Drive and Determination (25 page)

            Edward commented with enthusiasm on what he had learned anew about the process of making coffee. His wife agreed as she tried to keep a pulse on Elyssa’s demeanor. Even though Elyssa was now paying attention, sometimes nodding her head to what her uncle said and other times only murmuring an agreement, Maddy could see something was most definitely wrong and she was fairly certain it had to do with William Denton.
            As Maddy watched Elyssa, she thought back to the few times since her niece’s arrival that the subject of William Denton came up. At first she believed her niece still held him responsible for her sister’s death. Now, as she furtively examined Elyssa’s features, she had to conclude it wasn’t anger that she was dealing with. It was something just as powerful, though.
            Elyssa sensed her aunt’s scrutiny, so she sat up tall, squared her shoulders, and smiled. “Well, we have the weekend before us, Aunt. What shall we do?”
            Maddy smiled at Elyssa’s attempt to act as though nothing was wrong. “Well, we can see if there are any good movies out. Or would you rather sit around the house and relax?”
            “A movie would be fine. Perhaps some exciting adventure movie.”
            Maddy pursed her lips together as she thought it odd that Elyssa would opt for an adventure movie when her greatest preference was romantic chick flicks.
            At length, her uncle finally said, “Ah, here comes the young lady with our coffee, now.” A wide grin appeared on his face and his said, “Well! Isn’t
this
a treat?”
            “Oh, my! He’s bringing it over himself!” exclaimed Maddy.
            When Elyssa looked up at her aunt and uncle, both were looking beyond her, with fervent smiles on their faces.
            She heard footsteps behind her and her heart took a faltering leap when a very warm, familiar voice spoke.
            “Hello. I believe you all wanted regular coffee?”
            Elyssa didn’t even have time to turn around. Will was suddenly standing next to her at their table with a pot of coffee in one hand and a small tray of pastries in another. He put the tray down on the table and began pouring the coffee.
            Casting a faltering glance down at her, he said. “Hello, Elyssa.”
            She had to swallow before she could answer. “Hello, Will.”
            When he had filled all three mugs with coffee, Edward stood up and reached out his hand. “I’m Edward Garner, Elyssa’s uncle, and this is my wife, Maddy.”
            Will took the extended hand into his in a firm grip. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Garner, Mrs. Garner. I’m William Denton.”
            “Mr. Denton, won’t you join us?”
            Will looked over at Elyssa as if securing her permission to join them. A gentle smile and nod from her gave him the assurance that she would accept his company.
            He looked back at Edward. “Thank you for the invitation, but I will join you only if you call me Will.”
            Edward laughed. “I will if you call me Edward.”
            “It’s a deal.”
            Will pulled out the one empty chair and sat down. The dynamics that occurred at that moment around the table was not difficult for Maddy to discern. She brought her hand up to her face and covered an emerging smirk with her fingers as she noticed repeatedly the furtive glances that her niece and Will cast at each other. It was almost as if each was carefully testing the waters.
            “How is your family, Elyssa?”
            “They are fine, thank you,” she replied, just as a young lady came up alongside of them and snatched a picture.
            Will appeared a little flustered, but answered, “I’m glad to hear that.”
            As the murmurs in the lounge increased, Elyssa couldn’t help looking around at everyone. All the eyes were on the gentleman who had just joined them.
            Tapping his fingers against the table, Will finally asked, “Would you mind terribly if we continue this in our private lounge?” He shifted his eyes to Elyssa and then back to the Garners. “I get a little uncomfortable around people with cameras. Do you mind?”
            Elyssa looked down at his remark, a blush coloring her cheeks. She knew exactly what he meant.
            Edward stood up. “That would certainly be a pleasure.” He began to pick up his coffee and plate, but Will stopped him.
            “I’ll have someone bring all this in for us.”
            “I’m going to go out the door I came in to ensure we can have a little privacy. Your server will come in and show you to the private lounge in a minute or two.”
            When he departed, both Maddy and Edward looked at each other and let out a delighted laugh.
            “This must be because of you, Elyssa,” Maddy said. “I’m sure he doesn’t often give people on the tour this special attention!”
            Edward chimed in, “He must be a busy man!”
            Elyssa’s thoughts had begun racing as quickly as her heart was beating. Her aunt didn’t miss the look of anticipation that swept across her face.
            The young girl came with a tray and picked up their coffee cups and plates. “Follow me, please.” Elyssa was grateful for her prompt arrival, which negated her having to compose a response to them.
            All eyes in the room watched as the threesome followed their server out of the room.
            They came into the plush lounge and she seated them at a small table in the corner. Will walked in and joined them.
            “Thanks,” he said. “I just didn’t want a lot of interruptions.”
            “No problem!” laughed Edward. “And if you heard what some of the ladies said about you during our tour, you would have had several come by and want their picture taken with you.”
            Will seemed uncomfortable by this comment, but turned to Elyssa, hoping to change the subject. “What brings you to Chicago, Elyssa?”
            “I have a design job here.”
            “Do you really?”
            Elyssa nodded.
            Will turned his attention back to Edward and Maddy. “Do the two of you live in Chicago?”
            Maddy answered. “We live in Lamstone.”
            “Lamstone! Why that’s just fi…” Will’s voice trailed off and he looked awkwardly at Elyssa. “That’s a very fine little town.”
            “Yes, we truly love it. We only moved here about a month ago.”
            “Have you explored all the walking and biking paths out there yet?”
            “No, we really haven’t had the time,” Edward said. “But what I’m really anxious to find is some good fishing spots.”
            “Oh, I can recommend several that are fairly close to you.”
            “You know the area, then?” he asked.
            Will paused before answering, as if carefully considering his words. “I know a little about it. I don’t often get out that way, though.”
            Edward engaged Will in conversation about the many opportunities for recreation around the area. Maddy was impressed with the attention Will was paying them. She couldn’t help but recall his stoic demeanor a few months back at the funeral. Even at the wedding two years ago, he seemed aloof. It was obvious that something had changed.
            Knowing that Elyssa hadn’t had the opportunity to thank Will for what he did for Janet and Chad, Maddy drew Elyssa’s attention and slightly nodded her head toward him. Bringing her hand up to the side of her nose as if to scratch it, she mouthed the words so Will couldn’t see or hear, “Thank him!”
            Elyssa pursed her lips together, feeling as though she were a little girl who had just been admonished for forgetting her manners.
            Edward mentioned to Will that Elyssa had just informed them that he had been down in Guatemala with her. He turned to her and they both looked awkwardly at each other.
            “Well, yes, I was. I wanted to make sure she had everything she needed and was well taken care of. I knew how difficult it had been for her.”
            Elyssa met his eyes as he turned toward her and she smiled. There was so much she wanted to say to him, but she couldn’t right here -- right now. She hoped he could read in her eyes her appreciation and her apology for all that had happened.
            “Well, we certainly appreciate that,” interjected Edward, “and we know Elyssa must feel the same way!”
            “Yes… yes, I do. I do appreciate… everything!”
            When Will gave her a penetrating look with his deep brown eyes, Elyssa needed to take in a deep breath to calm her nerves. “I do want to thank you, Will, for the memorials that Pemberleo… that
you
set up for Janet and Chad. They were so perfect for them. That was very kind of you.”
            Will looked down and then back up to her, his eyes filled with admiration and longing. “There is no need to thank me.”
            “But I must! This means so much to me and it would have meant so much to them!” Elyssa’s eyes pleaded with him to acknowledge her thanks.
            Will brought his hand up to his chin and began to rub it. He couldn’t believe that Elyssa was right here; he had been waiting for this moment for a long time. The circumstances, however, did not allow him to discern her true feelings for him. “I am… pleased… that you appreciate it.”
            Will leaned back in the chair and seemed to relax a little as he said, “I just returned yesterday from Guatemala and took pictures of the progress at the park. It’s coming along quite well. I don’t have the photos on me, but I would like for you to see them.”
            He turned and looked intently at Elyssa. “Would it be possible for you to come by my office one day next week so I can show them to you? Or I could bring them out myself to Lamstone.”
            Elyssa swallowed; her mouth suddenly completely dry. “I would very much like to see them and I need to return to the city next week. Is there any day that would work best for you?”
            Will shook his head and stood up. “No, you come at your convenience. Unfortunately, I have a business dinner shortly that I must leave for. It was a pleasure meeting you both,” he said to the Garners and then turned to Elyssa. “I’ll see you next week, then?”
            Elyssa nodded and smiled, her heart vacillating in its beat.
            Will turned to walk away and Maddy couldn’t stop herself from gushing once he had stepped through the door. “Oh, Elyssa, he is the most amiable man I have ever met! How could any of us have believed him to be such a tyrant?”
            Elyssa let out a sigh. “I guess we’re all entitled to be wrong once in a while.” At the moment, Elyssa could not bring herself to tell her aunt and uncle just how wrong she had been. She could only hope that Will’s congeniality today was an indication that he would readily forgive her.

Chapter 24

            As Elyssa sat in the backseat of her uncle’s car as they drove home from Chicago, she couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of optimism. The mere fact that Will had made a point of coming out to see her and meet her aunt and uncle was almost too much for her to comprehend. He could have very easily left the plant and avoided them altogether.
            It also provided quite a distraction for Edward and Maddy, as they couldn’t get over how completely gracious and well-mannered he was towards them. They talked non-stop all the way home about how honored they were by his visit.
            “I think you were right, Elyssa,” her uncle looked in the rear view mirror at his niece. “I think being named one of the top bachelors is more of a nuisance to him than anything else.”
            “Can you imagine what it would be like to go through life having complete strangers coming up to you wanting to take your picture?” her aunt asked. “At least he’s not likely to be readily recognized anywhere outside of Chicago.”
            Elyssa closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. She shook her head as she thought of those pictures from Panajachel.
            “You know what the man needs?” Edward laughed heartily. “It would solve all his problems.”
            “What, dear?” Maddy asked.
            “All he needs to do is get a wife! That will take care of the whole bothersome business!”
            “I wouldn’t be surprised if he already has someone in mind,” Maddy said coyly.
            As Edward and Maddy laughed unreservedly, Elyssa slouched down in the seat and leaned her head back.
That is all I need,
 thought Elyssa to herself,
to come all this way only to find out he already has a special woman in his life!
 

*~*~*

            After much contemplation, Elyssa decided that more than anything else, she preferred to relax that weekend. Her reasoning to Maddy was that she wanted to recuperate from a very busy and demanding week and prepare herself for the next. Her reasoning to herself was that she wanted to think through Will’s every word and expression to try and ascertain what his feelings toward her were in anticipation of their meeting together next week.
            There were moments when she recalled a look and was flooded with emotion. His smiles, although not as fervent and unrestrained as they had been at the lake, emanated warmth. By the end of the weekend, she was fairly certain he would forgive her and perhaps he already had. She had even bolstered her confidence that perhaps there
could
be something more between them.
            Several times her aunt and uncle remarked that they would like to invite him over. Elyssa was quite certain that Maddy knew her true feelings for Will, although she hadn’t outright confirmed her aunt’s suspicions. Maddy was too considerate to mention it to Elyssa before her niece said anything about it first.
            Elyssa had a very busy Monday and Tuesday. Several times during the day, when she found herself completely frustrated by one thing or another, she sought refuge on the porch swing. As she let her eyes wander out to the furthest thing she could see, she was able to clear her thoughts of all but that which was important.
            Elyssa looked forward to the end of the day when, after all the workers had departed, she could retreat to the swing. She often pondered just what kind of man this Richard Fitzpatrick was. She would like to meet him. She felt that if she knew him, she would have a much better idea of what he wanted in his home. She shook her head, though, when she considered that he had given his approval on everything she had submitted.
            On Tuesday afternoon, Elyssa sat on the swing enjoying the sun paint the sky with a palette of hues as it set. It had been a long, busy day and as the swing swayed softly, she felt herself unwind. The breeze rustled the few leaves that had begun to lazily drift down from the trees in anticipation of autumn. She felt she could sit here for another couple of hours.
            As Elyssa sat on the swing that afternoon, she decided to call Emily and let her know how strongly she wished to meet Mr. Fitzpatrick. When she called, Elyssa encouraged her to see if he could come by some time when she was at the house. She told Emily that it would help her immensely if she could speak to him directly. All Emily could promise was that she would see what she could do.
            It wasn’t until Wednesday that Elyssa was able to get back into the city. A stop by what had become her favorite store was in order as well as the Merchandise Mart. Mr. Jones’ wife, Janelle, had encouraged her to look through this massive building if nothing but for the experience. If she needed any ideas or inspiration, this was the place to go. After a visit there, she would stop by the Pemberleo offices.
            Elyssa ventured into Chicago on her own and congratulated herself that she had easily and quickly mastered the transportation system. She was grateful that her aunt hadn’t accompanied her. If she found Will wanted nothing more than merely to show her the photographs, she would need the time alone to absorb the implications.
            Elyssa chose to stop at the Jones’ store first. She and Janelle had developed an easy friendship and she found that between her and her husband, Elyssa could get just about anything and get it the way she wanted. Today she had come to see an antique English sideboard that they had picked up over the weekend. If it was in the excellent condition they claimed it to be in, Elyssa knew she would want it and knew exactly where she would put it. She thought this piece of furniture would add just the right touch in complimenting the painting.
            Upon her close scrutiny when she arrived, she knew they had stumbled across a wonderful antique. It needed some simple restoration work, but other than that, it looked almost as good as new -- even though it was so old! She took a picture of it to turn it in for approval, but told Mr. Jones he could deliver it when he finished working on it. She had come to expect all her ideas to be approved.
            From there she took a bus to the Merchandise Mart. A massive structure stood before her and Elyssa had to laugh when she realized she would barely make a dent in seeing all that was inside. Armed with her designer’s license and a pad of paper to jot down notes and ideas, she decided to allow herself one hour to find out what this place offered.
            The hour swept by before she knew it and Elyssa, finding it difficult to leave, remained another hour. She picked up business cards and samples, wrote some ideas down from displays and pictures she saw, and was grateful that Janelle had encouraged her to go. She knew another visit was simply indispensable.
            When she stepped outside the mart, she slipped off the sweater she had put on earlier. A cool breeze and gathering clouds this morning had teased her of autumn’s approach, but now the sun shone steady and it was very warm. She knew, however, that if she didn’t complete the two rooms in a month or two, she could be in for a very cold, harsh winter. Elyssa shivered as she considered just how cold it would be if she found that Will didn’t return her regard.
            She walked to Pemberleo’s office building, enjoying the journey. Stepping inside the lobby, she walked over to the elevator and waited for it to come.
            When the doors opened, Elyssa stepped in and as it traveled upwards, so did her thoughts. She didn’t even know what she was going to say to Will. She only hoped he would realize her feelings were nothing like they had been when she left Guatemala. She was so consumed with her thoughts that it seemed the elevator reached her destination in no time. Her pulse quickened as she stepped out and heard the doors close behind her. Bringing her fingers up to her hair, she tried to repair the wayward strands that had been jostled by her walk.
            Elyssa walked over to the door that went into the Pemberleo executive offices and stepped in.
            An older woman greeted Elyssa as she walked toward the desk. Elyssa recognized the name of Mrs. Reed on a nameplate on her desk.
            “May I help you?”
            “Yes, I wondered if I could see Mr. Denton.”
            “Oh, I’m sorry, but he’s in his board meeting at present. It is likely to go on through the afternoon. Can I help you with something or give him a message when he comes out?”
            Elyssa could not masquerade the feeling of disappointment that surged through her, recalling Gina’s words that her brother was never to be disturbed when in his board meeting.
            “My name is Elyssa Barnett and…”
            “Of course!” Mrs. Reed exclaimed. “I thought you looked familiar. You’re Janet’s sister.”
            Elyssa nodded.
            “You have our deepest sympathy, Miss Barnett.”
            “Thank you.” Elyssa took a deep breath. “Will… er, Mr. Denton told me he had some pictures to show me of the park in Guatemala City. Perhaps I should return tomorrow.”
            Mrs. Reed stood up. “No sense in making another trip up here. Come, would you follow me, please?”
            Elyssa halfheartedly followed Mrs. Reed into an open office. The woman was graciously doing her job, but Elyssa felt frustrated nonetheless. She knew that if she left without seeing him today, she would have to come up with another plan.”
            “You may have a seat here and I’ll see about those pictures.”
            “Thank you,” Elyssa replied softly.
            As Elyssa turned her gaze to the pictures, awards, and diplomas adorning the wall, she knew for a certainty that she was in Will’s office. Instead of taking the proffered seat, she walked over to the window and looked out. The glistening waters of Lake Michigan provided an excellent view from his office, just as she had suspected.
            She stepped to the side and carefully began inspecting a few of the framed pieces on the wall. She knew Mrs. Reed would likely be back shortly with the pictures, but curiosity prompted her to see just what this man was made of.
            Elyssa was rather impressed with all his awards for excellence, the honors he received at the university, and his apparent regard for his family, for photos were interspersed among all the framed documents.
            She saw a picture of a very young William Denton with Gina and a very striking gentleman that she presumed to be his father. She could see in their faces the closeness they all felt. Elyssa smiled as she looked at another picture of a young boy with both his father and his mother, who was holding a baby. She knew for a certainty it was the Denton family. She leaned in closely to the photograph, trying to make out the detail of William Denton as a little boy.
            Scanning the wall, her attention was drawn to a young man in a baseball uniform. Walking up to it, she knew immediately that the dark curly hair and eyes of this young man could only belong to Will. He looked young enough for it to have been taken in high school. Her fingers went up as if she wanted to gently stroke his cheek. He looked…
            “Hello, Elyssa. I’m glad you were able to come.”
            Elyssa spun her head around; her jaw dropping in astonishment as Will came through the door. “I thought… I thought you were in your board meeting.” She took the picture in both hands and straightened it, as if it had been crooked.
            “I was, but Mrs. Reed informed me you were here.”
            He stepped over to her and looked at the photograph she had been looking at. “I was never much of a football player, but I did love baseball. They actually let me play on the team because I was great at stealing bases.”
            Elyssa’s mind raced with conflicting thoughts. What did he think when he came upon her reaching out for his picture, and why would he come out of his meeting for her?
            “Well,” she nervously laughed as she made every attempt at composing herself, “I am familiar enough with the game of baseball to know you have to be able to hit a ball to get on a base before you can steal it!”
            “True,” he said unassumingly. He turned and picked up a picture from his desk. “Did you see this one?”
            Elyssa turned around and saw that Will was holding a picture of Gina, grateful that he was making this easy for her. “She is certainly a beautiful young girl. I really enjoyed my visit with her.”
            Will’s eyes went from the picture to Elyssa. “I’m glad. She said she enjoyed getting to know you, as well.”
            “You must be very proud of her.”
            “Just a little,” he said with a smile.
            A heavy silence hung over them for a moment. Elyssa could barely breathe.
            “Would you like to see the plans for the park?” Will said, finally breaking the silence.
            “Yes, if you want to just give them to me, I’ll look at them on my own so you can get back to your meeting.”
            Will shook his head. “They’re perfectly capable of handling things without me. My cousin is in there keeping them all in line.”
            Will walked around and opened a drawer in his desk, pulling out a folder. He then came back around and sat on the corner of the bench next to where Elyssa was standing.
            As he began to reach in for the pictures, Elyssa nervously reached out and gently touched his arm. Her heart was beating so fiercely that she felt it was up in her throat. “Will, first there is something I would like to say.”
            Will drew in a ragged breath and his hands dropped down into his lap. He looked down at the folder he was still holding and then at her hand resting upon his arm. He slowly turned to look at Elyssa.
            “You have no need to thank me, again.”
            Elyssa shook her head from side to side. “I wish it were something as easy as that.” Elyssa removed her hand and began nervously intertwining her fingers together. “I wanted to apologize for the words I lashed out at you at the airport in Guatemala. It was very wrong of me.”
            “Elyssa, you don’t need to apologize.”
            “Oh, but I do! It was inexcusable of me. I am truly sorry.”
            “What did you say to me that I didn’t deserve?” The look he gave her pierced her very core.
            “Well you certainly didn’t deserve a tongue-lashing from me. It was very wrong for me to say such unkind things about you that weren’t true.”
            Will placed his large hand over Elyssa’s clasped hands. “Very much of what you said that day
was
true.”
            “No, Will. I saw a very different side of you in Guatemala. I just had a lot of presumptions about you and didn’t know whether I could trust what I saw.”
            They sat in silence for a few moments. The only thing either was aware of was Will’s hand covering Elyssa’s.
            Elyssa turned her face toward him. “Will you please forgive me?”
            Will let out a breathy chuckle. “Yes, I forgive you, but now you must also forgive me for behaving so abominably.”
            “When did you ever behave abominably?”
            “Well, for starters, when I insulted you at the wedding reception.”
            Now it was Elyssa’s turn to laugh. “All right. You do have a point. That was abominable. But yes, I do forgive you.”
            Elyssa looked down at Will’s hand as he gave her hands a quick, gentle squeeze. “Now, would you like to see the pictures?”
            “I’d love to see them.” Elyssa felt as though a massive weight had been lifted from her.
            Will pulled some photographs out of the folder and showed Elyssa how the area had been cleared and sod had been put down. He showed her where sand would be hauled in and playground equipment set up.
            He then pulled out a landscape drawing of what the finished park would look like. He handed it to Elyssa. “I thought you’d enjoy seeing the artist’s rendition of what it hopefully will look like when it’s done.”
            Elyssa took in a sharp breath as her eyes took it all in. “This is beautiful!”
            He pointed to a plaque at the very front. “This is where we will have an inscribed memorial to Janet. It will say a little about who she was, what she did, and how much she cared for the children.”