CHAPTER TWELVE
New York City - Room 426, the DoubleTree Hotel
December 19, 2000
1:00 PM
Carol had just barely made it back to the hotel when she'd begun to break down. She hastily paid the cab driver - throwing a 20 dollar bill at him and ran through the hotel lobby to a newly emptied elevator.
As she rode, alone, to the fourth floor, she felt her body begin to shake and her breath come in short, strained gasps.
She exited the elevator, her eyes now blinded by tears, and bolted down the hallway to her room. When she reached the door, she fumbled with her room key for nearly a full minute before managing to unlock the door. She stumbled inside and closed the door behind her before ultimately collapsing onto the bed.
There she remained for nearly an hour, sobbing inconsolably into her pillow.
***
Emotionally spent, Carol sat on the edge her bed. Her face was red and puffy and there were tear-tracks in her make-up.
She couldn't believe this was happening. She had come to New York to line up a publisher and maybe do some writing. But she had fallen in love - 'Yes. Let's just admit it, Carol. You fell in love with Ed Stevens!' - only to realize that she had to give him up.
Ed was about to get a promotion - one he deserved for all the hard work he had put in. That was obvious, even to Carol - who had just met him. And she knew that she couldn't live in New York. Stuckeyville was her home. And she also knew that she couldn't ask him to come back with her to Stuckeyville - he'd have to give up *so* much. It wouldn't be right.
And it wasn't fair, damn it.
But then life *wasn't* fair. If it were, she'd still have her mother. Carol sighed heavily. It seemed that all life did was take away the people that she loved. And Ed, she now knew - fit very much into that category.
She took another deep breath, attempting to gather her strength. She knew what she had to do, she just wasn't sure that she could actually bring herself to do it. After another fifteen minutes she stood and went to the bathroom, where she washed her face and re-applied some of her make-up.
She walked back to the bed and picked her cell-phone up from where it had fallen on the floor. Her hands began to tremble in anticipation. She stared intently at the phone, steeling her resolve for what she was about to do.
What she felt she *had* to do.
She plugged a phone number in and pressed the 'call' button. After two rings, she heard a nasally voice answer, "Good afternoon, Knight Publishing, how may I direct your call?"
"Mr. David Coe, please," Carol said hesitantly. "It's Carol Vessey
"Hold one moment, Ms. Vessey,"
Carol heard muzak playing in the background. Then David Coe answered the line.
"Carol! So good to hear from you. I apologize for not calling you myself sooner. We *need* to get together to sign those contracts. Oh, and before I forget, I hope everything is alright."
"I don't understand..."
"Victor mentioned that you had gotten a call during your dinner from a distraught friend. I hope everything is alright now."
Carol kept her voice level, "Oh. Yes. *That*. Yes, everything is fine, now. Actually, I'm calling about the contract. I'm afraid..."
Carol stopped, momentarily unable to continue. She took a deep breath, then added, "I'm afraid I've changed my mind about the contract. I won't be signing with Knight Publishing."
"WHAT?" Coe exclaimed. "I don't understand. Carol, I thought we had an agreement. If you've made arrangements with another publishing house, I think I should tell you that this is highly unprofessional and ..."
Carol cut him off, "David! I'm not talking to anyone else. I'm afraid that... something else has happened and I'm not sure when or if I'll be able to finish work on my novel. In fact, I'm not even sure if I will continue writing."
For the first time, a real note of concern crept into Coe's voice as he said, "Carol, are you okay? What happened? It wasn't... um, it wasn't anything Victor did, was it?"
Carol had a fleeting desire to say 'Yes, Victor was an unmitigated bore and a pig and I wouldn't sign with you no matter how much you paid me!' But she knew that wasn't the reason she was doing this.
No, the real reason was that even setting aside Victor's abominable behavior, Carol knew she couldn't continue a relationship with a publishing firm - *any* publishing firm - in New York City. It would mean having to come to New York for meetings and she knew that every time she came, she would long to see Ed. Long to rush into his arms, to look into his eyes, to love him as completely as she could.
And because she could not do that, it would be like torture for her.
She needed distance if she was ever going to survive this.
"No," Carol replied, "... It wasn't Victor. David, I'm very sorry, but I am very serious about this. I'm sorry. I have to go. Thank you for wanting to take a chance on me."
She hung up just as the tears started again. She didn't notice the message light flashing on the hotel phone, blocked as it was by the small writing pad provided by the hotel.
***
New York City - LaGuardia Airport
December 19, 2000
1:30 PM
Ed and Miranda stood at the gate and waited to board their flight to Albany. Ed's mood had been tense since they'd left the office and Miranda tried her best to distract him with a little small-talk during their cab- ride. After several aborted attempts, she gave up in frustration.
Ed reviewed their schedule in his mind. Their flight was due to leave at 2:00 PM and land in Albany at 2:45 PM. The meeting with Shaffer Telecommunications was at 4:00 PM and would hopefully only take a couple of hours. With luck, they could catch the 8:00 PM shuttle back to New York and Ed could still see Carol.
If she'd gotten his message and *if* she still wanted to see him, that is.
He had hated leaving a message for Carol with the hotel, but he had no choice. He had tried calling her on her cell phone, but couldn't get through and she didn't appear to have voice mail.
The airline ticket attendant announced the boarding call for their flight. Ed and Miranda stood up and got into line, their boarding passes ready. They walked down the gangway and onto the plane.
It was a small commuter plane, with only three seats to a row; two seats on the right side of the plane and one on the left. Ed and Miranda had seats 9A and 9B. Ed took the inside seat and sat down. Miranda, resignedly sat in the aisle seat - annoyed that she would be unable to periodically squeeze past him using some pretext.
The flight wasn't booked heavily, so it didn't take long for all the passengers to find their seats. The plane taxied and was off the ground on time. Ed sighed in relief. The look on Miranda's face was a completely different story.
***
New York City - Room 426, the DoubleTree Hotel
December 19, 2000
2:00 PM
Carol finished looking around the bedroom. She had just finished packing one of her suitcases and had already called the front desk to let them know she would be checking out a day early. As expected, they told her that since she was checking out so late, they would have to charge her for the additional night even thought she wasn't going to be there. She had sighed and simply told them to do whatever they needed to do.
She had gone beyond caring anyway.
A few minutes later, most of her second suitcase had been packed. She gathered everything from the bathroom and packed it away in her toiletry case. Then she went back into the main room and looked at the coffee table, unsure of what to do. There was no way she was going to be able to take all of the flowers, but she decided to take one of the roses after shortening its stem. She also carefully packed Ed's Christmas gift of the Vera Wang Barbie doll into her suitcase. She decided that she would take the potted-plant on the plane with her - placing it inside her briefcase, so that the plant stuck out and wasn't crushed.
She closed the second suitcase and took another look around, making sure she hadn't left anything behind. Then she took another deep steadying breath, grabbed her coat and headed out the door. There was one more thing she needed to do before she left for the airport.
***
Somewhere over New York State
December 19, 2000
2:30 PM
Ed gazed out the airplane window and sighed. 'Probably his fiftieth since boarding the plane', Miranda thought acidly. He'd spent much of the last half-hour staring out that blasted window. He hadn't even looked at her legs - *even* when she'd shifted in her seat, letting her skirt ride up an inch or so.
'Well, that would change as soon as "Lil' Miss Creamed Corn" was gone for a couple of days' she decided.
Finally, Ed turned away from the window and said, "Miranda?"
Miranda arched her back slightly - *seriously* straining the silk fabric of her shirt, and replied in a husky voice, "Yes, Ed?"
"What did you find?" Ed asked, clearly unmoved by Miranda's attempted flirtation.
"Excuse me?" Miranda said, still somewhat in shock that Ed hadn't responded to her charms.
"What did you find out about Knight Publishing?" Ed clarified.
Miranda's face froze.
Ed noticed THAT and said, "Miranda, I asked you along on this trip because Carol is leaving tomorrow and I need that information to let her know what to do. So, were you able to find out anything?"
"Oh, that." Miranda said, her voice dripping phony sincerity. "Yes. I found out plenty of useful information!"
"Good or bad?" Ed asked.
"Depends on what you were hoping to find," she replied.
Ed sighed and said, "Miranda, I am NOT in the mood for games. Just tell me what you found out."
"You know," Miranda said, clearly annoyed, "for someone who asked me to do them a favor - a rather large favor - which I have spent a great deal of my free time doing, you don't sound very appreciative!"
Ed closed his eyes in frustration. He took a deep breath, regaining his calm and said, "You're right. I'm sorry. It's just that this is very important to Carol. And that makes it important to me. I know I asked you for a really big favor and I really do appreciate it."
Miranda reached out and placed her hand on Ed's, "It's okay, I understand how important this is to you. That's the only reason I agreed to do it. Well, that and as my way of apologizing ..."
"Apologizing...?"
"For overstepping my bounds on the Heller account. I realize now that I was out of line. I hope you can forgive me." She looked softly at Ed, trying her best to fake sincerity.
"It's okay, Miranda. I told you. No harm done. In fact, some of your suggestions were pretty good. I'd planned on recommending them."
"Really?" For weeks now, Miranda had been trying to come up with some work- related pretext to get Ed to come to her apartment. And now, he'd just handed it to her. 'Could today possibly get any better?' she thought.
"Yes, *really*. Now can we please get back to what you found on Knight Publishing?" Ed prompted.
"Right," Miranda said as she pulled some notes from her briefcase. "Well, if you were looking for dirt, I found it. They have a total of about 100 currently active contracts with authors. Of those contracts, 30 are in some form of legal action right now - mostly the authors suing Knight."
Ed's eyebrows rose.
"Yes," Miranda continued. "It sounded high to me too. So I did a quick check on some other publishing companies - Random House, Doubleday - to see what their litigation rates were."
"And...?"
"It was about a third of Knight's."
"That's not good."
"Wait, it gets better!" Miranda leaned in closer to Ed, and whispered, "It seems that Knight Publishing is having some major money trouble. The last few major publications they've been involved in haven't done well."
"But," Ed broke in, "according to the papers Carol had, they'd signed some big name writers ... Robert Slattery, Marcia Walsh...."
Before Ed continue, Miranda interrupted him "Yes, they have. Tell me, what are the last two books either of those authors have published?" She smiled evilly.
"Um, I not sure," Ed replied.
"That's because their last novels tanked!" Miranda explained. "I'm not sure about Knight's other new acquisition, though ... Are you familiar with an author by the name of Nick Stanton?"
"You're kidding?!" Ed said.
Miranda shook her head, "No. I don't understand ..."
"It's ... complicated," Ed said in such a way that Miranda understood that was all he was going to say on the subject.
"Anyway," Miranda continued, "while Knight has snatched up some big names, they are all essentially washed up writers who have been resting on their laurels. None of them have published anything lately that compares to their early work."
Miranda watched as Ed put all the pieces of the puzzle together.
"So," Ed said, "what they've got are some big name authors with no fresh material and new authors with whole boatloads of new ideas. With contracts like the one they gave Carol, they could pull the rug out from under the newer authors, and pass the material onto the big names. A good book by one of the big names is going to generate a lot more press, a lot more sales than some unknown."
"And more sales means more commission for the author's literary agent..." Miranda added.
"Knight Publishing!" Ed and Miranda both said in unison.
"Well," Miranda said, "that's what I found out. Helpful?"
"Yes and no," Ed said with a sigh. "It definitely means I've got to tell Carol what Knight Publishing is up to so she doesn't sign the contract. But it's going to devastate her."
"I'm sure she'll manage," Miranda said, faking sympathy once again.
Ed was about to respond when the fasten seat belt light flashed on and the captain announced their approach to Albany Airport.
***
New York City - the Law Offices of Farmer & Sheehan
December 19, 2000
3:00 PM
Carol took a deep breath and tried her best to hide the nervousness she was feeling as she walked into the offices of Farmer & Sheehan. She told herself that what she was about to do was the best thing for everyone involved. Best for Ed. Best for her. It was the smart thing to do. The safe thing to do. It was practical and Carol Vessey was very good at being practical. It was how she had always led her life ...
Until she'd met Ed, that is.
The receptionist looked up as Carol stepped through the doorway, she smiled at her and said, "Ms. Vessey?"
"Yes," Carol said, surprised that the receptionist knew who she was. But then, given the way Jerry and.Miranda had known who she was on Sunday, maybe it wasn't all that surprising.
"I'd like to see Deloris," Carol continued, "um, Ed Stevens' secretary."
The receptionist smiled again and said, "Hold on." Then she made a quick phone call.
A moment later, Deloris walked around the corner, smiling. "Ms. Vessey! It's good to see you! But Ed's ..." Deloris said.
Carol shook hands with Deloris and said, "You too, Deloris! And please, call me Carol!"
She hadn't intended to say that. She hadn't wanted to get friendly with anyone. After today, she figured she would never see any of them ever again. But Deloris was such a sweet woman - if she had been younger, they could have been really good friends.
"Okay, Carol," Deloris began. "Uh, you know Ed's not here, he's ..." Then she noticed the slight puffiness around Carol's eyes and the very carefully repaired make-up and she knew something was wrong.
"I know ..." Carol said dejectedly. "Is there someplace where we can talk?"
"Why don't we go back to Ed's office?" Deloris said, taking Carol by the arm and leading her away. Carol started to resist. She hadn't wanted to go near Ed's office. Where she'd find herself surrounded by his things, his pictures, smell his cologne. She just knew she would break down.
Deloris picked up on Carol's unease and motioned for Carol to follow her to one of conference rooms instead. Once inside, she closed the door, giving them some privacy.
"Carol," Deloris said, "what's wrong? Ed's in ..." She was about to suggest calling Ed herself.
"He's in Albany with Miranda," Carol replied coldly.
"Yes, there was a problem with the Henderson merger. *Very* last minute, Ed didn't want to go. But he didn't have a choice. Didn't he tell you that in his message?"
"No. I haven't spoken to Ed since ... *last night*," Carol replied.
Deloris looked at Carol curiously. Something about the way she had said "last night", suggested that something had happened, or was it that something hadn't happened?
Carol was clearly growing restless. She thought she could handle this if she stayed away from Ed's private office, but just being in the same building was beginning to affect her. "Uh, Deloris, the reason I came was to pick up the contract that Ed was supposed to look over for me. Could you get it for me please?"
"I'm not sure that Ed was finished reviewing it yet, dear," Deloris said.
"It doesn't matter," Carol said, with the same coldness as she'd used earlier with "Miranda". "Do you think you could get it for me. I don't want to disturb anything in his office?"
Deloris bit her lip, unsure of what to do. Carol wasn't a client - Ed was doing her a favor - so she had every right to come in and claim the contract. Deloris just didn't know how Ed would react when he found out. She sighed and said, "Hold on. I'll go get it."
Deloris slipped out of the conference room, down the hall and into Ed's office. She found the contract in its folder on his credenza. She grabbed it and quickly retraced her steps to the conference room, where she handed Carol the contract.
Carol stuffed it into her briefcase, sighed and said, "I need one more... No, two more favors."
"Sure, Carol," Deloris said. "I'm sure Ed would want me to help you in any way I could..."
Carol bit her lip, knowing that was EXACTLY what Ed would have said.
"First, I just need an envelope."
Deloris nodded and slipped out of the conference room again. She walked back to her desk and grabbed a plain envelope, not one of the Farmer & Sheehan envelopes. She walked back to the conference room and silently handed it to Carol. Then she watched as Carol pulled a sheet of paper from her briefcase, looked at it for a moment, bit her bottom lip nervously, then folded it and slipped it into the envelope. She sealed the envelope and then pulled a pen from her purse to write Ed's name on the outside.
As Carol started to hand the envelope back to Deloris, her composure cracked for a moment and Deloris could see the anguish Carol was hiding.
"Carol, what is wrong?" she asked.
Carol opened her mouth to say something, but couldn't get the words out. Deloris considered pressing her on the matter, but decided against it. She might tweak Ed on a frequent basis, but this was not the time to stick her nose into things.
She took the envelope from Carol with her left hand, while she put her right hand on Carol's arm. She said quietly, "I'll make sure he gets it, honey."
Carol nodded her thanks, afraid to speak for fear it would start the tears again. She took a deep breath and said, "Merry Christmas, Deloris."
Deloris returned the sentiment. Carol nodded again and started to walk out of the conference room when Deloris called her name. She turned to look at the older woman, who said, "Carol, I don't know what's going on here, but for what its worth.I think you are probably the best thing to happen to Ed in all the time I've known him. Jerry thinks so too and he's known him a lot longer then me."
Deloris thought that these words would bring comfort to Carol, but surprisingly they seemed to have the opposite effect. Carol's eyes immediately began to tear up, and it was obvious she was fighting not to cry.
Carol closed her eyes, a single tear rolling down her cheek. She sniffled, then reached up and wiped it away. After a long, deep breath, which seemed to restore some semblance of control to her, she said, "Thank you" and walked away.
Deloris walked out of the conference room and watched Carol walk out the door of Farmer & Sheehan. She took a deep breath and tried to figure out what had just happened. Something that had been bothering her about the conversation suddenly came to the front of her brain.
Deloris bolted for the office door. She threw the door open. Carol had already walked onto an elevator and was pressing the ground floor button.
"Carol!" Deloris blurted out, "WHO told you Ed wasn't here?"
Carol looked up, startled to hear her name. The elevator doors started to close, but Deloris was sure she was able to make out Carol's response, which she then echoed.
"Miranda!!"
***
Albany - Shaffer Telecommunications Inc.
December 19, 2000
6:00 PM
Ed and Miranda sat in the spacious conference room of Shaffer Telecommunication's Albany offices. The walls of the conference room were a dark walnut paneling which contrasted nicely against the light beige carpeting. Pictures lined the wall - most were of telecommunications equipment: a broadcast tower in one, some electronics equipment in another.
Staring back at them from across the solid walnut conference table were Shaffer's CEO, Paul Shaffer, and his two legal representatives.
Miranda tossed her pen down onto the conference table. The meeting was NOT going well. She couldn't believe it. Everything that they'd been working so hard for in the last ten weeks was falling apart. And why, because the CEO of Shaffer Telecommunications was an idiot.
She looked across the conference table at Ed and saw the same frustration in his face. It was so clear to her that they belonged together. They had the same priorities. The same ambition to succeed - no matter what the cost.
Ed looked back across the conference table at Miranda. 'At this rate ... I'm never going to get back in time to see Carol!' he thought. He ran his hands through his hair, stopping mid way, then leaned forward so that his elbows rested on the conference table.
He groaned.
"Is there a problem, Mr. Stevens?" Shaffer asked.
Ed looked up, considering how to tactfully express his growing frustration at Shaffer and his lawyers' last minute obstinance regarding the merger with Henderson, which was keeping him from being with Carol.
"Yes, Sir. There is. You're lawyers' are idiots," he replied, throwing caution to the wind.
"EXCUSE ME?!!" Shaffer replied, clearly insulted.
Miranda looked on mortified, 'He's blown it. A twenty two million dollar account and he's blown it. I let Pom-Pom Barbie screw with his head too long and now he's completely lost his edge.'
She tried to salvage the situation, "Mr. Shaffer, I'm sure there's been some sort of misunderstanding. My colleague, Mr. Stevens, didn't mean it that way... I'm sure."
"No. I meant it. Every word of it. Mr. Shaffer, your lawyers are idiots. And if you can't see that than I'm afraid you might be an idiot too."
Shaffer's face had turned a bright red, "MR. STEVENS!!! If you think I'm going to stand here and let you insult me ...."
Ed stared back at him coldly, then interrupted him "Of course you're going to let me insult you. And do you know why? Because this is a TWENTY-TWO MILLION DOLLAR DEAL. You want this merger to happen. Henderson wants this merger to happen. That is before you hired the Law Firm of Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum to represent your interests."
In response to Ed's comment, Shaffer's two lawyers sat up smartly. The one on Shaffer's right was a large man. Most likely a former football player who had gone soft from sitting in conference rooms like this for ten hours a day. He tried to hide his girth in expensive suits. His hair was a deep, deep black - the result of too much hair dye to hide the rapidly spreading gray - and slicked back.
The lawyer on Shaffer's left was a direct contrast to his partner. He was a small-framed man, standing just a little over 5' in height with wire-thin brown hair. Also, unlike his partner, his taste in suits seemed inclined more towards off-the-rack brands. But it was his eyes that made Ed nervous. It was difficult to tell if he was looking at you. Ed had finally decided that it was his left eye that he should focus on - his right eye was misaligned, pointed far to the right.
In her mind, Miranda saw her career disappearing in a puff of smoke. She glared at Ed from across the conference table.
"Our client is simply re-negotiating the terms of the ...." one of Shaffer's attorneys began to say, but Ed silenced him.
"Quiet Tweedle Dee!" Ed said sharply. Then he turned to Shaffer. "Mr. Shaffer. You know the economy is beginning a downward turn. You've spent your life building this company. Do you want to see it squashed and then chopped up by some giant multi-media corporation? Or do you want to take a chance and build something even better by joining Henderson? To me, it's a no-brainer." He threw the merger agreement down on the table in front of Shaffer.
Shaffer studied the dark-haired man standing in front of him, intently. His lawyers had told him that Henderson couldn't back out this late into the deal, and that he'd have an advantage and could force additional concessions out of them. But their man, Stevens, looked like he was ready to risk the whole merger by walking right out of the room.
Shaffer looked over at his attorneys. "You're fired," he told them, then added, "Mr. Stevens, tell Mr. Henderson that we have deal."
And he signed the documents.
Miranda found herself staring at Ed from across the conference table. She couldn't believe how COLD, how CALCULATING his negotiation tactics had been.
She *wanted* him.
***
As they were walking back to their rental car, Ed took out his cell-phone and called Mr. Henderson to inform him of Shaffer's acceptance of the merger deal. Miranda watched the conversation, pleased with what she clearly interpreted as Ed's "star on the rise".
"It's all set, Sir. Shaffer signed the agreement and Ms. Van Note and I are on our way back to New York City."
"That's fantastic news, Ed. I want you to know that after I hang up, I'm going to call those two tight-wads you call bosses, and tell them to give you a bonus!"
"Mr. Henderson, that's not necessary." Ed explained, "I'm just doing my job."
"Nonsense," Henderson replied. "A man does exemplary work, he should be recognized for it. If there's anything I can do for you - you just name it."
"Thank you sir, you're more than kind."
"It's nothing. Oh, and Ed?"
"Yes sir?"
"Merry Christmas!"
"Yes, sir. And a Merry Christmas to you too sir!"
***
Ed and Miranda drove their rental car back to the airport. All throughout the trip, Ed was distracted by thoughts of Carol. He wanted so desperately to get back in time to see her and to explain why he had to miss their dinner date. He also wanted to ask her if she wouldn't mind delaying her return trip a day so that they fly back together.
He had decided that he could think of nothing he wanted more in this world than to spend Christmas with Carol. In New York, in Stuckeyville, it didn't matter. So long as they were together. As long as he could hold her in his arms.
Miranda noticed that Ed was distracted during their drive and then later when they were in the airport waiting on their shuttle back to New York, but she thought he was just thinking about how the deal they had helped orchestrate would affect his status at Farmer & Sheehan. After all, that's what she was thinking about.
After what seemed to Ed like days, they began boarding the 8:00 PM shuttle for New York. Although this flight was full, boarding went mercifully quick and the plane taxied for takeoff with only a five-minute delay.
The plane couldn't fly fast enough as far as Ed was concerned.
***
New York City - John F. Kennedy International Airport
December 19, 2000
7:30 PM
Carol sighed and looked at her watch. They would be boarding her flight to Cleveland soon. She looked down at the cell-phone in her hand. She'd put this off long enough, she thought. She dialed Molly's phone number. The phone was answered on the third ring.
"Hello?" Molly said.
"Molls," Carol said, "it's me, Carol?"
"Hey, girlfriend!" Molly exclaimed. "I have been trying to reach you like crazy. Didn't you get my message at the hotel?"
"Um, no," Carol said. "I didn't see the message light flashing. I don't know why. Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, yeah," Molly said. "Of course, I was trying to find out more about you and one Edward Stevens. I can't believe that you two are seeing ..."
"Molly!" Carol interrupted her, "Look I need another favor."
"What," Molly asked, "another diversion?"
"No," Carol said, her voice cracking. "I need you to pick me up at the airport tonight. My flight leaves New York at 8:00 PM and gets in at 9:15 PM. Can you pick me up?"
"Carol," Molly said, "what's going on? You sound like you're about ready to cry? You weren't supposed to be home til tomorrow... Did something happen in..."
"Molly." Carol interrupted her mid-sentence, "I can't do '20 Questions' right now. Can you ... Will you ... pick me up at the airport?"
"Yes, of course I will Carol!" Molly said. "You know that. I'm just worried about you!"
"I'll be fine, Molly," Carol said. She heard the boarding call for her flight. "Look, they're calling my flight. I've got to go. I'll see you later."
"Okay," Molly said dubiously. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'll be fine, Molly," Carol repeated, and hung up the phone. Then as she gathered her carry-on luggage and walked towards the gate, she cast a long last look behind her, then added.
"Someday..."
***
New York City - LaGuardia Airport
December 19, 2000
9:30 PM
To Ed, the flight back to New York had felt like it had taken forever, but according to the pilot, they'd actually landed a few minutes early. Ed had already had his seat belt off and planning his route through the airport crowds, before they'd finished taxiing to the gate. Miranda looked disappointed, all her attempts at conversation on the flight had been shot down. She had even asked Ed if he wanted to go out for a drink - to celebrate their success, but he had declined - oh so politely.
When Miranda asked him about his plans for the evening, he told her rather matter-of-factly that he was in a hurry to get back to the city to see Carol and warn her about Knight Publishing.
"Oh, right. Yes. Of course. I had completely forgotten about that," she lied.
Ed walked quickly through the airport, headed for the taxi stand. He took out his cell phone out and tried calling Carol's cell phone. No answer. Then he decided to just go over to Carol's hotel and try to find her. He took the first available cab, giving the driver the address of the DoubleTree Hotel ...
... and a promise of a $50 tip, if he could make it there in twenty minutes or less.
The cab driver just smiled and told Ed to fasten his seat belt.
True to his word, eighteen and one half minutes after Ed had fastened his seat-belt, the cab deposited him on the sidewalk in front of the DoubleTree Hotel.
Ed settled up with the driver (including the promised tip) and quickly dashed inside. He walked quickly over to the elevators and rode up to the fourth floor, tapping his foot impatiently at its apparent lack of speed.
When the doors opened he bolted to Room 426 and knocked on the door, but there was no answer. He tried again, only this time knocking louder and calling Carol's name. Still nothing.
Ed debated trying a third time, but conceded that Carol must not be in her room. With a heavy sigh, he walked back to the elevators and down to the lobby. As he was crossing the lobby he heard someone call his name, "Excuse me, Mr. Stevens?"
He turned around to find the older woman he had met Thursday night when he had come to take Carol out for their first night of sightseeing. The woman called his name aloud again, and waved at him.
Ed waved back and began walking towards her. She was standing near the Concierge's desk with an older, white haired gentleman, whom Ed thought was most likely her husband.
"Hello," Ed said. "You know, I never did get your name"
The woman smiled at him and said, "I'm Winifred and this is my husband, Thomas. Duffy." Thomas Duffy offered his hand, which Ed took. Ed was surprised that Thomas had such a firm grip, considering he must be in his late 70s, at least. Ed scanned the lobby for any sign of Carol.
"Mr. Stevens," Winifred said, "I wanted to thank you."
"For what," Ed asked distractedly. He scanned the lobby again.
"For your business card," she replied. "When I asked to speak to Philip Croft at Tad's and showed him your card, he... Well, he treated us like royalty!"
"It was a wonderful evening," Thomas said. "Thank you so very much."
Ed smiled half-heartedly, and scanned the lobby for a third time.
"Mr. Stevens," Winifred said, "are you looking for someone?"
"Please, call me Ed," he said. "And yes, I'm looking for the woman I was with the other night. You haven't seen her by any chance, have you?"
"Oh, dear," Winifred said as she covered her mouth with her hand, "I was afraid of that." Suddenly, Winifred had Ed's undivided attention. She looked up into those blue eyes and saw the concern and pain etched there. She sighed.
"I...I saw the young lady this afternoon," Winifred began. "I was just returning from a short walk when I ran into her. I asked her to thank you for me, but she said she wouldn't be able to. Which I didn't understand. Anyway, she was checking out. She had her bags and was heading for the exit. I told her to have a pleasant trip, but she looked at me sadly and said, 'I'll try' - it almost broke my heart. Then she was gone."
Ed stood there stunned. Carol had gone? But why? Had something happened at home? Was someone sick? A thousand thoughts raced through his head. None of them good.
The Duffy's stood there in silence. Unsure of what to say, or even if they should say anything. Finally Winifred placed her hand on Ed's arm, startling him, and said "Mr. Stevens...Ed. When you see that young woman again you mind her of what I said. That if you have love, everything else will fall into place."
Thomas Duffy nodded his head in agreement.
"I'll..." Ed started to say before his voice broke, "I'll do that. Thank you."
The older couple moved off, leaving Ed's mind racing.
Ed stood there in silently for several minutes. Then he remembered - Carol's contract! If she had left early, what happened with Knight Publishing? Had she signed the contract?
Ed rushed out of the hotel and walked quickly along the street. He would have broken into a run, but figured that would have generated too much unwanted attention. He reached his office building and went inside.
As he half-ran towards the elevators, the guard at the first floor station grabbed his clipboard and moved out from behind his desk to intercept him. Probably to make him sign in. However, one look from Ed told him that the dark-haired lawyer had no time for such trivialities, and so he waved him on.
Ed rode the elevator up to the 33rd floor, mentally willing it to go faster. When the elevator stopped, Ed rushed out before the doors had fully opened. He pulled out his keys and let himself into the Firm's offices. Then sprinted to his own private office, and unlocked that door.
He'd no sooner stepped beyond the doorway when he was stopped cold.
The contract was gone from his credenza! 'Oh, no!' Ed thought. 'I hope Carol didn't sign that damn thing!'
It was then that Ed saw the white envelope lying in the middle of his desk, placed very carefully in the center of the blotter. He walked over slowly. Both wanting and not wanting to open it at the same time. As he got closer, he could make out his name written on the envelope. At first he didn't recognize the handwriting, but then realized it was Carol's. He had only seen her handwriting a couple of times.
He picked up the envelope carefully and turned it over. For some reason, he was filled with an intense dread. With a deep, centering breath, he took the letter opener from his desk and slit the envelope down the side. He pressed the envelope's top and bottom and slid a single sheet of paper out.
He carefully placed the envelope on the desk and stared at the folded paper for several moments. Then slowly, he unfolded the paper. It was a single sheet of paper with the DoubleTree name and logo on the top - something that must have been in Carol's room.
He read the words, his face - but most especially his eyes - getting sadder and sadder. He reread the note several times, not believing his eyes.
'Dearest Ed'
'I'm sorry to do this in this fashion, but I could never face you like this. You have shown me so much more than the sights here in New York City. You have touched me like no one else ever has.'
'But this can't...won't work. I'm leaving for Stuckeyville tonight and I need you to promise not to follow. This is for the best. For you. For me. I'm sorry.'
"Love, Carol.'
'Why would she do this?' he thought as his shoulders sagged and he sank into his chair. He shook his head, then tried to rub the newly forming tears from his eyes. Unsuccessful, he laid the letter down on the desk, gently and turned his chair towards the window.
He stayed there, not moving, and cried softly for a long, long time.
***
Cleveland, Ohio - Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
December 19, 2000
9:30 PM
The flight had gone well, not that Carol had noticed. The plane was only partially booked and Carol had happened to have a row to herself in the back where none of the other passengers could really see her.
The flight attendants had noticed her sadness, silent tears running down her face at random intervals. They had tried to help, but nothing they did seemed console her. They finally just let her be.
Carol was the last to get off the plane - almost as if by delaying her exit, she could delay the beginning of the rest of her life without Ed. She rubbed her eyes and fought back fresh tears at the thought of him. The flight attendants looked at her sadly and wished her a Merry Christmas.
Carol, still in a daze, just nodded.
She wandered to the baggage claim area. The other people waiting for their luggage gave her space. When she went for the first of her bags, a middle- aged man stepped in and pulled the large suitcase off the conveyor belt for her. He placed it on the floor next to her, not saying a word.
When he saw a second suitcase identical to the first, he looked at her questioningly. She nodded and he retrieved the second bag. She managed a quiet, "Thank you." The man just nodded and walked off to get his own bags.
Carol gathered her things and made her way out of the airport. Once outside, she looking around for Molly - finding her parked not far from the entrance to the terminal. When she saw Carol, Molly waved at her and started walking towards her. Carol, in turn, started towards Molly. Hesitantly at first, then as the two drew closer to one another, Carol dropped her bags and began to run, throwing herself into Molly's arms and sobbing uncontrollably.
New York City - Room 426, the DoubleTree Hotel
December 19, 2000
1:00 PM
Carol had just barely made it back to the hotel when she'd begun to break down. She hastily paid the cab driver - throwing a 20 dollar bill at him and ran through the hotel lobby to a newly emptied elevator.
As she rode, alone, to the fourth floor, she felt her body begin to shake and her breath come in short, strained gasps.
She exited the elevator, her eyes now blinded by tears, and bolted down the hallway to her room. When she reached the door, she fumbled with her room key for nearly a full minute before managing to unlock the door. She stumbled inside and closed the door behind her before ultimately collapsing onto the bed.
There she remained for nearly an hour, sobbing inconsolably into her pillow.
***
Emotionally spent, Carol sat on the edge her bed. Her face was red and puffy and there were tear-tracks in her make-up.
She couldn't believe this was happening. She had come to New York to line up a publisher and maybe do some writing. But she had fallen in love - 'Yes. Let's just admit it, Carol. You fell in love with Ed Stevens!' - only to realize that she had to give him up.
Ed was about to get a promotion - one he deserved for all the hard work he had put in. That was obvious, even to Carol - who had just met him. And she knew that she couldn't live in New York. Stuckeyville was her home. And she also knew that she couldn't ask him to come back with her to Stuckeyville - he'd have to give up *so* much. It wouldn't be right.
And it wasn't fair, damn it.
But then life *wasn't* fair. If it were, she'd still have her mother. Carol sighed heavily. It seemed that all life did was take away the people that she loved. And Ed, she now knew - fit very much into that category.
She took another deep breath, attempting to gather her strength. She knew what she had to do, she just wasn't sure that she could actually bring herself to do it. After another fifteen minutes she stood and went to the bathroom, where she washed her face and re-applied some of her make-up.
She walked back to the bed and picked her cell-phone up from where it had fallen on the floor. Her hands began to tremble in anticipation. She stared intently at the phone, steeling her resolve for what she was about to do.
What she felt she *had* to do.
She plugged a phone number in and pressed the 'call' button. After two rings, she heard a nasally voice answer, "Good afternoon, Knight Publishing, how may I direct your call?"
"Mr. David Coe, please," Carol said hesitantly. "It's Carol Vessey
"Hold one moment, Ms. Vessey,"
Carol heard muzak playing in the background. Then David Coe answered the line.
"Carol! So good to hear from you. I apologize for not calling you myself sooner. We *need* to get together to sign those contracts. Oh, and before I forget, I hope everything is alright."
"I don't understand..."
"Victor mentioned that you had gotten a call during your dinner from a distraught friend. I hope everything is alright now."
Carol kept her voice level, "Oh. Yes. *That*. Yes, everything is fine, now. Actually, I'm calling about the contract. I'm afraid..."
Carol stopped, momentarily unable to continue. She took a deep breath, then added, "I'm afraid I've changed my mind about the contract. I won't be signing with Knight Publishing."
"WHAT?" Coe exclaimed. "I don't understand. Carol, I thought we had an agreement. If you've made arrangements with another publishing house, I think I should tell you that this is highly unprofessional and ..."
Carol cut him off, "David! I'm not talking to anyone else. I'm afraid that... something else has happened and I'm not sure when or if I'll be able to finish work on my novel. In fact, I'm not even sure if I will continue writing."
For the first time, a real note of concern crept into Coe's voice as he said, "Carol, are you okay? What happened? It wasn't... um, it wasn't anything Victor did, was it?"
Carol had a fleeting desire to say 'Yes, Victor was an unmitigated bore and a pig and I wouldn't sign with you no matter how much you paid me!' But she knew that wasn't the reason she was doing this.
No, the real reason was that even setting aside Victor's abominable behavior, Carol knew she couldn't continue a relationship with a publishing firm - *any* publishing firm - in New York City. It would mean having to come to New York for meetings and she knew that every time she came, she would long to see Ed. Long to rush into his arms, to look into his eyes, to love him as completely as she could.
And because she could not do that, it would be like torture for her.
She needed distance if she was ever going to survive this.
"No," Carol replied, "... It wasn't Victor. David, I'm very sorry, but I am very serious about this. I'm sorry. I have to go. Thank you for wanting to take a chance on me."
She hung up just as the tears started again. She didn't notice the message light flashing on the hotel phone, blocked as it was by the small writing pad provided by the hotel.
***
New York City - LaGuardia Airport
December 19, 2000
1:30 PM
Ed and Miranda stood at the gate and waited to board their flight to Albany. Ed's mood had been tense since they'd left the office and Miranda tried her best to distract him with a little small-talk during their cab- ride. After several aborted attempts, she gave up in frustration.
Ed reviewed their schedule in his mind. Their flight was due to leave at 2:00 PM and land in Albany at 2:45 PM. The meeting with Shaffer Telecommunications was at 4:00 PM and would hopefully only take a couple of hours. With luck, they could catch the 8:00 PM shuttle back to New York and Ed could still see Carol.
If she'd gotten his message and *if* she still wanted to see him, that is.
He had hated leaving a message for Carol with the hotel, but he had no choice. He had tried calling her on her cell phone, but couldn't get through and she didn't appear to have voice mail.
The airline ticket attendant announced the boarding call for their flight. Ed and Miranda stood up and got into line, their boarding passes ready. They walked down the gangway and onto the plane.
It was a small commuter plane, with only three seats to a row; two seats on the right side of the plane and one on the left. Ed and Miranda had seats 9A and 9B. Ed took the inside seat and sat down. Miranda, resignedly sat in the aisle seat - annoyed that she would be unable to periodically squeeze past him using some pretext.
The flight wasn't booked heavily, so it didn't take long for all the passengers to find their seats. The plane taxied and was off the ground on time. Ed sighed in relief. The look on Miranda's face was a completely different story.
***
New York City - Room 426, the DoubleTree Hotel
December 19, 2000
2:00 PM
Carol finished looking around the bedroom. She had just finished packing one of her suitcases and had already called the front desk to let them know she would be checking out a day early. As expected, they told her that since she was checking out so late, they would have to charge her for the additional night even thought she wasn't going to be there. She had sighed and simply told them to do whatever they needed to do.
She had gone beyond caring anyway.
A few minutes later, most of her second suitcase had been packed. She gathered everything from the bathroom and packed it away in her toiletry case. Then she went back into the main room and looked at the coffee table, unsure of what to do. There was no way she was going to be able to take all of the flowers, but she decided to take one of the roses after shortening its stem. She also carefully packed Ed's Christmas gift of the Vera Wang Barbie doll into her suitcase. She decided that she would take the potted-plant on the plane with her - placing it inside her briefcase, so that the plant stuck out and wasn't crushed.
She closed the second suitcase and took another look around, making sure she hadn't left anything behind. Then she took another deep steadying breath, grabbed her coat and headed out the door. There was one more thing she needed to do before she left for the airport.
***
Somewhere over New York State
December 19, 2000
2:30 PM
Ed gazed out the airplane window and sighed. 'Probably his fiftieth since boarding the plane', Miranda thought acidly. He'd spent much of the last half-hour staring out that blasted window. He hadn't even looked at her legs - *even* when she'd shifted in her seat, letting her skirt ride up an inch or so.
'Well, that would change as soon as "Lil' Miss Creamed Corn" was gone for a couple of days' she decided.
Finally, Ed turned away from the window and said, "Miranda?"
Miranda arched her back slightly - *seriously* straining the silk fabric of her shirt, and replied in a husky voice, "Yes, Ed?"
"What did you find?" Ed asked, clearly unmoved by Miranda's attempted flirtation.
"Excuse me?" Miranda said, still somewhat in shock that Ed hadn't responded to her charms.
"What did you find out about Knight Publishing?" Ed clarified.
Miranda's face froze.
Ed noticed THAT and said, "Miranda, I asked you along on this trip because Carol is leaving tomorrow and I need that information to let her know what to do. So, were you able to find out anything?"
"Oh, that." Miranda said, her voice dripping phony sincerity. "Yes. I found out plenty of useful information!"
"Good or bad?" Ed asked.
"Depends on what you were hoping to find," she replied.
Ed sighed and said, "Miranda, I am NOT in the mood for games. Just tell me what you found out."
"You know," Miranda said, clearly annoyed, "for someone who asked me to do them a favor - a rather large favor - which I have spent a great deal of my free time doing, you don't sound very appreciative!"
Ed closed his eyes in frustration. He took a deep breath, regaining his calm and said, "You're right. I'm sorry. It's just that this is very important to Carol. And that makes it important to me. I know I asked you for a really big favor and I really do appreciate it."
Miranda reached out and placed her hand on Ed's, "It's okay, I understand how important this is to you. That's the only reason I agreed to do it. Well, that and as my way of apologizing ..."
"Apologizing...?"
"For overstepping my bounds on the Heller account. I realize now that I was out of line. I hope you can forgive me." She looked softly at Ed, trying her best to fake sincerity.
"It's okay, Miranda. I told you. No harm done. In fact, some of your suggestions were pretty good. I'd planned on recommending them."
"Really?" For weeks now, Miranda had been trying to come up with some work- related pretext to get Ed to come to her apartment. And now, he'd just handed it to her. 'Could today possibly get any better?' she thought.
"Yes, *really*. Now can we please get back to what you found on Knight Publishing?" Ed prompted.
"Right," Miranda said as she pulled some notes from her briefcase. "Well, if you were looking for dirt, I found it. They have a total of about 100 currently active contracts with authors. Of those contracts, 30 are in some form of legal action right now - mostly the authors suing Knight."
Ed's eyebrows rose.
"Yes," Miranda continued. "It sounded high to me too. So I did a quick check on some other publishing companies - Random House, Doubleday - to see what their litigation rates were."
"And...?"
"It was about a third of Knight's."
"That's not good."
"Wait, it gets better!" Miranda leaned in closer to Ed, and whispered, "It seems that Knight Publishing is having some major money trouble. The last few major publications they've been involved in haven't done well."
"But," Ed broke in, "according to the papers Carol had, they'd signed some big name writers ... Robert Slattery, Marcia Walsh...."
Before Ed continue, Miranda interrupted him "Yes, they have. Tell me, what are the last two books either of those authors have published?" She smiled evilly.
"Um, I not sure," Ed replied.
"That's because their last novels tanked!" Miranda explained. "I'm not sure about Knight's other new acquisition, though ... Are you familiar with an author by the name of Nick Stanton?"
"You're kidding?!" Ed said.
Miranda shook her head, "No. I don't understand ..."
"It's ... complicated," Ed said in such a way that Miranda understood that was all he was going to say on the subject.
"Anyway," Miranda continued, "while Knight has snatched up some big names, they are all essentially washed up writers who have been resting on their laurels. None of them have published anything lately that compares to their early work."
Miranda watched as Ed put all the pieces of the puzzle together.
"So," Ed said, "what they've got are some big name authors with no fresh material and new authors with whole boatloads of new ideas. With contracts like the one they gave Carol, they could pull the rug out from under the newer authors, and pass the material onto the big names. A good book by one of the big names is going to generate a lot more press, a lot more sales than some unknown."
"And more sales means more commission for the author's literary agent..." Miranda added.
"Knight Publishing!" Ed and Miranda both said in unison.
"Well," Miranda said, "that's what I found out. Helpful?"
"Yes and no," Ed said with a sigh. "It definitely means I've got to tell Carol what Knight Publishing is up to so she doesn't sign the contract. But it's going to devastate her."
"I'm sure she'll manage," Miranda said, faking sympathy once again.
Ed was about to respond when the fasten seat belt light flashed on and the captain announced their approach to Albany Airport.
***
New York City - the Law Offices of Farmer & Sheehan
December 19, 2000
3:00 PM
Carol took a deep breath and tried her best to hide the nervousness she was feeling as she walked into the offices of Farmer & Sheehan. She told herself that what she was about to do was the best thing for everyone involved. Best for Ed. Best for her. It was the smart thing to do. The safe thing to do. It was practical and Carol Vessey was very good at being practical. It was how she had always led her life ...
Until she'd met Ed, that is.
The receptionist looked up as Carol stepped through the doorway, she smiled at her and said, "Ms. Vessey?"
"Yes," Carol said, surprised that the receptionist knew who she was. But then, given the way Jerry and.Miranda had known who she was on Sunday, maybe it wasn't all that surprising.
"I'd like to see Deloris," Carol continued, "um, Ed Stevens' secretary."
The receptionist smiled again and said, "Hold on." Then she made a quick phone call.
A moment later, Deloris walked around the corner, smiling. "Ms. Vessey! It's good to see you! But Ed's ..." Deloris said.
Carol shook hands with Deloris and said, "You too, Deloris! And please, call me Carol!"
She hadn't intended to say that. She hadn't wanted to get friendly with anyone. After today, she figured she would never see any of them ever again. But Deloris was such a sweet woman - if she had been younger, they could have been really good friends.
"Okay, Carol," Deloris began. "Uh, you know Ed's not here, he's ..." Then she noticed the slight puffiness around Carol's eyes and the very carefully repaired make-up and she knew something was wrong.
"I know ..." Carol said dejectedly. "Is there someplace where we can talk?"
"Why don't we go back to Ed's office?" Deloris said, taking Carol by the arm and leading her away. Carol started to resist. She hadn't wanted to go near Ed's office. Where she'd find herself surrounded by his things, his pictures, smell his cologne. She just knew she would break down.
Deloris picked up on Carol's unease and motioned for Carol to follow her to one of conference rooms instead. Once inside, she closed the door, giving them some privacy.
"Carol," Deloris said, "what's wrong? Ed's in ..." She was about to suggest calling Ed herself.
"He's in Albany with Miranda," Carol replied coldly.
"Yes, there was a problem with the Henderson merger. *Very* last minute, Ed didn't want to go. But he didn't have a choice. Didn't he tell you that in his message?"
"No. I haven't spoken to Ed since ... *last night*," Carol replied.
Deloris looked at Carol curiously. Something about the way she had said "last night", suggested that something had happened, or was it that something hadn't happened?
Carol was clearly growing restless. She thought she could handle this if she stayed away from Ed's private office, but just being in the same building was beginning to affect her. "Uh, Deloris, the reason I came was to pick up the contract that Ed was supposed to look over for me. Could you get it for me please?"
"I'm not sure that Ed was finished reviewing it yet, dear," Deloris said.
"It doesn't matter," Carol said, with the same coldness as she'd used earlier with "Miranda". "Do you think you could get it for me. I don't want to disturb anything in his office?"
Deloris bit her lip, unsure of what to do. Carol wasn't a client - Ed was doing her a favor - so she had every right to come in and claim the contract. Deloris just didn't know how Ed would react when he found out. She sighed and said, "Hold on. I'll go get it."
Deloris slipped out of the conference room, down the hall and into Ed's office. She found the contract in its folder on his credenza. She grabbed it and quickly retraced her steps to the conference room, where she handed Carol the contract.
Carol stuffed it into her briefcase, sighed and said, "I need one more... No, two more favors."
"Sure, Carol," Deloris said. "I'm sure Ed would want me to help you in any way I could..."
Carol bit her lip, knowing that was EXACTLY what Ed would have said.
"First, I just need an envelope."
Deloris nodded and slipped out of the conference room again. She walked back to her desk and grabbed a plain envelope, not one of the Farmer & Sheehan envelopes. She walked back to the conference room and silently handed it to Carol. Then she watched as Carol pulled a sheet of paper from her briefcase, looked at it for a moment, bit her bottom lip nervously, then folded it and slipped it into the envelope. She sealed the envelope and then pulled a pen from her purse to write Ed's name on the outside.
As Carol started to hand the envelope back to Deloris, her composure cracked for a moment and Deloris could see the anguish Carol was hiding.
"Carol, what is wrong?" she asked.
Carol opened her mouth to say something, but couldn't get the words out. Deloris considered pressing her on the matter, but decided against it. She might tweak Ed on a frequent basis, but this was not the time to stick her nose into things.
She took the envelope from Carol with her left hand, while she put her right hand on Carol's arm. She said quietly, "I'll make sure he gets it, honey."
Carol nodded her thanks, afraid to speak for fear it would start the tears again. She took a deep breath and said, "Merry Christmas, Deloris."
Deloris returned the sentiment. Carol nodded again and started to walk out of the conference room when Deloris called her name. She turned to look at the older woman, who said, "Carol, I don't know what's going on here, but for what its worth.I think you are probably the best thing to happen to Ed in all the time I've known him. Jerry thinks so too and he's known him a lot longer then me."
Deloris thought that these words would bring comfort to Carol, but surprisingly they seemed to have the opposite effect. Carol's eyes immediately began to tear up, and it was obvious she was fighting not to cry.
Carol closed her eyes, a single tear rolling down her cheek. She sniffled, then reached up and wiped it away. After a long, deep breath, which seemed to restore some semblance of control to her, she said, "Thank you" and walked away.
Deloris walked out of the conference room and watched Carol walk out the door of Farmer & Sheehan. She took a deep breath and tried to figure out what had just happened. Something that had been bothering her about the conversation suddenly came to the front of her brain.
Deloris bolted for the office door. She threw the door open. Carol had already walked onto an elevator and was pressing the ground floor button.
"Carol!" Deloris blurted out, "WHO told you Ed wasn't here?"
Carol looked up, startled to hear her name. The elevator doors started to close, but Deloris was sure she was able to make out Carol's response, which she then echoed.
"Miranda!!"
***
Albany - Shaffer Telecommunications Inc.
December 19, 2000
6:00 PM
Ed and Miranda sat in the spacious conference room of Shaffer Telecommunication's Albany offices. The walls of the conference room were a dark walnut paneling which contrasted nicely against the light beige carpeting. Pictures lined the wall - most were of telecommunications equipment: a broadcast tower in one, some electronics equipment in another.
Staring back at them from across the solid walnut conference table were Shaffer's CEO, Paul Shaffer, and his two legal representatives.
Miranda tossed her pen down onto the conference table. The meeting was NOT going well. She couldn't believe it. Everything that they'd been working so hard for in the last ten weeks was falling apart. And why, because the CEO of Shaffer Telecommunications was an idiot.
She looked across the conference table at Ed and saw the same frustration in his face. It was so clear to her that they belonged together. They had the same priorities. The same ambition to succeed - no matter what the cost.
Ed looked back across the conference table at Miranda. 'At this rate ... I'm never going to get back in time to see Carol!' he thought. He ran his hands through his hair, stopping mid way, then leaned forward so that his elbows rested on the conference table.
He groaned.
"Is there a problem, Mr. Stevens?" Shaffer asked.
Ed looked up, considering how to tactfully express his growing frustration at Shaffer and his lawyers' last minute obstinance regarding the merger with Henderson, which was keeping him from being with Carol.
"Yes, Sir. There is. You're lawyers' are idiots," he replied, throwing caution to the wind.
"EXCUSE ME?!!" Shaffer replied, clearly insulted.
Miranda looked on mortified, 'He's blown it. A twenty two million dollar account and he's blown it. I let Pom-Pom Barbie screw with his head too long and now he's completely lost his edge.'
She tried to salvage the situation, "Mr. Shaffer, I'm sure there's been some sort of misunderstanding. My colleague, Mr. Stevens, didn't mean it that way... I'm sure."
"No. I meant it. Every word of it. Mr. Shaffer, your lawyers are idiots. And if you can't see that than I'm afraid you might be an idiot too."
Shaffer's face had turned a bright red, "MR. STEVENS!!! If you think I'm going to stand here and let you insult me ...."
Ed stared back at him coldly, then interrupted him "Of course you're going to let me insult you. And do you know why? Because this is a TWENTY-TWO MILLION DOLLAR DEAL. You want this merger to happen. Henderson wants this merger to happen. That is before you hired the Law Firm of Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum to represent your interests."
In response to Ed's comment, Shaffer's two lawyers sat up smartly. The one on Shaffer's right was a large man. Most likely a former football player who had gone soft from sitting in conference rooms like this for ten hours a day. He tried to hide his girth in expensive suits. His hair was a deep, deep black - the result of too much hair dye to hide the rapidly spreading gray - and slicked back.
The lawyer on Shaffer's left was a direct contrast to his partner. He was a small-framed man, standing just a little over 5' in height with wire-thin brown hair. Also, unlike his partner, his taste in suits seemed inclined more towards off-the-rack brands. But it was his eyes that made Ed nervous. It was difficult to tell if he was looking at you. Ed had finally decided that it was his left eye that he should focus on - his right eye was misaligned, pointed far to the right.
In her mind, Miranda saw her career disappearing in a puff of smoke. She glared at Ed from across the conference table.
"Our client is simply re-negotiating the terms of the ...." one of Shaffer's attorneys began to say, but Ed silenced him.
"Quiet Tweedle Dee!" Ed said sharply. Then he turned to Shaffer. "Mr. Shaffer. You know the economy is beginning a downward turn. You've spent your life building this company. Do you want to see it squashed and then chopped up by some giant multi-media corporation? Or do you want to take a chance and build something even better by joining Henderson? To me, it's a no-brainer." He threw the merger agreement down on the table in front of Shaffer.
Shaffer studied the dark-haired man standing in front of him, intently. His lawyers had told him that Henderson couldn't back out this late into the deal, and that he'd have an advantage and could force additional concessions out of them. But their man, Stevens, looked like he was ready to risk the whole merger by walking right out of the room.
Shaffer looked over at his attorneys. "You're fired," he told them, then added, "Mr. Stevens, tell Mr. Henderson that we have deal."
And he signed the documents.
Miranda found herself staring at Ed from across the conference table. She couldn't believe how COLD, how CALCULATING his negotiation tactics had been.
She *wanted* him.
***
As they were walking back to their rental car, Ed took out his cell-phone and called Mr. Henderson to inform him of Shaffer's acceptance of the merger deal. Miranda watched the conversation, pleased with what she clearly interpreted as Ed's "star on the rise".
"It's all set, Sir. Shaffer signed the agreement and Ms. Van Note and I are on our way back to New York City."
"That's fantastic news, Ed. I want you to know that after I hang up, I'm going to call those two tight-wads you call bosses, and tell them to give you a bonus!"
"Mr. Henderson, that's not necessary." Ed explained, "I'm just doing my job."
"Nonsense," Henderson replied. "A man does exemplary work, he should be recognized for it. If there's anything I can do for you - you just name it."
"Thank you sir, you're more than kind."
"It's nothing. Oh, and Ed?"
"Yes sir?"
"Merry Christmas!"
"Yes, sir. And a Merry Christmas to you too sir!"
***
Ed and Miranda drove their rental car back to the airport. All throughout the trip, Ed was distracted by thoughts of Carol. He wanted so desperately to get back in time to see her and to explain why he had to miss their dinner date. He also wanted to ask her if she wouldn't mind delaying her return trip a day so that they fly back together.
He had decided that he could think of nothing he wanted more in this world than to spend Christmas with Carol. In New York, in Stuckeyville, it didn't matter. So long as they were together. As long as he could hold her in his arms.
Miranda noticed that Ed was distracted during their drive and then later when they were in the airport waiting on their shuttle back to New York, but she thought he was just thinking about how the deal they had helped orchestrate would affect his status at Farmer & Sheehan. After all, that's what she was thinking about.
After what seemed to Ed like days, they began boarding the 8:00 PM shuttle for New York. Although this flight was full, boarding went mercifully quick and the plane taxied for takeoff with only a five-minute delay.
The plane couldn't fly fast enough as far as Ed was concerned.
***
New York City - John F. Kennedy International Airport
December 19, 2000
7:30 PM
Carol sighed and looked at her watch. They would be boarding her flight to Cleveland soon. She looked down at the cell-phone in her hand. She'd put this off long enough, she thought. She dialed Molly's phone number. The phone was answered on the third ring.
"Hello?" Molly said.
"Molls," Carol said, "it's me, Carol?"
"Hey, girlfriend!" Molly exclaimed. "I have been trying to reach you like crazy. Didn't you get my message at the hotel?"
"Um, no," Carol said. "I didn't see the message light flashing. I don't know why. Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, yeah," Molly said. "Of course, I was trying to find out more about you and one Edward Stevens. I can't believe that you two are seeing ..."
"Molly!" Carol interrupted her, "Look I need another favor."
"What," Molly asked, "another diversion?"
"No," Carol said, her voice cracking. "I need you to pick me up at the airport tonight. My flight leaves New York at 8:00 PM and gets in at 9:15 PM. Can you pick me up?"
"Carol," Molly said, "what's going on? You sound like you're about ready to cry? You weren't supposed to be home til tomorrow... Did something happen in..."
"Molly." Carol interrupted her mid-sentence, "I can't do '20 Questions' right now. Can you ... Will you ... pick me up at the airport?"
"Yes, of course I will Carol!" Molly said. "You know that. I'm just worried about you!"
"I'll be fine, Molly," Carol said. She heard the boarding call for her flight. "Look, they're calling my flight. I've got to go. I'll see you later."
"Okay," Molly said dubiously. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'll be fine, Molly," Carol repeated, and hung up the phone. Then as she gathered her carry-on luggage and walked towards the gate, she cast a long last look behind her, then added.
"Someday..."
***
New York City - LaGuardia Airport
December 19, 2000
9:30 PM
To Ed, the flight back to New York had felt like it had taken forever, but according to the pilot, they'd actually landed a few minutes early. Ed had already had his seat belt off and planning his route through the airport crowds, before they'd finished taxiing to the gate. Miranda looked disappointed, all her attempts at conversation on the flight had been shot down. She had even asked Ed if he wanted to go out for a drink - to celebrate their success, but he had declined - oh so politely.
When Miranda asked him about his plans for the evening, he told her rather matter-of-factly that he was in a hurry to get back to the city to see Carol and warn her about Knight Publishing.
"Oh, right. Yes. Of course. I had completely forgotten about that," she lied.
Ed walked quickly through the airport, headed for the taxi stand. He took out his cell phone out and tried calling Carol's cell phone. No answer. Then he decided to just go over to Carol's hotel and try to find her. He took the first available cab, giving the driver the address of the DoubleTree Hotel ...
... and a promise of a $50 tip, if he could make it there in twenty minutes or less.
The cab driver just smiled and told Ed to fasten his seat belt.
True to his word, eighteen and one half minutes after Ed had fastened his seat-belt, the cab deposited him on the sidewalk in front of the DoubleTree Hotel.
Ed settled up with the driver (including the promised tip) and quickly dashed inside. He walked quickly over to the elevators and rode up to the fourth floor, tapping his foot impatiently at its apparent lack of speed.
When the doors opened he bolted to Room 426 and knocked on the door, but there was no answer. He tried again, only this time knocking louder and calling Carol's name. Still nothing.
Ed debated trying a third time, but conceded that Carol must not be in her room. With a heavy sigh, he walked back to the elevators and down to the lobby. As he was crossing the lobby he heard someone call his name, "Excuse me, Mr. Stevens?"
He turned around to find the older woman he had met Thursday night when he had come to take Carol out for their first night of sightseeing. The woman called his name aloud again, and waved at him.
Ed waved back and began walking towards her. She was standing near the Concierge's desk with an older, white haired gentleman, whom Ed thought was most likely her husband.
"Hello," Ed said. "You know, I never did get your name"
The woman smiled at him and said, "I'm Winifred and this is my husband, Thomas. Duffy." Thomas Duffy offered his hand, which Ed took. Ed was surprised that Thomas had such a firm grip, considering he must be in his late 70s, at least. Ed scanned the lobby for any sign of Carol.
"Mr. Stevens," Winifred said, "I wanted to thank you."
"For what," Ed asked distractedly. He scanned the lobby again.
"For your business card," she replied. "When I asked to speak to Philip Croft at Tad's and showed him your card, he... Well, he treated us like royalty!"
"It was a wonderful evening," Thomas said. "Thank you so very much."
Ed smiled half-heartedly, and scanned the lobby for a third time.
"Mr. Stevens," Winifred said, "are you looking for someone?"
"Please, call me Ed," he said. "And yes, I'm looking for the woman I was with the other night. You haven't seen her by any chance, have you?"
"Oh, dear," Winifred said as she covered her mouth with her hand, "I was afraid of that." Suddenly, Winifred had Ed's undivided attention. She looked up into those blue eyes and saw the concern and pain etched there. She sighed.
"I...I saw the young lady this afternoon," Winifred began. "I was just returning from a short walk when I ran into her. I asked her to thank you for me, but she said she wouldn't be able to. Which I didn't understand. Anyway, she was checking out. She had her bags and was heading for the exit. I told her to have a pleasant trip, but she looked at me sadly and said, 'I'll try' - it almost broke my heart. Then she was gone."
Ed stood there stunned. Carol had gone? But why? Had something happened at home? Was someone sick? A thousand thoughts raced through his head. None of them good.
The Duffy's stood there in silence. Unsure of what to say, or even if they should say anything. Finally Winifred placed her hand on Ed's arm, startling him, and said "Mr. Stevens...Ed. When you see that young woman again you mind her of what I said. That if you have love, everything else will fall into place."
Thomas Duffy nodded his head in agreement.
"I'll..." Ed started to say before his voice broke, "I'll do that. Thank you."
The older couple moved off, leaving Ed's mind racing.
Ed stood there in silently for several minutes. Then he remembered - Carol's contract! If she had left early, what happened with Knight Publishing? Had she signed the contract?
Ed rushed out of the hotel and walked quickly along the street. He would have broken into a run, but figured that would have generated too much unwanted attention. He reached his office building and went inside.
As he half-ran towards the elevators, the guard at the first floor station grabbed his clipboard and moved out from behind his desk to intercept him. Probably to make him sign in. However, one look from Ed told him that the dark-haired lawyer had no time for such trivialities, and so he waved him on.
Ed rode the elevator up to the 33rd floor, mentally willing it to go faster. When the elevator stopped, Ed rushed out before the doors had fully opened. He pulled out his keys and let himself into the Firm's offices. Then sprinted to his own private office, and unlocked that door.
He'd no sooner stepped beyond the doorway when he was stopped cold.
The contract was gone from his credenza! 'Oh, no!' Ed thought. 'I hope Carol didn't sign that damn thing!'
It was then that Ed saw the white envelope lying in the middle of his desk, placed very carefully in the center of the blotter. He walked over slowly. Both wanting and not wanting to open it at the same time. As he got closer, he could make out his name written on the envelope. At first he didn't recognize the handwriting, but then realized it was Carol's. He had only seen her handwriting a couple of times.
He picked up the envelope carefully and turned it over. For some reason, he was filled with an intense dread. With a deep, centering breath, he took the letter opener from his desk and slit the envelope down the side. He pressed the envelope's top and bottom and slid a single sheet of paper out.
He carefully placed the envelope on the desk and stared at the folded paper for several moments. Then slowly, he unfolded the paper. It was a single sheet of paper with the DoubleTree name and logo on the top - something that must have been in Carol's room.
He read the words, his face - but most especially his eyes - getting sadder and sadder. He reread the note several times, not believing his eyes.
'Dearest Ed'
'I'm sorry to do this in this fashion, but I could never face you like this. You have shown me so much more than the sights here in New York City. You have touched me like no one else ever has.'
'But this can't...won't work. I'm leaving for Stuckeyville tonight and I need you to promise not to follow. This is for the best. For you. For me. I'm sorry.'
"Love, Carol.'
'Why would she do this?' he thought as his shoulders sagged and he sank into his chair. He shook his head, then tried to rub the newly forming tears from his eyes. Unsuccessful, he laid the letter down on the desk, gently and turned his chair towards the window.
He stayed there, not moving, and cried softly for a long, long time.
***
Cleveland, Ohio - Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
December 19, 2000
9:30 PM
The flight had gone well, not that Carol had noticed. The plane was only partially booked and Carol had happened to have a row to herself in the back where none of the other passengers could really see her.
The flight attendants had noticed her sadness, silent tears running down her face at random intervals. They had tried to help, but nothing they did seemed console her. They finally just let her be.
Carol was the last to get off the plane - almost as if by delaying her exit, she could delay the beginning of the rest of her life without Ed. She rubbed her eyes and fought back fresh tears at the thought of him. The flight attendants looked at her sadly and wished her a Merry Christmas.
Carol, still in a daze, just nodded.
She wandered to the baggage claim area. The other people waiting for their luggage gave her space. When she went for the first of her bags, a middle- aged man stepped in and pulled the large suitcase off the conveyor belt for her. He placed it on the floor next to her, not saying a word.
When he saw a second suitcase identical to the first, he looked at her questioningly. She nodded and he retrieved the second bag. She managed a quiet, "Thank you." The man just nodded and walked off to get his own bags.
Carol gathered her things and made her way out of the airport. Once outside, she looking around for Molly - finding her parked not far from the entrance to the terminal. When she saw Carol, Molly waved at her and started walking towards her. Carol, in turn, started towards Molly. Hesitantly at first, then as the two drew closer to one another, Carol dropped her bags and began to run, throwing herself into Molly's arms and sobbing uncontrollably.