Finding Fancy

By Hannon

If it's the last thing she ever does, Maggie Reed is determined to find the sister she has never known. Adopted from the outskirts of New Orleans as an infant, she clings tightly to her dream and the locket her sister left to her. Leaving her North Carolina home at twenty three she takes off on a journey filled with love, friendship and heartbreak. Never once knowing she is so close to the end of her rainbow, she all but gives up. Only to find her pot of gold around her neck.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jul 31, 2002
• ISBN: 9781469770727

Hannon

Diane Hannon lives in Forest City, NC with her husband Earl and 2 dogs, Roscoe and CoCo. When not working on her sequel to "Finding Fancy" she likes to travel or spend time with her grandchildren.

Book preview

FINDING FANCY

Hannon

Writers Club Press

San Jose New York Lincoln Shanghai

FINDING FANCY

All Rights Reserved © 2002 by Diane Hannon

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher.

Writers Club Press

an imprint of iUniverse, Inc.

For information address:

iUniverse, Inc.

5220 S. 16th St., Suite 200

Lincoln, NE 68512

www.iuniverse.com

Any resemblance to actual people and events is purely coincidental.

This is a work of fiction.

ISBN: 978-1-469-77072-7 (ebook)

ISBN: 0-595-23475-5

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 1

At eighteen she’d taken the locket out to look at it again. Then, she pondered how and when she’d find the person that had given her this treasure. Now, five years later she was still wrestling with the same demons.

Maggie Reed, twenty-three, college graduate, merchandising. Many young women would’ve been proud to be able to put that on their resume, but Maggie didn’t really care. She had only one primary goal in her life and that was finding Fancy. So, as she made up this resume with the help of her mother Eva, she tried desperately to hide her disinterest.

Don’t forget to tell about all of the part-time work you did in high school Maggie. Her mother reminded her. And that one teacher, Mrs. Deal, why don’t you use her as a reference.

I know, I know, Momma. Believe me, with your help I surely won’t leave out anything. Maggie replied softly. After all, she adored her mother and would do nothing to hurt or upset her in any way. The hard part was that Maggie just didn’t know how she was going to tell her parents that she was leaving home and going to New Orleans to look for work. Especially when she tells them where she’s going they’ll know why.

Neal and Eva Reed never tried to hide from Maggie her true heritage. They both made up their minds early on that they couldn’t and wouldn’t keep that from her. She was all they ever wanted and being honest and open with her was of the utmost importance to them.

In 1974 when they went to New Orleans to get her was the happiest day of their lives. They’d been married for ten years and the doctors had told Eva for six of those years that she’d never be able to conceive a child due to severe endometriosis and a malformed fallopian tube. Neal was a virtual rock for Eva and he only wanted what she did; a child. They finally decided that adoption was the only way. After several years of waiting, their attorney James Pierson called to tell them that there was a child waiting for them in New Orleans.

They both had good jobs. Neal was a department manager at the Gerber plant and Eva was an administrative assistant at a local small publishing company. Asheville, North Carolina was a long way from New Orleans, but Eva put in her resignation and off they went.

When hearing the history of this child they knew she was just the one they wanted, because she needed them just as much as they needed her. All she had left was an eighteen-year old sister that no one could find. She was only five months old, her mother had died of lung cancer and her father was unknown. When the welfare people took her she was close to starving to death herself. Her only possession was a heart shaped locket that said, To Thine Own Self Be True, and a note that read, I will never forget you, Love, Fancy. They kept these things and gave them to her on her tenth birthday when they told her how much they loved her.

After they told her their story, Maggie felt more special than ever. She’d always known that her parents loved her, but for some reason this just made her feel like she’d also been given a gift; a real chance for a good life. For several years she didn’t really think much about it. She was too busy being a kid. But at fourteen, she saw a movie on TV about a family that adopted a child and when the girl turned eighteen she tried to find her family. It turned out to be a happy ending, so she thought that maybe when she was old enough she would do the same. But when Maggie turned 18 she was thinking about college and knew there was no way she could just up and leave with no means of survival. So she’d remove the locket from the tattered box and read the inscription and the note over and over. For the next five years she worked hard to finish her courses at school while working at the local Belk department store as an assistant buyer. Everyday she felt she was getting closer to finding Fancy.

A few days before graduation her mother found an ad in the paper for a buyer with a large department store in Atlanta, so together they started gathering information for her resume. Eva really didn’t want her to move away, but she knew her chances were much better in a larger city. Atlanta was, after all, only three hours away.

Momma, if you don’t mind me moving to Atlanta, what’d be the harm in me moving to New York or Chicago? Maggie asked, tossing her long brown curls over her shoulder.

Oh my, girl. Your expectations are really running away with you. You should at least get your feet on the ground first and maybe in a few years you could try some place that far away. Unless you find a man and start a family in the meantime. Eva replied.

Snicker, snicker. Maggie sent back. That was one of her favorite replies when someone said something she wasn’t even considering, and getting married was certainly one of those things. Asking about moving further away was just a test to see how far she’d get with her mother, because she knew her father would absolutely say no.

Here, Mag. I finished typing it. Now give it your approval and we’ll get it in the mail. The sooner, the better. Eva sighed.

I guess so. Was Maggie’s only reply.

Her reply somewhat bothered Eva. There seemed to be a feeling of disinterest in Maggie she’d never seen before. She thought she knew her so well, but she had no idea that Maggie had her past on her mind. Maybe she was a little apprehensive about leaving home and all of her friends.

She had lived in North Carolina almost all of her life. Well, since she was adopted anyway, and she had many friends there. Some of them, like Sheila and Amy, had gotten married right out of high school and started families, but she still kept in touch. But her very best friend April Silver was still very much around, even though she had her boyfriend Bo. She spent a lot of time at the Reed home and she worked with Maggie at Belk’s. Maybe if she talked to April, she could find out what was bothering Maggie. Soon she’d find out that only Maggie herself could answer that.

Neal worked the first shift and usually was home by about 3:45 every day, but this was Wednesday and he always stopped at the barbershop on the way. Maggie was anxious for him to come in so she could see what sort of mood he was in. Ever since the Lock Out in ‘93 at Gerber he’d been out of sorts about his job. There’d been talk that they were thinking about closing down that plant. If that happened, heaven only knew what he’d do. That kind of work was all he knew. She worried about him, but today she had only one thought: moving to New Orleans. Just as her thoughts of him waned, she heard the door open.

Daddy’s home! he called out.

The evening ritual was about to begin.

Boy do my feet hurt, I worked my butt off today. Which was what he usually said

Well, sit down old man and take off your shoes. Dinner’s almost ready. Which was what she usually said.

As Maggie came down the stairs she mouthed each sentence to herself and didn’t miss a beat. I see you got your ears lowered Dad. Looks good. She kissed him on the forehead. Another part of the ritual.

What are you doin’ home tonight? I thought you were working. he asked as she sat down next to him at the small kitchen table.

Well, I get out of school in a few days, so I’m taking some time off and April and I are going to the beach. Don’t worry, Bo isn’t going. This is just a girl thing. she said with a wink.

In his W.C. Fields voice he replied, That’s great, take your mom with you and Bo and I’ll do some male bonding, har, har. Oh, but you said it was a ‘girl thing’, not an ‘old woman thing’.

Even Eva laughed half-heartedly at that one. The usual conversation about how everyone’s day had gone and what happened on All My Children was over, Maggie was about to get up her nerve to discuss her move when the phone rang. It was April, of course.

Mags, I’m goin’ to Walmart to get some junk for the trip. Do you wanna go? she blurted out almost before Maggie could get the phone to her ear.

Sure, but not too late. I’m totally wiped out for some reason. Who’s drivin’, me or you?

Come get me. April replied. Then you know we won’t be late.

On her way to April’s she kept wondering if she should tell her. Of course, April knew that she was adopted, but they’d never really talked much about it. Once when they were about thirteen Maggie showed her the locket and note. April really wasn’t that impressed. She knew she wasn’t adopted, and that, and boys were really all that mattered at the time. But the pressure was really getting to Maggie, and she felt she needed to confide in someone. It’d have to be someone she could trust until she had a chance to tell her parents. And April was the only one. There’d never really been anyone like a guy she could talk to. She was just so shy. She was twenty three years old, had been on maybe seven dates, an average of one a year since her sixteenth birthday.

But of course right now that was absolutely the last thing on her mind. She’d have to try and catch up with April’s average later on.

April’s mom Abbey opened the door just as Maggie drove up. She was on her way to church. Come on in honey, she’s still in the bathroom. she said, as she shook her head. I’m runnin’ late as usual, see you-uns later.

Maggie went inside and straight to the bathroom door. Hurry up girl, I told you I wanted to get back home early. she yelled as she banged on the door. Total silence, at first, was all she heard. She put her ear to the door and heard a retching sound. April, what’s wrong? Are you okay?

A quiet but adamant Hell no was all she heard. She reached for the doorknob and finding it unlocked, let herself in. April was lying on the bathroom floor next to the toilet with a washcloth on her head.

Did you and Bo get drunk last night? You know you can’t handle that. You stay sick for days. How on earth are we gonna enjoy the beach if you go around barfin’ all the time? she rattled on as she leaned down trying to help April up.

April all but yelled back, For Christ sake Maggie, shut up. I ain’t been drinkin’ dammit, I’m pregnant!

Maggie gasped, and dropped April’s limp body to the floor. You can’t catch it, you fool, what’d you drop me for?

Feeling lightheaded from what she’d just heard, Maggie sat down on the side of the tub. April managed to pull herself up to the toilet seat. They sat there for a moment, just looking at each other. Neither knowing quite what to say.

Wiping her face with the washcloth, April took a deep breath and spoke first. Okay, Maggie, just calm down. I guess I’m trying to tell myself to calm down. You look fine. Pale, but fine.

Obviously, trying to gather her thoughts, April’s feet danced up and down in front of her. Let me explain….You know Bo and I’ve been having sex for, oh God, forever. Anyway, you know two months ago when his roommate was gone all that time, well, I stayed over there for several nights. I forgot to take my pill for three days, and oh well….shit happens. I know…I’m a dumbass. Please say something, anything.

Maggie was very calm, just stunned. Does Bo know? she asked, softly.

Yeah. April whispered. They held tightly to each others hands as April began to cry.

Oh God, Maggie. I love Bo to death, but I just don’t know if I wanna marry him. He says he will, but I don’t know. I do know that I don’t want him to think he has to marry me. Women have babies all the time by themselves nowadays. I know it’s not easy, but I guess he’d help support us if I didn’t.

As Maggie hugged her dear friend, she thought how her problems were so small compared to those facing April.

Listen sweetie. Maggie said. Let’s forget about shopping for now. Wash your face and rinse out your mouth. I’ll go fix you something to drink. Then we need to decide how to tell your parents. Maggie was thinking that maybe she could gain some knowledge from April’s plight and it’d help her to prepare the words she’d need to dish out to her folks about her leaving.

April’s groan brought her back to reality. Oh God, that’s something I can’t even think about right now. They’ll just die.

Once in the kitchen, as she fixed April a glass of Coke, Maggie wondered what else was going to happen before she could begin her search for Fancy. Then she began to feel a little guilty. There was no way she could leave April in this situation. She surely couldn’t leave town until something was settled.

April appeared in the kitchen looking tired and shaken. Slowly, she sat down at the table and sipped at her soda. Looking as if she were picking her words carefully, she took a deep breath. She was doing that a lot lately. Mags, you know you’re my very best friend and I love you dearly.

But?

What I guess I’m trying to say is that I need to handle this myself. I love you for wantin’ to help, but I know something’s bothering you. Your mom called me today and asked me if I thought you were really wantin’ to try and get that job in Atlanta, because she thinks you aren’t sure. I’ve known you since 2nd grade and I know your moods. Frankly, I agree with her. Is there somethin’ you need to tell me.?

Listen girlfriend. You’ve got a major problem here and we need to focus on you, Bo and your baby. My problems can wait.

So, there is something. April raised her eyebrows.

Nothing that can’t wait until you get straightened out. Maggie patted her hand. I love you and when you get this problem worked out I’ll discuss it with you. It’s really nothing major. Maggie lied.

Right now all I want to do is go to bed. I feel like dog crap. Do you mind if I just sleep on it and we can talk later?

Sure. I’ll go on home and if you need me just call. Just try not to worry. Maggie tried to reassure her.

Easier said than done, I’m afraid.

Maggie decided that sleeping on it was what she needed too. Maybe tomorrow would bring some solutions.

CHAPTER 2

As she stepped from the shower, Priscilla thought to herself how good it was to be home. The two weeks in Puerto Rico every year always did her good, but for some reason this year was different. Jason had to leave early because of that darn merger he was handling and she had to spend the last few days by herself. Even with the servants there she still felt alone.

It was nearly six and he’d be home soon. Dinner tonight was going to be strictly business and she wasn’t really looking forward to it. All of those stuffed shirt corporate attorneys and their snooty wives were nothing but boring. But after six years of being married to one she was pretty much used to it. Always when one of these big deals were closed they all got together to celebrate. This time all of the partners would be there and there’d be a lot of patting each other on the back and boasting about what a great job they all did. She knew Jason would expect her to be vivacious and of course cordial. So she poured herself another drink.

Just as she clicked on the TV to listen to the news while she dressed, Jason came into their dressing room. He was carrying the most gorgeous bouquet of spring flowers she’d ever seen. He grabbed her, kissing her softly. Welcome home, darlin’. I’m really sorry I couldn’t get there to pick you up. How was your flight?

Taking the flowers from him, she touched them to his cheek. Boring, as usual. But you’re here now. The flowers’ll do nicely as a peace offering.

Reluctantly releasing her, he stood back and took a long look at her slim figure dressed only in a silk dressing gown. He thought about just ripping it off, throwing her to the floor and taking her right there, but it was getting late and he still had to shower and dress for dinner.

You’d better be glad that we’re going out tonight, girl, because if we were staying in you wouldn’t be wearing that. He loosened his tie. I really hated leaving you down there but it just couldn’t be helped. Anyway, it’s all done. All of the papers have been signed and now we can all relax and revel in the glory.

You mean, roll in the money, don’t you sweetie. she laughed, brought him a drink and set it on the table next to where he was undressing.

He took a long sip. Well, that too.

Jason loved her sense of humor. Of course that was only one thing he loved about her. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Five foot seven inches of pure dynamite. Long brown hair, green eyes, and legs up to her chin. Her body was very special to him, but her mind was a total necessity. She had a business sense that far out weighed any one person he’d ever known. After all, she’d supported herself since she was eighteen with no formal training.

The sun was just setting, as they arrived in the French Quarter. As they walked down Bourbon Street to their destination, the smells and sounds of New Orleans danced in the night air. The nighttime revelers were just gearing up for yet another night of partying in the part of town that never sleeps.

Most of the other partners had already arrived and were having drinks, as Jason and Priscilla entered the dining room. The conversations stopped as they approached the table, and the senior partner raised his glass.

Well, my congratulations to the Roudane’s. Jason, once again you’ve proven to the firm that you’re completely indispensable.

A resounding Here, Here was heard from the remaining guests, causing Priscilla to blush slightly as she was being seated.

Jason remained standing and cleared his throat. Thanks, Roger. We’ve worked very hard on this deal and I owe all of you my thanks for your confidence in letting me handle it. Tonight let’s relax and enjoy ourselves.

He sat down next to his wife and thought how he wished he’d thanked her out loud, but he knew that it would’ve only embarrassed her. So he took her hand and kissed it softly and whispered lovingly in her ear. Thank you, darlin’.

She looked at him and kissed the air. He knew what she meant.

After dinner, when all of the toasting was done, they all went their several ways. Once again, Pricilla had survived one of these dinners. She thought, as they drove home, that certainly now Jason would be given what he had earned; a permanent partnership.

When he started with the firm six years ago it was as a temporary junior partner. He’d taken on as many high profile cases as they’d given him, and each time he prevailed. This most recent one had proven to be the most difficult. It was a merger between two of the largest retail outlets in Louisiana. Both companies wanted everything they asked for, but of course that was impossible. After nearly eighteen months of meetings, dinners, late night phone calls and even a little ass-kissing, Jason pulled it all together. His clients, the Beauregards, got basically just what they wanted. Controlling interest and their name intact. The other chain of outlet malls, River Mills, would now be known as Beauregards’ Outlet Center. The largest center was to be located in New Orleans. The mall itself was already there, but there was to be additional stores added along with a daycare and business offices. Not only would this be the largest center, but the home office of Beauregards would be located there.

This would mean more job opportunities for New Orleans residents as well as new people who’d transfer from the former home office in Shreveport. Jason had certainly done the firm proud. Surely this would finally cinch his partnership.

At forty five Jason Roudane was finally coming into his own. He’d just closed the biggest deal in the history of Longwood, Gardere and DuBois, corporate attorneys at law. He was one of the newest junior partners and hoped that after all of this hard work his name would soon be added to the shingle. There’d been no guarantees made, but it was hinted at several times by the most senior partner, Roger Longwood.

Of course he couldn’t take all of the credit himself for this. If he got his senior partnership, most of his thanks would have to go to his wife. When he met her six and a half years ago he worked for a much smaller firm, lived in a small apartment down by the river and drove a used Lincoln Continental. He managed to cover his six-foot, well taken care of body with fairly decent clothes, kept his shoes shined and his thick mass of graying hair cut every two weeks.

At a client’s dinner party one evening he noticed this absolutely beautiful woman seated next to one of the guest. He knew everyone there except for this couple. She looked to be close to his age, in her