by Louise, Kara
“When I left the office, the volcano was steaming. We can’t see it from here. We’ll have to drive a few miles to get out to the other side of the hill to get a good view.”
“That sounds great. Let me put a few things away and then we can be off!”
George briskly rubbed his hands together. Things were progressing just as he planned!
*~*~*
William Denton gathered up his briefcase as his meeting with Jenkins came to a close. They had met in his favorite restaurant just across the street from the Pemberleo Coffee offices and he now anxiously waited for the light to turn green so he could cross the busy street. He looked at his watch and figured if the jet was ready within the hour, he would get into Guatemala at a reasonable time. He hurriedly crossed the street and entered the building, taking the elevator up to his office. He walked in to find Mrs. Reed on the phone.
He waited for her to finish the call and then asked her when the jet would be ready.
“I’m so sorry, Sir, but there is a slight problem.”
Will listened in frustration as Mrs. Reed relayed to him the news that the jet was having some repairs done. Most likely it would not be ready for his use until first thing the next morning.
He almost uttered those words he disliked so much, “Book me on a commercial flight,” but thought better of it. He disliked flying commercially almost as much as he disliked attending funerals or social functions with people he didn’t know. No, he would wait one more day and hope that Westham would not have the audacity to do anything reckless!
*~*~*
Elyssa did not realize how much she would enjoy getting away from the house. It had been an emotionally draining day and she looked forward to seeing a little bit of the city. As they drove along the streets of Guatemala City, Elyssa could not believe the difference from last night, when there had been hardly any traffic. Now, the streets were heavily crowded with cars zooming in and around each other at frightening speed!
“Driving in this would definitely take some getting used to!”
“I am sure you would do fine, Elyssa. I would be glad to give you a personal driving lesson if you want to give it a try.”
“Oh, no! I have no intention of driving these streets! I won’t be here that long, anyway.”
Elyssa smiled and George returned one. It made him feel good to know that he was able to cheer up someone as grief stricken as Elyssa.
She could now see the city below her. It was a sprawling city and she was amazed how large it was.
The area in which the PC complex was situated was in a somewhat hilly area. As they came down the hill, Elyssa was in awe over how green everything was and the variety of flowers that grew everywhere.
George suddenly swerved to the side of the road and came to a stop. He turned toward Elyssa, putting his right arm on her shoulder and pointing with his left hand across her to her right. “Look!”
Elyssa turned her head and saw the volcano rising from the edge of the city and spitting out smoke. “That’s amazing!” she said.
“Just for you!” George laughed. “I ordered it special!”
“You must have an inside contact, George.”
They sat quietly in the car, Elyssa’s eyes fastened to the volcano and George’s eyes fastened on her. Finally, he clasped his hands together. “Now! What are you in the mood for? A nice mall to shop for some of the finer things money can buy or are you in mood to do some bartering for handmade items at the marketplace?”
“I would prefer to see the handmade items, I think.”
“Excellent! Then to the marketplace we will go!”
George looked behind him at the traffic and pressed his foot to the gas pedal, quickly placing himself between two cars that were speeding down the hill.
Elyssa gulped, but did not say a thing.
“Now, Elyssa, a word of advice. No one expects you to pay full price. Look at the listed price and then offer something lower. They’ll actually be offended if you don’t.”
“Janet told me that bargaining was something she had a hard time getting used to.”
“Well if you don’t want to do it, I’m an expert! I can wear down anyone’s defenses. Just leave it to me!”
They drove into town and along the way Elyssa asked George if he knew about the preschool where Janet helped.
“Sure! It’s a few miles from the marketplace. If you like, we’ll go there tomorrow. The preschool only has classes in the morning so there would be no use in going now.”
“I would really like to if you don’t mind…”
Placing a hand again on Elyssa’s shoulder, he said, “Elyssa, whatever you want, I’ll do.”
“Don’t you have work to do?”
“I have stuff I have to do, but as long as I get it done, it doesn’t matter when I do it. We’ll do that tomorrow morning and then in the afternoon you can get back to work going through your sister’s things while I go in to work.”
“That sounds like a plan,” Elyssa smiled.
“But…” George quickly glanced at her and then turned back to the road. “Tomorrow evening, we go out to eat. There is one restaurant that I really want to take you to.”
“I’d love it!”
George thought it would be a good time to press his luck. “The next day, we can visit Antigua. If you like history, you’ll find the monastery ruins fascinating!”
“I do love history. I would really enjoy that.”
“That’s settled, then. On Friday, I thought we’d drive out to Lake Atitlan. I have the weekend off and would love to show you around.”
“I really don’t want to inconvenience you, George. Don’t you have to work on Friday?”
He leaned in towards her. “Like I said, I have work to do, but as long as I get it done, it doesn’t matter when I do it… or where. Besides, I have contacts there. I’ll do a little work and can write off the expenses!”
They arrived at the market place and walked around the large square before going down the steps that took them inside. People bustled about everywhere.
“Now stay close to me, Elyssa. I don’t want us to get separated.”
He put his arm about her, drawing her closer. They walked in and she saw booth after booth of people selling their wares. There were things made of leather, ceramics, and brightly embroidered fabric. She loved the carved wood, hammocks, and the wide variety of jewelry.
Just as George promised, when she found something she liked, he put his persuasive powers to work to bargain down the price. Elyssa took him at his word that the seller would be insulted if they didn’t try to talk down the price, but she felt uncomfortable doing so. She would have willingly paid the price as it was such a reasonably marked price in the first place.
When they finished shopping, her goods included a beautifully embroidered vest, a leather purse, a pair of earrings, and a carved wooden box.
Upon returning to the apartment, Elyssa was tired. George suggested a swim or some time in the hot tub, but Elyssa turned him down. “I think I’ll just have some of the chili Shelley made me and call it an evening. But I do appreciate all you’ve done for me today.”
George smiled. “I’ll come by tomorrow and we’ll go to the preschool. Let’s plan on getting there around ten thirty. I have an early morning appointment, but we should still have plenty of time to see what they do there.”
“Thank you, George.”
“Then don’t forget tomorrow night, I’m taking you to dinner.”
“I won’t. See you tomorrow, George.”
“Yeah, tomorrow. Good night, Elyssa.”
Elyssa was grateful to spend the evening by herself. While George was fun and certainly well acquainted with Guatemala, she was beginning to feel that he was getting a little too friendly. There was something about him that made her hold back a little, although she couldn’t figure out what it was.
She sat down on the large sofa and looked about her. She shook her head and let out a breathy chuckle as she
considered how Janet could have arranged the furniture in a much more efficient and eye pleasing way that would have given them more room and had a more fluid movement to its look. She was tempted to get up and make the changes herself, but held herself in check. There was no sense in doing that, she told herself. Janet was gone. For the first time that day, she gave in to her tears.
Chapter 5
Elyssa crawled out of bed the next morning and put on some sweatpants and a T-shirt. When she was dressed, she came out to the kitchen to make some coffee and eat some breakfast. She wanted to be decent in case George unexpectedly came by before leaving for work.
She pulled out the remaining fruit and rolls from yesterday. George didn’t come by, but the Walkers did. They asked her if there was anything she could use as they were going to the store. Elyssa looked in the refrigerator and then the pantry, shaking her head at the disorganized array of items. As much as she loved Janet, the two of them were decidedly different when it came to organizing a household. She told them she could use some fresh milk and eggs, but that there seemed to be a good variety of things she could eat.
When they left, she sat down to enjoy her fruit, rolls, and a cup of Pemberleo Coffee.
After taking a quick shower, she went to the small closet in the guest room and pulled out a simple skirt and cotton blouse. Elyssa had asked Shelley what would be the best thing to wear to the preschool and Shelley told her that she ought to dress simply but nice. The children usually came to school wearing hand-me-downs and clothes that they had greatly outgrown so she cautioned her about wearing anything too lavish. The teachers all wore dresses, so it would probably be wise for her to do the same.
She walked down the hall of the townhouse to the open door of Chad and Janet’s bedroom and looked in. She had done this several times since arriving, but she could not yet bring herself to go in. In this room would be more personal items and she did not think she was ready to tackle that. Perhaps this afternoon after going to the preschool she would consider it, but she would wait and see. For now, she decided to work on the living room.
A little later, she decided to go out for a walk around the complex while waiting for George to arrive. It was such a beautiful day and she thought it would do her some good to walk around and enjoy the sights and smells.
The flowers were exquisitely beautiful and she watched in delight as a trio of hummingbirds gathered the nectar from them. She sat down on a bench that overlooked the courtyard and pool and thought how tranquil it seemed. While she loved the view of the green hills and valleys at home, this was beautiful in a different sort of way.
As the time drew near for George to arrive, she returned to the house and grabbed another piece of fruit from the kitchen. A few moments later, she heard a soft knock at the front door. She walked into the living room and opened the door for George.
“Good morning, Elyssa,” he said with a mischievous grin. He was holding something behind his back.
“Good morning, George.” She looked down at his khaki slacks and up to his dark green polo shirt and commented, “You look nice. That color really suits you,” her outstretched hand waved across his shirt.
“Thank you, Elyssa, but I must say that you look stunning yourself!”
She tried to look around him. “What do you have there?”
“Oh!” he laughed. “I almost forgot!” He pulled out from behind his back a huge piñata. “You mean this?”
Elyssa’s eyes reflected the glee she felt. “Is that for the children?”
He nodded. “Filled with candy and little gifts. The children will love it.”
“That was so thoughtful of you!”
“It was nothing.” George could not have thanked one of his co-workers enough for his idea. When George mentioned they were going to the preschool, his co-worker told him that the children loved piñatas more than anything. Stopping by a store on the way back took very little time and he hoped it would only improve him in Elyssa’s favor.
He walked in, closing the door behind him. Looking around the room, he saw that she had begun to put things into a box. “I see you’ve made some progress. How are you doing?”
“I’m doing fine, thanks.”
“Good. Are you ready to go?”
“Yes, I guess I am.”
Elyssa went back to the guest room to collect her purse when there was another knock at the door.
“I’ll get it!” shouted George.
As Elyssa slung her purse over her shoulder, she heard George bellow out a disgusted curse and exclaim, “Of all the… what are you doing here?”
“Who is it, George?” Elyssa called out as she hurried back into the room.
She blinked her eyes repeatedly in astonishment when she beheld William Denton standing at the door. She was so stupefied by his presence that she was unable to even utter a greeting.
Will’s eyes went from George to Elyssa; refusing to enter until he was invited in.
Elyssa was finally able to find the strength to utter the words, “Come in.”
He stepped inside, bypassing George, and nodding a thank you to Elyssa. He found himself staring at those eyes that again seemed to be icy with anger, but frustratingly attractive, all the same.
“Mr. Denton,” Elyssa began. “This is a surprise.”
George walked over to Elyssa, almost in a possessive sort of way. “You bet it is! You hardly ever come to Guatemala! What are you doing here?”
“I have come to see to Miss Barnett’s needs.” He turned to George. “And you are needed in Colombia!”
“Colombia! Why do they need me there now?”
Will peered at him through narrowed eyes. “Something has come up that needs your immediate attention. When I heard the Walkers were unable to see to Miss Barnett, I decided it would be best if I came personally.”
Elyssa did not know if she was more confused or angry. She could easily see that the two men did not get along, and she could definitely understand why George had such strong feelings against him.
George raked his hand through his hair. He knew that to argue with his superior in front of Elyssa would not put him in a good light, but he did not want to give up this opportunity of being with Elyssa!
“Look, Denton. Whatever they need, certainly it can wait. Elyssa and I have the next three days planned out for us.”
Will raised his eyebrows at that comment. “I am sorry to have to spoil your social life, George, but this is work and you are being paid to work. The company jet is at the airport this very moment waiting for you. I suggest you get a bag packed and set out immediately.”
George let out a frustrated breath and looked over to Elyssa. “I’m sorry, Elyssa. Maybe next time. I’ll try to make it quick.”
“Sure, George. Thanks for everything you did.”
He nodded and then turned to Denton, giving him a livid scowl before stomping out.
Both pair of eyes watched Westham, each somewhat reluctant to turn to the other, now that they were the only two in the room. Will finally turned his eyes back to Elyssa, who was now looking down and biting her upper lip.
“Miss Barnett… Elyssa, I am sorry to have barged in this way. I know I’m the last person you wanted to see, but when I heard the circumstances, I felt I needed to come.”
“Well you need not have bothered, Mr. Denton. I can manage quite well on my own!”
“You were on your way out?”
Elyssa gave a sarcastic laugh as she looked over at the immaculately dressed man in his designer suit. At least she was fairly certain it was a designer suit. Was it Armani? she wondered. “Yes we were. We were going out to visit a preschool Janet worked at.”
“I’ve got my driver here. He’ll be happy to take us.”
“Us?” she asked, looking incredulously at him.
Will looked away and then back at her. “I was hoping…” He paused and seemed unable to go on.
Elyssa shook her head adamantly and let out a sarcastic laugh. “You cannot
possibly go!” she said pointedly to him.
“Excuse me?”
“Dressed like that. Can you imagine what these children would think seeing someone like you walk in?”
“Why? What’s with these children?”
Elyssa rolled her eyes and closed them, shaking her head. “It’s a preschool for underprivileged children, Mr. Denton.”
“It’s Will.”
“Will.” She had a very bad taste in her mouth as she spoke his name. “They have very little and it would just not be in good taste for you to show up dressed as you are.”
“We’ll stop by the hotel on the way, then, and I’ll change. Would you agree to that?”
“You really do not need to do this.”
“I insist on it.”
Elyssa let out a frustrated sigh, seeing his refusal to yield. “If you insist on tagging along, I suppose you best change then,” Elyssa said disdainfully.
Will held the door open for her, watched as she picked up the piñata and walked past him with an air of irritation, and then closed the door snugly behind them. They walked out toward the parking area and Elyssa could not prevent a gasp from escaping.
“Is there a problem?” Will asked.
“I am not quite sure you want to drive that into the part of town where we will be going!” she said as she pointed to the new shiny black car. It was not quite a stretch limousine, but a limousine it was.
Now it was Will’s turn to roll his eyes as he wondered what he had willingly allowed himself to get into.
“It is perfectly good transportation!”
“Not when you’re going where we’re going!” She inhaled slowly to calm herself. “Look, Mr. Denton… Will… I don’t think this is going to work out. Obviously you rarely come down here and when you do, you most likely stick to your office and hotel. Am I correct?”
Will shifted uncomfortably. “Look, I am only trying to do my best to make your time here a little easier. This is the car that I happen to use when I’m in Guatemala.”
She was tempted to tell this man with too much money on his hands and no clue as to how the real world lived to just go back to Chicago and let her finish her task alone. Another more appealing idea, however, came to her mind. She would absolutely love to see how Mr. Denton handled himself in an environment like the one where they were about to head.
