A Love Lost, A Love Found
Parts 19-20
Towers
Dinner went nicely. Everyone is mingling now. Michelle, Danny and Sandy talked about everything except Michelle and Danny's situation, Claire, Jesse, and Theresa. Michelle introduced Danny to everyone. Sandy was introduced as her friend for now. They still wanted to confront their mother.
"Wow. That was great. I am having such a good time." Sandy is rubbing her stomach. She has on a black crepe pants suit. The fitted jacket is single breasted with four buttons up the front. Sandy has all her clothing tailored. Her father had insisted on it. He was very successful and spared no expense where his daughter was concerned. She wore 2-carat diamond studs and a lovely diamond tennis bracelet. Her bright blue eyes were beautiful. Her dark hair made them stand out even more. She was so confident in her beauty, that she rarely ever wore dresses or skirts. Never anything fancy. That bugged her father, but he let her be. Sandy was a strong, beautiful woman.
Michelle had always noticed this about Sandy. All of a sudden she looked up to Sandy. Michelle wondered if she had gotten her strong grace from their mother. She was satisfied with dinner as well as she replied, "Me too. I wonder where our mother is? Do you think she is still coming?"
"You know what? She was probably never going to come. Let's face it, she abandoned us both, me to some degree and you altogether. Maybe she can't face us." Sandy is actually furious with her mother's secret, but hasn't let on to Michelle or Danny her true feelings.
"Well, I don't care. We have each other now." And Michelle really means it.
"And you have Danny. He's a good man, Michelle."
"Yes. I know. I found out too late, but not too late to save my marriage. Anybody special in your life?"
"No. Just school. I haven't..." She's interrupted by Danny.
"Hey guys. Your mother hasn't showed up yet, huh?" Danny walks up to stand between them.
Michelle takes his left hand and encloses it in both of hers. "No. Not yet. Danny did you get a chance to talk to my father?"
"Well he, Ross and Rick were talking and I just didn't feel like I fit in. I did however enjoy talking to your cousins Alan-Michael and Bridgette. That Bridgette's a riot."
"Yeah...she's something else. I don't know how Dylan copes."
They are all startled by a soft pleading voice. "Michelle, I am so sorry I'm late."
"Dahlia! Oh my goodness. I missed you so much." Michelle releases Danny's hand and turns to hug her friend.
"I missed you, too. You have a LOT of explaining to do."
"I know. This is my husband, Danny Santos. And my sister, Sandy Jones." Michelle motions towards Sandy.
"Your what?! Oh, I've been gone too long. Hi I'm Dahlia." Dahlia shakes both their hands.
"Nice to meet you. Danny why don't we go get some air while Michelle and Dahlia catch up."
"Sure. We won't be too long." He gives Michelle a tender peck on the lips and smiles at Dahlia before walking away with Sandy.
"Wow! He's a hottie! What happened to Jesse? And dare I say where is Shrew?"
"Dahlia, behave. Drew is actually the reason Danny and I are married." She proceeds to tell her the whole the story.
"And you guys actually fell in love? Geez. I think I'm gonna cry. Well Marcus and I broke up for good. But we are still friends. And what about your sister?"
"Well you're the only one we've told. So keep it under wraps. We're waiting for our mother to get here."
"Wow, your life sounds like a soap opera right now. Hey do you mind if I mingle? I haven't seen everyone in so long."
Michelle laughs at her first comment. "Sure go ahead."
Michelle finds herself all alone. She decides to go to the powder room. The one adjacent to the Promenade Room is being remodeled so she has to go to the one next to the Orchid Room. She relieves herself and is washing her hands when she hears her name.
"Michelle Bauer."
She takes a deep breath before looking up in the mirror. "It's Michelle Santos."
"Not for long. My son will come to his senses. You do not deserve him. Do not think you won't get exactly what you do deserve, though."
"Excuse me, but it sounds like you are threatening this young lady and I wouldn't if I were you."
Obviously irritated by this stranger's intrusion Carmen spats out, "And you would be?"
"Her mother."
"I don't think so. Michelle told me her mother died when she was thirteen. Now if you don't mind..."
"Oh, but I do mind. So just back off or you will be sorry." Claire had stepped forward until she was eye to eye with Carmen. "I know who you are and you don't scare me at all."
Carmen says through clinched teeth, "Well, you should be scared. And that is most definitely a threat."
Michelle finally speaks up. "You know what? Both of you can just go to hell." And with that said, she turns and leaves Claire and Carmen staring at the door to the powder room.
______________________
Towers
"Yeah. It's David. I'm at Towers. You won't believe who I just saw…Claire Ramsey…I have the picture you gave me…remember?… Yes, I believe it was, judging by the way Michelle just stormed out of the ladies room that Claire just went into. Oh wait. Carmen just came out too. Let me go see what's going on. I'll check in later."
David waits for Claire to come out and approaches her. "Excuse me."
"Yes?"
"Are you Dr. Ramsey?"
"Yes…do I know you?" Claire is still tense from her confrontation with Carmen.
The beauty of this older woman mesmerizes David. She doesn't look a day over 30. And her sparkling blue eyes…
Claire repeats herself. "Do I know you?"
"Um…yes. I'm David Grant; Dr. Grant's son. My mother is Vivian Grant."
"Oh my goodness. I haven't seen you since you were a toddler. How are your parents? How's your sister?" Claire is gripping his arms and gently shaking him; like he's a child.
He still can't get over her beauty. But suddenly remembers his mission. "My parents are fine. Gilly is in New York now. She's a hot shot anchor woman."
Claire lets his arms go and takes out a business card and hands it to him. "That's great. Here you go. Have either your mother or father call me. I don't know how long I will be in Springfield, but they can reach me via the pager number. It's good seeing you David. You have grown into a fine young man. We'll catch up later. I have some business I need to attend to." She gives him a warm hug and sets off to find her daughters.
David gets his phone out and calls his contact. "It is definitely her…Beautiful…she may be here awhile…abrupt at first, then warm once I told her who I was…Carmen?…Alright, Roger. I'm on it. I told you I would look after Michelle."
David hangs up but his phone rings. "David Grant...what! Hart's been shot...by Dinah??? Thanks" He ends the call just as Bridgette and Dylan are walking out of the Promenade waiting room. He quickly dials Roger again. "You need to get here now. Dinah shot Hart...I'm on my way to the hospital now. I'll pick up watching Michelle, Claire, Carmen and Danny once you get here." Once again he hangs up and puts his phone away.
"There you are. I have been waiting for you." Bridgette comes over and gives David a hug.
"Hey, you. I got held up. What's up Dylan?" Dylan and David shake hands.
"Nothing much. So what made you late?"
David is blunt. "Dinah shot Hart. I'm going to the hospital now. Dinah is missing. Do you guys want to follow me?"
"Yes. Is that okay Dylan?" Bridgette asks trying to hold back her tears and hide her fear.
"Absolutely. Let's go." They leave.