Disclaimer: See Part One

Anna negotiated the driveway of her father’s fashionable town house. She parked the vehicle with easy access to the street.  She wanted to be ready to leave when the time came. She knew that it would be a long night.  Baby Brother had dropped another request on her at the last minute. As always, he didn’t know the word ‘no’; Anna doubted he had it in his vocabulary.

Sighing heavily, she climbed out of her car, and looked at the brilliantly illuminated house lights. At least the building always felt welcoming even if her father didn’t. Walking towards the door Anna pressed the doorbell, guaranteed to aggravate the man of the house. The old home still had the power to draw her. Perhaps, because it was the only place she could remember her mother with any clarity. As a child, Anna would gaze at the portrait of her mother that hung in the hallway leading to the dining room. Her father considered Anna strange and put it down to teenage hormones. When Anna was a teenager, she dragged a chair into the hall and chattered away to the figure in the painting. On reflection, she must have looked foolish sitting there swinging her ice hockey boots and explaining why they hadn’t won the championship that season. Even now, it was a semi annual tradition that she spent a few minutes alone with her Mother.

The door opened and her memories quickly dissipated. She came face to face with her father. He eyed her suspiciously as he spoke to her, or was it down to her? She wasn’t sure.

“Anna, this is your home, you shouldn’t ring the doorbell. You don’t need to be so formal.” Would his eldest child ever be less than sullen in his company?

“Your home, Father, not mine. You brought us up to be polite, guess it must be that trait that comes out in me when I visit.” Anna moved into the house and gave her father a perfunctory kiss on the cheek.

“I suppose. How are you?” He looked Anna over and immediately noticed the bandage on her hand. He raised his grey streaked eyebrows in question about her injury.

“I’m well.” Anna refused to respond; he would have to ask directly.

“What have you done to your hand?” He lifted the limb and looked at the professionally wrapped injury critically.

“I had an accident last weekend at work; nothing to write home about. I had a good man look at it, needed five stitches. It should be back to normal soon, no damage to the ligaments or nerves.” Anna flexed her hand out of his grasp.

“Who was the man?” He wanted to make sure that the doctor was good enough to treat his daughter.

“Why Father? Are you concerned?” Anna’s voiced dripped with sarcasm as she removed her coat and hung it on the coat rack.

“Oh forget it, I’m unlikely to get an answer, anyway. Your brother hasn’t arrived yet with his friends. Did Simon tell you he invited a third person to join us for dinner?” Stephens was annoyed at his son for including someone without his permission. He had to agree, it would have been embarrassing if he had refused.

“He said something about one more guest tonight; I don’t know anymore than that.” She refused to tell her father that the person needed her expertise.

“Want a drink?” Stephens asked his daughter. As he watched her walk into the game room, he noticed her eyes drifting back to the portrait of her mother, Cynthia.

“I’ll have a white wine, please.” Anna replied, as she sat on the leather sofa that adorned one side of the room.

“Dry if I recall.” Stephens selected an appropriate bottle.

Anna wanted to disagree, but she did prefer dry. What the hell?

“Thanks, that will be fine.”

“What do you make of this announcement business, or do you already know what it is?”

“You know your son; he loves to keep us guessing.”

“Yes.  He will have to change when he starts his practice full time.”

“Oh Father, surely in your profession it helps to be somewhat secretive, wouldn’t you say?” Anna gave him an innocent look and was pleased when she saw the dull red cross his cheeks.

“That’s enough of that Anna. We allow people to know exactly what they need to know to help in their recovery.”  Her father snorted and picked up his Scotch.  He drank it down in one swallow as the door opened and he heard voices.

“I will go and welcome our guests, would you go check on dinner? Let Mary know we can begin in fifteen minutes.”

At least Mary’s still here. She’s a wonderful cook.

David Randolph Stephens was surprised when he arrived in the hall and saw his son with two beautiful women. Maybe tonight won’t be such a chore, after all.

“Simon, good evening.” Stephens’ eyes flicked with curiosity at the guests.

“Dad, evening to you, too.  As always you look as handsome as ever.” Simon grinned at his father.  He didn’t have the same relationship that his sister did with their father. Probably because I followed in Daddy’s footsteps and Anna had rebelled.

“Are you going to introduce me to your very charming guests?” D. R. Stephens smiled winningly at Mandrake, and then Juliet.  He returned his gaze immediately to Mandrake, as he held out his hand to her.

“Ladies, this is my Father D. R. Stephens, known as Dad to me and Father to my sister.”

“D. R. Stephens, may I present Mandrake Roman, and her daughter Juliet”.  Noting that Juliet seemed a little nervous, Simon placed a warm hand on the small of her back in support.

“My son makes me sound so formal, Ladies. David Randolph Stephens at your service.

It’s a pleasure to meet two such beautiful women.” David Stephens spoke with a charm that Simon had never heard before.

Maybe Dad was smitten? No problem, as long as it was with Mom and not Juliet.

Maddy smiled politely at the older man. He’s very handsome and distinguished looking. And with confidence and charm that could knock me off my feet.  Perhaps this evening won’t be so bad, after all!

“It was very gracious of you to invite us to dinner Mr. Stephens, especially at such short notice on my part.”  Maddy was surprised when Simon’s father held out his arm.

“Mandrake, what a lovely name. You may of course, call me David. The man simply oozed charm out of every pore; Maddy could see similarities to his son.  In addition, there was something familiar about his eyes but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

“David it is then, thank you. If you like, you may call me Maddy.” Maddy accepted his arm and David Stephens walked her towards the game room.

“You never told me your father was so charming,” Juliet looked up into the somewhat surprised expression on Simon’s face.

“That’s because he never has been!  I think he’s taken a liking to your mother, Juliet, hope she doesn’t mind.” Wonder what Big Sis will make of their father’s behaviour.

“My mother is very likeable and loveable, too! Who knows? It might be a family trait for your family to fall for mine.”  Juliet laughed as Simon took the opportunity to kiss her swiftly on the lips.

“Amen to that, Darling. I’ve sure fallen for you.” Simon felt a hundred feet tall as she gave him a dazzling smile in reply,

“Where is my favourite sister?” Simon looked around the room for any sign of Anna. I saw her car in the driveway; surely, they haven’t gotten into an argument, already.

“I sent her to check on dinner; she should be back shortly.” David Stephens dismissed the subject quickly.

Maddy heard the sharp note in Mr. Stephens’s voice as he referred his daughter.  Obviously, there was a certain amount of friction there.  Wonder what she’s like, and is she as charming as the two male members of this family?

“I have a question, Simon.  Why do you use Lake as your surname and not Stephens?”

“Oh, purely professional reasons, Maddy.  I wanted to make it in medicine on my own, not on my father’s name. Lake was my mother’s maiden name.”

“Oh I see. I do understand that.”  Maddy turned to stare out of the window into the illuminated garden.  It held a large pond with an alabaster water fountain at the centre depicting a dolphin.

Anna Stephens chose that moment to enter the room, and noted her brother and his guests were enjoying her father’s hospitality.

“Anna!”  Simon shouted. He relinquished Juliet’s hand to engulf Anna in a warm bear hug.

“Simon, as always you know how to crush a girl.” Anna’s voice held no censure, only warmth for her beloved brother.

Maddy heard the exchange and didn’t turn around. She knew as soon as she did, she would come face to face with the woman whose very name, she loathed. The world was definitely too small. Oh God, get me out of this one in a hurry.

“Anna, I’d like you to meet Juliet, Juliet Roman.” Simon introduced his sister to the most important woman in his life.

Anna stared at the young woman. Roman…  Surely, it was a coincidence that the name she would love to be removed from the planet happened to belong to Simon’s friend.  “Pleased to meet you, Juliet.”

Juliet saw the family resemblance. Anna Stephens had their father’s piercing eyes. Juliet felt that she was under a microscope.

“I’ve heard a lot about you. Anna; it’s my pleasure to meet you, too.”

“Aren’t you forgetting your manners, Simon?” David Stephens admonished his son, as he pointedly stared at Mandrake Roman. Odd that the woman hadn’t turned when Anna arrived.

“Sorry Dad, you’re right, of course. Anna, I’d like you to meet Juliet’s mother.” Simon walked over to Maddy. He was also wondering why she was still facing the window.

Taking a deep breath, Maddy pivoted around to face the one and apparently, only Anna Stephens.

Anna watched the older woman turn towards them.  Although she hoped the name was a coincidence, she knew in her heart that the other woman was her Pain in the Ass Head Librarian.

“Anna, meet Mandrake Roman, Juliet’s mother.” Simon watched in fascination as his sister held out her hand and whispered a barely audibly greeting.

“Pleased to meet you, Anna.” Maddy answered feebly. She looks at me as if I was a criminal and not fit to be in her presence.

Juliet was also watching the stilted exchange. It was unlike her mother to be less than friendly.  Something was wrong. Walking over to Maddy’s side, Juliet linked arms in unspoken support.

Anna turned away and stepped over to the bar. She pulled out a bottle of vodka and poured the alcohol into a large tumbler. To the astonishment of her father, she downed it in one gulp.

David Stephens glared at her pale features. “You okay? You don’t look well. And, when did you become a vodka drinker?”

Anna gave him a bland stare as she poured another generous measure of the liquid into the glass.  “When?  Now.”

This is not like my control freak daughter. Whatever the problem is, it must have something to do with Mandrake Roman.

“What’s wrong Mom?” She looks like she’s seen a ghost and that ghost is Simon’s sister.

“Nothing Darling, I’m fine.” Maddy managed a weak smile. I want to go home.  Having dinner doesn’t appeal to me and I doubt it appeals to Anna Stephens either, if her reaction is any indication.

“You don’t look fine Mom. Please, is there something I can do?”

Simon glanced at Mandrake Roman and then to his sister. Anna was behaving totally out of character, drinking hard liquor. It’s almost unheard of and never when she has to drive.

“Maddy, may I ask, have you met my sister before?” Simon asked tentatively.

Maddy’s eyes strayed to the direction of Anna Stephens who was talking with her father.

“Yes, yes I have, Simon.”

Simon heard the defeat and distress in that short admission. Then his quick mind suddenly grasped a possible scenario. Was his sister the woman at the centre of Maddy’s conflict at work?  He couldn’t imagine Anna would be involved; but it was possible.

“Mom, is Anna the person you have been accused of having an affair with?”

How do I answer? Simon is Anna’s brother. They are close; I can see that myself. He won’t believe she has done anything wrong. “Yes.”

Juliet gasped at the news and gave Anna Stephens a critical glance. Maddy’s daughter was met with a glacial stare from the woman. “Mom, it’s okay. We’ll leave.”

Simon pleaded with Juliet. “Please!  Juliet, we need to resolve this. Maddy say’s it’s not true and I’m sure Anna will too!  Perhaps if they work together, they can both come out of this smelling like roses.”

“You would say that, Simon.  She’s your sister.  Shouldn’t we ask her how she got my mother embroiled in this situation?”  Juliet was immediately given a look of censure from her mother for her belligerent attitude.

“I’ll go and talk to her.” Simon turned to speak to his sister.

“No Simon!  It’s my problem and I will talk with her. You’re right. We are in the same room and according to my contacts at work; we’ve both been suspended. It must be a misunderstanding, really.”  Maddy left the young couple to ponder her words as she went to the bar.

“Ah, Mandrake, would you like a drink?”

“No, not for me. Thank you, David.” Maddy was pierced with a look from Anna Stephens. When has he ever been know by anything other than D.R.?

“Would you mind if I talked with Anna alone?  We have a little unfinished business. It won’t take a minute.”  David shrugged his shoulders and moved away.

Maddy traded glare for glare with Anna as the younger woman gave her a cynical stare.

“You wanted to talk, I believe. Though what you and I have to discuss beats me.”

“Then you haven’t as much intelligence as I thought”, Maddy replied sarcastically.

Anna poured herself another straight vodka and downed it as she waited for Mandrake Roman to begin.

“I want to know what’s going on and why me?” Maddy’s voice was low, although clearly audible to Anna.

“I could ask you the same thing, Ms. Roman.”

“Then, perhaps we have common ground. We need to talk about this. Because as sure as hell, I don’t understand who would want to malign me or you?”

“Perhaps we do have common ground! Although, I know who might be after me, you are a mystery.” Anna couldn’t help the faint smile cross her lips as she wondered why Peterson wanted to attack this woman.  Anna had gleaned little about Mandrake Roman from her files. She appeared squeaky clean and had progressed at a steady and respectable pace. She was a single parent and had been for some years. There was no private background information. The husband could be alive or dead.

“Can we talk about this or not?” For the first time, Maddy felt ready to meet the situation head on.

Anna pursued her lips as she considered the question. What harm would it do? After all, they’ve been tarred with the same brush, now let’s see if the feathers stick. “Sure.”

Mary entered the game room and announced dinner. She left the door open as a sign they shouldn’t dawdle. The old housekeeper had been with them through thick and thin and she didn’t like her dinner preparations to be spoiled by tardy guests.

“I...I guess it will have to be after dinner.” Anna felt a little light-headed from the alcohol she had hastily consumed.

The meal began as a rather stilted affair. Unfortunately, Anna and Mandrake had been placed opposite each other. The cool glances they exchanged certainly didn’t bode well for entertaining repartee.

“How is your studying going for finals, Simon?” His father asked the question, more to break the ice than exhibiting real interest. David and Simon had talked at length only the day before about the examinations Simon was to take the following week.

“Great, Dad. Should be interesting to see where I come in the standings, when it’s all over.”

“Top Boy. The top - that’s where all Stephens in our profession are. There just isn’t any other spot suitable.” David Stephens was inwardly pleased when Anna rose to take the bait.

“What happens if Simon isn’t Number One? Not everyone has your over-achieving genes, Father.” One more reason I didn’t take up the family business. Father’s expectations that all Stephens’ had to be first in everything!

When Anna was a child, she often cried and ran into her mother’s embrace to avoid her father’s anger over her grades at school. D. R. Stephens was never satisfied with Anna being in 98th percentile.  Cynthia tempered his attitude with soothing words to her daughter and some rather short ones to her husband.

“My dear Anna, just because you didn’t feel that you had the tenacity to see the job through, doesn’t mean your brother hasn’t the necessary drive, now does it?” David Stephens had argued with Anna numerous times about her lack of ambition, especially when taking what he considered a hack position for the city of Chicago. He never had understood. In the end, it hadn’t mattered. Simon was his rising star and Anna could do whatever the hell she wanted. She invariably did, anyway.

Whispering, Juliet asked, “Simon, are they always like this?”

Simon placed his hand on the top of her thigh in comfort at her lack of understanding of the situation. “Yes, actually this is quite tame. But, a great ice breaker, wouldn’t you say?”

Juliet looked up into his laughter filled eyes and grinned. She looked in her mother’s direction and noted that Maddy’s expression was one of fascination as her eyes darted between the two combatants.

“Mom wouldn’t consider being the top of the class as the prime motive for working towards something, would you, Mom?” Juliet gave Maddy a wide-eyed “butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth” expression.

“I…Well, I don’t believe that everyone is or should be an over-achiever. Some people are very happy reaching a middle ground and they live very fulfilling and productive lives, nonetheless. If we all had the ability to reach the top, it would be rather crowded up there.”

“So Mandrake, you prefer the fellow who doesn’t use his talents to the fullest extent and ends up in some mediocre job!”  D.R. Stephen’s words were tinged with arrogance.

“I never said I didn’t appreciate the people who make it to the top, merely that it doesn’t suit everyone. How dull life would be if we were a pack of clones with all the same ambitions.” Maddy smiled sweetly at the man at the head of the table.

“I agree.” Anna said reluctantly. Mandrake Roman is right.

“Well, Anna you would! After all you are a member of the population who hasn’t fulfilled their promise.”

This time Anna’s face turned an angry red at his jibe. Typical D R Stephens remark. Who wanted a father like him anyway? She was about to respond when she heard Mandrake Roman speak again.

“I disagree, David. Your daughter is at the top of her field; her expertise is well known.” Maddy hadn’t intended defending Anna Stephens, but the words came tumbling out much to her surprise.

“What would you know of Anna’s field? Are you in the same profession, as well?” David was flabbergasted at the older woman’s defence of his daughter. He would have bet his next month’s fees on the two of them being antagonistic rather than friendly.

“Not exactly, but I have had reason to use her expert services. Trust me David, she is something to behold when she’s working.”

Just then, Mary brought in a tray laden with a bottle of champagne and the appropriate flutes.

David frowned. “Mary? I didn’t order champagne.”

 “Absolutely right, Dad, I did. I had a reason for this dinner and I’d like to give you my news.”

“Thank you Mary, as always, your timing is superb.” Simon winked at the cook and was given a cheerful smile back.  She put the tray at the end of the table close to Simon. Mary placed a glass beside each person and poured the wine.

David Stephens waited until Mary left the room before speaking. “What’s the meaning of this, Simon?”

“Dad, take it easy. All will be revealed. I have an announcement to make!” Simon and Juliet stood up. He placed an arm around her shoulders.

“Actually we, that is, Juliet and I have an announcement. We are getting married soon after my finals.  Juliet has agreed to be my wife.”

David Stephens went purple with rage. “No way in Hell, Boy! Is she pregnant?”

Simon turned to face his father. “My God, is that all you can say?”

Anna watched the expression of disbelief cross Mandrake Roman’s face. Unfortunately, she wasn’t surprised. She knew exactly how her father would react.

“Congratulations Simon, Juliet.” Her voice was slightly slurred, but sincere.

Maddy hadn’t realised that she could travel through so many emotions in one evening. She always thought she could handle anything that came her way, until tonight. Juliet is just a child!  Simon’s a young man, hardly more than a boy himself. This is a nightmare! I will wake up soon and find myself in bed staring up at the skylight.

“Thanks, Sis, I knew I could rely on you.” Simon smiled at his sister as she picked up her glass for the toast.

Juliet looked at her mother. Maddy was very pale, even more so than when she encountered Anna Stephens. “Mom?”

Maddy didn’t know what to say. She had almost uttered the same words as David Stephens.  Fortunately, he’d got there first. “Congratulations.”

“Well, I think we should toast the happy couple. Simon, Juliet, congratulations on your engagement.” Anna calmly lifted her glass and raised it to the happy couple.

Maddy sipped her champagne. She was totally bewildered. Juliet hadn’t given her a clue, not even an inkling. If I hadn’t been here this evening, would they have announced the engagement without me? How long had she been seeing Simon? All this time he’s been in Juliet’s life, and after meeting him only a few days ago, I’m told he is going to be my son-in-law! Did life work like that, surely not?

“Juliet, Simon, lots of happiness.” Maddy finally breathed out. She was finding it difficult to think coherently.

“Well, I certainly will not drink to such a ridiculous idea. Sow your wild oats, Boy, but don’t bring them home to roost so early in your career! No woman is worth it.” David Stephens retorted bitterly and left the room, muttering under his breath.

“Guess that means, Father doesn’t approve. Simon, I think you have now shown that you have feet of clay, just like your big sister.” Anna put down her glass and sat back heavily in the chair. She was feeling the effects of the liquor she had consumed. Everything was taking on a surreal atmosphere around her and she wondered how she was going to drive home.

Simon grinned at Anna, “ Yes, for tonight at least. He’ll come round.”

 “Are you pleased, Mom?”

 “I’m surprised, Juliet. Frankly, I am at a loss for words. I hope you don’t mind, but I think I’ll take a taxi home.”

Juliet was filled with remorse over her lack of attention to her mother’s feelings. I should have known better and explained to her first. It would have been the right thing to do.  I am so much in love with Simon; I didn’t consider how Mother might feel. What a selfish fool, I am.

“That’s okay, Mom. I understand. Simon and I will drop you off, we brought you after all.”

“No!” Maddy answered so sharply that the others in the room looked at her in surprise.

“I see. I’ll get Simon to call you a taxi.” Juliet turned to Simon but was stopped as Anna spoke.

“I’ll take your mother home. We have some unfinished business that still requires attention.” Her voice slurred a little and Maddy knew that there was no way she would allow Anna Stephens to drive her anywhere.

“Thank you Ms. Stephens but I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”

“No trouble.” Anna replied, as she stood up unsteadily.

Simon walked over to his sister. “No way Sis, you’ve had too much to drink. I’ll get Juliet’s mother a cab and you can stay here in your old room.”

“Give it a rest, Baby Brother. The last time I stayed here was my last day in school. Ms. Roman can drive, if it will make you happy.”

“Sorry Mom. Would you drive my idiotic sister home? She lives about ten minutes from your place. I’ll get her car when we come over for lunch tomorrow, if that’s okay.” Not sure she still wants me to come, now.  Our bombshell of an engagement and the problem with Anna at work must make our family seem like her worst nightmare.

Maddy looked at him and then to her daughter whose eyes were filling with tears. I’ve had enough, but what else can I do? Anna Stephens is too drunk to get herself home.

“Okay. Let’s go, Ms. Stephens.”

Anna staggered slightly as she walked after the smaller woman.

After they left, Juliet turned to Simon. “Do you think they will be okay?” The tears she had held back started to trickle down her cheeks.

“Yes Darling, I’m sure they will. Come here. I want to give my best girl a kiss. We are officially engaged, you know. Tomorrow when we have lunch with your mother, she can be the first to see the ring.”  Juliet flew into his arms and was thoroughly kissed. For the moment, all the troubles around them disappeared.

Maddy couldn’t believe it. Anna Stephens was asleep, sound asleep.

Maddy had driven a block on West Wacker Drive and turned to ask for directions. When they left the Stephens family home, Anna told her to go towards the centre of town and further directions would be forthcoming. All well and good if she wasn’t dead drunk. What now? It would be stupid to stop the car at this time of night to ask for assistance, even though, I’m not alone. Of course, I might as well be, for all the help Stephens could provide.

Guess I’ll have to take her to my apartment. I’ll give her some coffee and put her in a taxi. Seems to be the only solution.

Can anything else go wrong? The one salvation is that tomorrow I will meet Trojan, or rather Sara. My Internet friend is so different from this woman. She’s nothing like Anna Stephens. Thank you, God.

Juliet is engaged to a man whose sister has contributed to making this the Week from Hell. Life really couldn’t get any more complicated, could it?”
 
 

Maddy struggled with Anna, who was less than co-operative. She was thankful that the apartment building wasn’t large and the elevator only a few feet from the security door.

Fortunately, her neighbour, Andrew Slater arrived home from his late shift as a janitor. He was in his late fifties and a widower. “Need any help, Maddy?”

“Oh Andrew, you are a God send! My friend has had too much to drink. Will you help me to the elevator?”

“How about I carry her and see you both safely inside?” Andrew hooked his arm around the taller but surprisingly lightweight frame of the woman. Anna groaned a little as he swung her up into his burly arms and carried her inside the building.

Within five minutes, Andrew had departed and Maddy was in her apartment. She stared at the prone figure of Anna Stephens sprawled on her bed.  It will probably be quite a while before she recovers from her drunken stupor. I’ve gone through enough of this kind of crap with Juliet’s father. There was no way I want it in my home again. Still, I can’t just leave her in her car overnight. Well, maybe I could. No, I suppose not. Damn!

Shutting the bedroom door, Maddy walked into the kitchen to make hot chocolate. She went over the events of the evening. Of primary importance was Juliet’s engagement to Simon Lake. On the other hand, would it be Stephens on the marriage certificate?

Oh Juliet, you are way too young to even think about getting married. You have your whole life ahead of you.  Lots of things to see and experience before you settle down. That should come later, much later.

Her eyes travelled to the computer. She was tempted to log on and see if Sara was online. She would love to talk with her friend about Juliet.

As she was about to switch the computer on, she heard a loud groan and then retching. Oh God, not on my clean sheets!’ Maddy opened the door to find Anna Stephens half on and half off the bed, with her head hanging over the edge.  The drunken woman had been and still was vomiting all over the carpet.

Maddy rushed over and deftly avoided the horrendous mess on the floor. She shouted at Anna to let her help her to the bathroom.

“I can’t.”

“You can!” Maddy hauled Anna off the bed and pushed her into the bathroom. She placed the woman beside the toilet bowl, in case Anna gave up more of her dinner. Maddy left her unwelcome guest slumped on the floor as she went to clean up the contents of Anna’s stomach.

Thirty minutes later, Maddy returned and was surprised to see Anna curled up in the fetal position, asleep on the bathroom floor. Big Bad Computer Geek looks like a child. How can I stay angry with her?  Perhaps, Anna is feeling the strain of our predicament. I certainly am.

Maddy found a blanket and placed it gently over the slumbering woman.

“Goodnight Anna Stephens”, Maddy whispered and closed the door. Tonight I’ll have to put up with that smell and leave the window open. Oh well, what was one more inconvenience this evening? Tomorrow will be a better day.

Anna awoke with a splitting headache. The room spun dangerously about her and she was unable to focus for several minutes. Finally gaining her equilibrium, she glanced around the bathroom. Okay, I can handle this, but where am I? Not my bathroom - too homey. Not Father’s unless he’d changed decorators recently.  Simon’s?  No, he shares with a couple of other guys. Theirs wouldn’t be this clean. Have I been really stupid and picked someone up? But if that’s true, why am I on the floor of a bathroom with a blanket covering me?  Well, let’s find out exactly where I am.

As she stood up, Anna felt a sharp pain in her temples and groaned at the intensity. Ugh, who ever invented alcohol should have been burnt at the stake.

Anna opened the door and looked out onto a small hallway. It’s homey too, kind of comforting.

Where were the bedrooms and the living room? Taking a chance, she opened a door quietly and peered inside. Gentle snores emitted from the bed. The person was virtually buried under the bedcovers.  Anna tried to close the door but it creaked ominously. Surprised, she moved back and pulled the door, which then hit the bridge of her nose. She shrieked in pain.

“What!  Who are you?” Maddy had been sleeping soundly and was dreaming of someone chasing her.  What the hell?

“I’m sorry.”

Maddy glanced up in the partially moonlit room and saw Anna Stephens. “Are you alright?”

Anna recognised the voice. It caused another jagged pain in her head as she realised that the voice belonged to Mandrake Roman. Why am I in her apartment?

“Ms. Roman, why am I here and why am I sleeping on the bathroom floor?” How inhospitable!

Maddy was irritated by the question. This woman has an ego the size of Wrigley Field!

“For your information, Ms. Stephens, you were smashed and fell asleep in your car. I couldn’t wake you and even had to have my neighbour help me bring you in. I assume you didn’t want me to leave you in the car? As for the bathroom floor, you did have my bed but you threw up all over this carpeting. I got you into the bathroom and eventually, you fell asleep again on the bathroom floor. I covered you with a blanket and then tried to get some rest myself.”

Anna was deeply ashamed of her behaviour. To do all this in Mandrake Roman’s home of all places, guess I am just fated to have her see the worst of me.

“I’m terribly sorry. I’ll call a taxi and leave you in peace.”

Maddy shrugged off the covers and walked over to the woman. She forgot that she wore the briefest of T-shirts and was showing off her womanly assets to great effect. “No, you will not! You are in no fit state and it’s two in the morning, not a good time to find a taxi.”

Wow, small but she certainly has a nice shape. And a temper! She’s right. I feel like shit and my head is killing me. “Thanks, I would appreciate it. Do you mind if I sleep on the couch?”

Maddy moved past her and padded towards her kitchen. Anna’s heartbeat raised its tempo as she watched the older woman stride away. “Come on. You need a cold compress for your nose and aspirin for the headache you must have.”

“Okay, right with you.”

The loud knocking woke Anna out of her dreamless sleep. She was cramped on the couch but it was much more comfortable than the bathroom floor.

After removing the two blankets that Mandrake Roman had given her, she stood up and looked down. Her silk shirt was open at the neck and revealed more than she would normally in public. Anna had taken off her pants and was barefoot. She walked towards the pounding on the front door. Her watch told her it was seven thirty.  Who the hell comes calling at this ridiculous time on a Sunday morning?

Without thinking, she opened the door. “Yes?”

A flash of light blinded her for a few moments. “Thanks Stephens. That’s all the proof I need.”  I know that voice!

Anna was temporarily stunned. Someone has taken a photo and that someone is Ken Peterson. The bastard must have followed me.

Peterson opened the door to the stairwell and was gone before Anna could react. Well, that tears it! Another day, another disaster!

 Closing the door quickly, she went to the bedroom. Anna knocked quietly and looked into the room. Still fast asleep! Probably need an earthquake to raise her. Some people are like that.

Anna placed a hand on the woman’s shoulder and pressed it lightly to get her attention. Several shakes and no results later, Anna became concerned. Is she sick?

Anna pulled down the bedcovers until she could see Mandrake’s head. She looked relaxed and surprisingly young.

“Hey Sleepy Head, wake up.” This is crazy. Has she taken a sleeping pill?

“Come on Mandrake, I have to talk with you.”

This was like a parody of “Sleeping Beauty”. In that one, the only thing that woke the princess was a kiss from a prince.  I’m sure no prince and my kiss would be unwelcome as hell, anyway. Uh oh, better not go there. That would, without a doubt, put the icing on the cake. If Peterson could read my thoughts, he would have everything he needs to sink us.

As Anna pulled away from the woman, Mandrake started talking in her sleep. “Oh please, kiss me. I’ve longed for the touch of your lips and your hands caressing my body.”

Anna stifled a chuckle. She wished she had that kind of dream. Suddenly she began to topple toward the bed. Anna prevented a major catastrophe as she braced her elbows to keep Mandrake from being crushed.

Mandrake Roman was in a dreamscape, indulging her inner needs. Her hands wrapped around Anna’s neck and brought her within inches of her lips. Anna was powerless to stop her own body’s reaction. She kissed Mandrake and the resulting sensation caused both women to moan in delight. This wasn’t happening! Anna felt smaller hands gently cup her breasts. She was trembling with the foreign emotions developing within her. One of Maddy’s hands found Anna’s and brought them to rest against her breasts, as she voiced her pleasure. Anna’s control dissolved. Her increasing need to caress this woman was driving her forward. Her hands traced the swell of Maddy’s breasts through the T-shirt and Anna moved her lips down the soft neck to suck one nipple through the material.

It was then, that Anna came to her senses. “No”, she shouted. This brought Mandrake Roman out of her sensual sleep. Startled, she looked up into the bright blue eyes of Anna Stephens.

“What! What’s going on?” Maddy’s heart was hammering in her chest as she sought the eyes of Anna Stephens. What the hell is Stephens doing on my bed?

Again, Anna almost laughed. Fortunately, she was able to cover her embarrassment as her body tried to control its raging emotions. Good grief, how lucky I am. She must be one of those people who immediately forget what they’re dreaming about when they wake up. “We had an early morning caller and I came in to let you know.”

Maddy gave her a puzzled stare. What do you mean, ‘We’?

“Who was it? Have I slept in? What time is it?” Maddy scrambled out of bed to stand before the slightly taller woman agitated at the news.

“No you haven’t slept in. It’s only around seven forty-five. It was a photographer.”

My lack of clothing didn’t seem to faze Mandrake Roman.  I lost control and Mandrake doesn’t even know it.  Hell, if it had gone any further you could call it rape. It can’t happen again, EVER!  What was I thinking? Or not thinking would be more accurate. What is wrong with me?

“A photographer? Anna, what do you mean a photographer? Someone taking pictures for a living or the newspapers or what?” Maddy was so confused that she used Anna’s first name without realizing it.

Anna smiled openly at the slip. Mandrake Roman hadn’t been anything but formal with her in the past. “It was Ken Peterson.”

“Peterson? But how, why?”

“Good old Kenny Peterson was trying to get evidence in his case against us.  Must have been following us for days, saw his opportunity and took it.  Don’t think much of the guy personally, he’s the lowest of the low but he sure has tenacity.” If I hadn’t gotten smashed, this wouldn’t have happened. Everything would have cleared up quickly and I would have taken Peterson down myself.  This is only going to muddy the waters. How do I handle it?

Maddy contemplated the woman’s serious profile. Anna Stephens was a cold fish and self-cantered or perhaps driven was a better description. After getting a glimpse of her background, the latter was probably fitting. This was a disaster. Who would believe that they weren’t having an affair now?

“What do we do now?” Maddy asked quietly. Anna had turned away from her to look out the window, where the curtain was slightly open. It’s going to be a beautiful day if the blue sky is anything to go by.

“WE don’t do anything. I, on the other hand, will handle it.”

 “Look, I thought this involved the two of us, am I wrong? Or is this only about The Great Anna Stephens and my reputation can go in the toilet?”

Anna turned back abruptly as she saw flashing eyes glittering angrily. She’s right.

“Not at all, Ms. Roman. If you have anything to say that will help, by all means go ahead.”

Maddy gave her a piercing gaze and shook her head derisively. “I’m going to have breakfast. If you want anything, come with me.”

Maddy left the room rather than wait for a reply. I don’t care if she eats or not. It won’t stop me. At least the day couldn’t get any worse; it can only get better. Sara, Juliet, and Simon are coming to lunch. Think about that rather than this mess.

As she contemplated the events of the last twenty-four hours, Anna watched Mandrake’s retreating back. I deserve her scorn; that’s for sure. The truth is that we are in this together. Somehow, we have to put this antagonism aside so that we can find a solution. Then, and only then, can we be free of each other. But, is that what I want?

Juliet Roman had been restless and talked Simon into going to Maddy’s home early. The previous evening had been emotionally draining for them all and she was worried about her mother’s reaction.

It was nine in the morning when she pressed the doorbell. Juliet had a key but since Simon was with her, it was better to wait for her mother to open the door, rather than burst in unannounced.

The door was opened, but not by Maddy. Juliet and Simon gapped open mouthed as Anna looked at them in surprise and waved them inside.

“Sis, what are you doing here? I told you I would bring the car over to your place.” Simon quickly recovered from the shock of seeing Anna open the door as naturally as if she lived there.

“Yes, you did, but now you don’t have to.”

“Your mother’s taking a shower.” Juliet stared at Anna. She seems so familiar with these surroundings. Was Mother holding out on her? Is there really something going on between Mother and Anna Stephens?

“I don’t think Mandrake was expecting you so soon, but she won’t be long. Do either of you want coffee?” Anna walked towards the kitchen. She wasn’t sure if she should play the hostess or pick up her keys and leave.

Mandrake and I did agree to talk over lunch tomorrow. Right now, all I want to do is go home and think. My mind is in a whirl. Maybe I should cancel with Maddy. I’m not in a good mood and that would be disastrous for our first meeting.

“Well, if you’re offering, Sis, I’ll have a cup with cream and sugar.” Perhaps there is more to this non-relationship of my sister and future mother-in-law, than they are willing to admit.

“I can make it!” Juliet stated. It’s outrageous the way this woman was taking over Mom’s apartment.

Anna chuckled inwardly at the tone of voice from the young woman, “Suit yourself, I’m going home anyway.”

“You’re leaving? Oh come on; spend some time with us. Stay, and we can all get to know each other better.” Simon winked at her and Anna gave him a disapproving glance.

“I need to go; I have something to do.”

“I’ll bet you just got here. Come on Sis, please?”

“Maybe Juliet wants to spend some quality time with her mother without a stranger around.” Anna moved closer to her car keys.

Juliet blinked a few times. I don’t like this woman. Mom certainly wasn’t keen on her either. “Stay, Anna.  We’re early. Mom and I have all day to catch up.”

Anna glanced shrewdly at Juliet and nodded her head. “I guess a little longer won’t hurt.”

“What won’t hurt?” Maddy walked into the room brushing her fingers through the damp tendrils of hair.  Juliet rushed over and hugged her.

“I know we’re early Mom, but I wanted to talk to you.” Juliet whispered as she was given a loving hug back.

“No problem Darling, I love it when you visit, the earlier the better.” Maddy kissed the top of her head and glanced at the two people who were watching the Mother/Daughter reunion in fascination. It’s time I got to know the Stephens’ better. It might help with future dealings with Anna. The future. I doubt that Anna Stephens wants me in her life now or in the future. Why does that bother me?

“Simon, lovely to see you again. Anna, have you offered my visitors something to drink?”

“I asked!” Anna’s tone was defensive.

“Well, you nearly drank the coffee pot dry all by yourself, Anna. Maybe I should make a fresh brew.” Maddy didn’t see the surprised and interested stares that came her way at that statement.

“Sis, I thought you only arrived a little while ago.” Simon considered the possibilities.

“Whatever gave you that idea, Simon? Anna spent the night, didn’t she tell you?” Maddy grinned at him and went in the kitchen. A curious Juliet followed her closely.

“Sis, is there anything else I should know? Perhaps so, judging by how red your cheeks are.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Simon. I wasn’t capable of giving Mandrake instructions to get home. She had no choice but to put me up for the night.” Anna sat down in one of the chairs.

“That’s nice. Does that mean you two are getting along better?” Simon relaxed opposite her and draped a leg over the arm of the chair.

“Yes, we have an understanding.”

“An understanding. Sounds good to me. You sure seem comfortable in her home.”

“It’s a comfortable apartment. I should know. I’ve slept in all the rooms now but that’s another story”, Anna answered sarcastically.

Simon burst out laughing and Anna looked at him in sisterly tolerance.

“Well, I won’t belabor the point. Does this mean you’re friends?”

“Friends? No, not at all! Colleagues, who have decided to pool our resources to fight this nonsense.” I doubt we could ever be friends, lovers’ maybe, but friends...my God, where did that come from?

“Okay.” Simon gave her a long thoughtful glance.

Anna tried to divert Simon’s attention away from her and Mandrake. “How did you leave Father?”

Simon stood up abruptly and walked quickly over to the computer desk. He tapped his fingers on the mouse pad.

“Dad doesn’t approve of the engagement. He wasn’t complimentary about Juliet, either. In the end, he said she was no more than a gold digger. It should have been one of the happiest nights of my life and Father turned it into the most miserable experience I’ve ever known.”

“Simon, did you really think he would approve? Wasn’t that the reason you asked me to come along?” Anna smiled in sympathy. Simon can be so naive when it comes to the workings of D. R. Stephens’ mind.

“I thought he was changing, mellowing almost. He never will, will he?”

“I doubt it.  However, he might, when your first child is born, especially if it’s a boy. Don’t hold your breath, though.”

“What do you mean especially if it’s a boy?”

“Forget it!” Anna hoped the two Roman women would return. She didn’t want to disillusion Simon even more than he already was.

“What do you mean, Anna? I can’t forget it as if it doesn’t matter. Are you saying that if Juliet and I had a daughter, Dad wouldn’t take to her, either?”

“No!” Anna was saved from further discussion as Maddy and Juliet walked in.

“Coffee for all, and waffles for those of you who haven’t eaten.” Maddy set the coffee on the table.  She noted an uncomfortable undercurrent in the air.

“Thanks, I need to go, but Simon, I recommend the waffles.”

Juliet linked her arm in Simon’s. She too, had seen that all wasn’t well with the siblings. Probably his bitch sister was being hateful. The way she holds herself aloof from other people is so irritating.

“How’s it going, Darling?” Simon bent down and kissed her quickly. He smiled a secret smile to her that indicated he would explain later.

Maddy sat down opposite Anna Stephens and contemplated the woman. She wasn’t that bad over breakfast. We kind of broke the ice between us. Good news, because it would be really uncomfortable to be at loggerheads with her, especially now! Soon we’ll be connected by Juliet and Simon’s marriage; we have to be at least reasonably friendly.

“Mom, what are we having for lunch?” Juliet asked as she settled into the security of Simon’s arms.

“Well, I thought I’d have turkey today. Guess I must have known we were going to celebrate. Haven’t any champagne though, Darling.” Juliet and Simon doesn’t know there will be someone else having lunch with us. I’ll wait till Anna Stephens leaves to tell them.

“Oh, you are, without a doubt, one great Mom.”

The three of them chatted as Anna remained silent and drank slowly from her coffee. Her mind drifted to the kisses she shared with Mandrake Roman and how they made her feel. How does it make me feel?

Juliet and Simon went into the kitchen to devour waffles. Anna didn’t notice that she and Mandrake had been left alone. Maddy looked at Anna curiously. “You’re lost in thought.”

Should I tell Mandrake what happened between us this morning? No. “I’m sorry.”

Maddy smiled at her. This woman is quite endearing in a very strange way.  She looks so in control when in reality, she’s just like everyone else.  Just like me.

“No problem. The kids have gone to eat. You said you needed to leave, but I wondered if you might like to stay for lunch, too?”

“No, that’s okay, Mandrake. I have things to do.” Anna was astounded at the invitation.

“I see, I guess one of my meals was quite enough for one day.” Maddy couldn’t help feel disappointed.

Anna heard the change in Mandrake’s voice. Was she upset? Why? “I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome.”

Maddy gave her an intense soul-searching look that made Anna catch her breath. What was going on here?  “You wouldn’t”, Maddy finally replied softly.

“So that means I get a rain check?”

“Yes, please.”

Both women turned their heads when they heard laughter coming from the kitchen. “Young love.” Maddy remarked.

“Yes. Perhaps one day I’ll experience it, but I won’t be so young.” Anna wondered what made her admit such a thing to this stranger.

“Love makes you young, even if you’re eighty.” Does she ever go on the net, into chat rooms? Perhaps, she might meet some friends that way. Oh, that’s foolish. Anna Stephens probably has lots of friends, both male and female.

“Hope so, I could be eighty by the time it gets to me.” Anna laughed at her own comment, but inwardly the thought made her quite sad.

“Why not stay to lunch, Anna? We are celebrating after all.”

Anna pondered the invitation. I could, but I’ll miss my first meeting with Sentinel, although, I was going to cancel, anyway.

“Please.”

“Thanks, I’ve always loved turkey.” Anna’s smile was genuine and it touched Maddy profoundly.

“Great! I’ll go start it.”

“May I use your computer? I need to check my email.”

“Sure, go ahead.  It’s all yours. When you’re finished, let me know. I’d like to pick up my email, too.”

Mandrake Roman uses the Internet! Will wonders never cease? Now, how can I word the letter to Sentinel? I hate standing her up. But, I do have an idea. Next Saturday!

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