Chapter 8 part 1
Stellar Energy Corporate Offices - Fort Worth, Texas
Stellar’s headquarters at the heart of Fort Worth is like an old cathedral during the weekends. Eerily quiet even with a few employees. The scent of purple lemon mint is more pronounced in the air. The towering ceiling displays its majestic grandeur that seems to mock Lucy’s pocket-sized stance. She made careful steps on the newly polished marble floors. Repeatedly apologizing to the maintenance staff as she carries the last box of files to the finance unit.
Most of the employees who report on Saturdays are from the Maintenance and Environmental Services unit. Executives and the majority of the rank and file employees have the privilege of spending their weekends at home. It is the perfect time for Lucy, with Allan driving the cafe’s service car, to transport business documents in and out of the finance unit.
Outside, the clouds that've been threatening to burst since her practice in the race tracks finally releases a downpour. She will be in luck if Liam lets her off the hook once she makes it in time for the rehearsal dinner. Then there’s Lenny. She can not let him be anywhere near Kate. Not after the creepy stares he gave her that Sunday lunch with them.
She secures the lid on top of the document box then traces the year on the label with her fingers. 2015. It’s the last year her mother was the chief executive of the finance prior to her demise. It was her childhood dream to one day be like her mom. A woman in charge in a field dominated mostly by men. Over time, the responsibilities that came with the position intimidated her. She exhales. Then slides the box back on the shelf holding the business files of the past fiscal years for safekeeping.
She pulls out her phone and sends Allan a message to meet her at the main entrance of Stellar in ten minutes. She speeds up her pace towards the elevators and hits the button repeatedly as if doing so will get it faster to where she’s waiting. When the doors open, she shuffles her steps back upon seeing her brother-in-law slouched against the farthest panel of the elevator wall. “Al!”
“Hey, Lucy!” Alistair says. His voice is deeper than she can remember. He grips a keychain in his hand and wraps her in a hug.
Surprised by his gesture, Lucy hesitates in her steps. She returns the hug then pulls back quickly, “thought you don’t work weekends anymore?”
“Yes.” He gives her a closed-lipped smile. “Lauren sent me to get something in her office.”
“Her seal? I recognize the keychain.” She says pointing at Alistair’s clenched fist then hits a button to the lobby. “Mom gave it to her when she started with the legal team. She takes it home now?” Weird. She never takes that home.
A seal or stamp is another form of validating documents and items of great importance unique to a Tara. Her father adapted the use of one when an acquisition transaction didn’t push through after the agreement form was questioned for its authenticity even with his signature attached to it. It was one of the major business losses her father wasn’t able to forget to this day. Since then, he required all Tara initiated to the family business to have one made as a symbol of identity and authority.
Lenny got one when he was given power to sign over operations and acquisitions on behalf of their father. Liam got one too right after finishing his medical degree but only uses it to sign family business related transactions. Her father has one made for her and promised to give it but only after she finishes her CPA units. Thus, anything paramount she signs with and for Stellar must be witnessed by another Tara to validate its authenticity.
Alistair shrugs. “She just asked me to get it. Might be working on something at home.” He crosses his hands loosely behind his back. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to help with the rehearsal dinner?” His gray eyes are firm on the doors.
“Borrowed some files for a feasibility study. Part of my return to uni.” She lies, studying Alistair’s broad reflection on the sparkling elevator doors. “Please don’t tell Lauren yet? I will let her know when I’m all set and registered.”
Ding! The elevator reaches the lobby.
“Fantastic... She will be happy to know you're staying for graduate school.” Alistair motions for Lucy to step out first. “Don’t worry… The secret stops with me.”
“Thanks! See you at the rehearsal dinner?”
Alistair tilts his head slightly to the side. “You take care now… Lucy,” he says, then pivots to the direction of Stellar’s parking garage.
Lucy shakes off Alistair’s empty stare and runs through the main entrance where Allan is already waiting for her. She hops on the passenger side. Once seated, she makes a throaty sound to let out the shiver she felt in her spine. Uhhhg…
— — —
The Mockingbird Country Club - Fort Worth, Texas
The venue for the wedding boasts colonial architecture. A sculpture of a mockingbird about to take flight is the centerpiece of the water fountain that greets members and their guests in the paved roundabout driveway. The unexpected downpour caused a delay in the arrival of most of the ensemble included in the wedding entourage. But it didn’t dampen the festive ambiance inside. The sweet scent of lavenders fills the great hall in the east wing. A piano and cello cover of Christina Perri's ‘A Thousand Years’ plays in the background as members of the wedding party and immediate family members of Liam and Abbie are called in by the wedding coordinator.
Kate can feel her insides quivering. She glides her palms along her dress and blows out a series of short breaths then cranes her neck at the arch entryway. Again. A smile of relief crosses her face as she catches Lucy dashing in and takes her spot behind the groom for the procession.
Liam pats her coat to dry droplets of rain on her shoulders. He points at her mock neck dress shirt and pulls up a thumb sign. Then he collars Lucy, squeezing her under his arm and messing with her curls. Lucy retaliates by punching him on the shoulder then smooths her hair with her palms.
Lenny follows Lucy in line. He leans over to Lucy and whispers something in her ear that has the latter knitting her brows. Two more groomsmen, a cousin and a fellow doctor, complete Liam’s part of the entourage.
The groom’s family were seated next, headed by Ybrrahim Tara who walks along with an elderly woman in her early or mid eighties, later on introduced as the groom’s maternal grandmother, Isabel. Behind them, Carmen and Lauren follow. Walking in line after them are the three bridesmaids, Kate included. Then Abbie’s sister, the matron of honor, completes the bride’s entourage. Lucy smiles then waves her hand at Kate as she takes her place opposite the groom’s entourage. The bride walks last with her parents.
The wedding coordinator lays final instructions to the couple. She turns to the members of the entourage. Reminding the matron of honor and the bestlady of their respective roles in the ceremony. She makes her way to the couple’s families and informs them of the bride and groom’s wishes for the ceremony. She asks questions for any clarifications and when none of them answers she turns back to the entourage and guides them with the pairings for the recessional.
Liam pulls their wedding coordinator and whispers more instructions. He winks at Lucy then lets their coordinator assign the pairing of the entourage as he and Abbie exits the hall first. Lenny is paired with the matron of honor. They follow Liam and Abbie out of the hall. Kate and Lucy are paired last and are instructed to exit before the immediate members of the couple’s family, their close friends and other guests.
A successive tap on her shoulder had Lucy turning around before she could properly greet Kate. “Chuchi!” She squeals then pulls in her grandmother for a hug. Isabel hugs Lucy back and sizes up Kate when Lucy steps up and tips her toes to kiss her father on the cheeks. “Hi, dad,” she says. Ybrrahim pulls Lucy in for an embrace. Lucy visibly arches her back in surprise. Isabel takes that moment to give Kate one more look before her lips curl into an approving smile.
“You look so happy. Like you're getting married too.” Isabel links arms with Lucy then peers at Kate as they walk to the ballroom on the west wing for the rehearsal dinner. “Are you the girlfriend who’s making my apo (granddaughter) smile like there’s no tomorrow?”
Kate blinks rapidly and responds with a nervous smile.
“Chuchi!” Lucy warns but dips her chin down to hide the flush crawling across her face. She grins. “Not yet.”
Isabel stops and throws her head back. “Not yet?!” She turned her eyes on Ybrrahim who was matching her pace on her other side. She smacks his arm. “Are you sticking your enormous droopy nose where it shouldn’t be? Again? Hmmm?” Ybrrahim rubs his arm and grimaces.
Again? Kate’s forehead creases.
Lucy hums then diverts by making introductions. “Dad, Chuchi… This is Kate. Abbie’s bridesmaid and roommate. We work together at Stellar.” Lucy says, holding Kate’s elbow. “Kate, this is my lola (grandmother) Isabel. Chuchi is just a nickname. And, you know my dad, right?”
Kate extends her hand to Ybrrahim. “Yes. Of course. Wonderful to meet you, Sir.”
Ybrrahim shakes her hand. “Ahh.. Finally able to put a face on the name. Miss… Kate.” He says, fixing her with a vague expression.
“Glad to meet you, Ma’am.” Kate nods at Isabel.
“Oh…Chuchi.” Isabel grasps Kate’s arm. “I’m Chuchi to all of my grandchildren and to their significant others.”
“We–”
“She’s not–” Kate and Lucy correct Isabel in unison.
The elder woman chuckles and gains sudden speed in her steps. “Let’s go, Ybrrahim. Where’s my seat? And make sure I get two servings of desert!”
Ybrrahim glances at Kate then gazes at his youngest earnestly before rushing to the side of his mother-in-law. A flitting confusion flashes across Lucy’s face. She turns to Kate to apologize but a hand tugging her arm refocuses her attention.
On the other hand, Kate is being led in the opposite direction. Both of them were instructed to take their seats on their respective table assignment for the rehearsal dinner. Lucy with the rest of her family on the side of the groom and Kate with the bridesmaids on the side of the bride. Lucy chases Kate’s eyes and mouths an apology when she catches her looking back.
Speeches from the couple’s immediate families and closest friends were spread throughout the whole course of the meal. The bar on one side of the ballroom is getting set up as Lenny and Lauren stand to share their anecdotes of growing up with Liam. Lucy joins them in laughter like there’s no animosity brewing between her and Lenny. A satisfied smile increases on Ybrrahim’s face as he watches his children with glistening eyes. Indifferent at the occasional slaps on the arms he’s taking from Isabel.
The sight inadvertently opened memories, both happy and sad, that hit home for Kate. Feeling the threat of warm tears behind her eyes, she excuses herself from the group and walks through the sliding doors a few feet away that leads outside the country club’s courtyard.
Kate braces her hand against the dish of the nearest water fountain she finds and holds her stomach with the other as she bends slightly forward to keep her anxiety in check. Reminding herself of the real reason why she’s here in Fort Worth. She couldn't believe grief skipped days of visiting her until a few minutes ago. And she knows why. But she wouldn’t admit it or deny it either.
She had just calmed down when a broad figure casts a shadow over where she is standing.
“Are you alright, Miss Rewliths?” The figure says in a low deep tone. The shadow diminishes as the figure steps closer. On instinct, Kate plants her feet firmly on the ground and clenches her fist above the water fountain. Ready to swing it at her unknown company. “Ernie sends this.” The figure whispers.
Kate lets out a sigh. She turns around and sees Kai extend his arms. Holding a square black velvet box in his right palm. He waves his left hand across his chest as a signal to walk with him further into the courtyard. Away from the bright lights coming from the ballroom. Unaware of another shadow of small stature with curly hair catching a glimpse of Kai’s outstretched arm.
“It’s a watch with an updated tracker,” he says later when they were far enough from the ballroom.
“Thanks,” she says.
“You okay?”
Kate hums in reply.
“Get back in there then. Cocktail hour is about to start.”
She opens the box, retrieves the watch then returns the box to Kai.
“I got your six, Kate.” She hears Kai says over her shoulders.
— — —
The Mockingbird Country Club - Grand Ballroom (Lucy)
Cocktail hour is in full swing and the bride and her groom along with the majority of the guests are already vibing in the dance floor to Coldplay’s ‘A Sky Full of Stars’. Lucy slams a shot glass on the counter. The sting of alcohol heat rushes through her throat. “Wooo!” She screams, pumping a fist on her chest.
“Slow down. Few months off the tracks and you’ve turned into a lightweight.” Marcella rubs her back. “That’s it! We’re dancing!” She says, dragging Lucy by the hand into the swarm of dancers. They thrusts their arms in the air as they bop into the beat. Lucy’s curls bouncing behind her shoulders as she sways her head. On occasions like these, her days of grueling cheerdance practice comes into good use. Tonight, she needs it and a couple of drinks to shake off abhorrent emotions she doesn’t even have the right to feel.
She doesn’t like Kate. She doesn’t just like Kate. Because liking someone doesn’t feel like your chest is getting slammed by a boulder repeatedly until there’s no air left in your lungs when you see them wooed by other human species. And she can’t blame the guy for pulling a fast one. She could have done it too but Kate’s comfort is a priority first and foremost. Now she has to up her game. That’s it! Up my game! She bobs her head in conviction. “Wooo!”
They dance along to up and fast beats. Marcella places one hand on Lucy’s hip. “Have you thought of my proposal yet?” She asks, leaning closer. “Le Mans is a year away but we need to be practicing as soon as possible. The team needs you, Luce.”
Lucy pulls back and shakes her head. “Can’t. I signed a deal with my Dad.”
Marcella cackles. “Which is not the first one you break.”
“I agree... But you just got back in his good graces.” Lucy gives Marcella a pointed look. Truthfully, she has not considered Marcella’s proposal at all. Her employment at Stellar, no matter how temporary and scrutinizing, has proven more exciting as days went by. And Kate got a lot to do with that. She still enjoys practice sessions. Time-lapse driving practices in particular but she hasn't considered getting back in the racing scene. Not when she’s genuinely trusted with an enormous task. Not when Kate is as invested with said task.
A slow song begins to play. Marcella steps forward and sets her hands on Lucy’s waist. She lowers her head to whisper in Lucy's ear. “Is it the deal you don’t wanna break or her heart?” Marcella thrusts her chin.
Lucy slightly flinches her head back. “What?”
“Don’t look now.” Marcella steps back and smiles at Lucy. “Towering, domineering blonde in glasses from Longhorn’s.”
Lucy’s face fell. “She’s not…” She slowly shook her head. “We’re not…”
“No? I know a woman in love when I see one. Did you tell her about us?”
Lucy stiffens in stance and pinches her mouth. “Of course, you do… But there's no ‘us’ to tell.”
A thick hand taps her upper back. “Hey, Luce. May I cut in?”
Lucy turns to see Lenny. She steps back to give way. “She’s all yours.”
She makes her way to the bar. Glancing over at the spot where Marcella pointed. She finds Kate seated alone on the table tracing the rim of a wine glass with her fingers. The expression on her face she can not read. She yells out her order to the bartender as the crowd starts singing along with Maroon Five’s ‘Sugar’. And when she turns to join Kate on the table, she is gone.
— — —
The Mockingbird Country Club - Grand Ballroom (Kate)
The ballroom has been dimmed and color changing disco lights are in place to set the party mood for the cocktail hours. Kate arches her eyebrows as she watches Lucy getting dragged by Marcella into the dance floor flocked by most of the guests with the groom and the bride. She advances to the bar and asks for a glass of pinot grigio. The bartender hands her glass. She makes her way back to her, now empty, assigned table.
She blows air in her cheeks as Marcella holds Lucy on the hips when the chorus of Rihanna’s ‘We found Love’ starts getting louder.
“Hey, Kate,” Lauren smiles, sets down her can of mocktail on the table and pulls a chair beside her. “Are you all right?”
“Yeah.. Yes..” she replies, forcing a smile. Eyes are still on Lucy.
“Thank you. For agreeing to retrain Lucy. She can be annoying but she’s been happier going to Stellar. Happier in general. If I may say.”
“She can be annoying. I agree with that.” Kate tilts her head to her shoulder. “Particularly when she chooses to play hide and seek.”
“I’m sorry about that. Jane called everyone in security for help when Lucy did it the first time.” Lauren scrunches her nose and dips her chin down in embarrassment.
“But she’s very good at the job.” Kate cheeks lifted as Lucy pulled back, curls swaying along Justin Timberlake’s ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’. “Better than she’s credited for and in contrast to what others think.”
“She is.” Lauren nods. “Mom did say Lucy is the perfect candidate to take over from her when the right time comes. But fate had other plans, so I did instead.”
"You sound like you didn’t want to?” Kate asks, glancing quickly at Lauren then her eyes are back to Lucy on the dance floor.
“A Tara had to step up. It’s part of making appearances. It keeps the investors happy. Doesn’t matter if Alistair was doing an excellent job as interim chief then. We were all groomed to take on a role at some point anyway.” Lauren smiles at Kate pensively then looks at the dance floor. “Lenny didn’t take the pressure very well. Liam forged his path early on. Lucy was still in graduate school. So… Please keep challenging her, Kate. And let’s hope she chooses Stellar over Le Mans.”
“Le Mans? France?” She snaps back at Lauren.
“Yes. Also a prestigious motorsport competition in the same city. Lucy is obsessed with having a podium finish in a category and with Marcella in town, that obsession might have been rekindled.” She waves at someone in the room, squeezes Kate’s arm, picks up her mocktail and leaves Kate with her thoughts and tracing the rim of the wine glass with her fingers.
Lauren is not making sense. According to the intel they have on Lucy, her team have dominated the amateur racing scene in Europe in the past year prior to her retraining at Stellar. Good enough to qualify in a category for the Le Mans. But because of the ‘business contract’ she signed with the elder Tara, competing in the race is a far-fetched reality. Unless she got tricks to avoid getting caught in the airport. That will be a feast for the media.
‘How long will I love you’ by Ellie Goulding starts playing. Marcella closes in, places her hands on Lucy’s waist then lowers her head to say something in her ears. Is she encouraging Lucy to leave for France? Kate feels a hammer relentlessly hitting her chest.
She gulps down her wine, leaves her seat and marches out of the ballroom.
Will Lucy really sneak out of the country? Will she risk getting in jail? Will she leave… me?
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