Between Land and Sea (20 page)

Chapter 38

Barbara looked forward to seeing Kendra and Gillian. It would be wonderful to relax and not worry about leaking any information about the kingdom. The workweek dragged and she was happy when Friday finally arrived. She drove to Hamilton and presented a workshop on
Welcoming Change
to a large group of administrative assistants, many of whom were facing retirement within a few years. The workshop was well received and some of the women lingered to speak with Barbara afterward.

When Barbara finally got on the road, she groaned in frustration. A winter storm had blanketed the area with snow and she faced a slow commute back to Toronto. She glanced at her watch and sighed. She would be late, very late, for her dinner with Kendra and Gillian.

She pulled over to the side of the road and called Kendra. Barbara was relieved when Kendra answered after a few rings. She described the weather situation.

“Not to worry,” Kendra said. “I just finished talking with Gillian. Her flight was cancelled, and she won’t be coming until tomorrow morning. One of the other presenters is probably stuck on the same highway as you, so I will be pitching in for her tonight.” She continued calmly. “It is not to be. I suggest you take your time and when you arrive in the city, go to your place. I’ll call you tomorrow morning. Now, I must go. The next session is about to start.”

Barbara was not surprised by Kendra’s calm and accepting manner. She slowly relaxed and actually enjoyed the rest of her ride home. She played a few of her Enya CDs and occasionally listened to the latest weather updates on the radio. She munched on trail mix and ate an apple. She no longer feared the inclement weather and wondered if Kendra had quietly blessed her and wished her a safe and pleasant journey.

Barbara woke up to a beautiful Saturday.
How typical of this Canadian weather
. It would storm and rage for hours, but on the next day, a peaceful calm would descend. As she listened to the weather forecast, she was happy to hear that unusually warm temperatures were expected.

She dressed very carefully, paying extra attention to her hair and makeup. She decided to wear Kendra’s mauve leather jacket and printed scarf. Underneath, she wore her winter white wool pants and a cream-colored sweater. She added gold hoop earrings with matching bangles. It was a fresh look, well suited to this first burst of spring-like weather. She mentally thanked Elaine for all her advice during their shopping expeditions. She now knew how to dress appropriately for all situations while sticking to a budget.

It was mid morning and Kendra still had not called. Barbara debated calling, as she did not want to appear too anxious. As she searched in her purse for Gillian’s phone number, her phone rang, and Barbara was pleased to see Kendra’s number on call display.

“Good morning, Barbara. Gillian just arrived. I thought it would be a good idea to meet here at the Chelsea for lunch. Come around whenever you’re ready. And afterward, well, we’ll see.” She laughed and hung up the phone.

Barbara shook her head in amazement. She was not used to this haphazard way of living. She would have planned a more structured day, but Kendra was different. Were all Inas like her? Barbara tried to recall her dealings with other Inas, but she couldn’t remember any of them. In the Mermaid kingdom, she had associated only with mermaids that Annabella handpicked as suitable companions.

As she drove to the Chelsea, she thought of Leanna and Rosanna, her closest mermaid friends. She smiled as she recalled their outings to Malta, especially on that fateful evening in early September. While frolicking near the shore, the three young mermaids laughed and sang under the darkening Mediterranean sky. A lone man appeared, at first angry to find that he was not alone on the deserted shore. He was staying at a nearby resort and wanted time alone to think about his recent divorce. But he didn’t stay angry for long. Eventually, his features softened and he joined in their laughter. He spoke in English and the mermaids quickly adopted the nuances of his language.

He teased and flirted with all of them, but gradually his attention focused only on Isabella. Leanna and Rosanna left discreetly, and Isabella boldly asked the man for his name.

“Andrew. Andrew Bradley III.” He smiled, displaying a perfect set of teeth.

Isabella’s heart fluttered as she stole glances at his features. In the moonlight, he appeared striking with dark, wavy hair and soulful brown eyes. He was the first human male she had ever encountered, and she thought he was beautiful.

“And what is your name?” he asked.

“Isabella.”

“A beautiful name for a beautiful mermaid.”

Annabella was away at the time, dealing with squabbles at the eastern end of the kingdom. During that period, Isabella met with Andrew each night. She found out about his newly divorced status and the loneliness that engulfed him. He wanted a companion. He wanted her.

When Annabella returned, she was furious at Isabella. Her eyes blazed as she delivered her scathing remarks. “You are your mother’s daughter, through and through. Thoughtless. Vain. Inconsiderate. Flighty. Totally Useless. I have wasted too much time of my life on both of you. And this is how you thank me?”

Her eyes brimmed with tears. “I’m so sorry.”

“Sorry doesn’t cut it, Isabella! You are the last of the Bellas. Do you know what giving up your tail means?” She held up her hand as she took a deep breath. “It means that someday, dear Isabella, someone less worthy will assume leadership of this tribe.” She exhaled and then turned her back on Isabella.

Later, Annabella met with Andrew and spoke with him privately.

Barbara’s thoughts returned to the present. She shook her head and tried to dismiss the disturbing thoughts of the past. How strange. She hadn’t thought of Andrew since he left her, but this morning he was so vivid, so close to her.

She parked the car at a nearby parking lot and walked to the Chelsea. In the lobby, she asked for directions and headed toward the restaurant. The hostess smiled and welcomed her. “A table for one?”

“No, I’m meeting two friends.” Her eyes wandered through the restaurant and she caught sight of Gillian’s waving arm. She headed toward the table.

Gillian got up and embraced her. Barbara turned to look at an amused Kendra. The older woman had remained seated as she watched them. Barbara returned her gaze and found herself drawn into Kendra’s compelling blue eyes and beautiful skin. She was amazed at its luster and the absence of any wrinkles. Her long, multi-streaked hair had been tossed into an untidy bun and she wore a light, gauzy outfit in varying shades of blue.

The three women appraised each other’s appearance.

Gillian spoke first. “You’re looking great, Barbara. Your new life definitely suits you.”

Kendra added, “And you’re looking very well, Gillian. More rested, less frantic.”

Barbara took a closer look at Gillian. While Gillian did not look as dramatic as before, she exuded more confidence and actually appeared younger. She was wearing blue jeans with a pale blue sweater and a caramel leather jacket.

The waitress arrived and the women turned their attention to the menus. Gillian and Barbara selected Chicken Caesars and Kendra settled on a large California salad.

Barbara had hoped for an intimate conversation with the two women, but there were constant interruptions. A steady flow of presenters and participants stopped to greet Kendra or compliment her on one of her sessions. She was definitely the star of the conference. Barbara found out later that Kendra had not only delivered the keynote address, but had also stepped in for a few missing presenters.

At the end of their meal, Kendra waved away the waitress and charged all their lunches to her room. She smiled mischievously at the two younger women. “We need to make our getaway now. I’ve told the organizers that I’m out of commission until noon tomorrow.” She casually draped a large woollen cape over her shoulders and headed outside.

Barbara and Gillian followed.

Glad to be out of the restaurant, Barbara offered her suggestions for the day. “My car’s down the street. We could visit the art gallery, ROM or Casa Loma.”

Kendra took hold of Barbara’s hands. “It’s a beautiful day, a gift after yesterday’s storm. Let’s not spend any more time indoors. Why don’t we walk along the lakeshore and the . . . well, I’ve scheduled a couple of appointments.”

“At a spa?” Gillian asked.

“No, nothing like that.” Kendra looked at the two women. “Something totally different and outside your comfort zones. That’s all I’m saying for now.” She started walking toward the lakeshore.

The younger women followed and listened as Kendra spoke about her sessions at the conference. Barbara found herself talking about her own workshops, and Gillian spoke about her yoga and meditation classes. Kendra was alert, always ready with a comment or observation.

After an hour or so, the women found themselves on an unfamiliar side street. Kendra motioned toward the small shop flanked between a beauty salon and pool hall. Kendra laughingly observed the looks of confusion and horror on their faces. They stood, transfixed by the Soulwork Tattoo Parlor sign.

“I don’t know about this, Kendra. We can’t just walk into this shop. What do you know about these people? Are they reputable? Are they safe?” Gillian crossed her arms and looked agitated. She shivered as she peered over the curtains and caught glimpses of walls covered with lizards and skulls.

Barbara swallowed hard. While she had enjoyed getting those fake tattoos in Chicago, this was something totally different. She wished she hadn’t mentioned the fake tattoos to Kendra. “I’m not comfortable with this, Kendra.”

“I know you’re not. And that is why I’m here.” Kendra spoke gently. Ignoring the two women’s protests, she opened the door and walked into the parlor.

Barbara looked back and thought of the nearby subway station. She knew that Kendra would be disappointed with her if she ran away now. No, she would go in and look at the place. And then, well, then she would decide.

She followed Kendra and heard Gillian mumbling, “Of all the foolhardy ideas that woman has ever had.”

Barbara was surprised by the crisp, clean interior. A young woman wearing a lab coat was seated at the counter. A few comfortable armchairs and small side tables were well positioned in the foyer. If Barbara didn’t know any better, she would swear she was in a dentist or doctor’s office.

“Kendra, how lovely to see you again.” A short, stout man appeared from behind the counter and embraced Kendra. He smiled warmly and looked at Gillian and Barbara expectantly, “Are your friends here to get tattoos?”

Gillian quickly replied, “We’re just looking.”

He smiled knowingly at Kendra and motioned toward the binders on the tables. “Take your time and let me know when you’re ready.” He slipped away into a back room.

Barbara relaxed when she saw the tattoo man embrace Kendra. There was some connection here.

Kendra gently led her to one of the armchairs. “Let’s look through these binders together.” She started flipping through the pages and stopped when she reached the butterfly section.

Barbara looked at the beautiful butterflies in full color. “A small one. Not visible,” she found herself muttering.

“What is the point of that?” Kendra asked. “If you’re going to do it, do it right.” She took off her cape and pulled up the sleeves of her blouse.

Barbara and Gillian gasped as they caught sight of a snake crawling up her left arm and an eagle on her right forearm.

Kendra’s eyes twinkled. “The other three are meant for male viewing only.”

“I’ll do it.” Gillian spoke resolutely. She took off her jacket and pulled up her sleeve. She pointed to her right forearm. “I’ll go with a butterfly as well.”

Two sets of eyes turned to look at Barbara. She reluctantly followed Gillian’s lead, but chose her left forearm instead.

After some discussion, the women selected their butterflies. Barbara was drawn to the orange and brown colored wings of the Painted Lady, while Gillian chose the Question Mark butterfly. Kendra motioned toward the receptionist and the mysterious man reappeared. Kendra introduced him. “Ladies, this is Carlos. He’s been in the business for over thirty years, and I can vouch for his skill and professionalism. Now, who’ll go first?”

Barbara gathered her courage and followed Carlos to a back table. Carlos motioned for Kendra and Gillian to follow. They watched as he prepared needles and a palette of ink. After prepping Barbara’s arm, he turned on the tattoo gun.

“Ready?” he asked.

Barbara nodded and spoke clearly. “Ready.”

Chapter 39

After the tattooing, Kendra congratulated Barbara and Gillian and brought them to her favorite Thai restaurant in Toronto. Though Barbara had offered to drive, Kendra assured her that the restaurant was nearby. As it turned out, the restaurant was a forty-five minute walk away.

They spent the evening bar hopping. This was a totally new experience for Barbara. Gillian laughed and described a few of her bar hopping escapades after James had left her. Kendra merely smiled and moved them along. Barbara was impressed by Kendra’s knowledge of the area and the bartenders, waiters, and owners who greeted her. Gillian explained, “Over the years, she’s given a number of talks here in Toronto, and I think she keeps in touch with many of these people.”

“You mean she counsels them?” Barbara asked.

“That’s her livelihood,” Gillian said. “And she’s made a very good living doing it. Her place in Sedona is worth at least one million.”

Barbara’s eyes widened. “I didn’t think New Agers could make a lot of money.”

“Kendra selected a Specialist Skills button in holistic healing. She’s on par with Louise Hay, Sylvia Brown, and that entire crowd.” Gillian turned playful. “Maybe you should get that button yourself.”

“No, that would not interest me. I’m impressed by Kendra’s abilities, but I don’t have her passion.” Barbara still had not chosen her last Specialist button.

Kendra approached their table with two men in toe. Barbara inwardly winced. Kendra had been introducing men all evening, and it was beginning to get on her nerves.

“Be nice,” Gillian whispered. “You don’t have to eat or sleep with them. Or even marry them for that matter.”

While Gillian enjoyed flirting with new men, Barbara found it tiresome. She barely managed to smile and make polite conversation. Thankfully, Gillian kept the dialogue going, and Kendra kept them moving from one place to another. Barbara received a number of business cards that she had no intention of following up on.

As the evening progressed, Barbara found herself becoming more annoyed with the constant flow of people and activity. After looking at her watch for the umpteenth time, she decided to leave.

Kendra instantly appeared at her side. “Go home, Barbara and get some rest. I know you’re tired and a bit disappointed with how the day has turned out. Don’t be worried. We’ll have a chance to talk tomorrow.” She winked and turned to include Gillian in the conversation. “Let’s meet for brunch at the Sheraton on the airport strip around nine. That’ll give us plenty of time to chat. I need to be back at the Chelsea by noon.”

Gillian protested. “Nine o’clock on a Sunday morning. Why?”

“That’s just the way it has to be.” Kendra smiled and walked toward the bar.

“Unbelievable!” Gillian muttered.

“I’m leaving now,” Barbara said. “My car is parked a few blocks away. Do you want a ride back?”

But Gillian had stopped listening and was trying to catch the eye of a tall, attractive man standing by the bar. She waved Barbara away.

Barbara shook her head and strode out of the crowded bar. She welcomed the cold blast of air and walked quickly toward her car.

The alarm clock shrilled for a few minutes and Barbara forced herself out of bed. She longed to stay under the covers, but did not want to miss any face time with Kendra. She had mentally prepared a list of all the concerns she needed to discuss with her. While they covered a lot in their phone conversations, Barbara needed to speak directly with Kendra. She didn’t mind if Gillian heard her issues. With both women, her life was an open book.

She listened to the weather forecast and was pleased to learn that the day would be sunny and unseasonably warm. She decided to dress more casually and settled for her sleek, new black jeans with a deep purple sweater. The mauve leather jacket and printed scarf completed the look.

Though Barbara arrived a few minutes early, Kendra and Gillian were already waiting for her in the lobby. As the three women headed toward the restaurant, Gillian said, “What are all these prosperous-looking men doing here? Is this some kind of bankers’ convention?”

“Actually it is. These men, and I imagine there are some women too, are international bankers,” Kendra said.

Barbara’s heart started beating wildly. “Andrew.”

“He’s here,” Kendra said.

“Barbara’s Andrew is here? Are you sure?” Gillian asked.

“I sense his presence in the building, but I don’t know if he’s having breakfast now.” Kendra spoke to Barbara. “Do you see him?”

Barbara’s face paled. “I, I don’t . . .”

Gillian walked over to one of the younger men and flashed one of her mega-watt smiles. “Excuse me, but is Andrew Bradley III attending this conference?”

A few of the men chuckled and Gillian heard scattered comments. “So, he’s a III. Always knew there was some old family money there. Has a way with the ladies.”

The young man nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, he’s here, but I don’t see him in the dining room. I’ll call up his room and let him know that you’re here. What’s your name, miss?”

Gillian winked at him. “Tell him that Isabella’s friends are waiting for him.” She headed back toward Barbara and Kendra.

Barbara’s mouth was wide open. “What have you done, Gillian? How could you even think of using my mermaid name?”

Kendra hugged her and nodded toward Gillian. “Don’t worry. It’ll all work out. Now, let’s sit down before this place gets too crowded.” She spoke to the hostess. “A table for four, please.”

Barbara could barely speak. She followed Gillian and Kendra to their table in the middle of the room. Gillian and Barbara ordered coffee and Kendra ordered tea. Kendra spoke first. “Let’s enjoy our beverages before going to the buffet. There’s no point rushing. We’ve got lots of time.” She leaned back and surveyed the room.

Barbara finally found her voice. She turned to Kendra. “You knew he’d be here today. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Would you have come? Would you have slept soundly last night?” When Barbara did not answer, Kendra continued. “I knew he would be here, but I couldn’t predict how you would react to the news. So, I decided to say nothing. Even now, I have no idea if Andrew will come to us. While I can foretell events fairly accurately, I have a few more problems with human behavior. It is not always so predictable.”

The waitress arrived with their beverages. The women welcomed the interruption and helped themselves to cream and sugar. Gillian continued to survey the crowd until finally her gaze focused on a lone man standing at the entrance. “Is that him, Barbara?”

Barbara gasped at the sight of Andrew. He was wearing the same dark blue sweater he had worn on their last evening together in Malta. She quickly turned away.

Gillian got up and headed toward the entrance. She spoke to Andrew briefly and shook his hand. She led him to their table. When he arrived, he glanced briefly at Kendra and then his face paled when he saw Barbara. He staggered while Gillian took hold of his arm. He slowly sat down while he continued to gaze at Barbara.

Kendra broke the silence. “Gillian, let’s go look at the buffet. I’m starving.”

Barbara watched as her friends left. She turned to look at Andrew and was shocked by his close-up appearance. While he was still attractive, there was a definite sadness in his eyes and his cheeks looked more sunken. There were also a few specks of white in his hair. Had she not noticed before?

“I don’t know what to say, Isabella. You’re more beautiful than before.” He put up his hand. “Please let me finish before I lose my nerve. I think about you all the time. I carry your shell with me.” From his pocket, he pulled out a small, perfectly formed shell.

Barbara recalled their last night in Malta. She had selected two perfect pink shells and given him one. She tried to remember where she had left hers. It probably lay somewhere on the English shore.

“I went back, you know. After I left you, I drove for about half an hour and then returned. But you were gone. I walked the entire shoreline and couldn’t find you. I despaired and sat down on the rocks. Then I heard the laughter, that constant laughter, and Annabella’s taunting voice. ‘She’s gone. She’s gone forever.’”

Barbara’s eyes widened as she listened to Andrew speak. Why had Annabella interfered? Why had Annabella let her think that it was over with Andrew? So much would have been different had she known about Andrew’s change of heart.

“Annabella didn’t share that information with me,” Barbara said. “I don’t know how my life on earth would have turned out, but it is reassuring to hear that you did not abandon me.”

“I did for one unfortunate half-hour, and I will never forgive myself for that.” He shook his head. “But I’m curious about you. You’ve done well.”

Barbara found herself telling him about her jobs at ReCareering and Eagle Vision and the upcoming book. She watched him smile in approval, and his eyes light up as she told him about her accomplishments. He was genuinely happy for her.

When she had finished speaking, he took her hands in his. “I’m so proud of you, Isabella.” He looked directly into her eyes. “Is there any hope for us?”

Barbara brushed his cheek with her hand. “I’m touched, Andrew, really I am. Five months ago, I would have jumped at your offer, but things are different now. There are two other men in my life.”

His eyes twinkled and she saw traces of the old Andrew. “Why am I not surprised?”

“I think I’ve lost one of them for good, and I don’t know if the other one is really serious.”

“Tell me about them.”

Barbara told him about her relationships with Graham and Stewart, leaving nothing out.

“Stick with Graham,” he advised. “Stewart sounds like a cad, a bit like me.”

Barbara found herself in agreement. She hadn’t realized it before, but Stewart resembled Andrew in appearance and personality. They both had those dark, dramatic looks and were very successful in their chosen fields.

Kendra and Gillian arrived, but only Gillian had a plate of food. Kendra spoke to Barbara. “I’m having a few problems with some of those egg dishes. I thought I’d wait for you and get your advice.” She smiled at Andrew. “She’s our foodie.”

Gillian sat down next to Andrew, and Barbara found herself following Kendra to the buffet.

“What was all that about?” Barbara asked.

Kendra smiled mysteriously. “You and I need to have our much-delayed conversation, and Gillian and Andrew need to connect.”

“Gillian and Andrew. Why?”

“Are you still interested?”

“No, I’m fond of him, but I can’t see myself starting anything.”

“You’ve already moved on with Graham and Stewart,” Kendra said. “Now, let him do the same with Gillian.”