“I tell them to steer clear of this room. I have too many sensitive items that I don’t want misplaced.”
“What you really mean is you want no one to touch the papers scattered across your desk which is an organized mess.” Ramona laughed.
“Exactly. It may be a mess to others, but to me, it’s a system.” Lisa leaned back in her chair and rubbed her eyes. “What you got there?”
Ramona held up the now dust free book. “A photo album.”
Lisa smiled. “I haven’t looked at that in ages. Bring your chair next to mines, so we can look at it together.”
Ramona dragged a chair across the carpeted floor and placed it next to Lisa. The first page was a picture of her father. “That’s Michael on the day he graduated from college. The pictures on the next page were also from that day.” Ramona turned the page and there were pictures of her father with Lisa and a group picture with their parents. Ramona’s grandparents.
“I didn’t know he attended Yale.”
“Yes, he did. We were so proud of him.”
“Did you go there also?”
“No. I didn’t want to leave my hometown. I attended the University of Houston. It’s not as prestigious as Yale, but still a good school.”
“I just noticed how much you look like your father and my dad looks like your mother.”
“I know,” said Lisa in a voice almost inaudible.
Ramona looked at her aunt. She was red in the face and her eyes were teary. “What’s wrong?”
Lisa shook her head. “It’s nothing.”
Ramona shut the photo album close. “Is it too hard to look at pictures of your parents?”
Lisa wiped her eyes. “That’s the last picture we took as a family. The day after Michael’s graduation we flew home to Houston and my parents set off for a road trip to the Rocky Mountains. They loved traveling, and it didn’t bother them to be on the road for fifteen or more hours. They had one of those motorhomes on wheels. What do you call it?”
“RV?”
“Yes, I hated that thing. They would try everything including bribery to get me to go on a road trip with them. I always refused. I’m a flier. I’ll take a plane an hour away just to avoid hitting the road. Anyway, on that particular trip, they ran into unforeseen road closures due to construction. So, it forced them to take an unknown detour. This was before we were lucky enough to have GPS. It was dark and from what I understand the area they were in had poor lighting. My father misjudged a curve and ran off the road. The RV crashed down the mountainside. No one had heard from them. The police found them days later after Michael and I reported them missing.”
Ramona silently handed her aunt a tissue.
“Thank you.”
“I’m sorry that I brought those memories up for you.”
“It’s fine. You needed to know. This family has seen so much loss.”
“Can I ask you something since you’re being open?”
“What is it?”
“How is it that someone like my father who graduated from Yale ended up with my mother a drug addict?”
“Your mother, Sabrina, was not a drug addict when they met. I never liked her but it had nothing to do with her using drugs.”
“So what was it? What’s my parent’s story?”
Ramona listened as Lisa told her how her parents had a chance meeting at a concert. Her father was with his group of friends and her mother was with hers. Somehow they ended up seated next to each other. Sparks flew, and they dated briefly. It was only a month because he had to begin his residency. They parted ways. A year later she somehow found the hospital he worked at and showed up with a baby in a stroller. It was a ‘surprise you’re a daddy’ visit. According to Lisa, Ramona’s mother wanted nothing from him. She only wanted him to know he was a father, and she was moving to Florida with some guy. Lisa helped Michael get a court date to establish paternity but she would never show up to court. Even with his long work shifts he still found time to fight for his paternal rights. Eventually, the court told her she had to have the paternity test done or get arrested for contempt. She fled, and that’s when she left Ramona with her grandmother, Ana.
“It all makes sense now,” said Ramona, sitting back in her chair. “I was never told that story. Growing up, I never saw him. But, he made time to send my grandmother money.”
“Because they had an agreement. He had a DNA test done when you were five or six. Your grandmother suggested that you should stay with her because Michael was just beginning his career and you needed someone who could provide full-time care. He sent money monthly but we now know it wasn’t enough.”
“I made my peace with my dad long ago. But, if I'm honest I felt abandoned by both my parents. I only wish I had known the whole story.”
“He loved you before he knew for sure you were his. He thought he was doing right by you.”
“I know. We hashed all that out.” Ramona wiped a tear away from her eye. “Now you’re making me cry,” she laughed.
“It’s this room!” laughed Lisa. “Let’s get out of here and have dinner.”
◆◆◆
The next day Lisa had a business breakfast meeting and would arrive at the office later. Therefore, Ramona had to drive herself to work. For a split second, she considered taking the car that her ex, Nick Corley, had purchased for her but changed her mind right away. Leave the past in the past. She chose one of the three cars that Lisa owned, the white, two-seater sports car.
When she zipped into the parking lot, she felt all eyes were on her. As they should. The insecurity and negative thoughts from the day before had dissipated. Long gone were the feelings of caring if anyone accepted her. She had a confidence she hadn’t possessed in a long time. Maybe it was having the opportunity to prove her worth that energized her. Whatever the reason she was happy she once again felt like her old self. She parked in one of the four front parking space reserved for VIP. Lisa had mentioned that the parking was for their very important donors when they visited the office. Today there would be one less parking space, and she dared anyone to ask her to move. Ramona exited the car with her head held high and marched right into the building.
“Miss Vasquez, I have two messages for you,” said the receptionist as soon as she stepped in the door. She was a short lady who appeared to be close to retirement age. She wore metal-rimmed glasses which she had a tendency to pull towards the tip of her nose when she spoke.
“For me?” questioned Ramona.
“Yes, the calls came in before your phone line was active in your office. But, it’s taken care of now.”
“Who called?”
“Actually, the calls were for Ashley but since she’s off on maternity leave management told me to forward them to you,” she said, without hiding her displeasure of Ashley’s leaving.
Ramona tried to hide her irritation with a smile. She only needed to know who called not a lengthy backstory. “Once again, who called?”
“One from Hunter Chase and the other from Glen Blackwell. Both were returning Ashley’s call from yesterday.” Ramona remembered those calls quite well. Both men were rude and annoyed that Ashley had dialed their number. She knew exactly how to handle them both. “Thanks! I’ll take care of it.” Ramona snatched the small pink paper from the receptionist’s hand.
“In case you didn’t remember, I’m Irma. I handle all business that enters that door.” She pointed towards the entrance.
Ramona rolled her eyes and made her way down the long corridor to the elevator. She felt eyes on her as she passed each person’s cubicle. She pressed the up button on the wall next to the elevator and waited several moments while she contemplated if she should take the stairs. “Can I speak with you for a moment?” asked a female voice from behind. Ramona turned and recognized her face from the day before when Lisa had introduced them. The female was of average height, slim, hair the color of strawberries, and impeccably dressed. Before she could give the stylish redhead an answer the doors of the e
levator opened. “I know you have a busy day. I promise it will only be a moment.”
“You’re right my day is full. As long as you keep it short I can spare a minute.”
“Not out here. Let’s go into my office.” Ramona followed her into a small neatly decorated office. She had black framed abstract art on the wall. A tall plant in a shiny brass pot and a small bonsai on her desk. She had a shelf behind her desk adorned with pictures of her and a dog. “First, let me reintroduce myself I’m Kelsey. Kelsey Matters, I’m sure you met too many faces to have kept track of names,” she said as she sat in an overstuffed gray office chair. She gestured for Ramona to sit across from her. Ramona remained silent while she sat.
“I don’t know if anyone here has taken the time to welcome you. If not, I wanted to be first,” Kelsey continued.
“No, only Ashley. The person I’m replacing. Everyone else has avoided me.”
“I apologize for that. That’s unfortunate.” Kelsey looked upward as she bit down on her lower lip. “Can I be honest with you?”
“Of course, I prefer that.”
“Some in management opposed you working here. When Lisa announced you were replacing Ashley, they were apprehensive because of your criminal record.”
“Not surprised one bit. What about you?”
“I wasn’t one of them and not everyone here will hold your past against you.”
“That’s the same thing Ashley said. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it was rehearsed.”
“I promise I mean what I say. We all have a past we must overcome. Never judge someone by their past mistakes. I've been told that was your father's motto.”
“True. How long have you worked here?”
“Four years. I work with the volunteer coordination team.”
“So, you didn’t know my father.”
“No. But, I’ve heard some wonderful stories about him.”
“Well, it was nice meeting you, Kelsey.” Ramona stood from the chair. “I’ve got to get to my office. I have wallets to loosen.”
Kelsey smiled. “If you need anything, just call.” She wrote her extension number on a piece of paper.
When Ramona entered her office, she closed the door behind her, plopping down in the first chair she approached. She let out a long sigh. The day hadn’t begun yet and she felt fatigued setting it. It would take time to get used to working nine to five. She rubbed her eyes and glanced around the office, it was bland. Boring white walls, a desk made of boring oak wood, and dated vertical blinds hung from the window. The first order of business was to jazz up her office, make it reflect her style.
She started her day with a return call to Hunter Chase. His assistant placed her on hold while he located him. She used the time to review in her mind what she planned to say.
“This is Hunter,” he said in a deep baritone voice. Ramona pictured him with sandy brown hair, over tanned, with muscles all in the right place.
“Hi, Hunter. This is Lisa Pennington’s office and she would like to set up a lunch meeting to discuss a possible donation.”
“A lunch meeting, huh?”
“Yes sir, will tomorrow be fine?”
“That’s not much notice but I’ll make an exception.”
“Great, I will text your assistant with the when and where.”
“Just make sure it’s somewhere with outdoor seating.”
“Will do. Thank you.”
One down, another to go. The call to Glen Blackwell was much of the same except his only request was no seafood offered on the menu. He’s allergic and didn’t want to take any chances. After the call, she patted herself on the back. Lisa may not agree with her tactics but the results will please her.
Ramona had completed her first full work day and felt satisfied with her progress. She straightened the few papers on her desk and retrieved her purse from the drawer. Just as she turned the key to lock her desk there was a knock on her door. She looked up, and it was Kelsey. “Hey, I don’t mean to interrupt. I was curious how your day had gone?”
Ramona turned off her computer and leaned back in her chair. “My day was productive.”
“Good.” Kelsey took it upon herself to enter and sit in a chair near the desk.
Ramona furrowed her brow. “Kelsey, I was about to leave. So, if you don’t mind…”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I have another hour before I’m off. I won’t hold you. I just wanted to make sure you were getting along okay.”
“It was nice of you to take the elevator all the way to my office to check on me. But, I’m just fine.” Ramona stood and grabbed her purse. “I have somewhere I need to be.” Kelsey caught the hint and Ramona walked her out. She seemed like a sweet person and it’s possible her actions are sincere. However, she’s laying it on thick. She’s definitely someone she must keep an eye on.
CHAPTER THREE
Ramona arrived at the Park Avenue Restaurant fifteen minutes before the appointed time to go over her notes. The night before she researched Hunter Chase and the organizations he supports. Through her research she found that this was one of his favorite restaurant he frequents. Although, she’s never dined there it’s the most recommended on social media. People raved about the food but it could be tough to get a dinner reservation. Luckily, they were meeting for lunch or rather he thinks he’s meeting with Lisa.
She entered the restaurant’s gold framed glass doors and requested an outside table from the hostess. Ramona advised that Hunter would join her soon. But, to her surprise he had already arrived and was waiting for her. So much for her fifteen-minute head start. “He’s here? Already?” she asked.
“Yes, he asked that I bring you to his table when you arrived, Miss Pennington.” A weak smile spread across Ramona’s face. She followed the hostess to a table on the patio. A man whose back faced the door occupied a side table. She assumed it was him, although she could not see his face, his blond hair blew in the slight breeze. Nervousness sat in the pit of her stomach as she made her way closer to the table. “Mr. Chase your guest has arrived,” announced the hostess. Hunter stood and faced Ramona. Confusion fell upon his face. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Chase. I’m Ramona Vasquez, Lisa’s partner.”
“Her partner?” he asked.
“Let me clarify. I’m the Senior Philanthropy Coordinator.” Ramona waited for a response to her made up title. Instead, he gazed at her in a quizzically manner before gesturing for her to have a seat across from him. He was nothing like she imagined. He stood an inch over six feet, ten pounds overweight that settled in his gut, and a rectangular face with green wide-set eyes.
“Why are you here instead of Lisa?” he asked, running his eyes up and down her body.
Normally, she would use a man’s attraction towards her for her benefit. But, she wanted to try a different method. “Lisa is a very busy woman, and she sent me in her place. Does it matter who’s collecting your generous donation if it’s for a good cause?”
Hunter nodded his head up and down. “Let me save you some time. I like Lisa and her family, but I would like her to remove my name from her donor list.”
“May I ask why?”
“Certainly. The Penningtons were a respectable family, especially Michael. God Bless his soul. That all change when his sister muddied up the family’s reputation by supporting a convict.”
Ramona narrowed her eyes. “Excuse me? What are you talking about?”
“Her niece! The one jailed for attempt murder. Lisa began that whole campaign to get her released. Appearing on cable news every week.”
The nervousness Ramona once felt turned to anger. She shifted in her seat as she tried to contain her anger. It was proving to be a difficult task. Her rage traveling through her veins was like steam escaping from underneath the lid of a boiling pot. Difficult to contain. “It sounds like Lisa was doing something she believed in. Why would you want to punish a charity because you don’t agree with her actions?”
“It’s not a good look for me.”
> Ramona sat straight in her chair and looked Hunter square in his eyes. “Do you get off on wasting other people’s time?”
He stood up and threw two twenties on the table. Ramona assumed it was a tip for the waiter. “Look, you’re a beautiful girl. I’m sure there’s a better way for you to earn money. Why waste your time with a place that’s failing.” He walked away.
Asshole! She wasn’t sure what he meant by his ‘beautiful girl’ comment but she was too pissed to give it much thought. She left the restaurant and drove straight to the office. She stomped angrily to the elevator. Her meeting with Hunter Chase made her realize that just because she’s ready to move forward with her life, others are not. She didn’t bother meeting with Glen Blackwell. She expected much of the same from him. As soon as she passed Kelsey’s office she ran out after her. “Ramona! Ramona wait!”
She turned around. “Not now Kelsey, I had the worst meeting.”
“Sorry, want to talk about it?”
Ramona shook her head no.
“C’mon, maybe I can help.”
Why not? She really didn’t feel like going back to her office. She followed Kelsey and told her everything that happened with Hunter Chase. “He actually said that!” Kelsey said, sounding appalled.
“I promise those were his exact words.” Ramona paced the floor of the small office. “The craziest part was he never realized that I was the convict that Lisa helped. What an idiot!”
Shattered Hearts (Shattered Series Book 2) Page 2