Disclaim any and all recognizable traits, features, characters, and settings recognizable in any way shape or form. This story and others in my collection are merely a way of showcasing my love for the genre, show, and all that may or may not lay in between those verified lines. Reviews are always appreciated and greatly welcomed in all forms as long as they prove to provide actual assistance in furthering the story's potential in every way possible. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read and, hopefully, review.
Believe in Me
Head held high, purse in the hook of her arm, Audrey Hardy knocks swiftly upon the door of her son, that same wickedly sweet smile upon her face that she always sports when visiting her son and his family. From the look of things, they were preparing for a night out, possibly a dinner with friends or something of that caliber. She could tell because her granddaughter, Sarah, could been seen standing in front of the hallway mirror checking her makeup for what she assumes is the umpteenth time in the last hour.
"Mother." her son, Jeff, greets her in surprise, reaching out to take her purse from her and hang it on the hook by the door. "I wasn't aware it was that time of the year already. You should have called. I would have picked you up at the airport had I known you'd be flying in."
"I was going more for the surprise approach." Audrey says simply, taking in the home before meeting her son's eyes. "Where's the rest of the family?"
"They're getting ready for dinner at the Quartermaine's." Jeff informs her as he guides her into the kitchen for some tea. "Like you requested, we've kept to the traditions in regard to the monthly dinners, mother."
"Glad to see you still know how to honor my wishes." Audrey voices, unable to hide the slight venom in her words.
"You've been speaking to Elizabeth again, haven't you?"
"We had lunch." Audrey says matter-of-factly. "How many times must I tell you that the dining table is no place for ulterior motives? Everyone deserves to enjoy their meals without added pressure of the future."
"Carolyn is just worried..."
"Do you remember when your father would leave college brochures in every possible place in the house?" Audrey reminds her son. "Do you recall just how upset you had been when he managed to get them into your locker at school?"
"It was suffocating." he admits. "But that is not what's happening here."
"Isn't it?" Audrey counters simply. "That girl is not made for the medical field, Jeff. I believe its about time you and your wife accept that."
"Art is not a secure career to enter into."
"Elizabeth has enough raw talent to make it far in the art industry." Audrey defends her granddaughter. "With a few good lessons here and there, a couple summers in Italy, and she'll be talented enough to rival any da Vinci or Picasso the world has to offer."
"Don't you think you're being a little biased, mother?" Jeff counters, finishing his tea in one gulp. "She has talent, sure..."
"Have a little faith in your daughter, Jeff." Audrey says seriously. "That's all she needs."
"Very well, mother." Jeff voices after a long moment of ponder. "I'll give her one month. If she can prove to me within that time that this art career of hers is actually going somewhere, I'll support her from here on out."
"Six months."
"Three." Jeff counters. "And that's as high as I'm going."
Audrey had been banking on him going as high as one month when she had set out to have this conversation with him, thoroughly surprised that he had caved even a little on the topic, almost certain that Elizabeth had a hand in wearing him down. Smiling softly, she holds out her hand, shaking her son's to seal the deal. Swearing that he better not go back on his promise or she'll personally fly back with the sole purpose of ripping him a new one.
"Audrey?" Carolyn voices from the threshold of the kitchen. "Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise."
"Carolyn." Audrey says in greeting. "I was just having a few words with my son before we head off to the Quartermaine estate."
"You're...you're coming?" Carolyn looks at her in surprise. "Isn't there anything more important for you to do?"
"Not at the moment." Audrey smiles simply. "But do feel free to remain home, if that's what you wish to do. You're looking a little on the pale side."
"I'm fine." Carolyn states through gritted teeth, the ever polite smile on her face. "Thank you for your concern, but I will be going to the dinner."
"If that's what you wish to do." Audrey replies before turning to her son. "I assume I'll be riding with you to the dinner?"
"Of course, mother." Jeff voices, completely ignoring the irritation clear on his wife's face. "Carolyn will sit with the kids in the backseat."
"Splendid." Audrey smiles that cheeky smile before turning to Carolyn. "You don't mind, do you?"
"Of course not, Audrey." Carolyn says as polite as she can manage, her smile starting to falter. "It'll be nice to have you come along."
It wouldn't be much longer before the family is in the vehicle and on their way to the Quartermaine estate. Steven seemed to be the only other person truly glad that she was able to return. In spite of his parents constantly telling him to ease up on the questions, she and Steven continue to go back and forth until they arrive at the estate.
"Audrey!" Monica practically exclaims when she pulls open the door, quickly pulling the elder woman into her arms for a warm embrace. "I had heard rumors of your return, but I hadn't believed it."
"This town is known for its gossip." Audrey agrees, pulling away to look at Monica. "As beautiful as always, my dear."
"You're too sweet." Monica smiles brightly, knowing that she was due for another hair appointment to hide the grey beginning to pop up at her roots. "Come, come. Lila has already situated herself at the table."
The rest of the family, all but forgotten, Monica escorts Audrey into the dining room, ordering the kitchen staff to put out an extra setting for their guest of honor. Immediately, Monica could see the difference in Lila as Audrey takes a seat beside her, the two ladies quickly diving into the thick of it as they try to catch each other up on the last two years.
Finally attending to the others, Monica escorts the rest of them to the family room to await the start of dinner, the rest of her family already neck deep in one of their familial debates to truly welcome the guests. As far as Carolyn was concerned, this was turning out to be one of the worst dinners spent that place to date.
"Your granddaughter is a rather resourceful young lady." Lila assures Audrey. "I'm certain she'll be able to prove her worth beyond a shadow of a doubt."
"So is that grandson of yours." Audrey repays the compliment. "Between those two, the world is most definitely their oyster."
"Kind of reminds me of us at our prime." Lila agrees. "If only the rest of our boneheaded families could see that."
"Don't be silly, my dear, Lila." Audrey chuckles softly, gently taking the other woman's hand in hers. "We are still, very much, at our prime."
"When you're right, you're right." Lila smiles placing her free hand over their joint hands. "It truly is refreshing to have you back, Audrey, for however long it lasts."
"Its good to be back." Audrey assures wholeheartedly. "I have missed you dearly."
"Oh, Audrey, you have no idea."