Chapter 43 – Saying Goodbye
July 4
"I can't go with your family to fireworks tonight," Darius informed Claire. "I'd like to, but Morse and I have PTSD. We don't handle fireworks very well. We're not great near car backfires either."
"What do you have planned?" Claire asked.
"Ana and Christian are loaning me the panic room at Grey Sound. It's soundproofed. I take food and drink with us, and lock us down at eight. We'll come out at six in the morning, better off for a good night's sleep."
"Let's have a good time here at the Washington Warriors BBQ. Then I will join my family for their usual Fourth of July." Claire smiled. Darius was fun to be with. There wasn't anything they could not discuss. She had seen his wounds, not because they had been naked with one another; but because they went swimming this weekend. Her mother paled and her father winced to see his wounds. The rest of her family thanked him for his service. Her girl cousins teased Claire about her hot new boyfriend.
~X~
"How are you?" Carla Skyped.
"We're good. You should see the Mediterranean." Ana took the laptop to the deck and walked around the ship; showing the view to Carla. "I have the daily emails, and I'm getting through them. Kate told me she sent you a banker box full of bodice rippers. Why are you reading smut?"
"One of the ladies in my support group said it's good for laughter and pain relief. She says when the action gets hot and heavy in the book…she imagines trying to do those ridiculous positions. Cracks her up every time. Don't get me started on her description of sex toys."
Ana chuckled. 'Oh Mom…if you only knew…'
"Did you get my email about your Great-Grandmother Rose?"
"I did. I researched Pinterest for mother-of-pearl thread winders. They're quite pretty. I also searched for regency era sewing boxes. They are quite pretty also." Ana bit off the last of her reply. 'It would have been nice if Carla had described Great-Grandmother Rose as strong willed, or intelligent, or driven, or kind. She seemed to describe people by their possessions.'
"Well, Mrs. Powers just brought me a protein smoothie and my mid-morning med. It's five there, right?" Carla asked.
"It is. We just had a late afternoon swim. We're resting a bit. Then dinner on deck. Tonight we're sailing to Cannes and dropping anchor. Tomorrow we'll so some sightseeing."
"Have a good time Ana. Bob and I had six months of romantic weekends or sightseeing weekends in Europe. It was heaven. Love you, Ana." Carla terminated the Skype. Ana thought Carla looked a little tired. She knew she should check in with Bob. She sent him a quick email; asking him to reply after her mother was asleep and he had time. She wanted to know if Carla was sleeping, pushing herself, or needed more domestic help.
~X~
Rod and Ray never noticed José overheard their conversation. He went to the house to speak to Bee.
"Is it true?" José blurted to Bee. "Ana went on her honeymoon with HIM instead of going to Savannah to be with her sick mother?"
"José, we have had this conversation a few times. Ana is a grown woman. She's in love with her husband, Christian, not HIM. Yes, Carla is terminally ill. However, she did not want to interrupt Ana's honeymoon since there is nothing Ana can change. Bob, Ray and I support Carla's decision. I will tell you again…it will be your attitude toward Christian which ruins your friendship with Ana. How you react to her choices is your choice. However, don't expect Ray or me to support you instead of Ana. It won't happen. Perhaps if you spent your time finding the love of your life…and not obsessing over Ana…you would be a happier person." With that piece of advice, Bee turned her back on José and put the prepared pasta salad to cool.
July 8
Today's email from Carla was a recitation of Frank Lambert's family history. Carla didn't care for his Uncle Lyle. She said the man was a racist and misogynistic. It didn't bother her to cut the Lambert family off after Frank died. She claimed they didn't care for her anyway. She sent Ana the ancestry link where she could find the Lambert family history. Christian offered to take Ana to Aubourn, Lincolnshire, England to visit the family graves before they flew to New York. Ana explained there were pictures on the website. She'd rather have a decadent tea somewhere in London this afternoon, and have an early night.
"Tea and shopping at Fortnum and Mason this afternoon. We need to finish buying souvenirs for family and friends. Tomorrow, we're shopping at Harrods, Marks and Spencer and at Selfridges." He noticed her surprise. "Yes, Selfridges is more than just a PBS series. We can eat lunch or dinner there. I wouldn't mind taking you to Debenham's – just to give a nod to your Jane Austen movies and books."
July 11
"Have I told you how much I like this view?" Ana stood on the balcony at the New York penthouse. "I hope you don't plan to go anywhere tonight."
"Other than taking you to bed at an early hour?" Christian smirked. "Breakfast on the balcony in the morning. I would like to drop by Grey House, New York and introduce you to staff. I would like to touch base with Batwari and see how he's doing. See if he needs anything. Afternoon helicopter tour of Central Park, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Then I obtained tickets to see Rock of Ages at the Helen Hayes Theater. We can go someplace fun for dinner, or come back here for dinner in the moonlight."
"You spoil me." Ana sighed as Christian wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her neck.
July 14
Ana was thrilled to have Kate and Elliot pick them up at Boeing Field. She thanked Kate for continuing communications with Carla and for sending the box of bodice rippers. Kate brought Ana a photo album of pictures from the wedding, and tray made from their wedding picture and guest signature matt. Ana told her about the daily mails and Skypes with Carla. She managed to discourage Carla from shipping her a lot of stuff; and managed to encourage her to spend a few minutes daily clearing the clutter.
They also managed emails where Ana asked questions about her father; and Carla answered. They might not have been as important as quantum theories of the universe, but Ana was pleased to learn Frank didn't like soup except chili or beef stew. He liked eating mashed potatoes with chicken and noodles or beef and noodles. His favorite color was sky blue. His favorite dessert was brownies. He said there was nothing wrong with a fruit cobbler that two regular pie crusts couldn't fix. The only good use for marshmallows was creating Rice Krispie Treats or making s'mores. He hated marshmallows with his cocoa and in his sweet potato casserole. He loved swimming. Ana didn't comment; however, she wished her mother remembered this much information about other family members.
July 18
Ana sent Carla a 42 pale pink roses in a large pink depression glass vase and a two-pound box of Godiva chocolates for her forty-second birthday. Bob gave Carla an electronic picture frame loaded with 200 of Carla's favorite pictures. Bee, with approval from Ray, sent a deep pink cashmere bed jacket and large deep pink cashmere lap quilt with both their names on the card. She deliberately selected a card to give Carla a laugh. Kate sent another box of bodice rippers.
Christian requested Ana meet him in the playroom with lingerie she had not worn from her shower and toys they had not used. She had two sets of lingerie – a purple set with a bralette which had purple fringe and a tanga. She felt like a belly dancer in it. The other 'set' was a pair of opera length navy silk gloves which came with a pair of navy crotchless bikini panties. Christian told her to keep the tanga and the gloves. The bralette and panties could go. He looked over her unused toys from the shower – which was the purple rabbit vibrator, a G-spot gel which was intended to increase sensitivity, a sucking vibrator, and a pair of red plastic handcuffs.
Christian added the toys to the toy cabinet. "We'll play with the cuffs in our bedroom. It's better to practice with these, since the real ones bite if you pull on them. Tonight, romantic dinner. This weekend we'll go soaring."
July 20-23
Seattle Street Arts opened on Thursday at WSCC for setting up displays. The event went Friday through Monday. Exhibiting artists purchased exhibition venues on the fourth floor. Galleries, graphic design firms, and artists for hire had displays on the third floor. Gwen, having incorporated her name and brand and established her LLC, purchased two vendor booths side by side. One vendor booth had the information about Drake Designs, Gwen's graphic design and illustration business. The other vendor booth was set with costumes and sets so Gwen could draw caricatures.
José received permission from Elliot to take the Friday and Monday off to exhibit. He regularly sold one to three pictures a month through his display wall at Grey Construction. He wanted to sell a few dozen at this show to give him a tidy egg nest. It took José about six hours on Thursday night to set the exhibit. He selected six different frame finishes – if someone needed a different frame for their décor; it was not hard to swap out the photo frames. Photos were sorted and hung by sizes around the booth. Four sofa-sized framed photographs hung on the main wall in the display over two skirted tables. Extra photos, frames, and display pieces were stored under the tables.
José sent Ana an invitation to come to the show, along with notifying Kate and Elliot, Ray and Bee, and his father. Ana also received an invitation to the show from Gwen.
Saturday, Ana and Christian, in chucks, jeans and cashmere sweaters they wore for their 'Save the Date' photo, strolled hand in hand through WSCC, enjoying looking at galleries, artists in motion, and displays. They stopped at Jose's booth; but they didn't purchase anything. He took a picture of Grey Sound, after the work on the house was completed. It was a great 48x30 photograph of their home. Christian opined it would look great over the fireplace in the main room. Ana offered to pay for it; but José claimed it was a wedding gift.
José took a break and went to Gwen's booths with Ana and Christian. Ana told him about Carla's diagnosis. Christian had the distinct impression José thought Ana should be in Savannah with her mother; instead of recently returning from her honeymoon. Gwen greeted the newlyweds; and José. They met at the wedding and discussed art for a long time. Drake Designs booth used the book illustrations display and displays of Gwen's graphic designs for Washington Warriors; Drake Design; Seattle Boys and Girls Club and a dozen other entities.
Grins by Gwen was her caricature booth. She introduced Ana and José to two young ladies who took Gwen's illustration class a year ago. They monitored the Drake Design booth while Gwen drew caricatures. José gave the three of them his card and told them where to find his booth.
Monday, José joined Aria Warden, one of Gwen's students for pizza and pool after tearing down the booths. Jose was thrilled to have sold six dozen photographs. Aria had a contract with Grey Publishing to provide small 3x3 illustrations for a new children's book, in addition to the book cover.
As Christian and Ana hung the picture on the fireplace in the main room of Grey Sound, Christian commented about José meeting two eligible young ladies. Ana didn't think the girl who dressed goth stood a chance. However, the petite, long haired brunette was a different matter. Christian was uncomfortable realizing José's type was an Ana clone.
July 30
Elliot split his work crews between the WWC Intake Center, and the boathouse, pier, and enclosed pool at Grey Sound. The WWC Intake Center was getting double paned windows this week. Next week it was exterior painting, judicious planting of shrubs and landscaping, and resurfacing the parking lot. The third week of August was interior painting and setting offices and spaces. The final week before the grand opening was all the walk throughs; double checking everything. Staff would settle in their offices and be prepared for the Labor Day Grand Opening.
Grey Sound needed the covered, heated pool and pool house finished. The boathouse and pier footings had been poured; it was time to build. Christian and Ana discussed a sea wall separating nine-tenths of their land from the shoreline. Elliot recommended once the sea wall was built to bring in a 'shit ton' of playground sand and create their own private beach. Elliot recommended it for access and use of jet skis. Christian and Ana hadn't decided yet. They felt the sea wall and private beach could wait until October first.
Christian and Ana both returned to work full time. They decided to spend from Monday night through Friday morning at Escala in August, while Elliot's work crew had unencumbered access to Grey Sound. Ana laughed at them the first day they returned to work. The SUVs were filled with souvenirs for friends and staff. Christian picked a London produced gins and cheeses basket for Ros. Ana picked a tea basket with six kinds of teas, six different biscuits and Cadbury chocolate roses for Gwen. Their souvenir shopping had been one of the fun parts of their honeymoon. Christian bought cases of stout, ale and single malt whiskey for the men in his family, and the security staff, and for Ethan and Ray. Ana bought French lace handkerchiefs for almost every female on her list. She bought Mrs. Jones and Hannah plain creamy beige silk scarves from Hermes.
Kate began earnest research into breast cancer for her October Kavanagh Media blog. She still attended social events and wrote lifestyle articles for the Seattle Times. However, no one ever earned a Pulitzer Prize for reporting that the bride wore a white silk Vera Wang gown. Kate held conversations with Carla. Her biggest tip so far regarded oral chemotherapy pills. Carla didn't recommend eating your favorite foods while undergoing chemotherapy. She said it changed the flavor of foods. Carla also recommended putting a scant teaspoon of flavored sugar-free Jello in protein smoothies to enhance the flavor. Her favorites so far were strawberry-banana or peach.
Carla's other hints were assembling all your important papers in one place. She used one of those portable, foldable organizer workstations. She found one in hot pink. Unfolded, it offered her 36 inches of organized work space to hold her obit/funeral, financials, medical bills, lists of things to do, etc. July was settling into a schedule. August was the clear out of clutter, literally and figuratively, in Carla's life. Bob helped Carla go for walks in beautiful spots around Savannah when she felt energetic. He took her to the gym for swimming when she desired. He made sure the lawn was mowed and the patio furniture clean for the quiet Sundays when he grilled for her.
The governing council of Washington Warriors cordially requested the termination of Ms. Gia Matteo from future work at the Washington Warriors Complex. Elliot relied on Gia because it was easier to explain his thought process to her since they worked together for so many years. Gia could create blueprints…and offer suggestions on décor. Washington Warriors chose a different architectural firm for creating their vision for the Washington Warriors Complex to serve veterans and their families. Gia irritated married and single female vets. Gia also irritated Mrs. Elliot Grey. Kate was not brokenhearted to learn the WWC selected an architectural firm which hired vets and was organized and owned by three vets.
José's new gal pal, Aria, spent weekends with him under clear beautiful Washington skies while hiking and taking pictures. She recommended he find a small, compact office space where he could print pictures, and store frames and materials. She urged him to attend a State of Washington auction and purchase two of their large format photo printers which had been previously used by the Bureau of Land Management. They spent several 'working' dates with one another. She would draw illustrations while he printed or framed photographs. Their taste in music, art and diversions were compatible.
August 16
Christian pulled Ana into his lap. His laptop was open. "I thought we could celebrate our second month anniversary by setting up some dates with one another. Last month we went soaring. I thought we'd go sailing this month. Tomorrow, after work, we'll go to Grey Decks and take the boat out until late Sunday afternoon. Next month, I thought we'd take Charlie Tango and tour the Cascades and some falls. October, we could do a road trip to some 'pick your own' orchards. November is the grand opening for the men's dormitory at WWC. December is prep for Christmas. Maybe in January we can take the jet to some place warm like Cabo."
August 20
"I'm going to Savannah, Adrian. I have a serious problem with Stephan and Jane questioning my authority to order the jet readied for travel. Do I have to present a permission note from my husband? If people continue to piss me off…I will travel via commercial jet without a close protection detail; and without Grey House Security debriefing the world. I plan to be in Savannah for my mother for as long as she needs me." Ana drew a deep breath. "I cannot deal with my mother's situation and meet everyone else's expectations! Now, is there is anything else to delay my preparations?"
"Mr. Grey is in a staff meeting and cannot break away for another hour. He ordered Andrea to sort the details for you to travel to Savannah. If you need anything, you know where to find all of us," Adrian assured Ana. "I will talk to Stephan and Jane about accepting directives from you."
"Bob moved Carla to hospice. His goal is to make her laugh at least once a day. My goal is reassure her that our relationship is fine and strong and has weathered the passage of time. Please warn Asher I could be Skyping if I feel overwhelmed," Ana explained. "I'm taking a month of clothes, and a month of work, and a month of my favorite tea with me."
"The Grey House jet is available to fly Sawyer, Prescott and you to Savannah this afternoon. Jerry Roach, Sawyer and Prescott understand you won't return to Seattle until it's over. Mr. Grey said he will meet you at Boeing Field before you take off." Adrian explained. "Here's the background information about the housekeeper/cook, driver, close protection detail for Bob and Carla and the personal assistant Carla hired."
~X~
"Good lord woman," Trisha observed a puffy-eyed Claire. "Allergies? Family? Emergency?"
"Excessive drinking, excessive crying…Darius and I decided…"
"To go your separate ways?" Trisha asked gently. "It's only been…what? Two months?"
"Yes…so my girl cousins hosted a 'love stinks' party Saturday night. We watched half a dozen breakup movies, and drank a couple cases of wine." Claire massaged her temples. "I've drank all the 'Dance on My Grave' hangover cure I can stand. I just need to work and get past this."
"Does Ana know?" Trisha asked.
"She's out for a while – her mom's sick," Claire showed Trisha the phone message. "She asked Hannah to pull 100 of the recent manuscripts and send them to Escala. She's taking them with her to Savannah. Prescott dropped these fourteen which she read and critiqued on her honeymoon."
"You realize Darius is a family friend and works part time for Grey Security…it's not like you'll never encounter him again." Trisha advised.
"I know…this was a learning lesson: don't fish off company docks…" Claire replied.
"You got it girl," Trisha headed for her desk. 'She's going to regret this.'
August 25
"Remember our Saturday nights with Ray?" Carla suddenly asked.
"Saturday night scary movies, homemade pizza, blankets and pillows on the living room floor, all the lights out. I don't think I stayed awake for any of the movies until I was almost thirteen." Ana laughed.
"Sundays were fun too. Church, nice dinner, lazy Sunday afternoons, soup and sandwiches for dinner, baking cookies, playing board games or card games. Disney Sunday movies." Carla smiled.
"Let's do that…order pizza…drink sodas…access Netflix and watch scary movies," Ana suggested. "Fright Night with a young Chris Sarandon? The Thing with a young Kurt Russell?"
"Yummy," Carla sighed.
'Better pizza and scary movies than discussing the really scary elephant in the room. My mother is dying. She signed a DNR today. She requested life saving measures be removed if she was in a coma for seven days with no expectation of her regaining consciousness. She listed me as her next of kin…for she feels I will have presence of mind to turn off machines while Bob could not.' Ana reached for the phone to call for pizza delivery. 'Please Lord…don't make me have to unplug my mother.'
September 3
Ana called Christian before midnight. "It's over," her tremulous voice broke Christian's heart. "She rallied on the first, and we had a wonderful afternoon with one another. She slipped into a coma before nine o'clock on Saturday night. Bob assured me they made all the arrangements before she went into hospice."
"I'll be there before eight o'clock tomorrow morning." Christian promised.
"Her funeral in Savannah will be September seventh at 1:00 at The Landing Country Club where she and Bob are members. A remembrance tea will be served from 2:30 to 4:00. The Oceanside graveyard services will be September ninth at eleven o'clock. Bob needs someone to guard the house and handle visitors between now and September tenth."
"Do you have a black dress for the funerals?" Christian asked.
"I packed three navy dresses, two jackets, and accessories. I'm wearing a set of the sapphire jewelry Mom gave me." Ana explained. "All I need is you. I sent an email to Dad and Bee, to Kate and Elliot, and to the Rodriguez men. I don't expect them to attend; but if they contact you, will you bring them?"
"Taylor and Gail want to be there to support you and Bob," Christian explained. "Gwen will be coming with us. I just emailed her. Ros offered to keep Grey House running for us."
September 5
"Hello," Agate greeted Darius and Morse. "Are you here for the dedication ceremony for the intake building?" Grey Construction was hosting the grand opening of the WWC Intake Center. Washington Warriors coordinated with Rory's Roadkill for a Labor Day BBQ with all proceeds being donated to building expenses for Washington Warrior Complex. A portion of the profits from Road Ryders this weekend was intended for the men's dormitory for vets. A portion of the profits from Hell's Belles this weekend was intended for the women's dormitory for vets.
"We are. We've been walking grids, making sure there are no problems. Everything, including the BBQ at Rory's Roadkill is shut down by eight. No one wants to be around when fireworks light up the Sound."
"How have you been?" Agate asked.
"We haven't had an incident since Coping Together. Of course, we spent the Fourth of July in the panic room at Grey Sound. It's soundproof so Morse and I didn't have issues." Darius explained. "Why are you here?"
"Dr. T. organized a free vaccination day for children of vets. She's working with the medical staff at the intake building to begin collecting and preserving medical records for vets and their families. The Intake Center is handing out 500 backpacks filled with school supplies to the first 500 kids we vaccinate." Agate explained. "Is your lady here? I would like to meet her. Dr. T. says she works with Mrs. Grey at Grey Publishing."
"We're…not exploring a relationship with one another," Darius admitted.
"Really? Are you an alcoholic, druggie, sexual predator, woman abuser, weapons manufacturer, or meth cooker…or did you leave the toilet seat up?" Agate tried to be funny, because the look on Darius's face hurt her heart.
"I'm too old for her," Darius admitted.
Agate stared at him. "You're what?"
"Too old for her," Darius repeated himself.
"Claire's what…25 or 26? You're what…35 or 36?" Agate did not believe that excuse.
"Thirty-eight." Darius admitted.
"You don't have any schizophrenics in the family? No serial killers? No multiple personalities? No cult leaders living in Utah?" Agate asked.
"Not to the best of my knowledge," Darius admitted. "My parents and a younger brother died in a car accident in Southern California two weeks before I turned 18 and graduated from high school. Mr. Johns, my government and civics teacher, applied to be a temporary guardian for me until I graduated. I enlisted in the Marines after graduation and spent my late summer at MCRD, San Diego. I was injured just after I turned 35. I retired from the Marines and asked to adopt Morse. He went through a bad patch with my squad. Eight of us were killed, five of us were injured, and three of us lost limbs."
"Do you have contact with Mr. Johns," Agate asked.
"I send him a thank-you note with pictures every Thanksgiving." Darius smiled.
"So…too old. Well…I call bullshit," Agate commented. "I'm sorry for my bluntness…but that's politically correct bullshit. Instead of saying the possibility you might experience PTSD in their presence makes them uncomfortable…they use a bullshit excuse. It's not like you're that billionaire and she's Anna Nicole Smith." Agate rolled her eyes.
"How old are you?" Darius asked gently.
"Old enough…" Agate commented. "I became immunr to blood at thirteen, candy striper at sixteen, EMT at eighteen. I graduated at eighteen and completed medical school in four years. Internship for a year. I just started my third year of a seven year surgical residency. I'm twenty-six and will be thirty when I finish my surgical residency."
"So you think you're old enough to date me?" Darius wasn't letting this conversation end.
"Darius, my dads knew I met someone who interested me in June. They never asked, and I never shared. My dads will tell you lies are just stages of rationalization. I never knew my Caucasian biological mother; she was a gestational surrogate. My dads used her again as a gestational surrogate for my younger sister. They wanted us to be biological half-siblings. My biological father is African American. Amy's biological father is Chinese. Our dads are surgical nurses at Seattle Children's Hospital."
"So…you think Morse and I might be good company?" Darius asked.
"I like you…and I would like a chance to get to know you. I think you are like every other decent man I know…you try to make your corner of the world a better place. By the way, my name is Anya. This is my contact information," Agate gave him a business card. "My schedule is lousy for the next four years…but I think I'm worth getting to know."
"Agate – break is over!" Stand gave her a shout.
"If I bring back lunch at one…can you sit for thirty minutes with Morse and me?" Darius asked.
"I'd like that. I like everything listed on the menu. I have no allergies, and I prefer cold water to drink. Word of warning…he's got pretty eyes…I might be tempted to share lunch with him," Agate nodded in Morse's direction.
"I know…he's such a mooch." Darius laughed and continued the walkabout.
September 4
Taylor handed Christian copies of the Savannah Herald, Savannah Journal and Savannah Morning News. Each one carried the obit and funeral notice for Carla Wilkes Adams. "I'm taking you, Kate and Elliot to the house. I have arranged for suites for the rest of us at the DeSoto. I've seen the funeral program. Ana should have the obituary for dates which are not included in the program."
September 7
Christian held Ana's hand during Carla's funeral; he never left her side during the commemorative tea. The Landing in Savannah, Bob and Carla's country club, could hold 400 people in its event room. Three white rose and lily standing bouquets with white gossamer bows were interspersed with four standing white candelabra holding white tapers behind Carla's white coffin. Carla was dressed in her blush suit and rose silk blouse from Ana's wedding with her wedding rings and her anniversary tennis bracelet of pale pink, yellow and white diamonds in a platinum setting. She wore pale pink diamond stud earrings. When today's event was over; the funeral home would transport a locked casket to their refrigerated unit so it could be transported to Oceanside on the Grey House jet September 8. The Oceanside funeral home knew to collect the casket from the Grey House jet at Oceanside Municipal Airport.
'It's all in the presentation,' Ana heard Carla's voice in her head.
Ana and Christian shared the first row with Bob and his sisters. Kate and Elliot, José, Gwen, Taylor and Gail sat behind them for support. They remained close to Ana during the commemorative tea in case Ana needed emotional support.
Once it was over, Ana relaxed in the chaise in the guest bedroom at Bob's house. She had a serious conversation with Kate. "If you are around when I fall off the earth…I want you to make sure my obituary is the truth…and not a cotton candy, bubble gum version. I know it bothered Bob that I wouldn't read it. Christian told him I was too emotional to address a few hundred of his coworkers, their friends and country club buddies."
"Never judge a book by its cover. You are Jane Austen, George Elliot, or Mary Shelley…and Carla was a Harlequin romance. I wish you had a chance to vet that obituary. Beloved mother of Mrs. Christian (Anastasia) Grey, Seattle. I sent it to Ray, so he and Bee are prepared when they hit Oceanside. We're having a breakfast buffet at DeSoto tomorrow morning when the will is to be read."
"I want the silver locket I gave her for our wedding. I don't want anything else. Christian understands. The house and cars are Bob's as the surviving spouse. I'm glad Mom cleared out a lot of things before she went to the hospice. Bob's sisters are cordially invited to fight over the jewelry, and Vera Wang vases. I am not caring." Ana said wearily. "Those damn floral arrangements were a pain in the ass to give away. No hospital wanted them; no senior center wanted them. I managed to donate them to a debutante dinner sponsored by their club tonight. We were able to send the floral remembrances to nurses' stations at hospitals and hospices. We will have a much smaller arrangement for Oceanside, in addition to 24 posies for me to put on ancestor's graves. Bob and I are writing thank you notes on the plane tomorrow morning."
Kate opened the closed door to Bob's tap. "Carla wanted you to have these," he laid two clothing bags on the bed. There is one more piece to go with them; but I have to look for it." He departed, with a mission in mind.
Ana opened the flaps on a fabric garment bag, "FMTT." She pulled a white fur jacket from the garment bag.
Kate's eyes widened. "Is that real?"
Ana read the tag. "Silk lined, white fox fur jacket." She dropped the jacket back on the bed.
"Don't you want it?" Kate asked.
"Kate…look at me. Do I look like Mariel Hemingway or Anna Nicole Smith? This jacket needs a silk evening gown which plunges to my navel and is slit to my hip."
"Like this one?" Kate removed a champagne silk V-neck gown. It didn't end at the navel and it was slit to mid-thigh not hip.
"These require a million bucks in diamonds!" Ana continued to shake her head.
A tap on the door revealed Bob was back. Ana hoped to god that it wasn't diamonds to accessorize the gown. Bob handed her a picture, in a silver frame. It was Carla and Bob. She wore a blonde wig, impressive cleavage, the gown, the jacket and what Ana hoped was paste jewelry. Bob wore a vintage tuxedo.
"We were invited to a costume party during our honeymoon. Carla found the clothes and went as Jayne Mansfield. I went as Alan Ladd. We had a great time that night. We took dancing lessons three times a week for the four weeks before the party. Carla wanted you to have these. She said they would remind you to always make time for a party."
"She bought a fur jacket for a costume party?" Ana was confused.
"We rented it from the costume company; but once we saw the pictures; she had to have it. So she bought the dress and jacket from them. She's worn them less than a dozen times, when we went to a really fancy party or night at the club."
"Thank you, Bob," Ana took the picture.
"Oh, her personal assistant cleared everything from the hospice. The clothes were washed and donated. We left the books at the hospice for anyone who wants to read them. I gave her bed jacket and lap quilt to a woman in her support group who admired them. It just less things for us to deal with. I'm going to lay down for a while," his voice thickened with tears. "I'm just a little tired." He closed the door.
Ana sank back down on the chaise, holding the picture.
"Penny for your thoughts," Kate offered.
Ana shook her head. "You don't want to know what's going around in my head."
"What are you going to do with the clothes?" Kate asked.
"Christian hates guns. He probably hates hunting. He's probably a card-carrying member of PETA." Ana held the picture. "Either that, or he's going to want sex with me wearing nothing but that jacket and a smile."
"Carla had good taste…you gotta give her credit for that." Kate sighed.
"Do you know what I see when I see these?" Ana waved the picture.
Kate shook her head no.
"This stuff reminds me that Carla missed my high school graduation because she and Bob eloped and honeymooned in Europe while he was there on business." Ana sighed, "Don't feel sorry for me. Half this mess is my fault. Carla wanted me to show off the new house; she wanted me to visit for the last three years. I wouldn't do it; I had too many excuses…work, school, lack of funds, preset plans. It was less exhausting to feed Dad's freezer and cook for Dad and his friends than enduring airports for eight to ten hours to see Carla for a day or two before returning to Washington."
"I'll buy the dress and the jacket from you for $5K. They would make a great costume party ensemble. You can donate the money to the American Cancer Society in Carla's name."
"What do I do with the picture?" Ana pulled a face.
"Take it to Oceanside. Put it on the casket during the graveside service. Speak with the funeral home about slipping it into the coffin with her before they bury her." Kate gave Ana a bottle of water…but Ana had no clue Grace gave Kate an odorless, tasteless sedative to spike the water. Ana needed to rest.
When Ana fell asleep, Kate set the picture on the dresser in the room. She removed the dress and jacket to pack with her things for Seattle. She considered seducing Elliot while wearing just that jacket before she sent it to cold storage.
September 8
The reading of the will at a breakfast was one of the lesser disturbing things about this experience. The house, its contents and cars were Bob's. The largest insurance settlement, $300K, was Bob's. The smaller insurance settlement, $50K, was Ana's. The profits from selling the Etsy store, its stock and materials, $50K, went to Ana. Carla left a small bequest to the country club. Any jewelry Ana wanted was hers, the remainder was to be split between Bob's sisters. They were thrilled when Bob explained Ana only wanted the locket she gave Carla for her wedding. Bob slipped Ana the box which held the silver locket Carla wore at the wedding. "She put something special in there for you."
Ana opened the locket to a miniature picture of Frank Lambert and one of Carla's high school graduation picture.
Bob gave Ana the cashier's check for the Etsy business Carla sold. "Carla wanted you to create an emergency fund for yourself with this money and the insurance settlement. I know Christian takes good care of you. I have no problem with you donating it to a good nonprofit. The lawyer will submit copies of her death certificate to the insurance companies. It may take as much as six weeks to receive a check from them."
They said goodbye to everyone and left for the airport. Christian hired security at the house so that no one could burgle the place while Bob was gone.
"Christian's people found a bed and breakfast to accommodate two dozen of us," Ana explained to questions from Kate and José. "He said there were very few decent hotels and this way we're all together." She applied herself to writing thank-you notes for food delivered to the house, for flowers delivered to Carla at the hospice, for floral remembrances at the funeral, and for a whole plethora of other kind gestures. Bob napped; rousing himself occasionally to offer input on the thank-you notes.
September 9
Thirty-six chairs were set for the graveside service, which was plenty as far as Ana was concerned. She didn't realize most of the seats would be taken. Ana met two men who served with her biological father. She met four classmates of her mother. She met three older couples who had been friends with Carla's parents.
"Today we are gathered for the graveside service for Carla Wilkes Lambert Adams, beloved wife of Robin and beloved mother of Anastasia. I am Father Richard Horne of the Chaplains of Camp Pendleton. On behalf of the family, I thank you all for coming today." He opened with a short and heartfelt prayer. The opening song was I Grieve. Ana held Bob's hand on her right and Christian's on her left. Christian kept a handkerchief at the ready for any stray tears from Ana.
Father Horne understood Ana's directions completely. No more than twenty minutes at the graveside service. Ana edited the obituary to pertinent information only. His sermonette was about loving imperfect people in an imperfect world. He urged the attendees to seek ways to help their fellow man. A second prayer was offered to invoke peace for the attendees. The recessional song was Come Saturday Morning.
Father Horne gravely shook Bob and Ana's hands. He promised to stay in contact with the cemetery and would email pictures when Carla's headstone was cut and set.
Carla's classmates told Bob about how pretty and fun Carla was while they were in high school. They lost track of her after Frank died and she remarried. Carla never attended a class reunion. The two men who served with Frank told Ana stories of bootcamp with Frank. They were scheduled to attend a ten-week introductory Officer Candidates School beginning the first of October after her birth. They offered her several candid pictures which had dates, places and people written on the back. The three older couples accompanied Ana to her ancestors' graves in the cemetery. Ana took pictures of headstones and captured GPS coordinates before she left posies of white roses and rosemary.
They boarded the jet back to Seattle. Bob would leave tomorrow before noon to return to Savannah. He offered to travel on a commercial jet; but Christian convinced him to let the Grey House jet take him home. It would be faster, and he could rest. Ana finished writing thank you notes on the trip from Oceanside to Seattle. They were sealed, stamped and ready for Bob to mail when he returned to Savannah. Grey House SUVs transported guests who were staying overnight to Grey Sound. They transported those who wanted to sleep in their own bed to their homes. Ana found herself dozing off during the ride.
September 10
Gail cooked a southern breakfast of scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, sausage links and patties, and lots of black coffee for Ana and Christian's guests at Grey Sound. Bob passed Ana a present which Carla purchased before she became so very ill. It was a Victorian sapphire heart charm to put on her charm bracelet. Christian gave Ana a dozen charms to remind her of their honeymoon. Ray and Bee gave Ana a vintage cedar chest to hold personal things from Carla. Kate coordinated the remainder of Ana's gifts with family and friends. Sixteen pots, in various green colors, contained plantings of cooking herbs. Four small evergreens in large green pots were destined for the four corners of the second floor balcony.
~X~
"How did you know to hold Morse and me at Grey Manor?" Darius asked Anya. She had three hours free this afternoon. They went to the beach to swim and have a picnic.
"A few years ago, Christmas shopping at Pacific Place Mall…a car backfired and a man went down close to the building. I saw my dads rush to his side. Dad A sat him up, and sat behind him, leaning against the building. Dad W helped the man cross his legs. He sat before the man, as close as possible. They held him, hugging with as much pressure as possible." Anya shrugged. "I asked afterwards. My dads said if you have a weighted blanket to wrap around them it helps. Otherwise, apply a steady comforting pressure. And speak quietly." Anya shrugged.
"Thank you for the picnic," Darius appreciated her feeding them.
"Thank you for spending time with me. I love swimming; but it usually has to be at the gym. I don't usually take the time to pack a picnic and come to Alki Beach. It's been such a beautiful day…it was worth coming to the beach."
"I don't know what your schedule is, but Morse and I received the paperwork for my new gold mining claim. We're going hiking and camping this weekend. One of the Grey Security is dropping us at the road which leads to my claim on Friday morning. He'll pick us up around five on Sunday in the same place. You're more than welcome to go tent camping with us."
"I'm on duty in the ER at SCH this weekend." Anya checked. "You'll take a cell phone and first aid kit?"
Darius nodded. "Three days of water and food, tent, sleeping bag, fire starters, weather radio, cell, first aid kit, along with prospecting equipment. The last time I went prospecting was the first weekend of May. Las Vegas experienced a flash flood that Saturday night. We were high and dry on a hill. The next morning, the water loosened the decomposing granite at our feet. I slid 50 feet down the hill into a mostly dry creek bed. I found an arrowhead. I found my first gold nugget of the day at my feet." He showed her the picture of the gold nugget the size of his thumb tip. "I made a haul on that trip." He showed her a picture of the meteorite, arrowhead and nuggets lined up. "I made a few thousand, and decided to move to Seattle, to be near friends. Plus I had a chance to work for Grey Security and Grey Construction."
"I'm glad you moved," Anya said sincerely. "I know Dr. T. thinks highly of you."
"I think highly of all of them. Mrs. Kate is a little high maintenance for my personal taste, but Ana is the stepdaughter of a good friend of mine." He told the story of Iraq, and his squad, and the IED which exploded. "Morse had centered on an IED and I was preparing to examine it when one went off close to where the squad was waiting. I think we were being watched, and someone set that one off to inflict the most damage. Eight of my squad were killed, eight injured, and three lost limbs."
"Is that how your leg was injured?" Anya asked.
"Shrapnel hit my ass and slid down my thigh and calf, slicing skin and muscle away. However the shrapnel was hot and cauterized the wound so I didn't bleed out before being airlifted. I was on the same flight with Bee and two other injured. We were triaged at the base and then flown to a medical ship in the Mediterranean. After being assessed and receiving treatment on the medical ship; we were airlifted to Ramstein, which is an Air Force Base in Germany. We recovered there for two weeks before being flown to Walter Reed." Darius told Anya about his life, adopting Morse, and landing in Las Vegas. He talked about hiking in the Nevada desert.
They talked about the different rocks and meteorites he found during his desert trips. One of his first finds was a rock, about 30 pounds, which, when cracked, revealed two amethyst geodes. He sold the rock for $1K. He explained there were a couple times when he transported a ten pound rock…which was just a rock.
Saturday, September 15
"I know how to make shopping with Mia and Kate more interesting." Christian rolled the ben wa balls in his hands, warming them. "I insert them; you walk around and shop. If you can't stand to have them in for the whole shopping trip; I will let you take them out. I have tasks for you while shopping with Mia and Kate. You must buy jasmine bubble bath and some decadent chocolate truffles. You must buy a red silk men's pocket square, a predominately red Hermes silk scarf, red stilettos, red satin bikini panties, and a wide red leather belt."
"Jasmine bubble bath, chocolate truffles, red shoes, panties, pocket square, a silk scarf, and a wide leather belt. Should I ask why?" Ana giggled.
"I need them for playing with you as a late birthday gift and anniversary celebration," Christian smirked. "When you are done shopping, tell Prescott you are tired and going to Escala."
"Are we spending the weekend at Escala?" Ana asked.
"We're having a playroom weekend." Christian acknowledged. "We need it."
~X~
Back at Escala, ben wa balls removed mid-shopping trip, Ana gave her purchases to Christian to critique.
"See you in the playroom in thirty minutes wearing the stilettos and panties. Bring the other items with you; lay them out on the chesterfield sofa. You may wear a robe but leave it in the ensuite when you kneel in position." Christian smirked.
Ana noticed the sex swing was built and occupied a cleared wall before the St. Andrews Cross. The spanking benches had been moved to the previous location of the cane rack. The sex swing frame was sturdy. In the center was the platform seat, attached to the frame in the four corners. It could be replaced by a black leather hammock seat.
Christian entered and went to the chesterfield couch. He approved of Ana's purchases. "Rise and walk to the swing." He joined her there, removing her red satin panties. He hung them off one of the corner posts through the leg openings. The crotch material kept them on the frame. "This is my newest toy, and I believe it will be a favorite. Like a fort…it's now flying the flag of my conquest."
Christian lifted Ana onto the platform. "Sit still." He went to the chesterfield sofa and returned with the pocket square, which he folded well and slipped into her mouth. "Gag…do not speak. If you need to safe word, you may spit it out." He returned to the sofa and selected the scarf. He folded it into a three-inch wide strip and blindfolded her. He returned to the couch to select the belt. He placed it in her hands. "Hold this until I need it."
Christian laid Ana flat on the platform, arranging her ass at the edge. He lifted her legs and fastened them at a 90 degree angle with the red leather cuffs which came with the frame. He stroked her legs. "I really like those stilettos," he kissed the inside of both ankles. He moved to the side and took the belt, using it with a spacer to fasten her around the waist to the platform. He fastened her wrists to the red leather handcuffs which hung off the frame. Ana lay on her back on the platform seat, restrained and floating in air.
"I do enjoy looking at you like this, Mrs. Grey…laying here…at my mercy…waiting to see what I will do to you."
Ana heard him move away, and then heard a drawer from the toy cabinet. She did not know what he selected; but she was sure to find out very soon.
Christian returned with his toy tucked in the pocket of his jeans. He knelt between Ana's legs. The ben wa balls performed admirably. She was quite wet and ready for him. He took the small butt plug from his pocket and lubricated it with her juices before he gently slid it into her.
Ana, quite unused to having her anal rosette pierced, would have sworn Christian managed to slide a huge butt plug in her. Her ass felt full…but she knew he must have used the smallest butt plug, the one the size of her little finger. It was not painful, but it was an unusual feeling. She stayed quiet, and ordered herself to calm down. She almost missed the rustle of Christian removing his jeans.
Christian stepped between her legs, and entered her in one smooth motion. He wrapped his hands around her hips and began a small nudge to get the swing moving; pistoning her on and off his cock. Ana felt so warm and tight, considering the small anal plug he employed. He settled into a steady rhythm. Little waves of pleasure filled Ana. They built until she felt a climax so hard that her entire abdomen contracted. Her climax gripped him; hard. He stopped seconds before he lost control.
He massaged her breasts, having enjoyed watching them move while he slid in and out of her. Moving the swing was easier than doing reps with weights. It was a glorious feeling, standing firm and feeling her hot, tight, wet heat surround him. Once he was under control again, he began the forward and back movements, but his hands moved from her hips to the belt. He felt himself going balls deep in her. He swung her away until just his tip was embedded in her, and pulled her forward onto him, sheathing him completely. Tip, hilt, tip, hilt…the swing moved smoothly.
Ana experienced a second climax with a moan and shudders of her body. Christian edged again, completely seated in her. His hands left the belt. One hand reached for a breast, the other found her clit, where he rubbed up, down and around, feeling it harden and engorge under his ministrations.
Before she could climax a third time; Christian reached for her hips. He began the slide portion again…tip, hilt, tip, hilt. He took a half step forward, knowing he was as deep as possible. She began to climax a few seconds before Christian ejaculated. It was heaven and so intense to be fully seated in her and losing control. He kissed the inside of her knees before sliding her off him one last time.
Ana whimpered at the feeling of being bereft. Christian knelt and gently removed the butt plug. He released her restraints and the belt before sitting her up on the swing. He removed the blindfold and watched her heated gaze. He removed the pocket square and kissed her hard and deep. He knelt and removed the stilettos, stroking and pinching her toes. He stood to lift her, urging her to wrap her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. He carried her to the bed, laying with her; covering them with a silk sheet before they slept.
When they woke, Christian prepared a jasmine bubble bath. Ana welcomed the warmth. She felt languid…so totally relaxed. Her brain could not hold a cognitive thought if she needed it. Her insides felt a bit tender…like she was expecting her cycle to start. Ana did not believe she ever climaxed so hard and so deep.
"I think we'll keep that swing," Christian commented as he fed her a truffle. "Thank you for the best birthday present I ever received. Happy early third month anniversary!" He paused. "I wanted to buy you some jewelry, but I know you don't want excessive presents. So I made arrangements for us to go soaring tomorrow morning."
"Sounds lovely," Ana snuggled into him. "I'd rather spend time with you than have things."
~X~
Aria left José's bed…mid tryst. The bastard called her 'Ana'. She dismissed his claim he said 'Aria'. Her name was three syllables, not two and sounded differently. Aria had enough self-confidence issues. She didn't need to be in a relationship where the guy called out another woman's name!
José berated himself. Aria was fun and kind. He hurt her and he didn't mean to. He needed to get Ana out of his system. It was time to find and date someone who didn't look like Ana. Perhaps he should attend some Latino events and find a feisty, curvy Latino girl.
September 22
"Thank you!" Ana Skyped Gwen.
"Liked that distraction did you?" Gwen chuckled. "Your lovely Mrs. Jones thought I was out of my mind. Did she hid ten heart-shaped buttons or fifteen?"
"Fifteen," Ana shook her head. "My office is so clean and organized. I've managed to work off a bunch of angst."
"Are you okay?" Gwen Skyped Ana.
"I am now," Ana admitted. "I woke to a dozen emails this morning from Bob and his sisters. Bob announced he will send me any piece of jewelry which they fight over. Consequently, there's a pretty little string of cultured pearls with a white gold clasp with a sapphire chip with pearl stud earrings headed in my direction. Both sisters asked me to ask Bob to reconsider his edict…especially considering he said the same thing about household things."
"Household things?" Gwen frowned.
"The silver tea set…the Vera Wang vase…the Thomas Kinkade painting. Both of his sisters were upset because we buried Carla with the fifth anniversary tennis bracelet. I said since it is obvious they want to fight over it…it's a good thing we buried it with my mother. I reminded them my mother left her jewelry to me. They can grow up and be mature while playing dress up with Mommy's jewels…or I will claim all of it…sell it…and donate the funds to cancer research. Bitches…"
"You needed to work off some angst," Gwen commented.
"I just wanted to get settled in the house. Maybe start some kind of routine." Ana groused. "So, I thank you for your brilliant distraction."
"You're welcome. Now, what do you have planned?" Gwen asked.
"Shower…lunch…nap…maybe play strip hide and seek with Christian," Ana grinned.
"TDMI…although I might want to know the rules of that game when you figure them out. Every now and then Ros needs a distraction."
"TDMI…and TTFN." Ana terminated the Skype.