by Linda Gerald
Without a word, they crossed the street. Mr. London’s posh office was on the twenty-fifth floor. It was not an unusually high building, but beautiful views awaited. How did they keep the windows so perfect?
Hardly a wait, they were ushered into a dark gray office with pale gray carpets. Without asking, they were served a cup of Darjeeling tea with a lovely scone. Harry devoured his. She offered hers, but he left to find another. What was all of this?
Mr. London entered after a very short wait. He was about fifty-five with gorgeous silver hair which was cut extremely short. Dressed in a suit of the finest gray silk, he matched his office. Even his gaunt secretary dressed in gray. Miss Ansley was young and charming with almost white hair. Something was going on between the attorney and his assistant. Elizabeth picked it up immediately. Harry was oblivious.
The young Elizabeth was mesmerized by the class and style of this couple. They worked together seamlessly. Miss Ansley appeared to know his wishes before the seasoned attorney spoke. That was incredible. Did Harry and Edwina possess that same class and continuity? Elizabeth felt dowdy and dull. Little of what they discussed even made sense to her.
Mr. London had already obtained all of the information, which he would need to argue their case. He was most hopeful that he would be able to secure a Social Security card, even though it was rare. As they prepared to leave, he winked.
“Judge Greasley and I play golf throughout the summer months. Our homes, in the Bahamas, are in Lyford Cay.” Harry smiled confidently. Hands clasped in firm handshakes, as the attorney escorted them to his door.
Harry and Elizabeth faced each other outside on the sidewalk. The air felt colder than before.
“I have a surprise for you. We can walk to our hotel. Let’s get our bags and go to the room. You seem fatigued.” He looked at her with concern.
She felt much improved, once she was outside. The car sat across the street from the attorney’s office. She noticed the street sign, which read “Park Avenue.” The temperature was cool but comfortable. Briskly, they walked. Harry seemed happy. He whistled a tune that sounded familiar. Elizabeth did not remember ever hearing his whistle before. His eyes were darting around; he seemed on edge, yet he glowed. A little fear descended on the woman. Quietly, she walked by his side.
The walk must have lasted about sixteen minutes. Harry guided her into a beautiful hotel. A large red awning covered the red door. Edwina would love all of the red. Bright lights reached the street beckoning entrance to a very special place.
Light reflected from an ornate, crystal chandelier. The reflected light bounced from the golden wallpaper. They walked past a large table set under the light fixture. The beautiful flowers, displayed in a huge vase, seemed impossible to be real, but they were. Gently, she touched one of the brightest flowers. Harry smiled.
He did not check in at the front desk tucked to the left of their entrance. Everyone smiled and nodded at him. The elevator was empty. They sped to the top floor. The hall was bright with neutral walls and patterned green carpet. Her heart soared at the possibilities this evening presented. What had he planned?
No words passed since they left the law office. It was great fun scurrying around. No longer faced with choices or decisions pleased her. The fact that she did not need to converse nor be charming or witty was a relief. The door opened into a brightly colored room. A small gasp emitted from her mouth. Harry nodded.
“This room looks like Edwina decorated it. Of course, I realize this is a hotel. Still, I see her in the decor.” She was puzzled.
“Right again, dear girl. This hotel is one of the finest hotels in Manhattan, but I own this room. The story is long and very humorous. Right now, I am tired. Although we don’t have two rooms, there are two beds. This one is mine, and that one is Edwina’s, um, yours.” He looked intently at her.
“Do you have any idea how happy it makes me bringing you here? I love this zany place more than anywhere on earth, except Enchanted.”
The carpet was dark red with gold streaks. The double beds dressed in white coverings, with a red wool throw on the bottom of each. The area, in front of the window, contained two comfortable red chairs with a large cocktail table between them. There was a nice-sized table on the wall. Space was generous. The location would be the perfect place to enjoy time in the city.
“Why don’t you change into something comfortable? I’ll order room service. Then, I think we should take a nap before our musical tonight and dinner. Don’t worry; I won’t order much, but you must eat something.”
Most of the time, she followed his instructions, which she had done today. He had not mentioned bringing anything “comfortable.” The woman, with no memory, appeared unable to make decisions on her own. She had followed his words, so only the items mentioned had she packed.
The bathroom was well-lighted with gorgeous bright lights. The shower beckoned. When she finished, she wrapped a towel around her glistening body. Her bag sat on the bed. Harry squeezed close to her, as he pointed to the shower. Silently, he entered and closed the door.
Still, trying to decide what to wear around in the room occupied her thoughts. A dark beige slip was under the make-up case. It would be perfect for an afternoon nap. Another small decision, which she had made alone. She finished pulling it on when there was a knock at the door.
Room service delivered on a silver tray. Unpretentiously, the attendant sat it on the table between the chairs. Unsure of whether to tip, she hesitated.
“Don’t worry, Miss; Mr. Harry takes care of us.” He smiled and was gone.
A fresh bowl of fruit glowed in the natural light of the large windows which faced 54th Street. The slip of a woman gazed out at the busy streets below. Was this a dream?
Soon, Harry joined her as they silently watched all of the activity. The sun brightly streaked through the trees flooding the room with stunning light. They hugged.
Each sat in a chair as they enjoyed a lunch of prime rib sandwich on a homemade croissant with pasta and fresh fruit. A glass of dry Prosecco was the perfect accompaniment. Harry pulled the drapes. He scrambled into his bed. She did the same. They were asleep before a word formed.
FIFTEEN: THE CITY
The sound of Harry’s movements awakened her. Lazily, she shimmied down underneath the elaborate coverings. Such luxury must be how royalty felt. A smile spread across her lips. She awoke to a kiss from her love.
“Are you happy, my Elizabeth?”
“Harry, I feel like a queen. Thank you for the best day of my life. You know that I love Enchanted, but this is so different. I love it also. Why have you not brought me here before? We have never stayed in the city, but always have Chase drive us back.”
He softly explained that he did not know how she would react to sleeping in the same room. This fact had never crossed her mind until mentioned. She understood the dilemma. Now, it was no big deal. It seemed natural, very comfortable, that they sleep in the same room.
A newspaper waited on the table by his bed. He put on his glasses and began to read.
There was a softness in their life together. Everything seemed to fit effortlessly. She loved an extraordinary man. With those thoughts, she took her bag into the bathroom.
Her make-up only needed a little touch-up. The jersey dress was without a single wrinkle. Caressing her body, it felt divine. Another beautiful outfit compliments of Edwina.
Elizabeth pulled her dark hair off her face into a French twist. Her heels were the exact shade of her beige frock. In no time, she confidently walked into the room.
“You are the most incredible woman in the world. How can you dress quickly and look so gorgeous? Only one small bag for a night of splendor. Most women would have over-stuffed two bags. No wonder I love you.”
They looked at each other with shock. There, he said the words. An awkward, melancholy feeling descended upon her. She walked to his bed and knelt by his side.
“Harry, I have dreamed of hearing these words. How happy y
ou have made me. If you said this caught in the emotion, please tell me now. I will understand.” She waited. He said nothing.
“You see, Mr. Grover, I love you with all of my being. I have for many months.”
They kissed the first passionate kiss of their time together. It was painful to stop. They finally did. Two, of the happiest smiles, ever offered attested to the fact that they were in love.
After the kiss, they stood closely huddled together just staring at each other. He had not meant to say the words. They came out without effort. Each was relieved that finally; those words were uttered. Why was it always difficult to say, “I love you,” for the first time? One hurdle was over; many others still waited.
When they finally were cognizant of the time, they needed to rush to make dinner reservations and the musical. Elizabeth was thrilled with the hotel. Since she failed to notice the name as they entered, she carefully looked as they stepped into the chilly night air. HOTEL ELYSEE beautifully displayed in capitals over the red awning in brilliant gold letters. Everything about it pleased her.
“Harry, we have found our oasis in New York. What a wonderful escape we can enjoy.” Harry smiled.
“Edwina always referred to it as ‘our’ oasis. Isn’t that strange?” Elizabeth glowed. Edwina was part of their story. Never would she tire of hearing about her.
Harry continued, “We can walk to the theater district or take a taxi. Which would you prefer?”
The air was cold but not uncomfortable. “Oh, let’s walk, briskly, please!”
Off they trudged through the brightly lighted streets. Elizabeth turned to see the hotel as they left. It was a boutique hotel which resembled one from the nineteen-twenties.
They only walked a little over ten minutes, when she started seeing different theaters. Excitement swept over the young woman. Had she ever seen a musical? She wasn’t sure.
Instead of entering one of the theaters, Harry guided her into a restaurant. Again, a red awning covered their entrance. Had Edwina decorated this as well? Did they own a table here? She smiled at her thoughts.
As usual, everyone seemed to know him. They met him with smiles and pats on the back. The looks she was given rated approval.
“Welcome to Sardi’s another New York legend. Most of us enjoy an excellent meal here and then a favorite musical. Some do it the opposite with the musical and then the meal. Either way, this legendary place has greeted New Yorkers since March in 1927. There may be better food, but nowhere has this charm and relaxed nature. Just walk out the door and take your pick of the best musicals in the world.”
Her eyes took in all that was Sardi’s. The caricatures, on the walls, lent such a charm. If only those walls could talk. She realized that she was famished. Harry ordered steaks for each. They sipped their wine and watched the people. Everyone seemed happy.
“Harry, I don’t think that I have ever had a better steak.” They laughed because she probably wouldn’t have remembered, still the food was filling and the dessert perfect.
“Miss Elizabeth later told me that it didn’t matter what they did next. Years later, when she told me all about these early years, she could not even remember the Broadway musical. However, Elizabeth never forgot that he told her that he loved her at the Elysee Hotel on a day in January. Nor did she ever forget her first evening out at Sardi’s.”
SIXTEEN: MILES AWAY
Things blurred for Susan. Jackson was moving so quickly. Last night, he got on one knee as he asked her to marry him. Her engagement ring still glistened with that, “Brand New Glow.” She must have looked at it a thousand times. Could this be happening? Her dream of so long was about to finally come true?
The strawberry-blonde sat at her kitchen table with a pad and pen. She made lists and plans for her wedding. He desired a small event with only immediate family and just a few friends. Again, this was not according to her plans, but it didn’t matter. The important thing was that she was about to be Mrs. Jackson Barlow. How many times had she said those words? He said he wanted the wedding very soon. Both of his girls were thrilled. Susan felt shrouded in love by her new family. Briefly, she considered Christine, his first wife, but only for a moment. Susan refused to let those thoughts cause her sadness. If Jackson and the girls declined to remember the one who deserted them, why should she?
The day was a cool, windy day in Florida. She put a sweater on her arms, as she walked out on the deck. It was a glorious winter day on Cape San Blas. The light seemed to bounce off the water onto trees and grass. Magnificent light beckoned to artists and writers from all over the country. What a perfect place to find inspiration. Susan felt inspired by love and dreams of a future with her new family.
The new home building seemed limitless on the Cape. High demands for builders allowed Jackson plenty of work. Their finances were booming! Workmen stayed extremely busy so that it became difficult to get small jobs in cheque. It was imperative that she get painters out to her cottage now. No need to wait until plans set for the wedding. Susan suddenly felt panic, as she realized that Jackson may pick next week for the wedding. He did not seem to understand the complexities of arranging “her” day. Frequent demands on his time often resulted in his appearing insensitive, but she empathized and supported him.
The girls had already been calling her, “Mom.” That surprised her. Jackson appeared delighted. Her heart soared each time she heard the word.
“Good riddance, Christine,” sadly, the words were spoken.
She shook her head. Christine was old news. Just let her image go. If her family could forget her so easily, why should Susan be concerned? Now, Christine continually obsessed her thoughts instead of Jackson.
Susan never accumulated many friends. Christine had been the only one. Thankfully, she now had a family. She possessed her very own little group of love. Her arms were automatically wrapped around her thin body. Each day now, she had plenty of hugs to comfort and soothe her. Again, her spirits soared!
Slowly, she walked around her cottage while she scribbled. These notes were made for necessary improvements for the dream event. Jackson had said, “Within the next few weeks.” Time was of the essence if she was to make her small house shine.
After phoning her favorite local painter, she studied each bedroom. Most of the beddings were new as well as the drapes. Realistically, there was not more than fresh paint and tons of flowers needed. Pink roses would be perfect since the two girls were young like a pink rose.
Without thinking, she walked into her bedroom. Hidden on a shelf, in the very back of her closet, was a small chest. Carefully, she opened it. For the hundredth time, she removed a receipt from a hotel in New York. Clutching it to her chest, she cried.
“Christine, I am sorry. I did love you, but you were selfish. It appeared that you were unaware of the vast blessing of your family. Do you know how difficult it was for me to listen to your complaints? Those beautiful girls deserved much more. When you complained that Jackson spent so much money on your house, it infuriated me. You didn’t appreciate all that. Don’t worry. I am going to be there for them. I’m so sorry that it had to end this way. Truly, Christine, I never meant to hurt you.”
The future bride sat on the carpet, as she clutched the invoice to her chest. As hard, as she tried to bury that day, it came up at the strangest times. This day should be the happiest day of her life, but Christine would not allow it. Why must she be so selfish? Yes, she deserved the horror of what occurred. Goodbye, Christine and good riddance to a selfish and spoiled woman who no longer exists in my world.
SEVENTEEN: THE PLAN
Harry left early for some business meeting. Elizabeth was feeding the birds by the pond when Miss Dottie arrived. She sat her bag on the counter and watched this small person. What a unique power she seemed to have over the people in her path. Dottie had been determined to dislike her and make her way difficult. Even though she tried desperately to do such, for Edwina’s sake, she found it impossible. It was, as if from the grave,
the dead woman made sure that Elizabeth was loved. They appeared to have a connection. Dottie shook her head. Yes, sure, two women who loved the same man possessed a deep connection. She shook her head as the green curler bounced back and forth.
“That ain’t about to happen.” The round, dark woman laughed gently.
Dottie had worked so hard while the couple visited the city that her tired old bones ached. This cold, wintry day was not helping her pain. Slowly, she sat in a chair and closed her weary eyes. When she awakened, her head rested on the table and Elizabeth rubbed her shoulders.
“Dottie, you should go on home. We will be fine for this one day without you. You need to get this pain under control.”
The tired woman smiled. Slowly, she accumulated her things and walked out the door. Yes, this was a unique person. Ever so gently, she managed to take control of their lives. Dottie never considered anything but the goodness of the stranger. For the first time, she wondered if it was possible for her to be anything less than the thoughtful person whom they all loved? Quickly, these negative thoughts were pushed from her mind. Her walk home continued slowly. She loved Elizabeth, and so did Harry. That was that.
Later in the day, Harry arrived home to find dinner on the table. A fire burned brightly in the large, open fireplace. A table setting for two perfectly sat on the damask cloth in the dining room. Elizabeth stood near the table. She dressed in a soft, fern green wool dress with matching heels. Her blue-black hair fell gently around her face. Light, from the fire, bounced off the silky hair giving her a look of radiance. She held a long match to the tapered white duo of candle stands. What man didn’t dream of coming home to this: A formally set table and a wonderful woman of his dreams? Standing perfectly still, he observed her. Never had he seen her so happy. Things were about to become even more comfortable for her. He had good news.
Just being able to watch, someone in his home, who made it special again filled him with pride. This beloved woman, who wanted nothing more than to be by his side, gave him such peace and joy. She was easy to love. How had he known to pick up a bundle of long-stemmed red roses? The perfect gift for a perfect meal. Never had he brought flowers to her before; this was wonderful.