Drive and Determination (20 page)

Chapter 19

            Elyssa returned to her modest country home and within days after settling back in, she felt as though the previous week in Guatemala had merely been a dream; some of it a nightmare. Apart from the anguish and confusion in her heart, she could almost believe it had never happened.
            She waited anxiously for the box Pemberleo was shipping to her. She was eager to get her hands back on Janet’s journal, look again through the keepsakes from the Blakelys’ belongings she sent back, and although she didn’t want to admit it to herself, she was hoping Will had written a note to her and included it in the box.
            She saw that the package had been delivered after returning home from work a few days later. The large box had been left on the porch and she struggled in vain to pick it up to bring it inside. She finally decided to open it out there and remove some of the items, making it possible for her to carry it in.
            With each item she lifted out, she told herself that her one main objective was to find Janet’s journal. But her eyes seemed to betray that intention as they searched instead for an envelope in which a letter may have been placed. When at last she found both, she gingerly pulled out the letter.
            She opened it slowly and found herself looking at a typewritten letter. Her heart sunk when she glanced down at the bottom to see that it was from Will’s secretary, Mrs. Reed. The letter informed her that the remainder of Chad and Janet’s belongings had been given to several charities. It concluded with a statement that Pemberleo would be in further contact with her regarding a matter that was being finalized. A fleeting sense of curiosity caused her to wonder what that matter might be, but disappointment quickly took its place. If Will had any intention of contacting her again, he would have written this very first letter himself.
            Despite the reasons she told herself and had lashed out to Will as to why they should go their separate ways that last day in Guatemala, she now found herself questioning her rationale. Since returning home, she found it more and more difficult to justify the assault on his character. Perhaps it was true, that with distance and the passage of time the faults of another grow dim.
            She found herself frequently thinking about him and their time together in Guatemala. Just the recollection of him walking by her side filled her with regret. She thought of his most surprising, yet effective means to rid her of the blame she placed on him when he took her on the bumper cars. The memory of him carrying her across the rain swollen street made her yearn to be held in his arms. His attentive comfort when she was ill was not something she could easily dismiss. The look in his eyes and the gentle kiss he placed on her cheek began to appear more and more an indication that he had strong feelings for her.
            She slowly pulled out Janet’s journal. Holding it to her chest, she knew it would be difficult to read, but she knew she had to. Walking over to the swing, she sat down and drew her legs up underneath her. She opened the journal as the swing began swaying rhythmically to the beating of her heart.
            As she began to read Janet’s words, all her initial feelings of grief surfaced. It took Elyssa the remainder of the week to read through the journal and gradually she was able to push aside that grief and enjoy the story of the Blakelys’ life together in Guatemala.
            Most of Janet’s entries dealt with her day to day routine. Elyssa cried at the description of her first day at the pre-school and how precious, but needy, the children were. She laughed at her sister’s description of how crazy the drivers were in Guatemala and how Janet didn’t think she would ever find the nerve to get behind the wheel.
            Elyssa was touched by the warmth and admiration Janet had for Chad and how much she enjoyed supporting him in his work.
            Elyssa devoured every word Janet wrote and upon turning each page, she found herself glancing down to see if there was any mention about Will. While Janet didn’t mention him all that often, when she did, it was always in a positive light.
            The only reference she could find that gave Elyssa any indication that Janet knew of Will’s interference came in an entry where Janet had the most to say about him.
            She wrote,
           
Will joined us for dinner this evening. He had been in meetings all day. I couldn’t help thinking how tired he looked. He must have enjoyed himself, though, because he stayed fairly late and commented several times how pleasant it was to be able to come home to a family and eat a home cooked meal. I thought how sad it must be that the only family he has is Gina and she will be going off to college soon. He always asks me how my family is, asking about each one by name if I forget to mention anyone, and I think he’s truly interested in what I tell him. It’s funny. Even though he is Chad’s boss and I know what he did, I’ve never felt any censure from him. I actually think he enjoys being in our company! Imagine that!
             Chad says he has seen a change in him. Not a drastic, sudden change, but one that has come about slowly. He’s known him since university days and has spent a lot of time with him. While he can’t put his finger on what the change is, he thinks it’s for the better.
           
Elyssa read and reread that entry. She was grateful that Janet never picked up any antagonism toward her on Will’s part. Perhaps he came to believe that Janet had been good for Chad. Elyssa couldn’t help but wonder whether he ever admitted to himself -- or Chad -- that he had been wrong. Could he have truly changed from the man she met two years ago?
           
As Elyssa read Janet’s entries, she came to truly appreciate the genuine spirit of charity Janet had toward others and how she only had kind things to say about everyone and everything. Elyssa was surprised, then, when she came across some entries toward the end of the journal. The entries dealt with Maria’s visits and how the young girl had become enamored with someone. That someone was George Westham.
           
Elyssa felt sick when she read Janet’s words describing how George was an unscrupulous womanizer and not to be trusted. Janet wrote how she had tried to warn the young girl about his character, but Maria loved him and felt certain that George loved her. When Elyssa read Janet’s very last entry that dealt with George, she practically grew sick.
           
Janet wrote,
           
I don’t know why Will has allowed GW to continue to work for Pemberleo. I know he has his reasons; I think in part he is trying to honor his father’s wishes. But GW is a liar, cheat, and manipulator. I hope he doesn’t hurt Maria. I really hope he doesn’t, but deep down inside I know that he will. He knows no other way!
           
Immediately after reading that part, Elyssa sent off a letter to Shelley, enlightening her that it was George who caused Maria such grief. Shelley may have talked to Maria already and knew George was the man in question, but in case Maria was too ashamed to tell her, Elyssa thought Shelley ought to know.
           
Elyssa should have trusted her initial instincts about the man, but when he showed up that last night with his pictures and accusations, suspicion about his character was the last thing on her mind.
           
When the weekend came, Elyssa took some of the items from the box down with her to Los Angeles to give to her mother and sister. She had planned a short visit with them knowing they would want to hear more about her trip. She also brought along some things for her Aunt and Uncle Garner, whom she was really looking forward to seeing.
            She was disappointed to find out that her aunt and uncle would not be there, as they were traveling the country with their children. Apparently they were looking to relocate to the Midwest, where they once lived and where Maddy had grown up. They thought it would be preferable to raise their young family there.
           
The weekend she spent with her family was just as she expected. She felt very little rapport with her mother, who was always eager to express her grave concern about one thing or another. There was always something for her to worry about. Her younger sister was so different than her that it made her miss Janet all the more.
           
The weekend concluded with a visit with Charlene. Elyssa always enjoyed Charlene and her wild, impulsive ways. Her personality was very much suited for the lifestyle there. She was doing well in the entertainment industry, but presently was between jobs.
           
“I’m on board to do the set design for a Western, but it’s in pre-production stage right now. They’re trying to agree on the budget and until I know what it is, I can’t do a thing other than dream. I’d love to have you by my side when it comes time to begin work on it, Elyssa, but it may be months before anything can be done.”
           
Elyssa thanked her, but declined. “I don’t think Western is my thing, but thanks, Charlene. I do so appreciate it.”
           
“You know I hand out your business cards everywhere I go. Have you never received an offer of a design job from one of them?”
           
Elyssa laughed. “You hand them out everywhere but where I live! No one is going to call me when they have no idea who I am, especially if they live on the other side of the country!”
           
Charlene smiled. “Well all that’s needed is to get your business card into the right person’s hands!”
           
The two friends shared a few more laughs and some cries together reminiscing about Janet, and then Elyssa made the drive home. She loved the part of the drive where she drove along the coast and could see the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean before she headed inland. She always stopped at the last turnout to give herself a rest and enjoy the ocean breeze and the sound of the endlessly pounding waves.
           
She decided this time to get out and walk along the beach a bit and then sit for awhile on the sand. She pulled out a small blanket she kept in her car and walked toward the beach. Taking her shoes off, she stepped into the soft sand and squished her toes into it. As she walked closer to the water, she thought of the day at the lake when she and Will ended up soaking wet. A smile crept upon her face as she recalled the fun they had. She stepped into the water up to her ankles and turned to walk along the coastline.
           
When she came back, she spread out her blanket and sat down, looking out at the reflection of the sun as it approached the horizon. There were no volcanoes looking back at her, but she couldn’t help but think again about Will. She closed her eyes as she began to lie down upon the blanket. Her fists pounded into the sand on either side of her and she wondered if she would ever be able to forget him.

*~*~*

           
The next month passed quickly for Elyssa. She was sitting one day at the table in the kitchen looking over her bank statement. Her checking account was dwindling to almost nothing and her savings had grown only a few cents from the interest. Her job at the library barely paid for her living expenses and she began to fret over whether she’d ever get another decorating job while living so far out here in the country. She began to despair that she might have to move back to the big city and go to work with Charlene. It was something she swore she would never do.
           
Elyssa walked out to her mailbox and pulled out a stack of envelopes. As she flipped through them, she was thrilled to see a letter from her Aunt and Uncle Garner. Elyssa began to rip it open as she walked back to the house.
           
Her Aunt Maddy began the letter with her usual greeting. She told her how much she missed her and what a wonderful time they had been having. The letter then went on to inform Elyssa that they had found the perfect home in Lamstone, Illinois, a small town about 45 miles from Chicago. Elyssa delighted in her aunt’s description of this quaint little town with rolling hills and thick woods. A lake was only a few miles away, tempting Edward with his favorite pastime -- fishing. Lamstone was close enough to Chicago to have all the amenities of a big city, but it still had a small town feel. She was sure Elyssa would love it.
            An invitation was extended to Elyssa to come any time. While Elyssa would gladly make a visit to see her aunt and uncle and cousins, another person came foremost to her mind. Will would only be about 45 miles away.
           
She tucked the letter back into her desk drawer. Now was not the best time for her to go, as she desperately needed some income to help pay her bills. She knew, however, that as soon as she could afford to go, she would. As she wrote down her expenses for the remainder of the month and worked at saving here so she could spend there, her phone rang.
           
“Please be someone with a design job!” she said as she looked up to the heavens.
           
“Hello?”
           
The voice on the other end was soft spoken. “Hello. Is this Elyssa Barnett?”
           
Elyssa smiled. She didn’t recognize the voice and thought that perhaps this could be her big break. “Yes, this is Elyssa Barnett,” she said with the most professional sounding voice. “May I help you?”
           
“Yes. My name is Gina Denton.”
           
Elyssa was grateful the caller could not see her reaction, for her jaw dropped and she shook her head in disbelief. “Gina Denton?”
           
“Yes, I am William Denton’s sister.”
           
Elyssa took in a deep breath and steadied herself. “Yes, I know. I mean he told me about you. What can I do for you?”
            “I am in the area and would like to know if you were free for me to stop by today. There is something I would like to discuss with you.”
            Elyssa’s eyes narrowed as she tried to determine what the young girl wished to talk to her about. “I am free all day today. When would you like to come by?”
            “Would an hour from now be convenient?”
            “An hour from now would be fine.”
            Gina asked Elyssa for directions to her house and they hung up. She wondered whether Gina had been sent to discuss the matter that Mrs. Reed had mentioned in the letter.
            Elyssa went outside onto her porch and sat down on the swing to wait for Gina. She knew that Gina’s visit today was a very strong indication that Will chose not to have any further interaction with her. She really couldn’t blame him.
            Almost exactly an hour from the time they had hung up, a car pulled up front.
            Elyssa stood up from the swing and walked over to the steps, watching the blond haired girl come toward her.
            “Hi,” said Elyssa. “You must be Gina.”
            “Yes, I am,” the young girl answered.
            “Please come in.”
            “Thank you.”
            The two came into the house and Elyssa eyed her curiously. She saw very little resemblance between Gina and her brother. With fair hair and skin, blue eyes, and a rather thin build, they seemed rather to be opposites.
            Elyssa ushered the young girl into the living room and offered her a seat, still fighting a desperate curiosity to know why she was there.
            “I understand you attend Stanford.”
            “Yes. But I was actually in Solvang with friends for the weekend. It’s beautiful country around here.”
            “Yes, it is. I love it! Are you enjoying Solvang?”
            “Yes, very much. I’ve been there a couple of times and every time I go, someone always assumes I am Scandinavian because of my coloring. I particularly love the Danish pastries!”
            “They are scrumptious, aren’t they?”
            Elyssa smiled, waiting for the young girl to state her business. She could see that Gina was rather shy and she took the time to gather her thoughts before she spoke. It seemed as though there was one area where Gina and Will were similar; neither were excessive talkers. But she was nothing like what Elyssa had expected.
            “You have a beautifully decorated home, Elyssa. Did you do it yourself?”
            Elyssa nodded. “I have a degree in interior design, but unfortunately my business is slow in taking off.”
            “I like how you have incorporated different styles and fabrics. You do it well.” The young girl walked over to a table. “I recognize the runner here as Guatemalan.”
            “Yes, I brought that back from my visit.”
            “I like it.” Gina said.
            “Thank you.” Elyssa watched as Gina began fidgeting and looked down. She waited for the girl to continue.
            Gina slowly turned toward her and stood tall. Elyssa chuckled under her breath as she figured Gina must have been one of those privileged girls who had been sent to charm school to learn how to walk and talk in the most poised manner.
            “First of all, I wanted to express my condolences to you in the loss of your sister and her husband. I know it must have been very difficult for you.”
            Elyssa felt compassion herself for the young girl; for she was struggling for the right words and Elyssa wanted to reassure her. “Thank you, Gina. While it was very difficult at first, and I still miss her terribly, I am getting through it.”
            Gina smiled and a small burst of uninhibited enthusiasm escaped. “How wonderful to have had a sister you were so close with. I only have Will and while there could not be a finer brother, I have often wished I had a sister.”
            At her words, Elyssa felt another pang of regret at her remarks to Will, but said, “It can be wonderful to have a sister! Janet and I had something special.”
            Gina looked down. “It must make it that much more difficult.”
            Elyssa nodded, and murmured an affirmative.
            Wanting to change the subject, Elyssa asked, “So are you and your brother close?” She hoped she was not being too nosy.
            “Even though he is 12 years older, I couldn’t ask for a more wonderful brother.”
            “And just what makes him so wonderful?” Elyssa was more curious than just making conversation.
            “I don’t know. I guess I’ve always looked up to him. Being such an older brother, we never had that sibling rivalry between us. I can’t imagine what it would have been like when our father died for him to suddenly be my guardian if I hadn’t liked and respected him.”
            Elyssa found it sweet that both Will and Gina seemed to brighten up and talk openly of the other when given the opportunity.
            Gina paused reflectively. “I think my going away to college has been hard on him. He has warned me that he is going to fly out and visit me at least twice a month because he will miss me so much.”
            Elyssa was rather surprised by that. “Don’t you feel he’s being a little overprotective by his visiting so often? Don’t you want a little freedom now that you’re in college?”
            Gina laughed. “I wouldn’t call him overprotective, just caring. He knows how shy I am and he only wants to make sure I don’t spend every weekend sheltered in my room studying. I’m really not the partying type, so I honestly will look forward to his visits.”
            “I see,” were the only words Elyssa could eke out. “And your visit to Solvang this weekend? He’s not with you, is he?”
            “No. I’m actually here for a class I am taking.” Gina suddenly looked guilty and a sly smile appeared. “Don’t mention this to Will, but I am taking a cooking class.”
            “A cooking class?”
            “Yes. My major is business, but what I really want to do is bake. I’m taking a class near the university three nights a week and they suggested we make a trip to Solvang. One of the restaurants there allows us to come in and observe them for training. I had a couple of hours off this afternoon, so I thought I’d come by and see you.”
            “And your brother doesn’t know?”
            Gina smiled. “I think he suspects something. My fondest desire is to run a bed-and-breakfast. I can’t help but think the Santa Ynez Valley would be the perfect area. But you mustn’t say anything to Will.”
            Elyssa let out a soft chuckle. “I really don’t think we’ll be talking. But would he not approve?”
            Gina tilted her head back and forth as if she was not quite certain. “We’ve always both assumed I would work for Pemberleo, but I don’t think I have the passion for it.”
            “Like the passion your brother has for it?”
            “William has a passion for doing things excellently. Right now that involves running the family business. I think if other things presented themselves, he would enter into them with the same passion and Pemberleo would take a back burner.”
            A part of Elyssa wondered whether that was indeed true. “So you never felt that he put Pemberleo before you?”
            Gina laughed. “Well, there is one thing he puts before me and that’s his board meetings. I know that I am never to call him during a board meeting because that is the one time he does not want to be disturbed. It would have to be quite an emergency to get him to leave before it’s finished.” Gina paused and smiled. “No, I never felt neglected by him -- or my father.”
            Elyssa smiled. “I can tell.”
            “Anyway,” Gina brushed back a strand of hair that had fallen across her face. “The reason I came by was to tell you that Pemberleo Coffee would like to set up a memorial for Janet with money given in her memory to be used to build a park adjacent to the pre-school she worked at.”
            Elyssa’s eyes widened. “A park by the pre-school?”
            Gina nodded. “Yes. William said that he noticed the abandoned, boarded up buildings adjacent to it when you visited and there was really no place for neighborhood children to play but in the street. He spoke briefly to the woman who runs the preschool about the possibility of putting a park and playground there. He said he even put in a call to the Guatemala office while you were still at the facility to see if they could get things into motion as quickly as possible.”
            Elyssa thought back to her accusatory look at Will when he walked away carrying on a conversation on his mobile phone, thinking he was doing business as usual. In reality, he was setting into motion the plans for a park for the children.
            “He never said anything to me about it.”
            “I don’t think he wanted to get your hopes up. Several things had to be checked into and approved before we could even move on this.” Gina laughed. “Finding the owner and contacting him was apparently not the easiest thing. Getting him to agree on a price was a whole other matter.”
            Gina folded her hands in front of her. “Is this something that you would approve of, Elyssa? Would you like Janet to be remembered in this way?”
            Tears pooled in Elyssa’s eyes and she nodded. “I can’t think of anything that would have made Janet happier.”
            Gina reached over and took Elyssa’s hand. “I understand she spent a lot of time at the pre-school.”
            Elyssa nodded, reaching for a tissue and she wiped her eyes. “Yes. When Will and I went to visit it, I was so touched by the children. I know they were very special to Janet.”
            “I’m quite certain Will thought so too. With your approval, Pemberleo will set up the memorial and we will match any amount given towards it. But to get the memorial started, we will purchase the land, clear it, and put in grass. Basically, any additional money given will be used for playground equipment.”
            “That is so generous. Thank you.”
            Gina’s smile broadened. “No need to thank me; my brother made all the plans. I am merely the messenger.”
            Elyssa nodded her head, knowing all too well what that meant.