Something about Elle Ch. 04

"Good for you mom," Kate said.

"Way to go, mom, but don't you think you're too old to be still having sex?"

"Do some research, Annie," Hannah smiled nervously. "And then you'll not voice ridiculous comments. Also be aware that my only comments related to a possible friendship."

"I'll keep an eye on your mom and to offer advice if she needs it," Elle soothed. "Donovan?"

"Mom's a grown woman. If she thinks she needs sex that's fine by me."

"Donovan, I can barely tolerate hearing such nonsense from twenty-something women who should know better, but coming from you..."

"Sorry mom. Did I say sex? I meant to say friendship, as true as I'm standing here."

Hannah pouted. "You're sitting there -- that invalidates that statement."

"Mom you're sharp tonight," Donovan chuckled, and they all laughed, dissipating tension.

"Perhaps this is a good moment to switch on to another topic," said Elle. "Annie, how are you coping with your university commitments, your work commitments, your friendship commitments and your love life?"

Annie beamed, holding up her empty glass.

"Perhaps this is a good moment to switch to another topic. Where should we spend Christmas this year?" she asked.

Later Hannah said she wanted to go home and Elle jumped up to join her.

"No," Hannah said. "It's your big night out. I've gone home by myself hundreds of times."

"Right I'll stay providing you promise to make that phone call in the morning."

"Oh all right, but why all the fuss?"

"Because you are shy over that sort of thing, that's why."

"Hmmm!"

Two of the girls' male friends joined the group and they dropped into several bars including a bar for New Zealanders which after one drink Elle suggested they move on, not being particularly impressed by the beer guzzling that was going on -- hopefully by Americans.

The young folk eventually said that were drifting off, leaving Elle and Donovan wondering what to do, although both had a good idea what they could be doing, but were unable to communicate about it until Donovan finally yawned -- they were sitting on a hard seat looking at the sea: "Want to come to look at my etchings."

The alcohol bubbled a carefree giggle from Elle.

"What a romantic invitation. Will I be safe?"

Donovan positively leered at her: "So long as you keep your knickers on."

"How positively disgusting," she giggled, and squirmed vigorously and handed him something.

Donovan sniffed and howled at the sky, holding a pair of white and pink spotted knickers aloft.

The ice had broken.

Elle lay beside him, gently stroking him. "That was quick."

Donovan colored, not making eye contact.

"Er, there was much too much erotic groping in the cab and all that misbehaving in the elevator and then that mad rush to bed -- you had me bursting out of my skin, and then you made me wait while you put the protection on me. It's a wonder I even managed to get started."

Then flicking a quick, pensive look at her, asked: "Will you remember it as being our first?"

"Oh are there going to be others?" Elle enquired, holding something that they both looked at and she muttered "Oooh" encouragingly.

Hours later Elle stumbled into Hannah's apartment as an apricot tinted dawn soft-lit the horizon, almost sober but very exhausted. She thought she really hadn't had a strenuous day but then followed the night's activities.

She showered, humming, and then yawned, almost asleep before reaching the bed. Three hours later she was in the shower again, bleary-eyed and preparing to go to work.

"You look as if you've been street brawling."

"That describes exactly how I feel," Ellen yawned, carrying a carton of black coffee to the elevator.

"Oh god Hannah -- I'm sorry. It's your big day, isn't it? Let me look properly at your dress and make-up."

"What on earth for, I'm only making a phone call?"

"Yes, yes, Hannah -- but it's like going for a job interview and you phone to make the appointment: you dress well and look well to feel well, and that 'tone' will be reflected in your voice when you make the call, even if it's only to an aide."

"I don't believe this," Hannah said, shaking her head. "Little wonder you young things push through only half the work of my generation -- you're too busy filling your heads with crazy notions and other time wasters."

"It works Hannah, believe me. You heard your parents and their parents quote the saying, 'You're only as old as you feel', didn't you? Well this is a variation -- 'You sound as you look'. Telephone trainers for decades have pushed the theme, 'Smile when you talk, and your voice will smile with you'. You must remember hearing that one?"

"Yes I do. Perhaps there is something to that advice but then again there's nothing wrong with my telephone technique: I've been told I have the voice of a younger woman."

"Make that the smiling voice of a younger woman and you'll reel in this Mr Joe Fielder like a guppy."

"A guppy?"

"It sounds a little better than a stunned fish doesn't it?"

"I suppose it does, but neither is very flattering to poor Joe and I can't see him rolling over that easy."

Elle switched tacks because Hannah was too uptight to be offered advice laced with humor and irrelevancies.

"Just phone him and cheerfully ask him to lunch to reward him for his kindness. Don't even think about sex."

"It's what I have in mind," Hannah said dryly. "Do you mind if we change the subject. How are you getting on with Milly?"

Well that certainly took Elle's mind off Hannah's dating quest. Milly was about as relevant to Elle's life as a flat tire on a car. Well, perhaps as relevant as a black widow spider -- the woman was poisonous in manner and utterances and no-one seemed to like her.

Mrs Vice-President without a role apart from attending meetings to ask irrelevant questions, approving payments and accompanying Donovan to lunches or dinners when the client's included women or were accompanied by their partners. If she had other responsibilities Elle had no interest in finding out. She was aware, however, that the relevance of the woman to the company was her injection of working capital she placed in return for stock. The company's annual report showed she held 500,000 in $1 shares.

Hannah later reported she would be having lunch with Joe tomorrow.

"That's great -- oh you clever woman," Elle enthused, immediately turning Hannah bright-eyed.

"And now I'll be told to buy a new dress?"

"Of course."

"And shoes and all underwear and accessories?"

"Anything needed to make you feel like a million dollars if it's your intention to impress."

Hannah looked pleased but couldn't resist attempting to look cross as she said, "You're a hard woman Elle Jamieson."

Preparing to leave for home that evening, Elle felt she was riding a wave and everything was going along nicely for her. She was old and experienced enough to know it couldn't last.

It didn't. Within three hours her world would crash around her.

Hannah had already gone shopping and Elle finished a report recommending that a company find alternative premises rather than go through the disruption of having its landlord progressively upgrade the building over two years. She went up to the executive floor to see if Donovan wanted coffee -- he habitually worked late Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Emerging from the elevator she caught a flash of red disappearing into Donovan's office. This was strange -- almost 6:30 and having someone call; security closed the building at 6:15.

Elle reached the office doorway just in time to see Donovan heeling himself around his desk in his wheeled executive leather chair and a woman, reaching behind her back for the zip of her dress. She launched herself at Donovan with a shriek of delight, leaving Elle to see the zip pulled down, with no bra strap in sight, and with great nonchalant skill the woman lifted her trailing foot as she was about to land on Donovan -- now stretching back in his chair; the foot managing to kick the door closed.

The skill, ferocity and multi-tasking of the woman impressed Elle no end but the visitor's prey was Donovan.

Emotions ranging from dismay to anger raked through Elle as a number of actions raced through her aroused mind, but in the end she went to the executive lounge and gulped down some water and returned to the elevator.

She was carrying her handbag -- she was off. The office lights would be turned off by cleaning personnel.

The sense of betrayal that had gripped her had gone, replaced by despair -- just as it appeared there was something stirring between her and Donovan -- something deeper than a romp on top of the bed -- it had being blown asunder by his infidelity. Yes, his infidelity.

She entered the lift and pushed the down button.

To Elle's dismay the same woman entered the elevator just as the doors began closing.

Elle knew instantly it was her -- multi-brown short-cropped hair, red dress and those green shoes with red-tipped heels matching the color of that dress -- one of those very shoes that had kicked Donovan's door closed.

The heavily-made up woman, about Elle's age, nodded to Elle and then busied at applying lipstick and straightening her hair. Elle had that disgusting though perhaps the woman's knickers were in Donovan's bottom drawer -- she understood some predatory men had a trophy drawer for such things.

A quick glance and Elle saw the only other occupant wiping her eyes. How odd? Overcome by emotion perhaps?

Elle stayed, eyes downcast, leaving the seductress to leave first.

Shoulders drooped Elle unlocked the door of the apartment, hearing the house phone go and Hannah answering the call.

"Yes, yes -- how do you do? Elle's just coming in -- here she is."

"It's your mother. Are you all right?"

Elle nodded, taking the phone. Her mother must have decided to come to visit her.

"Hello mum?"

Hannah heard the cry and Elle's mother shout -- "I'm at the hospital; your father has just died. It was his heart. He collapsed while washing his vehicle and never regained consciousness. Come home Elle."

"As soon I can catch a flight mum. Do you have someone with you?"

"Yes Rusty."

"Who's Rusty?"

"Never mind, come home tonight if possible. I'm going now -- so many people to call."

Hannah took the phone from Elle, who was standing rocking gently, looking a little stunned, but not crying.

"He had a bad heart, which is the real reason he sold the business. My poor father, he died without me being there."

Hannah hugged her.

"Sit on the sofa, Elle, I'll bring you a drink and then I'll book you on the first flight out -- economy or business class?"

"It will be an uncomfortable journey for me -- make it business please. But I'll have to contact Milly first."

"Why Milly and not Donovan?"

"I'd prefer not to speak to Donovan right now."

Hannah looked at the tragic face of her friend. Clearly no explanation would be forthcoming.

"You don't have to consult either; you have my permission to drop your work and go -- perhaps you could email instructions tomorrow on work under action. I'll check your office diary and we'll all take up the slack."

Hannah handed Elle vodka heavily diluted with soda. Drink it slowly, dear as you are under considerable tension, then no more alcohol until you arrive in Auckland.

Fifteen minutes later Elle was brought from her deep reflection/

"Time to pack and to go to the airport -- I have arranged a late arrival on humanitarian grounds for you -- you fly out at 9:45 with Air New Zealand -- in less than two hours."

"Mmmm" went Elle, kissing Hannah. "You wonderful lady. I'm fine now; when you were on the phone I thought what a wonderful way for dad to go and I felt very happy. Mum will be a real pain but I can handle that and her sister will be there for support."

Hannah went out to the airport with Elle and watched her head off to the restricted area, her last words being, "Be very kind to Joe. Isn't it lovely he's a divorcee?"

Hannah cried and admired the now serene and brave-faced Elle, knowing she would be in turmoil under that façade. Whatever had happened between her and Donovan? It sounded serious."

A huge wreath arrived from Donovan and Milly's company plus a personal bouquet from both Hannah and Donovan.

Funerals are never fun, but Elle did her best lightening up the occasion, making a beautifully composed and humorous farewell speech to her father, her hand resting on the coffin while she spoke clearly and eloquently without notes. In contrast the final eulogy by her mother was tearful and halting and often what she said didn't make sense.

Elle sighed thinking that about summed it up for dad; that's how his two women had acted around him in recent years,

Elle quite liked the current man-friend Rusty, and assessed him carefully, coming to the conclusion that he might not attempt to fleece her mother of her assets as some of the scroungers of the past may have done.

It was pleasing to see her mum was less flighty than usual and perhaps that was Rusty's influence.

A group of friends and relatives accompanied Rusty and her mother Marion to the airport to farewell Elle, who'd become quite a hit because of her personality, appearance and cute accent.

Elle had been astonished to find Kiwis regarded her as having an American accent.

At the airport Rusty drew her aside.

"Do you have any objections of me marrying Marion?"

"Who my mother?" Elle replied stupidly, being caught to surprised and trying to splice such an unlikely event with reality.

"Yes, your mother," Rusty said, unable to meet her steady gaze.

"Look at me Rusty."

Squaring his shoulders Rusty looked at her, holding his gaze, ignoring the sweat on his brow.

"Do you promise to look after her, to be there for her and at times give her memorable moments and to try to grow tolerant of her girlish and often silly ways?"

"I do."

"Then I pronounce you potentially man and wife. Pop the question tonight -- she's pretty vulnerable right now."

"That was my thinking too. Thanks Elle, you don't know what your consent means to me -- you might think it's no business of yours but I'm not like that. I couldn't do it without your confidence in me."

"Thanks for being a gentleman about this Rusty."

Rusty held out his hand but Elle brushed it aside and kissed him, full on the lips, turned his face the color of his hair. They turned to go back to the group and found everyone staring at them, greatly intrigued.

"You like my Rusty now," Marion.

"He's all right, mum. Best you look after him in case someone else snaffles him."

"I can't let him go -- I need him to drive that damn giant 4-wheel-drive wagon."

As the aircraft lifted off the airport Elle had this amazing feeling; it quite staggered her. She had this deep-seated thought that she was returning home. That decided her on applying for American citizenship. If she couldn't tolerate working alongside Donovan any more she'd find work elsewhere.

It wasn't as if she'd be starting from scratch. Hannah had said on the phone that the feature story about Elle in the LA Times had been wonderfully well received. She was holding invitations for Elle to address business groups and there were enquiries from two universities about her possible interest in part-time lectureships, women's groups wanted her as guest speaker and a big pile of social invitations awaited her.

Donovan had called her every day since her arrival in New Zealand, expressing his condolences and asking should he fly out to be with her.

She declined that offer and he'd said his mom thought there was something up between them.

"Think back to the evening I left, a woman in red crashing on to you in your office."

"Jesus you saw that?"

"Goodbye Donovan."

"No, don't terminate..."

Elle mused it was too late Donovan and feeling not at all bitter. These things happen but if you have the need to apologize then you've been a naughty boy and Elle doesn't want a naughty boy as a long-term lover.

He called three times on the three days before Elle left to return to LA. As soon as Elle saw who was calling she took the call and said, "Good morning Donovan, goodbye Donovan," and disconnected the call.

Hannah then phoned saying Donovan was extremely upset as he felt he was the pawn between Elle and Nikki.

"Is Nikki the woman in red?"

"Yes."

"Who is she Hannah?"

"She's the middle one of Milly's three daughters. There is a satisfactory explanation, I assure you Elle."

"Well at least I'll trust you, Hannah, more so than even my own mum -- whoops mom. Tell him to meet me on my arrival and I'll hear his explanation over coffee -- perhaps it will be best if you're not present Hannah, because when I cut loose I can be pretty awesome and that's when ladies shouldn't be present."

"As you wish dear. But please hear the poor boy out before you move to slay him."

"As you wish Hannah."

Hannah gave a nervous laugh.

"God, Elle you sound so heroic when behaving like this."

"Thank you Hannah. Mom is receiving a proposal tonight, I believe -- of marriage from her current beau whom I've found I rather liked after burying my bristles. Will you accompany me to the wedding if I'm invited? It will be the second time for both of them and it will be pretty small, though no one quite knows with my mother because her reaction in such circumstances can be rather erratic."

"I'd love to, dear. But what about Donovan?"

"Who's he Hannah? Goodbye."

"Goodbye dear. Have a safe trip. I love you."

Elle was taken aback at that, and it showed on her face, bringing an all-embracing smile of incredible softness. Her face looked overwhelmingly beautiful.

Elle had come to realize that Hannah had become very fond of her but to declare she loved her?

She mused aloud. "I'm overwhelmed and what an extraordinary declaration to make when she knows I'm in conflict with her son over our personal relationship. She's a solid one is Hannah."

* * *

Awakening during the night Elle saw her father's face, blinked and focused enough to realize she was on an aircraft, coming out of sleep.

"You had a great life daddy, not the greatest in terms of family love and affection from all sides, but you did what you want to do and the successes you achieved were numerous. Go, rest in peace."

With that quietly spoken requiem she felt at peace herself.

She began recalling the events leading up to the reading of the will.

Marion had wanted her sister and Rusty present and had requested Elle to allow that to happen. After learning from the lawyer than only wife and daughter were named in the will, Elle said no, they should be the only ones present.

"Well look after me if I crumbled."

"Of course mother," Elle had replied.

Marion inherited everything in the marital possessions she'd shared with her husband -- the house and contents, a block of twenty-two freehold investment apartments, a 36ft launch, the 4WD wagon and the beach house on Kawerau Island, plus NZD$272,800 prior to probate.

There was only a single bequest to Elle: An investment portfolio in bonds, term deposits and bank deposits in a number of well-performing foreign currencies with a current valuation of NZD$3,71l,386.

The solicitor intoned reading the will: "Funds underpinning that investments portfolio are derived totally from the sale of the tour operation which yielded a net $2,844,600. That tour operation was funded, developed and sold in a legal agreement operating independent of the marriage between the deceased and Mrs Jamieson and have increased overall in value since then from interest and other earnings."

"That is correct, Mr Williams," acknowledged Elle's mother, wiping away a tear as if thinking what might have been. "To speed probate I signed an affidavit with my own solicitor this morning that I do not dispute the correctness and apportionment of that particular bequest and I attested that the agreement had been signed by me and my late husband in good faith and with my full understanding."