Finding Her Way

by Jefferson, Riley

  Lauren was the only one to speak as they walked toward the house. “If you take away the crazy bitch part, she’s not too bad on the eyes.”

  Jerrica genuinely laughed.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Mr. Daniel had built his office to intimidate all who entered. Dark wood bookcases, stretching from floor to ceiling, covered most of the walls. Some sort of reading material covered each shelf. Jerrica doubted he had taken time to read even one. Walking to the oversized desk, she skimmed the smooth top with the palm of her hand.

  “Explain that grin,” Lauren demanded.

  In a low tone Jerrica replied. “Let’s just say, I’ve had a few experiences in this room already, on this desk especially.” Winking evilly, she added, "It’s very smooth on the skin.”

  Lauren giggled as Jerrica crossed the room, with a wide smile on her face, toward the table where they were to set up.

  The oval conference table was located near the corner of the room, not giving Lauren and Jerrica much room to work in but they would make do. The presentation was ready when the first member of the Daniel corporation entered the room. One by one, they all filed in. Jerrica tried to hide her contempt as Devin was the last one to appear.

  Before Mr. Daniel seated himself, he introduced Andrew, Paula and the other men she had seen last night. “I would like to introduce you to the lawyers from Mcane and Mills law firm out of Boston. They will be our legal counsel for these proceedings.”

  Everyone smiled and shook hands.

  Formalities over, Jerrica cleared her throat, beginning her presentation. She used the full sixty minutes to her advantage. She had timed it out down to the last second. She passed out packets with figures and graphs.

  Lauren offered them writing utensils with the company’s logos, just in case they needed to take notes.

  Jerrica amazed them with her quarterly trajectories and the projected company growth charts.

  Even Devin, who was still irritated with Jerrica, seemed mildly impressed by what Morrill, Hartford, and Donahue would be offering in the new contracts.

  The speech was finished, the questions and answer time over and Jerrica packed up the presentation. A peaceful feeling came upon her as she closed her laptop. No matter what happened now, she had given it her all. That thought and that thought alone, was gratifying for her. Jerrica pulled out the large envelope containing the official new contract. With case in hand, she walked around the table, presenting the envelope to Andrew.

  “Thank you, Ms. Kerrison. We’ll be in touch.”

  Jerrica turned to see Lauren smiling at Andrew.

  Jerrica quickly moved though the rooms, the urgency to get away from those people seemed crucial to her sanity. Lauren was close behind, surprised that a woman wearing three -inch heels could move so quickly.

  Jerrica graced the porch with only two steps before hurdling herself over the steps, landing perfectly on the path. It only took seconds for Jerrica to reach her car, her hand on the handle.

  When Lauren reached the car, she panted, “Jerrica, stop, we can’t leave yet. We need to stay for questions.”

  “Shit! Give me your phone.”

  Lauren handed it over. “Why don’t you hold onto it for now. I’m not expecting any calls.”

  Jerrica dialed the number burned in her memory repeatedly, each time no answer. Discouraged, she slid onto the hood of her car.

  At a loss again, Lauren sat next to her friend, sharing the comfort the silence was offering. Every fifteen minutes, Jerrica redialed Madison number. To her dismay, the result was the same.

  Seeing the young women’s discomfort from the main house, Molly had Pete bring them out two lawn chairs and a pitcher of lemonade. With Pete’s insistence, Jerrica reclined in one of the chairs, trying to relax.

  She was anxious to get off this island and find Madison. Repeating her actions, she tried the cell phone and again no answer. The day dragged on as they watched each pair of representatives exit the house after their meetings. Molly had brought them a tray of finger sandwiches for lunch but Jerrica didn’t eat. Her stomach was tied in knots.

  All the reps seemed to be muddling around the yard, not knowing what to do next. They were all stuck waiting.

  By two forty-five, Jerrica was anxiously pacing by her car. Jerrica fidgeted with her hands waiting to escape from this hell. Peering at her watch, she realized they needed to leave soon or they would miss the late day car ferry to the mainland. “That’s it,” Jerrica said, exasperated. “Lauren let’s—”

  “May I have everyone’s attention?” Andrew said from the porch, interrupting Jerrica.

  Everyone moved a little closer to the house to hear him better. Having everyone in earshot, he spoke., “The Daniel family and the board members of Daniel & Daniel, Inc. would like to thank you for your cooperation this weekend. We will consider each offer. There were no further questions, so everyone is free to go.”

  Andrew stared into Lauren’s eyes, smiling, then he vanished back into the house.

  Jerrica was already at the car when Lauren turned to find her. With a screech of the tires, the women of MHD were on their way home.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  It was a long two hours before Jerrica’s front tires drove onto the main land. Driving her way toward the exit gate, she recognized a familiar face standing by the gate to the parking lot. Jerrica stopped her car in front of Lauren’s husband.

  “I called Brandon to pick me up.” Lauren smiled at Jerrica. “Let him grab my bag out of the trunk.”

  Closing the door behind her, Lauren bent down to speak her words of wisdom. “Jerrica, don’t screw this up, go after her.”

  “I love you, Lauren.”

  “I love you, too, now go!”

  For the average driver, the drive would have taken at least an hour and a half to get back to the city. For Jerrica Kerrison it took a minute or two more than an hour. She entered Madison’s building at a run, going into the first elevator that opened. Arriving at her door, the loud knocking began. Reaching into her pocket, she realized she still had Lauren’s phone, and she repeatedly dialed the apartment number. From Jerrica’s position in the hallway, she could hear a clear ringing from inside the apartment.

  “Shit!” she said aloud. “Where the hell could she be?”

  Tapping the cell phone on the hood of her car, Jerrica honestly didn’t know what to do next. Madison was not answering her cell. She wasn’t home and Jerrica had no way to contact her family.

  What do I do now? she agonized.

  Pulling the car door open, it came to her. Olivia! With trepidation, Jerrica dialed Olivia’s number, holding her breath as the phone began to ring.

  “Olivia Hutten, how may I help you,” answered the strong southern accent.

  “Ms. Hutten, this is Jerrica. We work together at Morrill, Hartford, and Donahue.”

  “Yes, Jerrica, I know who you are,” Jerrica heard the tone change in Olivia’s voice, “How can I help you?”

  “I’m not sure if Madison has said anything to you about me but—”

  “I know enough. How can I help you?”

  “Have you heard from her?”

  “I haven’t heard from her since she left for Nantucket. Is there a problem?”

  “There was a misunderstanding on the island and I really need to talk to her. I’ve tried her cell phone, her home. I’m running out of options,” Jerrica’s voice was shaking with distress.

  “I see.” The phone briefly went quiet. “Jerrica, I would advise you to go home and collect yourself. I have a few other numbers I can try to reach Madison for you. I will contact you later if I have news.”

  “That’s all you can do?”

  “Ms. Kerrison, right now, this is your only option. Can I reach you on the number you dialed from?” Olivia’s voice became elevated.

  Defeated, Jerrica replied, “Yes, this number is fine. Thank you, Ms. Hutten, for your help. I hope to hear from you soon.”

  Dropping the
phone on the seat next to her, she started the journey home.

  The house seemed emptier to Jerrica as she closed the door. The diminishing evening illumination only added to the feeling of despair that was taking control of her soul. Her steadfast furry companions came rushing to her feet.

  At least someone still loves me, she thought.

  Settling herself into her normal routine, she went about her business, feeding the cats, changing into something more comfortable, and fixing something to eat. Jerrica sat with her knees to her chest, staring off into the storm clouds that had rolled in, her untouched dinner still on the table. The sudden ring of the cell phone brought her out of the numbness that had inched its way into her thoughts.

  “Madison?”

  “Ms. Kerrison, this is Olivia Hutten.” Hearing no reply, Olivia continued., “I’m sorry to say I was unable to find her. I’m sorry I couldn’t assist you.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Hutten,” was all she could assemble for a response, clicking off the phone.

  The tears didn’t come easy, but when she finally let the full picture of the situation develop in her mind, the storm clouds unleashed their furry. She allowed herself to sob.

  You win, Devin, I have nothing.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  A clash of thunder shattered her less than peaceful sleep. The last thing she remembered was talking to Olivia. Rubbing her eyes, she slowly sat up. Jerrica summarized that she must have cried herself to sleep. Rotating her neck from side to side, she tried to not only clear her mind, but also loosen her stiff neck. She jumped from her sitting position hearing a knock on her door. Sprinting around the furniture, Jerrica’s hand flipped on the porch light the moment her out-stretched hand could reach it. Not worrying about her safety of who might be on the other side, Jerrica wrenched the door open. Rushing forward, she enclosed a rain soaked Madison in her arms, crying uncontrollably.

  Madison buried her face in Jerrica’s neck and their hot tears joined. In the darkened foyer, two frightened souls held tightly onto one another.

  “I’m sorry,” Madison whispered.

  “I’m the one who needs to apologize,” Jerrica replied between tears. “I don’t want to let you go, but you should get out of those wet clothes before you catch a cold.”

  A small giggle escaped Madison. “If I didn’t know better, I would think you were trying to get me undressed again.”

  Jerrica chuckled in Madison’s ear, releasing some of her fear.

  Jerrica’s college sweatshirt and plaid pajama pants felt comfortable to Madison as she sat cross-legged on the couch closely facing Jerrica.

  Jerrica lifted Madison’s hands, entwining their fingers, linking not only their bodies but their hearts as well. Glancing from their connected hands to Madison’s face, Jerrica softly spoke. “I have been so scared I had lost you. There are things I need to tell you—”

  Madison cautiously interrupted. “Jerrica, I know.”

  Not fully registering her words, Jerrica continued. “I want to explain what happened on the island, but more than that, I—”

  Jerrica stopped speaking when she felt a light fingertip on her lips.

  “Jerrica, I know about your past with Devin Daniel. I also know everything that transpired with her these past few days.”

  The confused expression was visible on Jerrica’s face.

  “Seeing that woman in an article of clothing belonging to you…broke my heart. I didn’t want to believe that you would cheat on me, but she was very convincing. I couldn’t compete with a woman like that, and since we never really made promises to one another….” Madison fell silent for a moment, taking a deep breath. “After leaving the island, I just drove around in a fog. I had no place to go.”

  Madison wiped a stray tear from Jerrica’s cheek, mirroring the pain in her eyes. “I stopped at Olivia’s briefly. I needed to talk to someone. Once my mind finally cleared, I knew there was only one other person who would know the truth, even if I didn’t like what she had to say...I called Lauren.”

  “You called Lauren? Why didn’t you call me?”

  “I was angry at you and hurt. That’s why I didn’t call you.”

  “I’m so sorry,” replied Jerrica’s weak voice.

  “I knew even though Lauren and I don’t get along, she has always had your best interest at heart. She was hesitant to tell me any information you should have already told me. She did finally give in and supplied me with facts that helped fill in the blank spots of your past and present connection to Devin, including all the events of this weekend.”

  “I thought if I could just get through this weekend, I could spare you having to be involved with my past life.”

  “Spare me or yourself, Jerrica? I think that’s what hurts the most, the thought that maybe you didn’t trust us or me for that matter, to open up about everything.”

  Tightening her grip, head lowered, Jerrica tried to explain. “This is all new to me, Madison. In my previous relationships, no one had ever been interested in my journeys of life before they became a part of it. I’m not good at letting my guard down, but I want to try for you, for us. I am so sorry I hurt you.”

  “Jerrica, do you love me?”

  Lifting her head as tears cascaded down her face, she answered. “Yes, more than I’ll ever be able to show you.”

  Touching her hand to a moist cheek, their eyes making firm contact, Madison spoke “Well, we can start building our future off of that. Everything else will work itself out.”

  Love and a promise of a future together surrounded Jerrica and Madison as they leaned forward, meeting in the middle, to share a kiss. A kiss that quickly turned into lust filled wanting.

  Madison pulled her lips away, gasping for air, as Jerrica traced soft kisses down her jaw line. The moan escaped Madison as Jerrica nibbled on her earlobe, letting the tip of her tongue follow the shape of her ear.

  “Madison, my love, about our future…” Jerrica whispered.

  Epilogue

  Evelyn Burnham entered the executive office as she did every morning, with a smile and her arms filled with paperwork. Her presence in the room was immediately recognized.

  Alexandra Donahue spun her chair around to face her assistant. “Good morning, Evelyn. How are you this morning?”

  “Good morning, yourself,” Evelyn replied. “We seem to be in a good mood this morning.”

  Alexandra lifted a packet of papers in her hand, waving them around. “She did it Evelyn. Ms. Kerrison got the Daniel corporation to re-sign with Morrill, Hartford, and Donahue for another five years. There are a few small provisions they want to add to the contract but they signed on the dotted line. They have even included a handsome bonus for Ms. Kerrison as well.”

  “That’s wonderful, Ms. Donahue,” she said placing the pile of papers on the desk.

  “Oh,” she said, pulling a manila envelope from the bottom of the pile. “This was delivered by courier about ten minutes ago.”

  Her eyes still glued on the contract, she waved her hand. “Go ahead, and leave it. I’ll get to it.”

  The click of the door brought Alexandra out of her euphoria enough to notice that Evelyn had departed her office. Setting the contract in front of her, she reached for the unmarked manila envelope. With the envelope opened, she slid the papers into her hand and began the task of reading them.

  To: Alexandra Donahue of Morrill, Harford, and Donahue Company, Inc.

  From: Blanchet, Pranvil and Colby, Law Firm Boston, MA on behalf of Jerrica Kerrison.

  I, Jerrica A. Kerrison, do formally tender my resignation as Accounting Executive of Morrill, Hartford, and Donahue as of today’s date. My legal representative will be contacting your firm directly regarding forwarding of 401k, pending pay or bonuses...

  Alexandra Donahue’s eyes widened and her mouth gaped open as she continued reading the letter. Standing up abruptly, sending her chair crashing into the windows behind, she threw the papers on her desk. As she slammed her fists down on her
desk she yelled. “Damn it! Damn it all to hell, Evelyn, get your ass in here!”

  The end or just the beginning?

  About the Author

  Riley Jefferson

  So I have to sum up who I am in so many words or less… How to you describe the love of words since you were a child. Growing up in New England, the changing seasons helped color my imagination. My writing journey started in poetry but blossomed into fiction writing, lesbian fiction writing to be exact. I love weaving the stories that people will enjoy.

  I still enjoy the character of New England till this day with my loving wife, two cats, and one dog.

  Finding Her Way is my first publication.

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