A Magical Tale: Happily Ever After

By Renay Jordan

"You cannot control who falls in love with who… Love is the only uncontrollable factor."
Adrian Bennett loves two women. Lilah Winston, the love of his life and Lorelei Anastasio, his childhood sweetheart. His obligation to both consumes his thoughts and tears at his heartstrings. While Lorelei anticipates the birth of her and Adrian's baby Lilah grapples with the relationship Adrian has with her. Lilah is expecting a baby of her own and can't imagine being a mother without Adrian by her side.
When an agonizing tragedy occurs in Woodlawn Adrian is not there to comfort Lilah and his guilt causes him to question all his past decisions. These two worlds are about to collide but just when Adrian thinks he may have everything under control an innocent Christmas dinner turns into a terrible accident.
While Isabel is intent on reconstructing her relationship with her ex-husband Tom their son Isaac is only thinking about one thing: Adrian's sister, Tiffany. Matt is completely infatuated with Eden and Vonnie just discovered Hunter is in love with her. Michael is in love, too, but he has another impending dilemma on his mind.
As secrets and Spirits circle their worlds, there is only one thing they all know for certain, and it is that the most important thing in life are the people you love. What you do to save them is up to you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Aug 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781667854090

Book preview

Amityville

Adrian

Three days after Christmas I went to Amityville. I didn’t tell Lilah why. She assumed it was work related. I left and promised her I’d be back in time for New Year’s Eve. I ended up not being able to keep that promise and if I’d known what was going to happen, I probably wouldn’t have made it in the first place.

That night I went to the Inn and searched through my closet for the tuxedo I only wore once a year unless there was a formal wedding I had to attend. I wore it every Spring to the DEA Gala but if it weren’t for that one occasion, I probably wouldn’t have even owned a tuxedo. Nana told me that a man should always have a tuxedo in the back of his closet ‘just in case,’ therefore I did.

By the time I showered and dressed it had started to rain. It was a cold rain. The temperature outside hadn’t risen above freezing for the last few weeks so along with the rain came the possibility of ice. I wasn’t too concerned about it, though, because I am a good driver.

I went to Palazzo Cremisi and picked up Lorelei. She didn’t ask to drive my car like she usually did. Maybe it was because of the weather. I’m still not sure. She ended up having to drive back home, though, because I had a little too much to drink at dinner.

I don’t think you ever plan for a travesty even though as adults you know they are entirely possible. I guess I lost sight of that when I met Lilah. She was a dream come true for me. A dream I didn’t even know I had.

There has never been a time in my life when I was as happy as I was the day Lilah agreed to marry me. She gave me everything I thought I had lost when Lorelei was taken from me. I thought I finally knew how Dada must have felt about Nana because he once told me that when that special woman came into my life, I might not realize it right away.

I know when I met Lilah, I wanted her more than anything else, but I didn’t necessarily think she was the right woman for me. I just thought she was beautiful. In all honesty at the beginning of that summer I still thought Lorelei was the perfect woman for me. I believed that fate would bring her back to me just like it always had but when fate did bring Lorelei back into my life I had already fallen in love with another woman.

The night I took Lorelei to dinner at Fire by the Sea changed everything for me. They took me to one hospital and Lorelei to another. When I was finally cognizant enough to understand what had happened, the first thing I remembered was the sound of glass breaking as the car flipped across the median. I remembered grabbing the steering wheel as I tried to gain control of the car and I remembered hearing Lorelei’s terrified screams.

Soon afterward I understood that no one knew Lora was driving and The Empire would make sure it stayed that way. My blood alcohol content registered at over two times the legal limit which meant I would be charged with a DWI unless Jenny intervened.

Along with all this knowledge came the realization that I knew nothing about Lora’s condition. I didn’t know what injuries she may have sustained or even where they’d taken her. No one mentioned her name because no one knew we were together.

From the moment I laid eyes on Lorelei Anastasio at Forest Secondary School I knew she would play an integral role in my life. I never expected to fall in love with her and I certainly never thought she’d be the mother of my children.

I think in your subconscious mind you know there are some people in your life you could not live without, but do you ever consciously think about what you would do if you lost them? We take people for granted. We take their love for granted and we don’t take the time to think about what would happen if we never saw them again.

The last thing I remember telling Lorelei that night was to let go of the steering wheel. I said it because I believed I was still in control. It was only when I heard the medevac helicopter hovering over the interstate, waiting to land, that I realized I was wrong.

…you do not know what will happen tomorrow. Your life is like a mist. You can see it for a short time but then it disappears.

James 4:14-15 (NCV)

Woodlawn

Isabel

I had been doing a lot of thinking about the things Tom had told me about myself. Mainly, things I had concluded from the things Tom had told me about myself. Where had the idea of me not being lovable come from?? Lord knows, I had parents who loved me beyond measure. I wasn’t spoiled like Lilah, but I was loved unconditionally. I knew I was lovable. I just didn’t believe it.

I wasn’t touchy feely like Lilah nor did I ever think everything bad that happened to me was my fault, but I did refuse to take no for an answer. Not because I am a control freak…okay, maybe I am…but my logicality always trumps any other explanation I might have speculated beforehand.

Despite my actions over the years, I honestly do love Tom. Why did I do the things I did if I loved him? Answer: I don’t know. It makes no sense.

Why does Tom still love me? Is it because he knows I have a heart? (Most people wonder about that.) Is it because he knows I love him, too?

I do not believe I am blowing this out of proportion because I feel like I don’t deserve Tom’s love, but I don’t know why I don’t deserve his love. The only logical reason I don’t deserve his love? Because I am a bad person so I should live up to that theory and be a bad person. How can I be a bad person??

I’m not a drug addict like Lilah used to be. I’m not an alcoholic although I know some people think I am. I’m not a bad mother. I love my children and would cross the Red Sea for them. Therefore, I must think of another reason I am bad.

I hope you realize that all of this has been in my subconscious mind in the past and is now coming into my conscious mind because I am asking the right questions. I am asking the right questions because I just recently found out that Tom still loves me, that he never stopped loving me, and I’m drunk. (I do some of my best thinking when I’m drunk.)

I picked up my phone and drew my security pattern. I went to my contacts. I clicked on Tom’s name and stared at it. Thomas Ryland Lund. Then I tapped the green call button and waited for him to answer.

Hello?

Hey, I said. It’s me.

Hi.

Can we talk? I asked.

We are talking, he informed me.

Can you come over and us talk?

I heard him take a deep breath.

What is there to talk about, Isabel?

Tom calling me Isabel. Not Bella. Never a good sign.

Are you mad? I asked.

Isabel, honestly, I don’t know what I am. I just wish you’d make up your mind about what you want. If you don’t decide what you want soon, I’m going to assume you want to be alone and I’m going to let you go.

But you love me, don’t you?

Love is not always enough, he said. Especially when it only goes one way.

It doesn’t only go one way, I contested. You know I love you.

You’re not very good at showing it.

Tom wasn’t fooling around anymore. His patience with me had ended and I was about to face the repercussions of my behavior. Karma.

I know I haven’t been, I said. I…

Why don’t you come over here, he suggested. We can talk privately without the boys listening in.

Are you sure?? I asked hopefully.

Yes.

Okay. Can you give me like twenty minutes? I need to change.

Sure, he said.

Tom, I said before I hung up.

Hmm?

Thank you.

One more chance, Bella.

Now, he called me Bella. All was not lost. Thirty minutes later I stood on the porch of Tom’s condo and rang his doorbell. Mama Etta answered the door. My heart fell into the pit of my stomach.

Well, hello, Isabel, she said.

Mama Etta.

It’s me, she confirmed.

Is Tom here?

She didn’t answer me. She just ushered me inside and closed the front door. She directed me to a chair in the living room and I took off my coat. I knew she was cooking because I could smell something delicious. She called up the stairs as she walked back toward the kitchen.

Tommy! she called. Your wayward ex-wife is here.

Pork chops and lima beans. Fried potatoes and onions. A lemon pound cake drizzled with milk icing sitting on the counter. I sat across from Tom with Mama Etta at the end of the table. I wanted to say, ‘you did this on purpose’ but I couldn’t because Mama Etta wouldn’t leave us alone. So, instead, I stared at him. He smiled. If we made it through this dinner and reconciled our relationship, I was going to kill him.

So, Isabel, Mama Etta said as she cut into her pork chop. Tell me what’s been going on in ya life. Are ya subjecting my grand-angels to ya bad behavior?

Mama, Tom said as a warning, and she looked over to him.

I’m just askin’ a question.

No Ma’am, I answered.

You always said Ma’am to Mama Etta – unless you wanted the wooden

spoon.

You not teaching ‘em how to cheat on their wives? I imagine you’d have some good pointers.

Mama!! Tom shouted this time. Stop it.

Boy, you better not be shoutin’ at me.

Mama Etta, I said. I’m trying to make it right.

She shook her head.

Pfft. I’ll believe it when I see it. She looked over to Tom. I ain’t said nothing to her you ain’t said to me.

My patience had ended. I had been dragged through the mud for the last fifteen minutes, which I realize isn’t that long for most people, but it’s long enough for me. I stood up and pushed my chair backward.

Mama Etta, I said. I really wish you’d let Tom and I talk alone.

Alone? she asked as she put a forkful of potatoes in her mouth. Alone?

Yes Ma’am, I said. Alone. This is really none of your business.

Lord, have mercy on… Tom started but Mama’s actions stopped him cold.

She stood up, grabbed me by my wrist and held it tight with her hand. I wasn’t sure what she was planning to do unless she was going to drag me to the front door and throw me out of it.

Child, she said as she continued to hold onto my arm. I don’t know who ya think you talkin’ to, but it better not be ya mother-in-law.

You aren’t my mother…

Isabel, Tom warned but before I could even digest what he was trying to say, Mama Etta reached out and slapped me in the face.

My cheek burned. Now I knew why she had grabbed my arm. So, I couldn’t get away.

I ain’t your mother-in-law?? she asked and laughed. She looked to Tom, still holding onto my wrist. I ain’t her mother-in-law.

I heard her, he said.

I can’t believe ya own Mama hadn’t slapped you by now. What the hell is wrong with you white people?? Somebody needs to step in and put a stop to this craziness. Ya’ll too old to be acting like this. Both of ya.

She dragged me from the table into the living room and Tom turned to watch the action. She picked up my coat and handed it to me.

Put ya coat on, she said. Get outta this house and go home. Think about what I done said.

I…

Isabel, Tom interrupted.

Mama Etta looked over to him.

You shut up. She looked back to me. Tell Mama Etta what you wanted to say, child.

I love Tom, I said.

She stared at me then looked over to Tom.

She loves ya, she said. Did you hear that?

I heard her, Mama.

She looked back to me.

Well, the way you been actin’ ain’t love. Ima pray for ya, though. Both of ya. Need prayer more than anything else.

She turned to walk back to the kitchen. I stood still.

Get outta here! she called over her shoulder to me. Think about what I done said.

Mama… Tom started again.

Boy, I heard her say. How many times tonight I gotta tell you to shut up??

Do you have any drugs? I asked Adrian later that night as I leaned up against Lilah’s kitchen counter with my wine.

He looked to the ceiling and thought for a moment.

No, he answered. "Not currently. Are you looking for something

specific?"

I already gave her Xanax, Lilah told him.

Well, then, I don’t think you need any other drugs, he said.

I haven’t told you what happened with me and Tom, I said in return. Do you want to know?

Of course, I want to know, he said as he winked at Lilah. Tell me.

I pointed at him.

Don’t be a jackass.

Now, now, he said. "Calm down. There’s no reason to get all hot and

bothered."

I hate your boyfriend so much, I told Lilah.

That’s not what you said at the beach, Adrian commented, and Lilah

laughed.

Anyhow… I stressed. I called him to talk, and he invited me to come to his apartment.

And she went, Lilah added.

But Mama Etta was there, I said as I walked over and sat down at the kitchen table.

Oh, Lilah didn’t tell me that.

I thought Isabel should tell you that, Lilah interjected. She smacked Isabel in the face.

I looked over to her.

Are you going to let me tell my story or are you going to do it?

Why did she smack you? Adrian asked me. What did you do??

Me?? I exclaimed as I brought my hands to my chest. What did I do?

You don’t have to yell, he said calmly. But yes, what did you do??

I wasn’t yelling.

Well, it was not your inside voice, he informed me and grinned, so I flipped him off.

She told Mama Etta it was none of her business, Lilah told him. No one tells Mama Etta something isn’t her business.

Tom has this thing for me, I interrupted.

I would hope so, Adrian replied. You have three kids together.

Would you talk to him?

Me?? Adrian asked as he gestured to himself. I don’t even know Tom.

But you’re charming and compassionate and you always know what to say, I told him. You can talk anyone into anything. Don’t you love me?

Of course, I love you, he said. But I’m failing to see what I could possibly say to Tom at this point. I don’t know very many details about your relationship with him, but I will be honest in saying you can’t expect Tom to jump into a relationship with you again without some reservations.

But I apologized, I said. Shouldn’t that mean something?

Yeah, he agreed. I’m sure it did, and apologies are great, but they don’t take away the hurt. They don’t restore trust. Unfortunately, until you prove it, an apology is just words.

How do I get that back? I asked him.

His trust? I nodded. You have to hope he’ll give you a chance.

He’s not ready to do that, Lilah added. He should be.

No, he shouldn’t be, Adrian disagreed. He has no reason to be. Giving Isabel… He looked over to me. …you… the benefit of the doubt puts him in a vulnerable place.

He says he still loves me.

An even more vulnerable place, Adrian informed me.

He pulled out a chair, turned it around backward and sat down at the table with me and Lilah. I watched the muscles in his arms flex as he leaned toward us.

So, he gives you a chance and you screw up again. Then, what? He’s hurt even more?

But I’m not going to screw up again.

You were just talking about having a sleepover with someone not too long ago, he told me.

That was a joke, I said.

Was it?

Whose side are you on? I asked.

I’m just saying.

He rubbed his fingers on the woven placemat in front of him. As confident as Adrian appeared to be most of the time, I’d learned he still questioned himself every now and then. He was just very good at hiding it.

Why did you give Lilah a chance? I asked.

Lilah has never given me reason to doubt her, he explained. I can’t control her past. I couldn’t change it even if I wanted to, but she’s never given me a reason not to trust her.

Uh… I interrupted. Did you forget she was held at gunpoint a few weeks ago by her ex-boyfriend’s lover??

That’s still part of her past and it doesn’t matter to me. Your past matters to Tom because he was the casualty.

You make it sound like I killed him.

He stood up, went to the refrigerator, and opened the freezer door, took out the tequila then pulled two shot glasses out of the cabinet. He poured two shots and handed one to me.

Ready? he asked.

Sure.

One, two, three.

We both threw back the tequila.

You might as well of killed him, Adrian said now. That’s what the shot was for. The hard truth.

I suppose you’re right, I admitted as I bowed my head.

That one little comment made me realize just how much I loved Tom. He was everything to me. He loved me when I didn’t even love myself. Sometimes love goes off track, I thought. Sometimes the curve in the road is too sharp.

You want to know what I’d really like to do? I asked as Lilah took my hand. She rubbed it with her thumb. Because I need to get my mind off all this shit.

We’re not doing that, Lilah told me.

You don’t even know what it is yet! I exclaimed.

I know nine times out of ten it’s bad, she said.

It’s not bad!! I insisted. It’s just…let’s go to my house and get in the hot tub.

Adrian motioned to himself then me.

Just me and you? he asked and winked.

You wish, I said, and Lilah laughed.

He turned his chair around and shoved it back under the table then propped his hands on the counter behind him.

Okay, he teased. We can make out but no sex. The last time we had sex Lilah got really mad. Lilah rolled her eyes. You have to give Tom a little bit of time, Isabel. I know how much you love him. He’ll come around.

"I love you!" I exclaimed as I pointed at him.

Adrian looked over to Lilah and shook his head.

One tequila shot and a little Xanax, he said. And she’s back.

Adrian

Next thing I knew Lilah and I were getting into Isabel’s hot tub. With no Isabel.

Where is Isabel? I asked as I slid down into the hot water. I tickled Lilah’s side, and she pinched me. Ow!

I have no idea. Stop it!

Isabel came out the sliding glass doors from her bedroom and galloped across the cement like a horse to the hot tub. She cracks me up when she does things like that.

Happy all of a sudden? I asked and laughed.

Life is short, she said as she plopped down into the water across from me.

True, I agreed. Is that why we’re here? Because life is short or am I getting ready to experience another threesome?

Lilah punched me in my ribs, and I leaned further away from her.

What? I asked and laughed. I think that’s a legitimate question.

Isabel smiled and turned to Lilah.

Can I kiss him? Lilah scrunched up her nose.

Why are you asking me that?? she asked. You didn’t ask me the last time you did it.

Isabel kisses me whenever she gets a chance. Any other woman would not allow her best friend to kiss her boyfriend but Lilah and Isabel share everything. Including me. Isabel stood up, came over to me and got down on her knees in front of me. She almost slipped and I grabbed her elbow.

Am I getting a kiss or are you going under? I asked her teasingly.

No! Lilah interjected. She is not giving you a blowjob. I turned to her and brought my hands to my chest.

What makes you think that’s what I meant? She rolled her eyes once more and looked at Isabel, pointing her finger at her.

No!! Isabel and I both laughed.

I’m not going to give your boyfriend a blowjob, Lilah. Jeez. I’m not that twisted.

Yes, you are, Lilah answered.

Isabel put her hands on my knees underneath the water and I leaned toward her. She was a good kisser. Our lips touched briefly and then my phone rang. I turned around and grabbed it off the patio chair behind me and looked at the screen. Ariana Acosta.

Sorry, I said to Lilah and Isabel as I stood up. I gotta take this.

Damnit, Isabel said, and Lilah laughed.

I stepped up onto the patio and grabbed a towel off a nearby chair.

Hello?

Where are you? Ari asked.

I’m in Woodlawn. What’s going on?

Gianni is here, she said without hesitation. I walked further away, out of hearing range from Lilah and Isabel.

Are you sure? I asked.

Yes.

Where is here?? Like Lora’s house?

Not yet but he’s in Amityville, she said. I threw the towel onto another chair and ran my hand through my hair.

How do you know this?

Word around town.

You know what the possibilities of that being true are, don’t you??

Adrian, she said calmly. Do you want to take that chance? Because I don’t.

Does Lora know?

Yes.

Did you tell her?? I asked, astonished.

No, Ari responded. Of course not. Why would I do that??

Who told her??

I have no idea. Why do you think I called you??

Go over there just to say hi, I instructed. Just show up. Don’t call first. Stay until I get there.

Well, that was my plan. You think I’d let Lorelei be by herself in this situation??

Is Renaldo there?

I’m sure he is.

Take your gun but don’t use it unless you’re in a life-or-death situation.

That’s a comforting thought, she said, somewhat sarcastically.

Is it loaded?

It’s always loaded.

Normally I would frown upon that piece of information but in this particular situation…

Right.

DO NOT use that gun unless it is a life-or-death situation.

You said that once already.

I’m on the way...hey, hold on a minute. I pulled my phone away from my face and clicked on my flight app, found a flight. I clicked back to Ari. There’s a flight from RIC to JFK in forty-five minutes. Flight # 3288. Put me on it.

Yep.

The Empire would be monitoring all flights in and out of Long Island if Gianni were there and since I wasn’t in Amityville, they’d be looking for me. They’d be looking for Adrian Bennett.

Oh hey, Ari?

Yeah?

Put it under Tristan Collins.

Amityville

Lorelei

May I come inside? Caris asked as she unwrapped her candy.

No, I thought. Then I heard, ‘She has something important to tell you.’

Alright, I said.

I opened the door a little wider and she stepped over the threshold. I didn’t want her to think for even one minute I was afraid of her, but it wasn’t just me. Everyone I’d ever known was afraid of Caris Sutherland because no one knew what she was truly capable of. Serena and Estela held tightly onto my legs and Caris squatted down in front of them.

What sweet girls, she said. I brought you two a present, but you have to share, okay?

She brought Serena and Estela a present? She pulled a tiny white mouse by the tail out of her coat pocket. Serena backed up further behind me. She might not have had my gift, but she had basic human intuition and her intuition was telling her this woman was dangerous. Caris sat the mouse down into her hand and it ran inside the arm of her coat.

Look at him, she said and smiled. He’s hiding. What a silly mouse. Isn’t he silly?

Serena watched her carefully. Something possessed me to tell Serena it was okay even though I thought I knew better. What I didn’t know was who was stronger? Me or Caris?

It’s okay, Serena, I said as I placed my hand on her back and she moved forward in front of Caris.

Do you think he’s afraid of me? Serena asked Caris.

Why don’t you call him? she suggested as she turned her arm over, wrist upward. He’s very friendly. His name is Toulouse. He likes to play hide and seek.

My breath quickened. Toulouse - the little white mouse Adrian had given me for my sixteenth birthday. The one no one could hold. Animals from the Spirit world. They crossed over, too.

Toulouse, Serena called. Come out, come out wherever you are!

Toulouse poked his head out from under Caris’ sleeve, his nose sniffing for safety. Caris unfolded her palm.

Put your hand right here, she told Serena.

Serena extended her hand, palm up.

Right here? she asked.

Touch your fingers to mine, Caris suggested.

Dear God, I prayed. Please spare my little girl. Serena touched her fingers to Caris’ and Toulouse ran from Caris’ hand into hers. Serena giggled.

See? Caris said as she stood up. He likes you.

Renaldo poked his head through the French doors of the kitchen and Caris turned his way.

Well, long time no see, Renaldo. How’s it hanging?

I see you haven’t changed one bit, he said.

Don’t forget that, she told him and winked.

Miss. Serena, Miss. Estela, he said. Come with me. He looked to Caris once more. Come show me the mouse the nice lady brought you.

The girls ran to him.

Look! Estela said excitedly.

I see, he said as he escorted her into the kitchen.

He shut the French doors behind them.

Perfect, Caris said to me. Shall we go into the living room and have some tea?

I didn’t answer but I turned from the front door, and she followed me through the archway into the living room.

Have a seat, Caris said, gesturing to the velvet settee, as if this were her house and not mine.

She walked around the horsehair sofa to the table where Nonna’s silver service sat. It hadn’t been used in years. I kept telling myself I needed to polish it. Caris picked up the teapot. She smiled then poured the hot water from it into two teacups sitting on matching saucers. Both held a silver tea ball. She picked up the tea service and brought the tray around to the coffee table between us.

Not everyone possesses the ability to manipulate objects. I could do it, but it took a lot of concentration. I certainly couldn’t have created tea, though. That was making something out of nothing. Caris sat the tray down and took a seat on the sofa in front of me.

Sugar and cream? she asked.

No, thank you.

She handed the tea to me. I watched as she put sugar and cream into hers. It dawned on me at that moment that this was also the way Adrian took his hot tea. I had never known anyone to put cream in tea. Maybe it was an Indian thing. Maybe Nana did it as well. Caris brought hers to her lips and took a cautious sip.

Well, enjoy yours, she said as she gestured to me.

I locked eyes with her. It was like that game you play when you are little. Who would look away first? She did. I was stronger than her. Just like her son.

Well, she said as she leaned back against the sofa with her teacup. Tell me how my son is doing these days.

I would think you’d already know, I answered.

She sat forward.

You must know he is stronger than me.

Thank God for that.

I stared at her, but we didn’t lock eyes like before. She truly was beautiful. It was no wonder she’d been able to seduce every man on Long Island. It was odd how Tiffany possessed the same physical characteristics but chose not to use them.

Have some tea, she coaxed.

Only God knew what was in that tea she offered me but then I heard, for the first time in my life, Nana’s voice.

‘It’s okay, my child. She won’t hurt you. You’re too important.’

I picked up my tea and took a sip. It was still hot, so I sipped carefully.

My mother, Caris said as if she’d heard Nana, too. Maybe she had. Now there was an extraordinary woman. If there is a soul in heaven it is surely hers.

Well, that’s one thing we agree on, I replied.

Adrian loves you, she said.

I know.

Still.

I know.

"Not in the way you’d like but let me assure you that you won’t lose him again. You both have a crucial part to play in The Empire’s future."

How so?

Did you know your father and I were best friends in high school?

I sucked in my breath. This wasn’t true. It couldn’t possibly be true.

You’re lying, I said.

‘She is not,’ I heard Nana say in my mind.

I promise you I am not, Caris assured me. I’m sure you remember the first night your father invited Adrian to dinner here. Don’t you?

Of course.

Adrian fell deeply in love with you. Didn’t he? I didn’t answer. Remember when your father told your family Adrian was going to take care of you when he was out of town?

I thought back to that night. It seemed an odd statement for my father to make at the time, especially since Adrian wasn’t a part of The Empire. I remember thinking, ‘Why would Papa allow someone outside The Empire to take care of me?’

Yes. I remember.

Anjali Anand, she said. That name ring a bell with you?

Where was this going? Anjali Anand. I hastily asked the Spirits to help me, but no one came forward.

No, I answered.

Anjali Anand was my grandmother. She was my mother’s mother. Cissy, as everyone so fondly called her, was an Anand before she married my father.

Get to the point, Caris, I said.

She laughed but I sat stoically. I took another sip of my tea. It was no longer hot. Only tepid.

"What I am about to tell you will change the entire hierarchy of The Empire, she informed me. Cristiano. Does that name ring a bell with you?"

Of course, it does. It’s Adrian’s middle name.

She was going to answer my question. She was right. I had summoned her. Unknowingly requesting the answer to the questions Adrian and I both had.

He was my grandfather.

Knowing Cristiano was Nana’s father meant nothing to me other than to explain why she had given Adrian that name. The Spirit had told me, ‘Caris knows.’ Well, of course, she did. He was her grandfather but how did all this connect to the little girl who kept appearing to Adrian?

Did my mother ever talk to you about a little girl named Ana?

No.

Caris was inside my mind. She could read people’s thoughts just like I could. But could she read all a person’s thoughts? Or just some of them, like me?

Ana died in a fire when she was five, Caris explained. She was my mother’s little sister. She’s trying to talk to Adrian right now and has been for some time.

Adrian has had several encounters with Ana, I told Caris.

Yes, she affirmed.

She called him Patri, I said. "If she were Nana’s little sister, why would she have called Adrian ‘Patri?’

I imagine it’s because Adrian looks like her father did.

Cristiano?

Yes.

That doesn’t make sense, I said. Surely, she knows they are two different people.

Sometimes Spirits become confused, Caris told me. Just like people here on earth. You know that as well as I do. She was five. Adrian is probably the same age as her father when she died and so she’s attached herself to him.

Well, that explains it, I admitted. So, Ana would have been… I stopped to think.

Adrian’s great aunt, Caris finished.

What you’ve told me explains how Ana is a part of Adrian’s family but not mine.

Sometimes Spirits talk in riddles simply because…

…they want you to figure it out on your own… I added.

…so, they won’t confuse you even more, Caris finished. Why do you think your father and I were such good friends?

I took in a deep breath.

Because you’re family? I asked skeptically.

Yes.

My heart flipflopped inside my chest.

Please tell me Adrian isn’t my brother, I said, and Caris laughed.

That would have been fun, she said, bringing her hand to her chest. But no.

It would not have been fun, I said disgustedly.

Families aren’t always related, she reminded me.

Suddenly, an epiphany. The Empire. Seven families.

"You and Adrian are the only ones who can resolve the conflict within The Empire right now, she said. Unfortunately."

I suppose you are going to tell me how, I replied.

My mother’s father wasn’t an Anand. Her mother was but not her father.

Who was her father if he wasn’t an Anand? I asked impatiently.

A Montenari, she answered.

I steepled my hands over my face and took another deep breath.

Oh my god, I said. "Adrian is a part of The Empire," I realized as I looked down.

Yes, she said.

Nonna knew, I said.

Yes.

And Nana.

Yes.

So, why didn’t one of them tell me? I asked. Or Adrian? Adrian and I could have stayed together. They knew how much we loved one another. It was the first time in my life I had ever been angry with Nonna or Nana. What they did was cruel.

There is a lot more involved in all this than Adrian’s heritage and the relationship you had with him. I laid my head into my hands and cried. No one is ever who they appear to be anymore, Caris told me. The world has a lot more Empire in it than anyone could ever imagine. Mary Angela and my mother were protecting you. They did what they did because they loved you and Adrian. She stood up. I suppose I should go.

I followed her into the front hall, grabbing a tissue off a side table as I walked by it. I brought it to the corners of my eyes. Stef. If Adrian and I were involved in changing the trajectory of The Empire our son surely would be as well.

What about Stef? I asked as we arrived at the front door.

Stef, she said and smiled.

It was a cool smile. One that could be interpreted two ways. A true appreciation for what I said or a surreptitious acknowledgement of something I wasn’t ready to know.

You’ll see.

When I opened the front door to allow Caris to exit Ari was standing on the other side.

Ari, I said, surprised. What are you doing here?

What’s going on? she asked as she touched my arm.

It was easy to see I’d been crying and even if it hadn’t been Ari would have known. She could read my emotions better than I could read them myself.

I’m okay, I assured her.

She watched me for a moment assessing whether I was telling the truth and I tilted my head and stared back at her. This told her I wasn’t telling the truth but also that this wasn’t the time to talk about it. She extended her hand to Caris. Ari was never one who waited to be introduced.

Hi. I’m Ari, Lorelei’s best friend.

It’s nice to meet you, Ari, Caris said as she took Ari’s hand. I’m Caris Sutherland. Adrian’s mother.

I saw the color drain from Ari’s face. She wasn’t only shocked. She was afraid. She looked to me for an explanation. I wanted to give her one, but I couldn’t even explain it to myself.

She just came by to say hi, I told Ari instead. She just got back into town.

I wasn’t aware you knew Adrian’s mother, Ari managed.

Oh, Caris said with a smile. This is the first time we’ve ever met. I felt it was only proper to introduce myself to the woman who is carrying my grandchild.

Ari was silent. Very un-Ari-like. Caris touched her cold fingers to my elbow. It seemed a thoughtful gesture, but it was not.

Well, congratulations to you and Adrian, she said. It was nice to meet you, Ariana.

Ari looked at me. She grabbed my hand as we watched Caris walk down the front steps to the sidewalk.

When she got about halfway across the yard she turned.

You should be expecting Gianni any time now. Not my idea but he never listens to me.

Ari squeezed my hand. I think it was in an attempt to console me, but it didn’t work very well.

Caris is a beautiful name, you know, Caris continued. In case you need a girl’s name. She smiled. It means grace.

I know what it means, I told her solemnly.

Good night, Lorelei.

Ari and I stood on the porch and watched as Caris walked under the ivy-covered trellis and out into the middle of the street. Two cars approached and I waited to see if she was going to move to the edge of the pavement, but she did not. Neither of the cars stopped and she went flying over the hood of the first one.

Oh my god, Ari said, bringing her hand to her mouth as Caris’ limp body fell into the street.

I was certain the second car would run over her but by the time it reached Caris’ body she’d disappeared into thin air. A dark but sheer cloud hung over where the body had laid.

Oh my god, Ari said again.

That was not the Caris we all loved and feared, Renaldo said as he came through the French doors behind us.

I wasn’t aware anyone ever loved Caris, I said dryly.

Oh yes, Renaldo replied. "Every man Caris brought into her life loved

her."

Until she killed them, I offered, and Renaldo smiled then shrugged. He addressed Ari.

Hello, Ari. Are you alright?

I suppose I will be, she replied and looked to me. She’s still dead, right?

Yes, I informed her. Very dead.

But I could see her, Ari said. Am I supposed to be able to see her?

I wrapped my arm around Ari’s shoulder and pulled her into me.

She has the power to manifest, I told her. It will be fine. Relax.

Caris is right, she said. Gianni is coming. So is Adrian.

That doesn’t surprise me, I said.

That I called Adrian? she asked.

Or that Gianni is around. I turned to Renaldo. "Renaldo, does The Empire scare you?"

"It scares me," Ari admitted.

That is a very comprehensive question, young lady, Renaldo said. "For there are many aspects of The Empire. Some pleasant, some shameless."

Tell me about it, I commented.

We walked back inside, and I shut the door. I locked it along with the deadbolt and turned the security system on alert. Ari saw what I was doing and hurried into the kitchen.

I’ll lock the back doors, she told me.

If I may share something with you, Miss? Renaldo asked.

Only if you’ll have some coffee with me in the kitchen.

Very well. He followed me into the kitchen, and I retrieved the coffee from the cabinet. Let me do it. It seems improper if I don’t.

Alright, I said and smiled.

Sit down, he told me. I sat down at the kitchen table. By the way, I took the girls trick or treating after your guest arrived. We only went to a few houses, but they were satisfied. I’ve sent them upstairs to gather their things. I believe it is in their best interest to be with me tonight.

Oh, thank you, Renaldo. You’re always saving me.

Of course, he said.

Someone has to do it, Ari muttered.

I heard that, I said as I looked over to her.

"You know everyone who knows anything about The Empire knows the more names you have in your history the higher your prestige," Renaldo told me.

Yes, I said as I watched him pour water into the coffee pot.

"I believe Caris was insinuating her grandson may be the next Sovereign of The Empire," he told me.

Stef? I asked. How can that be?

Renaldo turned to me from the counter.

Your mother, he said. Whom I miss dearly…

Me, too.

She is a Benedetti.

Yes.

You’re an Anastasio.

He turned on the coffee pot and came over and sat in front of me.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen you sit at this table, Renaldo, I said with a smile.

Do you think we should put Rajah in the garden? Ari asked.

He would tear Gianni apart, Renaldo offered.

You think?

Oh yes, Miss. He followed me out to the letterbox the other day and scared old Mrs. Robbins to death.

Why? I asked and he chuckled. What did Rajah do?

What he always does, Renaldo answered. Swished his tail, hissed, looked at her with contempt.

Poor Mrs. Robbins, Ari offered, and I smiled.

Renaldo reached over and laid his hand on mine.

We now know Adrian is a Montenari, he continued.

You were listening? I asked.

I’m always listening, he said and chuckled again. Brace yourself because I’m going to tell you something I don’t think you’ve realized yet.

Wait, Ari said. What?? Adrian is a Montenari?

His great-grandfather was a Montenari, I told her.

Holy shit.

I know, right?? I looked back to Renaldo. What have I not realized?

The Anastasio, Benedetti and Montenari names are all at the top of the hierarchy.

Yes, I said thoughtfully.

It’s not only how many names you have in your heritage, he said. It’s what order those names are in. With another top name in his heritage Stef would hold all the power at Sam’s demise, and if Stef were not yet eighteen, guess who would hold all the power then?

Oh my god, Ari and I said together as we looked at one another. Adrian.

Sam knows this. Your father knows this. Gianni knows this, too. So does your sweet mother.

I took a deep breath.

And Caris, Ari added.

Stef could take over the hierarchy, I realized.

Possibly, Renaldo speculated. "If, and I say this very loosely, if his grandfather on Adrian’s side was a part of The Empire."

Adrian’s father.

Yes, Renaldo confirmed.

Now all of this was beginning to make sense.

Gianni wanted Stef to be his so the Vallario name would move closer to the top, I said thoughtfully. And then he would be in control instead of Adrian.

But now the Montenari name will move closer to the top, Renaldo pointed out. So, guess who convinced your father he loved you??

Gianni’s known all along Stef wasn’t his, I said.

That’s what I’m guessing.

That son of a bitch, Ari commented.

I’m going to kill him, I told her as I stood up.

Now, now, Miss. Don’t get yourself into a tither. You know what your Nonna would say, don’t you?

She would say what goes around comes around.

Karma, Ari clarified.

I have a question, I said.

What would that be, Miss? He got up to pour our coffee. "Coffee,