“Great, I’ll call you both in a couple of days, bye.”
“Bye, and thanks, Francine.”
Francine put the phone down and heaved a heavy sigh. It had finally happened, after years of begging him to get help, it looked as if Steve had somehow made it.
She had to admit that when he was in a clean, lucid phase, Steve was a totally different person and it was at such times that he had come closest to what her expectations of him being a father had been all about.
All she had to do now, was to figure out how to explain to Alison that her father was about to re-enter their lives. She decided to wait until later that night as she tucked the child into bed. In the meantime, all she had to do was come up with the right words to make it work without any trauma to the treasure of her life. This wasn’t going to be easy.
One again the phone rang and this time another familiar voice came on the line as Francine answered.
“Hi, honey, we need to talk!” it was Roger.
“We don’t need to do anything, thank you very much!” Francine replied. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got work to do!”
She was about to put the phone down when he added something that she didn’t understand. “Look, you’re making me look bad, do you hear?” he chided.
“I don’t understand you,” she replied. “You can do that all on your own without any help from me!”
“Damnit, Francine, I’ve got a reputation to keep up!” he added impatiently.
Tired as she was, she was definitely up for this argument. “Oh, and what kind of reputation might that be. That of a walking gland that can’t keep his zipper up! Grow up! Get over it! Goodbye Roger!”
He sounded even angrier. “I guess you have been out of town! Damnit, Francine, don’t do this to me!”
“You did it to yourself, now get lost, I’ve got work to do!”
She slammed down the phone, slowly letting her burning anger subside.
What on earth was he talking about? The only thing she’d ever done to make him look bad as far as she was concerned, was when she gave him his marching orders, back in Monte Carlo. And boy, did that feel good!
Once again the phone rang and this time it was Verna from New York. “Hi, sweetie, welcome back!”
“Hi, Verna, what’s the latest?”
“Well, old Sorrenstein is really getting with the program. In fact, he’s given the special red a new name.”
“He has?”
“Yeah, Dubois Crimson!”
“You’re kidding?”
“Well, figure it out, darling. He’s never had such a large order before, so he’s decided to capitalize on the notoriety.”
“The old fox. Perhaps from now on, he’ll deliver on time.”
“You bet. So, how was London?”
Francine was getting weary of trying to sound upbeat about a trip that had clearly shattered her dreams. Once again she put on a brave face. “It went fine. And you’ll be pleased to know that the red number sold well again, Dubois crimson and all!”
“Great. Let me know what you need. Well done, sweetie.”
“Thanks, bye.”
It was a day that went by in a blur as Francine began to realize that she had left for England in control of a small business, only to arrive back in control of the beginnings of an empire. Already the premises were bulging at the seams and Olive was looking totally harassed as she was trying to keep pace with the orders placed, incoming and outgoing deliveries and now, most of all, the lovely cash was starting to roll in.
By the time six o’clock arrived, Francine had interviewed an assistant for Olive, an assistant for Thelma, spoken to two realtors about larger premises, ordered a new computer, had the phone company in to upgrade the phones and managed to speak to Vince for all of six seconds.
In view of the later discussions she had planned with Alison, she decided to take the child out for dinner to her favorite burger joint where she gamely ploughed her way through a month’s supply of grease, cholesterol and calories as Alison munched away happily, telling Francine all the ‘neat’ things that had happened since she had left for Europe.
Although Francine sat listening attentively, she realized in her mind, just how easy it can be to lose touch with your children as she marveled at all she had missed in such a brief visit abroad. Multiply this by the many months that Steve had missed out on his daughter’s life and she began to understand his interest in getting to know her all over again, now that his demons had receded, hopefully for good.
She still hadn’t a clue what she was going to say to the child, but as she finally tucked her in for the night, she perched on the side of the bed, looked deeply into those blue, innocent eyes and started to explain the situation to Alison.
Surprisingly, it went very well and by the time she was through, Alison was acting very maturely for her age and quite receptive to the idea of seeing her father, but with one major stipulation. “But I still get to live with you, Mom?” she asked nervously.
Francine hugged her affectionately. “Of course, darling. It’s just that occasionally you and your father will get to do things, you know, see a movie, go swimming, that kind of thing.”
“Well, that sounds okay!”
Francine then decided that now was as good a time as any to give Alison the rest of the news.
“There’s also something else you should know, sweetheart.”
The child looked momentarily concerned. “Nothing bad, is it, Mommy?”
“No, sweetie. In fact it’s pretty good. You see, since your Daddy and I got divorced, well, he’s met a new friend.”
“A friend?”
“Yes, a really nice lady called Ruby. You’ll really like her when you meet her.”
“Have you met her?” Alison was nobody’s fool.
“Yes, darling, that’s why I know you’re going to get along. But first of all, I think that perhaps you and Daddy should get to know each other again. What do you say?”
“Yep! That’s okay with me. When will it be?”
“Soon, my darling, soon. Now, off to sleep with you, see you in the morning, I love you.” she kissed her gently on the forehead.
“Me too, night, Mommy!” Alison snuggled under the covers and closed her eyes.
Back in her room, Francine heaved a huge sigh of relief. Now it was up to Steve not to screw things up. She hoped fervently that he was up to the task as she finally sank into an exhausted sleep. As usual, Francine could never drift off to sleep without seeing one special thing in her mind’s eye. In fact it was two special things. Two warm green eyes that were still somehow looking right into her very soul. Why weren’t they on the pillow next to her?
CHAPTER 42
The following day was even more hectic than the last and Vince was already waiting for Francine when she arrived at the office, a sheaf of papers in his hand.
“Morning, Boss,” he chirped. obviously reveling in the new level of frenetic activity.
“Don’t tell me,” she smiled wryly. “More problems?”
“On the contrary.” he looked mysteriously playful.
“So?”
“So the local TV station want to do a story on Classique!”
“Story?”
“Yes, you know, rags to riches all that jazz!”
“When?”
“The second you give the word!”
“You’re joking! We’re snowed under at the moment.”
He grinned even more mischievously. “There’s also a catch.”
“What kind of catch?” he was beginning to annoy her.
“I think you might know the reporter covering the story!”
“Roger! No way, Jose!”
“That’s what I thought you’d say.”
“So, what now?”
“They’re still anxious to do it, so they’ve offered someone else to cover it.”
“I don’t know, Vince.” she sounded hesitant.
“Look, remember what we said, boss. Eve
n bad publicity is…”
“I know, I know, but I don’t want anything to do with Roger or his company,” she looked at him closely. “So, why are you still smiling?”
“Because I expected you to say that. So, I spoke to their opposition across town and they also wanted to do the story!”
“So, let me guess?”
“You’re right. I said you’d be delighted.”
She shook her fist at him in a friendly manner. “One of these days, Rainbow Man!”
He raised his hands defensively. “I know, I know, meanwhile, how does next week sound?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “Okay, I guess.”
“Fine, leave it to me. I’ll set it all up.”
“Just one thing. Where will they be shooting?”
He grinned over his shoulder as he left her office. “Oh, just about everywhere, here, at your house, just everywhere!”
She let out a heavy sigh, “Great!”
* * * *
Although in her sub-conscious she had been putting it off all day, Francine finally picked up the phone in the late afternoon and called Ruby’s number.
She answered on the second ring. “Hi, this is Ruby?”
“Ruby, this is Francine, Hi.”
Ruby’s voice was suddenly filled with warmth. “Oh, hi, Francine, I’m so glad you called!”
“Is Steve there?”
“No,” Ruby gave a little chuckle. “You’ll probably be pleased to hear that he’s at work.”
Francine was more shocked than pleased. “Work?”
Ruby sounded really proud. “Yes, he’s got a job at the local high school as a substitute music teacher. They told him if it works out he could be taken on full time next semester.”
Francine was genuinely pleased, “Ruby, that’s great!” and then she had further thoughts. “And how is he liking it?”
“He’s loving it, just one slight problem.”
“Uh, oh, such as?”
Again Ruby chuckled. “Now all the school band want to go on the road like a rock group!”
Francine actually found herself smiling. “No kidding?”
She decided to get back to the purpose of the call. “I just wanted to let you guys know that I’ve spoken to Alison and everything looks okay.”
Ruby was genuinely pleased. “Oh, Francine, he’ll be so pleased!”
“Look, Ruby, do me a favor,” she began. “Don’t let him screw it up. Alison’s been hurt once, it would break my heart if it happens again.”
“I know,” Ruby answered. “Leave it with me, I’ll do my level best.”
“Thanks, oh and by the way,” Francine was warming to Ruby by the second. “Alison also knows about you too, Ruby.”
There was a touching pause at the other end. “Really?”
“Well, if Steve’s going to make it, I can’t think of anyone better to help him and if you help him, it also helps me.”
“Look, Francine,” Ruby’s voice became even softer. “I really think he’s going to succeed this time. He never stops talking about seeing Alison, so you can relax a little. He’s had a long time in the wilderness and now he wants to make up for all he’s missed!”
“Great, well, tell him I’ll call later in the week and we can set something up for the week-end. And one other thing, Ruby, he’s one hell of a musician. Those kids are lucky to have him as a teacher!”
There was real emotion in Ruby’s voice. “Now he’s out of the woods, he’s also a heck of a nice guy, Francine. Don’t worry, it’ll work out okay, believe me.”
“I’m counting on it, bye.”
“Bye, Francine, and thanks.”
As Francine looked up, Vince was standing in the doorway, “Sorry, Boss, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”
“That’s okay, come on in.”
“So, you’re going to do it then?”
She sighed. “I guess so. You know, Vince, when we got back from England after just a few days, I felt as though I’d missed such a great chunk out of Alison’s life. Just imagine how Steve feels?”
“Yeah, true. But if he hurts you guys in any way, he’s a dead man!”
She smiled. “Been watching those Jackie Chan movies again, have we?”
He grinned. “Well, you know what I mean?”
“Don’t I always, Rainbow Man?”
“Always.”
It was about 7.30 that evening when Francine made her way to the car park across the street. As she approached her car, the door of a nearby car burst open and a man jumped out. She stepped back in shock until she realized it was Roger.
“Jeez, Roger, you almost gave me a heart attack!”
“Francine we need to talk!” he began.
“I thought we’d already had this conversation.”
He looked incredulous that she could still be resisting his charms as he raised both arms up and down in exasperation. “What is it with you? I thought we really had something going?”
She looked him straight in the eye, fearless and defiant. “Let me see, oh yes, let me take inventory,” she closed her eyes and tapped the side of her head with her finger as if jogging her memory. “Ah, ah, that’s it, we had lukewarm sex, punctuated by your libido rising like an elevator every time a new bosom appeared on the horizon!”
“Now, that’s not fair!”
“You’re damned right it’s not fair on any woman to have to put up with that. End of story. Now, I’m telling you for the last time, stop bothering me or I’ll have the law on you!” she walked away towards her car leaving him standing there open mouthed and angry.
He howled after her. “I’ve got a reputation to maintain, damn it, Francine!”
She simply raised her hand and flapped it idly back towards him as if to say. ‘Who cares?’
CHAPTER 43
On Saturday evening, as Francine was finishing dressing Alison in her best outfit, the child was clearly nervous.
“So, what does he look like, Mom?”
Francine tried to sound casual although her own stress level would probably have busted the blood pressure monitor at that very moment. “He looks just like Daddy always looked, darling - same old Daddy, just a little older, but still someone who loves you very much.”
“So, what do I have to do?” the questions kept coming.
“Nothing, my darling, except be yourself. Remember, Daddy’s probably a little bit nervous too, since he hasn’t seen you in a while. Don’t worry, I’ll be here, my baby.”
“Okay.” Alison seemed placated. Just at that moment the doorbell rang.
Alison jumped at first but Francine calmed her down, “Relax, darling, I’ll get the door.”
The child sat back in her seat, nervously twiddling her fingers.
When Francine opened the door, Steve was standing there, a small package in his hands, a nervous smile on his face. He looked smartly dressed and totally clean. “Hi, Francie!”
She smiled a welcome. “Hi, come on in,” she turned to Alison, “Look who’s here, sweetie.”
Steve walked in and looked at Alison for a long second. Mingled in that tearful first glance, Francine could see a kaleidoscope of emotions. Pride, remorse, excitement and apprehension all flitted across his first glance at his daughter.
“Hi, Princess.” he began as Alison rushed into his arms as the two hugged each other.
“Hello, Daddy.” she replied, eyes closed as if in a secret ecstasy. Francine looked on, involuntary tears already rolling down her cheeks as Steve quickly wiped away his own as he held the child at arm's length.
“My Goodness! You’re so beautiful, my baby.” he rasped in a voice suddenly husky.
The child was smiling up at him. “You look just the same, Daddy. I missed you so much!”
He hugged her to him. “Me too, baby, me too!” over Alison’s shoulder as he hugged her to him, Steve looked up at Francine, eternal gratitude in his eyes as he silently mouthed the words ‘Thank you’ to her.
He extricated himself from t
he hug and smiled at Alison. “I brought you a little something, baby.”
Alison’s face lit up. “You did?”
“Yeah, open it.”
He handed Alison the small package and she quickly opened it. Inside was a CD with no label on it. The child looked at it curiously. “What’s this, Daddy?”
He grinned. “It’s a song, written especially for you.”
“A song?”
“Yes, when Daddy was touring on the road, I wrote this and the group recorded it.”
Francine was watching all this unfold like she was in a trance.
“What’s the song called?” the child asked.
“My Alison!” Steve replied.
The child clapped her hands in glee. “Cool! Can we hear it?’
Francine already had the CD player open. “Of course, darling.” she put the CD in and they all sat back to listen.
It was a beautiful ballad with a soft gentle beat and as she sat there listening, Alison’s face was a picture to perceive. Steve looked across at Francine as if to say ‘How am I doing?’
Francine smiled as if to say. ‘You’re doing fine’.
By the time the song ended, Francine stood up and Steve, thinking he had outlived his welcome, stood also but she motioned him to sit.
“No, sit down, Steve. Look, I’ve got some calls to make, so you guys start catching up, I’ll leave you to it for a little while.”
Steve smiled in relief. “Thanks.”
As Francine closed the door behind her, the two of them were already in conversation.
“Okay,” Steve began. “How’s school, and I don’t just mean all those cute boys who keep smiling at you!”
“Daddy!” Alison laughed.
In the next room, Francine sat down and heaved a sigh of relief before looking wistfully out of the window. Although she had only feelings for one man who was always out of reach, she still felt an inner satisfaction that perhaps due in some degree to her previous ultimatum, she had been instrumental in re-acquainting her precious daughter with a father that hopefully she could continue to look up to.
So, why did she feel so melancholy? It was as if the pieces of everyone’s lives around her were being put together, all with the exception of her own. Even the continuing success of her business was somehow not the adrenaline rush she had expected.
DESIGN FOR LOVE Page 18