Change of Heart

Chapter 2

"Hello Rebecca."

Her voice. It had been so long since Rebecca had heard Marlene's voice. It had been so long since she felt how Marlene could, just by saying her name, drown out every noise around them.

The surprise on Rebecca's face at seeing Marlene standing before her did not go unnoticed by anyone. Especially Tim. Who still remained silent. Secretly still in fear of the whip like action of Evelyn and Tanya's remarks and now his own sudden curiosity for the beautiful blonde who stood before them. As he studied the faces of the women around him he realized that all of them obviously knew more about what was going on then he did.

Still dumbfounded and yet pleased by Marlene's presence. Rebecca quickly realized she needed to pull it together to maintain the professional environment, but at the same time she wanted Marlene to know how happy she was to see her.

"Marlene!? It's so good to see you!" Marlene's smile widen as Rebecca approached her and wrapped her arms around her for a friendly embrace. Even though the hug was brief there was a feeling familiar and of warmth and comfort that was felt by both women.

"And I am so happy to see you again Rebecca." Marlene beamed.

"I don't understand. I thought you were working again in theatre? When did this happen? How did this happen? You …becoming Creative Director for RAVE Couture?" Rebecca asked in rapid succession.

Marlene laughed, "Well it was all because of Evelyn really. She approached me."

At that moment Evelyn, who along with Tanya had been watching the interaction between the two ladies with great interest, interrupted.

"Yes. I discovered Marlene by accident really. While visiting friends in New Haven we happen to attend Marlene's directorial debut, which by the way, was an absolutely BRILLIANT piece of work! You really should have been there Rebecca." Marlene gave Evelyn a look of dissatisfaction for taunting Rebecca in such a way, but Evelyn merely brushed Marlene's disapproval aside. "After the performance I insisted on meeting Marlene and was immediately impressed by her talents, and then to discover, during our conversation, her experience working here at LCL with you and her knowledge of the fashion industry. Well I just knew I had to have her as part of my creative team."

"That's all wonderful to hear Marlene. I'm. Well I'm just surprised really that you would even want to leave the theatre and pursue work in fashion. I just always assumed you didn't have much interest in it." Rebecca stated.

"Why would you every think that? You of all people should know how much interest I had in fashion, especially under the circumstances." Rebecca knew what Marlene was insinuating.

"Yes, but I just never thought your interest was enough to want to pursue a career in fashion."

"Yes, Well being stuck behind a desk all day answering phones and directing delivery boys didn't always allow for creative opportunities while I was here at LCL. Not to mention the one time I did take the initiative to be creative in the industry with the boutique in New York. You decided the New York project was really of no importance and abandoned the idea. Remember?" Rebecca diverted her eyes from Marlene. She felt a sense of guilt wash over her and she could feel everyone's eyes on her and observing her uneasiness. It was Marlene, however, who took the pressure off.

"Actually I should thank you. My having left and having been able to prove to myself that I still could succeed and be successful in theatre actually has made it easier for me to transition into my role at as Creative Director at RAVE." Marlene couldn't help but lock eyes with Rebecca and offer an appreciative smile. A smile that still affected Rebecca. Their brief moment was quickly interrupted by Tanja.

"I hate to be the one to break up this reunion, but there is still business to discuss. Rebecca as soon as you have completed your last revisions you can bring the sketches to my office. As for you Tim, perhaps you could spend more time actually doing YOUR job instead of distracting Rebecca from hers." Tim still feared to speak and only managed a head nod like that of a servant addressing royalty.

Tanja turned to leave with Evelyn and Marlene behind her, but before doing so Evelyn approached Rebecca. Her mannerisms and words to Rebecca were kind and yet matter of fact. "I have very high hopes for you my dear. Very high hopes." This was the first time that Rebecca had really looked at Evelyn. There was something enduring, comforting, and oddly familiar about Evelyn and it wasn't because they both shared striking similarities in their physical appearance. It was something in the way Evelyn made Rebecca feel.

"I can only hope to meet all your expectations." Rebecca smiled.

Evelyn took Rebecca's hand in hers. "You already do my dear….You already do." Evelyn turned to leave when suddenly she slightly stumbled. Rebecca managed to steady Evelyn's faltering body and very swiftly Marlene also was by Evelyn's side to steady her.

Evelyn's spell was very brief but long enough for Rebecca and those around her to be concerned. Everyone except for Tanja who watched with a curious eye. Evelyn quickly worked at regaining control of herself.

"Oh my. I don't know what came over me. I am so sorry. I…"

"Are you sure you are alright? Perhaps we should call a doctor?" voiced a concerned Rebecca.

"Oh no! No! I am fine. Really." Evelyn stated very adamantly.

Marlene quickly interrupted. "Evelyn. I told you this would happen if you continued to skip meals."

"Yes! Yes dear Marlene I do believe you are right. I am afraid I have been too neglectful." Evelyn quickly held on to Marlene for continued support.

Marlene turned to Tanja. "I'm sorry Tanja. I feel that it is important that we postpone the rest of the meeting until tomorrow. I'm afraid Evelyn has not allowed herself enough time to adapt to the time change from her travels and has obviously neglected to eat."

Marlene knew Tanja well enough and could tell that Tanja was suspicious, but she offered Tanja no further explanation.

"Of course! We can meet tomorrow if that is better." Tanja suspiciously agreed.

"Yes. I think that will work best." Marlene insisted.

"I am so terribly sorry for the change of plans. I must admit I have a bad habit of pushing myself to hard at times, and as Marlene mentioned, skipping meals and forgetting to eat has been a bad habit of mine for quiet sometime. Another great benefit of having Marlene by my side. She reminds me of the little things that are still of great importance."

Flash backs of Marlene doing the same for her jolted quickly through Rebecca's memory. She recalled the many times Marlene brought her food or coffee as she slaved away at her desk or sewing machine. Twinges of regret hit Rebecca that she never realized during those moments how much Marlene did for her during their relationship. Rebecca even felt a surprising bit of jealousy as she watched Marlene tend to Evelyn.

Evelyn quickly regained her composure.

"Rebecca my dear. It looks as though you get a bit of extra time to add your finishing touches to your final piece. And Tanja. Why don't I take with me the documents detailing the merger agreement so that my lawyer and myself can be looking over the details. Once we have finished then we can all meet once again to determine any final arrangements."

"Actually I have a copy of the merger agreement right here." Rebecca interjected.

Rebecca located the booklet of documents on her desk that Kim had delivered earlier. Marlene was the one who ended up taking the documents from Rebecca and when doing so brushed her fingers, by accident really, across the back of Rebecca's hand. Just that brief and subtle touch sent a sense of electricity through Rebecca and she instinctively locked eyes again with Marlene.

"Thank you." Marlene smiled, this time with a hint of a nervous laugh, as she took the documents from Rebecca. A nervousness that she quickly stifled. She had worked extremely hard to maintain her composure and professionalism and she couldn't let any past feelings effect her new position.

At that moment Tim found the courage to speak.

"Ms. Dietrich. May I say it has been a great pleasure meeting you. I have long been a fan of your fashion."

Rebecca couldn't help but cut her eyes at Tim. Especially with the knowledge she had that Tim didn't even have a clue as to who Evelyn was as of a few minutes prior to their meeting.

"Ah yes. Tim? Tim was it? I must admit I am not as familiar with your work."

"Yes. Well I am rather new to the fashion world. As a matter of fact, I really had no interest in it really until I became Rebecca's boyfriend."

With the word boyfriend. A sense of stunned disbelief filled the air and Rebecca felt her heart stop. Especially when she witnessed the changed expression that came over Marlene's face.

For Marlene she felt as if someone had punched her in the gut. She swallowed hard trying not to let the discovery of how Rebecca having moved on with her life affected her. Angry with herself almost that it was affecting her. Rebecca had every right to move on. Marlene just wasn't as ready for the realization as she thought she was.

"Boyfriend?…..Really?" Once again, Tim felt the heaviness of Evelyn's questioning tone and once he caught sight of Rebecca's disapproving glare he wished he had remained silent.

"So are you really here because of your talent as a photographer?" Evelyn questioned.

At this point, no matter how amusing it really was for Tanja to watch Tim and Rebecca squirm, she knew that business wise the direction this discussion was turning was not good for business and as much as she hated she came to Tim's defense.

"I assure you Evelyn that boyfriend or not. I only allow the most talented of people on my staff and that includes photographers. Despite Tim and Rebecca's personal relationship outside of LCL hours I can assure you that he produces top quality work, because I expect it from ALL my employees."

"Hmmm…. Yes. Well. We shall see about that." Evelyn proclaimed with a sarcastic tone as she turned once again to leave with Marlene turning to follow her.

Tim flashed Tanja a nervous and appreciative smile for coming to what he thought was his defense. Tanja merely rolled her eyes. She was no longer amused by the fact that Rebecca and Tim's relationship was brought to Evelyn's attention.

As Tanja moved towards the elevator where Evelyn and Marlene were waiting. Tanja very quickly pulled Rebecca aside and as if scolding a child Tanja whispered.

"Rebecca I suggest you conduct yourself in a more professional tone and stop these midday teenage trysts with your little boyfriend here. If this unprofessional conduct causes a problem and creates doubt in Evelyn's decision about merging with LCL then the financial fall and ruin of LCL and the Lahnstein legacy will fall squarely on your shoulders." Before Rebecca could defend herself Tanja began to walk away but as she did she quietly hissed over her shoulder, "And for God's sake tell your boy toy to pull up his pants and find a pair without holes at the knees. I refuse to let him represent LCL anymore looking like a refugee from homeless shelter."

Rebecca had no words and could feel a sense of embarrassment wash over her. She looked at Tim not knowing how to handle the situation and he returned her look with a shrug. Rebecca's attention turned back to the departing trio of women as they filled the elevator. Marlene's eyes looking only at the floor. Rebecca took steps toward the elevator not wanting to let this be the way her first time seeing Marlene in almost a year end. All she could manage was, "It was so good to see you again." Hearing Rebecca's words brought Marlene's eyes up to meet Rebecca's, only to have their lingering look cut short by the closing of the elevator doors.