TWENTY.
Love and Happiness
"Rebecca," Tanja called from outside her office door, "In here," She answered not looking up as she steadily jotted notes in her planner, "I almost forgot, my conversation with Laura this morning," Rebecca stopped writing, laying her ink pen down she looked up to Tanja, "Was there something else?" Tanja approached her desk, "I think we should hire her an assistant, I've gone over the books with Abby and we have the finances to seriously consider someone and give them a good offer," She explained. Rebecca sat back in her chair giving it some thought, "Did you have someone in mind?" She inquired with a stare, "No, I've been busy with other things," She announced in her usual way. "I think it's a great idea, with Emily pregnant and Sophia relegated to New York what better way to introduce someone with great talent that can be mentored and taught here, I think you made a good choice where Laura is concerned she's happy and eager to please, it's hard to find those good qualities," She reflected her thoughts, "Why Rebecca I believe you just paid me a fabulous complement," Tanja teased sheepishly. "While we don't always see eye to eye and many times I find your ideas convoluted," She stopped talking shrugging her shoulders, "We must find a way to settle our differences about things Tanja," There was some clarity in the air, "Good enough, I have the fashion show line up to go over, I'll be in my office," She turned to leave, "I'll have Aaron go through the applications and see what we come up with," Rebecca told her.
Ansgar sat in the study reading a history book about the earlier Lahnstein clan. "Ansgar," Elisabeth walked in she peeked at the book he was reading, "Elisabeth," He nodded closing the book and sitting it on the end table. "A little history," He chuckled, "I thought I would read up about our family, Monique would like to explore the castle and it grounds she's very interested in our history," He added as Elisabeth sat to the desk. "She should have the aid of Helena," She smiled answering him, "Helena," He mused, "Good idea, I wanted to talk to you," He moved from the sofa and closer to the desk, changing the subject, "Go on," She smiled, "Monique's son Mark would like to come for a visit," He had a different kind of expression on his face Elisabeth noted, "Ok," She began to feel him out. "When would he arrive?" She questioned, "Friday, seems he's booked a flight and then notified his mother of his requests," He replied in monotone. "I take it you have an issue with this boy?" She asked uncertain of Ansgar's feelings. "He's not a boy he's twenty four years old and arrogant," He stammered. "Ok so he's a grown man with a bad attitude, I'm assuming from your tone of voice you two don't really like one another?" She questioned in a statement. "I've tried for Monique's sake," He hesitated briefly, "But he is her son and they haven't seen each other in a year," He explained trying to calm himself, "I haven't a problem the room across the hall will be available as long as you can keep your attitudes at bay," She answered him rationally. "I'll let Monique know," Ansgar spoke, swiftly leaving the study.
Marlene with all four boys in tow entered LCL, "Marlene," Aaron called out happy to see her, "Aaron, what a nice surprise," They embraced. "I wasn't sure if you would be here," She smiled, "Matthew, Nicholas, Brandon and Wolfie," He spoke to them, "Hello Mr. Aaron," They all answered. "Rebecca in her office?" Marlene quizzed, "Yes," He walked them to the door, "I'll see you a little later, I'm on a mission," He ruffled Wolfgang's head of hair as he walked away. "Mommy," Wolfgang ran to her desk, "Hello little man," She sat him on her lap, "Your growing so big, I won't be able to do this much longer, well why don't we go up and meet Ms. Laura," She stood up grasping Wolfgang by the hand, "Is Tanja here?" Marlene asked, "She is and in her office," Rebecca told her, "Could you take the boys up with you, I want to visit with her a bit," She walked out with Rebecca, "Boys why don't we go upstairs while mom visit with aunt Tanja," Marlene parted from them at the foot of the stairs. "Boys, this is Ms. Laura," Rebecca walked up to her and announced. "Hello," She extended her hand to Wolfgang, "You're Wolfgang, right?" He smiled shaking his head, "Hi, I'm Matthew and I'm Nicholas and I'm Brandon," They all spoke in order. "My, Rebecca all of your boys are so handsome," She remarked kindly. "Yes, I'm very lucky, there all good boys, happy," She spoke frankly.
"Marlene," Tanja stood up and embraced her, "Tanja, how are you, we don't get to visit much these days," She voiced, "I'm fine, work, Sebastian and of course Emma," She rolled her eyes, "And how is Hannes?" She inquired sitting down, "He's fine, almost grown up, would you like coffee?" Tanja poured herself a cup, "No thank you, I'm here with the boys to have lunch with Rebecca, just thought I'd stop in a moment to see how you were," She replied. "It must be a lot handling those four boys," She relayed, "We manage, we try to be the best parents possible," She furrowed her brow, "I guess I shouldn't ask but I know Rebecca must have talked to you about working on a lingerie collection with Laura," Marlene crossed her arms, "She has and I wasn't very happy that you involved her in something she doesn't normally do, how could you Tanja," Marlene became heated in her tone, "I'm sorry Marlene but the fact is she's needed, we are growing and can't keep up with the demand, I offered to talk to you about it, try to smooth things over," She became adamant. "Rebecca is too giving Tanja, you use her talents to strong arm her, it isn't fair and you knew we had plans this summer," She argued mildly. "It won't be all the time, she'll be able to do things with you and her family," She admonished. Marlene stood up from her desk, "I should find Rebecca so we can at least enjoy lunch, I'll talk to you later," She left Tanja feeling on edge the one woman she considered her best friend was angry and unsettled.
Marlene made her way upstairs noticing the dark haired woman Laura, Katherine came to mind, "Hello, I'm Marlene, Rebecca's wife," She grinned widely. "And I'm Laura Navarrone, please to meet your acquaintance, you have a lovely family I might add," She made Marlene feel calm. "Laura glad you are here how do you like Düsseldorf so far?" She continued the conversation, "Quite different from my home in Spain but I've grown accustom to living here, learning the city and what it has to offer, I think I'll stay as long as LCL will have me," She claimed in a happy tone, "Good then, I look forward to seeing you at our home, Rebecca tells me you'll be visiting to work," Laura nodded to Marlene's words, "I am excited, attempting something I've never tried before," She replied. "Well, if you will excuse us," Rebecca chimed in, "I have a lunch date with my family, boys," She further spoke, "Nice to meet you Ms. Laura," They answered. Marlene and Rebecca walked to the park not far from LCL they ordered hotdogs and sat down at a picnic table next to the hotdog stand, "Lovely day," Marlene opened up the conversation, "Yes, Brandon the mustard is dripping on your shirt," She took a napkin and began to wipe the stain off, how was your visit with Tanja?" Marlene groaned, "You know Tanja when she has something in her head, I scolded her, I'm sure she's at her desk licking her wounds," A loud chuckle fell from her lips, Rebecca snickered at her all too true comments.
"I'm hoping that Laura will catch on quickly, I'll ask Angelo to stay a day or so after the fashion show, help out," She grimaced answering her, "That's a good idea, is Laura seeing anyone?" Marlene probed, "Not really," Rebecca replied, "Oh so you've discussed her dating life?" Her comment playful but sarcastic, "Mommy can we kick the ball around?" Matthew interrupted, "Yes but mind where you're kicking it," Marlene added. "We talk about a lot of stuff, she's been out with Aaron some and she enjoys his company but Aaron doesn't seem interested," She remarked thinking about it. "Aaron is hung up on Sophia," Marlene mentioned, "Yes but she's in New York and Laura is here," Rebecca responded, "She reminds me a lot of Katherine," She broached the subject, "It's eerie in a way and when Katherine is here for the fashion show next week she'll know she has a twin," Rebecca smiled trying to make light of it all. "Will Katherine be staying at the castle?" Marlene wanted to know, "Yes as she always does, Elisabeth seems to enjoy her company," She answered. "Katherine is a fine talent, will she bring her wife and child?" Marlene questioned, "I'm not sure, we will see," They turned their attention to their boys, "Matthew has practice in the morning, Erik is asking for him to spend the night, I met the father Kurt and I told him we hadn't a problem with it as lon could tour where they live," She offered in a laugh, "As long as you approve," Rebecca left it up to her. "Decided what you're cooking for the dinner party Sunday night?" She added in question.
Marlene thought briefly, "Rack of lamb with scalloped potatoes and a soufflé for dessert," She added, "Hmmm, Dana's favorite?" Rebecca mused, "Yes, you know that's both her and Hagen's favorite," She insisted. "Who all have you asked?" She further quizzed, "Elisabeth and of course the rest of the family," She replied. "Are you up for this?" Rebecca wondered, "I am, I'll have a new niece and my father is coming," She got excited, "Really, what about Biggie?" She questioned. "She's in Stuttgart, her sister is ill but dad won't arrive until Tuesday," She seemed sad her father would not be there for the dinner party. "He will be so excited to see the boys and they him," Her response upbeat. "Have you talked to Dana lately, I mean weren't they getting their daughter today?" Rebecca asked, "I haven't heard a thing, I didn't expect to really, Dana wants to keep everything a secret, I miss my sister, we've always been close," She reminisced. "I know you miss Kim too," Marlene frowned, "I do and I'd like for her to be here but Emilio and Kim have struggled in the past and there was times I didn't think they would make it, Emilio has a chance of a lifetime and I'm thankful that Kim stood by him," Rebecca chuckled, "That's very true, love has remained with them, I wonder if they'll ever have children," She surmised. "I think that they want to be successful first, it's difficult taking care of a child when you're trying to run a business," She answered watching the boys play. "I should get back to work before the dragoness wonders where I am," Marlene grinned, "We will walk you back, boys its time to go," She called them in.
"I'm going to be out of the office until Monday," Tristan announced as he strolled into Carla's office, "Tristan, please come in," She quickly hung up the phone, "Hope I wasn't interrupting," He became suspicious of who she was conversing with. "No not at all," She stood to meet him, "There's a problem with one of the holdings in New York," He explained, "Yes, I've heard, need anything? If you don't want to leave Emily, I could go in your place," She offered. "I've already booked the flight besides I've made arrangements for her," Carla nodded, "I will hold things down here while your away," She voiced. "I would appreciate that," He opened his briefcase, "I have these documents, if you could go over them and approve them, Martin will be by Wednesday afternoon to pick them up," He handed them to her closing his briefcase. "Martin still in Lisbon?" She inquired, "He is or he is at least until tomorrow," He answered. "No problem, leave them and I will make sure they get into his hands," She tucked them away on her desk. "Thank you and I will try to be home Friday afternoon, I intend to get to the root of the problem so that we have resolved ant future issues," Carla cleared her throat, "You've done an excellent job the family should be proud," She gave him his due.
"You have a lovely family and a very beautiful wife," Laura spoke approaching Rebecca. "Thank you Laura," She sat next to her at the designing table, "How did you meet?" She asked, "I mean if you care to share," She added. "Marlene was married to my older brother Hagen, it didn't work, Marlene went through a lot and became involved with another one of my brother's, Tristan, I had returned from my time in New York only to fall in love with her, it was torrid, my brother didn't take it well and things really got out of hand, Marlene suffered in her decisions but she left Tristan at the alter on their wedding day to be with me, I knew deep inside she was in love with me, it was just so hard to get her to admit it, finally after all the pain, lies and deceit we came together and lived together for almost two years, we broke up because of my foolishness, I became involved with Katherine Schmidt a designer I met after my ordeal with Marlene was over, Marlene moved to LA, I was lonely, hurt and angry," She told her, her story. Laura interjected, "I was under the impression you and Marlene were always together," She seemed confused. "I, I," She hesitated with slight embarrassment, "I cheated and didn't tell her the truth she couldn't handle my indiscretion and left me," Rebecca spoke truthfully. "I'm sorry, I didn't know but what happened with Katherine, I know she's a designer for LCL," She remarked.
"As you know she's in Berlin and is our youth designer, hip fashion has come a long way with her in Germany and now its global," Rebecca grinned thinking about her. "You must have loved her," Laura caused Rebecca's heart to feel sad, "I did she was the first person I had any real feelings for after Marlene and she loved me, put me on a pedestal, Marlene had been gone for two years and when she returned it was with the intentions of us getting back together," She remembered the turmoil it caused, "You hurt her badly, I assume," Laura resonated. "I did by repeating the same mistakes as I did with Marlene, cheating!" She exclaimed looking around the designing room to see if anyone had lent an ear to their conversation. "Katherine must have been devastated by your actions," She lowered her head and then eyed Rebecca, "Yes, I felt awful but I had to be truthful, I was in love with Marlene and that wasn't ever going to change," She admitted firmly. "Well it's past now, Katherine has moved on I'm sure," Laura surmised. "She has she has a wife and a daughter now," Rebecca answered as she began to peer at the opened sketchpad Laura had left on the table, "I see you've been thinking," She picked up the pad and gazed into to Laura's eyes, "I have, tomorrow can we begin?" She questioned Rebecca preparing to make the trip to a home she had never visited before. "Yes but I wanted to talk to you about the need for an assistant, Tanja thinks it's time, do you agree?" Her smile warmed her, "Yes absolutely," She embraced Rebecca.
Marlene arrived at the flat on East Christophe that belonged to Kurt Voss she parked and found the address six ten. "Hello," She spoke quickly as he opened the door, "Mrs. Von Lahnstien, please come in," Marlene obliged, "I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time," She looked around at his flat, "Erik?" She questioned, "Next door," He pointed walking further in the living room. "Can I fix you something to drink?" He asked looking at the outline of her face, "No thank you," Marlene replied looking around the flat that was clean and neatly kept, "You read a lot?" She asked noticing several books stacked on the table, "I do," He sighed, actually I'm an attorney, please have a seat," They sat on the sofa together, "Erik and I moved here a few months ago, I hired on with a firm downtown and my schedule is flexible because I'm raising Erik as a single parent," He told her. Marlene shook her head, "Makes working from home a little easier," She chuckled, "Matthew would also like Erik to have sleepovers," She asserted. "I guess you don't have a problem with Matt staying here?" He eased into the question. "Not at all, well I should go, dinner to cook, I will see you tomorrow for practice," He walked her to the door watching her leave he noticed she was even more beautiful then he first thought.