A Modern Day Persuasion (19 page)

“Sorry, I won’t be able to go. I’m meeting my former school teacher,” Anne said matter-of-factly as she artfully applied the finishing tugs to his tie.

Perturbed at this news, Walter checked the finished product in the mirror. Anne could tell by his expression that he wasn’t going to let her refusal drop. He wanted her there, and couldn’t understand why Anne would stick with her prior plans when a celebrity movie premiere was dangling within her grasp.

Turning to his daughter with exasperation, he put his hands on Anne’s arms. “Come now, we are talking Missy Dee here! You don’t know how fortunate you are to be related to her. Can’t you see whoever this person is tomorrow?” Hearing Elizabeth’s footsteps on the stairs, Walter grabbed his dinner jacket and began to pull it on. “Who is it anyway? Do I know them?” her father asked, his voice rankled with irritation.

“Her name is Mrs. Smith, and I don’t think so, since you never came to any of my school functions.” Anne didn’t bother looking up to observe her dad’s expression at this cutting comment. “I’ve already committed myself and don’t want to disappoint her,” she finished, Anne’s tone expressing her unwavering stance.

“How important could this person be in comparison to Missy?” Mr. Elliot whined. “I can’t believe you’d rather see some boring, old school teacher named ‘Mrs. Smith’—a
nobody
—than to hob-knob with celebrities!” Her father’s voice rose along with his disbelief.

Anne didn’t care for her dad’s prejudice, nor did she think it was kind to trivialize and demean her kind-hearted teacher. Unwilling to back down, Anne began defending her decision. “First off, she’s not boring, and as far as—”

“Dad!” Elizabeth chastised as she entered the foyer, interrupting Anne. “Please! Can’t you play catch-up some other time?!”

As her sister turned the corner, she came in view of Anne and noticed the new look. Elizabeth’s expression showed she did not share in her father’s approval of Anne’s transformation. “Well, well. It’s been a while since you took such pains with your appearance. Are you sure it’s not a ‘Mister’ Smith you’re meeting?” she asked snidely.

Anne was about to object when her father cut in sternly, “Anne’s not one to lie, Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes with frustration, pointing to the clock. “Um, Dad, we need to leave now!”

Not bothering to wait for a response, Elizabeth stormed out of the house. Walter studied Anne for a moment, almost as if attempting to see if there was truly any Elliot blood inside of her. Anne looked away, feeling like the black sheep of the family. She knew she’d never quite fit in, but still, Anne had always sought her father’s approval regardless of the outcome. To Anne’s ongoing disappointment, her dad sent one more disapproving look in her direction before leaving. Anne was left by herself in the empty room, reflecting how just fifteen minutes earlier she had been happy and feeling confident—but now Anne felt alone and wanted to cry. She hoped that a dose of her old school teacher would be the cure to turn things around.

Chapter 36

“Anne!” Jane Smith exclaimed, beaming with delight from her bed at seeing Anne enter the dimly-lit assisted-living apartment.

Anne was touched by the warm greeting, and secretly, it was all that she’d hoped for. Jane had always been a bright spot in her past, having taken Anne under her wing during some of the most difficult trials in her life.

Jane’s caregiver was combing the patient’s hair and greeted her charge’s guest with a friendly grin. Anne smiled at both, but with tenderness towards Jane as she moved to her side, sitting in the empty chair next to the bed.

Jane Smith had been such an encouragement and mentor to Anne after her mother’s death. This dear teacher knew firsthand what it meant to lose a parent. Jane also had experienced the loss of her own mother at a young age and was able to recognize the emptiness and fear in Anne. The two had remained close since Anne’s sophomore year at high school.

“Oh, Anne! I am so happy to see you!” continued Mrs. Smith, tenderly stroking Anne’s cheek with her weathered hand. “Look at you! You’re so beautiful!”

Anne smiled kindly, blushing as she did so. She took Jane’s hand and held it in her own. “And how are you?” Anne asked, “Is everything alright?”

The death of Jane’s husband and her present sickness had taken a toll on this dear lady’s appearance. Anne couldn’t help but notice that Mrs. Smith had aged significantly since she’d last seen her. However, Jane’s graying hair and weatherbeaten skin couldn’t diminish her still bright and lively eyes. The elderly lady’s smile transformed her face, allowing Anne a glimpse of the woman’s former beauty.

Jane shrugged her shoulders. “As well as can be expected…considering the doctor said I must stay confined to my bed. I told Nurse Rooke I feel like a hostage!” Jane winked at her caregiver and Nurse Rooke chuckled. “But then again, I couldn’t get up and walk out of here even if I was allowed to,” she continued. “Still, I am quite content. I won’t say it doesn’t become discouraging at times, but I try to always look at the positive.”

Jane’s eyes illuminated with an inner happiness and contentment that was hard to explain. Anne’s admiration for her friend grew. She only hoped that if placed in similar circumstances, she could emit the same joy as Jane.

The old teacher squeezed Anne’s hand, and then sent her a playful look. “Besides, who needs to go out and about when Nurse Rooke brings me all the entertainment I need.”

“And what would that be?” Anne asked in curiosity.

“Delicious gossip!” Jane said, sharing an inside chuckle with Nurse Rooke. The two ladies’ enjoyment was contagious, and Anne found herself laughing.

“Is that so? Let me guess…” Anne said, baiting them on. “…that ‘Harold’ in room 313 is getting a colonoscopy?”

The three of them shared another laugh, but once the merriment died down somewhat Jane answered, “Oh, you’d be surprised! In fact,” Jane directed a look at Nurse Rooke conspiratorially, “How about supplying my young friend here with a little something concerning herself?”

At this announcement, Anne sat in confusion. Nurse Rooke shifted in her seat with newfound importance, “Certainly. Well, I just happen to know…” she paused for effect,
“…that a certain young man named Will Elliot thinks very highly of you,” Nurse Rooke said triumphantly.

Anne stared with disbelief. They had to be joking! Since she hadn’t lived in California very long, who at a hospital would be talking about her? “Where on earth did you hear that?” she asked, not sure whether to laugh or feel alarmed.

Motioning for Anne to remain calm, Nurse Rooke explained, “It’s all because of my other job. You see, Mr. Wallis and Will Elliot are tennis partners.”

Apparently Nurse Rooke thought this explanation to be enough, but Anne was still much in the dark. She couldn’t make the connection.
How could Nurse Rooke’s work be connected with that?

Realizing the confusion, Nurse Rooke continued, “Mrs. Wallis just had a baby, and I help out with the family on Wednesdays. Anyways, Mrs. Wallis told me that Mr. Wallis said that Will said—”

“You can stop! I’m convinced!” Anne interrupted her, scrunching her face in disbelief and rolling her eyes. She glanced between the two chuckling conspirators. With both of them being so entertaining, Anne knew she was going to enjoy herself immensely the rest of the evening. Resting back into her seat, Anne was glad she had stood her ground and not been persuaded to join her family at the movie premiere. No way would she be having as much fun as this.

Chapter 37

Since settling in Napa Valley with her family, Anne had established a comfortable, if not boring routine. She filled her days mostly by working on card designs, occasional visits to the hospital to see Jane, running errands, cooking and participating in family activities. Her life wasn’t exciting, but Anne was comfortable.

That particular morning she felt especially productive. Having already picked up their family’s weekly groceries and returned the movie for her sister, Anne was now completing the final errand on her list. Leaving the post office with a stack of mail in her hand, Anne began to casually flip through the letters as she made her way down the sidewalk. There was one addressed to her from Mary, a couple of bills and some junk mail, but the last one caught Anne’s interest. It was an envelope bearing the Hallmark crest and name. She quickly opened it. Anne had been waiting anxiously the past few weeks for a reply concerning the portfolio she submitted at their request. Anne hoped beyond hope that Hallmark deemed her designs worthy enough to bring her on board and showcase her original concepts. Anne quickly scanned the printed letter.

Dear Ms. Elliot:

After careful consideration of your submitted portfolio, Hallmark is pleased to offer you your own signature line…

Elated, Anne didn’t bother reading the rest of the letter just then. Instead, she stuffed the remainder of the mail into her bag and reached for her cell phone. Anne excitedly dialed Carol’s number and listened as the rings sounded. She tried to calm herself, unsure how to relate the news to Carol without first letting out an enthusiastic shriek. Carol was Anne’s core supporter and firmly believed her god-daughter’s work deserved recognition. Anne knew Carol would want to share in this wonderful news. After several rings though, Anne’s spirits were dampened when only a voice message greeting clicked on. Ending the call, Anne sighed as she put the phone back into her purse, deciding to try again later.

A little frustrated at having to keep this exciting news to herself for the time being, Anne continued down the lonesome street, wishing she had someone to talk with. Rounding the corner to where her car was housed in a parking garage, Anne almost collided with an elderly man. To her surprise, it was Cedric Croft! Of all people, Anne would never have expected to see him, and this left her momentarily speechless. Finally, she blurted out, “Admiral Croft?”

Getting a good look at her for the first time, he cracked a smile. “Why, Anne!” he said with obvious joy at seeing her. “How are you?”

“I’m fine.” Then with a giant grin she continued, “Actually, I’m better than fine. I just found out Hallmark accepted my designs for their spring collection!”

“Anne, that’s wonderful!” exclaimed Admiral Croft. “I’m happy for you.”

Anne could see from his demeanor that he genuinely meant it. “Thank you!” she smiled, taking his extended hand with congratulations. She silently also thanked God for providing
someone to share her good news with. “What brings you to the Valley?” Anne asked, trying to connect the dots as to how he got there.

“Oh…Mrs. Croft and I desired to do some exploring in California and Rick recommended the Napa area.”

“Well, I’m very glad to see you!” Anne said, readjusting her purse on her shoulder. It felt like a heavy weight now that the excitement of the Hallmark news was wearing off.

“Which way are you headed?” Cedric asked, looking in both directions to see if he had neglected any companions Anne might have with her.

“Um…this way,” Anne motioned, and the two began walking together. Turning to look at the Admiral as they continued down the street, Anne asked, “Any news about Louise? Is she any better?” She had heard through Mary that Mrs. Musgrove and Mrs. Croft had become close friends through the incident.

“Oh, very much so,” he answered to Anne’s satisfaction, but then added, “In fact, she’s gotten engaged to be married.”

Anne instantly froze, fear seizing her heart.

Admiral Croft stopped in accord and looked at her oddly. “Are you okay, dear?” he asked.

Forcing her legs to move again, Anne nodded but couldn’t recreate the smile which had been beaming on her face moments before. Thankfully, the Admiral didn’t notice.

“If you recall, I once thought she would do well for Rick,” he continued, oblivious to the change in Anne’s behavior as she walked awkwardly next to him. “Well, it seems that during her recovery she and Ben fell in love instead.”

Anne’s throat caught. She felt like simultaneously laughing and crying as relief flooded her heart. So many thoughts raced through her mind while her face flushed and the beaming smile returned. “Engaged to Ben?” Anne asked, flabbergasted. “But they are so different!”

“Yes, but you know the old saying that opposites attract, though apparently Ben and Louise do have
one
thing in common,” Cedric said with a twinkle in his eye.

Anne took the bait. “And what is that?”

“They each share a love of poetry, which probably helped to fuel the romance.” Admiral Croft smiled cheekily.

“So poetry paved the way!” exclaimed Anne.

The Admiral nodded and Anne laughed, taking his proffered arm and guiding him through the parking garage’s entrance.

“I would never have guessed!” she said, still quite a bit in shock.

“Me, neither,” confessed the Admiral. “Rick is taking it very well though. To hear him speak, you’d never think he was interested in her romantically at all. Well, guess the poor boy will have to start all over again.”

Anne pondered over the Admiral’s words.
Could it be possible that Rick wasn’t in love with Louise
?
That maybe, just maybe…his feelings for me have been reawakened
? Scoffing at herself, Anne considered how easily her imagination ran wild with silly dreams of a future existing between herself and Rick. Who was she kidding? Just because Rick didn’t want Louise, didn’t necessarily mean he wanted to be with her! Otherwise, why hadn’t he pursued the relationship upon seeing her again—nor did it explain why Rick allowed all those years to go by without a word.
Don’t be stupid
! Severely scolding herself, she pushed away these foolhardy thoughts from her mind, determined to focus on enjoying the rest of her walk with the Admiral.