A New Day

by Nancy Hopper

  “Ma’am,” the operator hedged.

  “I know that’s not a number you can give out. But, they'll want the call, trust me. I’m the hottest item on their show today. Why don’t you give them a call, and see if they don’t want to hear from me?”

  In response, the phone rang again, and a woman answered. It was the network secretary.

  “This is Tasha Charles Taylor. I have a slight problem with Pattie Danniels talking about me on your show without my permission. You tell Norman Nielsen he’d better call me.”

  “Ma’am, I can refer your call to our publicity department.”

  “You tell Norman I will sue his pants off if he doesn’t call me back within 90 minutes.”

  She gave the woman her number, hung up the phone, and watched the rest of the show, doing a slow burn. It wasn’t more than an hour before the phone rang.

  “Hello?” She asked anxiously.

  “Is this Tasha Taylor?” A familiar male voice asked.

  “It is.”

  “Tasha, this is Norman Nielsen. It’s incredible that you called.”

  “I can’t imagine why. Most people would tell you about it, if they’d been smeared on your show the way I have.”

  “I’ve been praying that you’d come out of the woodwork, and tell us your side of the story.”

  “That’s exactly what I had in mind, Mr. Nielsen.”

  “Can you come tomorrow, Tasha?”

  “You get me a plane ticket, some decent accommodations and transportation, and I will be there.”

  “You’ve got it. I’ll have Tammy call you with the travel arrangements in about an hour.”

  “Mr. Nielsen. I want privacy on the plane, and privacy in my accommodations. I want no harassment from Pattie Danniels or any of her goons.”

  “Well, I certainly won’t tell her, but she certainly seems to be good at following you.”

  “Mr. Nielsen, tell you what.” She said flatly. “If she’s around, or I see anyone that even smacks of the press, I will disappear. I will sue you, and I will win.”

  “Okay, okay. We’ll keep your visit a secret until you’re here. But we’re going to have to do some advertisements the night before the show, or there isn’t any point in your coming. I really want to thank you for calling.”

  Tammy called back promptly, and Tasha was on a flight to Los Angeles that afternoon. She gave Helene instructions to tell only Tim where she’d gone.

  Pangs of worry and doubt assailed her on the way. It was so awful to think of what lay ahead, and what could happen. She had nothing at the Idaho lodge that she felt confident about wearing on the show.

  Tim was on the phone immediately when he heard about Pattie’s latest fiasco, though he had no idea of the impact on Tasha. He didn’t know the details of the story. He only knew that Pattie had done another number on Tasha, and that didn’t bode well, at all.

  “Mr. Tim, she is out. Away.” Helene informed him tentatively.

  “Away? Did Rick go with her? Where was she headed?”

  “No, Mr. Snyder is not with her. He was going to stay here last night; but then, Miss Tasha asked him to leave. He called early this morning, but I don’t know where he might be. And Mr. Tim, I don't know, but ... I think he upset her, somehow. I heard him make some comment about how beautiful she is, and I heard him suggesting that she call him sometime. And the way he looked at her was … inappropriate.”

  Tim made a sound that Helene couldn't really interpret.

  "She looked very upset when she went up to bed, last evening. I do believe she threw him out. And I was so foolish, but I was so upset. I shouldn’t have, but I told Rick Snyder where she’s gone.”

  “Where is Tasha, Helene?” he demanded softly. A cold, hard knot was forming in Tim’s stomach. Rick couldn’t possibly have gone after Tasha. Or had he done exactly that? Tim knew that it must have taken something heavy duty, to flush her out of hiding.

  Helene sobbed. “Oh, Mr. Tim, I am so worried for her.” she confided.

  Tim braced himself. “What is it, Helene? Out with it, now.”

  “She has gone to Los Angeles. I was not to tell anyone but you, but she didn’t want you to know until tomorrow. She didn’t want you to stop her. But that Snyder man seemed so threatening – I had to tell him, and now here you are calling from Venezuela; and I am so very frightened for her! You sent Mr. Snyder here, so he must be all right, and yet...”

  “You are right to tell me, Helene. I can’t take care of her if you won’t help me find her. What’s up? Why did she go to L.A.?”

  “She is going on television.” Helene confided in a whisper.

  “What?” Tim snapped in disbelief. Nothing could have shocked him more.

  “She has decided that she will tell the world her story tomorrow on live television.”

  “On whose show?” Tim snapped.

  “Norman Nielsen.”

  “Oh, dear God in heaven!” Tim groaned. “Why him?”

  “Well, he had that nasty Pattie Danniels on his show this morning. Tasha saw it and it did her in, Mr. Tim. She got on the phone, and told him a thing or two. She was quite upset. He wanted her to come on his show and tell her side of the story, so she's gone!”

  “Okay. All right, Helene. Listen, now. I’m getting a plane ticket and I'm leaving Venezuela as soon as I can get a flight out. I’ll go to L.A., and see if I can intercept Tasha. If I can’t find her, I’ll come there to the house. I’ll call you from L.A.”

  “Thank you so much, Mr. Tim.” Helene sobbed.

  “All right. Now, you keep yourself together, and don’t you tell anyone anything. It’ll be all right.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Rick Snyder had a similar reaction when he called and was told she was gone. He bolted to Boise to catch a plane for L.A., without so much as a call ahead.

  And, Tasha was alone in L.A. There was a limo waiting for her at the airport. It was at her disposal for the duration of her stay, the driver told her.

  “Well, then. Take me to Rodeo Drive.” she requested with spunk. It was quite a drive with the traffic, but Tasha didn’t mind. It gave her time to think.

  She went through the exclusive shops on Rodeo Drive, but found nothing she wanted to buy. She got back in the limo and closed her eyes. “Lord, what shall I do?” she asked softly.

  “Go downtown.” an immediate answer came. Surprised, Tasha obeyed. She had the driver stop outside a small, simply but richly decorated shop front. “I’ll check this one out.” she said with greater assurance than she felt. The driver nodded, and parked.

  May I help you?” a slim woman with a wide smile asked, as Tasha entered the shop.

  Tasha turned to take a look at her. In a black suit, with her dark hair in a French Roll, she was elegant and chic. She looked familiar to Tasha, yet she couldn’t place the woman, either.

  “I hope so. I need something very nice, and quite conservative. But not too boring.” she added impulsively.

  The woman smiled. “Sophisticated and very elegant for you, my dear. You’ll wear it well. Any preference for color?”

  Tasha shrugged. “Something good for me under lights and camera. Not white. Not black. Oh, I don’t know. Navy? Royal? Teal? Not red!”

  “How tall are you?” the woman asked thoughtfully.

  “Five-eight.” Tasha supplied.

  “And your measurements?”

  “Thirty-six, twenty-four, thirty two.”

  A slow smile lit up the woman’s lovely face. “Amazing. Come with me, dear. I have a few things to show you.”

  Tasha followed, intrigued. The dressing room confirmed Tasha’s suspicion that this was a very exclusive shop. It was rich and elegant, in burgundy and dark green, with a floral Tapestry chair. The woman brought in five outfits for Tasha to try.

  “Now, I know that not all of these will fit your requirements for this outing; but please bear with me, and try them all. I have my reasons.” she insisted gently.

  Tasha nodded curious
ly, and smiled tentatively.

  The first was a black crepe, polka dot suit with a short coat and tulip skirt. It was smart, and elegant. There was a hat to match, with a hat band and handkerchief in the same white Brocade, to match the buttons on the coat. It fit as if it had been custom made for her.

  “That’s what I thought.” the woman chuckled. “I didn’t think I’d ever find another Isabelle.”

  Tasha raised an inquiring eyebrow.

  “All of these were made for a niece of mine who lives in Europe. She comes to visit me often, and pick up her orders while she’s here.”

  “Oh! Then these outfits aren’t available?” Tasha asked with obvious disappointment.

  “Actually, they are. My niece was killed in a plane crash last month.”

  Tasha impulsively put a hand on the woman’s arm. “I’m very sorry.” she said softly.

  “Thank you. You have no idea what a favor you would be doing me if you’d take them all with you. Nobody else can quite do them justice, and I spend far too much time looking at them and wishing Isabelle would come get them.”

  Tasha looked at her with deep compassion.

  The woman smiled brightly. “Try the next one.” she suggested.

  It was a teal suit, very traditional, except for the duster jacket. It was piped in Royal blue, and had buttons of Royal crystal encased in gold. It was lovely. A Royal silk blouse set it off wonderfully.

  The third was a Burgundy slack suit, with a long duster, double breasted and closed with gold frog closures. Gold piping made it a bit more whimsical.

  “Marvelous. How long will you be here?” the woman asked lightly.

  “Just tomorrow, I think.” Tasha mumbled. “How did you know I’m not from L.A.?”

  The lady shrugged. “Just a guess. Sometimes I just sense such things.”

  Tasha paled.

  The woman turned, sensing her discomfort, immediately. “I am sorry. Did I say something wrong?”

  “No.” Tasha reassured her quickly. “Not at all.”

  The woman smiled. “My name is Elaine. What is yours?” she asked gently. Her soft, blue eyes studied Tasha with friendly curiosity.

  Tasha felt panicky, but there was nowhere to hide. In the end she squared her shoulders, and extended her hand. “Tasha.” she answered tensely.

  Elaine smiled serenely. “Tasha, relax. Whatever is upsetting you will not follow you here. It will be all right. Now, this is one of my favorites. It will be incredible on you.” she predicted.

  It was a suit dress and matching long coat in the truest green Tasha had ever seen. Both garments flared out at the bottom so that it flowed gracefully with every step. The neck was v-shaped, but contoured to match the exquisite lace overlay that graced the bodice. It was wonderful, bringing Tasha’s eyes and skin to their vibrant best.

  “That is the one, Tasha.” Elaine said triumphantly.

  “Really?” Tasha asked uncertainly. “You don’t think it’s too much? I mean, I must be conservative, Elaine.”

  “This is just right. It is conservative in cut, but rich in color. The little details make it interesting. And on you, it is divine. It speaks of your youth, but also of your culture and breeding, your lovely spirit and your elegance. You are phenomenal in it.”

  Tasha sighed uncertainly. “Okay.” she capitulated. Who could argue with a speech like that?

  “Trust me in this. Go with the green.” Elaine urged. “And now, please. If you have time, put on the red one for me.”

  Tasha bit her lip. “Wow. Okay.” she agreed, with the first natural smile Elaine had seen.

  It was vivid red. First, there was a sheath of the finest, sheer silk Tasha had ever touched. With long, straight sleeves flounced at the cuff with deep, pointed ruffles and a v-collar lined with two layered, six inch ruffles, it was sexy and feminine beyond comprehension. The tailored coat had a flounced hem that floated behind her. The layers of sheer red were incredible and enticing.

  It was a lovely delight, so beautiful and provocative without being indecent, that Tasha was almost embarrassed. She had to giggle as she faced the mirror. It simply enhanced every curve with such light, understated finesse that one couldn’t tear the eyes away. “Elaine, you’re a genius. Is this your design?” Tasha asked suspiciously.

  “Yes.” Elaine admitted, dimpling.

  “I’ve never seen anything like it! You make me look like a model.”

  Elaine snorted. “Honey, I know models who would kill for just your legs. You are simply exquisitely put together. I am dumbfounded. I cannot believe that these clothes are even better on you than they were on Isabelle.”

  “Well, they are too incredible for me to pass up. I’ll take them all.” Tasha decided without batting an eye.

  “Wonderful. I’ll feel marvelous every time I think of you in them.” Elaine sighed.

  “How much, Elaine? Will you take my Visa?” she asked lightly.

  “Yes, of course. Let’s say, two hundred.” Elaine answered gently.

  Tasha blinked. “No, I meant for all of them.”

  “Yes.” Elaine confirmed. “Please don’t make a fuss.”

  Tasha gasped. “But, Elaine ...” she objected.

  “Let me, Tasha. Perhaps you can come back and let me do a special one for you, someday. But if not, that’s all right, too. You see, Isabelle had paid a very substantial down payment on these, so I can’t really take much for them.”

  Tasha laughed. “I can’t believe this. But trust me, you’ll be seeing a lot of me.”

  “Really? Oh, Tasha, that’s lovely. You would be a pleasure to dress.”

  “Well, that’s kind of what I have in mind.” Tasha admitted. “Send your card with me, and I’ll make an appointment.”

  “Twist my arm.” Elaine laughed. “So for your special occasion, it’s the green?”

  “I think it’s just right.” Tasha admitted. I’m so grateful that I found you. Elaine, nothing went right until I got here.”

  “I’m so glad you came. Listen, would you like to go to dinner with me?” Elaine asked impulsively. “Or are you with someone?”

  “No, he’s out of the country. I’m all by myself.” Tasha explained. “I’d love to have dinner with you. But, I have to tell you that -- well, there are people who are causing me some tough publicity right now. I’m kind of afraid something will happen, if I go out. Perhaps I’d better not.”

  Elaine pursed her lips thoughtfully. “If you’re talking about Pattie Danniels and her thugs, I heard on the news this morning that she hot-footed it down to Venezuela last night. I believe her plan is to tackle an interview with one Mr. Timothy Rain.”

  Tasha looked as if Elaine had slapped her. “You mean ... you know?”

  “My dear, you’re the hottest thing since ... well, since that last big television ministry scandal. I really haven't read the articles, but I caught a couple of snatches about it on television. I don't know too much. Just enough that when you told me your name, and then when I realized how nervous you were, I recalled the story and finally put your face with his. You know, Tasha, I’d feel better if you weren’t alone tonight. Let me take you to dinner.”

  “Are you sure you want to be seen with the ‘tart’ that’s ruined America’s Evangelistic sweetheart?” she asked through clenched teeth.

  “I would consider it an honor. Honey, you didn’t do anything to Tim Rain he didn’t want you to do, and after spending five minutes looking into your clear eyes, I know that nothing untoward at all has gone on between the two of you. Besides, people should know better. Tim Rain is not the kind of man to preach one thing and live another.”

  Tasha smiled. “No. He isn’t. I’m glad someone still believes in him. Thank you, Elaine. And as long as you know what you might be in for, I’d love to have dinner with you.”

  “I’ll tangle with any of ‘em for your sake! I can see why Timothy Rain is in love. Tell you what; why don’t you go to your hotel, and call me with your number? I’ll take care of the r
est.”

  “All right.” Tasha agreed hesitantly. Now that she’d done it, she wondered if it had been a mistake to talk so freely to Elaine.

  Elaine hugged her gently. “Tasha, everything is going to be fine. I won’t do anything to hurt you. I know, though, that it must be difficult from your position to trust anyone.”

  “There have been a few surprises, Elaine. But I refuse to go through life being afraid. I’m just going to keep on. Thank you for being so good to me.”

  Elaine smiled. "Even if I were inclined to give you a bad time, which I’m definitely not, I’d behave myself with such an excellent customer. Tasha, you’re a walking billboard for me.”

  They laughed and hugged again. “We’re going to have a wonderful time together. Now, you go take a long, hot bath and get yourself ready. You have a date tonight for dinner.” Elaine instructed.

  “I’m looking forward to it.” Tasha said in parting.

  The chauffeur came in to help Tasha carry her bags and boxes out to the limo.

  “Wow. Yours?“ Elaine asked with interest.

  “No. Norman Nielsen sent it.”

  Elaine’s eyebrows went up. “You’re going public?” she asked worriedly.

  Tasha shrugged. “I have nothing left to lose. I’ll just tell the truth about myself, before she can launch the next torpedo. Do you still think the green is okay?”

  “Absolutely. It’s just right for television. But Tasha, are you sure? I mean, what else could she do now?”

  “Lord only knows. But she’s resourceful.” Tasha growled.

  “Well, don’t worry any more about it today.” Elaine advised. “I’ll see you tonight, and we’ll have a nice, long talk.”

  “All right. ‘Bye, Elaine.” she said wistfully. She climbed into the limo, and waved as they drove away. The driver looked back at Tasha with mild interest.

  “Where to, Ma'am? The hotel?” he asked politely.

  “Yes, please.” she agreed gratefully.

  After a hot bath, Tasha felt immensely better. With her hair fluffed and sweeping over her shoulders, she felt more relaxed than she had for some time.

  Elaine showed up at six. They decided to eat in the hotel restaurant, all things considered. It turned out to be very nice.