Unforgiving

by Patricia Haley

  “I guess the best man won, huh?” She shut the door and leaned her back against it.

  “I’m grateful for the opportunity. I know I have a lot to prove, and I’m willing to dig in and get the job done.” Joel kept standing near the door, since she hadn’t asked him to sit.

  “Good for you. I hope it works out for you.”

  “So what’s up with you? Last I heard, you were leaving town.”

  “I am.”

  “When and where?”

  “I decided to stay until Remo goes to court, which should be soon. The prosecutor is pushing for a date in the next few weeks, and I can’t wait to get out of here. Don’t ask me where I’m going, because I don’t know.”

  Joel grasped how critical it was for him to speak up. He didn’t know what to say, so he prayed silently for the right words. “You know why I’m here?”

  “Not really, unless it’s to rub your victory in my face,” she said, bending her knee and pressing her foot backward against the door.

  “I’m definitely not here to gloat. Why would I? You’re my sister. I came to make peace, not stir up trouble. Plus, I thought we’d made a connection after the Remo incident.”

  Tamara slid to the floor and sat with her legs outstretched. Joel didn’t wait for an invitation. He plopped on the floor next her. For a second he thought fondly of Sheba. There had been countless occasions when she’d plopped down on the floor next to him in her Chicago penthouse to encourage Joel during his lowest points. He was honored to be in a position to pay the kindness forward.

  Tamara shrugged. “I guess you’re right. By the way, I didn’t get a chance to thank you for helping me get away from that nutcase.”

  “No thanks needed. Like I said, you’re my sister. I’m just happy it ended as well as it did.”

  “I have no idea how far he would have gone that day.”

  “Good thing we’ll never have to know. You’re safe here in Detroit, with us.”

  “Ah, not you too? Please don’t tell me they have you singing the ‘Best to stay with us’ tune?”

  Joel hunched his shoulders and grinned as he tried to find a more comfortable position on the floor. He stretched his arms out behind him and pressed his palms against the floor. “That’s what family does. We look out for one another.” The word family warmed his soul. He’d longed to have siblings who cared about him his entire life. He found the notion of acceptance almost dizzying. Tamara would benefit from the same sense of belonging. He wasn’t giving up. He’d made Madeline a promise, and keeping her daughter in town would be repayment in full.

  “You use the word family like it means something to the Mitchells,” Tamara said.

  “It does, which is why I’m asking you to come and work with me at DMI.”

  Tamara appeared startled. “What? You want me to be your flunky?”

  “I specifically said to work with me, not for me.”

  “Please. You’re the CEO. Everyone at DMI will be working for you.”

  “Not everyone,” he said, laughing. “Madeline never will be called an employee.”

  “You have a point there.” She joined him in his laughter and then abruptly stopped. “I’m glad you came by, but tell Mother that I’m still leaving. It’s best for everyone. There have been a lot of problems since I came home. So let me get out of everyone’s hair and start over somewhere.”

  “Tamara, you’re not the source of all our problems. We had plenty of issues in the years before you returned. Every single person in this family has contributed equally. Sorry, but you can’t get all the credit for this chaos we’ve constructed. Get in line if you want a slice of the blame.”

  “But it feels like I’m the problem. I honestly believe everyone will be better without me.”

  Joel’s compassion kicked in. “That’s not true. I want you to stay, and Zarah certainly wants you here. She needs you now more than ever due to the miscarriage. She loves you as a dear friend, and I get that.”

  Hearing his sincerity, Tamara was moved. Zarah had been the calm in the midst of a long and arduous storm. Maybe Joel had a valid point. She thought about her relationship with Zarah and how lonely it was on the run. True friends didn’t leave in the middle of a crisis. They hung around and supported each other.

  “I might consider staying a little longer than planned, just until Zarah recovers.” She couldn’t make any plans beyond a short extended stay.

  “I’ll take it. What about working with me at DMI? Are you up for it?”

  She appeared doubtful, which meant he had to sweeten the offer.

  “This request is as much personal as it is professional,” he told her.

  “How?”

  “Because we can do this. We can work together for a common purpose and take Dad’s company to the next level.”

  “Why should I trust you?”

  “You shouldn’t, not at first. But if we’re willing to take a risk, this could be a happy ending for our family. Let’s face it. Neither of us had a say about how we came into this world, but we can certainly take ownership of how we live going forward.” Joel stood and shook his legs, which had been falling asleep on the floor.

  “You sound serious.”

  “I am serious. I’m not wasting time any longer. I have a purpose to fulfill, and I’d love for you to join me on this mission,” he said.

  “I don’t think so.”

  “All right. If you won’t work with me, then what if I offer you the West Coast division?” Joel asked her and extended a hand to help her up, which she grabbed.

  “Why would you do that?”

  “It would keep you in the States. If I can’t talk you out of leaving Detroit, I’d at least like to keep you in the United States.” He was very much aware of how much she wanted the West Coast division. She’d clawed and scratched to buy the division from Zarah behind his back. Today he was offering it to her on a silver platter lined with fine linen. All Tamara had to do was say the word, and it was hers, with no questions asked. “Owning the West Coast division will keep you close enough.”

  She mulled over the idea and eventually responded, “Selling the division to me would be a bad move so early in your tenure. Remember, that’s what got you ousted the last time.”

  He agreed. “But you’re entitled to a relevant portion of DMI. It’s your birthright, and I’ll honor it. The board would have to give up on the notion of reuniting the division with DMI. It’s yours if you want it.”

  She gritted her teeth and told him no. “I’ll find another business opportunity.”

  “If you come to DMI with me, I promise to create a significant and highly visible role for you.”

  Tamara wasn’t ready to trust, but it felt good that someone was approaching her about a legitimate role in the company. “I appreciate you making me this offer.” It was nice being treated like an adult. That was what she’d wanted from Madeline all along. “I’m not going to say yes, but I’m not saying no, either.” She wasn’t going to make a hasty decision. Keeping her options open felt right.

  “At least it’s not a no. That will have to do for now.”

  “Give me a few weeks, until after this Remo stuff is over, and then I’ll look at my options.” Tamara allowed a smile to cross her face. “At least I’m staying a few extra weeks. And who knows? Weeks might turn into months.”

  “Or into years,” Joel said jokingly.

  “Let’s not go that far,” she said, letting a full grin shine through this time.

  Joel lifted Tamara up and twirled her around. Shockingly, she didn’t resist.

  “Your mother and Don are going to be overjoyed.” Joel was too. Don was leaving DMI in Joel’s hands. Don was also leaving Joel with a love for the family and a desire to facilitate reconciliation. “Since you’re in somewhat of a receptive mode, I’m going to strike while the iron is hot, or so they say. What about joining the family for Don’s trip back to South Africa?”

  “Uh-uh. That’s going way too far. I need to ta
ke baby steps before leaping into a family soiree. Besides, I don’t think my sanity would last on a flight with my mother. No way. Be happy with me hanging around here for a while. That’s the most I can do right now.”

  “Done,” he said. But he was already envisioning her on the plane.

  Chapter 54

  As Madeline’s limo approached the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, she was submerged in mixed emotions. The past few weeks had been a roller-coaster ride. Joel had been appointed as CEO. They’d had a going away party for Abigail. Don had packed up, and shockingly, Tamara had returned to her marketing post at DMI. Of all the good things that had occurred recently, the best was having Tamara stay put. Joel had done the impossible: he’d convinced her daughter to stay and work with him at DMI. Miracles did happen.

  Madeline sat in the backseat, reflecting on what today meant. She was thrilled to see Don so happy about returning to South Africa. He’d served DMI well. The company had been restored to a solid footing under his administration. Sales were up, and their restoration was intact. As much as she hated to see him go, Don had professed that this was his time to move on. She wholeheartedly believed that a mother’s job was to support her children, even when it hurt. Her heart ached. Yet she was determined not to succumb to her desires and stand in his way.

  Besides, she had other worries. Just because Tamara had agreed to stay in Detroit didn’t lessen Madeline’s concern. If history was an indication, her daughter could bolt at any minute. Despite the nagging need to worry about what Tamara was going to do, Madeline and the family were better off having her in town. Tamara was complicated, but Madeline wouldn’t let that overshadow the love she had for her daughter. She desperately wanted her daughter to be happy.

  Having Tamara close by was like being on a diet and eyeing a large slice of cake within arm’s reach. So many times Madeline had wanted to grab her in the hallway and hug the pain from her. But she knew it was a dream. If nothing else, she’d learned not to push. When people were ready to make changes in their life, they’d make it happen. Nobody had the power to push them before the appointed time and get meaningful, sustainable results. She’d learned the hard way with Don and Joel, and even with herself. Most importantly, she’d learned. She guessed the saying was wrong. Turned out that an old dog could learn new tricks.

  Her limo came to a stop. She mustered a smile, which wasn’t too difficult to do given that her heartache kept giving way to elation. “Let’s get this show on the road,” she shouted as the driver assisted her from the car.

  Don had been awaiting her arrival and eagerly kissed her on the cheek. “You can’t possibly know how much this trip means to me. Having you come along is icing on the cake.”

  “Honestly, you didn’t have to twist my arm too much. I was smitten with Cape Town when I visited you there a few years ago. Who knows? I might decide to spend a few extra months there and help you with LTI.”

  “You have an open invitation,” he said, directing Madeline’s driver to take her bags to the plane.

  “On the other hand, maybe I’ll hang around to support Joel in his transition phase. The board members approved him by a narrow margin, but they might not play nice if I’m out of town for an extended stay,” Madeline said.

  “You might have a point.”

  “Given what he’s done for Tamara, I will do whatever it takes to support him. I owe him.”

  “He’s owes you too; seems to me the support is mutual.” Madeline agreed. “This day would be perfect if we had Tamara with us, but I can’t worry about what isn’t.” She grabbed Don’s hand. “We’re going to stay upbeat.” Madeline shoved her disappointment to the recesses of her mind. This was Don’s day, and she wasn’t going to express sadness. He deserved her positive vibes and would have them.

  Another vehicle pulled onto the tarmac. Shortly afterwards, Sherry and Zarah got out.

  “Are we late?” Sherry asked.

  “No, you’re right on time,” Don replied.

  Madeline let her gaze wash over Sherry and was pleased. Normally, a mere look at Joel’s mother sent her into fits. She would rather be dropped into a wasp’s nest for twenty days than sit on a plane with Sherry for twenty seconds. But that was yesterday. This was a new day.

  Madeline peered at the group of Mitchells gathering on the tarmac and breathed the fresh air. Maybe Don had been correct all along. Both hers and Sherry’s children were grown. Both women had watched their children endure ups and downs. Dave was dead. There was no point in hating Sherry. The past was done. She felt light and reveled in the moment. She was only sixty-six. There was more life to be lived. She wasn’t going to waste it by dwelling on infractions incurred thirty years ago.

  “So, are you ready to sit on the plane for twenty some hours?” Madeline asked Sherry.

  “I am, and thank you for inviting me.”

  “You should be thanking Don. This was his idea.”

  “Yeah, maybe, but we both know that if you didn’t want me on this trip, I wouldn’t be here,” Sherry said.

  Madeline blinked at her and grinned softly.

  Sherry was pleased that she and Madeline were forging some kind of positive rapport. They’d fought for so many years, and she’d come to accept that there would always be tension between them until recently. Sherry had envied Madeline’s relationship with Dave as far back as she could remember. She’d envied Madeline’s strength. She’d envied her business aptitude. Madeline possessed what Sherry had longed to have before Dave died. Now that he was gone, she had to let go of her bitterness and be there for Joel. He needed a strong mother who didn’t flinch in the face of fear.

  “Look at you,” Madeline said to Zarah, who was dressed in a bright red Indian outfit adorned with gold trim. She had at least twenty thin gold bracelets on each arm, and her exquisite veil matched her outfit. Her rich dark hair cascaded underneath the veil, which covered her head but not her olive-colored face. She was simply breathtaking. “I see why Joel is staying married to you. Smart man.”

  Zarah blushed.

  “Where is that son of yours?” Madeline asked Sherry, glancing at her watch.

  “We better get this show on the road if we’re going to make the five o’clock departure,” Don told everyone.

  “Joel asked me to pick up Zarah. I guess he had to make another stop.” Sherry peered at her watch too. “He should have been here by now,” she said, not wanting to worry. “I’m sure he’s on his way, but I’ll give him a call.”

  “While we’re waiting, let’s get the bags on board, and I’ll check in with the crew to make sure everything’s set,” Don said. He turned to walk away, and all of a sudden the bellowing sound of a horn came from around the corner.

  Sherry was relieved to see the yellow Lamborghini buzzing toward the other cars.

  Joel parked the car and got out. He went around to the passenger side and opened the door. Nobody got out until he extended his hand. Then Tamara appeared. Don’s mouth flew open, along with everyone else’s.

  “Look who I found,” Joel said.

  After the initial shock, Zarah and Don ran to Tamara. They each hugged her in rapid succession. Madeline stood still. She wanted to grab her daughter and hold her tight. Fear said not to crowd her. It was unbelievable that Tamara was there. Madeline didn’t want to be responsible for frightening her off. She’d restrain her tongue and let the events play out as they would.

  Don sensed his mother’s hesitation and went to her. He draped his arm over her shoulder. “Can’t believe it’s happening. The Mitchell family is in the same place at the same time, and there’s no arguing. Only God could have orchestrated all the pieces that have plopped us here together.”

  Madeline nodded. “Hmm. You might have a point. Only God could bring this bunch together.”

  Zarah and Tamara were talking. Sherry and Joel were chatting. Madeline and Don strolled toward the plane.

  “Mother,” Tamara called out and approached Madeline.

  Don tensed, not
knowing what she was going to do. Then he relaxed and thanked God silently as Tamara embraced her mother quickly and then walked toward the plane.

  Madeline wept. Sherry handed her a tissue as they hung back. Madeline grabbed it, and they both held the same tissue briefly for a few seconds, gently nodding in affirmation.

  “This might be a bad sign if we’re getting along. The world must be coming to an end,” Madeline stated.

  Don was pleased and grateful that God had allowed him to see the fruits of his labor. His sacrifice had been worth it. Reconciliation was in the air, and the aroma was sweet. He looked on as Madeline and Sherry followed their children toward the plane.

  “I still can’t believe we’re all here,” Sherry said, climbing the stairs.

  Madeline and Sherry giggled. Don was right behind them and overheard the comment. He laughed too.

  “It’s unimaginable having this many Mitchells on board the same plane. Oh my goodness. With our luck, I hope it doesn’t crash,” Madeline said jovially and squeezed Sherry’s hand as they boarded the plane together.

  Don stood at the plane’s entryway and absorbed the sweet scent of harmony. Armed with a newfound dose of forgiveness, the Mitchells were embarking on a fresh start. Don was excited about the possibilities. As long as God was in the picture, victory was theirs. As the plane’s engine hummed, Don was reminded that victories came only from battles. He was certain there would be more to the Mitchell story, more disagreements, more heartache, and more challenges, but none that could destroy their ties. They were healthy and happy. He stepped onto the plane, peered into the majestic sky and whispered, “Thank you,” to the God that he and his father served, the one of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

  “I think we’re good to go,” he told the captain.

  “Looks like it’s going to be smooth sailing,” the captain stated.

  “Good. It’s well overdue for this family,” Don said and took his seat. All was well, just as God intended.

  Reading Guide

  MAKES YOU GO “HMMM!”