One of a Kind

by Michelle Monkou

  The Meadows estate, not even close to the property from his Essex Estate days, didn’t disappoint. The home had the air of Hampton Court, King Henry VIII’s favorite home. Maybe Grace’s regal style had also transferred itself to her architectural choices. Though it wasn’t overly large by mansion standards, the home was noteworthy for its elegant grandeur and expansive grounds. He looked forward to seeing the interior—and one woman in particular inside.

  His taxi was stopped by a uniformed attendant who wanted to see his invitation. After an intense scrutiny, the invitation passed muster. One look at the limos and sedans with their uniformed drivers and he almost wished that he hadn’t turned down Grace’s offer to send him a car to pick him up at the airport. Cocktail dresses and fine suits walked ahead of him. At least he had selected his best and finest custom-fitted suit so he would blend with the business elite. With the exception of his well-traveled suitcase, he could hold his own among them.

  Turning down Grace’s mode of transportation was one thing. Turning down her invitation for him to stay at the house was not accepted. To assuage his objections, she promised that he’d be kept busy, as she wanted to finalize details for Dana’s ascendance to the throne.

  “Welcome, Mr. Fraser.”

  “Hello.” Kent didn’t expect to be recognized.

  “I’m Leona, Grace’s assistant.”

  “Ah, good to meet you.” He shook her hand. Meanwhile, a man stepped up to take his suitcase.

  “Would you like to see your room and then join us? Richard will show you the way.”

  “Thank you.” Kent followed his guide up the grand staircase. Guests were milling around on the first floor in small groups. It looked like he would be the new one in the bunch. This is what he wanted and what Grace had promised—she would introduce him to her circle so he could grow his business. Hopefully, she wouldn’t think their arrangement one-sided, since he was still working through his own motivations with Dana.

  Kent continued to follow his silent guide down the hallway toward the back of the house. Richard opened a door and stepped back for him to enter. Then he stepped through and placed the suitcase on a luggage stand. The room was not overly big, but was furnished with dark, heavy pieces polished to brilliance.

  “The closet is here, if you’d like to hang your clothes.”

  Kent nodded.

  “Bathroom is here.”

  He nodded again and waited for Richard to leave the room before heaving a sigh. A plus of staying in a hotel was being able to unwind behind a closed door. In Grace’s house, he felt confined to social etiquette and good behavior.

  Sounds of the party from outside his window drew his attention. He walked to the large windows and pulled back the curtain. His room overlooked a terrace, from which a few guests took advantage of the beautiful weather and the long daylight hours to chat and admire the manicured grounds. The faint sound of a piano being played also floated up to him. Hiding out in his room wasn’t an option, he knew, so he freshened up and then headed down.

  He scanned the large foyer for the familiar face that had held hostage his every thought. A waiter offered him a glass of champagne, which he declined, preferring to keep a level head when he finally met either Meadows woman.

  As if he’d conjured her, the guests parted a clean path for Grace to walk slowly toward him. He noted a cane in her right hand, supporting her efforts. He hurried over to lessen her exertion.

  “Kent, finally in the flesh.” She offered her free hand and clasped his.

  “Grace, it is good to see you.”

  “I wouldn’t think that was the case, given your disappearing act,” she rebuked him, while smiling as if she was welcoming another guest simultaneously with the winning hospitality of a concerned hostess. “Walk with me.”

  Kent offered his arm. She patted it, but didn’t use the support.

  “How are things going with Meadows Media?”

  “Very well. My analysis is complete. The good news is that there is high level of confidence in the organization from the lower rungs of the company through to the senior management. Even a light exploration among her peers and competitors are favorable.”

  “Good to hear. Now, what’s the flip side?”

  Kent looked at the guests enjoying Grace’s hospitality and probably their good fortune at earning an invitation by being on Grace’s good side. “You want to cover that now?” he asked.

  Grace followed his gaze. “You’re right. Tonight is for Dana.” She patted his arm. “And for you. Let’s go meet a few of my colleagues.”

  As Kent met each person, he mentally stored information about that individual and his company. It was amazing how quickly the coolness evaporated when Grace not only introduced him, but endorsed his business. No amount of phone calls and testimonials would have cracked the door for him in the same way. He never understood why Grace placed so much trust in him. Everything she had promised had happened so far, with a bit of his help, and he hoped that he could fulfill his part.

  Grace finally left him to his own devices. By then, Kent’s face hurt from smiling so much and, if he wasn’t mistaken, two women had flirted with him. Hopefully Grace hadn’t minded that he had used her as a barrier to the women’s overly friendly behavior. He did think Grace was going to box one woman’s ears when she had loudly chided, “Don’t keep your boy toy all to yourself.”

  “I see you’ve met Delores Hightower.” An elderly gentleman in a suit that looked more off the rack than designer, stepped up and put his arm around Kent’s shoulders. “I’m Henry, Grace’s husband. You must be Kent.”

  “Yes.” Kent hoped that he’d hidden his shock. He’d pictured Grace’s husband as a mirror image of her, sort of a “Biff and Buffy” type, elite, snobbish, and acting terribly affected. Instead, Henry was like an outsider in his clothes, demeanor, and attitude. For Kent, he was a breath of fresh air.

  Henry led him away. “You look like you’re stepping into the quicksand of all this brown-nosing.” He bumped him with his elbow. “Trust me, I’ve been doing this for years. I’ve got an escape plan. Works all the time.”

  Trusting Grace’s husband was a big step, but the twinkle in the man’s eye promised a bit of comic relief and mischief. After having been on his best behavior for the last hour, Kent relished a bit of fun. He gladly accompanied the older man to their mysterious destination.

  “We’ll head to the terrace through the study. Do you smoke?”

  Kent shook his head.

  “I don’t, either. Except I’ve got a fine cigar and I just want one smoke. We’ll have to hide behind the hedges or Grace may hit me with that cane.”

  Kent laughed, immediately liking the patriarch of this family. The room designated as the study was cozy, filled with books, and had an enormous fireplace. Clearly, the place was Henry’s man-cave.

  Henry opened double doors that led outside. As Kent stepped out, he noticed that the area was privately cordoned off by trimmed hedges. Sounds of laughter and lively conversation drifted through to their hiding place, but there was no sign of guests. For the first time that evening, Kent relaxed.

  “Take off that jacket and toss it over the chair. All the airs and graces, no pun intended, are not allowed in here.”

  Kent didn’t need a second prompt. He shrugged out of his jacket, tossed it aside, and then loosened his tie.

  “Help yourself to some brandy.”

  “I’m okay.” He was relaxed, but still wanted to keep his head. “But I’ll pour you some to go with your cigar.”

  “Now, you’re talking.”

  They sat on the patio enjoying the evening and listening to the orchestra playing outside.

  Finally, Kent spoke up. “I’m waiting for you to ask me about Meadows Media and Dana.”

  “That company is Grace’s baby. I’m here to
support and lend an objective ear. But I don’t meddle. I trust her instincts and my granddaughter’s abilities.”

  “How was it to live in the...?” Kent didn’t know how to say it delicately.

  “In Grace’s shadow?” Henry turned to him and pondered the lit cigar between his fingers. “I loved that woman from the first time I met her. She lit up my life and continues to make life interesting. I had my career as a math teacher for over thirty years to keep me busy. After a bit of heart trouble, I’ve had to take it easy.”

  “Then, you don’t need that.” Kent took the cigar away from Henry and dropped it in his glass of water.

  “That’s what I get for talking too much.”

  “You know, we’ve got to head back.”

  “Why?”

  “We’re missing dinner.” Kent’s stomach protested, long and loud. Plus, he still hadn’t found Dana.

  “All right. Time to head out to the brown-nosers,” Henry said.

  “I can’t see Grace putting up with brown-nosers.”

  “Depends. My lady is a crafty soul. Don’t underestimate her intelligence and that gut instinct that she relies upon.” Pride crept into his description of his wife.

  They reentered the main area of the house, which was largely empty, then followed the sounds of the party into a large, formal dining room.

  “Well, Kent, we must take a moment to chat again. I enjoyed that.”

  “I’m here for a couple days.”

  “Grace told me. You know where to find me.” They shook hands and went their separate ways.

  Kent looked around the room for the familiar face. Damn it. Where was Dana? How could she miss her grandmother’s reception? His invitation didn’t sound as if he had had the option.

  “Mr. Fraser.”

  “Yes?” He looked down at the maid standing near him.

  “Grace has requested that you sit next to her.” The maid led the way to the table, as though no other response but “yes” was in order.

  Kent followed her and passed faces that were curiously taking notice of him. He passed several vacant spots to the empty chair next to Grace’s.

  “Have a seat. Figured that I need to keep you out of Henry’s clutches. Before you know it, he’ll have you smoking those stinking cigars.”

  Kent couldn’t hide his surprise.

  “Didn’t think I knew?” She laughed. “The man continues to forget that there are security cameras everywhere.” She waved at her husband who cheerfully waved back, blowing her a kiss. His height, girth and shockingly white hair made him stand out in this crowd, but Kent suspected that he’d do that in any room.

  Kent debated on popping Henry’s bubble or letting him cluelessly enjoy his sinful treats.

  “Ah...finally, Dana is here.”

  Kent’s attention snapped to the doors. Call him biased. Her entrance was powerful and her strides were purposeful. All eyes were on her, following her progress into the room.

  “Sorry I’m late.”

  “Have a seat.” Her grandmother wasn’t pleased.

  Dana complied. The entire time, she hadn’t looked in his direction. He wanted to wave his arms and say, “I’m here!”

  Now that Dana had arrived, Grace addressed the group. Kent noticed that, in her speech, she didn’t confirm that Dana was the CEO-to-be, only reiterated her acting CEO title. From Dana’s expression, she noted it, too. A few times, her gaze did shift, seemingly unwillingly, over him. It didn’t linger, but slid past as if he was part of the room décor. There was not much he could do, with Grace talking to him about his business or the man on his other side inquiring about his contacts.

  After dinner, guests said their goodbyes. Kent remained in the main area, standing next to Grace and Henry, as if he was an additional host. Finally, Dana made her way past them.

  “Tomorrow Kent and I will be going over his full report,” Grace said.

  “Yes.”

  “I’d like you to be present. We have much to discuss.”

  Dana nodded.

  “Let’s have a breakfast meeting. Kent is staying here.”

  “What?” Dana looked at him, not with interest, but with horror.

  “I’ve invited him to stay. Like I said, we have much work to be done.” Grace smiled up at Henry. “Besides, Henry has taken a liking to Kent.”

  “Yes, I have.” Henry came over and thumped Kent on his back.

  “That’s pretty cozy.” There was accusation in Dana’s declaration. “Guess I will see all of you tomorrow.” She kissed her grandfather’s cheek and then Grace’s before leaving.

  “I’ll walk you to your car.” Kent didn’t want to waste any more time with the deep freeze treatment.

  “No need. I live on the grounds.”

  “Oh.”

  She headed out. Grace and Henry said their good-nights and headed upstairs. Grace looked weary and her loving husband assisted her slowly up the stairs.

  Kent took that moment to slip out the door after Dana. He knew the weekend would be spent with Grace, but he had to speak to Dana and make things right. She’d already hit the path that must lead to her house. He hadn’t noticed any other building. Although the main house sat close to the street, the grounds behind extended for several acres.

  His feet noisily crunched on the gravel. She had to know that he was following. Yet she didn’t turn.

  Not that he was complaining too hard. Each angry stride worked her hips and turned the narrow, black skirt that brushed above her knee into a sexy, revealing costume. The gravel didn’t impede her heels as she strutted down the path and around the corner. Following the same progress, he came upon the cottage, probably originally a guesthouse.

  “Dana, wait, please.” Calling her name didn’t slow her down. If he wasn’t mistaken, her pace picked up. “It’s good to see you.”

  “Really?” She stopped and whirled around to face him. The outdoor lighting revealed the anger blazing from her eyes and her body, rigid with contempt. “Well, you’ve seen me. Now go.”

  Kent searched for the right words. “I’m sorry for not contacting you, cutting myself off from you...” He took a tentative step forward. “I knew that I’d crossed the line. And...” Another step forward. “I didn’t want you to think that I make a habit of...”

  “Having one-night stands with your clients?” Her hands fisted on her hips. “Why wouldn’t I think that? You did exactly that. Now, you’re kissing up to my grandparents. And I have to play along to become CEO. Well, maybe some things aren’t worth it.”

  “Don’t say that.” He reached out to her.

  “Don’t touch me.” She backed toward the front door. “I’m jumping through hoops. And you’re testing out the merchandise.”

  “Do you think so little of me?”

  “Did you give me a choice?” Her voice softened with all the hurt that he’d leveled upon her.

  “I screwed up.” He chose to be honest. “I screwed up and getting space helped me to think about us.”

  “All by yourself. Didn’t you think that I may have had doubts? I put my guard down, too. Well, I hope you have your ticket.”

  Kent frowned. “Ticket?”

  “The one for you to go to hell.” The door closed in his face.

  Chapter 10

  Dana didn’t want to send Kent anywhere. She wanted him right there. But her pride had taken a ding and she couldn’t let him off the hook so easily. Fighting the impulse to hear him out and readily accept his excuses, she stood her ground, working hard to push him away. One minute more and she’d have folded against the soft brown eyes full of regret. One minute more and she would have hugged him in a fierce embrace. But he’d heeded her final order and left. She rested her forehead against the closed door.

  “How was
the party?”

  Dana turned to face her mother, who was curled up on the couch sipping hot chocolate.

  “I decided not to crash it.”

  “We all thank you.” Dana knew that her mother wasn’t the only one of the Meadows family who could stir trouble. They all thrived on drama at gatherings. Showing off in front of the business community would have been a big mistake. The family didn’t act in a way that would harm the company—an unwritten rule.

  “Doesn’t look like it went well.”

  “Why do you say that?” Dana helped herself to hot chocolate and curled into the opposite side of the couch. Many people remarked that she resembled her mother. She’d accept that if they were talking about physical attributes. Similarities only went so far. Her mother was Grace’s youngest, “the unexpected one,” as her aunts would constantly taunt. Maybe Grace’s age when she gave birth to Elaine, combined with her company’s meteoric rise and successes, had given Elaine a lot of time alone, without her mother’s heavy-handedness. Her sisters blamed Grace’s babying of Elaine for her eventual bohemian lifestyle.

  “You walked in looking stressed and ready for a fight.”

  Dana shrugged away her concern. “Just work stuff.”

  Her mother sat up and set down her cup. She scooted until she was close enough to put her arm around Dana’s shoulders. “You look a little worn around the edges. No one is more suited for the massive job you’ve undertaken. I am proud of you. But I don’t want this job and its mounting responsibilities to eat you alive.”

  “I’m fine.” Dana knew her mom’s true feelings were that anything heavy in life wasn’t worth doing. She believed that one should have some cosmic connection with one’s job, like the bond between soul mates. Her constant quest for such an experience effectively had removed her from her family during Dana’s teens. It took gurus in India, tribal priests in Africa, and motivational speakers in the Caribbean to put her on her personal path. Three years later, she’d returned home to open a coffee shop and run an open mic for local singers and spoken word talent. She and her long-term boyfriend figured this was their calling until their souls said otherwise. At no time did their communication with their inner selves seem to tell them that Elaine had to raise her daughter.