Episode 21 – Reunions
In the last month:
– Leo was surprised when his parents told him that they were leaving town, after reuniting, and he was moving with them to Florida. He told Cleo, who was devastated by the news. She finished their relationship. Paris and Nate tried to get Cleo to see sense, but she refused. They tried to get her to go to the Williams’ farewell party, but she didn’t arrive. Just before Leo left she turned up, and they said a tearful goodbye. Since then she hasn’t been herself, locked in her room. Camille and Russell have been getting increasingly worried about her.
– Victor was shocked by news of the penthouse fire. Later he and Leslie took a three week holiday, around Europe, to visit their families over there. Chardonnay, Gabe and Nate were left at home. Chardonnay also started learning about her new job, though she hasn’t started work properly yet.
– Judi and Russell’s affair continued. Camille has been icy towards both of them, but has been plotting to get her own back on Judi, without losing Russell.
– Nate and Paris have been spending more time together, especially as they tried to get Leo and Cleo back together. They’ve been ignoring Gayle, and the messages have stopped. Kayla hasn’t been happy as she has noticed their closeness. She and Jacob have gone out a couple of times, but the consequences of her actions are still upsetting her.
– Alex has been getting over what happened, or didn’t happen, with Judi. They haven’t seen each other since she ran out on him on their date. He has been out on a couple of dates, but there have been no follow ups.
Sunday,
March 16th 2003, the Samson Mansion, early morning
At the gates to the mansion, a black limo pulled up beside the security guards building. The window to the front passengers seat slid down, although the seat was empty. The security guard stood up and smiled as he saw the driver.
“Frank, long time no see.” He said, pressing a button.
“Yeah, well it is good to be back. Leanne was getting a bit sick of me being under her feet.” The limo driver said, watching as the gates started to open.
”How are she and the kids?”
“They’re all great.” The driver answered.
“Are you back full time or just some of the time?”
“Just part time. Mr. Samson only wants me to drive him to major events, and to meetings sometimes. And Mrs. Samson doesn’t need me as much as she used to.” Frank answered. He turned and spotted that the gates were now fully open. “I better go. See you on the way out, Ted.”
“See you Frank.” The security guard said. He watched the car go past, and saw his boss and his wife inside, laughing.
“She wasn’t that bad, was she?” Nate Samson asked, as he straightened himself out. He had been laughing about his mother’s experiences with his uncles wife, Calista. She was married to Ethan, Victor’s brother and partner in Samson Enterprises. Victor ran the American side of things, while Ethan took care of the European.
“And Alicia was sick of Calista trying to get her to marry Felix Wynter. His family have a lot of money, but Alicia doesn’t like his obsession with horses.” Leslie continued, referring to Ethan and Calista’s daughter.
In the driveway, the limo came to a halt. Frank stepped out and walked around to the side. He opened the door and Leslie stepped out, followed by Nate and then Victor.
“Where do you want me to leave your bags, Mrs. Samson?” Frank asked, closing the door.
“Leave them in our bedroom.” Leslie replied, a smile appearing on her face as she looked up at her home, which she hadn’t seen in almost three weeks.
She walked up the stairs to the front door and pushed it open, with Victor and Nate closely behind her. Leslie stopped, as she spotted her daughter on the stairs, making love to her fiancé Gabe.
“Mom!” Chardonnay said loudly, trying push Gabe off her. She quickly turned bright red, with embarrassment.
Gabe pulled his dressing gown at the tie, to cover up his naked chest. He looked at Leslie, and flashed back to the night several months ago when they had made love.
“I…” Leslie began, but she too started to remember the engagement party.
Victor, meanwhile, stood behind his wife also shocked at the sight he had just seen. Nate smiled at his sister.
“We weren’t expecting you until tonight.” Gabe started.
“Obviously.” Victor replied. Chardonnay stood up, trying to speak. No sound made it past her lips however.
***
The Vincent
Home, same time
“It’s beautiful.” Nicole Vincent said, as she got her first proper glimpse of her new home. The car came to a halt. Nicole’s husband, Justin, smiled as he saw how happy his wife seemed. They’d been through a tough couple of years, but had somehow managed to remain together despite everything.
Justin turned as he heard a sound in the back of the car. He smiled as he spotted the light of his life, his and Nicole’s two year old daughter, Erin. She was beginning to wake up, after going asleep at the airport. She had woken up just in time for to explore their new home.
Nicole smiled as she walked towards the front door of the house, which was slightly ajar. She knocked on the door. “Hello.”
There was no reply, so Nicole decided to push open the door and walk inside. She looked around the entrance hall, and couldn’t decide which direction to go. There was a door and a stairs to her left, and to her right three more doors. Nicole jumped as she heard her footsteps on the wooden floor. Where is he?
“Hello.” She called out again, this time louder than before. There was still no answer. Nicole decided to try the door at the end of the hall, as that was the only one open. As she made her way into the room, she realised it was the kitchen.
Nicole looked around the kitchen. She liked the square counter which was situated in the middle of the room, but didn’t like the color scheme of the room. She decided that it would definitely need a lick of paint before she was happy with the room.
The kitchen had two more doors. One was open, and she saw that it led to a dining room with a large table in the centre. The second door was a sliding glass one, and led out to the back garden. Nicole pushed over the door and walked through it into the garden.
It was very large and was surrounded by wooden fence. A stone pavement led from the door to the table and chairs, ideal for breakfast in great weather.
“So, what do you think?”
Nicole jumped and quickly turned as she heard a voice from behind – Jean Luc.
“Luc!” She shouted happily. She hugged her brother, who she hadn’t seen in a couple of weeks. He’d arrived in town before the rest of the family, so he could find an apartment for himself. Luc pulled himself back from his older sister.
“You like it then?” He asked, seriously.
“I love it.” Nicole answered.
“Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“I’m just glad the Williams’ were so keen to sell it to a young family, as there were a lot of retired people interested.” Jean Luc said. “What does Justin think?”
“And I’m sure he and Erin love it too.”
“Where are they? I want to see my niece.”
“We’re here.”
Luc and Nicole turned to see Justin, with Erin in his arms. Justin handed Erin over to Luc.
”How she been in the last few weeks? Any major things happen?” He asked, as he smiled down at her.
“No, you missed nothing but diapers. She’s been fine, though I think she has missed her uncle Luc.” Nicole answered, watching as her brother held her daughter. Nicole thought that he’d make a great dad, someday.
“And what about everyone else? Mom, dad, Phil?” He continued, referring to his older brother, Philippe. His wife Carrie had died a year ago, and Luc had known that his parents had been worried about their eldest son with the anniversary of Carrie’s death approaching before he left Boston.
“Phil was okay when we said goodbye. I think he is still pretty cut up about everything though, but he is being strong for the twins. And he’s got a new nanny, so he can do more work at the hotel.” Justin replied, talking about his brother in law’s children – Phil Jnr and Holly. They were just three weeks old when their mother’s car had been hit by a driver over the alcohol limit. They later fled the scene, and despite bystanders best descriptions the woman, she’d never been caught.
“What about mom and dad? Do you know when they are arriving?” Luc asked. His parents were also planning on moving to town, though they hadn’t set an exact date to arrive.
“They were fine when we said goodbye, but mom said it’ll be another week or two until they’re here.” Nicole answered.
“And Adrienne and Yasmin are great too.” Justin said, before Luc could even ask about his other two sisters.
“And Bryan?” Luc asked, a smile appearing on his face. Bryan was Yasmin’s flatmate, and long time friend of the whole family.
***
The Ritz
Bar, evening
Alex Blake laughed as he and Corey talked to one of their customers. He turned as he heard someone calling him, so they could be served. Alex turned and as he did spotted a woman with long blonde hair walk into the bar. Their eyes met across the crowded room. A smile appeared on her face, and Alex smiled back. She started to walk towards the bar.
“Sorry, can I get served already?”
Alex turned to face a female customer, in her early forties, who was a regular. She always drunk alone, and was very icy towards anyone who spoke to her. Alex didn’t even know her name, despite the fact she’d been coming to the bar for the last couple of years.
“What do you want?” Alex asked.
“Better service would be nice, but in the meantime I’ll have a glass of red wine.” She answered. “Oh, and please make sure you hurry up as I haven’t got all night to be hanging around here.”
Alex took a glass from the shelve, and turned to get the red wine. As he did so, he noticed in the mirror that the blonde haired woman was now sitting at the bar, almost directly behind him. Alex turned back to his customer and left the glass down in front of her.
“That’ll be…” He began, but she interrupted.
“There you go.” The woman said, throwing a twenty dollar bill at Alex. “Make sure you tell the boss that he really needs better staff.”
“I am the boss,” Alex began, ”and I think that my staff are fine, it’s just the customers like you who create all the problems.”
The woman looked insulted, and threw her glass down before walking out. Alex secretly hoped that she wouldn’t be back. He placed the money in the till, before putting the change into the tips jar. He then turned to the new arrival and smiled.
“What can I get you?” He asked.
“Just an orange juice, I start a new job tomorrow and don’t want a hangover.” She answered.
“A new job? Sounds interesting.” Alex said, making conversation as he started fixing the orange juice.
“Yeah it is. I’m planning the wedding of the year.” She replied.
“So when are you getting married then?” He asked, assuming she meant her own wedding.
“My wedding? No, I’m planning Chardonnay Samson and Gabriel McLoughlin’s. I flew in today, and will be in town for the next couple of months.”
“So you’re a wedding planner then?”
“Yes, and you’re the owner of this place?”
“How did you know?” Alex asked, surprised.
“I couldn’t help overhearing you talking.” The woman replied.
“Alex Blake.” He said, holding out his hand. The woman shook it.
”Alex,” came Corey’s voice, interrupting the chat, “there’s a phone call for you. It’s your mom.”
“Back in a second.” Alex said, walking away.
“I have to…,” the woman began, but Alex didn’t hear her, “go now.”
Suddenly she had an idea. She opened her purse and took out a business card. She then took out a pen and scribbled a note on the back.
“Sorry.” She called, getting Corey’s attention.
“Yes.” He asked.
“Can you give this to your boss?” She asked, handing Corey the business card.
“Sure.” Corey said, looking down at the business card. He saw the name Sara McCarthy written on it, in gold ink. Beside her name was a picture of a smiling bride and groom, being showered in confetti. Underneath it was her email and cellphone number.
“And there’s for my OJ. Keep the change.” Sara said, handing Corey a ten dollar bill.
Sara stood up and took up her purse, before turning and walking out the door. Corey watched her leave, puzzled as to why she wanted him to give her card to Alex. He isn’t getting married is he?
Corey placed the money into the till, and waited for Alex to emerge from the office.
”Alex, the woman who was here left this for you.” He said, when Alex finally did finish talking to his mother.
Alex saw the name and number on the front of the card, and then turned to the back where he spotted a note she had written.
“Maybe we could meet up sometime.” Alex read aloud. He raised an eyebrow and smiled.
***
The Samson
Mansion, same time
“Sure you and Gabe don’t want to…” Nate began, a large smile on his face.
“Nate!” Chardonnay shouted, annoyed by her brother’s constant jokes since he and her parents had walked in on her and Gabe making love earlier that day.
“If you don’t shut up Nate, then I might have to forget making you my best man.” Gabe threatened.
“So are you worried about tomorrow honey?” Victor asked, as he walked into the dining room, followed by Rosa who had two large dishes in her hands. Victor took a seat at the top of the table.
”Very, I can’t remember any of the things Yvon taught me.” Chardonnay answered.
“You’ll be okay, and just call me or one of the girls from the office if you need anything.”
“Thanks dad.” Chardonnay said. Despite his reassurances she was still worried about starting work at Samson Enterprises, but she felt better knowing help was at hand if needed.
“Where’s mom?” Nate asked, noticing Leslie’s absence.
“She’ll be down in a second. She’s still tired after the flight.” Victor answered, just as his wife entered the room.
”Talking about me are you?” She asked, taking a seat. Rosa again entered the room and left down another dish, the final one.
”Anything else?” She asked.
”No thanks Rosa.” Victor said.
“Okay Mr Samson.” She said, returning to the kitchen to finish the desert. The family started to eat just as a cellphone started to ring. Chardonnay, Gabe, Victor and Nate all checked their phones, until they realised that they hadn’t got them with them.
”Sorry, it’s mine,” Leslie said, “I thought I’d left it upstairs.”
She took out the phone and spotted the name on the screen – Natasha Robertson.
“I better get it.” She said, walking out of the room. She closed over the door and pressed the answer button.
“Hello… Natasha, hi… Yes, this morning. It was great. We visited London as well… How are John and the children?… That’s great to hear… Where are you going?… Barbados, that sounds great… Of course we will take her in… When?… Okay then, I better go. We should meet for lunch tomorrow, in Mirage at one pm… Okay then, bye.”
***
Monday,
March 17th 2003, the Samson Mansion, mid morning
Judi Anders looked up as the front door of her sisters home opened. She saw the Samson maid, Rosa, standing in the doorway.
“Hello Ms Anders, how are you?” Rosa asked.
“I’m great. How about you?”
“The same as ever. Would you like to come in?”
“Is anyone home? I want to catch up with Leslie, as I haven’t seen her since she got back.”
“Yes, Mrs Samson is here. She is in the living room with the new wedding planner.”
”Thanks Rosa.” Judi said, closing the door behind her and walking over to the first door on the right side of the entrance hall. Judi slowly pushed the door open, and saw Leslie sitting down engrossed in a brochure, while the wedding planner at the window, making a call on her cellphone. She had her back turned to Judi.
“Hello, I was wondering if you could give me some information about the flowers your store does for weddings…”
Leslie looked up from what she’d been reading about three tier wedding cakes. She smiled as she spotted her sister.
“Hello.” She quietly said, not to interrupt the phone call.
“Hi.” Judi said, walking over to where Leslie was sitting. She picked up some pages and looked over them. One had a list of venues, including local churches, beaches, registry offices and parks. Lines had been drawn through almost all the possibilities. Judi left the pages down on the coffee table and turned to Leslie.
“So, how was the holiday?” She began, whispering.
“It was great. We left Austria a couple of days early to get to Paris, and then London. James and Charity said hello. I got some perfume for you in Paris. I’ll get it for you in a minute. Then we went to London and caught up with Ethan.”
”How was Cruella?” Judi asked.
“Calista? Same as usual. How have you and Kayla been?”
“We’ve been fine. Though I think Kayla and Nate have had a fight or something, as she’s been in a bad mood for a while now, and he hasn’t been round as much.”
“Wonder what it was about.” Leslie said, as Judi yawned.
“Oh, I’m so tired.” Judi said, covering her mouth.
”Why? More problems at the hospital?”
“They are understaffed, and one of the nurses has quit, but there is no replacement. I’ve been working double shifts for the past week, and haven’t got more than six hours sleep at a time.”
Sara, meanwhile, was almost finished on her phone.
“Okay then. You’ve got the address don’t you?… Thanks for your time, bye.” She said, before hanging up. Sara turned around and spotted Judi.
“Judi?”
Judi looked up at Sara.
”Sara?” Judi asked.
“Yes.” Sara answered, as Judi stood up. They shared a hug, both as surprised as the other.
“It’s been almost twenty years.” Sara said, pulling away from the hug first.
“We haven’t seen each other since I left for med school, have we?” Judi replied, as memories of her days in high school with Sara came flooding back.
“No, not since then. Oh, I can’t believe it. What are you doing here? Do you work here?” Sara asked, puzzled.
“No, Leslie is my sister. Don’t you remember her?”
“You’re Judi’s sister?”
Leslie nodded, with a faint smile on her face. She felt as if she watching one of those high school reunion programs on TV.
***
Samson
Enterprises, Lunchtime
Chardonnay pressed the button with an arrow pointing upwards as she waited for the elevator to arrive. She’d been working for the past four hours, and so far hadn’t faced anything to challenging. In fact, as Chardonnay thought about her morning, it had been more like a shopping trip than a day in the office.
For the entire morning she’d been testing perfumes and lipsticks for the fall/winter collection. Chardonnay knew her father probably had had something to do with her easy first morning.
Ding.
Chardonnay looked up and realised the elevator had arrived. After scanning the line of floor buttons, she pressed the bottom one, which actually led to the top of the building, where her father and Gabe’s offices were situated.
The doors of the elevator closed, and a minute later Chardonnay found herself on the top floor. The doors opened and Chardonnay noticed a man, waiting to get in. She looked at his face, and realised who he was.
”Luc!” She shouted, without realising how loud she had uttered the name of her former fiancé.
Next Time:
Chardonnay and Jean Luc catch up, as another Samson gets a shock.