Life's Song (Book 1 Law of Attraction Trilogy)

by Jeane Watier

  All the employees received share certificates, the amount depending on how long they had been with the company. There were gifts for everyone as they left, too. The three friends were giddy as they made their way down to the front lobby. “Did you see those guys?” Jenna asked. “They were dancing the cancan to Christmas carols.”

  “With Josh and Allen, nothing surprises me, but Mr. Edwards was up there, too,” Gail laughed. As they stepped off the elevator into the lobby, Gail put her arms around Rachael and Jenna, and the three of them began a dance of their own. They danced across the lobby to the front doors, nearly doubling over with laughter. Anyone watching them would have assumed they’d had too much to drink. In reality, they were all just feeling the joy of life, of being in the moment and of creating their own reality. The small amount of alcohol they had consumed just helped to enhance that.

  Brian was waiting out front for Rachael. He’d received invitations to two parties that evening. He’d stopped at one while Rachael was at her office party, and they were going to the second one together. Gail and Jenna decided to share a cab since they both lived in the same direction. The three of them hugged and said goodnight. Rachael looked back as they drove away and saw Gail and Jenna still laughing. She was thrilled that her two dearest friends had also become close. She smiled at the way the Universe had worked things out.

  ~

  Jenna opened her eyes to the morning light. She’d slept late—late for her, anyway. It was past nine-thirty. She lay there for a few minutes, feeling incredibly good and wanting to bask in it. She’d had such an enjoyable evening. After the office party, she and Gail had stopped for a drink, and the two of them had gotten to know each other better. Gail was so much fun. Jenna couldn’t remember ever having laughed so much, yet they’d discussed some serious topics too.

  They had a lot in common besides work. They both loved to cook and decorate, and they both loved cats. Gail had two Tonkinese cats. They were a cross between Siamese and Burmese, but had become a breed of their own. Jenna had fallen in love with them when she was at Gail’s place for dinner.

  Gail had relatives in the town Jenna had grown up in, and Jenna recognized the name. They had most likely known her grandparents, possibly even her parents. As well, Gail had invited her and Geoff to a Christmas party she was hosting. Jenna was looking forward to going. Suddenly, life felt exciting.

  Then Jenna remembered the conversation she’d had on the train the previous day with the decorator she’d come to know. Her name was Amanda. She was friendly and always smiled or waved in passing. On the way home from work, Amanda had moved to sit beside Jenna when the seat became vacant. She told Jenna that her husband was being transferred and that they’d be moving in three or four months. She was going to be training someone to take her position, and she wondered whether Jenna would be interested.

  The offer had taken Jenna by surprise. Her initial gut reaction had been to say yes, but she knew the timing wasn’t right. She’d even hesitated briefly before explaining that their financial situation was a little tight, and that as much as she was honored and would probably enjoy the position, she needed the stability and income that her job provided for the time being.

  As Jenna lay staring at the ceiling, she listed all the reasons why changing jobs would not be wise—the most obvious being a cut in pay. The timing was definitely not right. Still, a voice inside of her kept insisting that it was. She felt confused. She hadn’t said anything to anyone about it yet. Talking to Rachael would help; she would be able to see it in an unbiased light and help Jenna find a way to feel better about it, but Jenna didn’t want to become too dependent on Rachael for advice, so she tried to recall some of the things that she’d learned.

  It’s not your job to find the solution. Your work is all about feeling better. Once you get to a place of feeling better, the solution will come. The Universe will take care of it.

  Jenna had written it down and memorized it. She knew it to be true; she’d seen evidence of it in her life. Okay, I want to feel better about this. Looking over at her mother’s picture, she began to work her way up the emotional scale. So many things are working out really well in our lives right now. Money is still a little tight, but not out of control. I just got a bonus from work. That will definitely help with the extra Christmas expenses.

  Those statements felt good, but they didn’t address the issue of the job offer that she had just received. She tried again. Things always work out. This opportunity seems like it came at the wrong time, but maybe that’s because it’s not quite right for me. Something even better may come along when I am ready. I know that the Universe doesn’t make mistakes. Everything is going to work out fine. I do appreciate the job that I have. I’ve been enjoying it more than I used to. Plus, it’s been great working with Rachael and Gail.

  Jenna felt her vibration rise. She was content with things the way they were. There was so much to be thankful for, and that’s what she wanted to focus on—not on what she didn’t have.

  Pleased with how she felt, Jenna got up and began to get dressed. It was after ten when Geoff came into the bedroom. “Good morning, babe.” He gave her a kiss. “I wasn’t sure how long to let you sleep.”

  “I’ve been awake for a bit,” she smiled, “just daydreaming.” She decided not to mention the job offer to Geoff, knowing how much he wanted her to follow her dreams. He’d feel responsible for her not being able to.

  “I was thinking,” Geoff submitted. “Why don’t you go out and get yourself a new dress for the party at Jim and Debra’s tonight?”

  Jenna had wanted a new dress for Christmas. She hadn’t let herself think too much about it because she knew that money was tight, but when she got the bonus from work, it was one of the first things that came to mind. “I just might do that,” she grinned. She went to the closet, got the envelope out of her purse and showed Geoff the contents.

  “Wow,” Geoff responded, looking at the share certificate first. “I’ve been watching the business channel, and your company’s stocks have more than doubled since they went public. I regretted not getting in on the ground floor.”

  “Are they worth a lot?”

  “Not yet, but they could be in time. Your company’s still a junior player in the industry, but it’s well run, and a merger could put them up there with the big boys. Anything’s possible. I’ll put this in the safe downstairs.”

  “And I’ll deposit this money into our savings account,” Jenna declared. “It will feel good to start building that up again.”

  Geoff came over and put his arms around her. “Babe, we’re going to get back on our feet again, but this time, we’re going to do it together. It really is going to be okay.”

  ~

  Geoff was pleased that Jenna had decided to go out shopping. He thought that she might object, but her bonus from work had made the difference. He was glad, because he still hadn’t told her how much the bike was worth, or that he had someone coming over to look at it that afternoon. The man seemed really interested, and Geoff hoped to surprise Jenna with the good news later.

  The phone rang. It was Jim.

  “Hey man. Are you guys all ready for tonight?”

  “The party? Oh yeah, everything’s ready.” Jim sounded distracted. “Geoff, I need a favor.”

  “Sure. What can I do?”

  “I just got some news that might sway Jenkins on this deal. I’m meeting with him today.”

  “Seriously? Do you want me to be at the meeting, too?” Geoff asked reluctantly.

  “No, I think I can handle things. It’s just that I don’t know how long the meeting will go, and there’s several last minute things to pick up for the party. Deb’s busy with the food and stuff at home. Can you pick up some things for me?”

  “Yeah, I guess,” Geoff answered. “But what’s the news. What’s this about?”

  “I don’t have time to explain it now. I’ll fax you the information, and you can look it over. Let’s just say that all our po
sitive focusing might have paid off. I have a good feeling about this.

  “Look, I’ve got to go,” Jim said abruptly. “I’m emailing you the addresses of the places. One is a deli on Wiltshire; the other’s a flower shop over on Fourth. Anytime after four-thirty.”

  “Sure, no problem.”

  When he hung up the phone, Geoff was caught up in his thoughts. Can this really be happening…finally? Jim sounds so excited. But this isn’t the first time he was sure something might change Jenkins’ mind. He’s talked to him a couple of times over the past month and nothing’s changed.

  Geoff tried to stay positive, but he had to admit he was skeptical. He didn’t want to get his hopes up again. He wanted to be realistic. Realistic, he laughed to himself. What is reality, anyway? He didn’t quite know anymore.

  In his mind, he went to the familiar scene of Jenkins signing the papers followed by hand shaking and congratulations. He could go there easily now; he’d practiced it so many times, and it always felt really good.

  The doorbell rang. Geoff looked at his watch. It was two-thirty, and the man had arrived to look at his bike.

  ~

  Rachael had been to three Christmas parties already, and it was barely December. She was having more fun than she could have imagined and, she was beginning to wonder whether she should have bought more dresses. The thought made her laugh. She’d hardly given any thought to her wardrobe up to that point in her life. Now her closet was fuller than it had ever been, and she was deliberating over what to wear.

  That evening, they were going to a party hosted by some close friends of Brian’s. Rachael had met the couple once at Trophies. They’d been ready to leave when she arrived, so they didn’t talk long, but they seemed very pleasant, and Rachael was eager to get to know them better.

  She decided to wear the red dress she’d bought for the cruise. She had a faux fur wrap to go with it and had splurged on new shoes at the last minute. They were the same deep red that was in the dress, and they had a gold band across the side and over the toe. Gail lent her a necklace and matching earrings that went perfectly with the dress. With the whole ensemble on, Rachael felt very sophisticated.

  Of all the parties Brian had been invited to, this one seemed particularly important to him. He’d turned down invitations to two other parties the same evening, so Rachael wanted to look and feel really special. She had her hair done at a salon Gail had recommended. It was rare for her to wear it up. The only other occasions were her high school graduation and her brother’s wedding. Both times, it had been held together with so much hairspray and so many bobby pins that it could withstand a tornado and still remain intact. This time it was a softer style and it felt quite natural.

  As she walked by the mirror in the hallway, she stopped to admire herself. “You look very chic,” she complimented her reflection. “You’re going to have a perfectly delightful time this evening.”

  Brian arrived promptly at seven. He was wearing a three-piece suit. It was black with the tiniest of pinstripes. His tie was the same deep red as her dress and had gold and black swirls. Rachael picked up her wrap and her gold-sequined purse from the bench beside the door and turned to him. He was gazing at her with a look she’d come to know and love. Grinning, she set her things down and was about to step into his embrace. He held her out from him for a moment, observing her. “Rachael, you’re breathtaking. I want to kiss you, but I don’t want to mess up your look.”

  Rachael smiled. Good looking with a boyish charm. She thought back to the list of qualities that she had wanted in a man. Brian fit every one and so much more. Slipping her arms around his waist, she gazed up at him. “I love you,” she declared and then kissed him without any thought to her look. Lipstick could be reapplied, but this moment was theirs, and all that she could think about was letting him know how much she cared.

  ~

  Jenna wasn’t home yet, so Geoff left a note letting her know he was taking the kids with him to do some errands for Jim. She’d gone shopping with her friend Gail from work, and he’d encouraged her to take her time and enjoy herself. His hand shook as he wrote. His mind was still reeling. He’d just sold his bike!

  The man who’d purchased it was obviously very wealthy. He drove a Bentley, and both he and his wife were dressed very well. They were buying the motorcycle for their son for Christmas. He’d been impressed with the job Geoff had done in restoring it to its original form. It had been tempting over the years to cut corners, but Geoff was glad now that he’d persisted. Some parts had seemed impossible to find and weren’t cheap. It had taken him three years just to locate an original fuel tank for it, but it had been worth it.

  The bike was gone. The couple had someone with a trailer pick it up, and Geoff was left standing with a certified check in his hand. Surprisingly, he didn’t feel any negative emotion watching it go. It had been a project he’d enjoyed thoroughly, and he knew that he would do it again.

  The errands went quickly, and he dropped the things off at Jim’s house. Before heading home he stopped to buy the kids a treat. Every few minutes he would think about the money he’d made and shake his head in amazement. He couldn’t wait to tell Jenna and see the surprise on her face. She was in the kitchen starting dinner for the kids when he got home. “Hi, babe.” He walked up behind her at the stove and gave her a kiss on the neck. “How was shopping? Did you find a dress?”

  “Yes! And we had so much fun,” Jenna laughed. “Gail’s awesome. She knows all about fashion and accessories and where to shop. I’d have been lost without her help. I’m so glad I called her.” She turned the pasta sauce to low and took Geoff’s hand. “Come and see what I got.”

  Geoff followed, smiling to himself. This new Jenna was amazing. She was happy and confident. He’d always thought of her as pretty, but now she radiated beauty. Like a newlywed again, he couldn’t get enough of her. He enjoyed simply being in her presence, listening to her talk, watching her move. He’d even lie awake sometimes, watching her sleep. It wasn’t just a phase she was going through; she’d truly changed. Jenna would never again be the sad, withdrawn, insecure person she had been for so many years. Even so, he still pinched himself, wondering if he might wake up and find it was all just a dream.

  The dress was laid out on the bed. It looked very stylish, and Geoff had no doubt she’d look stunning in it. She bubbled as she told him about the necklace and matching earrings she’d found, and Geoff felt his own joy increase as he observed how happy she was. He stood there continuing to watch her with a grin on his face, bursting with his own exciting news. She stopped talking and gave him a questioning look. “What are you smiling about?”

  “Babe, I have something I want to show you, now.” He pulled out his wallet, took out the check, and handed it to Jenna.

  Jenna stared at it for longer than he could stand. “I sold the bike,” he said eagerly.

  “This check is for thirty-seven thousand dollars.” She looked at him, something still not registering. “You sold the bike for thirty-seven thousand dollars?”

  “A couple came this afternoon. It’s gone.”

  “But I don’t understand,” Jenna frowned. “You had it advertised for twenty-eight, and you said the offers you got were even lower than that.”

  “I couldn’t believe it at first, either.” Geoff told her about the man that had called him—he’d even stopped by to verify the information Geoff had given him, saying that he wanted to protect the reputation of his website. It had cost Geoff three hundred dollars to advertise on his site, but after meeting the guy, Geoff felt confident about it.

  Jenna suddenly began laughing and threw her arms around Geoff’s neck. “I can’t believe it. That’s a big chunk of the debt paid off.”

  “It will be, just as soon as I put this in the bank.”

  “It was so easy,” she exclaimed. “We left it to the Universe, and everything worked out perfectly.”

  “I know,” he smiled. “This stuff really does work.”

/>   Chapter 29

  Geoff suggested they go to Jim and Debra’s early to help in case Jim wasn’t back in time. Apparently he was taking care of some last minute business. Jenna wondered what could be so important that he would jeopardize the party they’d obviously put so much effort into, but she dismissed the thoughts. She liked Debra and didn’t mind helping out. When they arrived, Debra had things under control; there wasn’t too much left to do. Jenna offered to mix the punch and then helped get some hors d’oeuvres ready for the oven.

  By seven-thirty, guests were due to arrive, and Jim still wasn’t back. Debra confided to Jenna that she was feeling frustrated with Jim for scheduling a meeting on the day of their party. “In the past this would have made me so angry,” she admitted. “But I’ve been learning to find ways to feel better—to look at things the way I want them to be, not the way they seem.”

  “Law of Attraction?”

  “Yes,” Debra brightened, “that’s right. Jim said you and Geoff were learning about it, too. Isn’t it wonderful?”

  “I have a friend at work who started telling me about this awhile back,” Jenna informed her. “I didn’t realize that Jim had been telling Geoff about it at the same time.”

  “Things aren’t just mere coincidences any more, are they?” The doorbell rang, and Debra’s phone rang at nearly the same time. “Would you mind getting the door?” she asked Jenna. “Sorry, I wish Jim were here.”

  Jenna opened the door to see Rachael standing on the other side. Both of them started laughing. As they stepped inside, Rachael hugged Jenna. “I never thought we’d see you here tonight. This is great! Jenna, you’ve met Brian.”

  “Yes. How are you?” Jenna shook his hand. “Here, let me take your coats. Debra’s on the phone right now.”

  “I can throw the coats in the spare bedroom if you like,” Brian offered cordially. “I know my way around here.”