One Love Read online

  ONE LOVE

  LYNN EMERY

  All names, characters, stories, and incidents featured in this novel are imaginary. They are not inspired by any individual person, incidents or events known or unknown to the author. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is coincidental. ONE LOVE was originally published by Kensington Books in 1999. This is a reprint.

  Copyright 1999 Margaret Emery Hubbard

  Smashwords Edition

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  Chapter 1

  “Yes, Mr. Blanchard. No, Mr. Blanchard. I’m sure you do, Mr. Blanchard.”

  Lanessa wedged the telephone receiver against her shoulder to free both hands as she listened. She fought to keep from groaning loudly. Sorting through the pile of papers on her desk, she searched frantically for the obscure article she’d found for another client. The second phone in her office trilled.

  “Info, Inc. If we can’t find it, you don’t need it,” Robyn said in a lively voice.

  Having her assistant come up with clever one liners every week as a phone greeting did not improve her mood. Lanessa wanted to find an opening to close this merry-go-round conversation with the nervous client. She had a thousand other things to do.

  “I’m sure your lawyer is doing everything he can— Yes, they do charge a fortune.” Lanessa could not help but think the man earned every penny if he had to listen to this regularly.

  “Hell-ooo”, a familiar female voice called. An insistent knock on the door followed.

  Robyn bounced up and opened the door. “Morning, Mrs. Pellerin. My you look lovely. But then what’s new?”

  “Thank you, sweetheart.” Clarice beamed with pleasure. “And so do you. Oh, she’s on a call.” She frowned in what seemed like aggravation.”

  “I think she’ll be through soon.” Robyn glanced at her boss.

  “Hmm.” Clarice cast a critical gaze over the office. “How are you getting along?”She raised an eyebrow.

  “Great.” Robyn wore a bright smile.

  “No, really.” Clarice lowered her voice. “I mean, you should have seen this place before you came. You’ve worked a miracle in one.”

  “Actually Ms. Thomas just needed an extra set of hands. The files were in folders and labeled.” Robyn picked up a stack and showed them to Clarice. “See, she just couldn’t juggle assignments and organize.”

  “Organization was never something Lanessa was good at.” Clarice made sure her voice carried. “But juggle men…”

  Robyn cleared her throat. “Uh, come with me. I made low fat raisin bran muffins.” She beckoned for her to follow.

  “You’re pure gold. Lanessa complains if she has to warm something in the microwave,” Clarice said in a stage whisper. She waved her slim fingertips at Lanessa. “I’ll be right back, dear.”

  Lanessa did groan this time. “No, no, Mr. Blanchard. I’m listening.”

  The man finally wound down after another five minutes of whining about the unfairness of life. Lanessa dropped the receiver on its cradle and glanced at the clock. Ten thirty, an entire day was ahead. She stared at the chaotic office as her mother had.

  “And I wanted to be my own boss. Ha! What a laugh.”

  Neither Lanessa’s voice nor attitude held even a trace of real amusement. She must have been insane to think she could handle a home-based business. It was less than two months since her last group therapy session. Somehow she felt that if she failed once more, she was doomed. Fish or cut bait, sink or swim were two phrases that had chased around her skull at least once a day. Once again she remembered why she’d anesthetized herself with liquor and pills-fear. It was her constant companion. Now she had a list of clients wanting all kinds of information. Lanessa knew she was top-notch at research. Her experience working at the legislature came in handy. She had a Rolodex full of experts on any subject, from aardvarks to zymosan. But the fear would not go away. Then the flowers sitting on top a gray metal filing cabinet caught her eye. She dug through a pile of mail to find the fancy note card. Mrs. Eddington-Carls had been effusive in her praise. Not only that, she’d sent two referrals to Lanessa.

  “Bless your snobby, diamond draped soul,” Lanessa murmured. She kissed the fine linen paper with the embossed “EC” on it.

  For now the little demon that tried to convince her to give up, give in and have a drink faded. The mounds of papers represented a growing business. And she was the reason those lawyers, corporate executives and more came to her. Just as her spirit rose, a staccato laugh brought it back down a notch.

  “I tell you, my girls really tested me.” Clarice strolled with Robyn. She looked at Lanessa with an indulgent smile. “Hello, dear.”

  “Hi, Mother. How’ve you been?”Lanessa picked up a pile of books from a chair nearby.

  Clarice brushed the seat before she sat down. “Hmm, so much has happened since we last spoke. I hardly know where to begin.”

  “Oh please,” Lanessa burst out.” It’s only been two weeks. I called last Thursday. Daddy said you were at your Links chapter meeting.”

  ”Only two weeks? And you couldn’t call back?” Clarice raised an eyebrow at her “Robyn calls her mother once a day.”

  “Only because she’s getting used to being alone after so many years of marriage.” Robyn shrugged.

  “I’m so sorry, sweetie. When did you father die?”Clarice wore a look of sympathy.

  “Oh daddy isn’t dead, Mrs. Pellerin. He lives in Key West with his fourth wife Tracy.”

  “Excuse me?”Clarice blinked at her in confusion.

  “No, mama just kicked out her third husband two months ago. This is the longest she’s gone without getting married.” Robyn giggled. “Of course I haven’t talked to her today.” With that, she went off to her small office.

  “Good Lord!”Clarice turned back to Lanessa with a prim look. “You couldn’t just get a secretary with a normal background. Oh no, that would be boring.”

  Lanessa threw back her head and laughed. “Mother, we’ve got more nuts in our family tree than a pecan orchard.”

  “This earthy sense of humor you’ve picked up is very unattractive.” Clarice cleared her throat.

  “Uh-huh.” Lanessa was amused by the way Clarice squirmed.

  ”So, I take it from the ringing phone and all this that you’re business is doing well.” Clarice swept a hand around the office.

  “Yeah. And that old saying about being careful what you wish for is so true.” Lanessa heaved a sigh. “I haven’t come up for air in days.”

  “Despite not hearing from you more often…”

  “Don’t start on that again,” Lanessa said.

  “Keeping busy can only be good for you,” Clarice finished ignoring her daughter’s sour look.

  “You mean it’ll keep me from getting drunk.”

  “I wouldn’t have put it that way. You’re sensitive like me. You need stimulation and excitement. This way you can channel your energies.” Clarice gave a nod.

  “And keep from climbing back into a bottle of booze or pills.” Lanessa was not going to dress it up. “Mother, I’m an alcoholic. It ain’t pretty, but it’s the truth. Let’s face it.”

  “I have,” Clarice said a b
it defensively.” I just don’t need to speak so crudely about it. Honestly, I’m so glad you went to the Lanier Clinic finally. The kind of talk you picked up at that public place.”

  “The city clinic is one of the best in the country. And I’m not a teenager hanging with the wrong crowd.” Lanessa brushed back her dark bronze hair. “Far from it.”

  ”And that’s another thing. You’re in your prime. Stop acting like you’re seventy-four instead of thirty-four.” Clarice gazed at her.” Besides, you look a good ten years younger like most of the Hawthorne women.”

  “What about the Pellerin women? Daddy’s sisters and Mama Pellerin still look good. I get it from both sides.” Lanessa suppressed a smile at the reaction that brought.

  “Handsome in their own way I suppose.” Clarice lifted a shoulder. “Of course style is what really makes a nice looking woman beautiful.”

  “Clarice Hawthorne Pellerin, what a catty remark.”

  “All I’m saying is we have a certain flair and they… don’t.” Clarice spread her hands out to make her point.

  “You’re still competing with each other after all these years. Unbelievable.”

  “Let’s get back to you, young lady.” Clarice assumed a determined expression.” Who are you dating?”

  “None of your business.” Lanessa was equally blunt. She picked up a pile of papers. “Subject closed.”

  “I’m just worried about you, baby.” Clarice’s voice softened. She leaned forward and put a hand on Lanessa’s arm. “I want you to be happy.”

  ”And I appreciate your concern. But I’m doing okay. Besides it takes time to meet men. Remember, I’m building a whole new life with a mostly new social circle.”

  Lanessa refrained from commenting on the quality of the men she used to pick. In fact, some of her drinking pals were only fuzzy memories. Her tastes in male companions had left a lot to be desired. With one major exception. This time a stab of pain replaced the fear. Don’t think about it. She only hoped blocking thoughts of him would eventually stop the empty ache.

  “Not everyone you knew was bad.” Clarice seemed to read her mind.” Alex…”

  “Mother, please.” Lanessa flinched at the sound of his name.

  “He’s divorced now.” Clarice wore a look of satisfaction when Lanessa’s head snapped up.” I’ll bet it didn’t last because he never got over you.”

  Lanessa let her words sink in. She shook her head slowly. Once again she had to face reality. “That’s where you’re wrong. I didn’t just mess up once or twice. It went back years before he finally walked away.”

  “But—“

  “I know you’re trying to help, but it’s no good.”

  ”Okay. But you’re not going to be happy until you face up to it.” Clarice squeezed her arm once then let go. “Well, I’d better get going.”

  “Thanks, mommy, for caring.” Lanessa kissed her on the cheek.

  “Hey, I’m a mother.” Clarice patted her cheek.

  “Don’t worry. I really am doing well. Now I’ve got a lot of work.” She forced a smile for her mother’s benefit.

  “Me, too. I’m meeting with Rose Saizon about the charity luncheon next month. I swear they should have made me chairwoman. Rose can’t make a move without me.”

  “Yes, mother.” Lanessa nodded as Clarice chattered on. “Really? Imagine that. Well it will all turn out fine I’m sure.”

  She gently guided her out the door and toward her Lincoln Continental. When she finally said goodbye, Lanessa let out a long slow breath. At least Clarice had gotten better. A whole month had passed since she’d tried to meddle in Lanessa love life. But she was right about one thing, though not for reasons Clarice intended. Lanessa had faced a long list of people she’d hurt in the past. It was part of her healing process, of moving forward. Yet she’d rationalized that confronting Alex was different. He had a wife and children. He was a happy family man. Why open up old wounds? A reminder of his divorce knocked the legs from under that excuse.

  “Hey, get over it! You’ve got more than enough to juggle, okay?”Lanessa threw up both hands.

  “Are you talking to me, Ms. Thomas?”Robyn came in.

  “No, and don’t call me that. I’m only eight years older than you are. Makes me feel ancient,” Lanessa muttered.

  “Yes, ma’am,” Robyn chirped with good humor. She darted back to answer the phone on her desk.

  “And don’t— Oh never mind,” Lanessa muttered.

  For the next seven days Lanessa lived and breathed work. She filled up every waking hour doing research. Despite her party girl image, she had a real love of tracking down facts methodically. Lanessa soon completed one job much to her delight.

  “At last!”Lanessa fell back against her chair. Sunlight slanted through the window near her desk.

  “Mr. Harris is going to be very impressed.” Robyn picked up the binder that contained Lanessa’s final report.

  “Yeah, well he oughta be. I dug up every bit of information I could find on Straecner Chemical.” Lanessa rubbed her temples.

  ”And you’ll get a bonus if he buys the company.” Robyn put the report aside with five additional copies.

  “We’ll get a bonus,” Lanessa said. “You helped me out a lot.”

  Robyn’s eyes widened with delight and surprise. “Thanks a lot, Ms. — I mean, thanks, Lanessa.”

  “You’re welcome. And I’m going to subscribe to Lexis®-Nexis®. That online database will mean fewer trips to the library and faster results.” Lanessa stretched her stiff muscles.

  “I think you could use a vacation.” Robyn arranged a set of journals that related to another assignment.

  “No way. I’ve got three appointments in the next two days with new clients.” Lanessa reached for a note pad. “So I’d best get at least another job finished. Somebody came in I think. Probably the FedEx guy to pick up that package.” She nodded toward the sound of the door closing.

  Robyn headed for her office that doubled as their waiting room. Lanessa turned her attention to reading a long article. She was deep into the mysteries of an obscure Latin American Indian tribe when a voice called her back to her surroundings.

  ”Are you ever going to come up for air?”Her best pal Jackie stood with both hands on her hips.

  “Hey, girl.” Lanessa grinned at her. “Don’t tell me you’ve got a break from the salt mines. Cramer and Jacobs let you slip out on a Tuesday morning?”

  “Now I know you’re spending too much time here. It’s almost noon.” Jackie pointed to the wall clock.

  “Eleven fifteen is not almost noon, Jackie.”

  “Honey, you’re a bit too driven even for me. C’mon, let’s go to Arzi’s for a fabulous chicken schwerma salad.”

  “Can’t afford extended lunches. Too much to do. Rain check.”

  “Nonsense.” Jackie slung her navy leather shoulder purse into a chair. She fit her five foot eight frame into a chair.

  “Hey, I’m not on someone else’s time, babe.” Lanessa tapped the pile of magazines in front of her. “I didn’t spend the last eighteen months getting here to let it slide.”

  “Lunch is all I’m talking about, not two months in Europe for goodness sakes,” Jackie said. “We haven’t had a good old gab session in weeks. Yasmin is going to meet us there.”

  “I thought she was in D. C.”

  “Got back last night. She’s collected all kinds of juicy news, too.” Jackie wore an impish look as she tempted Lanessa.

  Jackie James and Yasmin Butler had become her closest friends in the last three years. She’d met them both at the Lanier clinic. Jackie was a top accountant who had lost custody of her son because of her drinking. Yasmin was the top aide to Senator John Trent, a young black man with a bright political future. Serious injuries from a motorcycle accident had led to dependence on painkillers. They’d leaned on each other through some rough days and rougher nights.

  “Well…” Lanessa wavered. It had been a long time since they’d gotten
together.

  “I miss you guys,” Jackie wheedled.

  Lanessa sprang from her chair. “Let’s go before I change my mind.”

  After a few hasty instructions to Robyn, she and Jackie were on their way. They rode in Jackie’s olive green Nissan Maxima. The restaurant, located on one of Baton Rouge’s busiest streets, was beginning to fill up fast. They were seated at a table near the front window.

  “Whew, we just beat the mad rush.” Jackie waved at the elegant woman with shoulder length brown hair. “Hey, over here!”

  Yasmin strode over to the table. Looking at Jackie over her Essence designer sunglasses, she shook her head. “Really, Jacqueline, have you forgotten everything from charm school?”

  “Dropped out,” Jackie shot back with a smirk. “I’m not like you bourgeoisie gals. You can take the girl outta Easy Town, but ya can’t take the Easy Town outta this girl.”

  Yasmin chuckled. “You’re so full of it. Hi, Nessa.” She gave each of them a peck on the cheek then sat down.

  “Hi, darlin’. You look fabulous as usual,” Lanessa said.

  After a few minutes of ordering and getting settled, they each had a tall glass of Lebanese iced tea. They shared a plate of three small spinach pies.

  “So are you as overworked as us?”Lanessa popped a bit of pastry in her mouth.

  “Girl, don’t get me started.” Yasmin shook her head. “And the trip was hectic. The senator had a half dozen meetings in three days.”

  “So much for your plan to do D. C. up big.” Jackie laughed.

  “You’re so right. I had more meetings and then had to brief him on those.” Yasmin let out a dramatic sigh. “I tell you, it was insane.”

  ”And you love every minute of it.” Lanessa nudged her arm with an elbow. “Now tell us something really good.”

  “Yeah, spill it. Anything on the mineral leases off Marsh Island?”Jackie sat forward.

  “Did Senator Trent meet with the Department of Interior people? My client Mr. Blanchard is driving me nuts whining about his land,” Lanessa joined in.

  “Slow down, I thought this was supposed to be a relaxed, getaway-from-the-office lunch.” Yasmin took off her sunglasses and glared her reproach at them.