TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS
Her World
It had been a difficult three months for Della. It had taken that long to prove their client innocent and find the true murderer.
In between there was the usual business of contracts, depositions and mail. Early mornings and even later nights. Cold sandwiches and cold coffee. Short naps taken on the office couch waiting for Perry to come back from wherever he had gone to find new clues. Even though he instructed her to go home, she waited…just in case.
And of course the damsels in distress. One damsel in particular. Laura Cavanagh.
Oh, how Della detested that woman. Always the professional, she turned on her smile and polite voice, only to be dismissed by the haughty woman like yesterday's trash.
What Perry saw in that…witch…she couldn't understand. Although the past few visits had been brief and the last of these had resulted in considerable loud yelling. Laura had left holding a handkerchief to her eyes, dabbing at crocodile tears.
It had resulted in an unexpected invitation from Perry. A lawyer's conference was taking place at the prestigious Hotel Del Coronado. It was to be a weekend affair with a formal dance on Saturday night.
At first she had been reluctant, knowing she was a second choice. But Perry had assured her that was not the case. He had even told her to use his private account to buy a new dress for the dance. But Della refused, saying that was not necessary. He didn't understand that Della was not sure it was proper under the circumstances.
Instead she had called a friend, Janet Brent, and asked if she could borrow a dress. Janet had also provided accessories, including jewelry so that Della was sure to be prepared.
Now as she finished packing, she still wondered if she was making a mistake. In the two years she had worked for Perry, there were late dinners, a few dances. But this was different. This was….
Oh, who was she kidding. She was in love with her boss. But she didn't belong in his world.
His World
It had been a difficult three months for Perry. It had taken that long to prove their client innocent and find the true murderer.
In between there was the usual business of contracts, depositions and mail. Early mornings and even later nights. Cold sandwiches and cold coffee. Short naps taken with his head on his desk. Then out with Paul, chasing down clues, coming back to find Della asleep on the office couch. Even though he instructed her to go home, she waited…just in case.
He felt so guilty about everything he was putting her through, even though she didn't seem to mind. He knew when things calmed down, he needed to do something special for her.
And of course. With everything else going on, there was Laura. He tried to keep her visits to a minimum, knowing how she upset Della.
Laura's last visit had erupted into a shouting match, angry accusations and crocodile tears, leaving Perry exhausted and exasperated. He knew that his time with her was finally over. If he had to admit it, things had been over for some time but he kept up pretenses for his own ego.
And it was that same ego that prompted him to ask Della to accompany him to the lawyers conference. He wasn't about to face his peers alone. It wasn't until she refused his offer to buy her a new dress that he realized he may have made a mistake.
For the two years Della had worked for him, they had shared late dinners together and even shared a few dances. But they were always very circumspect and usually in the company of Paul.
Now they would be alone, in a hotel. Granted in separate rooms, but she was still his secretary. People would talk and…
Oh, who was he kidding…he was in love with his secretary. But they were worlds apart.
Her World
The drive from Los Angeles down to Coronado on Friday had been wonderful. Perry had put the top down on the car and picked a route that gave them perfect views of the ocean.
Della had managed to find a radio station that played some of her favorite songs. Several times Perry had chuckled when he caught her singing along causing her to blush deeply.
When they finally reached the hotel, Della could only stare open mouthed at the beautiful structure. Perry chuckled and took her arm to escort her into the lobby. After he had checked them in and they were shown to their rooms, Perry suggested she relax before dinner.
Della's suite had a beautiful view of the beach and ocean. There was a king-size bed and a small sitting area with a balcony. The French doors had been opened to let in the sea breeze.
She stood on the balcony, her head thrown back and eyes closed. She thought how wonderful Perry was. He was kind, considerate, everything any woman could want in a man. Everything she could want, if she wasn't just his secretary.
His World
Perry stepped out onto the balcony of his suite. For a moment he forgot to breathe. Della was standing on the adjoining balcony, her head thrown back exposing her delightfully slender neck. The delicate flowered sundress clung to her body, falling just above her knees. Her bare feet exposed perfect painted nails.
She was so beautiful. But her beauty came from the inside as well. Bright, funny, caring but also intuitive and smart. She brought order to his chaotic life and business. She was everything a man could ask for in a woman. And she was his secretary.
Their World
Perry triple checked his appearance in the mirror. The black tuxedo fit his large frame perfectly. He had made sure that everything would be to his exact specifications. Once again he checked the mirror, then headed out the door.
He knocked on Della's door, nervously twisting his hands, waiting. When she opened the door, Perry couldn't keep his mouth from falling open.
The deep purple satin dress fell in graceful folds from her tiny waist to the floor. Lavender chiffon crisscrossed the bodice, up across her shoulders, trailing down the back to float out behind when she moved. Her hair was swept back in a mass of curls showing off the diamond and amethyst choker around her neck. Matching earrings sparkled in her ears.
"Hello, Mr. Mason."
Perry stood still, just staring. Della suddenly panicked, thinking something was wrong with the way she was dressed.
"Perry? Is something wrong?" Her voice cracked.
"Della." He said her name almost as if he were saying a prayer.
He had never seen her dressed like this. Of course she was always the epitome of class in the office. But now…
"Miss Street you are absolutely beautiful."
"Thank you. I was a little afraid I was…"
Perry finally stepped into the room, taking her hands in his.
"Della, please believe me when I say you are perfect. I am going to be the luckiest, most envied man at the dance."
Della blushed deeply at the compliment and lowered her head. Perry placed his finger under her chin and lifted her face.
"Please don't be shy Della. I always tell the truth. Now if you're ready, shall we go."
Offering her his arm, they walked together towards the ballroom.
Their World
Perry felt like a king and Della was definitely his queen. She enchanted everyone she met, able to join any conversation and make the person or group feel like they were the most important in the room. Even the women, who at first showed their jealous side, were soon charmed by the beauty.
At dinner they were seated with Hamilton Burger and the Assistant DA and two other couples from upstate California. Perry simply sat back, amazed at his girl's grace and charm. His girl! What a thought.
With dinner finished, the orchestra started to play, and a pretty female singer took the mike. Perry immediately stood, offering his hand to Della. She blushed and put her delicate hand in his.
Two different worlds
We live in two different worlds
For we've been told
that a love like ours
Could never be
Perry held her close as he moved smoothly around the floor. She matched him at every step and turn, her eyes never leaving his.
So far apart
They say we're so far apart
And that we haven't the right
To change our destiny
So wrapped up in each other, they didn't notice the envious looks from the other dancers.
When will they learn
That a heart doesn't draw a line
Nothing matters if I am yours
And you are mine
Without even thinking, the words left Perry's mouth. "You're mine."
Two different worlds
We live in two different worlds
But we will show them
As we walk together in the sun
That our two different worlds are one
He bent his head and placed a whisper of a kiss to her lips.
"Della, I'm…"
"Perry, don't you dare say it," she returned his kiss, "I love you."
Perry's heart felt as if it would burst. "And I love you, my darling Della."
Two different worlds
We live in two different worlds
But we will show them
As we walk together in the sun
That our two different worlds are one