Starting Over

By Mary Ann Mori

When Eve Elliott, a beautiful Manhattan Advertising Executive, is suddenly widowed at age 36, her profound loss causes her great depression and she takes a leave of absence from her job to spend the summer at her home on Cape Cod.
At the end of the summer, Eve's best friend, Janet Wilson, an artist living on Cape Cod, introduces Eve to Brad Wesley at an Art Gallery in Boston, Massachusetts. The handsome, young executive is the owner of his own advertising agency in Manhattan and is thoroughly captivated by Eve's beauty and begins his relentless, pursuit of her.
Fate ultimately steps in for an unexpected turn of torrid events!

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Oct 6, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543911640

Mary Ann Mori

About the Author: Mary Ann Mori was born in upstate New York where she lived and worked as a legal secretary in criminal defense and matrimonial law until relocating to Miami, Florida. In Florida, she was Director of Marketing for an industrial acquisitions firm until 2011. Ms. Mori's hobbies include extensive foreign and domestic travel, visiting art galleries and museums, watching classic movies, attending classes at a local university and enjoying the beautiful lake she lives on. This is Ms. Mori's sixth book. The previous books are: "Memories Expressed as Poetry and Short Stories" (2016) "Starting Over," a romance novel, set amidst the advertising industry in Manhattan. (2017) "Finding Love In San Francisco," a drama/romance. (2018) "Sex, Drama and Romance. Murder, Mystery & Madness." Twenty-five exciting and shocking short stories; many taken from the author's own life. (2019) "Love Changes Lives" Fifteen short heart-warming stories. (2021) All of the above books, except for the first, are available on most major internet websites or in local libraries, in large print version or E-Book digital form. Ms. Mori gives author talks occasionally and is currently hard at work on her next book. She welcomes your comments at: [e-mail]

Book preview

AUTHOR

ONE

EVE WATCHED AS a lone fisherman reeled in his day’s catch. She breathed in the salty air as sea gulls flew overhead. The sky suddenly became overcast and dark clouds appeared on the horizon. The wind came up making gigantic waves crash against enormous rocks embedded in the sand not far from the shoreline.

She turned and began walking quickly back to the spacious beach home she and Jeff owned. It was already mid-August and soon her three months leave of absence from the Ad Agency where she worked in New York City would be over.

At age 36 Eve was already a widow. Her husband, Jeff, had died the previous March in a horrific car accident. They had been married only 6 years. She was a striking brunette, 5’8" tall, with long, shapely legs, firm full breasts and a small waist. Her long black hair cascaded in soft curls and bounced around her shoulders as she walked.

The beachfront house had 10 rooms and 3 full baths with a wraparound sun porch. She and Jeff had loved big houses and after Jeff’s death Eve had also inherited the home they jointly owned in Tarrytown, New York. Tarrytown, a wealthy but small Westchester County community, was a nearby commute for her into Manhattan.

They had seemed inseparable and when Jeff died, Eve had been absolutely devastated; unable to concentrate on her work at the Ad Agency or deal with her clients, she had taken the summer off to stay at the house on Cape Cod.

Eve reached home and looked at the clock. It was 5:00 P.M. She took a quick shower, wrapped her long hair in a towel and slipped into shorts and a top. Mixing herself a Martini, she sat on the couch, staring pensively out the window at the ocean. The fisherman was no longer there. The storm that had seemed so imminent had passed.

The phone rang and Eve hurried and picked up the receiver, Hello...

Hi Eve, it’s Janet. (Janet Wilson was Eve’s next-door neighbor, although her home was over a mile from Eve’s.)

Hi Janet, just got back from my walk and was trying to decide what to do this evening. Are you hungry? Maybe we could take a drive into town and have something at the Lobster Shack. Eve suggested.

Okay, Eve, that sounds great to me... What time?

Let’s make it about 7:00 P.M. I’ll pick you up then.

Alright Eve... I want to show you the painting I have been working on. I finished it today. I thought I would ask The Winthrop Art Gallery in Boston if they might show it in their upcoming exhibit.

Your work is great, Janet. I can’t see why they wouldn’t... See you at 7:00 P.M. and they hung up.

Eve sat on the couch again sipping the Martini. She knew that eventually she would need to get back to her job and resume her life. Yet she still felt it was too early. Janet was a good friend and she trusted her. Janet had tried to cheer her up and even had gotten her to laugh when she thought she never would again.

Janet was two years older than Eve and had been divorced for three years. She enjoyed her freedom and independence and her creativity and talent for painting had also returned after the divorce.

Eve picked Janet up promptly at 7:00 P.M. Janet opened the door wearing a black sundress and black high heeled sandals. She was an attractive blonde with a very self-reliant flair about her that Eve envied. Come in a minute. I want to show you the painting.

They walked into the den and Janet removed the linen cover she had thrown over the easel to reveal her latest creation. The painting, oil on canvas, depicted a young, pretty woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing an ankle length pale blue sundress. She was holding a wide brimmed straw sunhat and stood in the middle of a meadow that was completely covered with sunflowers. The sun’s rays cast a golden glow over the figure and the flowers. The pale blue of the sky matched the young woman’s dress. It was breathtaking and probably Janet’s best yet, Eve thought.

Well... what do you think? Janet inquired.

Oh, Jan! It’s just magnificent! I always knew you had talent but this... this. And she could not finish the sentence.

I’m so glad you like it. You’re the first one to see it. I’ll be taking it to Boston next week... to the Gallery.

I’ll miss you, Jan. Eve said. Come on... Let’s hurry... We’ll talk over dinner.

The ride to the Lobster Shack took about 30 minutes. The hostess, who knew them both, immediately greeted them at the door and gave them the best table near the dockside. A young, handsome waiter with black curly hair and a dazzling smile asked, Hello ladies... what will you have? Something to drink first?

I’ll have a Vodka Martini, please, Eve said quickly.

And for you, Madam? He said turning to Janet.

Make mine a Manhattan, straight up.

You got it. The young waiter said. Be right back to take your order.

They each took a sip of their cocktail as Eve solemnly said, Jan, I’m faced with some important decisions. I’m not sure I should keep the house in Tarrytown. I know it’s only 25 miles from my Manhattan offices, but it’s going to be too much for me to handle alone. The taxes and the upkeep... Maybe I could just rent an apartment in Manhattan near the office and still keep the summer house here. I’m just so unsure of what to do— I want to make the right decision.

She kept looking at Janet as if the answer should come from her.

Eve, no one can tell you what to do. You just have to make the best decision you can... stick to it and hope it’s the right one. Janet firmly said to her friend.

I guess you’re right Jan. There is no real hurry anyway but I would feel much better once I make the decision and get on with my life. I was so used to making decisions with Jeff that it’s very hard now that he’s gone.

I know. Janet said with compassion, but everything will be alright and when you are back in New York you can call me anytime you need to talk— if that helps any.

Thanks Jan. You’ve been a really great friend and neighbor. I won’t forget you.

The waiter returned and took their order.

I’ll have the Lobster Newburg, Eve said.

Janet thought for a minute. I can’t decide. Guess I’ll take the Langostinos. She loved lobster tails from the coast of Chile.

Good choice, two of my favorites. the young waiter remarked, smiling and walking away while writing down their orders.

Let’s make this a celebration for us both, Janet said with zeal as she lifted her glass in a toast. To my best friend and her new, exciting future. And Eve raised her glass saying, To Cape Cod’s rising new artist. May your way be paved with fame and wealth. They both laughed as the cocktails began to relax them both.

They enjoyed their dinner and each other’s company and talked of many things that night especially what the future might hold for each of them.

For Eve, there were feelings of excitement for a new beginning as well as some apprehension for what may lie ahead for her.

It was after 11:00 P.M. when they finally left the restaurant. Eve drove Janet home, promising to call her or see her before each left for their respective destinations.

Eve fell asleep immediately that night. She awoke to the sound of the birds singing outside her window. Sitting at the kitchen table drinking her coffee that morning Eve suddenly realized the sooner she got back to her job the better. She needed to be engaged again in the dynamic and spirited occupation of the advertising world. To her that was the real world. She associated with her work. It was August 17th. The Winthrop Art Gallery Reception and Opening in Boston would take place on August 27th, Janet had told her.

That would give her about 10 days to work on some new advertising material. She would drive to Boston from the Cape, attend the opening at the Gallery and the next day could continue on to New York City. During the days that followed, Eve prepared some rough notes for Ads that she had been working on when she left. She was an Advertising Executive with the firm of Bennett, Crawford, & Simon, and next to the President, Lance Bennett, Eve brought in more business than anyone else. She knew Lance would be pleased with her efforts.

Eve was so busy she had no time to feel sorry for herself. August 27th finally arrived and she was set to leave for Boston. The beach house was secured, she picked up her final mail; packed all the items she needed and then phoned Janet.

Hi Jan... Remember me?

Eve, I’m so glad you called! When are you coming? I’m getting bored talking to all these society ladies that are coming into the Gallery; although I guess I shouldn’t complain. One of them might buy my painting. Janet stated.

I’m leaving now, Eve said hurriedly, I’ll see you soon. I’m staying at the Raleigh Hotel—downtown. Will be able to spend most of this afternoon with you before I leave for New York tomorrow morning.

That’s great! Have a safe trip. See you later then. Janet said anxiously and they both hung up.

TWO

EVE ARRIVED AT the Raleigh Hotel. The drive had taken her longer than expected as the traffic that Thursday was unusually heavy. There were several art exhibits and cultural events taking place that weekend which contributed to the delay.

A valet quickly appeared and parked her Mercedes in the Hotel parking lot. Eve gave the young man a crisp $10.00 bill and she entered the lobby.

The Raleigh Hotel was an old established luxury hotel. It was completely furnished with expensive antiques from Europe. Although it had only 10 floors, all the rooms were very spacious and had full baths with marble floors adjoining them. The chandeliers in the lobby were Australian crystal and everyone who entered was astonished at their size and exquisite detailed design. Cranberry color leather couches and chairs were placed throughout the lobby. A fireplace, which was Victorian and had ornately carved scroll work, could be seen at the far end of the room.

Eve approached the front desk. Two middle aged male clerks behind the counter both turned to look at her as one with an English accent spoke up, May I help you?

I have a reservation—one night—non-smoking, the name is Elliot...Eve Elliot.

Ah, yes, Miss Elliot...

It’s MRS! She corrected him with some annoyance in her tone.

I’m sorry, MRS. Elliot. Your room is ready, on the third floor. Would you please sign the register and I’ll take your credit card?

She handed her credit card to the Clerk, whose manner seemed so perfect she wondered if he had taken charm lessons!

As you wish, Mrs. Elliot. He said as he processed the transaction and handed her the credit card slip.

She signed it and he gave her a copy. Then the Clerk called a Bellhop, one of many in the lobby who seemed to be always standing at attention in their red and black uniforms.

Jimmy, please take Mrs. Elliot to Room 309, the Clerk instructed one of them.

Right away! Jimmy said, as he took Eve’s luggage and led the way.

Here in Boston on business or pleasure?

I’m attending the opening of the Winthrop Art Gallery this evening. A friend is exhibiting one of her works. I’ll only be staying the night before going on to New York City in the morning, Eve told him... then later wondered why she always seemed to reveal so much information to strangers.

Eve handed the Bellhop $10.00 as he said, Thanks very much Miss. If there’s anything you need please let us know.

"I’m quite sure everything will be