Authors: Chamein Canton
A short time later Cathy awoke to the sounds of
someone calling her name and banging on the front door.
The banging got louder. She got up slowly. ”Wait a
minute! I’ll be right there!” she shouted. “Who is it?”
“It’s me Cathy, E.D.”
She opened the door. “E.D., what are you doing here?”
He walked in. “Sorry for the banging but when I
“Thanks, hon, I appreciate your concern but I’m doing
fine. Come on in. Have a seat.”
She went back to the living room sofa.
He took his jacket off. “So what’s shaking?”
“I went to the doctor this morning for a check up.”
He sat down. “So what’s the verdict?”
“He gave me medication to deal with my back flare up
and told me to take it easy for a few days.”
“But you’re okay, right?”
“Yeah. I’m fine. I’m used to it. Now what’s going on
that you left the office to come out here?”
He looked uncomfortable.
She had a lump in her throat. “Just spit it out, E.D.
What is it? Are the authors upset with the publicity stuff?”
“Oh no. Nothing like that. If anything they were
pissed about how the press treated you.”
“Then what has you so tense?”
“We have a situation with the celebrity cookbook
project.”
Cathy was alarmed. “I thought that was under control.
I just spoke to Jennifer a few days ago.”
“She’s having a little trouble getting some of the
releases and the deadline is fast approaching.”
“The releases or the recipes? She should have the photo
and recipe releases along with the permission forms.”
“Are you sure she has them?”
“Do me a favor. Go upstairs into my office and get her
files out. I have copies of everything she’s received so far.
Thanks.”
Within a couple of minutes E.D. was back downstairs
with three thick files.
E.D. leafed through two of the files. “Cathy, it looks
like we have everything we need as far as the releases and
permission forms go.”
“So we’re covered. Check the recipe file. I have a list of
every contributor and their representative. Whoever isn’t
checked off needs another friendly but firm call.”
“Are you sure you’re up to tackling this?”
“As long as we tackle it together it isn’t a problem.” She
pointed towards the kitchen. “By the way there’s a thermal
carafe with fresh coffee in the kitchen if you want.”
“Coffee always sounds good to me.”
“Knock yourself out.”
E.D. and Cathy spent the next couple of hours gently
twisting arms. Normally these were the kinds of details
they left to the author, but they made an exception for
Jennifer since her project was much more complicated.
Jennifer had to coordinate all the legal documentation and
she had the added task of testing the recipes. E.D. and
Cathy set about doing what they could to help make
things easier as the deadline approached.
Cathy and E.D. were really in the groove when the
doorbell rang.
“Are you expecting anyone?”
“No. But it could be a medical supply delivery for my
sister.”
“I’ll get it.” He got up.
The doorbell rang again. “Just a minute!” she shouted.
E.D. answered the door. Two minutes later he came in
with a beautiful floral arrangement.
“This is all yours, Ms. Chambers.”
She was tickled pink. “For me? Oh, how lovely.”
E.D. handed the flowers to her.
“Don’t forget to read the card.”
She looked like a kid opening a birthday present. The
card read:
“Just wanted to you to know I’m thinking about
you. I hope you enjoy the flowers. The flowers represent every
day since I met you and every day to come until we’re together
again. Love, Marcus.
”
“It was so sweet of him to send me flowers.”
“Ahem! The florist isn’t finished,” E.D. said.
“What?”
Bouquet upon bouquet filed through the front door.
An astonished Cathy had to get up to direct the floral flow
of traffic. By the time they were finished she had a total of
10 very large floral arrangements.
E.D. looked around. “It looks like a floral shop in
here.”
“I just can’t believe it. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten as
many flowers in my whole life.” She beamed.
E.D. smiled. “Then it’s about time.”
“Oh E.D., I think I left my bag in the kitchen. Could
you please get it for me so I can give our delivery guy here
a tip?”
“Sure.”
“I appreciate that, miss, but it’s been covered. Have a
great day.”
E.D. turned around. “And the man covers tipping the
driver too. I’d better not let my girlfriend hear about this.”
She laughed. ”How much is it worth to you?”
“Oh now you’re going to blackmail me, huh?”
“I said how much is it worth to you? Maybe a three day
weekend pass from the office?”
“Hallelujah! It’s about time you started to enjoy the
weekends like the rest of us working people.”
She threw a pillow at him. ”I enjoy weekends.”
“No, you don’t. You hate weekends. You’re a workaholic.”
Cathy knew it was the truth and backed down.
“Maybe there’s a little truth to that statement. This
weekend is different. This weekend I want to go on a little
trip to Tampa.”
“The Yankees are in Tampa this weekend.”
“How did you know?”
“I saw it marked on your Yankee calendar. You have
every game marked down.”
“Oh. Anyway, do we have a deal?”
“Done.”
“That also means no phone calls, emails or anything
office related for three whole days.”
“Fine with me. Are you sure you won’t be tempted?”
“I’m sure I can find something to distract me.”
“More like someone.”
Cathy took in a big whiff of the flowers. “It smells so
nice in here. How many more calls do we need to make?”
“Four. Tell you what, I’ll get to them while you call and
thank your guy.”
“Thank you.”
She dialed Marcus and got his voice mail.
“Hey, Marcus. It’s Cathy. I just wanted to thank you
for all the flowers. They are just beautiful. It really made
my day, week, month and maybe even year. You’re a sweetheart. Hopefully we’ll have the chance to talk later but if
we don’t, good luck tonight. I’ll be watching.”
“It’s so nice to see you happy,” E.D. said when she
disconnected.
“I like it too. Still, I’ll be happier once we get this stuff
out of the way.”
“You’re a real slave driver,” E.D. joked.
“Hey, if it gets our clients where they need to be…”
Whether it was the coffee or the intoxicating smell of
the flowers, by mid afternoon E.D. and Cathy had secured
all the missing recipes for Jennifer. Mission accomplished.
E.D. put his coat on. “Well, that was productive.”
“Good thing. Now Jennifer can concentrate on testing
the recipes and has enough time to address any changes the
recipes might need.”
Manhattan.”
“With the hard copies going to Jennifer, right?”
“Right. I’ll have one of the assistants fax over the information to Jennifer.”
“Anyway, partner, we got the job done and I still have
time to catch the off-peak ticket into the city.”
“Okay. Thanks for helping me with my flowers.”
“Enjoy them. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Cool. See ya.”
With some time to spare before heading over to
Camden Yards, Marcus, John, Mark, Juan and Tim
decided to have an early dinner at Bo Brooks’s Crab
House. The men weren’t shy; they enjoyed all the seafood
delights Maryland is known for, along with light liquid
refreshment.
Although they were in enemy territory, people were
excited to see the Yankee players in person. After signing a
few autographs they decided to head back to the hotel. As
Marcus and the gang walked out, there was another bit of
celebrity commotion outside.
“What do you suppose that’s all about?” John asked.
Juan tried to get a look. “I can’t see anything.”
As they continued to walk, people parted like the Red
Sea and there stood Cybil George, Marcus’ ex-girlfriend.
“This can’t be good,” Tim mumbled.
Marcus was shocked. “What is she doing here?”
“I don’t know but I think we’re about to find out. She’s
Blond hair bouncing, Cybil George practically glided
over to Marcus.
“Hi, Marcus.”
“Hi, Cybil.”
“Fancy seeing you here.” She tried to be light and
breezy.
“We’re playing the Orioles tonight. We just came out
to get something to eat.”
“Oh. Hi guys.” She waved.
They waved back but no one said anything.
“Do you have a photo shoot or fashion show here?”
“No. You know how I always wanted to get into the
movie business?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m shooting a movie in the area.”
“You’re shooting around Camden Yards?”
“As a matter of fact I am.”
“Where’s the crew?” Mark asked.
Cybil sighed. “We wrapped up shooting for the day. I
was going to get something to eat with a couple of
friends.”
“I didn’t know she ate,” Juan whispered.
“So do you recommend this place?”
“It’s good.” He looked at his watch. “Listen, Cybil, it
was nice to see you but we’ve really got to bounce.”
“Okay. I understand.”
“Thanks. Good seeing you. Take care.”
“Is that all I get?” she asked.
“I’m sorry?”
She smiled. “How about a little kiss for old time’s
sakes?”
Marcus was taken off guard when she suddenly kissed
him dead center on his mouth.
“See? That didn’t hurt, did it?” She grinned.
Cybil didn’t get the rise she wanted. “Okay, Cybil. Take
care.” Marcus walked away as if nothing had happened. As
soon as they were out of sight range Marcus wiped the
lipstick off and got in the car.
“What was that all about?” Tim asked.
“I have no idea. She said she’s shooting a movie
nearby,” Marcus answered.
“That’s some coincidence,” Mark said.
“It does seem suspicious,” Juan added.
“You know what? I think so, too. But I really don’t
want to devote any more energy to Cybil’s motives and
machinations. I did my time, three years hard labor. I am
not going back.”
Another word didn’t have to be said. The guys knew
Marcus meant business. He was through with Cybil. But
they weren’t sure if she was through with him.
Cathy took one arrangement upstairs with her and
looked around her room to find the perfect place for it. She
wanted to make sure the flowers were the first thing she saw
when she got up in the morning and the last thing at night.
Anna shouted from downstairs.
“Did somebody die? Or did somebody get married?”
Madison echoed.
They came upstairs.
“Cathy! It looks like the florist set up shop in the living
room.”
“I know. Isn’t it great?” She beamed.
“Marcus didn’t just send you flowers; he sent you the
whole damn shop,” Madison said.
“That’s fine with me.”
“I guess we’d better get smoking on those plane reservations.” Anna laughed.
“I’m doing just that.” She tapped away on the laptop.
“Jet Blue goes to Tampa, right?” Madison asked.
“Yeah. I’m checking the schedule now. This is for Friday
so we need to book it now.”
“We’re kind of last minute but it’s nearly fall so the fares
shouldn’t be too jacked up.”
“Okay, we can get a morning flight at 8:15 or 10:15 out
of JFK.”
“10:15 sounds good. It’s a little after rush hour.”
“What are you talking about, Madison? We have to get
there before 10:15 so we’ll be in the thick of rush hour.”
“It’s okay, Anna. We’ll use my agency’s car service,”
Cathy said.
“Good. I hate traffic and I really hate long term
parking.”
“You don’t have to worry about either. A 10:15 flight
will get us in just before two. And for our return trip we can
leave at 5:45
P
.
M
. and be back in New York a little after
seven.”
“Sounds perfect, Cathy. Book it.”
Within a few minutes they were confirmed with tickets
printing out on Cathy’s office printer across the hall.
“So, Cathy, have you called to thank Mr. Fox? Or are
you waiting to make it up close and personal?” Madison
teased.
“As a matter of fact I called to thank him earlier. And
you need not concern yourself as to how I might thank him
in person.”
He feigned illness. “Too much information.”
“Okay, cut it out you two. I can’t believe I’m the
youngest and I always have to break you two up,” Anna
said.
“Give me a break,” Madison groaned.
Anna rolled her eyes. “Anyway, moving right along, did
you see the doctor today?”
“Dad took me this morning. I had a check up and Dr.
Adams put me on medication to help with my back.”
“So no steroids?”
A chill went down Cathy’s back. “Definitely not. I
refuse to live through that again.”
Madison nodded his head in agreement. “I hear that.”
She closed her laptop. “I’m getting a little hungry. Did
you stop by the store?”
“I did but all they had was honey mustard. I figured we
could order in.”
“Cool. I could go for a chicken gyro.”
“Works for me. Greek food it is.” Anna turned to
Madison “You’d better write this down before you call to
order.”
“Since when am I the waiter?”
“Since I decided I might not be able to take you to work
again this week.”
“You are some controlling witches in here.”
“Takes one to know one,” Cathy quipped.
“Very funny.”
“You don’t need to write it down. We always get the
same thing when we order from Athena’s: three chicken
gyros, hummus, large Greek salad without anchovies.”
Madison picked up the phone. Anna seemed a little
distracted.
“What’s the matter, Anna? Is your blood sugar dropping?” she asked.
“No. I’m fine.”
Madison hung up. “It will be ready in 35 minutes.”
“Good.” Anna wrung her hands.
“Okay, Anna, what’s going on? You’re acting all nervous
or something,” Madison said.
She opened her briefcase and took out
The Tattler.
Madison looked shocked. “Since when did you start
reading that trash?”
“I don’t read it.” She sighed. “I didn’t tell you the truth
about the supermarket. I was standing in line all ready to
pay for the rotisserie chicken when I saw this on the cover:
Cybil George Talks About the Heartache, Marcus and His New
Lady Love
. I put the chicken back, bought this and headed
home.” She handed Cathy the paper. “Did you read it?”
“I read some of it,” Anna said.
“Any particular paragraph I should be interested in?”
Cathy opened the paper.
“The third one.” She scanned down to the third paragraph:
Breaking up with Marcus was one of the hardest decisions
I ever had to make. He wanted more from me than I could
give. I didn’t mean anything bad by the chubby comment; she
is just completely different than me, or any of his other girlfriends for that matter.
Cathy looked at the pictures. They had a photograph of
Marcus and Cybil in happier times and one of Marcus and
her kissing outside of the stadium. The caption read:
Tale of
Two Women’s Bodies.
She closed the paper. She didn’t want to read any more.
Madison picked up the paper.
“Are you okay Cathy?”
“I’m fine. It’s almost to the point of being funny.”
Madison threw the paper on the floor. “This is bull. I
thought this girl had a modeling career. Where did she find
the time to do this?”
“It’s all about drama. Creating it and being the center of
attention. What more could a girl want?”
“She certainly doesn’t have a problem making that
happen, does she?” Cathy crossed her legs and arms. She
was tense.
“It’s this whole generation. How old is she? Twentyfive?” Madison asked.
“She’s twenty-eight.”
“That’s old enough to know better in my book,” Anna
said.
Madison stood up. “I’m going to pick the food up. I’ll
be right back.”
“Okay.”
When Madison left, Anna turned to Cathy. “Are you
sure you’re okay with this?”
“I just got twelve gorgeous flower arrangements and she
got page 38 of
The Tattler
. Who do you think is doing
better?”
Anna backed off and they went downstairs. When
Madison got back they had dinner and watched television.
Cathy checked on the baseball game but there was a rain
delay. They settled for entertainment news.
Madison laughed. “Can you believe they actually cover
this stuff? Who cares if Brad and Angelina shopped at
Piggly Wiggly? Why don’t they just leave them in peace?”
“Then they wouldn’t have anything to do,” Anna said.
“It seems to me that the bigger stars get, the more
people want to know every little detail about their lives. It’s
nuts.” Cathy sat back in her chair.
The segment showed Marcus and Cybil talking outside
a restaurant while the voice over reported: “Supermodel
Cybil George who is in Baltimore shooting her first feature
film was seen with her ex Marcus Fox. The two seemed to
have a friendly meeting. Representatives from both camps
have stated the two are just friends.”
Anna quickly turned the television off. “Cathy, there is
no reason to get upset.”
Madison chimed in. “It’s just a report. It doesn’t mean
anything. I mean, it must be a real slow news day.”
Cathy was still a little shocked.
“The man sent you ten floral arrangements because he
misses you.”
“I know, Anna. It just seems like every time I turn
around here comes another report. First it was the papers,
then the radio and now television. I’ve reached the media’s
holy trinity.” Cathy threw her hands up in disgust.
“Don’t get upset, Cathy, this is a part of what his life is
about.”
“Besides, this excess attention will be over after baseball
season.” Anna did her best to sound convincing.
“Anna’s right. After the season is over there won’t be so
much coverage.”
“So I just have to survive the next month and a half.”
“Changing the subject, I have some news,” Anna said.
“It’s good news, right?” Madison asked.
“Naturally. Roger and I have set a date. November
ninth of next year.”
“That’s terrific, Anna.” Cathy was elated.
“Congratulations, Cousin.”
“So of course, Cathy, you have to help me plan.”
“I love the idea of weddings. There are so many fun
things to do.”
“I know.” Anna nodded.
A thought hit Cathy. “You’re not just telling me this to
get my mind off the Cybil George thing, are you?”
“Of course not. Roger and I have been discussing dates
back and forth for a while and we agreed on November
nuptials.”
“Good. I’m so happy for you, Anna. You’re getting a
great guy.”
“I know.” She smiled happily.
“Madison, do me a favor. Flip the television back on
and turn to YES. I want to see if the rain has let up in
Baltimore.”
There was still a rain delay.
“So what are they going to do if they get rained out?”
Madison asked.
“It’s nearly the end of the regular season and they have
to get the game in. If it gets called, they’ll play a double
header tomorrow.”
The phone rang.
“I’ll get it.” Anna got up.
Cathy stared into space.
“Hey Cathy! Come back. Don’t dwell.”
She snapped out of it. “I hear you. I haven’t lost touch
with reality.”
Anna walked back in with the phone and a mischievous
grin. “Telephone, Cathy.”
She took the phone. “Hello?”
“Hey, sweetie.”
“Marcus?” She was relieved to hear his voice.
Anna and Madison watched her on the phone.
“I know it’s weird to hear from me when there’s
supposed to be a game happening.”
“It’s raining. Does it look like it will let up so you can
get the game in?”
“It might let up. But I didn’t call you to talk about the
game or the weather. I just didn’t want you to hear about
this from anyone else but me.”
Her heart froze. “What is it?”
“I ran into Cybil today. She’s filming some scenes for a
movie around Camden Yards. We spoke for minute and she
kissed me. I didn’t know she was going to do it. If I had, I
would have stopped her cold.”
Cathy processed the information. “I see. She sandbagged you?”
“Exactly.” He paused for a reaction. “Are you upset with
me?”
“No. I’m just glad they didn’t catch that on camera,
too.”
“On camera? What are you talking about?”
“I know you wanted to tell me first but the entertainment news programs beat you to it.”
“What? Damn! Here I thought I was giving you a heads
up.” He was aggravated.
“As long as they missed her planting one on you, I’m
okay with that. I’m not bothered by it or
The Tattler
story.”
“What
Tattler
story?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine, I promise,” she reassured him.
“I got your message about the flowers and you are most
welcome. Listen, if we do get the game in tonight, I’ll call
you tomorrow. If it’s rained out I’ll call tonight.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“I’m really not supposed to be on the cell, so we’ll talk
later babe. Miss you.”
“Miss you too.”
Both Anna and Madison had smug looks on their faces.
“Didn’t we tell you not to worry?”
“Okay, so you were right. I’m happy to be wrong.”