One August morning, shortly after seven, two casually dressed females met up at their favorite coffee shop, Brooke's Brew, which they hadn't been at for several months. But, despite their informal apparel, these women weren't average at all.
The spectacular carrot top was the most influential female CEO in New York City, Dominique Destine! She'd single-handily built her business enterprise Nightstone Unlimited from the ground up.
It remained a distinguished business organization with branches all over the globe. It resulted in the green-eyed woman being a self-made millionaire! You'd never think a woman wearing a simple cerise top with bleached jeans and her hair in a French braid would be a millionaire.
Her flaxen-haired companion was also rather celebrated. Her name was Andrea Calhoun, and she was a prizewinning contemporary artist. Given the exclusivity of that list? Yes, it unquestionably spoke volumes of her credentials within that occupation.
She'd opened last year a private school to help other inspiring artists reach their full potential. She even had her own private gallery here in the city. Needless to say? If you judge a book by its cover? Then you wouldn't expect this woman to be wealthy or well-known, which is how the women liked when they met for coffee.
Their friendship had started over a chance cup of coffee years ago. They'd both still been in their first year in university at the time and had gone to the coffee shop nearest to the campus. Andrea had accidentally spilled her coffee on Dominique, and they had been best friends ever since. So they did enjoy meeting up for coffee.
Each had been too wrapped up with their respective professions over the summer. Dominique had been attempting to keep her establishment afloat between the pandemic and rising inflation. After all, her only child, Angela, would inherit the organization one day. So it had to remain solid and stable for her daughter.
Andrea, on the other hand? She'd been occupied traversing around the country for various art expos. However, now they ultimately had a chance to breathe! Thank God! Before getting to business, they ordered two extra-large beverages with an enormous platter of pasties.
Dominique was the first to speak. You didn't even need to see the bags under her eyes to know how exhausted the woman was. "I'm so exhausted, Andrea!" she began with a yawn. "You wouldn't believe how challenging it is to save money without sacrificing people's occupations. I don't desire to be the person who cuts off someone's livelihood," she sipped more of her pick-me-up.
Feeling slightly more awake, she resumed, "I've been doing my dammist to secure everyone has a position. Plus, sustaining a successful corporation to bring in a profit. It hasn't been easy, but I'm doing my best."
Her blue-eyed friend smiled warmly. "I'm thankful you've reached a point in your life where you sincerely care regarding your workers' lives outside work. Before the pandemic, you weren't nearly as concerned regarding them. Therefore, I appreciate you've gained more empathy over the past few years."
"Well, going to therapy has helped me considerably with that aspect of my life," acknowledged her confidante. "I don't want to be seen anymore as a coldhearted individual. Instead, I want to be a much more affectionate individual."
She paused to think carefully about her following words, "The only person I've ever genuinely showed unconditional love to is Angela. However, that isn't enough in the grand scheme of things. I've worked hard in therapy because I want to be a better person."
"This also wouldn't have to do with the fact you've rekindled your ties with the Lord? I know you're raised Catholic. Yet you weren't ever serious regarding it. I also know divorce is against that theology."
"Yes, I've reconnected with the Lord. I want to meet Him on better terms. However, as I'm deemed a pariah by the Catholic community? I've joined my ex-husband Goliath David's congregation. He's a Christan. We left it up to Angela to determine whatever religion she desired to observe.
Or even if she desired to be an atheist. She selected Christianity. In a way, I'm pleased since she won't be penalized for my sins. Christians are slightly more forgiving when it comes to divorce."
"That's wonderful to hear. Again, I'm grateful things are gradually improving in your life. I'm well taken care of regarding my own religion. So no worries there."
"I'm also pleased to hear that. So how was your art tour?" Dominique inquired as she chose a glazed doughnut to eat. Andrea smiled before picking up a jelly doughnut for herself. "I found it to be tons of fun. I got to showcase my work at some of the finest art museums in the country. I also met quite a lot of intriguing individuals."
"That sounds delightful. Are any of them coming to your academy in the fall? Angela is starting university in the fall herself."
"Yes, a few will be joining the school for the fall semester. But, I still can't believe Angela is beginning college already. How the time flies."
"Well, you're not supposed to get pregnant as a teenager either. I turned away from God for a long time because I felt I had broken too many rules. The awful lot I got in my life was him punishing me."
"I wish people would stop thinking every time they make a mistake, its some unpardonable sin. We make mistakes big and small. However, as long as we learn from them?
That's what's essential—learning from them—showing genuine remorse, and asking for forgiveness. God forgives us more times then there drops in the ocean. So I wouldn't let what others think of me bother me so much."
"I suppose you've got a point, Andrea. It's still incredibly challenging. I mean, my parents disowned me after I got pregnant. So that wasn't any fun."
"Then they missed out on knowing their extraordinary granddaughter. So tell me, have you finally found a new man in your life?"
"If you mean have I gotten any dates from that dating website you set me up on? I've had a few dates here and there, yet nothing is panning out well. I received an offer to meet with a college professor, and I'll meet him next week. Since he works at the university, Angela will be attending. However, I don't have high hopes this will pan out either."
"Give it a chance, and don't dismiss it before it happens. So what's his name and subject?"
"Well, his name is Lennox Mcduff. He's both a lit and history professor. His specialties are Shakespeare and medieval history."
"Hmm," Andrea stirred her coffee. "Well, I love the fact he's so well educated. It's nice to have a stimulating conversation with someone. Not just the average Joe who only wants to talk about the Giants."
The redhead laughed, "Yes, I don't care at all for sports. But, I also have a strong interest in his expertise. So, at least that's some common ground."
"Tell me, are you prepared for Angela to live independently? Or is she staying where she is?" Andrea questioned.
"She desires her independence. So her father and I have agreed to help her locate an apartment of her own. Unfortunately, we haven't had time to look around due to our jobs. But we promised we start tomorrow."
"It's never easy. When children ultimately leave the nest?" the redhead shook her head.
"It's not that I don't want my baby to grow up. But, I understand that parents can only give their children two things. Roots and wings. It's heartbreaking for me that the day to give her wings has come so soon."
"Do you still plan to leave your mansion to her in your will?"
"Yes, she's the sole benefactor of my will. My lawyers have helped me make an exact will."
"Well, seeing how I don't have children or a significant other? I've been leaning towards leaving my assets to people in need."
"You may still find someone. We aren't dead yet."
"Dominique, you know there is no guarantee of tomorrow. So its best to live in the moment."
"Yes, I concede to your point. I'm curious, though. Have you finished my special request?"
"You mean have I finished with Angela's portrait? I'm nearly done. However, I'm surprised you requested a second one with her and her sisters."
"I've come to terms that Angela has younger sisters that she loves. I want to show her I love her. I'm no longer angry about my ex remarrying or having another child.
I also want to show that I accept adopted children as family. So that's why I like that one done by Christmas. Finally, to show Angela that I genuinely love her. I'm so happy she's blessed with amazing sisters."
"Well, don't worry, I'll have both done in time. And speaking of the time? I think its about time we got packed up. It's starting to get hotter, and we've other things to do."
"Yes, you're correct. But, again, I need to prepare to go with Goliath to help Angela find an apartment tomorrow. So I hope we can have coffee again soon."
"So do I. So do I," as they paid the bill. They got into a cab, ready to face whatever the future handed them.
Andrea Calhoun: Sharon Alexander: AndrAIa Reboot
"All your children shall be taught by the Lord. And great shall be the peace of your children." Isaiah 54: 13