“No.” Ellie thought of her schedule. “I’m much too busy to date right now because I need to finish my manuscript.”
The twins remained silent for a moment; each thinking of the upcoming charity event. Damon knew he would have to wear a tuxedo and absently wondered if his new black dress shoes were in the closet at his apartment or at his parents’ penthouse.
Ellie thought that if she timed her evening just right, she would still be able to go home and continue writing her manuscript for a couple of hours after the charity ball.
Within a few moments, Damon turned another left. Like he had done numerous times before, he drove the jeep toward the parking area near the main building. He parked in the usual spot and asked his twin sister if she needed any help. With a light pink roller-luggage bag clasped in one hand, Ellie reached for the bakery bags from The Coffee Attic. Because Damon had been raised to be a gentleman, he gently grabbed his sister’s luggage, making it easier for her to maneuver.
Together the pair walked toward Hangar #4. Nearly a dozen private planes were strategically stationed around the small, yet busy airport. Damon and Ellie each waved at the pilots and extensive flight staff. Lastly, it was Monroe Jenkin that greeted them.
The giant of a man flashed a welcoming smile at the Carrie twins. He strolled toward Damon and Ellie with a wide smile already upon his wrinkled face. “Hey, there are some of my favorite kids!”
Damon knew better. “Don’t you also call Brisa and Cray your favorites?” The tone was teasing, which made Monroe chuckle. The man’s oversized middle began to shake with laughter. Damon stuck out a hand and Monroe immediately accepted it.
After Damon released Monroe’s hand, Ellie stepped forward and placed a small kiss on the man’s cheek.
“Why, Miss Ellie, you are just as pretty as a sunrise.”
“Good morning, Monroe,” Ellie said. She took a step backward and held up a small brown bag. “We brought you and your staff some treats this morning.”
“Oh, my sweet goodness…..Miss Ellie….I’m trying to watch my figure…” Monroe quickly glanced around, as if trying to see if his wife was secretly lurking behind a plane. Satisfied that his dear Minnie was not lurking in the vicinity, Monroe took the brown paper bag. He opened the small sack, sniffed inside, and nodded his head in excitement. And like he had done so many times before, Monroe swung his left hand in the air, toward the private jet. “Come on, kids. Let’s get you back home to New York City.”
Bourbon Peach Pie (from The Coffee Attic)
Ingredients:
5 cups thinly sliced peaches. I pit them and then cut them into small wedges. 5 cups is roughly the equivalent to 6 or 7 peaches.
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1-2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Sprinkle of salt ( about 1/4 tsp.)
pinch of nutmeg
1-2 tsp. lemon zest
1-2 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 c bourbon
1 Tbsp. butter
milk and sugar, for crust
1 chilled double (unbaked) pie crust recipe. You can use pre-made pie crust.
Directions:
Yahoo! Time to get started!
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and lemon zest. Add the peaches and toss to combine. Add the lemon juice and bourbon, and toss until this goodness is evenly coated.
Roll out the bottom half of the pie dough on a floured surface into about a 12″ circle and put into a 9″ pie pan.
Pour the peach filling into the piecrust.
Cut the butter into small pieces and sprinkle evenly over the peaches.
Then roll out the second half of the dough and place it on top of the pie for the upper crust.
Pinch the edges of pie together. If you’re feeling the need for creativity, shape into a ridge and scallop, if you like.
Then brush the crust with a tablespoon or so of milk, and sprinkle with sugar.
Use a knife to cut a few slits in the middle of the dough for baking. If you would like to complete a lattice top/covering, go for it.
Bake at 350 F for roughly an hour, until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on this masterpiece while it bakes.
If the crust begins to brown too much, loosely cover it with aluminum foil while baking.
Yummy, oh yummy!
Chapter 2
“We will be leaving in ten minutes,” came Stack McGregor’s deep gruff voice over the earpiece. After giving the information, the man walked through the Sherry Estate. The mansion was just that; a massive home surrounded by acres of land and a couple of lakes. The impressive twenty-four bedroom structure had been in the wealthy and elite family for centuries.
“Roger, that,” Walker Brigg replied. The bodyguard stood just inside the ornate entryway, where he was strategically stationed. Various people huddled off in different directions. Two maids scuffled around, cleaning the rooms and chit-chatting about their ever evolving personal lives. The head chef sat on a barstool in the kitchen, planning a month’s worth of meals.
Now, with his eyes sweeping the familiar surroundings, Stack strolled through the various rooms like he had done so many times over the years. Stack checked the doors. He checked the windows. He checked the seven person security personnel that were positioned outside. He checked the inside security equipment and he still was not entirely satisfied. Stack swore to himself and continued making the rounds around the Sherry home. Moments later, he stopped near the end of a hallway.
After knocking on the thick dark wood door, Stack entered the office belonging to Judge Michael Sherry. No one ever called Judge Sherry by his first name…people only referred to him as Judge. The man was in his sixties, with a keen mind and sophisticated manner. It was Judge Sherry who had earned his way and garnered his reputation as being a highly effective judge. The man was known, mainly throughout the country, as both a guiding force of ethics and a potential future politician.
Now, Stack walked into the gigantic office that could very easily resemble a library. Numerous law books were situated on countless bookshelves. The small fire in the fireplace provided a cozy amount of heat in the room.
Stack stood just in front of Judge Sherry’s desk and waited for the man to raise his head. Like always, Stack did not have to wait long.
“How are you this evening, Stack?”
“Very well, sir.” Stack clasped his hands in front of his body. “And you, sir? I hear you’re not going to attend the charity ball this evening.”
“You heard correctly,” Judge said. He looked up from the law brief he had been reading and now eyed the head of his protection team. It was Judge who had hired Stack McGregor all those years ago when he had started receiving death threats during a particular grueling case he had been presiding over.
Ever since those dire death threats began years ago, it was the decision of Judge to keep and retain his specially trained security team. Stack McGregor was in charge of protecting Judge…and his daughter, Julia. Over time their friendship had expanded. Their mutual respect had grown. The time at the prominent Sherry mansion included taste-testing Julia Sherry’s cookies and playing several chess games with Judge. Stack knew that Julia even made it a point to hang stockings over the chimney with every team member having their own personalized holiday sock.
Now, Judge peered at Stack McGregor. He noticed the bodyguard was dressed in an all black suit, minus the tie.
“Julia will be representing the Sherry family this evening, Stack. I believe she is about ready.”
No.
No.
No.
I have no desire to spend an entire evening with Julia Sherry.
“Of course, sir.” Because Stack was a master at keeping his face void of all expression, he kept his emotions neutral. “I will wait for Julia near the front entrance.”
“Have a good evening, Stack.”
N
ot likely.
I don’t want to be around Julia Sherry. Maybe I can make a quick excuse and have someone else take Julia to the charity gala.
Stack silenced the thought. He knew there was no way to back out of tonight’s event without calling suspicion to himself. Because he knew he was stuck, Stack internally knew he had to make the best of the dismal situation.
“Is there anything you need before I go, Judge?”
Judge Sherry shook his head. He was about to turn back toward his papers, when he said, “Have a good evening, Stack.”
“Yes, sir,” was Stack’s automatic reply. Without another word, the professional bodyguard swiftly exited the office. After he shut the door, Stack took a rare moment and took a deep breath of air. He glanced to his left and then his right, somewhat surprised that he was by himself in the long hallway.
Darn it.
Darn it.
Darn it.
Stack rotated his shoulders backward, as if trying to relax before he saw Julia. Normally he was not like this…he could tolerate Julia, even enjoy being in her sweet company….but tonight was different.
It would be just the pair of them and Stack did not like the change in plans. However, there was nothing he could do to change it, so Stack knew he had to endure this evening….no matter how horribly painful it was bound to be.
With his thoughts centered on the evening, Stack strolled with an air of silent confidence down the hallway and toward the main entryway, where he knew that Julia Sherry would be entering any moment. Out of habit, Stack checked his watch again and already knew that Julia would be on time. Judging from past experience, Stack knew that Julia made it a habit to be punctual and he appreciated that about her.
Stack had just strolled into the main elaborate entryway, when he detected Julia. The young woman was reaching for her black wrap and Stack noticed the exact moment that Julia spotted him. She stopped and turned in his direction. The smile upon her face was genuine.
“Good evening, Stack.” Julia Sherry winked at her bodyguard. “You look very handsome this evening.”
Because Stack was used to their friendly banter, he lifted a side of his mouth, hoping that his small gesture would pass as a smile. “Are you ready, Miss Sherry?”
Julia wrinkled her nose at the sound of Stack addressing her in a formal manner. Never a person to stand on ceremony or formality, Julia eyed her bodyguard. “You know I don’t like it when you address me as Miss Sherry. Can you please call me by my first name?”
Stack knew exactly where to draw the professional and personal boundaries of his job duties and now was no different. “Sorry, ma’am. When we’re out in public, I have to address you in a certain way.”
“I appreciate your ethics, Stack, I really do…but you’re also the man who taste tests all the cookies I bake.” Julia’s smile was gentle and she was not surprised when the man’s scowl deepened. With her sunny personality only intensifying, Julia cocked her head to the side. “I know you have a sweet tooth, Stack.”
It was then that the highly protective bodyguard peered at the lady. Standing just to his upper chest, Julia Sherry was wearing a deep, dark purple floor-length gown that was tastefully designed as if it was created especially for her. Her long, dark brown hair was styled in a fashionable way that showcased Julia’s high cheekbones and heart shaped features. The coffee-colored eyes possessed a sense of inner strength and determination.
“Are you ready to leave, Miss Sherry?”
“Of course, Mr. McGregor.”
“You know that color looks fantastic on you,” came the very soft, feminine voice from the doorway. Ellie turned to see her sister walking into their childhood bedroom.
Brisa Carrie strolled with a certain degree of confidence. The vibrant yellow gown fit her body perfectly and just skittered a mere quarter of an inch from the bottom of her high heels. Ellie noticed her sister’s black hair elegantly styled in an elaborate up-do that emphasized the woman’s cheekbones and thin lips. Brisa had a dignified beauty about herself and Ellie admired her sister for that. There was a serene sense of enchanting sophistication surrounding Brisa, much like a shadow emerging through the moonlight.
Once Brisa was fully inside the room, Ellie grinned as she lifted her hands upward a few inches. “You know, I don’t care if this dress makes my skin look too pale or not…I love it.”
“You should love it,” Brisa said. “The gown does look great on you. Oh, and before I forget, thank you for bringing back those goodies from The Coffee Attic. That Hummingbird cake and those Bourbon Peach pies are just to die for.”
“I told Miss Sue nearly the same thing,” Ellie confided. She knew her sister had a sweet spot for the legendary desserts. “I swear there are no better desserts in the entire state of Georgia.”
“I certainly feel the same.” Brisa began to critically eye her sister. The younger woman stood tall, nearly five-ten with an alluring face that could rival any supermodel. The familiar long, curly auburn colored hair that usually swung around Ellie’s shoulders, was now gracefully styled in a refined braid, with wisps of curls framed around her face.
“So when are you going to move to Georgia?” Brisa coyly asked her sister. “After your college graduation?”
“Yes,” Ellie answered. Her voice rang with honesty. “That is the plan anyway. By that time I will have earned enough money from my book royalties to purchase a house and continue with my writing career.”
Because Brisa was the older sister, she felt the need to add, “I’m not even going to point out that you could actually use some of the money in your trust fund and-”
“Just save your breath.” Ellie waved her hand in the air as a smile broadened across her face. “You know I don’t touch my trust fund and you’re the exact same way.”
“Oh, I know,” Brisa responded. “I just wanted to make sure you were adequately prepped before you told mom and dad that you’re purchasing a home and moving to Daffodil after you graduate.”
“Thank you…I think.” Ellie smoothed a hand over the glossy dress material, gliding the soft feel along her fingertips. “Look once I graduate, I plan to become a full-time author and can dedicate myself to writing….and it’s not like I’m dropping off the face of the earth. Daffodil is only a couple of hours from New York City.”
“And the entire family has the private jet at our disposal to fly down and see you any time we wish…did I forget anything?” Brisa winked at her dear sister. “Even though you won’t be graduating for quite some time, I think it’s great that you have plans for your future.”
“Yes. I-”
“Knock, knock!” Sibby Carrie strolled into the bedroom wearing her black designer gown. With her dark auburn hair swept to the side, and her make-up expertly applied, there was an aura of grace descending around her. Sibby elegantly glided into the room. “Oh, here are my very, very beautiful daughters.” She took a moment to place a comforting hand on each of the young women’s shoulders. The maternal touch was genuine.
“You look magnificent this evening, mother,” Ellie said as she placed a hand on top of her mother’s. “That black dress was made most especially for you.”
Brisa nodded. “Yeah. What Ellie said.”
“My two girls…well, you’re young women now,” Sibby grudgingly conceded. “But both of you will always be my girls.”
“Thank you, mama,” Ellie expressed with a form of love within her heart. “That means a lot.”
“Now, how was your trip to Daffodil?” Sibby inquired. “I haven’t had a chance to ask Damon since you’ve been back.”
“It was beyond magnificent,” Ellie said as a boost of Southern pride enveloped her body. “Damon handled much of the business at the Carrie Corporation office and then we got to spend some time sailing. It was a very tranquil week.”
Sibby appeared pleased. “Well, sugar, I also assume you got some writing completed?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Ellie answered. “I talked to my literary agent, you
remember meeting Lynn Anderson, and she is pleased as punch with my progress.” In fact, Ellie internally acknowledged that she was also a little more than pleased with herself.
“Now, child, that is outstanding.” Sibby then focused her motherly attention on her oldest daughter. “How is your school year going, Brisa? I know that you mentioned some concerns on classroom sizes for next school year…”
“Oh, the school administration has not resolved anything yet,” was Brisa’s sad reply. She shrugged her shoulders, as if that work-related burden still rested upon her. “However, I absolutely love my job and I adore hearing what five and six year olds say every day.”
“Perhaps I can use some of your stories in an upcoming book, Brisa,” Ellie stated. She winked at her sister. “I imagine you have some great tales to tell me.”
“Ha!” Brisa snickered in delight. “Do I ever.”
“Oh, before I forget.” Sibby snapped her finger in the air. “Our table will be full this evening. Judge Sherry will be attending with Julia and Mrs. Rally will be brining Rae.”
Ellie nodded her head, already thinking of the people she had known nearly her entire life. Judge Sherry was a close family friend. His wife had died a few years ago, and Ellie knew that Julia Sherry often accompanied her father to several charity events.
Mrs. Rally was a fixture within the lives and corporations of the Carrie family. It was Mrs. Rally who had worked for Samuel Carrie for decades. It was Mrs. Rally who assisted her boss with day to day operations and ran the office in a disciplined structure that rivaled any military boot camp. It was also Mrs. Rally who displayed loyalty and efficiency on a daily basis.
“Tonight will be a wonderful evening for a great cause,” Brisa said. She glanced at the clock on the far wall. “Are we leaving in about ten minutes, mother?”
Sibby nodded her head. “Yes. I also want to point out that there will be some eligible bachelors at the event tonight and….”
Humping Her Hero Page 10
