(1)
“Mother, you’re rarely home anyway, so what exactly is the point?”
“Jaclyn dear, please lose the sarcasm, it’s very unbecoming. Not to mention unladylike.” Nadia glanced down at her daughter from the corner of her eyes. “And please do not roll your eyes nor raise those eyebrows. You’ll get wrinkles.” “Oh what a pity that would be right mother? I’ll live and die an old hag with gazillions of wrinkles. What a tragedy.” “Jaclyn dear I do not have time for this, I must get going or else I will miss my flight.” “And we wouldn’t want that to happen would we? What worse a tragedy it would be if Georgia Garret got her deranged eyes on the precious Versace Collection? What is it this time? Winter? Spring? Summer? Autumn?” Jaclyn asked without interest. “Versace Grande Collection 2000. And please, the woman has no chance. Nor taste. Anyway, I would like to come back to my house, not a rubbish dump. So that means none of those raucous social gatherings with your friends in my house. Make sure Emma keeps downstairs clean, just in case anyone should happen to stop by. You are not to touch the Jaguar, or Roger’s Mercedes. Only Frank is to drive the Jaguar if it is in need. You’re got your pile of junk anyway. I left the credit cards with Mrs. Henderson, and remember she must be with you when they are in use. God knows what you’ll do with them this time.” “Not my fault my common sense has a mind.” Unlike yours mother dear. “Of it’s own yes. And that’s just what I’m afraid of. Well, I shall be off darling, remember, no gatherings in this house!” Nadia flew through the front door, her neatly pressed suit jacket slung over her shoulders. The long stocking and black high heel covered legs were the last things Jaclyn saw before the shining silver door slammed. As her eyes followed the shrinking convertible out of the larger than necessary driveway, Jaclyn’s lips curved into an artful smile. When the million-dollar car was out of sight, she turned around, taking in the large foyer of the mansion. “Yessss!”=+=
“So Paul, what’s going on with you over the weekend?”
“I have absolutely no idea…I do need to fix up that bed in the guestroom…Cliff Basset’s four year old son, Jamie, remember him?” Walker nodded and smiled “thought it was a trampoline.” “Ah, well, kids.” “And you still have to deal with them.” Paul smiled in mock commiseration. “Yeah, but the older ones are helping a lot, makes it all easier on Diana.” “Yep, and then sooner or later, they’ll be gone before your eyes.” “Speaking of gone, how’s Jack?” Paul grinned. “I believe the exact last words were ‘I am dying here dad. I swear I don’t know how I’m getting through each day. Save me dad…saaaave meeee.’ Poor kid.” “Hmm…the wrath of Nadia Steinzer…hmm…you’re right, poor kid.” Walker nodded slowly, a look of mock contemplation covering his face. “And I was lucky enough to have escaped it.” “Lucky break old buddy, lucky break.”=+=
“All set?”
“Mmm hmm.” “The house is going to be very different without you around Jack.” “You should be used to it by now Emma! You’ve been here ever since I started this.” “Yes, yes I should…but you do realize it’s going to be awkward…especially when I’m stuck with Mrs. Hag.” “Oh Mrs. Henderson ain’t that bad…you just have to play your cards right. And it’ll only be for two days, after that you both get time off.” “Easy for you to say, you’re her boss’ daughter! One wrong move and she’s outta here!” “Yup, I’ve got the woman around my finger…” “Yeah well, one wrong move and I’d be out of here as well.” Emma raised her eyebrows. “Do not raise those eyebrows Emma dear, you’ll get wrinkles!” “Your mother does not squawk! Although yes, that oh-so haughty look does look familiar…” “Yech, just what I want, to look like my mother. Please, I’ve been disgusted enough for one day. But as I say again, you’re only going to be here for the next two days! And by the time both of you come back, I’ll be back myself.” “I guess…what time are you leaving?” Jaclyn glanced at her watch. “In about twenty minutes or so…I’ve got to get Mrs. Henderson to the mall with me and swipe those credit cards…then I’m off.” Jaclyn grinned. “I can’t believe you’re doing that again. It’ll never work! You know that! She’ll only tell you not to do it again. Heck, she probably won’t give them to you the next time.” “So? It pisses darling mother off. That’s enough for me.” “Emma? Downstairs, right now! The study room needs dusting! Emma? Emma!” The old woman screeched. “God, someday, I am going to permanently shut that hag’s mouth up. She is driving me crazy!” “Yeah…this is an exception…you may roll your eyes and raise your eyebrows now. Forget the dammed wrinkles. Henderson pisses me off too.” “Told you.” “Jesus, how old are you Em? 28! Act your age!” “I will when you do.” “I do!” “Yeah, making a million road trips to Florida a year and not telling people about it? Yes, very responsible.” “I come back with every piece every time don’t I? And anyway, I'm pretty sure by now that mom knows. At leasts suspects something.” “Emma! Right now! Chop-chop!” the muffled voice ordered, interrupting Emma’s come back. Emma rolled her eyes. Jaclyn raised her eyebrows. “Well, looks like I’m off. Have a good time Jackie-o. I’ll miss ya.” “Only a month Em, only a month.” “Yeah,” Emma sat up and gingerly raised herself off Jaclyn’s bed. “Later kiddo.”=+=
“Are we done?”
“For now, yeah,” Walker smiled “Boys!” he yelled for his sons. “Coming, we’re coming!” came the yelled reply. “Zac…never runs out of energy does he?” Paul commented with an amused grin. “Not that we’ve seen so far…he’s somewhat calmed down though. Maturity has finally succeeded in finding its way inside his mind.” “You called? Hey Paul.” Isaac gave a nod at the older man. “Hi Ike, well, we’re done with this one, so you can preview it if you’d like. Where’re Taylor and Zac?” “Zac’s lost his lucky socks. Don’t ask why they were off and about in the first place, long story. And he’s got Taylor looking for it with him.” “Poor Tay…stuck with the putrid scent of Zac’s feet.” Walker chuckled. “I found it! I found! Woohoo! I found it!” “So put it on, NOW! I am not waiting around. Just please, please put them on and get your butt over.” The three men laughed as the hurried footsteps got closer. Taylor walked in, flashing them a weak smile. “I think my nose has been permanently damaged.” “They are not that bad.” Zac protested as he walked through the doorway. “Yeah, keep on believing Zac…it will come true someday, possibly with the aid of soap. Ever heard of it? It’s smooth, fragrant and will actually clean you.” Taylor replied. “Funny, you’re hilarious Taylor, don’t quit your day job.” Zac retorted, making a face. “Not planning on it. So, what’s up?” Taylor turned to the three waiting men. “We are done in here, and we were just wondering if you guys are interested in giving it a listen.” “Sure, go ahead.” Taylor confirmed and sat down beside his older brother on the couch. Zac sat to Isaac’s side on a single chair. His legs propped up on its left armrest. Paul leaned over to a panel crammed with buttons and pressed one. A melody of a song filled the room. After a couple of minutes it ended. Turning his head at the three boys, Paul smiled at their satisfied faces. “Happy?” “Very. That was so cool.” Zac beamed. “Definitely, this is going to be great.” Isaac nodded. Taylor crinkled his nose a little. “I dunno…that little bit in the last chorus…I think I sounded kinda off.” Zac rolled his eyes. “You sounded fine…why must you be such a perfectionist dear brother? Why not be more like me and go with the flow?” Taylor ignored Zac, and turned instead to his father. “Can we just go over that one bit once more? Please?” Walker sighed softly, glancing at the clock. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt…we’ll have to do it tomorrow though, it’s getting late and mom’s expecting us home.” Taylor nodded, satisfied with the plan. Zac rolled his eyes once more. “So you’re coming with us Paul?” Isaac asked, shrugging his jacket on. Walker hit his forehead as Paul gave Isaac a confused look. “Sorry about that Paul…it totally slipped my mind. Diana and I wanted to invite you over for dinner tonight.” Walker explained, apology written on his face. Paul smiled. “Sure why not? Sounds better than old re-runs with mac and cheese.”