Nephew's Wife, The (14 page)

Ellen crumpled up the letter and stuffed it inside the envelope.  Something inside her snapped.  She’d had enough.  It was time to get her life back, and she knew where to start.  She whipped out her phone and made a call.

              Rand opened the bedroom door in his hotel suite, fully dressed and cringed when he saw Lana still there.

              “I told you to leave!”  He picked up his phone on the desk and checked for messages. 
None.
Good, he thought, he hadn’t missed any from home.

“Take me with you.  I’m bored,” Lana whined.

Rand stomped over to the hotel phone to call security.  Lana threw herself in front of him and locked her arms around his neck.  “Don’t throw me out, Rand.”

“Then leave.”

              She gazed into his eyes.  “You can’t stay single all your life, Rand.”

“Whether or not I do is not your concern.” Rand unhooked Lana’s hands at the back of his neck and pulled her arms down.  He escorted her out the door.  “Go back to wherever you came from Lana!  I don’t want anything to do with you, ever again.”

“I’m not giving up on us, Rand,” Lana cried as he slammed the door in her face.

Rand glanced at his watch.  He had enough time to call home before the car picked him up.  He pulled out his cell phone, but the hotel phone interrupted him. The car had arrived early to take him to the dinner party.  He shoved his phone in his jacket pocket and left.  He’d call Ellen on the way to the function. His aunt would be taking her nap.  Rand broke out in goose bumps at the thought of hearing Ellen’s voice again.  All his phone calls home had been on the run so he’d spent most of them speaking to his aunt.  He was anxious to talk to Ellen.

Dolly was still sound asleep when Ellen’s phone vibrated in the pocket of her skirt.  She glanced at the number calling and stepped into the hallway.

“Hello, Rand.” Ellen pursed her lips with anger.

Rand flinched. It wasn’t the greeting he’d expected.

“Is everything okay?” He asked, hesitantly.

“We’re fine. Dolly’s asleep. She was feeling down this morning.”
              “I’m sorry to hear that. I would have called earlier to cheer her up.”  The impatience in Ellen’s voice bothered Rand. He felt on the hot seat.

“I had the same idea,” Ellen huffed. 

“What do you mean?”

“I called you earlier, figuring you could cheer up Dolly,” Ellen answered with a snip- snap in her tone. 

“I didn’t receive a phone call from you.” Rand puzzled over Ellen’s shortness.

“You were in the shower.  Your lady friend,
Lana Malone
, answered.”  Ellen’s emphasis on Lana’s name underscored Ellen’s displeasure.

“Oh, no,” Rand groaned and rubbed the sudden stitch between his eyes.  He hadn’t wanted anyone to know about his run-in with Lana. “She didn’t tell me.”

“Maybe she had other things on her mind,” Ellen replied, sarcastically.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“It’s really none of my business.”

Rand winced at Ellen’s hostile tone, but he didn’t have time to explain Lana’s intrusions.  The car had pulled up to its destination.

“Does Aunt Dolly know about Lana being here?”

“Yes.” Ellen didn’t bother giving details.  If it frustrated Rand, it served him right.

Ellen heard him sigh into the phone.  “You told her?”

“She’d already heard from a friend that Lana was in Paris,” Ellen said with a sharp tongue. “I saw no reason to withhold the obvious from her since she’s put two and two together.”

Rand exhaled loudly.  “I’ll explain Lana when I get home. I have to go now.” 

Ellen didn’t bother with a goodbye.  She flipped her phone shut and went back to her duties.

Rand remained distracted the rest of the evening.  Ellen’s abruptness baffled him.  If he didn’t know any better he’d think she was jealous of Lana, but that was absurd. She’d just lost her fiancé.  After rubbing several distinguished elbows, Rand called it a night and rode back to the hotel.  To his shock, Lana was waiting for him in the lobby.  He tromped over to her, outraged.

“Why didn’t you tell me I received a phone call?”  

“You were busy throwing me out,” Lana pouted.  “What’s the big deal anyway?”

“It concerned my aunt.”

Rand turned toward the elevators.  Lana followed.  A unit was opened and both stepped inside. They were alone.  Rand pushed the
Door Open
button.

“Get out, Lana.”

“I came back and waited so we could have a serious discussion.”

“I’m not interested in having any discussion with you.” 

Her bottom lip started quivering.  “I don’t have any place to go.”

“What?”

“I mean it,” she stressed.  “My credit cards have been denied for some reason. I got kicked out of my hotel.”

“Not my problem.”

“I need someplace to stay for the night. I’m leaving tomorrow.”

Rand knew what she was up to. He glared at her. “Are you serious? Go stay with your friends.”

“They left for Switzerland.”

“Why didn’t you go with them?”

“I have no money.”

Rand pushed the
Door Close
button then hurried back into the lobby with Lana right behind him.

“I’ll get you a room for the night.”

“They don’t have any,” Lana said with a teensy smile.  “I’ve already checked.”

“I’ll check again.” Rand marched to the reservation counter while Lana hung back.  The clerk confirmed Lana’s tale just as he promised when she’d bribed him.

Lana had a mischievous grin on her face when Rand turned to her.  It gave him the chills and not in a good way.

“You can sleep on the sofa,” Rand blurted.

When they got to his room, Lana picked up the phone and ordered room service.

“I want a snack,” she answered Rand’s pickled expression.  “Don’t be so stingy. You’ve got plenty of money.  You came back early so you must have been bored to pieces. We’ll have a cozy time together.”

She kicked off her shoes.

“Where are your bags?” Rand asked with suspicion.  He was beginning to feel set up.

“Oh, thanks for reminding me, darling.  They’re in storage downstairs.”  She picked up the phone again.  “I’ll have them brought up.”

Rand took the phone from her hand.  “No you won’t.”

“I’ll need a fresh set of clothes and my makeup case,” Lana protested.  “You don’t expect me to wear this again.”

“Make do!” Rand yelled over his shoulder as he started for the bedroom.

“I can’t live without my makeup case,” Lana flared.

              “You’re not bringing your bags inside this room, Lana.” Rand put his foot down.  “I don’t care what you wear tomorrow.  In the morning, you’re leaving.  Your financial problems are none of my concern.”

Rand stomped to the bedroom and locked the door.  He wanted Lana out of his life more than ever now. 

How did I ever put up with all that superficial, phony behavior?

He checked to make sure he had his cell phone.  He didn’t want Lana answering it again.  Rand’s thoughts flew directly to Ellen.  Her jealous tone had pestered him since their conversation.  After changing out of his dress clothes, Rand fell across the bed with his hands underneath his head, dreaming up at the ceiling.

A smile crept across his face.  In a strange way, he wanted Ellen to feel jealous.  It could only mean one thing.  That she cared for him.  The thought slow-danced across his mind straight into his heart like Cupid’s arrow.  Ellen had taught him to feel again, to care again—to love again. 

Rand shot upright.  He didn’t want her to think there was anything going on with Lana.  He had to set the record straight.  Glancing toward the living area, Rand scowled. 
You would decide to interrupt my life right now, Lana! 

For the first time since he’d known Lana, Rand realized how different she was from him on every level. Their marriage would never have worked.  God had known what was best for him five years ago.  He’d protected him from a marriage based on image, selfishness, and greed. Gratefulness filled Rand.  At the time of his heartbreak, Rand couldn’t believe God had dealt him two cruel blows.  Cancer then the end of his engagement.  He’d not understood why God had allowed him to go through those ordeals.  Now, it had been revealed to him.  If he’d not had the cancer diagnosis, he might never have seen Lana for what she was before the wedding.

Rand thought back on the past five years.  He’d been determined not to love again.  The pain was too deep and life altering.  Now he knew it was God’s way of protecting him.  It gave him peace and closed a chapter in his life.  He wanted to love again, but this time he’d be careful to choose the right girl for him.  The only girl for him. 
Ellen
. She filled his thoughts. 
Is she the right one?
Rand asked himself.  He wanted her to be, but he’d pray about it. 

“Rand, I want to take a bath!”  Lana tapped on the bedroom door.

“Use the other one,” he shouted, his mind stuck on Ellen. 

“Yours has the spa-tub.  I want to soak.”

“Go away Lana!” He raised his voice, but he wasn’t mad anymore.  Lana no longer mattered.  She was a mere nuisance. Tomorrow, she’d be out of his life forever.  Ellen was the one who mattered.  He fell asleep dreaming of her.

The next morning, Rand showered and dressed then ordered breakfast.  Lana was still asleep on the sofa.  He didn’t bother disturbing her.  When the porter came, Rand had him wheel the cart to the bedroom.  Over coffee and a bagel with fresh fruit on the side, Rand had his hour- long devotional and prayer time. Ellen was in the middle of his thoughts.  He asked God for guidance and patience in dealing with her.  A boost in his spirits put him in a good mood. This was his last full day and night in Paris.  He was going to make the most of it.

He strolled out of the bedroom with his briefcase and jostled Lana.

“Wake up, Lana. You’ve got fifteen minutes to get dressed.”

“Huh!” She sneered at him, half asleep. “I can’t get dressed in fifteen minutes.

“That’s all the time I’m giving you.  You’re leaving!” Conviction guided Rand.

Chapter 11

Ellen hurried through her morning duties, energized by the peaceful night she’d had.

Still upset with Rand, Dolly was ready to mope all day, but Ellen wouldn’t have it. 

“I don’t feel like getting dressed,” Dolly argued when Ellen put out her clothes and got the shower running.

“You’re not staying in bed all day, Dolly, worrying about Rand.”

Dolly eyed this strange new Ellen. “You’re all huffy this morning.  You’re supposed to be following my wishes not the other way around.”

Ellen made a face that begged to differ.  “I’m not letting you lollygag today because of Rand and Lana.  You have your own life to live.  It’s time to start doing that.  You’re going to take your morning shower and get dressed. I can’t be delayed. I have an appointment at ten-thirty.”

“Here? With whom?” Dolly scooted from the bed to the wheelchair.

“I’ll tell you all about it later.” Ellen liked the punch in her voice. She’d played the victim for so long it was nice to be in charge for a change.  After Dolly had showered and was ready for the day, Ellen had Celeste come up to sit with her.  She’d already worked it out with the housekeeper the evening before.

“Why so mysterious, Ellen?” Dolly asked when Ellen started out of the room.

              Ellen gave her a serious look.  “When I’m through with my appointment, we’re going to have a nice, long chat.  Now, do your leg exercises.”

              Ellen was half way down the stairs when the doorbell rang.  She took several deep breaths and whispered a prayer for strength and wisdom as she made her way to the front door.  She had no idea if what she was about to do was right or wrong.  She just knew she had to do it to get her life back.  It was something she should have done a long time ago.  One thing was for certain, whatever she did, God was with her.

Swinging the door open, Ellen greeted her visitor.  “Good morning, Robin.  Please come inside.”

Less than thirty minutes later, Ellen was walking the reporter back to the door.

“The story will run in Sunday’s Life section,” Robin said, turning to Ellen.  “I’m sorry for causing you so much aggravation, Ellen.” Robin held up her notepad and shook her head.  “I’m afraid this isn’t going to lessen the public’s fascination with you.  The truth is just as inspiring, but I’ll try to downplay the whole thing.  If you had come to me sooner, I wouldn’t have encouraged the spread of the story.  I just didn’t know.”

Ellen shrugged with relief.  “I think Paul’s death has freed me so I can put things in perspective and get control of my life.”

“I wish the best for you, Ellen.”

“Thanks Robin.”

Ellen closed the door and leaned her back against it.  Admitting the truth was refreshing.  She felt renewed.  Now, she had to tell Dolly.  Without further ado, Ellen traipsed back to Dolly’s room and took over for Celeste.  As soon as Celeste left, Ellen spilled her story to Dolly.
              “So, you weren’t in love with Paul after all.” Dolly was stunned after listening to Ellen’s tale. 

Ellen shook her head, surprised Dolly hadn’t kicked her out. “I thought I was at the beginning, but then I figured it was just infatuation.  I couldn’t go through with the marriage, Dolly.  I hope you’re not disappointed in me.”

“Why would I be disappointed, child?” Dolly’s blue eyes twinkled.  “You did a wonderful thing, staying with Paul all those years.  It was still a selfless act.”

“I didn’t feel selfless,” Ellen said, honestly.  “I’m responsible for his death.  Staying with him was the only thing I could think of to pay him back for what I’d done.”  

“You’re so much like me, Ellen.” Sadness shadowed Dolly’s face.  “When Harold died from a heart attack, I blamed myself for years.  I kept thinking I should have done more to make him slow down or eat better or get more checkups.  For years, I grieved.  I didn’t try to meet anyone or remarry.  I guess that’s why I lean on Randolph so much.  He’s all I have.  It’s not fair to him that I be so selfish.  He deserves the life he wants.  You’re right, Ellen, I have to let Randolph go.  I have to let him find a wife for himself.  If it’s Lana he wants, then I have to accept that.”