by Lyssa Layne
Cherie continued staring at the picture. “Jeff certainly was handsome.”
“I agree and given time, I'd like to think that Lawrence could have learned to like him. I know the many times I saw Jeff he always seemed so charming, so polished, and so in love with my daughter. Jeff was the person responsible for her wanting to change her name. She once confided in me that he said she was his Destiny, after that, that's all he called her. I can't help but think they would have been happy, if only fate had dealt them a different hand.
Cherie wished at that moment she could suspend time and go back, all those years ago, if only to let the two star-crossed lovers find the happiness they so richly deserved.
“Let me show you to your room. You'll be using Destiny's room. Other than to vacuum or dust the room it's remained unchanged all these years. I keep hoping that someday she'll come back to us and I want her room waiting for her as she left it.”
Still holding the picture of Destiny and Jeff, they followed Olivia from her sitting room to the room next door.
This room was done in pastel shades of every color in the rainbow. The walls were painted a stark blue-white. The wall behind the bed was furnished with satin-textured wallpaper, with an embossed spring scene. Cherry blossoms, with blue birds sitting on the branches. Renewal. That's what the room reminded Cherie of.
The flowers Jason had brought her were in a crystal vase next to her bed. Their fragrance filled the room.
Olivia took the frame from Cherie and placed it on the nightstand next to the flowers. “I guess I don't need to hide this picture from Lawrence any longer. I've kept it in my room all these years. I take it out and look at it whenever I'm down. It makes me think about what might have been—for us all.”
Destiny's canopy bed beckoned to Cherie. She sat on the edge staring at photograph of Destiny and Jeff.
Walking over to the bureau against the hall wall, Olivia opened the top drawer and pulled out a modest white cotton nightgown, handing it to Cherie.
“I have the clothes in these drawers laundered every month. Martha just had them done yesterday, on my orders, in case I had any guests. I guess it's a good thing that I can still keep a positive outlook. I'm glad I had them done for you to use. You're more than welcome to anything in the drawers.”
Before she left the room, Olivia stepped forward and kissed Cherie’s temple. “Good night.”
Cherie leaned forward slightly to enable Olivia the kiss. But, before letting Olivia walk away, Cherie stood and wrapped her arms around Olivia saying, “I don't need papers telling you're my grandmother for me to know how special you are. Thank you for everything.” She hugged the woman who had managed to find a warm place in her heart, regardless of who she was.
##
The following day Cherie placed a call to Mark just before lunch, making arrangements to have him meet her at her parent's house.
Cherie arrived about twenty minutes before Mark showed up. She had just enough time to straighten up the house. Had it really be a week already? That meant her parents had been gone almost a month. Cherie wondered if she'd ever get used to not being able to drop by and visit them or just pick up the phone and call. They had been her life. They had also lied to her. That was something she never could have imagined they’d do. That betrayal shook her to her very core.
Glancing out the window when she heard a car drive up, she opened the door then began to go through the documents she'd laid them out on her father's desk.
“I'm in here.” She called out when Mark knocked on the door.
Peeking into the room, he hedged before he entered the den. “It's just me, Mark Elliott.”
As Mark stepped into the room, his appearance stopped her in her tracks. Wow, did he look good. Standing there in a pair of snug fitting blue jeans, white shirt with the sleeves rolled up almost to the elbow, and a jacket casually slung over his shoulder. He had beach boy clean-cut, good looks about him. He obviously got plenty of sun. Cherie liked the way the sun-bleached highlights and tan looked on him. His handsome good looks were complimented by the most gorgeous set of baby blues.
Cherie didn't realize she was staring at him until he blushed then did a bashful shuffle, under her close scrutiny. When he smiled, it was the most dazzling smile. The entire room lit up. Cherie suddenly remembered Madame Zina's prediction and wondered if he was the new man coming into her life?
When Mark coughed, Cherie had to chastise herself again for staring so boldly.
“Hey Mark. Come on in. I'm just going over the paperwork you left me. How about a little help, since you put it together?”
Stepping forward, Mark tossed his jacket over the armchair in front of the desk.
“Sure.” He responded then pushed his sleeves up and went to work.
For the next half hour, Mark went over the documentation from Jason regarding Mr. Alexander's will, as well as a variety of other items, including a copy of the falsified birth certificate.
Upon seeing that nefarious document, she just shook her head.
“What's wrong?”
After telling him about Olivia's admission from the night before, she felt justified seeing the same shocked look on Mark's face that she felt herself.
“Any chance you've looked around the house for any of your parents’ personal papers. Did they happen to have a safe or something that they put their important papers?”
When she shook her head, he continued, “How about a safety deposit key? Did you run across one?”
“I have no idea. I know what bank they used, but when I called them to have the accounts changed over to only my name, they said they couldn't do it without the necessary paperwork. My parents have always had me on their accounts in case something happened while they were on vacations. We just never expected anything like this.”
“So, what is the bank wanting from you to allow you access to the accounts?”
“They want a copy of both death certificates and a copy of the will showing there are no other claimant's for their estate.”
“How are you doing financially? Is this something we need to make a priority or what?” Mark asked
“I’m doing fine, but if many more bills come in, I’ll definitely be hurting.”
It comforted her to know that Mark was willing to drop everything and help her straighten out the red tape.
Between the two of them, they scavenged her father's desk and her parents’ bedroom, looking for anything that might help them find a clue as to where they'd tuck their important papers.
After a few calls, Mark and Cherie took what paperwork they had and made the rounds. Cherie was glad that Mark was with her when she had to pick up the death certificates. She appreciated the support he had to offer.
They had found a copy of Nicholas and Carol Michaels will, leaving everything to their only child. With the paperwork in place, Cherie ordered new checks and changed the information on the savings account as well as the CD's and T-bills.
When they were done, they spoke to the branch Manager, explaining the situation and checked to see if the Michaels had a safety deposit box with this branch of the bank. After finding out there were no deposit box keys assigned to the Michaels, they headed back to Cherie's to continue their search.
Once they checked every nook and cranny in the den, they headed upstairs and proceeded to thoroughly examine the master bedroom. When nothing was discovered they both felt a sense of disappointment, but for very different reasons.
Cherie made them a light dinner before they went back to their search.
Seated at the counter separating the kitchen from the dining room Mark gazed into space. “You know Cherie, I was just thinking. If they were trying to keep your adoption a secret, then it's not likely they'd hide the evidence in any of the obvious places.”
“That's possible, but what if I wasn't adopted. That could be the other reason we aren't finding anything.” Cherie declared. She didn't mean for her words to come out so harshly.
M
ark put his sandwich down mid-bite reaching for Cherie's hand. “Cherie, I know you're really hoping that we're all wrong. I can't say I blame you. But, I have to tell that it was just too easy for me to find you when Jason asked me to search for the Alexander's long lost granddaughter. Besides that, I have this gut feeling that we're on the right track, but we’re just not thinking analytically enough.”
Cherie put their dirty dishes in the sink then they went back to the den and started looking in the not so obvious places. They checked behind books, in the back of pictures frames, behind paintings, and under the flower containers. When those avenues ran out, they started in on the ridiculous. They opened anything that would open, took apart anything that had multiple pieces.
Silliness came over them which proceeded to leave them in hysterics with each new far-fetched idea of where a key could be hidden.
On a lark, Mark pulled the Pampas Grass fronds from the tall vase that sat beside the fireplace. Loose feathers from the plant flew through the air when Mark yanked them out.
Cherie collapsed on the couch in a fit of giggles, sputtering as flakes landed in her mouth. Her laughter was silenced by the look of discovery on Mark's face. She waved the last of the drifting feathers aside as she moved next to him.
Mark turned the vase toward her to show her that in the bottom of the jar was a key, taped into place.
Reaching into the container, Cherie couldn't quite reach the bottom. “My arm isn't long enough. Can you get it?”
Pulling her arm out, she allowed him to try.
Mark's long arms gave him easily the length to reach to the bottom of the decorative container. Pulling his arm free, he handed her the key.
She took the key from him and read the name of a smaller bank branch on the other side of town. A chill ran through her. She wanted to throw the blasted key away. “Why did you have to find it?”
She was suddenly overwhelmed with sadness. She knew it was etched across her face from the look on Mark’s. He too looked as if he wished he hadn't been clowning around when he decided to pull the palms out. She could see him mentally berating himself for doing his job. It didn't sit well with her after how disastrous the past few weeks as been for her. Finding that key proceeded to solidify even more problems for her.
She was in trouble when Mark spied tears running down her cheeks. She could tell he felt like a heel when moved to her side.
Feeling Mark's closeness she turned to him, clutching the sides of his shirt. She took advantage of the strength he offered her.
When he put his arms around her, holding her close, Mark stroked her back and hugged her tightly in an effort to take away her pain.
Cherie's chest heaved as her tears grew into sobs.
“It's going to be okay Cherie. Really it is.” Mark tried to convince her with his words, but they sounded empty to her. He wasn't much help no matter how hard he tried.
“There, there.” He hugged her again, then kissed the top of her head, continued to embrace her, and how she wished he was that someone special in her life.
While in Marks’ arms, she heard him call out, “Come in.” She was crying so hard she hadn’t heard a knock. She was grateful that Mark continued to try to soothe her.
“Well, how touching. What do we have here, Mark? I expected you back at the office hours ago. Not here fooling around with a client.”
Cherie and Mark looked up at the same time to see Jason standing there, both hands on his hips, with the jacket to his business suit tucked behind his hands. He glared at them like a father walking in on his daughter in a compromising situation. What the hell was wrong with him now?
CHAPTER FIVE
“Back off, Jason! You're completely out of line.” The look Mark gave Jason had her mentally scratching her head. What was going on?
“I don't think so Mark. You left the office hours ago. When you didn't come back I figured I better check up on you—seems like I was right.”
“What's up with you lately? You're behaving like an idiot, in front of your own client, no less.”
“Well at least I'm not making a fool of myself, taking advantage of innocent young women.”
“Jason, you don't know what you're talking about. But rather then stay here and allow you to continue to blow this out of proportion or hurt Cherie further, I'm leaving.”
Mark turned to Cherie, “Call me tomorrow and we'll check out that key. Maybe that's the answer to all these secrets.”
Cherie tried to smile appreciatively as she wiped the last of her tears away. She took in the obvious tension between these two men and felt as if she were missing something major that had just happened between them.
“Sure Mark, and thanks again for spending so much time with me, helping me get all my parents things in order. Now that the bank has the proper paperwork granting me access to the funds, I'll write out the house payment and a few other bills tomorrow morning then I'll give you a call so we can see if that key is the missing link to my past.” Cherie placed her hand on Mark's. “I’m sorry I lost it there before Jason walked in, I just felt like I was gut-punched when you found that key.
“Hey, don't worry about it, that's why Jason hired me, to help you find out about your past. I'm just glad we finally found something after searching for so long.”
When Mark walked past Jason, he stopped, looked Jason straight in the eye, then walked away shaking his head.
##
From following their conversation, Jason realized he had indeed taken things wrong and tried to apologize. “Sorry buddy.”
“Forget it, but I think you owe Cherie an apology, again.” No missing the emphasis on the last word.
Mark closed the door loudly.
Jason felt like a jerk. He owed Mark better then he gave him. Now he owed Cherie yet another apology as well.
“What was that all about?”
She stood there with her hands on her hips, the contrary look on her face as she glared at him. Damn. He was an idiot.
“Nothing—except that I owe Mark big time.” How could he have been so stupid as to accuse Mark the way he did? That wasn't like him. Ever since he'd met Cherie, he hadn't been in his right mind. He’d accused her of less than honorable intentions towards Olivia and her money, and that was on top of treating her in a less than respectful way, in light of her circumstances. She was as innocent as Mark. It would be a small miracle if either of them ever spoke to him again.
When Cherie failed to show any anger or frustration Jason figured whatever she'd been crying about, still occupied her attention, and for that he was grateful. Changing the subject was the best he figured he could do for both of their sakes.
“What’s this I heard you and Mark mention about finding a key?” Jason sat down in one of the leather high-back chairs.
He made himself comfortable and watched as the expressions crossing Cherie face ran the gambit. He could tell she’d been through the wringer again and waited patiently for her to gather her thoughts.
“That's right, we spent the afternoon searching everywhere for some kind of safety deposit key or documentation of any kind and found nothing. Rather than waste the entire day, Mark graciously helped me get all my parent's accounts transferred over to my name. By the way, I want to thank you for putting Mark at my disposal. I couldn't have handled those things by myself. I didn't realize all that was necessary. I apologize if I monopolized his time. It sounded like you had other jobs for him as well.” Cherie looked down at her hands and started to fidget with her fingernails.
Now he really felt like an idiot for making her feel bad and he felt guilty again for jumping to conclusions. What the hell was wrong with him?
“Please, don't even worry yourself. I put Mark at your disposal and if you still need him, just let me know.”
“Then please be sure to bill me.”
“That's not necessary. He's on retainer for me so it's already covered.” There was no way he planned on billing her, not after his deplorable behavior.
>
“You're sure, I really don't mind, especially if he can figure out this mess. I could use his help tomorrow to find out what safety deposit box this goes to, if it even goes to one.” She held up the newly found key.
Jason stated confidently, feeling he owed his friend a vote of confidence even if he wasn't around to hear it. “Well if that information can be found, Mark's the man to find it.”
They chit-chatted for another half hour before Jason worked up the courage to ask what had been on his mind all day.
“If you're not doing anything tomorrow night, would you like to go to dinner? I know this great little Italian restaurant that serves a killer Eggplant Parmesan.” Jason's eyebrows slowly lifted as he waited for her to respond.
“Are you sure you want me to go to dinner with you? I mean it's not like we got off to the best of starts.” Cherie cheeks flamed recalling their first meeting. He felt his own flare up as well.
“I agree, but consider this as my show of appreciation to you for not holding my behavior against me.”
“Well, if you're sure, I'd like that. I haven't been out for a nice meal in so long. I haven't even wanted to eat much until now, that is.”
Cherie blushed, realizing she must have sounded as if he was the reason she wanted to go out in the world again, so she started back paddling as fast as she could.
“I mean, not because of you, but because of my parents.”
When she saw the smile ease off him face and realized how he must be taking it, she tried again. “Not that I'm not happy to be going to dinner with you, but, well, oh forget it—” She gave up, realizing she just wasn't up to this kind of intense conversation.
“Don't worry Cherie, I think I know what you mean. How about I pick you up about five-thirty tomorrow evening and we'll just make an early evening out of it. I know you've been under a strain, and I certainly don't want to add to it.
“That would be great, I'll see you tomorrow.”
She escorted him to the door, waved good-bye then wandered back into the den and sat at her father's desk. When she realized her hand was hurting, it dawned on her that she still held the key Mark found clutched tightly in her grasp.