Madam Mom

by Lynda Rees

  “Tisha, it’s a terrific idea. It’s settled. I’m donating it to the facility. The residents will enjoy it. I want to move in soon as the work finishes. I can get settled while you’re in town. Once I’m out of the house, you can focus on resolving Roberta’s business affairs. Then you can go home knowing all is well here in Kentucky.”

  ♥♥♥♥

  The following day the two discussed how to manage the staff. “I asked Daniel to arrange a year’s salary severance pay for Nurse Hensley and Ms. Flanagan. Nurse Hensley figures she’s out of a job.”

  When they met with her, she acted happily surprised. “Lola, Tisha, you’re exceedingly generous. I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “You have done a marvelous job. It’s thanks enough. We’re grateful for your service and devotion to Gran.”

  “Lola, you always treated me well and paid an excellent salary. Thank you for your generosity.” She hugged Lola profusely, kissing her frail cheek.

  ♥♥♥♥

  They had a sit-down with Ms. Flanagan. “Thank you for staying on at the house until I leave for New York.” Tisha had explained their needs from her.

  “It’s a pleasure. I’m pleased with the arrangement.” Ms. Flanagan, eternally loyal to the McClain women, fed them since long before Tisha’s birth. “Thank you for your generosity.”

  “It’s the least we could do, in honor of how you’ve taken care of us over the years.” Lola and Ms. Flanagan had known each other most of their lives.

  ♥♥♥♥

  “Ms. Nelson,” Tisha handed her the details of their plans. “I appreciate your hard work. As you can see, you will receive a hefty severance package to help your transition. We appreciate everything you’ve done for us now and through the years.”

  Ms. Nelson sheepishly smiled. “I must confess. I’ve lived frugally and saved throughout my career. I’m happy with the severance package and plan to retire. I’ll move to Florida and buy a condo near my sister.”

  “It’s delightful. The two of you can live close by during your retirement.” Lola gave her a hug.

  ♥♥♥♥

  Finally alone Tisha flopped into Gran’s love seat with a glass of wine. “All three ladies agreed to our plans, excited for their severance packages. It’s good.”

  Lola sipped her cocktail. “It’s a relief. They’ve been faithful, longtime employees like family. I didn’t want this to hurt any of them financially in the long run.”

  “Me either. It’s hard enough. We can at least treat them well. Loyal servants deserved the best.” Tisha toasted the women, and Gran joined.

  Tisha spent the rest of the evening catching up on gallery work, returning calls and answering email. Done, she stared at the phone thinking of Sam. Still angry Sam Finch had betrayed her, she wanted to grab him by the collar and kiss his luscious, plump lips.

  Smacking her forehead with her palm, Tisha decided she’d lost it. First she accosted the man at the airport and almost raped him. He showed up respectfully with those smoky, sympathetic baby-blues glistening concern at the funeral. She became angry because he had hidden his connection to her. Simon’s face flashed before her eyes, sparking her low tolerance for deceitful men.

  She’d morphed into a basket-case of contradictions. She wanted to rage at him on one hand. On the other she longed to kiss the daylights out of him leaving him panting for more. She could be headed for the loony bin. She better get a grip before she had to face him in person.

  ♥♥♥♥

  Over dinner Gran got to the point. “I saw you talking to Sam Finch at the funeral. He acted taken with you, Tisha. Why don’t you give him a call? You could use a friend your own age right now. He could be a fun distraction.” Gran winked wickedly.

  “You feisty floosy, handle your own love life and leave mine to me. I’m not done with Mr. Sam Finch. But I have to work with him—at least for a while. I’ll deal with Mr. Finch my way and in my own time. Besides, he provided a marvelous distraction for me at the airport. Memory serves me well.” She winked at Gran allowing the older woman to use her imagination. Of course she did.

  “I thought so.” Gran laughed slapping her thigh. “The wholesomely dreamy boy has an allure which doesn’t appear often. Don’t let the one walk away, Tisha. He’s interested in you. I saw it in his eyes—not in a business manner either. It wasn’t a one-night stand for him. You’ve got him on the bait. Set the hook and reel him in.”

  “Gran, please drop it. I’ve no interest in pursuing a love affair with Sam Finch. Let it go.” Tisha went back to her magazine trying to concentrate. Why would respectable attorney Sam Finch want anything to do with the likes of her? Tisha had a gnawing sensation in her gut. She’d only begun scraping the surface of the past.

  Laying the book aside she rose to kiss Lola goodnight. “I’m bushed, Gran. I’m turning in.”

  CHAPTER 10

  Gran acted more spry than normal at breakfast. She strolled into the dining room without her walker. Tisha rose from her chair and hugged the sweet, old gal. Taking her elbow she escorted her to the head of the table.

  “Morning Sunshine,” Gran beamed. “I’m famished!” She helped herself to a soft biscuit and reached for the container of honey. Ms. Flanagan showed up and filled her coffee cup. Gran carefully sipped steaming liquid and placed it carefully into the saucer. Cocking an eyebrow, she glared along her pert nose. “You okay with the plans for today?”

  “The sooner the better.” Strain flickered through her as she steeled herself for the coming day. Daniel scheduled to read Mom’s will at his office. Tisha would meet her team of experts. No doubt, Sam Finch would show up among them. Their encounter inevitable, enduring the day proved tough enough. Facing Sam brought a flurry of swirling sensations for her to battle.

  “I marked my things and instructed Ms. Flanagan how to pack for me.” Gran loaded fluffy scrambled eggs on her plate and ate a hearty breakfast. Tisha fussed with her meal not tasting a thing.

  ♥♥♥♥

  Nine thirty found Tisha and Lola at their scheduled appointment with Daniel Finch of McCord, Finch and Finch Associates. She cinched her collar tight to deflect the wind and held an umbrella over her as she helped Lola into the building deflecting the slight rain starting to fall. They headed into the three-story building’s double doors with more bravado than Tisha had known she could muster.

  Appreciating clean lines of the square building constructed of tinted blue and grey glass, Tisha deemed it fitting for a successful law office—modern without iciness, gutsy without flamboyance, and dignified yet inviting.

  As Roberta’s attorney, Daniel would read the will. No doubt, Sam would be present since Daniel suggested to Tisha he take over her account. Daniel arranged for Tisha to meet the other important players managing investments in the estate after the will reading.

  The regal gent met the ladies in the building foyer and escorted them to his office Old enough to be Tisha’s father Daniel towered above her at six foot five. Broad shoulders supported a slight paunch around the belt. He dressed handsomely in a classic navy suit handcrafted from the finest material. His baby-blue, silk Ralph Lauren® shirt and a red Polo® tie complimented his distinguished face as he smiled and ushered her into his domain.

  His cleanly shaven, square jaw and thick, silver hair gave him a finished appearance of style and attention to detail. Power seeped from his veins and his demeanor proclaimed him a man of honor and strength. He could be trusted. Tisha expected no less since Mom, a good judge of character, chose him.

  “Come, Lola, Tisha, make your selves comfortable.” He heartily shook both their hands and helped Lola into a chair in front of his desk. “Tisha, I’d like you to meet Andrew McCord.” The other man shook their hands greeting Lola. “Andrew handles real estate investments. Your holdings are largely in real property.”

  “Thank you, Daniel. It’s good meeting you, Andrew.” Daniel led them to a set of sleek, black-leather, surprisingly comfortable chairs facing his desk. Tisha
took a chair beside Lola, grateful for the reprieve of Sam’s absence.

  “Andrew and I founded this old firm, having established it over twenty-five years ago. You and Andrew can talk details after we read the will.” She recognized Andrew, having briefly met him at the funeral, but couldn’t remember much about him. She’d liked him instantly.

  “When you finish with Andrew, you can meet with Lee Barton who manages your stock and bond portfolio.”

  “I see. It appears you have arranged a full day for us. Thank you for your initiative, Daniel.”

  Daniel’s lovely, private corner office felt airy with tinted glass walls on two sides. Floor to ceiling windows displayed a spectacular view of the Cincinnati skyline. Surprised at the décor considering Daniel’s age which she guessed as late fifties, she assumed he’d prefer stuffier designs.

  “I adore the elegant, modern décor of your lovely office.” A chrome clear-glass-topped desk held a sleek, white laptop, and an engraved pen set. A black file folder lay neatly atop the closed computer. White walls displayed striking paintings. “I recognize The Singing Fish by Joan Miro—my compliments on the painting. You have a discerning palate.”

  His cheeks colored slightly as he eyed the artwork. “Roberta aided me in the selection for this office—not only the artwork but décor as well.”

  Taken aback, Tisha smiled carefully and stopped walking. “How nice—I hadn’t realized you and Mother were close. She was exceptionally discriminating. The painting is an expensive choice.”

  “Roberta and I have known each other since the sixties, when she first got started in business. She signed on as one of my first clients. We enjoyed a casual, business relationship—nothing but friendship. I admired her in many ways. I want to tell you again, Tisha, Lola, how sorry I am for your loss.”

  Joan, Daniel’s secretary, popped in delivering a tray with steaming ceramic cups of coffee, followed by an apologetic looking Sam with his head down rolling silently into a seat beside Andrew along the side wall. He gave a slight nod in her direction. His face drew a blank.

  Joan, a tall thin redhead in her thirties, wore a tan pencil-skirt suit with a classic, white, button-down blouse and smiled sweetly at Tisha and Lola extending her hand. “How do you do, Ms. McClain? Ms. Di’Amani?” Tisha instantly liked her warm, non-threatening personality.

  Shaking Joan’s hand, she smiled. “Thank you for the coffee—very thoughtful of you.”

  “You’re welcome. Let me know if I can get you anything else.” Joan swiftly left, and Daniel passed out steaming cups to everyone.

  “Tisha let me introduce my son, Sam an attorney and partner heading up our New York office. I understand you met briefly at the airport, and of course at Roberta’s funeral.” Daniel showed no sign of awareness of Tisha’s impropriety with his son. He eyed them curiously as though gauging how they’d get along.

  Sam hadn’t confided in his dad. If he had, Daniel was one hell of an actor. These men played important roles in her life. Time would tell. For now, she’d try to make it work. She had no choice, still not understanding what her estate entailed.

  “Good to see you again, Sam.” Tisha lied smiling pleasantly as though greeting any other stranger.

  Sam accepted the cue from her, walking toward her with his hand out. Heat from his body flowed into her palm and straight to her heart. Without a word or intention, he fueled her with stamina to move forward. Why be attracted to this man? She barely knew him and didn’t trust men easily. Sam short-circuited her defense system, making his own route into her graces. Reluctantly she released him after a hearty shake.

  “A pleasure, Ms. McClain, I look forward to serving you.” No snide in his remark, it triggered making her belly do a flip-flop.

  Sam shook Lola’s hand then sat. A vision in his well-fitting, dark-grey suit, blonde strands spilled playfully across his forehead. He brushed at it uselessly. A boyishly grin lit his handsome face as he eyed her from the distance between them.

  Daniel acted unaware of the electricity bouncing across his office. “We believe it best to turn your legal affairs over to Sam to manage, since you’ll be co-located in New York. Do you intend to return once the estate is settled?”

  “Absolutely, and Sam, please call me Tisha.” She clasped her hands in her lap wishing his heat hadn’t dissipated quickly on them. She shook as she accepted the coffee Daniel handed her.

  Daniel went on in depth about Sam’s education and impressive experience. He read the will leaving everything to Tisha, and explained the general state of her affairs, handing her a portfolio to scan as they spoke.

  “Roberta’s investments are in order, with finances managed by the firm. Officers of this establishment are available for both of you as they’ve been for her Roberta. McCord, Finch and Finch Associates can continue to handle aspects of your financial needs, equipped with legal, real estate, stock market, banking, and property management expertise.”

  Large numbers on spreadsheets were staggering. Tisha had no idea Roberta was worth so much. “I’m relieved knowing I can count on one company to do everything I require. I’m as overwhelmed, as you can guess.”

  “It’s understandable. Take your time, no rush for changes.” Daniel smiled patiently. “I’ve filed probate, and the judge has deemed Roberta’s holdings pass to you with a couple of exceptions. A stipend is held aside to cover debts presented through probate, but I anticipate them being few if any. Roberta astutely kept bills paid. The will stipulates allotments to staff.”

  Tisha and Gran checked the numbers. “Please increase the numbers to what Gran and I decided to provide them. The numbers are close to Mom’s directives, anyway.”

  “You have ownership of all real estate holdings including the house. If you choose to sell anything, you’re legally fine to do so.”

  “What about Gran?” Tisha patted her grandmother’s hand, resting in her lap looking as though she didn’t have a care in the world.

  How could she act serene?

  For one thing, she wasn’t flustered with Sam’s presence.

  Daniel handed the women another portfolio, slimmer than Roberta’s. “Lola has a considerable estate as well, held in trust with Roberta as trustee. Lola’s trust stipulates at Roberta’s demise you, Tisha, assume trustee responsibility overseeing her investments. You will manage for Lola’s care and finances—of course, with the aid of the firm as needed.”

  Gran faced her. “I’ve already signed documents to this affect and have been aware of Roberta’s will and trust stipulations. I’m in your good hands, Tisha. No worries, sweet girl. You’re up to this.” Her tone filled with confidence. Tisha didn’t have the heart to burst her bubble. “Daniel we arranged for my move to the assisted living facility I told you about previously.”

  “I’m pleased to hear it. You gave me the information awhile back. I prepared preliminary documents concerning initial arrangements you and Roberta made. I assure you. We will take over legal aspects and payments to the facility and continue to fund your spending account, as always, Lola.”

  Tisha exhaled a heavy sigh. “I’m grateful you can handle this for us.”

  Daniel closed Gran’s portfolio. “No problem. It’s what we do. Lola has sufficient investments to cover her expensive living arrangements. There’s more than enough to outlive her. Tisha, you’re an extremely wealthy woman and will be even more from Lola’s inheritance one day.”

  Way to skirt a delicate explanation.

  Gran proved wealthy in her own right, having lived frugally. A weakness for diamond jewelry, she wore a sparkling watch and bracelet. Gran’s philosophy on jewels, like other luxury items, sounded quaint. “They’re worthless if not used.” Other than these jewels and her wardrobe, Gran lived simply.

  Daniel explained tax laws, gift funding and how the law office would leverage those handling investing funds available she didn’t wish to draw on in her name. “I recommend creating a family trust naming you as Trustee to minimize tax consequences for the futu
re of your money.”

  “Whatever you say.”

  Daniel stood as their meeting drew to a close. The rest followed his lead.

  “Excuse me, ladies. I’ll leave you for your next appointment. I’ll draw those trust documents up and have them ready for your signatures in a couple days.” Sam shook both their hands and exited.

  Daniel, “Tisha, Lola, Andrew will show you to your next appointment.” The short man in his late fifties with honest brown eyes firmly shook Tisha’s hand. She liked him immediately. Not the flamboyant looker Daniel was, Andrew’s plain, round face sported thick wire-rimmed glasses, and clean-shaven. She sniffed Old Spice Swagger® and wintergreen mints he sucked constantly. His expensive, yet ordinary brown suit with matching striped tie and white shirt gave him a nerdy appearance. Tisha mused he should sport a brown derby hat atop his semi-balding head.

  Andrew offered coffee which she accepted and sipped. She had enough caffeine. Jittery, it would make her worse—if possible.

  Andrew’s smaller office was similar to Roberts. Sun shone through the glass wall illuminated a cherry-wood desk and matching credenza topped with black granite, giving the room a powerful appearance. A laptop was closed on his desk. Cincinnati city skyline photography adorned interior walls.

  “It’s a gorgeous night view displaying the city stadium lit for a football game. Either the team either won or got a hit. Don’t they shoot fireworks off?”

  “Right.” He sounded pleased at her observation. “The photographer shot it from Devou Park on the hill atop Covington. The Bengals won.

  Andrew handed Tisha a binder, and they went through pages while he explained Roberta’s multiple real estate holdings, now belonged to Tisha. “I’ve alerted tenants you will stop by to view the properties this week.”

  “It’s a good plan. I’ll take a few days and visit each one. Thank you, Andrew. I’m grateful for your organization, making it easy for me. I’ll make notes of observations, suggestions and decisions. I’ll report to you what I intended for each property.”