THE Ultimate Bond

Chapter One

There was nothing that could subside the grief, regret and guilt that plagued Dr. Parker Spears. No matter how hard he exerted efforts to alleviate the day of its miserable and all-consuming pain, the grip it had on him was too overwhelming.

Busying himself by writing was the route Parker decided to take to eradicate the powerful heartache. However, the words colliding in his thoughts were the exact ones that made it to his notepad. The phrases were falsely accusing him of not being the innovative writer he was renowned for by his novels. For two hours, he desperately tried to eke out a few lines for his book, but nonsensical phrases on twenty-six pages ended their existence in the trash can by his desk. Even as determined as he was, he couldn’t release a concentrated focus. Forcing words on paper proved fruitless. Parker ultimately decided there was no reason to continue, and the only way to release his pandemonium-like thoughts was to magically skip the afternoon and evening. Since that wasn’t possible, he submitted to the overwhelming gushes of flashbacks.

He roamed from the study to the kitchen and then to the living area where the expansive glass wall overlooked the ocean. Pressing his mind against the windowpane to the past was excruciatingly painful.

It was exactly one year ago to the day that his close friend, Jody Bond, was killed in an accident that devastated Parker for months. He strived earlier to put that behind him, but right now it was like an explosion of fireworks gone wrong in his mind. He hadn’t even been close to the scene when Jody died, but he had managed to make himself partly responsible. Deeply ingrained was the constant if only streaming through his reasoning, even being cognitive that it was an unfortunate and horrendous turn of events that ended Jody’s life.

As deep as the emotional wounds were, he managed to smile slightly when he thought of Jody and their friendship. They were brothers in every sense of the word, even though there was no relation. Some people thought they looked alike, and that was largely attributed to their similar mannerisms. Parker and Jody could sit around a mountain campfire or on the beach dunes for hours talking about life in general, both leaving with a little more insight they had not been aware of previously. Their roster of events had included traveling around the world, attending golf tournaments and tennis matches, as well as baseball and football games. Parker missed the camaraderie with Jody, and the loss never seemed to get easier. Even though he had many friends, Parker admitted that Jody was one of a kind, and no one could ever replace him.

Jody Bond’s adventurous spirit led him to experience life that others could only dream of. He was known as Charleston’s Ultimate Bond because of his love for exploring and consuming what his paths had to offer and reveling in even the slightest bit of excitement. He could make a mundane situation extraordinarily stimulating.

Parker gazed at the ocean from his home on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Struggling to free his thoughts from the night Jody was killed became moderately successful when he embarked on a beachside walk. That was where he could always relax his racing mind. If there was ever a place he could become thoughtless, it was in the presence of the soothing beach elements. However, the cool breeze swept in more nostalgic moments of a different kind, and he made no effort to stop them.

His time travel shifted him to some twenty years earlier. It was the summer he turned eighteen when he met a special young girl named Sunny. Unaware at the time and because of Sunny’s influence, Parker’s shallow teenage existence began to take shape into a new world.

Sunny was the all-too-common nickname bestowed upon the not-at-all-too-common young girl. She was magical, to say the least, leaving a steadfast imprint on the lives she touched, even if it amounted only to a brief moment. A life of true bliss emanated from Sunny, yet the adversity trampling her world at the tender age of fourteen was volatile, according to what was relayed to Parker at that time. He had been spared the sordid details of her young years, only being informed that it was vastly inappropriate and damaging. That was enough for him to hear. At eighteen, he didn’t possess the inclination to hear about someone else’s traumatized life. Besides, he thought he had enough problems of his own. But, somehow the effects of the time spent with Sunny stuck with him.

He recalled how Sunny subtly and unknowingly manipulated his perceptions. Because of her, he slowly tapped into his own valuable privilege and right to choices. To him, she was his awareness coach during the short-lived encounter so long ago, and she still remained so now. Rarely did a day go by that some thought of Sunny didn’t invade his thoughts. If it wasn’t the inspiring conversations he had with her or her shattered life that penetrated his vivid recollections, it was her amazing attitude he would fondly recall.

Parker secretly credited Sunny for steering him in the direction of his life purpose. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, he began his career as a high school guidance counselor, an avenue that enabled him to discover his gift of motivating and inspiring students to accomplish in life what they once deemed as impossible. While he was gaining experience working with students, he earned a master’s degree and followed that with a doctorate in psychology. Soon after, he took a leap of faith to become an author, combining his knowledge of human nature with his writing skills.

Now, he had ten bestselling novels to his name. The books were all somewhat based on people he had met, meshing traits of several into one individual. The contents of each writing explored all facets of life with the how, when, where, and why they lived a fulfilling life despite factors that could have held them back. His books appealed to a wide audience since the characters faced similar battles that related to everyone in some form.

As Parker looked at his mini-mansion, a Mediterranean style beachfront home, he was thankful for all that had come his way. At thirty-eight, his financial portfolio proved he was quite wealthy, he traveled whenever and wherever he desired, and friendships on Kiawah Island and throughout the country were abundant and solid. The contributions he made to the Charleston area were considerable, and he was highly respected and recognized for his generosity and active involvement.

Just because he was considered an expert in human relations didn’t necessarily make it so when it came to him personally. He had challenges just like everyone else. For the most part, he handled situations with ease. But, there were those hurdles he couldn’t get past, and some he just wouldn’t.

At this time, he wasn’t interested in an involved relationship, mainly because of the dissolved one he went through one year earlier with Clarissa Raines, his ex-fiancé. That ended the same day Jody died. The entanglement was a tarnished bit of history he wouldn’t let go. She left an unhealed sore spot in Parker. He rarely dated any woman more than twice and found himself nitpicking over minor flaws in each of them. Even though Parker was aware of what he was doing, it didn’t make him stop. He concluded that there wasn’t anyone who really appealed to him or could hold his interest for more than a few hours. The bitterness he held for the time he spent with Clarissa was overflowing, and it influenced how he felt about any woman he was around.

The most detrimental upheaval that resulted from that affair was the torn relationship with his sister, Jeannie. That conflict perpetuated Parker’s regret. He hadn’t communicated with Jeannie for almost two years, and he missed her terribly. Every time he thought about Jeannie, the contempt he held for Clarissa grew stronger. She was the central figure in causing the sibling relationship to fall apart.

His thoughts wandered back to the book he was writing about Sunny. He had known from the very beginning of his writing career that he would eventually write about her because of the impact she had on his life. The only drawback was he had no clue where she was, how she was, or what she was doing now. Every attempt to locate her was futile. So, the novel was based on her life twenty years earlier, along with what he imagined her life would be now. Of course, his works were mainly fictional. But, this book was personal, and his preference was to possess recent documentation about Sunny to connect the dots. That information wasn’t attainable.

Suddenly, Parker was jolted out of reminiscing about Jody Bond, Sunny, his relationships, and his writing when a phone call put him back into the present. He welcomed the call when he recognized the number of his close friend in Columbia.

What’s going on? Mark Windham asked before Parker could get out a hello.

I’m enjoying a walk on the beach, Parker answered. What’s happening on your end? And, how is your lovely wife?

Quiet today. Pam is quite well, and she’s out shopping now. I’ve been here all day drawing up some house plans when I’m not watching the sailboats here on Lake Murray. I’d like to run something by you, but first I want to see how you’re making it through today, Mark said, referring to the anniversary of Jody’s death.

It hasn’t been the easiest, but now that you’ve called, it’s better. Thanks for asking. What is it that you want to run by me?

Well, I’ve been giving your quest for finding someone to manage your home quite a bit of thought.

You mean a manager to oversee the landscaping, cleaning, painting, repairs, etcetera, as well as a long list of other tasks?

Yeah, all of that, Mark said with a slight laugh.

Parker was more than eager to find someone dependable, trustworthy, and reliable to take charge of managing workers coming to his home. Because the impending months would be mainly devoted to writing, Parker was in need of assistance, freeing him of any unnecessary interruptions and distractions. And, if possible, he wanted the same individual to take care of the daily routine work.

So, Mark, during your brainstorming, did you come up with any ideas? Parker inquired.

Of course. That’s why I brought it up.

Okay, fill me in.

Do you remember Pam and me telling you about Julia Browning?

Wait a minute, Parker said as he searched his memory files to recall where and when he heard the name. No, I don’t remember…oh, yes I do. Is she the one who looked after your home while you and Pam went to Ireland? The same person that took care of having the roof and house repaired after the ice storm?

Yeah, that’s Julia.

Apparently, this is the same person you have in mind to come here.

Yes, indeed. Pam and I have known her for four years, and we’re both of the opinion that this would be an excellent opportunity for her and for you.

Can you give me a little more information about her?

She is a very pleasant, lovely person, and she is quite intelligent. Julia has been instrumental in setting up several programs for the school district, but she is now ready to move on with her life.

And, why would being a house manager be a part of moving to another part of her life?

Honestly, Parker, she needs a break from what she has been involved in the past few years. When she expressed an interest in working in an unconventional environment and devoting her free time to personal research, your need for someone came to mind. She has already resigned from the school system so she can concentrate on another avenue for the near future. Since you are planning to sell your home the first of next year, this opportunity would be perfect for her since she isn’t looking for anything long-term. And, she would have nights and weekends free to pursue her personal endeavors. Right?

Right, Mark. But, do you think she can handle things around here just based on having your house repaired while you were out of the country and working for the school system?

Trust me, Parker. You wouldn’t find any person more capable of handling what you need to be done there. I can guarantee that.

Is she assertive, and does she have good people skills? She would be dealing with several companies of workers, and that requires someone who relates well.

Yes and yes. She’s a very personable lady, and if there is anyone who can communicate and get her point across in an exemplary manner, it’s Julia.

Okay, Mark. So far, she sounds promising. Should I call her, or are you going to let her know about the job?

Pam and I have already told her about it to see if she would be interested.

And?

She’s ready to meet with you.

When do you think that would be?

How does tomorrow morning sound?

Suits me. She sounds pretty anxious about this.

That was our suggestion since she will be visiting a friend of hers in Charleston. Pam or I can go ahead and ask her to take a side trip to Kiawah, and I’ll be a couple of hours behind her. I’m meeting a client at the Isle of Palms for a few minutes in the afternoon. Before I meet with him, I thought you and I could have lunch in Charleston, and I can fill you in on some more details about Julia.

That sounds great.

By the way, Parker, you mentioned at one time you may consider a house manager living in your guest quarters.

Yeah, I did say that, Parker responded. "But, I may have spoken too soon about those living arrangements. Will that be a problem, or have you already said something to her?"

No, it won’t be an issue. If this works out for you, Julia can easily find a place to live in Charleston. And, no, we didn’t even bring up the guest quarters in the conversation.

I look forward to meeting her and seeing you tomorrow, Parker said as they were ending the conversation.

Oh, Parker, one more thing. I almost forgot to mention something important which is a must for you to know about Julia.

Oh, no, here it comes. Just when she is sounding like the ideal solution to my situation, now you’re going to tell me something that’s contrary to the exceptional remarks you’ve made about her.

She is an excellent cook, grills like no one else, and bakes to the heart’s content.

Hey, Mark, in that case, I don’t need to interview her, knowing that I’ll have my own personal chef! Parker excitedly responded with a joking inflection in his voice.

Parker’s friendship with Mark began when Mark was drawing up house plans for Jody Bond ten years ago. Mark and Pam had come to his rescue several times after Jody died as soon as they detected he was becoming a recluse and falling into a depressive state. Mark was eleven years older than Parker, and Parker looked to him not only as a close friend but also as an older brother figure. There were times Mark would give Parker fatherly advice even when he didn’t ask for it. But, Parker always considered Mark’s valuable input with a breath of kindness.

However, Parker was somewhat reticent about Mark’s recommendation. If he didn’t think that Julia would be suitable for the job when he interviewed her, he wouldn’t be thrilled about telling Mark and Pam. Creating a possible rift in their ten-year friendship wasn’t an outcome he relished. But, he was jumping ahead of himself. At any rate, he was hopeful that Julia would be well-suited for his needs.

Parker was cautiously optimistic that there was a possibility someone would be taking over the burden of running his home. A cleaning service would come to his house every two weeks, but he needed much more than a surface touch up now. He had interviewed three people for the house manager position the previous week. All were supposedly qualified, but he wasn’t impressed. The first applicant appeared to be more interested in beach activities, and from her frolicking eyes and flippant comments, he was pretty sure she would have parties at his home while he was traveling. The duration of the next interview was cut short after the young lady scoped him out from head to toe and spilled out some suggestive and daring innuendos. Her mind was not on working. The last person brazenly laid out her rules of what she would and would not do, declaring that she would need an assistant, and that person was her best friend. All three candidates raised brilliant red flags that waved vigorously.

As soon as he returned to the house, he scarfed down a handful of chocolate covered peanuts, the only nutrition he had taken in that day. He then phoned security at the first gate, informing them that Julia would be arriving the next morning. Immediately after, a friend called inviting him to supper, along with several mutual friends. For Parker, that invitation couldn’t have come at a better time. It would take his wandering mind off Jody and give him the opportunity to catch up with people he hadn’t seen in months.

The evening turned out to be more rejuvenating than he imagined. So much so that when he returned home, he resumed writing again. His thoughts were no longer hazily displaced, and, unlike earlier, the words he wrote about Sunny made complete sense. He still had momentary flashbacks about Jody, but they weren’t weighing him down as the case was earlier.

Parker’s writing fruitfully flowed through the night. He completed two chapters as well as beginning another. His sudden energetic state change he attributed to speaking with Mark and spending time with friends. And, he couldn’t deny that he was looking forward to the interview with Julia. From what Mark relayed to him, Parker was on the verge of believing that she could positively influence his chaotic days. It wasn’t until five o’clock in the morning that he finally went to sleep, forgetting to set the alarm an hour before Julia’s expected arrival.

The bumpy ride he had the past day was finally taking a toll on him. However, he had no clue that a roller coaster ride of a different magnitude would soon be in store for him.

Chapter Two

Parker was awakened by the neighbors’ dogs profusely barking as