"He went on to talk about how he loved his family and everything he did to work hard for what he has, you know the saga of a young black man making it in a world like this. He seemed to be talking more to himself than to us. He had everything planned out exactly the way he wanted. It even appeared that he had targeted us."

"Who are the us you keep talking about?" Elyse asked using the fingers quotes around the word us.

"Ronald Wair, Kimball Robinson and me." Eric regurgitated the names releasing the illness associated with it.

"You mean the Ronald Wair whose office I now occupy?"

"The very one." Eric admitted.

"You know he had all of you pegged from the start what did you each have in common?" "I'm not sure; I never really gave it a thought." Eric answered bewildered that the thought had never occurred to him.

"What was the bottom line, I mean he called each of you into his den during one of the most heavily attended events at his home for what, what did he want?" Elyse wanted the punch line, to be told the truth, for Eric to tell her the bane of his grief. She reached for his hand from across the table and he accepted. She had to ask him to repeat his statement a second time, his lips moved but no sound left his throat.

"He wanted each of us to marry one of his daughters." Eric finally said the words aloud and looked at Elyse who was putting the puzzle together in her head. She kept silent for almost a full minute before she spoke.

"Do you love Valencia?"

"What?" Eric was shocked at the question, 'That seems rather random."

"Does it, I mean you are marring her aren't you?" Elyse tried not to sound irritated.

"I guess I do." Eric mumbled.

"What else was in the envelope?" Elyse changed her demeanor wanting Eric to give her more information, she knew that Eric was smart but if she allowed him to feel like a victim then she would get the information she needed. It was how she treated men whenever she wanted anything from them.

"There was an agreement, I mean something like a contract, but he didn't want us to sign it, at least not that night." Eric pulled his hand away and placed them on his lap. He was careful with his answers.

"He sounds like he had everything thought out" Elyse tried to assemble a little compassion for Eric.

"He did, all the paperwork was there promising everything each of us had ever wanted. He knew what each of weakness were and he preyed on them. He told Kimball that he would do whatever it took to get him to be the County Executive and even promised Ronald that he would become a Judge." Eric shook his head in disbelief mostly at himself for the misguided trust he put in the ridiculous plan.

"Where is Kimball now?" Elyse asked.

"He killed himself, he jumped off a bridge." Eric saw the stun look on Elyse face that she tried to conceal by taking a sip from her water bottle. "It's true," Eric continued, "He was found in the Delaware River with rocks in his jacket. Valencia told me that he left Jazzmine a letter asking for her forgiveness and not to blame herself." excess

"Jazzmine, is that Valencia's sister?"

"Yeah, she's the youngest and the most beautiful. But there was no way Kimball was ever going to get her; she is a wild mare that no man can tame." Eric chuckled at the similarity.

"I'll let that comment go for now, but does anyone know the real reason he killed himself? Did Valencia tell you what was in the note?"

"Not really she told me that Jazzmine was really upset and that Kimball had met Jazzmine at the hotel a few days before but not much after that, why?" Eric asked interested in Elyse thinking.

"It just seems strange that a man distraught by love would put rocks in his pockets, it's a bit excessive even for a suicide. It sounds more like someone didn't want his body to be found." An Elyse wheel spun in her head criminal law is where she wanted to eventually practice.

"I never thought of it that way, I guess you may be right, but who would want to kill Kimball, he was the epitome of nice, everything he did was nice. He was just too nice for Jazzmine."

"What did Mr. Farrior promise you?" Elyse waited long enough she wanted to know the contents of the contract.

"He promised me what he promised the others, whoever would eventually marry one of his daughter and stayed married for more than two years would inherit half of the Farrior fortune." Eric stated it so blatantly it made Elyse stomach turn and do flips she was sickened by the whole idea of arranged marriages.

"Are you serious? It seems so antiquated, marry my daughter and I'll give you half my kingdom, who the hell does he think he is?" Elyse was on a roll and afraid she could not stop, "What time century is he trapped in, obviously his daughters don't know any of this, do they?" Elyse yelled through twisted lips.

"Of course not!" Eric's voice was an octave higher than he wanted. "I mean, well....."

"Well what." Elyse demanded.

"I think Jazzmine found out and she may have told her other sister, Angelique." Eric confessed.

"Why didn't anyone tell Valencia?" It was the obvious question.

"Valencia is different, she isn't as strong as the others and she is more fragile." Eric tried to explain Valencia; maybe if she knew her situation and the real reason why she was in the hospital she could rationalize Eric's actions.

"Oh that makes perfect sense." Elyse slammed her palm to her forehead, "let the one who can't handle anything go on living the lie so that when she really figures out what is going, she'll hate everybody and go crazy. That sounds really stupid Eric and to think, I was feeling sorry for you."

"What is the problem can't you see the pressure that I am under?" Eric was searching for sympathy that abruptly fled from Elyse.

"Pressure you are under! How dare you are you the one in the hospital, no Eric you are out here living your life waiting to cash in at the expense of someone else. I have no sympathy for you." Elyse was standing dialing her cell phone.

"Who are you calling?" Eric demanded.

Elyse ignored him, 'You never answered my question do you love Valencia? Do you even like her?"

Eric looked at Elyse blankly wondering when the conversation took the defensive turn. He thought he had an ally in Elyse someone who could empathize with him, she never asked him why. Why did he want to marry Valencia? Marrying would change things for him and his family. He looked at Elyse and realized that he had made a huge mistake. He turned and walked away, leaving her there to fend for herself.

"Answer the question Eric, do you love her?" Elyse shouted from the back of the sandwich shop, "I didn't think so!"

Chapter 29

"You're glowing."

"Excuse me."

"You're glowing." Robert said to Angelique as the two walked hand in hand down Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

"I think it's the sun against my cheeks, it feels warmer out here today." Angelique pressed her hand against her warm cheeks and adjusted her sunglasses that were sliding down her nose.

"No, you are definitely glowing." Robert reached for Angelique's free hand and held them both as he looked at her. "Have I told you how much I love you?"

"Yes, you've Robert, several times." Angelique sighed and gave Robert a kiss on his cheek watching the people as they walked by.

"Is something wrong luv?" He asked.

"No, not really, I think that I am just a little hungry." It was the first thing that came to her mind.

"Well I am glad that you mention that, I made lunch reservations I think you are going to like it." Robert was excited just mentioning it to Angelique.

'Robert you are always thinking of me and worrying about me, you'ven't left my side since February and here it is late April and you are still here with me at my side."

"Are you annoyed by me being around you, does my presence bother you?" Robert let go of Angelique's hand as they stopped in front of Pink Olive, a baby store filled with all the items a new parent would need but didn't know they would. Angelique found the store the last Saturday during their walk. She stared at the window display, a stork carrying a baby in a soft pink blanket, white puffy clouds made of cotton balls were strategically placed in the makeshift blue sky that surrounded the stork and child. Staring at the window made Angelique think of girls name, she and Robert toyed with several, but could not agree. He liked more traditional names like Joan and Camille after his mother and Aunt, but Angelique wanted something strong and unique. There was a large bright yellow sun in the window display smiling at her and Angelique smiled back pleased to pregnant.

"My luv, did you hear what I said, am I becoming to annoying?" Robert sipped the last of his coffee and tossed the cup in the trash bin in front of the Pink Olive.

"Of course not Robert, I love coming home and seeing you and how you take care of me or the way I smell your cologne when you finish taking a shower. I love that you are around me, taking care of my every whim, but sometimes a woman needs her space." She looked into his blue eyes and continued, "You even sat through the Fashion Show with me a few weeks ago, going to fittings with me, taking me to class and waiting up long hours while we bored you with details of fashion. You were so patient." She continued.

"But..." Robert motioned her to go on ready to hear what laid on her mind. "there must be more."

"Robert, don't think I don't want you around, but sometimes....." She shook her head not knowing how to define what was boggled inside.

"My luv, everything I do, I do for us, and I want to be with you I love being around you." Robert said.

"That's just it Robert, how does a man go from traveling all around the world on whatever kind of escapades you've encountered to being just around one woman all the time?" They stood facing each other as people past them on the busy sidewalk. Women pushing strollers out for a early Saturday stroll glanced at Angelique acknowledging her pregnancy with a smile. She felt beautiful pregnant. It was true, she was glowing. Everything about her physically was perfect. Her hair was healthier, her skin smoother and silkier, even her breast seem fuller and rounder, much to Robert's approval. But what Angelique felt physically somehow didn't coincide with her emotionally. She wanted the two to be in harmony and somehow the balance of their relationship had escaped her.

"You are radiant your beauty is captivating." Robert smiled broadly.

'Robert, I am being serious." She said feeling a more relaxed. 'I know you love me and I love you. Not many men especially men your age would have stayed with someone young and pregnant." She teased him as they turned the corner onto Union Street.

'What do you mean someone my age?" Robert teased.

"You know what I mean, someone who is already established." Angelique explained.

"We've been through this already Angelique; I want to be here because this is where I belong. If traveling around the world has taught me anything it is that I belong here with you."

"What assurances do I have that you won't regret not continuing your career?" Angelique had to know. "How do I know that you are settling too fast for a life that you may not be ready for?"

"I haven't given up my career, I am on a hiatus" Robert corrected. "I've done exactly what I have wanted to do my whole life and right now what I want is to be here protecting you." Robert took Angelique's hand as the crossed Union Street leading her to restaurant.

"Protect me! Protect me from what Robert. I can take care of myself, and if you think you need to be here because of the baby then please don't think that. I have plenty of family that will support me." Angelique could not find the source of her frustration and could not control the erratic questioning or statements that seemed to come on their own. She knew she was out of control and didn't know if she could reel herself back in.

"Then why haven't you told your father about your pregnancy?" Robert regretted the words instantly.

Angelique intently looked at Robert through narrow eyes. The father of her baby hitting her with the reality she wasn't ready to face. Robert had hurt Angelique and it stung. Her tears began to swell and form. She turned her head to avoid any eye contact with Robert pulling away from him avoiding him completely.

She looked into the faces of strangers that walked by her smiling and laughing with each other finally enjoying the warmth of the sun after a month of clouds and rain. She let a jogger maneuvered past her, wondering when she would be able to run again. It seemed like the world was crashing down on her.

School would be over soon, so that would be one less stress of her plate. But Robert had moved her into a beautiful Brownstone with every amenity anyone could ever need. He even offered to pay for a maid so that she didn't have to do anything. He worked hard to please Angelique and her every whim was his command. But she was not ready for the role of wife and mother, at least not at the same time. She was after all only twenty-two and had made plans to go back to Italy and work at the fashion house where she interned. She had plans and now her life had taken her down an unexpected path.

"We're here." The enthusiasm was gone from Robert. He pointed to the abandon building in front of them. The metal gate over the door was open and brown paper covered the display windows. A sign that read Apex Print Shop hung over the torn awning.

Angelique looked confused and made no comment realizing that she was lost in her thoughts as she walked aimlessly for several blocks. She sniffed as the tears continued down her warm cheeks. "Is this your idea of a joke to try to get me to laugh, because I am in no mood to laugh right now?" She ran her hand under her nose wiping away the grief and tears she felt Robert had caused.

"Listen, why don't we try this later? I was insensitive and I apologize, hurting you is that last thing I ever wanted to do." Robert tried to come close to Angelique but she turned her body away from his.

"What is this place anyway? It doesn't look like a restaurant." Angelique examined the building closer felling dubious about going inside to whatever Robert had prepared.

"Angelique, please why don't we just go home? I will make you something to eat and you can rest." Robert was trying and Angelique appreciated his effort but she was not going to concede so easily.

"If you've gone through the trouble of prepare something, a surprise like you said then go ahead, surprise me." Angelique said flatly.

"Angelique, please let's not do this." Robert was in no mood and he wanted to go back home as soon as possible.

"Do what Robert tell the truth? It's true, I am afraid to tell my father that I'm pregnant. It is exactly what he expected of me and what he told me would happen if I went to Hawaii with you."

"Do you regret going to Hawaii with me?" Robert tried not to sound offended.

"I don't know what to think. I never thought that my life would take this route, here I am graduating and now I am about to be a mother with a man I have only known since November." Angelique shook her head in disbelief at the truth of her life. "But you don't get that do you? You are a grown man who has been making your own decision for a long time now, but I still respond to my parents Robert, I have a bond with my family. I miss them. I want to be around them. I know my father is crazy but even in his craziness I still need him around me. I still need his approval. I don't expect you to understand it, but it is what it is." Angelique could not stop the tears; they were coming fast and hurriedly. Her body shook uncontrollably and she let Robert hold her tight as she released the cry, moaning into his arms unable to explain her random thoughts and scattered emotions.

Robert held Angelique afraid that letting her go would cause her to disintegrate. He kissed the top of her head softly and she sobbed deeply into his chest soaking his cotton shirt with the tears that she could not stop from falling. She seemed so frail and feeble. How long had she kept this to herself? He wondered.

"I think I want to go home now."

"Of course, we can do this another time." Robert looked back at the vacant store front he secretly purchased as Angelique's dress shop. Turning away from the building Angelique and Robert walked in silence all the way home.

**********

Robert placed the mug of hot mint tea on the night stand next to Angelique who lay sleeping for nearly three hours. He watched her chest rise slowly breathing steadily in her relaxing position. She was beautiful even while she slept, her hair moving to the rhythm of the breeze coming from the open window. Robert retrieved the body pillow from the walk-in closet and carefully placed it along her side for comfort. Angelique stirred, embracing the pillow and sunk deeper into the bed.

He didn't want to interrupt her slumber but he promised that he would wake her before dinner. "My Luv," he whispered placing his hand on her round belly. "Angelique, my Luv, you've been sleeping for nearly three hours and haven't had anything to eat."

Angelique stirred slowly moving not wanting to be awake but she knew that if she didn't get up now sleeping would be difficult later. She stretched her arms and legs feeling better that Robert had let her sleep for as long as she did. She reached for Robert's hand to help her sit up, her round belly guiding the way. She sat up her legs hanging over the side barely touching the carpet beneath the bed. Angelique still felt groggy and thought about going back to sleep but Robert was standing in front of her with the cup of tea in hand. Angelique looked at the tea and she shook her head declining it for now.

"Come on, you need something in your stomach, you'ven't eaten all day." Robert pushed the tea forward. Angelique gave Robert a dry smile and took the tea and sipped it twice before returning it to the nightstand. "Thank you." She whispered.

Robert sat on the bed and watched as Angelique went into the master bathroom. "Listen I spoke to Cameron, well actually he called me while you were asleep. He wanted to know if I could do one more job for ISIS. It's a short stint, and it's here in the United States so I won't be too far. Maybe it's what we both need, a little time away from each other." Robert said lifeless but continued. "I think you're right I have been hovering around you for so long that you'ven't had the opportunity to even visit your family. I'll call Cameron tomorrow." Robert could hear the water running from the bathroom and wondered if Angelique actually heard a word he said.

"Maybe we should take a break." Angelique responded from the bathroom. "I graduate tomorrow and I can stay with my parents until you come back." Angelique was standing at the bathroom door the look on her face was stern and serious. The last thing Angelique wanted was to be apart from Robert but now that he put the plans in motions she let them be. She felt stronger now and refused to shed anymore tears. If she was going to be alone than she had to muster up the courage to prepare for motherhood on her own.

"The last thing I ever want to do is deliberately hurt you. I could never live with knowing you are hurt and that I was the one that caused you pain."

'Well you did hurt me Robert, I told you about how controlling my father is and how he likes to manipulate people." The anger rose in faster than she could control it from leaving her mouth. She bolted from the bedroom almost losing her balance as she hurried to get away from Robert. She was not in the mood for another fight or to discuss what Robert didn't understand. How could he understand, he was going away and didn't even discuss it with her.

Robert jumped up quickly to catch her put she pulled away, "Then we tell him tomorrow after your graduation." He threw his hand up feeling defeated trying not to respond to her anger keeping his voice even and calm not wanting to cause more hurt and pain. He knew that he had to be patient with someone like Angelique. What she told him earlier resonated with him forcing him to see the relationship from her perspective. Robert had forgotten how young Angelique is; her maturity surpassed most women her age and it was easy to see her as only a college student. "If you tell your father tomorrow I can be there and together as a couple." Robert tried to sound compassionate.

Angelique hesitated to answer Robert; she thought long before she spoke trying to figure out a way to tell her family alone but having Robert by her side, was the best plan. "Fine!" The sarcasm even alarmed Angelique as she reached for the phone to call her sister Jazzmine.

Robert could hear Angelique talking on the phone; it was what she often did, it seemed she spent more and more time talking to her family. Maybe she needed to be with them, Robert thought, having her stay with the family while he was away was probably the best thing for both of them He convinced himself that taking the job with ISIS was the appropriate thing to do so he called Phillip to tell him as much.

"Phillip I am not sure what is going on with Angelique, one moment she is happy as a lark and the next she is crying hysterically. I can never tell what mood she is going to be in or what to say or not say. He kept his voice low as he paced in the bedroom, "its bazaar quite frankly."

"It sounds perfectly normal to me Robert, she's pregnant give her break she is going through a lot right now." Phillip tried to rationalize.

'I guess you're right. I spoke with Cameron today." Robert wanted to change the topic.

"What did he say?"

"He wants me to do another job for him." Robert answered

"For how long?" Robert could tell that Phillip was smoking by the strain in his voice and the low octave.

"For a few weeks here in the states I won't be gone long. I was wondering if you could look after Angelique while I'm gone." Robert knew that Philip would not mind now that he was retired he welcomed the occasional stake out.

"What do you've in mind?" He asked releasing another puff of smoke into the air.

"Nothing to serious, just call her to make sure she is okay maybe Tracy can take her shopping or out to lunch or something." Robert said.

"Not a problem, she wouldn't mind seeing Angelique again." Phillip said.

"Thanks Phillip, does Tracy know you're smoking again?" Robert had to ask.

Phillip laughed so hard he started to choke, "Nothing gets by you does it Robert?"

"It's my job; I'll talk to you soon." Robert hung up his cell phone and placed it in his pant pocket and went downstairs to meet Angelique who was fumbling in the kitchen.

"Who were you talking to?" Angelique was standing at the sink with the empty mug of tea.

"Phillip, I was telling him that I spoke to Cameron." He responded not bothering to give Angelique all the details.

"Oh. I spoke to Jazzmine and she said that everyone will be here tomorrow for my graduation, even Valencia." She was excited about having her family around and Robert could see the change in her form just speaking with her family.

"Honey, that sounds wonderful, I am so happy that they will all be here for you." Robert wanted to move toward Angelique but watched her carefully following her signals not wanting to encroach on her until she was ready.

"Robert" Angelique was still at the sink overly rinsing an already clean mug her back was to him. "I'm sorry that I got upset with you today. I know that you had something special planned and I ruined it for you."

Robert slowly approached Angelique from behind, wrapped his arms around her waist. He kissed her neck as she tilted her head allowing his warm lips to press against her skin and comfort her. She placed the mug down and turned to greet Robert's mouth letting herself soften in his firm arms.

"I'm sorry I was being so crazy. I feel like such a basket case of raging hormones."

"I understand." Robert kissed her ear. "You must be hungry." He whispered in her ear, "I can fix you something to eat."

"Actually, I am starving." She admitted letting Robert nibble her lobe.

"What are you in the mood for? I can fix whatever you like." Robert regrettable moved from Angelique not wanting to come on too strong. He had to tread carefully so as not to upset Angelique.

'You know I can actually go for some spicy Thai food."

"You can't be serious." Robert asked amazed at the request. "You think that will hurt the baby?"

"I'm not sure, but we can call the doctor if you want." Angelique laughed.

"No, I'll tell them to make it make it mild. If Thai food is what you want, then Thai is what you will get."

"Thanks, I'm going to take a shower while you're gone, don't forget to get those special noodles that I like."

"I'm already ahead of you."

By the time Robert returned, Angelique had taken a quick shower and had plates and utensils set out She was placing the glasses on the table when Robert walked in carrying the large brown paper bag and placing it on the dining room table.

"Just in time." Angelique said, 'It smells so good."

"It does, I think he gave us extra noodles. Robert said retrieving the food from the bag.

Robert spread the white boxes around the table opening each one and empting the contents onto the plates Angelique has set out. The table was a buffet of rice, spicy chicken and noodles.

"I didn't realize I was this hungry." Angelique said covering her mouth full of food. "It's so good to eat when you're hungry."

"It always tastes better too." Robert chewed.

"So tell me, what was the surprise you had for me?"

"Well," Robert put his chopsticks down, "Do you remember the old abandoned store that we stopped at earlier?" He wiped is lips with his napkin and took a sip of the beer Angelique had for him.

"You mean the one with the brown paper on the windows and door?" Angelique said between bites, to hungry to put her chopsticks down.

"Yes that very one. Well, I bought it." Robert said proudly.

"What do you mean you bought it?" Angelique said slowly finally putting her chopsticks down.

"I bought it. It was for sale so I bought it." He smiled impishly at Angelique waiting for her reaction.

Angelique smile back at Robert curiously, 'Why did you buy an abandoned store front....?"

"For you."  
"For me?" Angelique was perplexed.

"Yes, for you. You told me a while ago, in fact back in Hawaii," He reminded her, "that you hoped to one day have you very own dress shop."

Do you mean...?

"Yes, it's your shop. I purchased your very own dress shop right here in New York. Now it doesn't seem like much right now but I think together we can make this work."

"You remembered that?" Angelique was amazed at the detail of what Robert remembered of her life. "You actually remembered when I told you that I wanted to own a dress shop. "What about your job?" She asked quickly.

"Like I told you, I promised ISIS I would do one more assignment, and then I would resign or at least be more selective with my work. They are in full agreement, actually, they owe me. I can do consultant work with them if I wanted to but what I want is to be here with you and the baby."

Angelique held her belly when Robert mentioned the word baby. "I don't want you giving up your career and life to work at a dress shop, your job is important to you."

"You are important to me. You and our child is what matters now. Angelique, I have been all round the world and have met many people, rich and poor and everyone in-between. There is nothing left for me out there. Everything I want, I want it with you right here right now."

"And everything I want is here with you. Robert, have I told you how much I love you?" She stood and walked to his side of the table and kissed him hard on the lips. "I love you."

**********

.

The auditorium of the Pratt Institute was filled with over eight hundred graduates, faculty members, former alumni's, family, friends and various others who were gathered for the annual commencement ceremony. The warm weather didn't help Angelique who, in spite of the mini summer dress she had on underneath her cap and gown was sweating profusely. She was seated on the stage in the second row amongst the University President, guest speakers and other dignitaries who pontificated excessively trying to outperform the previous speaker.

Angelique stretched her neck over the gentleman in front of her trying to locate her family amongst the heads in the crowd; an impossible feat had Jazzmine not texted her on where to look. It took her several moments but she spotted them sitting in the first row of the left side balcony. She had to laugh when she saw Jazzmine waving wildly to get her attention. Valencia was sitting next to Robert much to Angelique's delight.

The air on the stage was thin making it difficult for Angelique to breath. She tried to take smaller breaths but that soon made her dizzy so she stopped and had to close her eyes for a few moments before she could open them again. She would rather be sitting with her other classmates, but ever since her gown was featured at Bryant Park, worn by Camellia Brown, the infamous teen pop-star. Pratt Institute wanted to recognize Angelique as a new and upcoming designer and asked her to join the other dignitaries on the stage. Angelique was already given an award by the fashion industry, but Pratt wanted the publicity and invited the teen star to officially present the award to Angelique.

Angelique made use of the rolled up brochure by using it as a makeshift fan. She held up her hair that cascaded down her neck and back blowing the provisional cool air to ease the drops of sweat she started to feel drip down her back.

"Are you okay?" Asked the older white woman with gray hair positioned next to her..

"Uh huh." Was all Angelique could manage to respond.

"Are you sure? You don't seem well at all?" The woman persisted gawking at Angelique. "Can I get you anything?"

"I think the heat is getting to me, it must be all the lights and people up here." Angelique explained pointing at the hot lights above the stage.

"Well if you need some water, I have an extra bottle under my chair." She moved closer to Angelique and whispered, "I froze two bottles just in case." The woman offered.

"You've done this before I imagine." Angelique said.

"Yes, I have. Here take the water." The woman reached under her chair without bending and retrieved the bottle in one swift swoop causing Angelique to jolt her chair.

"Th...Thank you." Angelique took the water from the woman suddenly turned her head to see the movie star climb the stairs onto stage. She took a quick swing of the cold water instantly feeling the cold liquid travel down her esophagus and drop into her stomach like a brick. She rubbed her stomach and took two deep breaths before she was called up to the podium.

"I would like to present this award to you on behalf of everyone here at Pratt and especially me who got to wear such a fabulous piece. Congratulations!" Camille gave Angelique the proverbial Hollywood air kiss and barley moved from the podium so that Angelique could give a proper thank you.

"Thank you everyone for the recognition of such a prestigious award. In the tough business of fashion so many new designers struggle to get recognized for the hard work and effort they put in daily to create garments that started as a simple idea in their head. I would like to dedicate this award to each of you I am humbled at the fact that something I created was featured not only at Bryant Park, but in magazines around the world building a footstool towards my endeavors in fashion. Thank you." Angelique heard her stomach rumble over the loud applause. She looked in the direction of Robert and her family who were all standing clapping raucously. She gripped the sides of the podium firmly afraid to let it go. Everything became silent for a moment and her legs became rooted to the floor beneath her. She wanted desperately to move from the podium as the clapping began to die down and soften but she couldn't.

The kind woman who offered her the water went toward Angelique.

"Let go of the podium, I've got you." She whispered through clenched teeth.

Robert, looking Jazzmine knew that something was obviously wrong, left his seat and headed directly toward the stage.

The woman helped Angelique off the stage and into the back where she sat her on a chair. "Are you going to be sick?" The woman asked.

Angelique nodded so the woman quickly escorted her to the nearest restroom, but before they could go inside, Robert was at their side.

"My Luv, are you okay?" Robert clutched her arm. "Do you need something to drink?"

Angelique shook her head in protest afraid to open her mouth for fear that she would vomit all over Robert and the woman that befriended her.

"I think she is going to be sick, you need to get her into that bathroom." She pointed to the door behind Robert before returning to the stage.

When Robert and Angelique exited the bathroom she was greeted by Jazzmine and Valencia. Without thinking she threw herself into Valencia arms and could not let her go.

"It is so good to see you! I have missed you so much." She cried.

"Well from the looks of things here, you seem like you could use some help." Valencia held her sister face and wiping her tears. "You are a mess girl. Here let me fix your face." Valencia joked.

"Robert, why don't you tell my parents were we are, the ceremony is over maybe we can just meet you at the restaurant?" Jazzmine instructed.

"I think I should stay here with Angelique." Robert contested.

"Robert, I am fine, I wouldn't mind riding over with my sisters, I'll be fine really." Angelique implored.

"Are you sure, I don't mind really." Robert insisted.

"Really Robert I am fine. She replied.

"Oh Angelique I am so happy for you. Having a baby in the family will be so exciting and new again." Valencia squealed.

The sisters headed towards the back door. "Oh my goodness, I didn't get my degree!" Angelique exclaimed.

"They can mail it to you, besides you already got an award and everyone saw you getting sick they'll understand." Jazzmine said. "So tell us, how are you and Robert doing?"

"I have been so busy over the last few months I hadn't had time for much else, not even Robert. Although he has been around me like a hawk, watching my every move, going to every appointment, taking me to school and the doctors, he just can't leave me alone."

"It sounds romantic." Valencia sighed.

"Are you still on medication? That does not sound romantic, it sounds like a stalker." Jazzmine retorted.

"He is not a stalker, he just wants to make sure that I have everything I need, he's not working right now and he is occupying his time with me and the baby." Angelique rationalized as the trio walked through the campus toward Jazzmine's car.

"You know that can get a bit annoying." Jazzmine continued. "I don't know if I could have a man following me everywhere, always around me addressing my every whim."

"I think it still sounds romantic, having a man taking care of all your needs, never having to worry about anything anymore." Valencia added.

"Valencia, you are scaring me, has the hospital taught you anything. You cannot be depended on a man, you've to be dependent on yourself first a man is an added bonus." Jazzmine rolled her eyes at her naive sister.

"Come on Jazzmine, give her a break. She is a hopeless romantic after all." Angelique said.

"She's hopeless alright." Jazzmine agreed as they climbed into Jazzmine's car heading to the restaurant.

Robert sat in the back seat of the Volvo as Raymond drove to the restaurant following the voice coming from the GPS. Raymond was agitated Robert wasn't sure if at the traffic or at the fact that he was sitting in the back seat.

"Robert, I am a man that deals head on with all issues head on. This is the first time you, my wife and I meet." Raymond looked at Robert through rearview mirror and glanced at Lydia who looked straight with tight jaws. Raymond continued, "I have a question to ask you, you see something has been on my mind for quite a while and today especially. Let me just come right out and ask, is Angelique pregnant?"

"Raymond." Lydia could not hide her disgust at Raymond's frankness.

"Lydia, I have had my suspensions for some time, and I am sure you've as well. Angelique has not been coming home like she used to, and now today with the episode at her gradation."

"Robert you don't have to answer that, if Angelique is pregnant she will tell us. You've ambushed Robert and it's inappropriate." Lydia snarled from embarrassment.

"Lydia you cannot possibly be okay with this." Raymond snapped.

"What I am not okay with is your behavior. Drop it Raymond." Lydia warned.

Raymond was silent until he was at the table with the rest of his family already seated in the private room he had Carol reserve. The room at the Locanda Verde was perfectly charming room with a working fireplace and antique mirrors. Angelique sat at the end of the table where she could easily she the large outdoor courtyard and the view of Greenwich Street. Robert found her and sat in the empty chair next to her and grabbed her hand.

'Are you okay?" She asked sipping her water.

"I've been interrogated by worse, I am perfectly fine." Robert responded.

The conversation around the table was mostly small talk about the amount of people at the graduation and how excited Valencia was to be home to continue with the plans of her wedding. She told everyone that Eric wanted to be here but he was in court with the Pharmaceutical case he had been working on for several months now.

"I am proud of Eric and the dedication he has shown on that case." Raymond added. "I believe that he is going to settle quite handsomely on this case."

"I'm proud of him too." Valencia added.

The waiters began pouring wine and serving the appetizers as Raymond fidgeting in his seat still seething from the ride with Robert.

"Listen I cannot pretend any longer. We are all sitting here skirting around the issue. There is an obvious elephant in the room and it is just as well we bring it out in the open." Raymond was looking at Robert and Angelique from across the table.

"Raymond, let it go. This is not about you." Lydia was stern placing her hand on Raymond's arm.

"Lydia please," Raymond pulled his arm away from her. "Angelique I need to know, are you pregnant?"

Angelique resorted to the little girl inside her bowing her head almost ashamed to answer her father. Robert squeezed her hand in support of his locking his gaze on Raymond waiting to interject. Angelique raised her head slowly and looked at her father square in his eyes and said. "I am pregnant."

"I knew it." He slammed his fist into the table.

"Get a hold of yourself daddy" Jazzmine said, "She is a grown woman."

"Jazzmine keep out of this. This has nothing to do with you mind your business." Raymond voice was enough for Jazzmine to heed his warning.

"Lower your voice Raymond." Lydia said.

"I guess you are the father?" Raymond pointed to Robert.

'How dare you ask such a question?" Robert snarled. "I love your daughter and I support everything she does and commit myself to her."

Raymond chuckled, 'Commit yourself to her for how long?"

"Forever, so you better get used to the idea." Robert kept his eyes on Raymond who was wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"You come off very noble and respectable, don't you? But I know your type, you take advantage of a young beautiful girl, seduce her with trips to Hawaii and lavish gifts and whisk her away from her family, isolating her, get her pregnant just as she is starting her life. For what? I have worked too hard to have her throw her life away on someone she barely knows." Raymond was infuriated and no one around the table dared to interject keeping their eyes down on their laps.

"You think you know me do you? You think you've me all figured out? Well I am here to stay and there is nothing, nothing that will keep me from being with the woman that I love." Robert spoke with clenched teeth.

"The woman you love is almost twelve years younger than you. The woman you love is supposed to start her life after college, not start motherhood."

"The woman I love can still do those things." Robert assured him.

"Well she can do them on her own, I no longer will be paying for your expenses Angelique, the Apartment, the credit cards are cut off and your bank account will be frozen. If you want to behave like an adult then it's time I treat you like one." Raymond wiped his forehead again.

"You're a hypocrite daddy." Angelique voice was clear and firm. She looked at the man who raised her, taught her to be respectful and thankful for all that she had; the man who put her through school, had encouraged her, had loved her, and now he was a stranger. "You say you want to treat me like an adult but you just want to keep me bound to you like an obedient child. Your idea of doing what is right is doing what you say. Well I am finally doing what I want to do. Robert is important to me and he has never asked me to do anything against my will. I trust him completely. I don't need anything from you; keep your money, the apartment, keep everything. I don't want it!" Angelique was standing hunched over the table staring into her father's face. 'Stop pushing us in the direction you want us to go in, we don't like it, it's destroying this family."

"Angelique honey, please sit down." Her mother said concerned for her.

"I am fine mother, I just need a moment." Angelique turned to leave the table, Robert stood to follow. "No Robert you don't have to come with me I am fine, trust me, I am perfectly fine."

Raymond stood, "I will not be insulted by my own daughter. How ungrateful of her after everything I have done for her." He turned from the table.

"Daddy before you leave," Valencia said, "What you need to understand is that we are not ten and twelve anymore, you cannot buy our love. We don't need or want anything from you but your love. Until you understand that you are going to have a miserable life."

Jazzmine turned and looked at Valencia smiling, "Wow that treatment really did work for you."

"It sure did, now pass me some more bread, I'm starving."

Chapter 30

The turn in the real estate market affected Jazzmine more than she thought it would. She was a firm believer in being prepared for storms but the buyers were few and those that came in were skeptical about committing especially in such a precarious market. Banks were no longer lending money to those who were not ready, willing and able to purchase which by banking standards were people with good credit and money a rarity in the current economy.

Jazzmine concentrated on people wanting to sell and purchase smaller home in smaller towns like Ewing and Hamilton Townships. The homes in that market moved quicker, additionally The College of New Jersey and the new corporate center were a great marketing advantage.

To further compensate for the slump in the market, Jazzmine made the decision to cancel the gala her agency was planning for the late spring. Once the first corporate sponsor started to teeter on donations she clearly saw the writing on the wall and knew that she had to pull out. She explained to disappointed staff that the gala was not canceled just postponed for the moment.

Jazzmine sat at her desk responding to emails from her laptop computer and working on a new marketing plan to attract new buyers. Spring weather always produced a flood of activity and she wanted to strike will the iron was hot.

"Dottie, do I have any appointments this afternoon?" She called to her secretary sitting in the main lobby outside her door.

"You've someone coming in at three." She responded.

"Who is it?" Jazzmine quickly searched her Blackberry. "I don't have any appointments noted in my calendar."

Dottie was standing at Jazzmine's door, "I made the appointment a few weeks ago when you were in New York with your sisters. A gentleman is coming in wanting to know if you would like to merge with his real estate agency. He sounded like the real corporate type." Dottie added.

"Dottie, you know that I want exclusive rights to my business, I will never merge." Jazzmine said disappointed that Dottie even entertained the idea of meeting a possible merge. "You of all people know how hard I have worked to start this business; I am not going to let a slow market get the best of me. This is the time when we have to fight and show others who we are. They're expecting us to fail but I am not going to give them the satisfaction."

"This man sounded legitimate to me and I think that you should at least listen to what he has to say. Who knows, a well known brand may be what we need." Dottie said raising her eyebrows and pushing the issue.

"I'm going to lunch then I'm going shopping." Jazzmine never even looked at Dottie ignoring her statement and resenting the insistence. "I'll be back for the meeting." Jazzmine said as she whizzed by Dottie still standing at her office door.

Dottie may be right about considering a merger with a major corporation to boost business but the flutters in her stomach told her to be leery about giving up everything she had worked hard for. Thinking about the conversation made Jazzmine annoyed. Jazzmine was disappointed in Dottie's lack of confidence in her and removed the thought from her head as she drove to the place where she could clear her thoughts, the mall. If music could tame the wild beast, the turn it up louder Jazzmine thought reaching for the radio. Nelly rapped about party in New York City and people wanting to hang with him because of money. "Heyyy must be the moneyyy..." The music was working. Her shoulders began to relax. She bopped her head to and fro to the beat of the music pointing her finger in the air and singing louder than the radio. She thought about Angelique and Robert and made a mental note to pick something up for the baby..."heyyy must be the moneyyy." She still had to get a gift for Valencia bridal shower who even while in the hospital managed to register....."Must be the moneyyy"

She was in the parking lot of the Princeton Market Fair cruising for a parking spot when she found one in the front, directly by the main entrance. Excited about the parking space she quickly turned on her blinker and headed for the prime spot. But before she could a Sliver Porsche zoomed into the space causing Jazzmine to slam her breaks.

"Son of a bitch!" She rolled down her window waiting for the driver to get out of the car. A young man about six-two got out and headed toward the mall.

"You asshole," Jazzmine was seething with rage.

"Is there a problem?" the young man asked in his deep voice.

"Yes, you took my parking space you, dick head!"

The man just smiled and pointed to an empty space aid, "There is another on in front of me you can park there."

"So why the hell don't you just pull you car forward asshole." Jazzmine eyes were narrow and her eyebrows furrowed.

"Sorry, got to go." The young man went into the mall leaving Jazzmine in the parking lot.

Jazzmine whipped her Acura around to the empty space and reversed into the front of the Porsche denting and scratching the hood and smashing one headlight. The broken taillight on her car was well worth it. Pulling forward, she could hear the metal of her car scraping against the mental of Porsche hood taking the emblem on the hood. Feeling satisfied, she put her car in park, took out a pen and paper and left her name and number on the windshield of the now injured Porsche.

Once Jazzmine completed her shopping errands she returned to her car and noticed that the Porsche was gone. She called her father's Secretary Carol to tell her that she wanted to stop buy his office.

"Jazzmine, he'll be in meeting all afternoon. Can this wait?" Carol asked nervously.

"No it cannot Carol. I need to see him it wasn't a request." Jazzmine responded.

"Well maybe if you call back later this afternoon say around four." Carol was trying to divert Jazzmine from coming into the office but she knew that nothing she said could sway Jazzmine. Once her mind was made it up there was no convincing her otherwise.

"That's okay, I'm on my way now, and I'll see you in a few minutes." She turned her Bluetooth off before Carol could finish the rest of her sentence.

The main lobby of the Farrior Law firm was tastefully decorated in marble and cherry wood. The painting on the wall depicted the history and struggle of blacks in America. The receptionist behind the large Cherry counter was young well dressed and smart.

"Hello Miss Farrior, I finally registered for that real estate course."

"Well I am glad to hear it Rhonda let me know how you do. I would love to have someone like you working with me." Jazzmine removed her sunglasses and put them in her Coach purse. "Is my father still in his office?"

"Yes, but you know Carol told me to tell you that he is busy and cannot be disturbed." Rhonda smiled at Jazzmine.

"I figured as much but that has never stopped me now has it?"

Jazzmine winked at Rhonda who snapped her finger and with raised eyebrows said, "Okay." Rhonda laughed as she watched Jazzmine walk down the hall past Carol's desk and directly into Raymond's office who was in the middle of a meeting.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Jazzmine shouted.

"Well, well, the criminal in question." The young man from the mall responded.

"Daddy, this man...."

"This man," Raymond interrupted, "is a guest in our law firm; I suggest that you sit down." Raymond was firm and looked at Jazzmine like she was a small child. "Jazzmine I want you to meet Mr. Alton Bonnard," Raymond nodded his head toward the older gentleman sitting next to Porsche owner. "I asked him to come into the office when I received his phone call telling me about the accident. Would you care to explain yourself?" Raymond was obviously annoyed that he had to deal with Jazzmine's shenanigans.

"Is this an actual trial or can I speak with my attorney in private?" Jazzmine glared at the young man sitting across from her.

"Fair enough," Mr. Bonnard said as he gathered some papers, "we can wait outside while you talk to your daughter."

Jazzmine watched as the two men left the room. "Daddy, that man...."

"Jazzmine before you even start with your crazy explanation can you tell me what were you thinking? Do you know who that young man is?"

"Yes, he's the asshole who took my parking spot." Jazzmine mocked.

"Grow up Jazzmine, this world does not revolve around only you that man is the son of Kyle Martin that is Kyle Martin Jr. I've been trying to land an account with his father forever and now I am closer than I have ever been and you go and pull a stunt like this! Really Jazzmine was it necessary?" Raymond fists were closed tightly and he was trying really hard to not yell.

"Do you mean the Martin's from the Martin's Construction?" Jazzmine asked realizing the gravity of her actions.

"Yes! Jazzmine, now you listen to me. When those two men come in here you are going apologize and we are going to take care of everything he asks us to do. Their account is important, and if I were you I would tread carefully. They are planning on building a new housing development and if you play your cards right you may have exclusive selling rights to all the units. Do you understand?" Raymond's teeth were clenched and Jazzmine noticed the sweat beads begin to form atop of his head. Raymond took a deep breath and exhaled; he reached for the intercom in the middle of the conference table and instructed Carol to escort the men into the room.

"Mr. Bonnard, my daughter and I would like apologize for this upsetting event. We understand the major inconvenience this must be for you and your client." Raymond turned and looked at his daughter to follow suit. He cleared his throat when he sensed her hesitation.

"I would like to apologize to you Mr. Bonnard, for having an asshole of a client."

"JAZZMINE!" Raymond could not control his voice, it seemed to reverberate against the walls and shake the windows and blinds. Carol was at the door with her hand over her mouth.

"I'm sorry, Daddy, but I am not going to apologize to a man who is so smug thinking he is God's gift to this world, thinking that everyone owes him something."

"Jazzmine I am warning you!" Raymond was standing.

"Why didn't you call me? I left my number on that note, not my father's. Grow up and handle your own battles." Jazzmine was standing as well, she glared hard at Kyle Martin, who smiled at her with his perfect white teeth, full lips and the way that his shirt fit around that perfect chest made Jazzmine almost forget how angry she was at him. Jazzmine was breathing heavily and was visibly shaken but she would not take her eyes off of Kyle Martin.

"Jazzmine I am disappointed. Please leave and wait for me in my office." Raymond spoke slowly, looking down at the desk strewn with papers embarrassed at Jazzmine's behavior.

"Before you go Jazzmine," Kyle Martin's deep voice filled the room, "I've decided to drop the charges."

"Mr. Martin, I have to advise you that you...." His attorney contested.

Kyle waved his hand signaling Mr. Bonnard to stop talking. "Mr. Farrior, I will consider dropping all the charges and pretend the incident in the parking lot never happened on one condition."

"Mr. Martin, please, I should be talking to you alone. Why don't we go outside where we can talk about this...." His attorney continued trying to spark some sense into Kyle.

Raymond not missing an opportunity to make this all go away immediately jumped in, "What condition is that Mr. Martin?" Raymond sat down.

"That your gorgeous daughter has dinner with me tonight, at Amici Milano let's say around seven-thirty?"

Raymond turned to look at his daughter then back at Kyle, "If you are suggesting...."

"Mr. Farrior," Kyle was looking at Jazzmine who was still standing, "I would never suggest anything else from you classy daughter. In this short time together, I see that she is strong assertive and never backs down. You know no one has ever spoken to me like that."

"Well," Jazzmine said with raised eyebrows, "maybe it's time someone did."

Chapter 32

Kyle Martin looked at his cell phone for the third time searching for the missed call that he knew was not there. Jazzmine was a no show. The bartender ushered a complimentary swig of Brandy nodding to Kyle at the obvious case of being stood up; a scenario the bartender must have witness countless nights before. He accepted the brandy raising his glass in appreciation for the gesture of solitude and guzzled the shot quickly feeling the burn in the back of his throat.

He thought about leaving but an hour later he was still there nursing the now warm beer. Kyle had allowed his emotions to get the best of him when he publicly announced his feelings. Jazzmine is a beautiful woman, what he was thinking that she was not involved with another man. That had to be the reason she didn't show up tonight.

Kyle looked around the room saw a couple sitting at the cocktail table tucked in the corner. The dimly lit room was small and the cherry wood panels on the wall made the bar look more like a library. The couple was engrossed in conversation that seemed more business than romance. The woman sipped her white wine while the man took the last swig from his green beer bottle each turned to look at Kyle who smiled politely at them. Kyle stood and reached for his wallet from his blazer, the perfect combination with the baby blue shirt and dark denim jeans he sported. He placed a hefty tip on the bar and walked out reaching for his vibrating cell phone.

"Hello."

"Hi Kyle." Jazzmine thought Kyle's voice sounded like a mixture of Barry White with a hint of Maxwell.

"Well, I'm glad to know you're still alive" He smiled to himself surprised that he wasn't angry and happy that she called.

"That I am." Jazzmine hesitated. "I'm sorry about tonight, I...I..."

"Don't worry about it I came on too strong and put you on the spot maybe we can do this again sometime?" Kyle interrupted trying to secure a second date.

"Well it's not too late now it's only a quarter to nine. How about if I meet you for a nightcap at the Marriot downtown?"

"Really?" Kyle was surprised at the request, "Well, I'm leaving the restaurant now I can meet you there, but only if you promise to show up this time."

"I promise Kyle, really I am sorry." Jazzmine said sincerely. "I'm already in the car. "I'll be waiting."

Kyle got into his car confused wondering if in fact Jazzmine was taunting him for the egotistical behavior he displayed in the parking lot. She was a clever woman and from his experience, clever women never allowed a vicious deed to go unpunished. Not that he thought Jazzmine was vindictive, but she showed her fangs in that conference room and was not afraid to stand her ground at any cost.

It didn't take him long to get to the Marriot. He parked his Range Rover in the garage and found his way into the main lobby where Jazzmine was already waiting by the large fireplace sitting with her legs crossed wearing a black strapless dress and heels. She stood as Kyle approached her and greeted him with a peck on the cheek.

'You look beautiful." Kyle complimented Jazzmine as he examined her from head to toe.

'You don't look so bad yourself." Jazzmine returned the compliment.

"I take it you've eaten already, so if you just want to get some drinks that's fine with me." Kyle suggested.

"Actually, I haven't I could use a little something." Jazzmine admitted

"Great, because I had dinner plans earlier tonight and somehow the plans were canceled." Kyle joked.

"Very funny, what do you've in mind?"

'I know a great place just up the street from here; I think they are still open." Kyle suggested.

"Are you talking about Vanessa's, I love that place. I haven't been there in a while." Jazzmine was excited about his suggestion. "Jamaican food can be a little heavy maybe we can have some appetizers and drinks."

"Considering the only thing I have had since lunch is alcohol, I am game for anything." Kyle answered.

Jazzmine laughed girlishly at his comment, but she couldn't stop herself. Her reaction surprised even her as she reached for her purse and jacket.

"You look beautiful tonight." Kyle remarked

"Thank you but you already complimented my attire." Jazzmine reminded him.

"I was talking about your attire."

There was that dam giggle again, what was happening to her. She watched Kyle closely, the moon shining against his skin, his full lips resting perfectly against his white teeth and the slight breeze carried his scent past Jazzmine and into the night air.

"Well?" Kyle asked.

"I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention."

"Are you okay? Listen if this isn't a good night for you we can do this another time."

"No, no this is perfect really it is. What did you say?"

"I wanted to know if you would accept my apology for my behavior at the mall."

"I think that I should be the one apologizing, after all I hit your car." Jazzmine reminded Kyle.

"You're right. It's your entire fault." Kyle laughed.

"Well here we are." Kyle held the door open and the two entered the restaurant. A hostess greeted them at the door and escorted them to the table. Other than the waiter and hostess sitting at the bar, Vanessa's was otherwise empty.

"I think they are about to close." Jazzmine said looking at all the empty tables.

"Maybe you're right," Kyle added.

"May I take your order?" The waiter asked.

"Are you still open?" Kyle asked

"We close at ten, but the chef is still here he can fix anything on the menu." The waiter was obviously tired and wanted to be done for the night.

"I think we are just going to have some appetizers. Can we have an order of cucumber with smoked salmon, Johnny Cakes, and for dessert a slice of rum cake with two spoons please?"

"Excellent, what would you like to drink?"

"I'll have a glass of your house Merlot." Kyle looked at Jazzmine, "I think you would appreciate the Merlot."

"Then the Merlot it is." Jazzmine said looking at the unenthused waiter.

The waiter quickly returned to the table with a full bottle and two glasses. Kyle allowed the waiter to pour the wine for tasting which Kyle approved and then poured a glass for Jazzmine and Kyle.

"I want to make a toast," Kyle raised her glass as Jazzmine followed suit. "I would like to toast to spontaneity."

"Spontaneity, that very interesting," Jazzmine said tilting her head confused.

"Well if I would not have taken your parking space and you would not have slammed your car into my Porsche, I wouldn't be sitting here now."

"Well then, to spontaneity." Jazzmine smiled wide. "Can I ask you a question? It goes on the line of being spontaneous if that alright with you?" Jazzmine sat the glass down without taking a sip. Kyle sipped his wine looking at Jazzmine curiously. "Do you've a girlfriend?"

Kyle coughed almost spitting his drink out. He put a closed fist to his mouth and swallowed before asking, "Wow, that came out of nowhere." He placed the glass on the white table cloth, "Talk about spontaneous. Do you ask this on all your first dates?"

"I don't know why but being around you makes me feel things that I have never felt before and I feel really comfortable talking with you. It's just a question, if you don't want to answer it then don't." Jazzmine said straightforward.

"It's not that I don't want to answer it, but you've to admit that a question like that can take someone off guard." Kyle explained.

"So you do have a girlfriend." Jazzmine said, "Okay, that's fine. This is just an apology dinner I get it."

"Slow down, Jazzmine, what is going on with you?"

"Listen Kyle, I just don't want to waste my time. I've had my share of hurt and pain and right now I am vulnerable and...and....and... I can't believe that I am telling you all of this." Jazzmine grabbed her glass of wine and finished it completely.

"That's okay. Talk to me. What is going on?"

Jazzmine looked at Kyle sitting across from her so handsome, perfectly dressed, focused on her and what she was about to tell him. There was nothing distracting his mind, he was there in the moment with her seeing her for real. It was easy to talk to Kyle. His openness generated from his pores and captivated Jazzmine. She was unperturbed in his presence. "I found out that my boyfriend was cheating on me. I went to his condo and found him with his ex-wife of all people. I suspected for quite some time but I was caught up in my business working to keep it afloat. So many people depend on me." Jazzmine paused at the weight of her statement. "The pressure of not letting them down demanded that I focus more on work rather than on my personal relationship." Jazzmine revealed.

"No." Kyle responded.

"Excuse me?"

"No, I do not have a girlfriend. I would not have asked you to dinner if I did, I am not the type of guy." Kyle responded.

"I cannot believe that I am here telling you all this. You must think that I'm some hopeless little girl." Jazzmine felt giddy from the large gulp of wine.

"I don't think that at all. Is that where you where tonight?" Kyle asked.

"No, I actually found out about two-weeks ago, but I was avoiding confronting him until tonight she showed up at my home just before I was on my way to meet you and we got into it."

"Did you say she showed up to your house?" Kyle asked not sure he heard correctly.

"Yes, she actually showed up at my house. But don't worry I was the perfect lady. I was not going to debase myself to her level. She could keep him for all I care."

"Well it's over so let's concentrate on the present and leave the past where it belongs. To new beginnings." Kyle raised his glass a second time.

"I'd like that very much," Jazzmine felt less tense around Kyle an irony considering the way she met him. How had she allowed herself to disclose so much so quickly to this virtually handsome stranger. She reached for a piece of salmon sitting on a bed of cucumber appreciating the freshness. It was a perfect night and she worried that her rant tainted any chance at a second date.

"You know I have tickets this weekend to see Alicia Keys. She's erforming a semi-private concert in Philly at the Black Banana. I would love it if you could come with me."

He must be clairvoyant. "I work all day on Saturday and Sunday is a very busy day for me as well." Jazzmine had to think quickly before he changed his mind, "What time does the concert start?"

'It starts at eight; I was hoping that we could have dinner before the concert." Kyle put his fork down and wiped his mouth with his linen napkin and licked his full robust lips.

Jazzmine loved looking at this mouth and watched his tongue trace his lips. It seemed to be a delicious habit for him. "Well how about we get a quick bite to eat and then go to the concert. I should be done by four so that will give us plenty of time."

"It's a date then."

Those lips were hypnotizing. Jazzmine chuckled out loud as she played with the napkin on her lap.

"What is so funny," Kyle asked

"I can't believe you want to see me again after how I behaved; you must think that I'm..."

"Beautiful."

Jazzmine looked up at Kyle, "So are you." She whispered watching him slide his large hand over his sleek head.

"Thank you."

"It's so amazing just being here with you, I feel so tranquil, so relaxed like I don't have to worry about anything. It must be your aura, your energy, your essence or whatever that spiritual guru's call it." Jazzmine said.

"It may be my company." Kyle simplified. "A person can only be treated the way they want to be treated. I treat you the way you are telling me to treat you. It's obvious that you need someone to listen to you, to focus on just you to be attentive to your needs so that is what I am doing, focusing on just you." His smile was wide revealing those perfect strands of white teeth unconsciously licking his lips.

"Do you think that is the why Patrick treated me the way he did, because I allowed him to treat me that way?" Jazzmine was curious; Kyle seemed so insightful his observation could maybe shed clarity to why she stayed with Patrick for so long.

"I'm not sure about you and Patrick, which I assume is the man you were formally dating. All I know is that people send out signals. You admitted that you were not paying attention to him, so he sought the attention of someone else."

"His ex-wife." Jazzmine pointed out.

"Okay, his ex-wife. But we agreed to let that go and stay in the past. I want to focus on you." Kyle didn't want to waste his time talking about a former lover with Jazzmine. He wanted to establish a relationship between them. "I understand that you work in real estate."

"I actually manage a Real Estate Agency, Global Elite Realty." Jazzmine said proudly.

"In Princeton," Kyle remarked. "I know of it, impressive do you like what you do?"

"I love it. The hours are long but I do enjoy the process of finding the perfect home for people especially when they have no idea what they are looking for and somehow, after you spend time with them you can direct them to their dream home." Jazzmine explained.

"It means you pay attention to the details." Kyle added.

"I guess I do. I make sure that no stone is left unturned before I allow any customer of mine to purchase a home. If I can make them really happy and avoid buyer's remorse, then they will refer me to other buyers."

"So there is a method to your madness."

"There always is." Jazzmine replied finishing the last of the salmon. "So tell me about you, Mr. Kyle Martin."

"There's not much to tell."

"Of course there is. I have told you more than you needed to know, you certainly can tell me something about yourself."

"Okay, I played football in college, where I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology."

"That explains it." Jazzmine nodded.

"Explains what?" Kyle asked curiously.

"How perceptive you are." Jazzmine replied as though Kyle should have known.

"I studied psychology for a long time." Kyle continued, "My mother was a social worker before she passed away. She loved helping people and making the world better. It sounds a little idealistic but that was who she was." Kyle took Jazzmine silence as a signal to continue. "She passed away in my senior year of college. That was very hard for me; she was the only one who supported what I was doing. My father of course wanted me to follow in his footsteps and thought I was wasting my time in school, especially studying psychology." Kyle rolled his eyes at his words recalling some distant conversation with his father. "Anyway, when my mother died my father was heartbroken and stopped everything. He stopped working, taking care of himself, so I stepped in and started running the company." He said.

"How do you and your father get along now? Well you must be doing something right; your company has grown considerably in the last two years. It seems everywhere I look in Mercer County; Martin Construction is putting something together." Jazzmine noted.

Kyle laughed at the remark, "I guess you can say that."

"Do you've any siblings?"

The waiter approached the table and poured more wine and filled each glass with fresh water. Jazzmine thanked him as she reached for her third glass of wine.

"I have an older brother. He and I don't get along as well as my father and me." Kyle admitted.

"I have two sisters, I am closer to my younger sister than my older one but we understand each other. Sometimes you've to go through growing pains before you find your footing with people."

"Well, well, look who is enlightened now." Kyle pointed out. "I'm not sure that my brother and I will ever get along, maybe that is the way our relationship is supposed to be."

Jazzmine laughed, "Didn't you say before that people treat you the way you allow them to treat you? Maybe your brother is treating you the way you are telling him to treat you."

"You would be right normally, but I've tried with him and now I have given up."  
"Isn't always hardest helping ourselves?" Jazzmine said sitting back in her chair reflecting on her situation.

"Yeah, but enough of me what do you say I walk you back to your car?" Kyle suggested.

"Are you trying to get rid of me already?" Jazzmine joked.

"I just didn't want to keep you out too late."

"I don't need to get anywhere; I am perfectly fine right where I am." Jazzmine smiled at Kyle.

"Well I would love to stay here with you, but from the look of the waiter and hostess I think they want to go home." Kyle nodded in the direction of the annoyed employees who were standing waiting impatiently.

"Well then, I guess we should be going." Jazzmine reached for her purse and placed her credit card on the table.

"Please, let me," Kyle pushed the card toward Jazzmine.

"Kyle, I want to pay. It's the least I can do for standing you up." Jazzmine pleaded..

"You didn't stand me up. You are here and remember I invited you to dinner." Kyle smiled sending Jazzmine into a flutter.

It was a short distance back to the lot of the Marriot where they were parked but they walked slowly down the block. The night air sent a slight shiver against Jazzmine bare shoulders and in an instant, Kyle had placed is Blazer over her shoulder in one swift swoop before Jazzmine realized what happened. Kyle reached for Jazzmine's hand and she welcomed his firm grip.

"I guess I should have worn a heavier sweater." Jazzmine said. 'Thank you."

"You're welcome." Kyle responded.

They walked in silence communicating in an unspoken language understood only between the two. It was not an uncomfortable stillness; there was no heaviness to speak. Being with Kyle was weightless, a calm assurance that what existed among them was forming into something real and Jazzmine was prepared to be guided for the first time in a long time by love.

"My car is on the third level" Jazzmine said as she pressed the arrow on the elevator.

"I parked on three as well." Kyle said, as the elevator doors opened.

It was a quick ride to the third level, a bit too quick Jazzmine thought. When they exited the elevator Jazzmine pointed to her red Acura as Kyle followed her.

"I guess you can have your jacket back, thanks again." Jazzmine handed it to him.

Kyle took the blazer and folded it across his arm. "I'm glad you called me."

"I'm glad I came I had a wonderful time." Jazzmine said as she searched for her car keys.

Kyle reached for Jazzmine's chin with his index finger and lifted her head slowly and leaned in for the softest kiss Jazzmine has ever had. His full lips lay perfectly against hers and his kiss was not rushed of forced. It was perfect. "I guess I'll see you on Saturday."

"I guess you will." Jazzmine manage to utter.

"Good night." Kyle turned and headed in the direction of the Black Range Rover parked on the opposite side of the garage.

"Good night." She whispered.

Chapter 33

The windows around the private room of the Washington Crossing Inn were wide allowing the Sunday morning sun to sparkle through the crystal vases on each round table decorated in Valencia's wedding colors. Sarah perused the room aligning the forks and spoons perfectly on the ivory linen table cloths. The chairs were perfectly adorned with large ivory bows that Sarah felt were a bit presumptuous but enhanced the room nonetheless. Each table setting was the perfect blend of Lenox Plates and Waterford Crystals. A crusted crystal picture frame of Valencia and Eric sat in front of each table setting ready to greet each guest. She wanted everything to be perfect for her niece's bridal shower.

The room was finally ready. She scanned once more before going out to the lobby to discuss with the hostess the same instructions she had given her when she arrived an hour earlier to put her personal touches to the room. The hostess was gracious and allowed Sarah to pontificate about the Brunch menu and exactly when to serve the specially designed cake in the shape of a jewelry box. Sarah wanted to go for the wow factor and she had it all planed precisely.

After the hostess finished with Sarah, she walked over to the woman who sat patiently on the leather sofa. The woman wore a large brim ivory hat with pale yellow bow to match the ivory suit and pale yellow blouse she wore. It was appropriate spring attire, especially for a Sunday Brunch.

"May I help you?" The hostess smiled looking admiringly at the sharply dressed lady.

"Yes, I am here for the Farrior Bridal shower." The woman responded, she still had on her sunglass and it was obvious to the young hostess that she was not going to take them off.

"Um, okay, you are the first one to arrive, let me show you to the room". The woman followed the hostess to the back where two French doors opened to the display of flowers, linen and crystal.

"Here you go. You can make yourself comfortable the party hostess will be with you shortly. I am not sure where she is I guess she must be making a call or in the kitchen telling the cooks what to do." Just as she turned to leave Sarah came from behind.

"I was in the kitchen," she said with raised eyebrows. "Hi," Sarah said stretching her hand toward the woman ignoring the hostess who left for her station red face. "I am Valencia's Aunt Sarah and you are?"

"My name is Elyse Toliver".

"Well welcome. I am glad that you can make it."

"Are you Raymond's sister?"

"Oh heavens no, Lydia is my sister."

"Well now that you mention it I can see the resemblance. You both are beautiful women."

Sarah had to laugh at the comment. "Child please, after I had my two daughters I let this body go but thank you anyway." Sarah had her hands on her hips, showing off the soft green pant suit she wore.

"Well, I think you are beautiful, I guess I am a little early." Elyse said looking around the room.

"Yes you are, but that's okay. I usually show up early everywhere I go bad habit or good habit who knows." Sarah threw her hands in the air and walked over to one of the decorated tables adjusting a vase, placing it perfectly in the middle. "You look so nice. Did you just come from church?"

"I did actually."

"What church do you go to?"

"First Baptist Church of the Living God", Elyse responded standing in the center of the room not knowing exactly what to do so she took off her sunglass and placed them in her purse.

"I'm not form around here. I live in Detroit." Sarah said moving to another table.

"I know what you mean; I'm from Atlanta and the churches down there are large in spirit and size." She shifted from side to side wondering if she should wait in the lobby. She felt awkward being the only attendee.

Sarah noticed Elyse uneasiness and suggested that Elyse join her for a Mimosa in the lounge so that they could talk and wait for the other guests. Having someone else to talk to kept Sarah's mind occupied and released her from the hosting duty at least for a little while.

"So how did you become responsible for putting this together?" Elyse asked as the waiter placed the drinks on the cocktail napkins.

"Actually, I was already planning on visiting my family so my sister took full advantage and asked me to help. I don't mind though I love all this stuff."

"Well here's to sisters." Elyse raised the champagne glass.

"To sisters". Sarah followed suit.

"Most of the work was already done; I just like putting my finishing touches." Sarah said placing her glass flute perfectly on the napkin.

"Valencia is going to be really surprised when she sees everything you've done. It's all so beautiful."

"Thank you. You'ven't told me how you know Valencia?"

"I work with her father, Mr. Farrior. I am an attorney at his firm."

Sarah looked strangely at the woman. "I must apologize. I have so much on my mind. What did you say your name was?"

"Elyse Toliver". She said hesitantly

"Funny, I don't remember your name on the guest list. Why are you here?"

Elyse took a deep breath as she stared at the tabletop not knowing how to respond or what to do or say. She thought about leaving and forgetting everything Eric had told her. She thought about the damage that would ensue in the life of someone she only knew as her boss's daughter. But Elyse felt that her duty as woman, a sister friend, was to protect the very essence of womanhood. The idea of being set up in a loveless arranged marriage sounds so strange and archaic. In undergrad school, she had heard of how some traditional African societies, maintained trade relationships through arranged matrimonial alliances. But this was not Africa, and Raymond Farrior is not African Royalty. Finally looking at the beautiful woman sitting in front of her she sighed and simply said, "I must be going."

"You came all this way for something an intent on doing something. Now if there is something on your mind, something that affects my niece, then you need to tell me." Sarah was direct with her words.

"I'm sorry I should have never come. I'm so sorry." Elyse stood to leave and quickly turned away but Sarah was on her heels and grabbed her arm turning Elyse thin body to face her

Sarah's look was serious, Elyse sensed the exigency coming from her. "If you think for one second that I am going to let you leave you are sadly mistaken. Sit down!" Sarah pointed to the very chair Elyse stood from. "Now I need you to tell me what this is all about." Sarah was still standing, almost as a blockade keeping Elyse from running away. The waiter tried to approach but Sarah whisked him away with stern glare: the one that caused her nostrils to open wide. "What do you think coming here starting something and not finishing? You've got the wrong one, Miss Elyse. I love all my nieces. Now if there is something that I need to know you need to tell me."

Elyse looked up at Sarah without blinking. She removed her large brim hat and laid it on the chair next to her. She sat up and motioned for Sarah to sit down, who complied with the gesture. Elyse took a large gulp of her mimosa and began her story. The story of how Raymond Farrior had bargained his daughter's life to a man in exchange for money. She gave Sarah the cold hard truth describing what she herself was able to uncover from her own investigation. She told Sarah how Eric cheated on Valencia early on in the relationship and when Mr. Farrior found out he told Eric to keep his discretions undercover. Elyse told Sarah about the money involved in keeping Valencia in the hospital longer so that Eric and Raymond could negotiate deals with other agencies because Valencia would be a distraction for each of them. Elyse described the details of the contract and how it would release all monies and fifty percent ownership of the law firm and various real estate properties to Eric after only two years of marriage. And finally, Elyse told her that Eric was the father of her eleven year old child.

Eleven years ago, Eric and Elyse went to high school together. They were on opposite ends of the ever changing social continuum. Elyse who was Elyse Fleming during high school was an overweight introvert and Eric a star basketball player with many friends. On dare from his basketball buddies, he asked Elyse on a date and took her to the Sleepy Hallow Motel where he forced himself on her and left her there abandoned to find her way home.

The distressed look on Sarah face told Elyse that she needed to stop. That the image Sarah had of Eric was shattered and no further information was needed. There were no questions to be asked, no comments to be made, or proof to be seen. Elyse words were true. Every bit of each word rustled against Sarah's skin and ears like molten rocks as she attempted to process the information she had just heard.

Sarah took a deep breath, looked at Elyse and simply asked her to leave. "I didn't see your name on the guest list."

"Its okay Aunt Sarah, she can stay." Valencia said to everyone's surprise.

"Valencia, honey what are you doing here?" Sarah moved uneasily toward her niece wondering if she heard any of what she herself felt hard to swallow. "I thought you were coming with your mother. Come on let's get you over to the room you should see it, it's exactly how you wanted." Sarah grabbed Valencia's hand and tried to move her away from Elyse but she pulled away.

"You go Aunt Sarah, I'll be there shortly." Valencia stayed fixed on Elyse.

"Please come with me. The guests will be arriving soon and we should be there to greet them." Sarah was practically begging for Valencia to leave with her.

"I'm fine, go." Valencia had the same stubborn streak as her Aunt Sarah and they both knew there was no convincing Valencia to do something she didn't want to do.

"I'll be back in a few...."

"That won't be necessary." Valencia ordered.

Elyse stayed unchanging on Valencia who returned to gawk. "You knew Eric in high school?"

"So you heard everything." Elyse said compassionately.

"Don't give me this compassion bullshit song and dance. What did you think I was going to do fall over and break because I am some feeble minded woman who cannot take care of herself. Well you are all wrong, you don't know me. You don't know anything about me." Valencia was trying really hard to stay calm she reached for Sarah's leftover mimosa and gulped more than she wanted.

"Valencia, I don't know why I came here I'm sorry." Elyse reached for Valencia's hand.

"Don't touch me, you conniving bitch. You know exactly why you're here. You are here to destroy Eric; to finally get revenge on him for getting you pregnant and for not being the man you wanted him to be to you. I heard what you had to say. Isn't that why you are here, to get revenge on him?"

"Of course not, if I wanted revenge I would have gotten it a long time ago. I don't need anything from Eric. I am a successful attorney and I have everything I already need, my son and I both do." Elyse was taken aback form the sudden outburst and hostility. She could feel the blood rise from her neck and into her cheeks from the embarrassment of what she instigated.

"I don't care what you are and who you work for. You think you are doing me a favor by telling all these lies about Eric and my father. You think I am going to believe you." Valencia was seething mad spitting the words out faster than they were in her brain. "How dare you come here and try to ruin my day. How dare you create these lies about Eric? You are worthless and pathetic. I am going to marry Eric and there is nothing you can do about it. So you might as well get up and leave."

"I thought that you of all people would at least listen to me hear me out but your refusal to accept the truth just may be your greatest downfall." Elyse knew she had a decision to make, so she made it without hesitation or delay. "I'm going to leave but before I do let me be the first to give you your shower gift." Elyse reached in her purse and pulled out a manila envelope and placed it on the tabletop between them. "I wanted to be on your side I wanted to compound our efforts to get to the truth." Elyse turned leaving Valencia alone with the envelope that had the name Eric Winston written on the front in her father's handwriting.

**********

Jazzmine and Sarah were sitting in the main lobby of the hospital giving a report to the police officer who was taking copious notes as each told their story.

"She seemed fine at the shower; I mean she appeared a little quieter than usual but nothing out of the ordinary. Valencia can be that way." Jazzmine explained.

"What way Miss Farrior?" The officer never looked at Jazzmine; he continued to make notes in his pad. Jazzmine wasn't sure if he was actually writing or scribbling.

"She can be a little moody, sometimes she is up and other times she is down." Jazzmine replied.

"Does she take any medication for her moodiness as you call it?" He finally looked up at the two women but then turned back to his pad.

"If you are suggesting that my niece has some disorder or that she is crazy you..." Aunt Sarah sat up in her chair and pointed angrily at the officer.

"I just want to know how your niece loss control of her vehicle and manage to hit the median while driving on a dry road with barely any traffic." The officer put the pad in his leather jacket and stood. "Is there anything either one of you are not telling me?"

"I'm not sure what you mean?" Jazzmine said looking at her aunt then back at the officer.

"Is it possible that your sister was angry, maybe had something on her mind and was distracted? The officer on the scene said she was not speeding and her cell phone was turned off so I am befuddled by what would cause her lose control of her car?" The officer's tone was more sincere before continuing. "The EMT also told me that Valencia said she wanted to die before she passed out."

Sarah remembered the conversation she had with Elyse Toliver earlier putting the pieces together in her head. "I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation. We should be getting back to our family." Sarah said rushed, "If we think of anything we will certainly let you know, thank you officer." Sarah grabbed Jazzmine's hand and led her to where Raymond and Lydia were already talking to the treating physician.

"Your daughter is a very lucky woman; I think the deployment of the air bag may have actually saved her. The CT scan showed that there is cerebral contusion but nothing serious, it should heal itself. We will keep her here so that our Neurologist can monitor her closely."

"Is she awake, can I go and see her?" Lydia asked nervously.

"She is sedated right now; she does have a few broken ribs and a nose fracture. It may be possible that Valencia will have short term memory loss associated with the accident. That is fairly common in car accident injuries. Usually the moments before the actual impact are vague and unclear to car accident victims, so don't be alarm if she cannot tell you what happened." Lydia gasped holding back her tears.

"Because she has sustained trauma to the head," Dr. Ramirez continued, "We are going to monitor her, but would like to move forward with the surgeons to correct the nose fracture. Does Valencia have any medical conditions that we should be aware of?

"She was recently released from rehabilitation facility for anorexia." Lydia admitted.

"That may not pose any real problems but we can work with that right now we need a CT scan to see the extent of her injury. Do either of you know what happened?" Dr. Ramirez looked at Lydia for answers.

"All we know is what the police told us. She was driving along Route one and somehow she lost control of her car." Lydia answered.

"Well, I need to get back to your daughter. I will let you know as soon she is awake so that you can see her."

"Thank you Dr. Ramirez." Lydia turned to Raymond and buried her head in his chest.

"Mom Valencia is going to be okay." Jazzmine stoked her mother's back and looked at her father to say something to his wife but he didn't. He just stood there looking hopeless, a look that was unfamiliar and eerily quiet.

"Jazzmine, why don't you come with me to get your mother some tea, she'll be fine with your father." Sarah suggested. 'Lydia, we'll be right back."

Jazzmine kissed her mother and followed her aunt to the cafeteria. Jazzmine was silent as she watched her aunt pour hot water into the Styrofoam cup then reach for the lemon and sugar. She prepared the tea precisely to Lydia's taste. Jazzmine thought of pouring herself some tea but quickly threw the thought out of her mind forgetting that she hated the taste of hot flavored liquid.

"Your mind is further than a loose kite." Sarah said to Jazzmine. "A penny for your thoughts."

Jazzmine smiled at her Aunt softly, "I'm not sure what to think Aunt Sarah. There are so many thoughts in my head it feels like I am going to explode." Jazzmine grabbed a muffin examined it and put back down. "You saw Valencia at the bridal shower, she seemed fine and she was her ole quirky self."

"Jazzmine, I know what you are thinking, but don't let the officer put crazy thoughts in your head. It was an accident plain and simple." Sarah paid for the tea and thanked the cashier. "Now you listen to me, there is nothing to worry about, you hear me?"

"Aunt Sarah that is the problem I know there is something to worry about my father does not seem himself. He was quiet and reserve; he didn't ask the doctor any questions. He wasn't demanding, pushy or overbearing. Something is going on."

"Jazzmine my love, let it go, it was an accident." Sarah rushed past her to get to the elevator. She fumbled with her clothes and pushed the button to the second floor repeatedly to hurry the elevator. "We need to get to your mother."

"What aren't you telling me?" Jazzmine was direct with her questioning, there were no pulling of punches she wanted to know what her Aunt was hiding. "Is there something that you are not telling me?" Jazzmine was no longer asking she demanded and her persistence would not relent.

"Jazzmine, some things you need not know." Her Aunt warned.

"I'm not a little girl anymore." Jazzmine reminded her Aunt. "I can take it trust me. What is it that you are not telling me?"

"Jazzmine," Sarah turned to look at her niece sighed heavily and turned away from her. "I need to get to my sister." Just then the doors to the elevator opened Sarah stepped out leaving Jazzmine scurrying behind her.

"Aunt Sarah, if you know something and are not telling me because you think you are protecting me then you are mistaking. I know how my father can be and if he had anything to do with this you need to tell me."

"Keep your voice down." Sarah whispered harshly. "I don't know what you are talking about." Sarah searched the halls for her sister and brother-in-law unsuccessfully hurrying her pace toward Valencia's hospital room.

"Did you know that he tried to marry me off to a man that ended up jumping off a bridge?" Jazzmine shouted from the middle of the hospital hall. "Did you know that he arranged for Angelique to be married to a man she doesn't know let alone love?"

Sarah stood frozen with her back toward Jazzmine, her head inclined in defeat. She lowered her shoulders and tossed the tea in the trash can next to the waiting room. She slowly turned her body toward Jazzmine the look of shame and panic twisted in her face then she walked into the waiting room and sat slumped in the available chair.

Jazzmine entered the waiting area and sat across from her aunt in silence allowing her the time to absorb the information she tossed so recklessly at her Aunt. "I'm sorry." Jazzmine finally uttered.

"Elyse Toliver, she told me her name was Elyse Toliver." Sarah seemed to be talking more to herself than to Jazzmine.

"Who?' Jazzmine asked.

"There was a woman who showed up to the restaurant before any of the other guests telling me all these things about Eric. I didn't believe her at first, but the more she told me the more I wanted to know." Sarah had a look of contempt on her face. "She told me about contracts and deals and secret meetings. I couldn't believe what I was hearing." Sarah shook her head trying to erase the memory. "The worst part is, is, that I didn't know Valencia was sitting in the booth behind us."

'WHAT!" Jazzmine shouted.

"Please Jazzmine, I already feel bad, I swear I didn't know she was there." Sarah started to cry covering her face with her hands.

Jazzmine's body shuddered at the realization that her sister discovered the truth behind her father's demented scheme. Jazzmine watched her Aunt sobbing and felt sorry for her and hating that nothing was done to prevent the accident. "There was nothing you could have done Aunt Sarah. How were you supposed to know Valencia would be there?' Jazzmine attempt to comfort her aunt but failed. "Listen to me Aunt Sarah; you had no way of controlling what that woman was going to say or knowing that Valencia would arrive early."

"But I should have convinced that woman to leave, I tried but she wouldn't then Valencia insisted on speaking with her alone...."

"What do you mean she insisted in speaking with her?" Jazzmine sat up in her chair at the revelation.

"Once I found out that Valencia was there I tried to get her to come with me but she insisted she needed to talk to this woman. She told me to leave her alone with her. Oh Jazzmine, I should have tried harder" Sarah sobbed.

"We still don't know exactly how the accident happened..."

"Don't you see Jazzmine, it's obvious, she tried to hurt herself. How would you feel after learning that your whole life was a lie and that your own father was the puppeteer?"

"But something pushed her to that point. I don't think a simple conversation with a sadistic woman would do that. It had to be something more." Jazzmine thought for a minute before speaking. "Where are her thing, did the police, or EMT collect her things from the accident?"

Sarah looked at Jazzmine curiously, "I think her things are in her room with her, why?"

"I need to get to her purse, someone must have her purse." Jazzmine stood heading to Valencia's room.

"Jazzmine," her aunt called. 'I have her purse her with my things."

Jazzmine followed her aunt into the parking lot where Sarah had parked Lydia's car. In the trunk, Jazzmine saw the one shoe Valencia wore earlier that day the heel missing. Blood covered the front of the tattered dress she wore earlier. Jazzmine winced at the sight of the clothing and felt a wrench in her gut. She reached for the Marc Jacobs bag Valencia bragged she purchased at Macy's for half price, It was a steal she told her sisters. Jazzmine reached into the bag retrieving the large envelope with her father's handwriting.

Sarah closed her eyes at the horror of what Jazzmine was reading form the still moist papers of Valencia's tears. Jazzmine stopped reading, leaned over the side of her mother's car and vomited.

Chapter 34

Tracy held the sonogram frame with the words "Our Daughter" engraved on the bottom edge. Holding the picture with both hands she made small talk about the advancement of technology and how when her own sister back in New Hampshire was pregnant eight years ago, the ultrasounds were harder to read. Tracy held the picture longer than necessary, her brain telling her that she should put the picture in its rightful place, on the shelf between the picture of Angelique and her sisters and Robert and Angelique on the beach in Hawaii but she wanted to absorb the picture and etch it in her mind. She lifted the frame to her lips and kissed it softly then positioned it perfectly in its place. "I think she's beautiful."

"You and Phil will make great parents someday." Angelique tried to give a consoling smile not sure how to react. It was a surprise to her that Tracy was even thinking about children and starting a family. She had never address the issue or brought it up in casual conversation.

"Thanks, it just so hard right now with the constant trips to the fertility doctors and counseling session. The process can be so burdensome at times."

Angelique was silent listening to Tracy release the encumbrance of the failed pregnancies she obviously masked. She didn't want to seem overly pretentious about her own pregnancy. She made a mental note not to rub her belly as she listened to Tracy lament from the couch were she now sat slumped.

"I'm sorry I am being so rude crying to you when you are probably the happiest you've been in a long time."

"I'm fine Tracy, really I am. Can I get you some more tea?"

"That actually sounds perfect. I am going to use your powder room if that's alright?"

'Of course, you know where it is?" Angelique pointed in the direction of the half bathroom by the kitchen grabbed the small tea cups sitting atop the matching saucers and walked into the kitchen. She refilled the kettle set it atop the stove and finally answered the phone that rang incessantly.

"Hello."

"Angelique, thank goodness you're there, I tried calling your cell phone, where have you been? I tried calling you earlier; mom tired calling you too...."

"Slow down Jazzmine, you're talking a mile a minute." Angelique smiled at Tracy who was standing in the kitchen, she placed her free hand over the mouth piece and mouthed Jazzmine's name to let her know who she was talking too. Tracy asked if she should leave but Angelique shook her head no.

"Wait, what did you say?" Angelique placed her hand over her free ear to concentrate on what Jazzmine was trying to say.

"I said there's been an accident, Valencia was in a car accident." Jazzmine spoke fast.

"Oh no! Jazzmine, how serious is it." Angelique looked at Tracy who was now concerned for her pregnant friend.

"I don't know I got a call from Eric all he told me that Valencia was in a car accident"

"Was he with her, I thought mom was having a bridal shower for her with just her woman's group from her church."

"She was I mean she did, look I don't have all the answers right now. I can make arrangements to have someone pick you up so you don't have to drive."

"No, no, I can get there. I call you when I am on the road."

"Angelique, I'm sorry that I had to tell you like this but I thought you needed to know."

"That's okay, I'm glad you told me. Let me get ready and I will call you when I am on my way."

"Are you sure you don't want me to send for a car."

"Don't be silly I can get there, trust me."

Tracy looked at Angelique not wanting to intrude in an obvious family incident, but she convinced herself that she needed to address the look of stress on Angelique's face. "You look troubled."

"Excuse me." Angelique mind was already in New Jersey with her family.

"Is something wrong?" Tracy tried again.

"My sister Valencia was in a car accident and something in Jazzmine voice makes me believe that wasn't all."

"Oh my goodness, you don't think that...."

"No, no, not at all, Jazzmine wouldn't ever tell me something like that over the phone." Angelique waved her hands to dismiss the idea from her head. It was bad enough to hear the disturbing news about the accident especially now that everything was going so perfectly for Valencia.

"What do you think it is then?"Tracy followed Angelique into the living room after she turned off the tea on the stove.

"I'm not sure for now, but once I get there I can figure it out."

"How is your sister, do you know what happened?"

"Just that she was in an accident and that she is doing fine." Angelique tried not to sound annoyed.

"Well, let me go home and get a few things,I will be more than happy to drive you." Tracy offered.

"Tracy, goodness no, you don't have to go out of your way"

"Please Angelique; it will give me something to do. Besides now that Phillip is in Rome tying up some loose ends with his surveillance business I don't have much to do. I really don't mind."

"Tracy, are you sure?"

"Of course I am it will be good for the both of us."

"There is plenty of room at my parent's house, you can stay with us."

"I think I would like meeting your family and being around people." Tracy sounded refreshes pleased for the opportunity to be around other people.

"Okay then. I could certainly use the support." Angelique liked the idea the more she thought about it.

"Great, I'll go back to the condo and get a few things and meet you here in about an hour."

"That's perfect, I need to freshen up, pack a few things and call my doctor's office."

"Are you okay?" Tracy asked concerned for her friend.

"I'm fine, I just need to reschedule my appointment for tomorrow. I'm starting my fifth month today."

"I better get going then, I'll pack light and whatever I forget we can go shopping for."

"Sounds like a plan." Angelique hugged her friend and went into her bedroom thinking about her sister Valencia and all that she had gone through recently. About a half hour later Angelique finished her packing headed to the bathroom for a quick shower before Tracy would return. Her thoughts were interrupted by an abrupt knock coming from her front door.

"Just a minute," she called from her bedroom.

The pounding were forceful insistent knocks that shook the door. Angelique could feel each thump filter through the room as she cautiously approached the door each rumble reverberated against the walls landing against her chest. "Who is it?" She yelled the words out of panic more so than bravery. There was no answer from the door and the knocked ceased momentarily.

"Tracy, is that you?" Angelique tried to sound composed not wanting to alarm her or whoever was on the other side of the door. "You're early."

"It's me, Ronald."

"Who?" Angelique was taken off guard but relaxed at the familiarity of Ronald's voice. It had been months since her last encounter with Ronald, a far and distant memory from her past, she speculated at the peculiarity of his sudden visit.

"Ronald Wair." What is he doing here? She thought. Angelique's heart thumped against her chest as she moved closer toward the door, she had to take deep breaths to shadow the fear she felt. She knew that Ronald had tried to find her in the past and that Jazzmine had cautioned Ronald to stay away. She knew that Ronald was bad news.

"Can I come in?" Ronald was begging more than asking. He shifted from leg to leg waiting for Angelique to open the door.

"How did you even get into the building, I didn't hear the bell?" Angelique was stalling and Ronald knew it.

"Angelique, I came all this way to see, can't I come in for a few minutes?"

"Actually I am expecting company in a few minutes; maybe you can come back another time."

Ronald leaned his back against the door and with a closed fist steadily and methodically pounded on the door. "Come on Angelique, this won't take long, I promise." His voice was scratchy and vile and he licked his lips moving his tongue against the sweat dripping from his forehead and down his face. The smell of alcohol released from his pores and he had one hand in his pants. Then banging on the door stopped and silence hovered. "It's okay Angelique I forgive you. Just let me in so we can talk about it." His words were slurred barely audible and he was distant from himself convinced that coming to speak with Angelique would change everything.

"Ronald you need to leave." Angelique managed through silent tears.

Ronald turned the knob on the door as Angelique watched in horror as the door she had just realized she had forgotten to lock after Tracy's departure slowly opened.

Angelique had her cell phone in the bedroom and in an impulsive instant ran toward the bedroom to barricade herself from Ronald who was close behind. Her strength was no match for an inebriated jilted lover bent on revenge. Ronald pushed his way into the bedroom knocking Angelique to the floor. She reached for her belly cringing at the sharp pain shooting from her stomach and down her leg caused by intensity of the fall. Her body was tense and warm tears covered her face dripping on the carpet under her face.

"Ronald, please I need to see my doctor."

"You don't look sick to me." He mocked standing over Angelique.

"I'm pregnant, you don't understand, please." Angelique kept her eyes closed afraid to see the monster before her. "Please I think something is wrong."

"You're right about that." Ronald mocked. He grabbed Angelique by her arm throwing her on the bed. "Something is very wrong, Angelique I spent many months thinking how wrong things went."

"How did you find me?" Angelique asked trying to distract Ronald hoping to bide time and distract Ronald.

"I followed your sister Jazzmine, she's good for more than just the occasional blow job." Ronald smirked and licked his lips laughing uncontrollably.

"My husband will be home soon." Angelique hoped he would believe her lie.

"Shut up bitch, you caused me to lose everything! He raised his hand high and swung with his might across her face.

Angelique fell back on the mattress from the sting of Ronald's slap. She sobbed hard holding her cheek in her hand.

Ronald reached for the gun he kept sealed in his pants. "Now you are going to do exactly what I tell you to do." Ronald held the gun toward Angelique and with his free hand began to unzip his pants.

"Oh God, Ronald, please don't do this, this isn't you. I'm sorry, please I am sorry." She began to plead fearing for her unborn baby.

He slapped her with his free hand, "Shut up!" He tossed the gun on the nightstand reached down and ripped her blouse open.

"Please Ronald, please," Angelique could taste the blood in her mouth. As she said the words, the throbbing pain pulsed on her face and in her mouth. Ronald held her hands above her head ripping her bra, his overgrown fingernails breaking her skin. He began to suck on her nipples. Angelique tired to kick him and moved violently to escape his grasp. Ronald bit down hard on her breast. "Don't do that again! This will all be over soon."

Angelique was gagging on her spit and blood, her body tense and still. She kept her eyes closed and turned her face away when Ronald tried to kiss her. The stench of his breath permeated her sense of smell and the feel of his coarse unshaven face scraped her skin like broken glass. She could feel the thrashing sensation between her legs and she screamed silently in her head for Robert. Angelique could feel blood trickle down her leg as she began to drift in and out of consciousness.

Ronald moved fast and hard without regard overtaken by retribution. When he was done, she stood over Angelique, wiped his mouth and forced Angelique to sit up.

"Suck it!" He screamed

Angelique tears came down heavier, Ronald smacked her face again, grabbed her from the back of her head shoved her face toward his erect penis. "Suck it! Suck it you worthless piece of shit!" Ronald reached for his gun and pointed it at Angelique's temple. He pulled her head back and threw her on the bed. "Good Bye Angelique." He whispered through his tears, "Good Bye my sweet love." He turned the gun on himself and pulled the trigger landing on the floor at Angelique's feet.

Tracy sat on the step of Angelique's house wrapped in a wool blanket rocking back and forth shaking. She felt unusually cold considering the bright sun that now seemed grey.

"I should have stayed with her; I should have stayed with her." She repeated the phrase over and over rocking back and forth. "I was supposed to take her to New Jersey to be with her family. I came to pick her up and the door was open," Tracy paused, "Oh God." Tracy covered her face with her hands, "She was in the bedroom passed out covered in blood."

"I know this is hard for you, but its best that you tell me everything now while it is fresh, I promise we can go slowly." The female officer told Tracy.

Tracy wiped her face told the officer how she thought Angelique was dead. She was bleeding from her face, mouth and breasts and vaginally. Tracy told the officer how she screamed and could not stop screaming and was afraid to go near Angelique fearing the worse. She then called the police and waited with Angelique sitting next to her holding her limp hand and covering her exposed and bruised body with a blanket which is where the police and EMT found Tracy.

"Is there anyone we can call?" The officer asked, her voice was soft and her light smile made Tracy think that she was perfect for this type of situation.

"No, no, I'll call my husband and he will know how to reach Angelique's husband."

"You said husband, is. Miss Farrior married?"

"Yes, they were married recently, a small ceremony, just me and my husband. Tracy recalled the beautiful ceremony in Central Park. Afterwards Angelique was in the mood for steak so we went to the Midtown Restaurant and had steak. She was so happy it was contagious. She's a special girl, not fussy. As long as she has Robert, there was no need for pomp and circumstance. She is in love with love and Robert gives her that. "He is going to be destroyed."

"What is her husband's name?" The officer asked.

"Robert Birskin. Robert Andrew Briskin." Tracy repeated.

Is there a number I can reach you in case I have more questions?"

"Yes, of course." Tracy rattled the numbers to the officer as she scribbled them in her pad.

"We'll be in touch Mrs. Jones." The officer turned and joined the others gathered on the sidewalk blocking the passerby and onlookers. A small throng started to gather on the quite block normally filled with joggers, city shoppers and mothers pushing strollers heading toward the park. The trees were in full bloom casting burst of sun rays through the branches onto the empty sidewalk below. A burst of ray gleamed on the steps where Tracy sat. She looked up trying to make out the image of the person approaching her.

"Mrs. Jones?'

Tracy stood and the wool blanket slid from her shoulders, "Yes?"

"My name is Gregory Carmichaels, I'm with ISIS. I am a friend of Phillip and Robert."

Tracy looked at the strangely grey haired older man sporting a baseball cap. She heard Phillip talk about Gregory like he was a phantom someone who was perpetually out of the room; a voice of instruction more than a person. "So you do exist."

Gregory ignored the ecomment and got to the point. "I just want you to know how sorry we are about Mrs. Briskin. We have already informed Mr. Briskin about this unfortunate incident and he is on his way to her now."

"Oh my God, how is Robert?"

"Beyond consoling."

"What do you mean?" Tracy asked franticly.

It was obvious to Tracy why Gregory was a voice over the phone to the ISIS agents; he was stoic and remote in his delivery. "When Mr. Briskin heard of the news, he became extremely upset and almost compromised the work we were trying to do in Philadelphia. He destroyed his hotel room among other things in his fit of rage."

"What things?" Tracy was concerned and curious.

"He assaulted another agent. Under the circumstances we understand the Mr. Briskin outburst, but it has put our agency in a predicament. We have made arrangements for Mr. Briskin to be with his wife at St. Bernadette Hospital. I can take you there now if you like."

"Yes, of course." Tracy followed Mr. Carmichaels to the unmarked car parked across the street and sat in the back seat. "I guess I should call her family."

"I believe Mr. Briskin has already taken care of that. I should also mention that Philip will be at the hospital as well."

Tracy sobbed uncontrollably in the back seat of the Grand Marquis as Mr. Carmichaels gripped the steering wheel speeding to the hospital.

Chapter 35

The familiar sounds of the Farrior home no longer lingered buoyantly but instead hung silent in the emptiness that Jazzmine felt hover throughout the vast structure. She loved her home. She loved the memories the house held and the secrets it kept. To Jazzmine, her home had always been her fort of solitude and safety, a dwelling of comfort and security. It was the reason she lived home as long as she did, not wanting to move or go away to school like Valencia and Angelique. The shield that continuously protected Jazzmine from the madness of the world seemed removed weakened by the nightmare she was living. A nightmare ensued by her father.

Jazzmine was still dressed in the clothes from the previous day staring vacuously out of the kitchen window welcoming the uncertainty of this new day. The substance of what she needed to do weighed heavy on her shoulders and she wished that Kyle Martin was at her side. Just being around him gave her a calm assurance that everything was okay in the world. She thought it strange to rely on the strength of a man she barely knew but his strength is what she required.

Aunt Sarah was only in for the weekend so Raymond had taken her to the airport before coming home last night. She heard her parents in their bedroom earlier speaking in hush tones about Valencia and what they didn't want to admit she had done to herself. She could hear them mutter about how well they believed she was coming along questioning what could have caused Valencia to consider such a thing.

The tone of the house had unquestionably changed and there was nothing Jazzmine could do to change it back, too much was distorted in the family, too much had happened and now, today, she had to tell her mother, that Angelique was raped by Ronald Wair.

She wished for Kyle to be at her side. Patrick was a distant thought and she shrugged off any idea of contacting him, even though he would know what to do, but Kyle would know what to say and how and when to say it. Jazzmine knew what she had to do, any fool with half a brain knew what to do, but Kyle instinctively would know how to console Jazzmine, how to hold Jazzmine and would block any unnecessary foolishness from coming toward her. Jazzmine needed someone to shoulder the pain with her and Kyle was the one her heart leaned on.

Jazzmine retreated to the bar stool at the center island of the kitchen slumped over rubbing her fingers against her temples. She had no more tears to give, her pain turned to anger and resentment for the unapproved interference in the lives of her sisters.

The digital clock on the microwave read 6:10 am. It was only thirty minutes ago that she had left Valencia's hospital room. As it turns out, Valencia suspected all along and was not surprise at the extent their father would take to ensure each of his daughter's happiness. It surprised Jazzmine that Valencia coped with her situation with boldness. Valencia told Jazzmine that she was tired of pretending, tired of the façade of constantly being something she was not, with the hair weaves high fashion clothes, expensive accessories and pretentious friends. Valencia was ready to become the person that she was intended to become and in order to do that she had to forgive herself and her father.

"Do you remember how mother used to tell us about the Ganjies River in India?" She told Jazzmine. "I've been thinking about going there and cleansing my body in that River to absolve my past life and start anew."

"Valencia, it sounds a little radical." Jazzmine cautioned.

"It does, Jazzmine but if I change my world within, I change the world around me. I want to rid the void I feel inside. Jazzmine all of our plans are already gone; we are living in the future right now. When we were little girls we dreamed of growing up, falling in love and buying houses next to each other so we would never be apart, do you remember that?"

Jazzmine reached for her sister's hand and sobbed making a powerful connection to her lost sister realizing that you can easily forget those around you when all you worry about are those outside of your home.

"Jazzmine," Valencia continued, "Sometimes the changes you make in your life affect those around you, you can change yourself all you want but when you do, you always leave a piece of who you were with others. What I was missing is that I forgot to look at myself and allow myself to feel and experience life. I want to feel again Jazzie." She told her younger sister.

Jazzmine moved from the center island of her kitchen feeling restless waiting anxiously for her parents to come down for the usual morning cup of coffee. She thought of going up to bed but decided against the idea. She was not one to avoid what needed to be done. She reached for her purse and pulled out her cell phone to check incoming text messages and emails. She responded to a few giving instructions to Barbara at the office, there was nothing pertinent needing her immediate attention or anything that the other agents could not handle without her assistance. She thought about sending Kyle a text something simple, like thinking about you've a great day, but instead she sent him a message to call her when he had the chance, no time for coy games today. Scrolling through her message inbox of her phone, Jazzmine saw the message from Robert left last night marked urgent. Jazzmine squeezed her eyes hard trying to erase the horror of what Robert had told her.

"Good morning honey." Lydia asked moving toward Jazzmine who jumped at the sound of her mother's voice. "Why are you still in the same clothes from yesterday?" Lydia greeted her daughter with a kiss on the forehead.

"I stayed with Valencia last night." Jazzmine voice was dry and raspy the sound of her own voice surprised her.

"How did she sleep, is she okay?" Lydia moved toward the coffee maker slowly. The strain of Valencia suicide attempt was still on her mind evidence by her methodical movements.

"She's going to be, she is a lot stronger than I ever gave her credit for."

"I always knew she had it in her it was just a matter of time for her to realize it for herself."

"Where's daddy?" Jazzmine stomach turned sour thinking about next few moments.

"Here I am." Raymond announced entering the kitchen dressed casually.

"I take it you're not going into the office today?" Lydia asked already pouring the coffee from the automatic maker.

"No, I'm going to spend some time with Valencia then do a few errands." Raymond said.

"You mean clean up the mess you made of Valencia's and Angelique's life." Jazzmine could no longer contain herself she shouted the words from where she sat.

"Jazzmine, where is this coming from, what are you talking about?" Lydia asked giving her daughter a peculiar stare.

"You need to sit down mother; I have something to tell you." Jazzmine pulled the chair out for her mother to sit. Raymond stood rooted in the middle of the kitchen unable to avoid the avalanche he knew was approaching.

"Yesterday I found some papers in Valencia's purse. The papers were an agreement between daddy and Eric." Jazzmine began.

"Eric Robinson?" Lydia asked confused

'Yes. It turns out that your husband made arrangements that Eric would inherit money, property and cash in exchange for marrying Valencia."

"What! Raymond, I thought we talked about this, I thought you were not going to pursue this anymore." Lydia turned toward Raymond. "What is going on?"

"Mother you knew about this?" Jazzmine said disgusted.

'I knew that your father had a crazy notion to secure each of your future, but I never thought that he would dream up such an absurd scheme."

"Well he did and Valencia found out about it. Elyse Toliver stopped by the restaurant yesterday and told Valencia everything."

Raymond stood stiff unable to utter a sound. He looked at his wife wanting to be at her side and tell her it's not as bad as it sounds. If she could just see the contracts she would understand.

"Who the hell is Elyse Toliver and why did she disrupt Valencia's life?" Lydia looked at Raymond confused not fully grasping where Jazzmine was headed.

Raymond looked at the terracotta floor of his kitchen and put his hands in his pockets. "She's an attorney at the firm." He glanced at Jazzmine wanting her to stop but knew that she wouldn't.

"I hired her a few months ago."

"It's not important mom, what is important here is that daddy has interfered with our lives and the lives of these men he tried to convince to marry us." Jazzmine avoided her father's eyes.

"These men, what, what are you saying Jazzmine?" Lydia was near tears. 'There is more than one?"

"Because of daddy distorted idea to secure our future, he pressured these men to pursue me, Valencia and Angelique into marry us promising each one money, partnership in the firm and other empty promises. He was pawning off your daughters like some common street pimp."

"Jazzmine, I'm sorry, I was thinking of you, of each of you." Raymond voice was barely audible.

She turned angrily toward her father looking helpless and abandoned. "Why, why did you do it daddy, didn't you think we could take of ourselves, didn't you trust the way you raised us?" She spewed the words at Raymond like darts watching him flinch as they hit him.

"Raymond, is this true?" Lydia asked.

"It's all true mother, it's the reason Kimball jumped off the bridge, it the reason Eric worked so much to avoid Valencia and it's the reason why Ronald Wair shot himself after her raped Angelique." Jazzmine said the words slowly her lips quivered as she did. She held her mother as she turned to to Raymond to make sense of what Jazzmine was saying, but the stun look on his face told Lydia that it was it was true. Her baby was violated.

A primal scream unlike anything Jazzmine had ever heard before filled the kitchen. Jazzmine cringed watching her mother fall as though someone squeezed the life from her heart. She bent to her mother holding her on her lap rocking back and forth like a child hating herself for telling the truth and hating her father for creating it.

Raymond fought to stand upright feeling his knees begin to buckle. His body shook hard and the reality of what he created was exposed in the unrestricted tears he released for his daughter. He griped his hands into fist digging his fingernails into his palms. His body began to shake uncontrollably.

The room was silent for what seem like an eternity, everyone was afraid to move, not knowing what to say or do. It seemed that any word spoken or gesture taken was wrong. Lydia motioned for Jazzmine to help her to the table where she sat solemn and contemplative for a few more minutes before she finally spoke.

"Raymond, I want you to leave, you need to leave my house. I cannot forgive you right now. My job as a mother is to protect my daughters the last thing I ever thought I would need to do is protect them against you." She spoke her words through clenched teeth with assurance leaving no room for debate or discussion. "Jazzmine, I want you to change your clothes and take me to my daughters."

"Lydia I didn't mean for things to turn out this way. I love them dearly and equally I just wanted them to have the best. I would never wish harm on them. Lydia, you've got to believe me." Raymond pleaded.

"Raymond, I'm hurt, I'm disappointed, but mostly I am angry and any other emotion you can think of. You were blind by what you wanted you never bothered to ask the girls what they needed what they wanted for their lives. You took it upon yourself and did exactly what you wanted to do. So now, I am taking back the control of my house, I am making the decision for my life and the life of my daughters." Lydia was breathing heavy her chest rising and falling fast her eyes stayed fixed on Raymond daring him to challenge.

"Jazzmine, I am sorry." His sincerity was overwhelming; "I truly am sorry, you've to believe that I had your best interest."

"Daddy, do you even know what my best interest is, do you even know Valencia's or Angelique's for that matter?" Jazzmine stood walked past he father and went upstairs to finally start her day.

**********

By the time Lydia and Jazzmine reached the hospital, Robert Tracy and Phillip were already in the room sitting with Angelique. Robert met Jazzmine and Lydia in the lobby of the hospital where he embraced Lydia. He told them that she was badly bruised purposely leaving out the details of the brutal rape, there no need for further anguish.

It was apparent to Jazzmine that there was a difference in Robert's behavior and demeanor. His eyes were narrow and small darting from side to side. The perpetual smile he wore vanished and he spoke quietly using few words.

'Robert, you need to get some rest." Jazzmine said.

"My place is here, with my wife." Robert didn't look at Jazzmine; he walked slightly ahead of the pair with long strides annoyed that he left his wife's side. They reached the elevator doors already open; he climbed in pressed the button to the fourth floor and asked sardonically, "Where's Raymond?"

"We can talk about that later," Lydia said, "Right now my only concern is for Angelique."

The doors to the evaluator opened and Robert lead the way to the waiting room where he introduced Jazzmine and Lydia to Phillip and Tracy. Robert excused himself and returned to the room with his wife.

"He's not doing well at all." Jazzmine noted.

"He's been through a lot, he holds himself responsible for what happened to Angelique." Phillip explained.

"Why, there was nothing he could have done, he didn't know Ronald was capable of something like this." Jazzmine replied.

Before Phillip could respond, Robert was back in the waiting room. "Angelique is very groggy from the medication and she is aware that you are here." He said looking at Lydia.

"Is it okay to see her now?"

"Yes, of course." Robert took Lydia by the hand and escorted her to the room. Jazzmine followed behind. "Maybe you should wait out here."

"Sorry Robert, I am going wherever my mother goes." Jazzmine responded.

The room was quite and the television was on but no sound was coming from the set. Lydia gasped at seeing her badly bruised daughter. Angelique was unrecognizable. Her left eye was swollen shut and purple. Her cheek had a deep cut and her lips were chapped and scabbed was beginning to form where it was split. Robert tried to warn them but nothing had prepared Lydia or Jazzmine for what they saw. Lydia turned her face and took deep breaths to keep from screaming and Jazzmine, thinking she had no more tears, let them fall to the linoleum floor.

"Mommy," Angelique winched in pain as she tried to form the words.

"Angelique my love, I am here, don't speak, it's okay, mommy is here." Lydia went toward her daughter and took her hand rubbing it gently. She prayed silently for her youngest child repeating the exact words her sister used to pray over her when she was in the hospital.

Jazzmine moved slowly toward her mother standing behind her. She smiled as Angelique winked her good eye trying to avoiding pain.

"Robert, if you want to go and get something to eat or rest, I am going to stay here with her, you can go if you like."

"With all due respect, I want to stay at her side." Robert said.

"I understand. Jazzmine stay with your sister for a moment. Robert come with me." Lydia went to where Robert stood purposely blocking the door to keep intruders out.

She grabbed his hand and escorted him out of the room much to his protest. "Now you listen to me," Lydia's voice was low and firm, "You are going to need all the strength you can muster to take care of my child. I know that you love her and I can see that you are carrying a load of guilt, but you cannot keep this up. You need your rest so that when Angelique comes home, you can take care of her. I need you to be strong for my daughter. She needs you. She needs to know that she can lean on you, that she can depend on you. When the nightmare comes, and they will, she is going to need to know that the person holding her is holding on to her for dear life. She needs to know that not all men are out to hurt her, that in spite of what happened this will come to pass and she will be stronger because of it. I know I had to learn and I thank God that Raymond was there for me."

Robert stood frozen at the revelation and knew that no more words were needed. His threw his arms around Lydia and for the first time since learning about the dreadful event sobbed quietly into her grateful for his new family.

-Summer-

Chapter 36

Valencia waited outside of the main terminal of the crowded airport for the driver she prearranged to arrive. Somehow she felt rejuvenated standing in the oppressive Indian air, an unanticipated surprise after enduring the thirty six hour flight that included three airport transfers to the city of Varanasi considered to be by some the holiest city in the world. Valencia was ready for the weather wearing her hair the shortest she had ever had it in a small afro. Her makeup was sparse and her clothes, a cotton white skirt and tank top and open toe sandals, proved to be the best solution for the fight against the humidity and dense air. She rested against the cool glass of the large window by the skycap station feeling redeemed about using her wedding holdings to finance her trip to India. Eric never came to the hospital; instead he sent a letter telling her how sorry he was for causing her so much pain. The coward never even came to see me, Valencia thought to herself.

Valencia took comfort in watching the people scurry amongst the chaos of the streets speaking in different dialects. She watched a mother hurried her two children onto a rickshaw as the fathers rolled heavy suitcases ahead of them.

Valencia was pleased to be outside in the hot air after the chaos of going through customs. It appeared to Valencia that those with expensive luggage where purposely selected to display their treasures so that they could be confiscate in the name of the law.

Valencia checked her messages on her cell phone and decided to call her Aunt Sarah instead of her mother who was most likely staying with Angelique and Robert. She looked at her watch and calculated the time for Detroit. The sun should just be rising and knew Aunt Sarah was an early riser so calling her was better option.

"Good Morning Aunt Sarah, I knew you would already be awake!"

"Valencia, thank God, I was so worried about you, it feels like I haven't heard from you in months." Her Aunt squealed.

"It has not been that long I just saw you. Anyway, I am here and it is very hot. I didn't think it was going to be this hot here."

'Well it is India honey." Aunt Sarah reminded her.

'I know," was Valencia's only response. "Aunt Sarah, do you think I am crazy for taking this trip?"

"I think that you are doing exactly what you need to do for yourself."

"I just feel this is the right time for me." Valencia replied as she searched for her driver.

"It's always amazing how the Lord will show up in the midst of the storm to let you know that you are going to be alright, oh how I just love the mystery of the Lord. "Aunt Sarah said to Valencia.

"I'm not sure about the mystery of the Lord but I know what I have to do." Valencia replied holding one finger in her ear to block out the noise.

"Sometimes we have to do things that seem unconventional to others but make perfect sense to us. What you are about to do makes perfect sense to you for whatever reason seeing the Ganges River will signify a new beginning for you."

"That's exactly what I want. I want a new beginning. I want to get rid of the wrongs in my life and start anew. I believe I am responsible for the things that happen to me because I have allowed these things to happen to me. Because I was such a needy person I attracted those things toward me."

"It's so good to hear you talk like that. I can hear the difference in your voice already." Sarah said.

"It looks like my driver is here;" Valencia said reaching down to pick up her backpack. "How is Angelique?"

'You mother told me that she is fine physically. I heard Robert has not left her side."

"Thank God for Robert." Valencia waved eagerly to the young driver with the thick mustache and messy hair toward her holding a ripped piece of cardboard her name written in black ink.

"Yes Lord, thank God for Robert." Aunt Sarah agreed.

"When I last spoke with Angelique I told her that this journey I am taking is not only for me, but for her and Jazzmine as well I know that when I am blessed I can bless others"

'The way you talking you I don't think you need to see that river sound like you already got it going on." Aunt Sarah chuckled

"Not really but I am on my way, listen I have to go I love you and if you speak to my mother tell her I will call her tomorrow." Valencia hung up without giving her Aunt a chance to say goodbye she knew that if she allowed her aunt a second more; she would be on for at least five more minutes. The driver tried to take her bag and put it into the small trunk but Valencia refused having read and seen movies about how taxi drivers often stole from unsuspecting tourists. She was forced to sit in the front seat of the small Fiat having seen the backseat full of empty coffee cups and old newspapers. A musky smell overwhelmed her nostrils causing her to cough and cup her hand over her nose. The taxi driver shook his head and drove into the busy street swerving through the busy airport traffic.

"My name is Amajuba, you call me Mani." The man smiled broadly displaying a rack of perfectly aligned yellow teeth.

"Are you from South Africa?" Valencia asked turning her head finally identifying the source of the ungodly smell in the cab.

"Ooohhh, you know South Africa do you?" Mani asked.

"I read a lot and I know that Amajuba is in South Africa." Valencia reached in her bag and retrieved gum and gave it to the driver. If she was going to spend the next hour in this cab then she was going to make sure she would make herself as comfortable as possible and she started with Mani's breath. "You can call me Val."

"My parents lived there some time ago," Mani explained as he awkwardly chewed the piece of gum, "This chew candy is very very spicy." He noted taking the gum out to examine it.

"Its cinnamon gum," Valencia turned her head and rolled her eyes. "You're supposed to chew it quietly with your mouth closed."

"That's silly, if I chew it with my mouth closed, how will I be able to talk to you?" Mani smiled wide the red piece of gum clashed against his yellow teeth. "You've more?" Despite his dental habits, Mani had a distinct charm about him that made Valencia feel at ease.

Valencia laughed as she retrieved a second stick from her bag and decided at that very moment, nothing was going to upset her and that if she really wanted to make a change in her life she needed to see life exactly how it was, not how she thought is should be. For now, she was pleased that at least the car smelled of cinnamon.

They drove in silence until Mani was able to weave out of most of the airport traffic. It was a difficult task but Mani maneuvered his vehicle like a trained rodeo hoarse steered by its gallant rider. The main thoroughfare was equally busy however, where the other road had cars, rickshaws and animals, this road had people either walking on bicycles or being pushed on strollers. I seemed that Mani had his hand perpetually placed on the horn, as people blindly crossed the road or passed in front of their car on bicycles.

"We'll be out this soon." Mani said noticing the nauseous look on Valencia's face. "You tourist are all the same." Mani laughed. He vigorously turned the Fiat into a narrow road that had about eight cows roaming in both directions. Valencia screamed at the sight and quickly rolled up her window to avoid the putrid smell that instantly engulfed the car. The cow droppings harden from the sum, where like speed bumps rocking Valencia and the other contents of the vehicle around like tumbleweeds. Valencia placed both of her hands on the dashboard in a failed attempt to keep from hitting her head on the passenger window. There were no people on the road just cows roaming freely. The buildings along the narrow street had Graffiti written on the sides and posters plastered along the buildings. Each doorway had makeshift temples or shrines to Lord Shiva. It was of the most peculiar and exciting sights Valencia had ever seen and she laughed at the absurdity that she of all people was in the midst of such a scene.

Mani reached the end of the narrow street which opened to a broader road. The road stretched wide it was a road Valencia was more accustomed to, one with lanes, lines and lights. Valencia relaxed finally grateful one to be on a normal road and grateful to be able to open the window.

"Am I almost to my hotel?" Valencia asked.

"Just a few more miles it is on this road." Mani looked at Valencia then looked straight again. "What are you hoping to accomplish here in Varanasi?" Mani already had his own suspicion but he wanted to know anyway.

The question took Valencia off guard so she said the first thing that came into her mind, "I want to take in some of the sights see the city for myself. My mother used to tell us stories of so many wonderful places around the world and I wanted to see them for myself." It was partially true she admitted to herself.

The sun was beginning to set and Valencia could see the city changing. The streets were less crowed in this part of the city and the few scattered shops that aligned the walks where either closing or already closed. Mani was quite giving Valencia time to soak in the sights. She was grateful for the silence allowing her time to absorb the reality of her crazy whim. The idea of flying over thirty six hours to a place she had only heard about in stories seemed so unlike Valencia. She managed to live life up to now knowing exactly what outcome she would get, but here now in this country in a car she would never be caught dead in, especially with a man like Mani, she had to wonder had she really lost her mind or was she serious about the change she wanted to make in her life.

"Look over there," Mani pointed to an area where a throng of woman dressed in colorful garbs of deep blues, bright yellow, maroon, orange and red all walking toward what seemed to Valencia a port. The men wore solid white garbs around their waist and shoulders some men had no shirts on. The throng of people seemed content to be doing exactly what they wanted to be doing and walked with purpose and joyful almost wanting to go to wherever they were headed.

"Where are they going?" Valencia asked curiously.

"To the Ganges River."

"Can we go?"

"Of course."

Mani found a parking near the entrance of what he finally explained to Valencia as a bathing Ghats. They walked mid-way down the steep stairs of the Ghats where Valencia stood staring down at the Ganges River the very one her mother spoke of. She was shocked and amazed at the pollution in the water. She was still; watching people wash their bodies as they splashed the dirty water over themselves. Some people even washed their teeth. She watched a man swim out into the river with and urn spreading ashes of a dead relative into the river.

"It is believed that if you spread the ashes of a loved one into the River their soul will automatically go to heaven." Mani explained to Valencia almost on queue. He watched her carefully feeling the excitement for her wanting her to feel what he himself has felt many times before and what she so desperately needed a freedom from herself. "The Ganges River is not just a river but a mother, a goddess, a tradition and our culture." Mani continued to explain. "Coming here many believe will cause the forgiveness of sins and attain salvation from what holds you."

Valencia looked at Mani solemnly and without words thanked him for understanding.

"The ceremony is about to begin come follow me." Mani took Valencia's hand and led her to the balcony where she saw seven priests standing on a platform each performing a ritual routine with incense, bells, music flaming torches and large fans. The dark skies lit with flashes of silent lightning as though it was summoned by the priests themselves adding to the majestic of the ceremony. The priests continued praying and the music and bells mix harmoniously. The chant of prayer was spread throughout the crowd of worshipers. Looking around Valencia saw a few Buddhist monks as well other tourist, like her, equally in awe of the spectacle. Worshipers continued to bathe in the water and before Valencia knew it the ceremony was over.

"You don't actually have to bathe to experience a change." Mani said to Valencia's relief.

"What do you mean?" She asked still watching people not wanting the excitement of the ceremony to end.

"Sometimes a simple sunset will make you see things differently, some would say almost like a religious experience." Mani said turning to leave.

"How so?"

"You've to look beyond what you are seeing. The answer is not always in front of you. Are you ready to go to your hotel now?"

"Sure. I'm ready." Valencia repeated the words slowly to herself. She had been so self-centered for so many years.

Mani drove the short distance to the Gateway Hotel and escorted Valencia into the lobby. She already paid all of her fees which included Mani's but she was fully aware of the expectations of tips so he handed him a twenty which he took graciously.

"Miss Val," Mani called to Valencia,

"Yes Mani." Valencia turned at smiled at the driver.

"Don't look in front of you for the answers you seek, look inside, they are already there." Mani turned leaving Valencia standing in the lobby of the hotel ready to embark on the next phase of her life.

Chapter 37

Kyle Martin started his morning jog earlier than usual today. He could still see the morning dew rested on the grass lined along the track where he ran. There was the hum of an airplane in the far distance, a sound that normally would be lost in the business of the day. But today was Sunday the day of rest. His feet hit the track rhythmically but quicker than normal there was too much to do. His mind was occupied and although he prided himself on how organized he was he still felt overwhelmed at the prospect of this day.

It took four years to come to this day, it was a decision he made a long time ago but failed to realize for fear of what it may do to his life. But now that Jazzmine Farrior was with him he knew that it was exactly what must be done. Kyle was never a man to relinquish on a project once he committed himself and although he temporarily halted his studies he felt the call to return.

Kyle left Jazzmine sleeping at his house in West Windsor. It was a palatial four bedroom, three bath home. It was specifically designed for the perpetual bachelor. There was no posters hanging with duct tape or milk crates holding up furniture. Instead Kyle's home looked like a page from New York Magazine with leather chairs and large screen television and surround sound. Speakers were strategically hidden in the walls and ceilings control by one remote. The same color scheme played throughout the home, brown, beige and splashes of reds, burgundy and gold. It was clear to Jazzmine that Kyle hired a woman to help him with his decorating style based on the placement furniture.

By the time Kyle reached the house Jazzmine was already awake and in the shower. She had grown accustomed to getting up early on Sunday's and making breakfast which they ate reading the newspaper or watching the morning news on the flat screen television in the kitchen nook. Jazzmine reduced her workload to six days a week make certain that her Sundays were completely free and only made herself available via phone in cases of emergencies.

They had been dating steadily since May and Kyle had been by Jazzmine's side the entire time she carried her family's burden on her shoulders. Had it not been for Kyle and her Aunt Sarah she would have given up a long time ago. Jazzmine checked on her mother everyday and received daily text messages from both Angelique and Valencia. It amazed Kyle, how Jazzmine the youngest of the Farrior girls was the one everyone relied on. She hated to admit it, but she was strong like her father. Whenever she felt like she couldn't go on anymore she would call her Aunt Sarah who reminded her "Child, God does not give you more than you can handle so you must be a person who could handle a lot. "

"It's not a role I asked for Aunt Sarah," Jazzmine would respond.

"We don't tell God how to use us, we ask Him to use us to His will. Be strong He will guide you and carry you He always does." Aunt Sarah would reply.

Jazzmine was pouring the coffee into Kyle's mug as he joined her at the breakfast table. He had on a pair of pin striped pants dress shoes and a white cotton undershirt.

"I thought I would join you for church again today." Jazzmine said pouring herself a cup of the hot coffee.

"I would love that." Kyle sipped his coffee and started on his eggs and fruit. "Is your mother coming with us?" He asked.

"Yes, I spoke to her this morning and she seemed excited about me coming with her. She's going regularly and you know what, I think she like it." Jazzmine said.

"Jazzmine, you know I would never force you to do anything you wouldn't want to do, not that I could anyway, but church can do some good."

"I know Kyle, I see the change it has had on my mother, I mean she and my father are getting along famously it almost makes me sick."

"Has he moved back in?"

"I think so, although mother has not said anything to me, but I think he has." Jazzmine said.

Kyle put his fork down and looked at Jazzmine. The sunlight behind her enhanced her beauty.

"Jazzmine today is a very special day for me. Not only are you coming to church with me, but there is going to be a special announcement and I don't want you to be alarmed when it is made." He said to Jazzmine.

"Well that sounds a bit dramatic." Jazzmine retorted. "Are you scolding me?"

"No honey, not at all, it's just that a long time ago I started something and now I feel the calling to finish it."

"The calling?" Jazzmine said with raised eyebrows. "Please Lord, please Lord, don't tell me that you are thinking about becoming a priest." She placed her elbows on the table and buried her head into her hands.

"No, definitely not a priest, but a Deacon." Kyle replied.

"A DEACON!" Jazzmine shouted.

"It's not as bad as you think, I started the classes a long time ago and now I feel it is the right time."

"The right time, for whom Kyle? You and I have been dating for nearly three months. I have no interest in being with anyone but you. How can you even say that this is the right time?" Jazzmine was trying her hardest not to cry. She didn't want to end her relationship with Kyle. It was the first relationship that was built on friendship, honesty and trust. She knew that Kyle was a special man and she didn't want to lose him.

"It's not going to change anything Jazzmine trust me." Kyle tried to sound reassuring.

"The hell it's not! You are going to be a Deacon what do you think those trifling church people are going to say when they find out that I am staying here with you?"

"About that, we may have to make other arrangements." Kyle looked down at the table when he said this.

"You see it's already starting Kyle, I can't be here with you. Just when everything was going perfect with us you go and hear this calling." Jazzmine sat back in her chair and crossed her arms. She felt defeated.

Kyle stood and walked over to Jazzmine and grabbed her hand. He knelt beside her and looked up into her honey colored eyes. "I promise, this will not change anything."

"It already has Kyle. We are going in opposite directions." Jazzmine said as a lone tear left her eye. She let go of Kyle's hand and wiped the tear away.

"Jazzmine, I love you. I love your strength, your beauty and I love how you make me feel. This is important to me and I know that we can make this work."

"How, how do you suppose that you and I will ever make this work?"

Kyle reached for Jazzmine's hand and placed a velvet box in her palm. "Open it." He instructed.

Jazzmine was shock, she hadn't notice how or when he retrieved the box. Had it been on the table, was it in his pocket, she wondered? "Kyle what are you doing?"

"Open it." He repeated.

Jazzmine opened the velvet box and inside was a solitaire diamond ring in a platinum setting. It was simple perfection. Jazzmine looked at Kyle shocked and amazed she tried to say something her mouth was open it felt but it felt like a stone was lodged in her throat.

"We can make this work, Jazzmine as husband and wife." Kyle said still on one knee. "Jazzmine Farrior, I knew from the moment that I saw you that you were meant to be someone in my life. I don't believe in coincidence, I believe in a divine plan and I know that our meeting in the parking lot was a divine plan. We may have only known each other for three short months, but it didn't take me that long to know that you are the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. Jazzmine, will you make me the happiest man on earth and be my wife?'

Chapter 38

Raymond tossed sterling silver frame, holding the award his daughters had given him into the open suite case that was stretched atop his bed. Looking at the frame Raymond felt unworthy of the award and defeat of a title he could no longer uphold - _father of the year_. He returned to the large Mahogany chest of drawers in the middle of his large walk in closet displaying his large collection of watches and perfectly aligned suits, ties and shirts. He wouldn't need any of his fancy suits for some time. He made arrangements to stay at his condo in Atlantic City for the next several weeks. Lydia had made her demand to Raymond very clear when she told him to leave the home he help to create and solely destroyed. At long last Raymond was awake to the result of his misguided dealings and the naive intention to secure his daughters happiness played out in Valencia's suicide attempt, the death of Kimball Robinson and Angelique brutal raped.

Atlantic City was not his first choice for solitude but the gambling capitol of New Jersey would allow Raymond to be camouflaged into the gaming crowds and although he had the condo for several years he never took advantage its occupancy. He took one last look around his grand closet and before he left opened the secret compartment door and inserted an envelope with the name Elyse Toliver written in black ink.

Returning to the bed, Raymond picked up his suitcase and headed downstairs resting it at the foot of wide staircase just outside of his private den. He sat behind his stately desk removing the pseudo dust from the leather blotter dreading the thought of being alone for the first time ever in his life. He retrieved the key to the liquor cabinet from the top drawer and opened the cabinet that sat behind his desk and poured a cognac.

"It's not even lunch time." A woman's voice Raymond recognized filled the quite room interrupting his thoughts.

"It's what I need right now. It took you long enough to get here." Raymond was tired and said his words slowly. He looked over at the woman standing at the doorway then turn to the cognac for a second swig.

"You look terrible; I've never seen you out of a suit." She walked to the grand desk and sat in one of the two leather chairs in facing the desk. Raymond kept his back toward her looking at his empty glass.

"Well there is a first time for everything. Is my car ready?"

"Yes, it is. It's parked out front. Do you want me to go with you?"

"No, I want to be alone." Raymond responded.

"You hate to be alone; at least that's what you told me when I was a little girl. Do you remember?" She continued not waiting for a response. "You said that I should be alone because it was the best thing for everyone. Do you remember that?"

"I do." Raymond said defeated.

"You told me that you hated to be alone and understood what I was going through and even though you knew I would hate every minute you sent me away regardless." She said sardonically. "Well now it is your turn to go away isn't daddy."

"Yes, Elyse, it is." Raymond acknowledged as stood walked past his daughter Elyse picked up his suit case and left the house.

-Chapter 39

The best part about the past is that it stays there having nowhere else to go. It only moves forward when we summon memories into present existence. The past cannot exist in the future. There is no real place for it; the past knows its rightful place as it lies unequivocally dormant.

What happened to Angelique Farrior Briskin had had irrevocably changed her former self. She refused to let the actions of Ronald Wair be a walking death and an anguish she could not retrieve her soul from. She allowed herself to let the revulsion wash from her mind permanently erasing the horror she suffered at his hands. She felt no responsibility for Ronald's actions, for how can one be responsible for the unwarranted act of others. There was no sense of betrayal toward her father who inadvertently incited the obsession in Ronald's sick mind. How was she to know that Ronald was a deviant monster who sold his soul to the devil to carry out his master plan?

Angelique had certainly met the devil in one of his finest moments but he had not destroyed her. She had heard her Aunt Sarah say on more than one occasion, _"...Greater is He that lives in me than he who is of this world..." and_ she repeated those words not knowing the strength of its significance, the power of the phrase and the redemption that awaited her. She prayed not for herself but for the life inside of her growing, the life she instinctively loved and ultimately loss. She prayed for Robert grateful that he was in her life and had shown her that she is worthy of being loved and capable of giving love.

The demon had taken hold of Ronald Wair that was certain and he carried out his dreadful deed on Angelique, but the bright light that engulfed her and shone brightly in the room that frightful day protected her like a father hovering over His child keeping her from danger and shielding her like an impenetrable cloak. She could not see what was happening to her, the light would not allow it for she was coated with the words she repeated ... _Greater is He that lives in me than he who is of this world..."_ She knew that "He" was with her that "He" would heal her and that "He" would make sure she was reassured in His glory.

Jazzmine and Robert kept a constant vigil at her bedside. Her Aunt Sarah was not even home for one day when she and Glenderson flew to back New Jersey upon learning the news. Already distraught and shaken by Valencia she felt guilty about leaving her sister and rushed to be with her family.

Sarah had stopped questioning God many years ago when she lost of her first child, Glenderson Jr., to a drunk driver while he was riding his tricycle in the front yard. Aunt Sarah knew that the devil was loose and his deeds are not immutable to mere humans. The pain of losing a child was enormous and at times she was inconsolable. But she knew someone greater, someone who could give her peace, and make it easier to accept what she could not comprehend. She knew that He was the only one that could console a grieving mother and now standing in the middle of the hospital room surrounded by her family, she prayed aloud first for each one to find forgiveness in themselves and each other and for those who didn't know the Him, she prayed that out of this tragedy, the Farriors would draw closer to Him and seek His face and she prayed in words that were no longer her own, but that of Him speaking through her. She spoke of things that were foreign to her but as His vessel she spoke to each one separately and wholly. And miracles, likened to those what Sarah imagined to the Upper Room where happening now in sterile hospital room. She spoke in a language only He understood and what others may have misunderstood as gibberish, but it was a song of praise, a song that took with it all the pain released in the tears that were shed and never to be spoken of again.

Angelique turned to Robert, who until now held his emotions afraid to comment on what witnessed. He's seen so many things in his travels, voodoo rituals, hangings of innocent victims, the sacrifice of a limb for committing a crime, various religious ceremonies around the world, but this simple act, the coming together and imploring the name of God, moved him more than anything he had ever seen. He didn't shed tears, but the light that Angelique saw illuminating from his smile told her that the union they shared was now ordained and without words or gesture each knew that the past could not harm them or destroy the force that brought them together. Each was healed.

Unable to ignore the force and the momentum in the room, Lydia turned to her sister and sobbed heartily into her chest and she was transformed and renewed and awakened to the spirit that she knew so many years ago. She welcomed the joy that had abandoned her and now leapt in her heart pleased to be in its rightful place abound with forgiveness. She felt lighter and in that moment, she was able to forgive herself and her husband. There was more work to be done and she had not changed her mind, at least not yet, to have him return home but her heart was open very open to the possibility of what awaited her.

*************

The joy Angelique felt those many days ago still lived today as she blissfully watched Robert ride his horse. She sat on the white fence of the coral of Robert's parents' farm house. His mother standing next to her was cheering her son on; pleased to have them home for several more weeks. The Australian weather was the perfect mix of cool breeze and warm sun. Angelique closed her eyes and cocked her head back to let the breeze brush against her face and neck and through her auburn hair.

"You look so happy Angelique." Mrs. Briskin commented then turning to watch Robert.

"I am. I am truly happy." Angelique said still smiling with her eyes closed enjoying the breeze. She inhaled and looked and Mrs. Briskin still admiring Robert as she waved happily at him. "Thank you for having us here with you, Australia is so beautiful and you and your husband are so gracious with us making me feel comfortable and accepting of me."

"You are an easy person to accept. I love you having you both here. Have you considered how long you would like to stay?"

"I eventually would like to go back to New York. It would be hard, but I still have my dream of having a boutique filled with my own designs."

"I saw you sketching in the patio the other day you looked like you enjoy what you do."

"It's what I always dreamed of doing."

"Then you should pursue it. When Robert told me that his job was going to take him all over the world I was sad thinking I would see my son less and less, but had I convinced him to stay he would have been a caged bird trapped and unhappy. I couldn't let that happen. The saddest thing in the world is to know what you want to do and not do it."

Angelique was silent taking in Mrs. Briskin's words. She had thought about returning to New York for several weeks now. Robert told her that when she was ready he would be ready to go with her. They had been in Australia for nearly two months and although she loved every minute of her stay she knew deep down that she wanted to be closer to her family and the city she loved.

"I'm going to check on Mr. Briskin and start lunch. I think we'll have lunch by the pool don't want to waste this weather indoors." Mrs. Briskin said.

"Mum," Angelique called. "Thank you for everything, for Robert, for accepting me and taking care of me." Angelique wanted to say more but the lump in her throat would not dislodge itself.

Mrs. Briskin turned toward Angelique and placed her hand gently on Angelique's back, "A mother greatest prayer is that her child lives a full and happy life you fill Robert's life and he is happy. I love you like my own daughter there will always be a place in our hearts for you."

Angelique could not hold the tears; the lump that was forming finally dislodged itself releasing tears and the two women embraced.

"How about a go, my luv?" Robert asked unknowingly interrupting the moment between the two women.

"You know better than to ask me if I want to get on a horse." Angelique joked jumping off the fence, quickly wiping her tears and walking toward Robert who was still mounted on Zorro, his horse.

"One day, one day you will ride with me." Robert dismounted and grabbed Zorro by the reins and with his free hand reached for Angelique.

"Lunch will be ready soon, so you two try not to get lost. Mrs. Briskin yelled to the pair as they walked hand in hand to the stable.

Once in the barn, Robert took off Zorro's saddle and started brushing his coat. Angelique reached in the barrel for a carrot and tossed it in Zorro's direction. Robert laughed out loud at Angelique's attempt to partake in farm life.

"You don't have to pretend you like animals I appreciate the gesture however." Robert laughed. "You and mum seemed engrossed in conversation, what was that all about?"

"Just two women talking that's all." Angelique said casually.

"Okay I get the hint." Robert chuckled, "I'm glad that you are getting along with my parents."

"Me too. I love it here Robert, I really do. To see where you grew up on all this beautiful land with your horses, it's so peaceful here."

"I'm glad you got a chance to see it." Robert finished with Zorro and finally returned him to his stable. "Why don't we take a walk in the pear orchard?" Robert suggested.

"Sounds like a good idea," She took Roberts hand admiring the burst of sun on his cheeks. He looked so handsome with his dark jeans fitting perfect and sitting low around his waist. The tight cotton shirt showed his perfect chest. He ran his large hand through his hair shaking the few loose straw of hay that found their way into his sandy locks. Each was quiet lost in their private thoughts as Robert led her to the center of the orchard. In the center was a Victorian iron bench on a brick patio adorn with yellow and red rose in tall urns, a perfect backdrop to the greenery that surrounded them. A Koi pond sat in the center of the patio complete with rocks, stone and running waterfall. Lilly pad and water lilies floated aimlessly in the pond.

'This is absolutely stunning." Angelique marveled.

"The handy work of my dear ole' dad," Robert proudly admired as he sat on the bench and purposely placed Angelique on his lap.

"I've always loved coming here; it gives me a chance to clear my head when I'm overworked." Robert said.

"Is it overworked now?" Angelique said looking at the fish swim hurriedly in the pond.

"A little." Robert admitted.

"How so?"

"I want you to be happy; it's all I ever want."

"Robert I am happy right here with you."

"Do you miss New York?"

"Why?" Angelique wondered if she had led on that she did.

"I found one of your drawing pads and I was happy that you started creating again. I know how much you love it." Robert pushed a lock of her hair form her shoulder and kissed her neck softly.

"I want you to be happy as well Robert, seeing you here with your parents and how relaxed you've become its where you belong."

"I belong where you are."

"You know what I mean Robert." Angelique said playfully.

"I'm serious Angel wherever you are is home for me. I brought you out here not only to meet my parents, but to take you away from the chaos so that you can decide what you wanted to do."

"I know Robert, and for that I am eternally grateful."

"I meant it when I said that I am ready when you are Angel." Robert took her hand and raised it to his lips kissed each of her fingers.

"Robert."

"Yes luv?"

"I'm ready." Angelique turned to Robert and looked into his green eyes. She loved this man more than she loved anyone else on this earth. She loved this man who saved her from herself and vowed to protect her from the world or would die trying.

"Then tell me when and we will leave." His kissed her lips this time.

"No, I mean I'm ready to be with you again." Angelique said coyly.

Robert looked at Angelique knowing instantly what she meant. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," She said and kissed his lips; "Yes" she repeated and moved her lips toward his neck and unbuttoning his shirt. "I love you".

"I love you." Robert moaned delighted as the two caressed rediscovering each other's bodies.

-Autumn-
Chapter 40

Thanksgiving produced a welcomed flutter of activity to the Farrior household once again. Lydia was elbow deep in flour preparing her famous peach cobbler. Sarah was helping Glenderson with the deep fryer in the backyard. In addition to the baked turkey, Angelique had requested a fried turkey to be added to the menu, much to Glernderson's delight.

"Now that's some soul eating." He chuckled when Lydia told him about the request. The unusual autumn weather was a grateful reception after the miserable two weeks of rain and seemed to heighten the joy already looming in the atmosphere.

"I can't wait to have my girl's home with me once again." Lydia sang.

"You must be so happy to have them together; I mean how long has it been since you all have been in the same house at one time?' Sarah asked.

"Goodness, it must have been last Thanksgiving." Lydia had to think. "Yes, I actually think it was last thanksgiving."

Sarah stood next to her sister who was kneading dough reached for a peach form the large ceramic bowl and began to peel and cut them. "We have so much to be thankful for this year don't we sis."

"Yes we do. When I look back at all that our family had gone through and what we have survived I have to thank God Almighty. It was Him and only Him that got us through every ordeal that came our way." Lydia paused and shook her head recalling the past year to mind.

"It's good to hear you talk like that Lydia." Sarah said.

'Like what?"

"To know that there is a higher power that will pull you through and make a way when there is no way."

"I've learned a lot about the power of God and rely solely on His grace, mercy and forgiveness." Lydia said.

"Speaking of forgiveness, am I going to see Raymond here today? Sarah asked returning to the sink to rinse the peeled peaches.

"Yes."

"You don't sound excited about him coming over." Sarah noticed

"To tell you the truth Raymond has been home for quite some time now." Lydia confessed.

"And you'ven't told me!" Sarah was surprised at the revelation.

'That's because I know how much you talk to my girls and I didn't want you opening your mouth to tell them." Lydia finished with the dough and placed it neatly and evenly in the large glass baking dish.

"Excuse me?'

'Sarah, I know how you are and you know that when you start talking things come out whether intentionally or not, they just come out of your mouth and I was not ready to tell anyone especially my daughters."

"And why not?" Sarah ignored Lydia's comment.

"Well the fryer is ready." Glenderson announced as he joined the women in the kitchen. "Is there anything else that I can do?"

"Actually there is Glen, I have some chairs down in the basement that I want to bring up since the weather is so nice I thought we could have dessert out on the deck tonight." Lydia said.

"Sounds great, I thought I saw a portable fire pit maybe I can get that set up too, start a nice fire going while we have dessert out there." Glenderson suggested.

"Sounds perfect!" Lydia exclaimed. "If you need anything just let me know. Raymond will be here soon, he can help you as well."

"Where is my brother-in-law anyway?" Glenderson asked.

"He went to purchase more wine. He'll be back soon." Lydia placed the large baking dish in the oven. She turned to face Glenderson.

"Okay send him out back when he gets here." Glenderson said

"Glen, when Raymond gets here try not to ask him too many questions about the girls, he's feeling a little nervous about seeing them. It's been a long time and he hasn't spoken to not nary one of them." Lydia said nervously wiping her hand on her apron.

"Don't worry Lydia I won't mention a thing unless he wants me too, and even then I will watch what I say, you don't have to worry about me, I can control what comes out of my mouth. "Glenderson looking at his wife with raised eyebrows.

Lydia laughed and thanked Glenderson for understanding. It was great to have her family here with her and fill the big house with some familiar sounds. Sarah and Lydia continued with the rest of Thanksgiving preparation making macaroni and cheese, collard greens, sweet potatoes, brown rice, tossed salad, stewed tomatoes, smoked catfish and roasted green beans. The sisters were resting at the kitchen table enjoying a well dissevered cup of tea. Raymond had returned with the wine and avoided entering the kitchen altogether going into the yard from the garage then down into the basement. He and Glenderson where in the basement playing pool

"You never answered my question." Sarah reminded Lydia.

"What question." Lydia sipped avoiding eye contact with her sister.

"Why you never wanted to tell the girls that Raymond moved back into the house."

Lydia sighed and turning her gaze to her sister told her that because Raymond had tried to micromanage their lives he nearly destroyed each of their lived and felt responsible for the things that have happened.

'Don't you think that when they see their father that it will bring up those ill feelings or that they may not even want to see him?" Sarah asked concerned.

"I know my children and what each has gone through and they want to move on from the past. I have prayed so much for my family and I trust that this is the right time and the right thing to do." Lydia said.

"How do you know this is the right time, he hurt so many people. How do you think Robert will feel when he sees him?" Sarah had to ask.

"I know it is the right time because I have peace in my heart about it, Sarah I prayed long and hard and I know that everything is going to be okay, it may not be perfect but it will be okay." Lydia said confidently.

"Well then, the only thing I can do is support you." Sarah said.

"Where is everyone?" Jazzmine called from the foyer. "It smells good in here."

Lydia smiled broadly and ran into the foyer to greet her youngest. "Jazzmine, praise God you are here." She embraced her daughter firmly not wanting to let go.

"Mother I saw you last week in church my goodness." Jazzmine said taken aback at her mother's reaction.

"I know, I know, it's just that now that you are here it means that soon Angelique and Valencia will be here soon enough. I'm just so excited."

'I am too; I can't wait to see them." Jazzmine said gleefully.

"Oh my goodness, I was so excited to see you Jazzmine I almost ignored Kyle standing right here next to you."

"How are you Mrs. Farrior?" Kyle said as he hugged her.

"Now I told you to call me Lydia." She joking scolded.

"Okay, how about if you compromise and I call you Mrs. Lydia then." Kyle said.

"Mom, is daddy here yet?" Jazzmine asked.

"He's in the basement playing pool with Uncle Glenderson, why?" Lydia asked nervously.

"I was hoping he would be we never had a thanksgiving without him and I don't want to start that now." Jazzmine said.

Lydia smiled and felt some relief. She followed the couple into the kitchen already embraced in the arms of Sarah; her gleeful sounds could be heard throughout the entire house which brought Glenderson and Raymond from the basement.

Raymond entered the room cautiously his normal confidence seem shaken, almost gone. He did his best to maintain a stance of confidence but it was clear to everyone in the room that he was taken aback at the sight of his daughter. He could not stop looking at her. Jazzmine in her infinite wisdom simply approached her father and put her arms around him and softly kissed his cheek.

"Jazzmine there is some things I need to say to you." Raymond's voice was distressed. He had been practicing what he wanted to say to each of his daughters and was ready to beg for their forgiveness and would do anything to win their love.

"Daddy, there is nothing you need to say to me, I have already moved on from the past. I want today to be a good day; there is no need, at least for me, to bring up the past. I am happy today and I want to stay that way." Jazzmine said smiling at her father looking into his eyes.

"Thank sweetie, but I still at some point want to express my...."

"Daddy, I love you." Jazzmine interrupted.

"JAZZMINE!! " Angelique squealed from the kitchen entrance. She ran directly to her sister and the two hugged for what seemed like forever crying into each other's shoulders. Sobbing from pure excitement and joy that each where in the room. They held each other like Celie and Nettie in _The Color Purple_.

Lydia could not stop crying at seeing the sight play out in front of her. Her heart was filled and she thanked God and was humbled for her answered prayers. Robert ever protective of his wife walked behind her and rubbed her back signaling that he was close.

"I've missed you so much." Angelique cried.

"Don't be silly, we talk all the time." Jazzmine said through tears.

"It's not the same; you look beautiful Jazzmine you really do." Angelique could not stop looking at her sister. She held her and prompting her to turn so that she can she examine her from all sides. "There is something different about you." Angelique said.

"It's love." Jazzmine admitted glowing. "I am in love for the first time in my life with a man that you've to meet." Jazzmine said taking Angelique to Kyle who was now standing next to Robert.

"Angelique this is my fiancé Kyle." Jazzmine blushed at herself just hearing the word leave her mouth.

"Fiancé!" Angelique turned to her sister, "You never told me you were engaged." Angelique hugged her sister again.

"I wanted to tell you in person and surprise everyone." Jazzmine said facing everyone in the room. "Kyle asked me a few months ago and I said yes. "Jazzmine held her hand out displaying the ring for everyone to see.

"Oh happy day!" Lydia said clasping her hands together.

"That sure is a beautiful ring." Sarah said examining the ring closely.

"I guess congratulations are in order then," Robert said extending his hand toward Kyle.

"Om my goodness, I'm sorry, Kyle this is Angelique's husband Robert, Robert this is..."

"We already met, we introduce ourselves to each other while you two where having your moment." Robert said as the group laughed collectively.

"I'm really happy for you Jazzmine, it seems like things are really going great for you." Raymond said breaking the laughter.

Raymond approached Jazzmine and kissed her cheek and reached out his hand to Kyle who graciously took it. The sincerity in the gesture took Jazzmine off guard but she welcomed the gesture not wanting to add to the thickness in the room.

"Thank Mr. Farrior, it means a lot to both Jazzmine and I that you would acknowledge our union." Kyle said finally breaking the awkward silence.

"I'm very proud of you Jazzmine, you've work hard all of your life. You decided right after high school to join the work force like and adult and have managed to create a highly successful business for yourself. I was very proud when I read the article in the Princeton Gazette last month when you were recognized as one of the top 10 entrepreneurs under thirty. I was a proud father." Raymond said as he moved next to Lydia who was still smiling.

"Do you still feel like a proud father?" Angelique asked mellifluously looking directly at her father.

All the eyes in the room seemed to shift downward avoiding each other not knowing what to do about the questioning from Angelique. The room was eerily still waiting for a response or reaction but none came. Raymond felt the sting of Angelique's questioning. Not knowing what else to do, Lydia broke the silence. "Why don't we move into the den Sarah and I made some appetizers, dinner won't be ready for a while; we can go in there until then." Lydia moved tensely in the direction of the den hoping the family would follow suit.

Raymond stopped her, "No, its okay Lydia." He turned to Angelique and met her eyes still stuck on him like hunted prey. "I am very proud of all of my daughters; I'm proud how each of you is leading successful lives, loving exactly who you want to love, doing exactly what you want to do. I am proud of your mother and how she stood by each of you fighting for you and how she stood by me. Your mother is the vortex of this family and being away from her and all of you has shown me what an arrogant fool I have been to all of you...." Raymond was overcome with emotion; he tried to conceal what was rising in his chest but the unexpected sentiment was too strong. His bottom lip quivered as he tried to form words but each attempt failed to formulate that which was laid deep in his heart.

Angelique seeing her father in such a vulnerable state was moved by his sincerity spoke, "I have already forgiven you for all that has transpired. I have never held you responsible nor will I ever. You cannot be held responsible for another man's action, you did what you thought was best, however contorted it may have seemed, it was all you knew too do. What you failed at was involving each of us; you never once asked any of us what we wanted for ourselves. We weren't fighting you; we were fighting what you were forcing on us." Angelique's spoke sympathetically filled with sound reason and wisdom of someone much older. "Daddy I was angry for a short while, but I, I mean we," She grabbed Robert's hand, "we have found a impenetrable peace that will never separate us or destroy this family."

"Spoken like a true Farrior." Valencia said startling everyone in the room as she made herself known. Lydia squealed in delight and ran to Valencia. Jazzmine and Angelique ran behind and the foursome were huddled in a womanly bond of embrace jumping and crying laughing and kissing each other overjoyed that they were together alas. Once again Lydia gave thanks to God for bringing her family together under one roof.

Glenderson, Kyle and Robert smiled at the sight elated that joy seeped from each of the women. Sarah, doing the only thing she knew to do in moments such as these, lifted her hands and gave thanks for answered prayer.

Still holding on to one another, Angelique finally asked, "How long have you been here? When did you get back from India, from the sound of your messages I thought you were never coming back."

"I got back a week ago. I wanted to take care of some business before coming home." Valencia said.

"A week ago! Valencia, why didn't you call me?" Lydia tried not to sound upset but she couldn't conceal her disappointed look. "I wish you would have called me, I would have loved to see you."

"You mean to tell me that you've been right here in New Jersey and haven't even reached out to me." Jazzmine said teasingly. "Who were you visiting anyway?"

"I went to visit some of my old friends from the Hospital in Philadelphia. One thing I learned in the three months in India is that you've to give back. What we put out is what we get back, it sounds corny but life is a circle that comes back to us." Valencia said.

'Well then I forgive you." Lydia said. "It sounds like India did you some good. I may not understand why you had to go way over there to find whatever it was you were looking for, but I'm glad you did, mostly, I'm glad you're home."

"I'm home for now, who knows what the future holds. All I know is that today I am here with my wonderful family, that includes you too Kyle, by the way congratulations. It seems that there will be a wedding in the family after all." Valencia joked.

"Well," Angelique interjected, "Robert and I have been talking it over and we would like to renew our vows this Christmas in the presences of all our family."

"Absolutely, my parents are coming from Australia and are eager to meet everyone so why not make this a special Christmas." Robert added.

"That is one wedding I would love to see." Valencia said.

"You look so beautiful Val, I mean you really do." Angelique could not stop looking at her sister. "You are radiant from the inside out you've not stopped smiling ever since you came into the room you've to tell us what happened in India"

"It was a time of self-discovery but I will give you the details some other time." Valencia said.

"I'm loving that short hair girl." Jazzmine said running her manicured hand through her sisters short bob. What made you cut it?"

"For one thing, the heat, I was sweating more than a pig being prepared for slaughter. But mostly because I wanted to start anew, make a new life for myself and shed the old one. We all deserve a second chance, don't we dad." Valencia said looking at her father.

"I guess we do. Valencia, you do look beautiful and I want to say that..."

"Daddy, please there is no need." Valencia interrupted.

"There is a need for me. When a man is wrong he needs to make amends for his wrong doings. I appreciate each of you for giving me your forgiveness but I want to tell each of you that I have messed up greatly."

"Amen to that." Jazzmine agreed.

"Touché," Raymond acknowledged "but to me you are all my little girls and as your father all I ever want is your happiness. " Raymond said now holding Lydia's hand.

"But that was the problem, we are not little anymore and although we still need you in our lives, you've to let us decide when we need you and show up when we ask." Angelique said.

"I can't believe how much each of you has grown just within this last year. You are so right when you say that you are not little girls. You are moving forward and leaving the past right where it belongs." Lydia said.

'Well I think we have had enough for now, why don't the women finish preparing the meal while the men go do whatever men do when the women are not around." Sarah recommended.

"Sounds like a good idea to me." Lydia moved to the center island as though she was floating letting the joy continued to filter in the room and permeate throughout the home.

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Thank you for downloading and reading this book. I hope that you will take a moment and leave a review. Look for the Saga of the Farrior Sisters to continue in our next book. The Lazarus Project..

Book II

The Lazarus Project

Chapter 1

Robert turned off the flat screen television that hung on the wall of his home office and scribbled his thoughts onto a notebook that he kept in the desk drawer. The News Anchor on CBZ News reported that a small commuter plane crashed along the on the coast of the small fishing town of Alexandropoulos, Greece, not far from the border of Edirne Turkey. According to early reports Robert received from ISIS intelligence, the aircraft left Kavalla Airport around 7:00pm Edirne time.

The flight had orders from the Turkish Armed Forces to transport the seven passengers into Greece. ISIS however, didn't yet know the names of the seven passengers. CBZ Television News had satellite pictures of the down plane still in flames as the handsome young reporter told the viewers that the crash was due to the inexperience of the pilot t sending the aircraft down along the mountainside of Edirne, contrary to what ISIS reported.

The story would have appeared of no consequence to most, but Robert's training and innate ability to see potential harm were most didn't, would not let this story rest. It disturbed him that he could see potential harm in the world, but could not prevent the harm that Ronald Wair had caused his beloved Angelique. The moment he met Ronald Wair, he instantly sensed the rage and destruction brewing in an otherwise insignificant man. But Robert never imaged that Ronald would take his rage out on Angelique when he brutally raped and beat her. Angelique had learned to forgive Ronald, even in his death, but Robert could not, for how could a man forgive another man for violating his wife? Ronald's action had forever changed Robert and heightened his sense of protection for his family. Nothing, he promised himself, nothing would or could penetrate and disrupt the life he was now building with his wife and the baby she carried.

Ronald died a coward's death; one shot to the right temple, and with that, Angelique's nightmare was over. But Robert made a promise to be valiant, steadfast and ready at all times. With the excitement of the baby soon approaching, Robert found his heart soften, but his mission increasing, the mission to always protect his family at any cost.

It wasn't unusual for television news reports to provide its less savvy viewers only partial facts, it was how they kept the story going for days when there was no real news to report and a way to increase the stations rating. Robert knew it was only a matter of days before the full story would come out, and even then, pertinent facts would be left out. The Turkish government would see to it.

Josh Strayer, a Cryptanalyst with ISIS was one of the smartest men Robert knew. He had an innate ability to decipher information unlike anyone he had ever known. The pair met at Oxford University during their junior year when Robert had to take a required mathematic class. Josh was the Teaching Assistant that often taught the class due to the professor's obvious drinking problem and because of his tenure, rendering the professor a permanent useless fixture.

Josh first noticed Roberts's skills when Josh administered a test to the class and the results revealed Roberts thinking pattern and ability to plan and execute. After several more tests, unbeknownst Robert was recruited into the covert organization at the age of twenty-six soon after his graduate studies at Oxford University. With only eighteen months serving as Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Air Force, Robert was sent on an air invasion mission of Iraq in 2003, in search of weapons of mass destruction. Three weeks into the invasion, Robert was extracted by ISIS undercover agents and taken to meet with ISIS at their headquarters on Wake Island.

By the time Robert realized what happened two days had passed. He awoke atop a cold metal table, his head feeling heavy and his body was felt limp and lethargic making it difficult to move. He reached for his hand to the pulsing in his head and realized that he suffered a head contusion, and two broken ribs.

The last thing he remembered was trailing the Hummer Vehicle driven by his direct report, while he sat in the second Hummer escorting his Group Captain to the main base to review physical and topographical maps of the areas with United States Military officials to identify steep terrain and land elevations.

The explosion was vivid in his mind and for a brief moment Robert could still feel that hot metal shrapnel cook on his left calf and forearm. It wasn't until hours later, when Gregory Carmichaels, entered the cold sterile room and explained that Robert was the target of the extraction and that the International Security Intelligence Society was interested in obtaining a candidate with Robert's academic record, ability to skillfully problem solve and combat experience. Josh Strayer recommended him for the covert organization based on his performance at Oxford and ever since then; ISIS has always been indirectly involved in Robert's life much to Robert's dismay and disapproval.

"What do you mean you've been indirectly involved in my life." Robert was disgusted at intrusion.

"Robert, your work at Oxford was exceptional. Your thinking ability is impressive dare I say extraordinary. You've an uncanny ability to solve problems before they even begin. You are exactly the type of person our organization needs."

"You can tell that from a simple math class." Robert mocked.

"What you fail to realize Robert, is that Josh provided you with very detailed mathematical scenarios and complex quotients. You saw things in those scenarios that no one else could see, not even Josh."

"I didn't always get the problems correct." Robert recalled.

"Actually you got most of them wrong. But what you did was guide Josh onto a path of solving problems in manner from different angles; you're thinking pattern is abstract. Your ability to see logic in complex scenarios coupled with your physical strength and ability to fly specialized aircrafts, like those you've flown in the Royal Air Force, is why you are here. You'll see that ISIS is an organization designed to help the world. I like to think of us as the police unit of the world."

"Sounds a bit pretentious, don't you think." Robert said moving his eyes away from the stranger in front of him.

"Perhaps, but we have partnered with every Homeland Security Organization in the world, at least those represented in the United Nations. We are a force to be reckoned with, Robert you will see..."

"Now I know I've really hit my head." Robert teased.

"Tease if you must, but once you speak with Josh, I am sure you will change your mind." Gregory said confidently before he left Robert alone with his thoughts.

In the years that followed Robert completed over two-hundred missions and traveled throughout the world policing the world for the International Security Investigative Services otherwise known as ISIS. And now in the wake of the news of the plane crash in Turkey, Robert could not help to think that a tear in the fabric of Turkey security was forming. The nagging sting in his stomach could not be quelled and rose up in him a supposition of heightened alert.

Robert moved quickly in his home office as changed into his tuxedo. Josh spoke in clear hush tones from knowing that Robert had placed him speaker as he reported information about Otto Energy the oil giant based out of Edirne Turkey and how they began a Phase 2 drilling operation for oil in the region. Otto Energy has implemented a program that has the potential of producing high volumes of oil, and is seriously considering drilling a high risk well that if successful, will require additional infrastructure to enable it to be brought into production. The Edirne board of directions is seeking investors to expand the sight in Edirne to accommodate the volume. The Turkish board is governed by seven men all of whom were former children of the Turkish Military.

"Okay that doesn't seem so unusual, that is public information," Robert said into his cell phone now off speaker as he slipped on his dress socks.

"I know Robert, but what isn't available is the list of people that were on that plane." Josh said much to Robert's intrigue.

"I thought you said ISIS didn't have that information." Robert asked confused.

"They don't, but I do." Josh corrected.

"So do I have to beg for the information?" Robert asked standing and looking out of the second floor office window.

"General Armagam Dorgan." Josh said his name slowly.

"I haven't heard that name in a long time." Robert reached for his notebook and wrote the General's name underlining it twice.

"I thought you would want to know." Josh hesitated, "Are you...."

"Did he survive the crash?" Robert interrupted Josh.

"We're not sure, we have some of our team already at the site but I don't have any more information. Maybe we should end this now. I think I may have told you too much. The less you know the better it may be for you." Josh said regrettably.

"No Josh, I need to know as much as I can." Robert said releasing the guilt he knew Josh was feeling. "You did the right thing in calling me and letting me know. I have a wife and a child on the way now and I want to protect them both." The more I know the more prepared I will be. Call me when you find out more."

"Okay." Josh sighed a sign of relief. "Tell that beautiful wife of yours I said hello." Josh said before the line went dead.

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