Forever Young: Blessing or Curse (Always Young Trilogy)

by Morgan Mandel

  “If I change careers, I’ll use you as a reference,” Kelly said, with a laugh.

  “You do that, my friend.”

  Kelly gave her a searching look. “Seriously, are you sure you want to be alone tonight? You can come with us, or I could stay here with you.”

  “Don’t be silly. After I pulled up in front of the police station, the burglar must know not to come back. Now, listen, both of you, I appreciate your help and concern, but I think I can manage from here on in. Right now, after all this hard work, I’m really beat and crave a good night’s sleep more than anything.”

  “I get the message. We’ll leave you alone to enjoy your new mattress,” Doug said.

  ***

  After the manic happenings at home, Dorrie was almost glad to be back at work on Wednesday. It would be embarrassing to face Roman again after their last conversation, but at least she’d be safe from crazed robbers.

  A few minutes after she’d arrived, Roman stopped at her desk. “How are you doing, Dorrie? You mentioned someone broke in your house.”

  “I’m still nervous, but otherwise fine. It’s a miracle I escaped unharmed considering the burglar was still there when I got home. If I hadn’t jumped in my car and made it to the police station, I can’t say what might have happened.”

  “That was a smart move. By the way, do the police have any leads?”

  “Not really. The prints don’t match any in their database, plus I couldn’t provide the license plate number. Also, my description of the burglar wasn’t much help. The person seemed to be wearing a mask. If that was a real face, I pity the person.”

  “Too bad there’s not much to go on. Well, knowing the police are on the case, at least the burglar won’t come back.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “I will be, don’t worry. Listen, I’ve got some errands to run. See if you can catch up on dictation.”

  Dorrie nodded. She set to work, but thoughts of the break-in interrupted her concentration. She wanted to believe her home was chosen at random, perhaps by someone on drugs. At least then the invasion wouldn’t seem so personal. The other alternative seemed way too scary.

  It still hurt to think of the mementos she’d lost. If only she’d used her smartphone before to take more family pictures, but its resolution had been poor and she hadn’t bothered. Before that, their old 35 camera had been enough, until Larry had splurged on the iPhone.

  One glimmer of light shone through the darkness. The burglar had apparently been too superstitious to tamper with her Bible where the safe deposit key was taped. That meant she still had the iPhone. It would have been devastating to lose that last connection, before she’d even faced what was on there.

  Dwelling on troubles and mixed blessings would not accomplish anything. She better concentrate on what needed doing. With that resolve, she typed an ad for Roman, and started another.

  A sudden thought made her fingers fumble. She’d been so distracted and busy, she’d not done her usual iPhone battery charge at the café. Hopefully, it wasn’t too late.

  ***

  “You lied. You said we’d shelve the iPhone,” Roman said, facing the man in the basement.

  “Don’t ruffle your feathers, peacock.”

  “I have a right to be aggravated. You didn’t find it, did you? I heard she led you on a merry chase straight to the police department.”

  The corners of the short man’s mouth lifted. “She thought she was smart, but I’m smarter. Before she turned up, I’d hid some tiny, but mighty surveillance objects in strategic places. If she so much as breathes or goes to the bathroom, I’ll know.”

  “You’re lucky the cops didn’t find them.”

  “Not likely they’d be checking vents and such.”

  Roman shook his head. “You are depraved. Be that as it may, the phone is the least of our concerns.”

  “I beg to differ. What could possibly be more important than explosive evidence?”

  “Plenty. Your brilliant idea backfired. Dorrie Donato is pregnant and carrying a Forever Young child.”

  The man jumped from his chair. “You idiot! You didn’t wear protection?”

  “Of course I did, but nothing’s perfect. One of the condoms broke.”

  “Damn it all. Sure the kid’s yours?”

  “Think about it. What’re the odds she’d let someone else bang her? For one thing, she’s not the type. For another, the timeline is too coincidental. Yeah, it’s mine all right. ”

  The man rubbed his chin and sat back down. “This puts a new spin on things. As you know, children can die from the pill, but one conceived simultaneously when the pill’s a part of the regimen, combined with that drug I gave you, hmm, that carries possibilities. Those stem cells could prove valuable.”

  “She doesn’t want an abortion. I already asked.”

  “Being the father, you have no say?”

  Roman shrugged. “It’s her call.”

  “And she’s the spokesperson. What if she reverts or dies? Talk about bad publicity.”

  “I already told her we need a new model.”

  “Yeah, we better get on that. This time an actual test person, not just eye candy. The widow was already predisposed for success with her weak thyroid, but not much help for my purposes. If we’re careful and handle everything right, circumstances might work in our favor.”

  ***

  When she got home from work, even with the deadbolts in place and lights on in every corner, Dorrie still paced, her anxiety ratcheting. She didn’t want to live here anymore. Only bad memories came with this house.

  At first, her place had been the backdrop of a glorious new adventure, but now had morphed into an unwanted prison. If only she could get away, but how? Sure, she’d gotten huge sums of money for her role in the campaign, but she needed that for the baby.

  Besides, one of the conditions was she stay in the area to promote the pil. To complicate matters, much hinged on how the baby would turn out. If all went well, Roman might take her back for advertisements. If not, she had no idea what he’d cook up for her to do.

  Frustrated, she called Jeanne.

  “I can’t talk long,” her friend said. “Dad’s taken a turn for the worse. He took a drug overdose, but I caught him in time. They pumped his stomach and he spent a few days in the hospital, but now he’s back home. I keep hiding his pills in different spots so he won’t try again. I’ve got to watch him every minute.”

  “The poor guy. It’s tough to get old and have everything fall apart.”

  “Yeah, something you don’t need to worry about.”

  Dorrie sighed. “I should count my blessings. I wish I could, but bad stuff keeps interfering. The latest is my house. Someone broke in, stole my computer, smashed my figurines and wrecked most of my valuables.

  “Everything was a mess, but thank God, my friend, Kelly, from the Institute came over with her husband and helped sort things out. I don’t know what I’d have done otherwise.”

  “Damn, I wished we weren’t so far apart, or I’d have helped.”

  “And vice versa. Sounds like you could use some relief.”

  “How true. Speaking of parenting, how do you feel? Any queasiness?”

  “Not lately. Fortunately, the nauseous phase seems to have passed, and I’m thankful for that. I was deathly afraid of throwing up and losing the pills. If I’d have missed three, I could have reverted back.”

  Jeanne gave a short laugh. “Our normal age isn’t that bad, Dorrie.”

  “That’s not the issue. Right now reverting is not an option. How many fifty-five year olds have kids these days and live to talk about it? Anyway, I’m saving up like mad, since once I start showing I can’t be a spokesperson.”

  “Why not?”

  “If the baby isn’t perfect, or even worse, dies, Roman doesn’t want the attention. Anyway, he’s looking for a new model, but has assured me I can stay on the pill as long as I want.”

  “You do have a conundrum
going on, as do I. We seem to belong to the same bad luck club. Problems, problems, they never stop. How do we manage?”

  “Sometimes I wonder. Thinking of what you’re going through makes me realize I shouldn’t complain. I feel so sorry about you and your Dad. I keep remembering Mom and hope your Dad doesn’t go down that same road.”

  “It’s too late. I’m afraid he’s already on it. I wish I could spare the old man. It’s the pits seeing him like this.”

  After she’d hung up, the germ of an idea took hold of Dorrie. Maybe it would work.

  Her cell phone rang a few minutes later. She grimaced when she saw the Caller ID. Normally she enjoyed calls from Keith, but she had a feeling he would not be receptive to her news.

  The admission about her condition was met by silence. “Keith, are you still there? Listen, you know how much I loved Larry and still do. Please don’t get mad at me. I can’t believe I did something like this.”

  “I can’t either. You and Larry were my model. You were the perfect couple. In the back of my mind I thought when I finally settled down, I’d like something like you and he had. Now I’m wondering if it was all a sham. I’ve always held you in high regard, but this puts a whole new light on things. To say I’m disappointed is an understatement.”

  Dorrie swallowed hard. “Keith, I’m only human. Maybe you were right about my not holding liquor well. I’m sorry if I didn’t live up to your expectations. My only excuse is I had no idea what I was doing. I’m as disappointed as you about what I did, but the fact remains an innocent child is growing inside of me and I won’t blame it for my shortcomings.”

  She heard a long sigh. “Dorrie, you’re treading on dangerous waters. First, with that pill, then the alcohol. You should have thought twice before drinking.”

  “It was only one, I swear.”

  “Apparently that was enough.”

  “I really don’t know. Roman insists I matched him drink for drink, but I don’t remember doing that.”

  “No, you wouldn’t after you got drunk.”

  “Please say you forgive me and we’re still friends. I don’t have much of Larry left. His parents never talk to me because I’m too much a reminder of him. Every time I call, they get defensive and clam up, acting as if Larry never existed.”

  “I’ll have to mull this over. I’m not sure if I can continue in the same capacity as before. Your being pregnant by someone other than Larry doesn’t sit right in my eyes.”

  After Keith quietly broke the connection, Dorrie stared at her cell phone. Thinking of how she’d disappointed him made her stomach churn.

  Still, keeping it a secret would have been worse. She understood why he was upset, but could only hope that maybe in time he’d forgive and forget. Babies had a way of mellowing the hardest of hearts.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Dorrie stepped into Roman’s office. Would he go along with her idea? It was kind of farfetched, but could be a good solution.

  “I have a suggestion for your new model. Though I know Wisconsin isn’t a high priority test market at the moment, maybe you could bump it up. There’s someone I know who’s in bad shape. If he took the pill and turned young, he’d be great publicity. People could see how bad off he was to begin with and how great he turned out afterward. That’s bound to boost sales.”

  “Not as well as you,” Roman said, with a glint in his eyes.

  “I’m not too sure about that. I’ve seen photos from this guy’s younger years, and he was a real hottie.”

  “Who is he?”

  “He’s my friend’s Dad. They don’t know I’m asking you about him because I didn’t want to get their hopes up. If you let him take the pill, it would be a lifesaver for him, and a great sell.”

  Roman leaned forward. “You may have something there. I’ll think about it and get back to you.”

  The next morning he called her into his office. “It’s worth a try, Dorrie. See if you can persuade them. If it’s a go, offer my cell number.”

  Heart pounding, she dialed Jeanne. She and Mike had to agree. It was the perfect solution. “I have an idea. Please say yes and talk to your Dad. I do so want him to get better and for you to get on with your life.”

  She outlined the plan and procedures. Silence stretched.

  Dorrie could bear it no longer. “Well, what do you think, Jeanne? Do you want to try?”

  “I don’t know. It’s awfully risky.”

  “I’m fine, aren’t I? Besides, what choice does Mike have? You said he’s not getting any better, and it’s not like he has any hopes for the future. He’s already looking for a way out, and it’s only a matter of time before he finds it. At least this way he has a fighting chance.”

  Jeanne sighed. “Damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t, right? Okay, I’ll talk to him. If he wants to go along, we’ll figure out an age for him. It can’t be too much younger than me. That would be freaky.”

  “You could take it, too, when it’s out for the public. Just think, you could pick my age and we’d be best friends forever.”

  Her friend gave a short laugh. “I get it, BFFs, just like online. One of us at a time, please. I’ll see if he wants it first.”

  ***

  Saturday morning, Dorrie made a quick trip to the bank for the iPhone. At first when she tried to turn it on in the café, the screen went dark and the phone wouldn’t start. She plugged the adaptor into the socket and ate slowly, waiting and hoping. After about fifteen minutes, she heard the welcome ping sound, indicating the charge had started. She took her time eating and went back for more snacks during the two hours it took for the phone to get fully charged.

  From a quick glance at the photo section, it appeared they were all there. She didn’t have much time before the bank would close, but for sure next time she’d look over the photos.

  Her cell rang a few hours later while Dorrie was gathering her dirty clothes from the bedroom hamper. When she saw Caller ID, she dropped the clothes and switched on the phone before it could go into voice mail.

  “It’s a yes. Dad said he’ll try anything to get better.”

  Dorrie let her breath out with a swoosh. “Oh, thank goodness. I’m sure he won’t regret it. Here’s Roman’s number. It’ll be great to see your Dad well again, not only for his sake, but yours. Think how free you’ll be.”

  ***

  Roman called Dorrie into his office Monday morning. “Your friend and her father will arrive in two weeks. I’ve initiated travel arrangements and will arrange nearby housing.

  “The more I think of it, the more this will work to our advantage. I’d been considering a male model for diversity, plus the timeline will fit in well with your pregnancy. Sounds like a win-win situation.”

  As Dorrie went back to her desk, she couldn’t help smiling. She’d been so intent on doing what was best for Mike, she hadn’t thought of the added bonus of having her best friend live so close, like in the old days.

  The rest of the week was spent in happy anticipation. Before she knew it, she was leaving the office on Friday.

  ***

  She’d put it off long enough. Seated in the corner of the café, as far from prying eyes as possible, Dorrie pulled out the iPhone from her purse, plugged in the adaptor, then clicked on the photos app.

  Ignoring her own pictures, she concentrated on the ones of Larry—ordinary, yet such heartbreaking photos of happiness and hope.

  Her eyes teared as the memories rushed back: Larry smiling from behind his desk in the new den, Larry looking up from his chore of planting the rose bushes by the patio, another of Larry bent over the stove stirring one of his special concoctions.

  He’d even figured out how to take timed photos. In one they’d cuddled together on the couch, in another she’d sat on his lap in the easy chair. She could almost feel the warmth of his arms and smell the scent of his tangy aftershave, but she knew those were illusions existing only in her memory.

  She soberly exited the app.

  CHA
PTER TWENTY

  “I love your hair short,” Dorrie said, taking in Jeanne’s pixie cut, as they greeted each other at Scottsdale Airport.

  “Linda at Curly Locks makes house calls now, so she came over and gave me the works. Look, no grey,” Jeanne said, shaking her hair, holding her father’s wheelchair, and almost dropping her carryon in the process.

  Dorrie grabbed for the bag. “I’ll take that. Hey, remember the commercial, Hate that grey, wash it away?”

  “How could I forget? You are dating us.”

  After they’d made it through the terminal and into the car, with Jeanne seated next to Mike in the back, Dorrie switched on the air conditioning to block October’s afternoon heat. As they rode, she and Jeanne caught up on gossip, while Mike, who used to be outgoing, silently stared out the window.

  When Dorrie pulled up to the new home, the movers already sat out front, one in a huge moving van, the others in a separate car.

  After instructing them to await a signal from Jeanne on when to proceed, Dorrie joined her friend who stood staring at the house, looking stunned. “Oh, my God, I don’t believe this place. It’s way different than what I’m used to.”

  Jeanne and Mike’s new home did look cozy, with its cream colored adobe exterior, flagstone driveway and Southwestern landscape of succulent cacti, oleander and palm trees. The location was ideal, also, mere minutes from the Institute and in-town amenities, and about half an hour from Dorrie’s place.

  “I had the same reaction when Larry and I moved out here. It took a while to get used to the difference. I’m still not completely attuned.”

  That day seemed an eternity ago, but actually only thirteen months had passed since she and Larry had joyfully embarked on their grand adventure. She wished she could get back that heady, hopeful feeling from then, but doubted it would ever return.

  Dorrie clicked the trunk button to pull out Mike’s wheelchair. She helped her friend make Mike’s transfer from car to chair, then Jeanne took over.