CHAPTER 14
Marlene hustled into the front door of LCL, "Ms. Von Lahnstein the Receptionist at the front desk flagged her down, "Yes," She approached her, "There's a message here for you," The receptionist eagerly handed it to her. "Thank you," Marlene smiled grasping it she quickly read it walking up the stairs, "Important?" Kim questioned meeting her at the top of the stairs. "Hmmm," She mused, "The realtor called my contract for the flat must be ready," Kim, grinned, "Great, have you told dad yet?" Marlene gave her a look, "No only Biggi and I have discussed this, When will Emilio be returning home?" Kim followed her to her office, "Next week and I'm certainly ready," She added closing the door to Marlene's office. "Good then I'd like to start moving this weekend, can you help?" Marlene asked dialing the number to the realtor.
"Sure, like a girl's weekend?" Kim chuckled and then whispered, "I have work, to do" Marlene was on hold as Kim waved at her leaving her office. "Yes this is Marlene Von Lahnstein returning your call," The realtor on the other in cleared her throat, "Ms. Von Lahnstein, your lease agreement is prepared and ready for your signature," Marlene smiled with excitement, "I could come this morning," She replied, "Ten? I could have my secretary go over any formalities with you," Marlene looked up to see Rebecca standing outside, she, gestured for to her to come in with a wave of her hand, "I will be there for ten, thank you," She hung up.
"Good morning Rebecca, please come in," Rebecca slowly walked in, "The backdrops, are they ready?" She asked her mood cross, her tone snappy. "I'm about through could you give me a bit?" Rebecca frowned, "Please as soon as possible," She stated quickly exiting her office.
Marlene sat back down to her desk she groaned lowering her head, "Marlene," Tanja blurted, "Yes Tanja," She retorted, "What is it? I won't deal with Rebecca's foul mood today, I have work to do," Tanja laughed loudly as she leaned over the front of her desk, "Ignore her, where are we with the theme? I don't want any backlash from Elisabeth," Marlene sighed, "I'm about through with the printouts and we will be ready for a review this afternoon, I have a late morning appointment," Tanja nodded, "I've leased a small flat not far from here," She remarked Tanja immediately raised her brow. "A flat? Marlene," Tanja's grin was sly. "The family apartment life is too much for you now?" Her questioning was crude. "Really, I guess living by myself for two years has nothing to do with it?" Marlene inquired sarcastically. Tanja stood upright, "I should let you get back to work, obviously I've interrupted your brainstorm, let me know this afternoon, I want results before I go, Sebastian and I are leaving for Berlin tonight." She mentioned casually.
"Berlin?" Marlene's interest was sparked, "Yes, we've chosen a location in the downtown district, I've only seen pictures, Sebastian has been busy ironing out the legal issues, it's an older building but with a lot of class and store front space, it is in need of a lot of work but the money we will save and the cliental we can reach will benefit LCL," Tanja surmised, "Didn't you mention this the other day? A small fashion house there with a store instead of a boutique?" Tanja's grin was impish, she answered with a brash tone, "I did," She walked out the door and turned back to Marlene, "I see you've paid close attention to what we discussed early, results this afternoon," She barked walking away.
Rebecca rolled the clothing rack closer to the mannequins her cell phone beeped she checked it, it was a message from Tristan, "Find out anything?" It read, she cupped the phone and smiled slightly shaking her head, "I haven't," she looked up to see Tanja leaving Marlene's office, "I'll ask now Tanja is on her way here," She sent it off and in a quick response from him, "Thanks," Rebecca sat her phone down and pushed the rack out of her way, "Tanja, good morning," Tanja stopped and briefly toyed with a shirt on the rack. "Rebecca, I've met with Marlene she's about to prepare the backdrop, I want to see a finished product by this evening, Sebastian and I have business in Berlin for a couple of days and I want this ready, will there be a photographer lined up for Friday morning?" She questioned in a blunt tone. "Yes it's been taken care of, for once we are ahead, I'd like to keep it that way, will you be back from Berlin by Friday?" Rebecca asked she quickly glanced at her cell phone reminding herself about Tristan.
"Possibly, I'm hoping we will be able to sign the papers on the building by Thursday at the latest, Sebastian has a few legal issues to take care of first but it looks like Berlin is a go, I'll want to start looking at interviewing designers, prepare me a list of designers and assistants when you have the time," She politely ordered, "Tanja, one other thing," Rebecca stopped her from walking away, "Abby the new accountant," Tanja gave her a strange look, "What about her?" Rebecca stuttered for a second, "Do you know if she's single?" Tanja quickly remarked, "What?" Rolling her eyes at her, "Tell me something Rebecca, are you now interested in the accountant?" Rebecca lightly laughed, "No but someone else has inquired about her, I just thought I would," Tanja cut her off, "This is not high school Rebecca if a person is mature enough to be interested then for heaven sakes they should ask her!" She exclaimed loudly, Rebecca looked around the room in hopes that no one heard Tanja's outbursts.
Tanja gave her a stern look, "To answer your question she is single or at least her resume says she is, please we don't need distractions from others here, I don't want any disruptive behavior do you understand me?" Rebecca nodded in agreement. "I want results by this evening, Elisabeth should be notified about the photo shoot and where is Marlene?" She bellowed. Rebecca attempted to smile, "She's coming out of her office now," Tanja turned to see her approaching them, "Call me," She hurriedly walked away. Rebecca text Tristan with the information and moved over to the mannequins. "Tanja is nerved up this morning," Marlene spoke placing the printed photos behind the mannequin for a quick look. "I almost hated to gloat that we were on schedule," She replied. "A new store in Berlin, unlike the boutiques," Marlene offered, Rebecca gazed at her briefly as she fitted the mannequin with a pair of slacks.
"I'm surprised that they would consider Berlin, I mean Yuri and Martha are having success there, I would have stirred clear of anything in Germany," Rebecca remarked. "That's just it Tanja is shrewd when it comes to business and you know it, your designs and her brilliant but often unconventional thinking have gotten LCL where it's at today," Marlene praised in an upbeat voice. Rebecca thought of what she said, "Thank you Marlene," Marlene smiled she looked down to her wrist watch, "I have an appointment, can you manage for a while? I shouldn't be too long," Rebecca cocked her head around the clothing rack, "Sure, I'll have the mannequins dressed by the time you get back." Marlene returned to her office and collected her purse she slipped on her suit jacket and headed out to the Realtor's office.
Rebecca steadily dressed the mannequins and then decided on a latte she made her way down to the coffee bar encountering Tristan as she did, "Now that was quick," She laughed he followed her to the bar, "Latte please," She ordered turning back to him. He extend his hand and in it was another ledger, he smiled, "I had to have a reason, I didn't want to come on too strong," He looked at her with admiration, "Thanks Rebecca," He whispered, she giggled sizing him up.
"A black suit, hmmm, very professional," They laughed, "Coffee?" She added pointing at the expresso machine he waved his hand in a declining gesture. "I have an appointment with her in a few minutes, I don't want to be late," He remarked. "I took a drubbing from Tanja when I asked about her, she made it clear that this wasn't high school and she doesn't want any lewd behavior," Tristan laughed sarcastically, "I'll keep that in mind, now I have an appointment," He answered, "Let me know," She smirked in a joyful way. She finished her latte and escorted him to the top of the stairs she eyed him with a grin they touched hands parting, each going their own way.
Tristan nervously rapped on the closed door of Abby's office he waited patiently for a reply from her. The door quickly opened with her on the other side he gazed at her in his charming way, "Come in," She invited him in. "Good morning," He stated with a slight twitch in his voice, "Good morning, please sit down," She replied returning to her desk. He sat the ledger down on the chair next to him he played with his necktie as if he needed to loosen it. "I had an opportunity to review the ledger you brought the other day," She looked at him with professionalism before continuing, "Looks like Martin has done a good job with winging LCL's business and I'm sure the bank's business as well," She handed the ledger back to him, "Thank you," He answered in a relaxed tone, "Martin has always been good with the banking end but LCL was really struggling when we had to make a sudden move, our accountant had left, we scrambled to find a replacement and it took a while," He smiled at her with reassurance that she would do a creditable job. "Well I hope I can do LCL and Lahnstein Enterprises justice," She added with a smile of confidence.
Tristan stared at her momentarily before handing her the other ledger, "Say are you new to Dusseldorf?" He questioned with curiosity. "No, actually my grandmother lived her, I often visited as a child, I was born and raised in Hamburg but made summer trips here," She answered as she flipped open the ledger. "I see, would you be interested in having dinner on Friday night?" He mustard the words to finally say to her, she raised her head up from the ledger and smiled. "Uh, sure, why not, what did you have in mind? Casual?" She questioned closing the ledger and squaring it away on her desk. He thought for a second, "Chinese, do you like Chinese?" He questioned. "Yes as long as it's casual," She remarked in an honest tone. "Yes very casual," He smiled. "I work long hours and I hope you don't mind but I like to unwind in a relaxed way, good food a bottle of wine," She went on. "Good then let's say seven?" He eagerly suggested. "Seven sounds good," He stood up from her desk, "Where shall I pick you up?" She jotted down her address and cell phone number.
A date had been made he folded the paper up and slid it into his pocket and collected the finished ledger from her desk. "Thank you," He sincerely noted, "I'll have the other ledger prepared and ready for next weeks review unless you hit a snag, I'll have Martin available if you should need him," She nodded, "Good then I'll see you Friday, you have my card, my number is on it," He reminded her as he left the office. She searched her desk for his card picking it up and staring at it, "Indeed I do," She smiled answering him.
Tristan waded through the piles of material rolls, boxes and wadded up sketchpad papers in search of Rebecca. "There you are," He startled her from her crouched position at the base of the mannequin. She stood up to face him, "How did it go?" She questioned attempting to get his attention, "When is the last time they cleaned this floor?" He subtly asked looking around, "Cut the small talk," Rebecca crossed her arms as if they were playing a childhood game. A smile crossed his face, "My little sister," He stated she gave him a naughty look. "Fine," He hesitated keeping her in suspense. "We have a date for Friday night," He seemed elated yet somewhat over whelmed that she accepted.
Rebecca hugged her brother, "That great news, any place special?" She asked. Tristan mused, "Causal she prefers casual a little wine, relaxing," He answered, "I feel lucky she even considered a date with me," Rebecca frowned, "Why not, your handsome, single and gainfully employed," He shrugged, "I don't know, my track record with women hasn't been very good," Rebecca braced her hands against his chest, "Your going on a date not marrying her," She explained earnestly, "Stop worrying." Tristan moaned under his breath, "It's been a long time since I've even thought of asking someone out," Rebecca smiled, "Don't fret you'll be fine, remember casual, no suits or ties," She yanked the lapel of his suit coat. "Once again, thanks," He quickly hugged her again, "I'll see you later." Rebecca refocused on her work as Marlene walked in. "Your back," Rebecca spoke, "Uh huh," Marlene responded sitting her purse down, "I'm going down to the printing room the backdrop is ready," Rebecca stepped back eyeing the mannequin. "Do you need help," Marlene shook her head she left, Rebecca looked up watching her stroll away the shape of her figure the way she carried herself caused inner conflict her heart raced rapidly. Rebecca was lost in a haze she could smell Marlene's perfume rifling through the air. The taste of her kiss haunted her.
"Hello, Rebecca," Marlene touched her shoulder awaking her from her smoky daydream. "Huh, yes, the backdrop," She stared. Marlene had the rolled up backdrop clutched under her arm, "Let's see what we have," Marlene spoke in a business like tone unaware of Rebecca's emotional state. They hung the backdrop together Marlene bent down to pin the corner Rebecca stood closely behind her. She unexpectedly stood up catching Rebecca off guard she turned around almost bumping into her their faces close. Marlene, couldn't breathe, she felt the heat of Rebecca's breath their gazes penetrating. Rebecca leaned forward her eyes closed, as she was about to kiss her Marlene suddenly stopped her, "Don't Rebecca," Marlene pushed her away. "We can't you know what will happen, you will blame me or become stressed and I just can't deal with it," Marlene grabbed her purse from the table and quickly fled.
Rebecca could feel the hair rise on the nape of her neck she felt an overwhelming chill. "Marlene," she shouted racing down the stairs and out the door. She walked at a fast pace down the sidewalk and around the corner but to no avail she sadly turned around to find Marlene standing there her look discouraging. "I know it won't do me a bit of good to apologize, I won't, I love you and I know you love me, I guess what I'm trying to say is we never really had closure and it's a struggle for us both," Rebecca remarked out of breath her heart pounding with anxiety. "Your right I do love you and I always will, nothing will ever change what I feel for you but we can't we have to get off this merry go round it has to stop if we intend to live our lives with the people we've chosen." Rebecca looked at her strangely, "Marlene have you chosen someone?" Marlene shook her head, "You know what I mean Rebecca." She scolded her.
Rebecca began to circle her, "I keep making the same mistakes where you are concerned, I've, wracked my brain as to why, I know it's been uncomfortable and hurtful to you," She remarked. "Rebecca we have to find a way to work together, I need this job," Marlene's sigh was intense. "I'm afraid I'll hurt you, really," She solemnly answered. "Focus on Katherine you've told me on numerous occasions that she's the one you want to build a life with obviously you love her," Marlene's tone was convincing yet melancholy to Rebecca. "True, I do love her in many ways but Marlene," Marlene gave her a piercing glance, "Please don't Rebecca, please respect my wishes and leave me alone, I just can't deal with your emotional outbursts on a daily basis." Rebecca was at a loss for words, "Have you considered taking your relationship with Katherine a step further?" Marlene questioned.
Rebecca's expression was of guilt and dismay, "What do you mean Marlene?" Marlene took a step in the other direction, heading back towards LCL, "Marlene wait please explain what you mean," She hesitantly begged. She grasped Marlene's hand stopping her Marlene once again was face to face with her, "Why do you live separately? Have you thought about marriage and children? Why doesn't she live in the castle?" Marlene's tone was vindictive and sharp. Rebecca could feel the stabbing pains that coursed through her heart she couldn't swallow the tears began to burn her eyes. "I'm just not the marrying type, you question me about children, my life is busy, I've never given it a second thought, children shouldn't be needy and left unattended and as far as living with someone, I'm not ready to be tied down in that way," Marlene took in Rebecca's stunning revelations she could see the despair in her eyes and hear the desperation in her voice.
"Exactly what is it that you want? Katherine is kind and giving and its apparent that she loves you this is not an adolescent relationship Rebecca," Marlene spoke as if she were trying to get her to open up and speak her true feelings. "That's between us don't you think Marlene? Why all these personal questions? Why do you even care?" Rebecca became stoic, "I think we've established that I do care about you and what happens in your life," Marlene turned away from her resting her forehead in her hand. "Hey, I'm sorry, it seems that what I said about marriage and children isn't exactly what you wanted to hear," Marlene's frown was unassuming, "Why should I care about what you think?" She crossed her arms in a huff. "Come on Marlene, my personal relationship has got you wondering," Rebecca grinned cautiously.
"This conversation is over!" Marlene demanded walking away with Rebecca close on her heels, "We have work to finish, I don't want to discuss your personal life, really it's none of my business, I just want you to be happy," She reminded her. Rebecca kept silent. Marlene quickly swung the door open to LCL moving at a fast pace upstairs she wheeled into her office nearly out of breath. Rebecca stared at her from the doorway of her office she could tell that Marlene was upset and apprehensive, "I should have never put you on the spot Marlene, really I'm sorry," She spoke honestly. "Rebecca we have to find a way to work together, again, Tanja is depending on us to be civil to each other and to get the job done," Rebecca closed the door behind her moving closer to Marlene. "We do work well together, it's just that, that," Rebecca started to stutter she couldn't speak the words she truly wanted to say.
Marlene looked at her awaiting for her to finish what she had on her mind, "These feelings come into play, every time I look at you I think of what I've missed and what might have been and I know deep down that I need to get passed this, that life just isn't fair and we've gone our separate ways," Marlene began to collect her thoughts she needed to channel her fears, regrets and desires before she spoke. "Rebecca I know that we can never really be friends, not like before and I won't stand in the way of you and Katherine, I've told you this before and I meant it, I need this job, I need to gain experience, I need you to be on board." Marlene voiced with concern. "Your right, hell you were always right," Rebecca tried to make light of the subject they both laughed. "I just have to get passed the distractions Marlene," Rebecca stated firmly and with sincere honesty. "Now please let's get finished before the dragoness returns," Rebecca joked tugging Marlene's forearm. She managed to gain a simple smile from Marlene. They continued working diligently through the evening preparing the theme.