Justina's Awakening: Where She Belongs The Saga-Book 1 Page 2
Caroline walked away, saying nothing as Jim and Matthew laughed loudly, so loudly that Fran, followed by Donna came walking toward the table.
Jim saw Mr. Russell, Ben and George’s law partner sitting in a nearby booth with his wife, Inez. The couple shook their heads and laughed at the humorous commotion. He grinned at the elderly man. “Oh no, we’re really in trouble now, here comes the mamas,” Jim smiled his biggest smile and waved at the approaching women. “Hi, Moms, how are the two best moms doing today?” Jim assumed buttering up the mothers would help, but he was wrong.
“We don’t know what to do with these boys; they just never grow up, do they?” Frances commented.
Mrs. Russell defended Matthew and Jim. “They do keep their mamas feeling young and alive? Those boys always did lighten up the mood.” Inez Russell continued, “I’m sure my boys drove you crazy a time or two.”
Frances and Donna laughed as they remembered the days when the boys were young. Donna playfully replied, “Yes, however, we all know who the ring leaders were.”
Mr. Russell smiled at Donna, “I always enjoyed having all our boys at the firm.”
Matthew gave Mr. and Mrs. Russell a thumbs-up and everyone burst into laughter.
Donna turned to Frances, “Fran, if they get loud one more time, let’s just throw them out for the night.”
Frances agreed with a nod.
“We’re sorry moms,” Jim said.
“Yeah, we love you. We won’t do it again,” Matthew added.
“Ah, who can be mad at these faces?” Frances playfully pinched Matthew and Jim’s faces.
Matthew whispered to Jim as he noticed their fathers approaching, “Help’s on its way.”
“What are you ladies doing to our boys?” Ben asked Donna as he put his arm around her.
George kissed Frances on the cheek and playfully fussed at her, “You’re always picking on this child. Why?”
Jim pointed his finger at their mothers and playfully taunted, “Ha-ha, now you two are in trouble.”
Matthew jabbed his friend in the arm, “Shut up, man.”
Jim rubbed his arm as if the punch really hurt and laughs all around erupted. He kissed the women on their cheeks as Caroline and the kids came from the offices and joined the group.
Matthew looked around at all of them. This was his family; he was proud of them and proud to be with them. He found himself hoping his mother and Donna were right, that Leslie looked down on the family and made requests to God on their behalf.
“That’s my family, God; help me take care of them.”
Matthew looked on the wall and found his wife’s picture, which hung there. He whispered, “Thank you, baby, oh, and you too, God.”
Chapter Three
The president of Beth and Lin Advertising Company, Justina Lindsey sat in her elegant, posh office behind a desk stacked full of files, and mulled through paperwork.
Though her office had all the latest amenities, Justina never used them, well, except for the coffeepot. A small kitchenette lay just to the right of the room as one entered the office. The kitchenette walls were red with black and red floor tiles, resembling a checkerboard.
Outside the kitchenette, the main office walls were covered in dark colored paneling. There was a black leather sofa and loveseat sitting in front of a cherry wood finished coffee table. Several entertainment magazines covered the table.
Large cherry wood frames clung to the dull paneled walls and displayed various photos of clients who stood in front of their businesses.
Justina never cared for the dull colors Elizabeth Carr, her benefactor, and caregiver had selected the decor of the office. The only thing she did like about the office was the large glass sliding doors behind her desk. These glass sliding doors led to the small balcony, which overlooked the beautiful scenic downtown Dallas and its beautiful streets.
She really wanted to change the decor and setup of the office but never seemed to have the time for it. If truth were told, she had lost her desire to change anything after Elizabeth was murdered. Instead, she busied herself in an attempt to establish herself as leader of the company, to prove to Elizabeth’s employees, clients and friends that she would be able to carry the load Elizabeth had once carried.
Justina beamed from a phone call she had just received from Kevin Jenkins III, the owner of Jenkins’s Jewels. He was praising her for the commercial she had worked on recently for his company. He bragged about how his sales had jumped up seven points soon after the commercial had aired.
Justina smiled as she pulled her best client, the Lawton’s, from the stack. The Lawton’s businesses included a luxurious resort, ranch, farm, lodge, a cafe, a green house business, and their law offices. Her lead advertising agent Joyce, who happened to be married to Roger Lawton, had been handling the Lawton business for years, even before Justina was in charge.
She heard a knock on the door and when she looked up from her desk, she smiled to see Joyce.
Joyce took a seat on the sofa and waved her hand playfully at Justina. “Hi,” she playfully squinted her eyes, as she stared at Justina’s desk. “Hey, where’s your desk? Oh, wait, I think I see it.”
“I pulled some files out which need to be updated,” Justina stated, not laughing at Joyce’s last joke.
Joyce rolled her eyes and laughed, “Great, now its lunch and I’m starved.”
“Go on home; I know you and Roger have plans to leave tonight to visit your family.” Justina suddenly had an idea. “Joyce, the Lawton ads are yours, why don’t you take their files and do a little business this weekend.” Justina held up a pile of files in her arms and waved them toward Joyce.
Joyce took the large stack of files from Justina, but laid them back on the desk and shook her head, no. “Why don’t you come with us?”
Justina kept working on her current project. “Where’s Maggie? She’s related to the Kingston’s, isn’t she?”
“Yes, she’s George’s niece, but she’s not going to work on the project for you this weekend either. She, Ted, and the kids are in Maine. Besides, it could be good P.R. for the company.”
“Why do you think it would be good P.R.? You’re related to them and have always taken care of their advertising.”
“Yes, that’s true, but you are the boss, Justina. I’m just your representative. Their contracts are ending soon. You have been so wrapped up in the Jenkins Company; you are ignoring our other clients.
“I’ve met with the owners, Ben and Donna Lawton on several occasions. What else do you think I need to do?”
“You could come to the resort, meet all the Lawton’s since it is a family business. If they see you’re personally interested in their businesses, then it will go a long way in securing their contracts.”
Justina stood up, walked over to the filing cabinet, and fiddled with some files. “You haven’t even checked with Roger, he might not want me to tag along, since I’m the girlfriend of Nick Cabara, and besides, it is your anniversary. You and Roger don’t need me tagging along.”
“Roger said he didn’t mind if you came for the weekend. There are plenty of things you can do without us. We are going to have dinner with Caroline, Jim, and Matthew and then have a private celebration later in the evening.”
Justina laughed, “I can see ten years of marriage hasn’t cooled your romance, that’s wonderful.” She then shrugged her shoulders, “I would have thought Roger would worry about his reputation. He doesn’t like Nick.”
“You’re right, he doesn’t like Nick, but it’s because he’s involved with illegal things.”
“Can Roger prove it?”
“Roger’s word should be enough for you.”
“I don’t understand what he has against Nic
k.”
“Roger is a prominent photo journalist in the Dallas and Fort Worth area. Nick has suspected mafia ties, what is not to understand? Roger reports on the bad guys not socialize with them,” Joyce’s voice echoed with impatience. “Oh, Justina, don’t be naïve. You have to know the Cabara family has ties to the mafia.”
“Nick is his own man, he makes his own decisions.”
“Justina, think about what you just said.”
“Nick isn’t controlled by anyone.”
“If his family is involved with the mafia, so is Nick.” Joyce hesitated before continuing, “Be sure the mafia is the one in control.” Joyce took a deep breath, “I’ve said too much.”
Justina knew Joyce cared about her and only wanted the best for her. They were friends and had been for a few years, but were from very different backgrounds. Joyce’s father was a doctor and her mother was an attorney. Joyce was a raven-haired beauty with blue eyes and a perfect figure. She had been the rich, popular cheerleader who won all of the awards in school. Justina had been a short, chubby, brown-haired orphan child; the troubled youth. Always in trouble for fighting, sulking in school, and being expelled.
Justina had tried to snatch Elizabeth’s purse one day and that is how Elizabeth entered her life.
“Justina,” Joyce stepped over and touched her on the arm. “Are you all right?”
“Nick produces software for companies; that’s all. Don’t you think I would know if he was involved in something other than the software business?” Justina did not know whom she was trying to convince more, herself or Joyce.
“No, I don’t think you would know. I’m sure Nick knows how to cover his tracks. What kind are they?”
“What kind of software?”
“No, what kind of companies does he do business with?”
“I don’t know. I never asked to see a list of his clients. He never talks to me about his business and I don’t ask.”
“I think you should quiz him, just a little, to see if he’d tell you about it. He knows all about your business after all.”
“That’s because his family’s company is one of my clients.”
“Okay, fair enough, but if you intend on marrying this guy, don’t you agree there should be no secrets between couples?”
Justina raised an eyebrow, “Who said anything about marriage?” Justina hesitated. “Everyone has secrets, don’t they? Aren’t there things you haven’t told Roger?”
Joyce thought for a moment, “Sure, but he knows about the important things.” Joyce walked to the couch and sat down. “I don’t think you should keep secrets from anyone you love and trust.”
Justina felt uncomfortable and she nervously walked to the window and stared out. “Well, yes, I suppose if you love someone and truly trust them, then I suppose big secrets could be bad,” Justina’s heart raced. She had secrets of her own; secrets she had not shared with Joyce. She knew Joyce loved her but did she love her enough to forgive her and still be her friend? Could Joyce handle the truth about her past? Justina knew Nick could not handle the truth.
Elizabeth and Justina chose to keep their personal lives private. She had always referred to Justina as her niece.
“I’m sorry, I’ve made you upset; that wasn’t my intention. It’s just you’ve been working too hard, I worry about you.” Joyce led Justina to the couch. “Lie down for a while. You are as pale as a ghost.” Joyce laid an afghan over Justina. “You work late every night and you take files home with you and work there.” Joyce poured a glass of water and handed it to Justina, “Drink some water. It’ll make you feel better.”
Justina took the glass and held it as Joyce continued; “You do all that volunteer work in the Deep Ellum district and downtown. You never do anything for yourself. You’re like a robot that doesn’t have an “off” switch.”
Justina smiled weakly at her friend, “I just want to help people. I enjoy it.”
“I know, I like helping people too, but you need to take care of you.”
“I don’t want you to worry about Nick and me. I’m still just getting to know him.”
I don’t think Nick is your Mr. Right,” Joyce confided softly.
They laughed as Joyce stood to her feet, “Now don’t go rushing off to Billy’s Honky-tonk without me.”
The two friends laughed like two schoolgirls. “You could just start out slow in the fun department, like joining the family for the weekend at Lawton’s,” Joyce tilted her head sideways. “That’s all I’m saying,” She stretched. “Oh, the directions to the lodge are sitting on your desk if you change your mind.” She pointed toward the desk. “And, we’re leaving at 2:30 pm; it takes about thirty minutes to get there, depending on the traffic and on how fast you drive, so it’ll take you ten minutes,” She laughed. “One more thing; two suites are reserved and at no charge. We get to eat free at the lodge and the diner. How great is that?” Joyce turned around and winked at Justina sarcastically. “It’s all about whom you know, kid.” She waved goodbye as she shut the door.
Justina could not help but laugh at Joyce’s clowning. Joyce was the same happy person all the time and the people at the office loved her for her upbeat attitude.
Justina wished she could be more like Joyce, but she had to be completely professional about business. She noticed the staff treated her with respect, but they treated Joyce with admiration. Joyce once advised Justina to try to be polite to them. When she had taken Joyce’s advice, the staff had given her a card for Christmas.
Justina pulled herself off the couch and stretched her arms as she glanced at the clock. She looked out her office door and whimpered. “I guess everyone has gone out of town except me.”
Justina looked at her file-covered desk and drew a long breath. As she thought of going home, she frowned. Even Trish, the maid that Nick talked her into hiring two months ago was out of town for the weekend. She walked over, stood just in front of the desk, sifted through them until she found the Lawton file and read the caption on the top corner. ‘GOOD FOOD. GOOD REST. GOOD FUN.’
“That’s what I need; rest, relaxation, and fun.”
She looked down at the desk and saw the directions Joyce had left her and picked them up. She grabbed the files she had selected for the weekend, her purse, and briefcase and slowly walked to the door, her decision had been made.
Chapter Four
The day turned out to be unusually warm for late February, which pleased Justina just fine. Although she enjoyed watching the snowflakes fall in winter, she enjoyed the warmer seasons so much more.
She tapped her fingers on the steering wheel as her mind found its way back to business. Her company was financially stable. She had not taken a break from work since she took over the company after Elizabeth’s death last year. This was a good weekend to take a much-needed break. It had taken her many late nights and hard work to establish herself as the company leader, but she now felt as though she had succeeded in the task.
Joyce had become a loyal companion on many of those late evenings, which is when the two women became to be such good friends.
Justina recalled Elizabeth’s pride in her when she graduated high school two years early. Justina knew she would never have made it without Elizabeth’s support and tutoring.
She remembered how Elizabeth supported her as she made some life changing, perhaps even life saving choices that year. Because of her testimony, many children were saved from being put through the same turmoil Justina endured for so many years at the orphanage, and it was the same year she had come to live with Elizabeth on a permanent basis. After Justina had graduated with a degree in marketing, Elizabeth asked her to come to work at Elizabeth’s advertising company as a junior partner. Justina smiled when she thought of how strange and fantastic things had worked out for her, almost like a fairy tale.
She looked out her car window at the darkening sky. All that she had become she owed to her b
eloved Elizabeth. She missed her so much, but somehow, Justina knew Elizabeth still looked out for her.
As she approached Lawton’s Lodge, she wondered why they called it a lodge. It was not a lodge at all, at least not according to her definition of the word, Justina laughed as she recalled Joyce’s words. You have no romantic sense about you.
Justina parked her car in the parking garage and immediately noticed the very beautiful green Corvette parked next to her Mustang. She loved Corvettes, especially the older ones. This one was in mint condition.
After stepping off the elevator and into the lobby, Justina found herself surrounded with elegance. A huge fireplace rested in one corner while another smaller one sat in the opposite corner. An enormous staircase stood boastfully in the middle of the room. It was beautifully designed with small carvings of horses and cowboys inside its railings and steps. It matched the western theme of the Cherry wood furniture that was placed throughout the lobby. The lobby was full of people who mulled about, sat chatting with one another, or simply sat in the chairs near the fireplace with books and pamphlets in hand.
Justina walked to the desk that lay just to the right of the grand staircase where a handsome blond man greeted her.
“Hello, my name is Jonathan, how may I help you?”
“Hi, my name is Justina Lindsey. I have a reservation for the weekend.”
“Yes, and you have arrived just in time Ms. Lindsey,” Jonathan stated as he handed her a confirmation slip. “Here is your key card.”
“Thank you.”
“My wife Karen and I are managers of the lodge,” He pointed to the attractive brown-haired person walking toward them.
Justina smiled graciously, “You’re managers of the ranch too, am I right?”
“That’s right, Karen and I manage the lodge, and I co-manage the ranch with my older brother, Jim, who is an attorney, and Noah, who manages guest relations with his wife, Lauren.”
“You folks must never rest. I’m only in charge of one company, and that keeps me busy enough. I can’t imagine having to juggle five or six different companies.”
“It’s not as difficult as it sounds. Everyone in the family pitches in and helps when they can. It’s actually quite enjoyable, isn’t it honey?”