X Plus Y Equals Love: Prospector's Cove, #3

PROLOGUE

November 07, 2012 ~ 10:37 am

Cole sat in the office of an attorney that, until yesterday, neither he nor his siblings had heard of. He had come up to them after the funeral and told them it was urgent that they be in his office no later than 10:30. Looking at his watch, he wondered what was keeping the man.

He looked at his siblings and could tell they were just as anxious as he was. His Aunt Kat on the other hand, seemed calm. Carol and Katharine Summersby were more than just sisters, they were best friends. They had no secrets from one another. What Carol knew, Kat knew and vise versa.

Mr. Murry will see you now, a pretty brunette mumbled. Standing, Cole watched Chase flirt and wink at her.

Ethan slapped their brother on the head.Cut it out. We’re here on mom’s behalf not to pick up chicks. Cole let out a snort as Anna laughed.

As they entered a large conference room Cole’s mind went to another secretary that had once caught his attention. He met Victoria at the firm he had worked at and they dated almost two years before getting engaged. When he had quit his job and sold his condo to care for his dying mother, she ended it. According to her, he was just being selfish. Silently, he laughed as he remembered her reaction when he called her a gold digging hussy. Not even a year after the break up, she had married one of his coworkers. Now, according to the rumor mill, they were getting divorced. Cole thanked his lucky stars for getting out of that relationship.

I do apologize for my tardiness. I had a last minute business call, the attorney said as he entered the room.

It’s quite alright, Mr. Murry, Kat responded. The attorney sat at the head of the table between Ethan and Kat. Chase sat on Kat’s left side while Cole and Anna sat on Ethan‘s right.

Can we get this going? Chase asked impatiently.

Hush up, young man. Kat snapped. Pardon my nephew’s behavior.

It’s alright. As I told you yesterday I am Franklin Murry. Your mother and I have been friends for a good number of years. We met years ago during a bridge tournament.

Why have we never heard of you? Ethan asked.

I’m not sure. Your mother was very proud of you all but she had a few secrets that she took with her. And before any of you ask, no there was nothing going on between your mother and me or this procedure would be very unethical. Everyone nodded as he pulled out a few manila file folders. As you all know the condo is to be sold and the profit split between you four. Her furniture, clothes and other possessions are to be donated to various women’s shelters. Kat, he begun as he handed her a folder, in there is a list of shelters and organizations she wants you to use. Also there are names of nieces, nephews and children that are to receive certain items, yourself included. Kat nodded as she wiped away a tear. The house is to go on the market no later than the week of Thanksgiving. It must be cleaned out completed by the time the realtor makes her run through. Anna, he started as he slid a folder across the table to her, in there is a list of cleaning services you're to use as well as the name of the realtor. Anna nodded as she took the folder. Cole, as you know there are some things that are in need of repairs. Here, he stated as he handed a folder to him, is a list of repairmen in the area. Interview them before making a decision. Cole nodded and started reading the list before Anna spoke.

Oh Cole, can we just use Luke? He’s in town. I bet he can use the money.

Oh that’s a wonderful idea. He’s very handy. Kat added.

Sure call him when we’re done here. I’m sorry for the interruption, Mr. Murry.

Not a problem. Chase, your mother wants you to clean out the garage. Everything is to be sold. I have a list of places that will take the stuff off your hands. He handed a folder to Chase who just nodded. Taking out a white envelope he looked at each of them before turning toward Ethan. Ethan, as the oldest she has left you with the responsibility of making sure everyone keeps the promises they made to her. She has written a letter and would like for you to read it out loud. Ethan nodded as he accepted the envelope. He opened it, removed the letter and scanned it. Cole saw her brothers eyes go from somber to anger in an instant. God only knew what Carol Summersby had put in that letter. This should be good, Cole thought as Ethan stood, cleared his throat and began to read aloud.

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My dearest family;

Since you are reading this I have gone to be with God and my Joe. I won’t say not to mourn me because I know Anna is emotional and has probably cried a ton by now. But don’t mourn too long. I want to look down from heaven and see you all smiling.

Kat, as I asked you before I need you to make sure they stick with their goals. You know what needs to be done and what I have asked of you.

My dear children, each of you sat in my hospital room in June of 2012 and talked to me about your individual goals. You all promised that you would do them. I know Anna has begun fulfilling hers. Boys give her space and let her be a woman. She can never get married and have babies if you don’t let her live and make her own mistakes.

Now a few years after your daddy passed away I opened a savings account for each of you and have deposited $50 every year on your birthday since. I also invested money into stocks and CD’s which I recently sold and divided the money between the four of you. Each account now holds an estimated amount of $66,753 and some change. My friend, Jackie Lawson, who works at the bank, will help with the distribution of the funds.

The money is to be used only for the purpose of your business plans. You may invest in each other’s businesses but you may not turn it down or say no to signing what I call the commitment clause. If one of you refuses to sign, no one gets the money. For now let’s call the money an investment on my part. I would like to see each of you not only succeed but happily married with children. Ethan John and Chase Alexander get that look of your faces right this minute. You don’t have a choice. You have three years after the date you receive the money to marry and start a family. Otherwise, your investment turns into a loan and you must pay it back to the charity of my choosing. As I said if you want to give the money to one of your siblings that is fine but you will still be responsible for your own loan. And remember everyone signs the commitment clause or no one gets the money. You have two weeks to decide. Once the commitment clause is signed you will receive a check or wire transfer from Ms. Lawson 30 days after that. I love you all and I want you to be as happy as your daddy and me were

Goodbye, my children. Love, Carol Anna Summersby

Well that sucks! She knows damn well that Ethan and I are not marriage material. I’m not signing it!

That’s a bit selfish isn’t it, Chase. While you and Ethan have lived off the government for the last decade or so, Anna and I have struggled. Sure, we all have our inheritance from Grandma and Grandpa but Anna and I have used most of ours. We could use that money.

Now who’s being selfish? I’m not signing....

Shut up, Chase. Cole’s right. We may not like it but for their sake we have to sign it.

Hold on, Ethan, you missed something, Mr. Murry said.

"I did not. Since it was addressed to me I don’t need to read it out loud.

I have information...

I don’t want it. That is a part of my life I’d soon forget. Let’s just sign the damn clause.

Anna, Mr. Murry started as he faced her, you have not said anything. How do you feel about it?

I’ll sign it and hope my nosy brothers will leave me alone long enough for me to find love and happiness.

Don’t you worry about that, baby girl. Boys, you will not interfere in Anna’s life or you will lose a part of your investment. Do I make myself clear? Kat said sternly. Cole nodded. At this point he’d agree to almost anything, just as long as he got that money. Cole was not happy about this anymore than the others but, unlike his brothers, he wanted a wife and children. Maybe being the youngest boy made him a bit sensitive at times and Chase had always teased him about it. Was he a wimp? Maybe but what Chase didn’t realize was that being the sensitive type made women want him more. Of course, Cole would never use a woman as his brother did. Carla, the secretary, came in to notarize the document and everyone signed it.

Here are your bank statements, Mr. Murray said as he handed them each a black vinyl covered bank book Before you leave Chicago make an appointment with Ms. Lawson at the bank. You’ll all need to see her together so she can explain how the transfer works. Do any of you have any questions? They all shook their heads. Great, then we are done. Kat, if you can hang back, I have something I need to discuss with you.

Okay, you kids go on back to the house. I’ll catch a cab back. Lisa and Mark are ordering BBQ for lunch.

We can wait for you if you want Aunt Kat. Cole offered.

No, I have a feeling this will take a while. Go on. They all nodded and headed out to the car. Once in the car Ethan was the first to speak.

Cole, you had no clue about any of this?

Not a one. Whenever I tried to discuss the Will with mom she always told me it was taken care of. I asked her once if she wanted me to talk to an attorney but she said he would contact us when the time came. And I am guessing that Aunt Kat knew about all this.

Of course she did. She and mom had no secrets from each other. Chase said. I’m just ticked off about the whole damn thing. I won’t touch the money because one, I won’t need it and two, I’m not getting married. Cole started the car and pulled out of the parking spot. As Ethan and Chase bickered back and forth, Cole’s mind went to the last conversation he had with his mother.

Remember Cole, you promised.

I know, mom. I will keep that promise.

And you’ll give Anna space?

Yes and I’ll make sure Chase and Ethan give her space as well.

That’s my good boy. She wants love.

So do I mom. I want what you and dad had.

Then someday you’ll have just that. I only hope that Ethan and Chase will settle down and find that same kind of love.

Cole laughed. I doubt that.

She smiled at him as she patted his hand. I think I’m going to turn in now.

Do you want to say goodnight to Anna?

She has already been in here. I love you, son.

I love you, mom. He had kissed her cheek and stood in the doorway watching her for a few minutes. The next morning she was gone. Just as he turned on to Lake Shore Drive he let out a deep sigh and silently said goodbye to his mother once again.

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I know you are listening from the heavens above, There’s nothing that I value more than your love. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, Your memories will always keep me smiling. By: Unknown Author.

ONE

May 18, 2013 ~ 03:54 pm

After spending most of her Saturday tutoring high school kids, Jess was ready for a night out with the girls. Her week with her college students had been no better. She wondered why they even signed up for her class if they weren’t going to do the work. Though she followed the curriculum she was strict. A pop quiz every Friday and a practice exam half way through the term. They were college kids, you’d think they would act like grownups.

Sighing, she turned the radio to KLUV and listened to her favorite oldies music. At one time she had hoped to be married with 2 or 3 kids and a dog by now. Laughing, she shook that thought out of her mind. Married? Jessica? Yeah right! What self respecting man would want a chubby girl like her. Again she sighed as she entered the freeway. A night out with the girls would surely heal what ailed her.

Twenty five minutes later Jess was singing along to her to a Buddy Holly song as she turned onto her street. Even though she didn’t have much or make much she had her little two bedroom home. Okay she was renting it but it was better than the hotel rooms she had lived in when she first arrived in Dallas five years ago. It took her almost two years to save up for a place. Her job had started out as part time and now she was full time. She worked part time in the summer but thank goodness she had her tutoring sessions.

Her best friend, Katelyn, was the first real friend she had since arriving in Texas. They had met during a CPR/First Aid training class and instantly bonded. At the time Katelyn had been widowed and raising two kids on her own. Well not completely alone, she had her other friends, Tina, Crystal and Holly. Tina was the godmother to both her kids and Crystal and Holly were honorary aunts. Now Katelyn was married again and along with his and her kids, they now had twins. Crystal married last year and was expecting her first child in October or November as was Holly. Though she was happy for her friends, she envied them. Why couldn’t she have that? Why couldn’t she have a man look at her like that? Looking down at her body, the answer came to her just as the haunting words did. You’re a fat cow and no man will ever want you. Tears threatened to spill as she pulled into her driveway. Shaking off the feeling, she got out of her car as her landlord stepped on the porch with a middle age couple.

Mr. Green? Is everything okay? she asked as she pulled her book bag from the trunk.

No, Jessica, it’s not. I had some financial problems and I can’t afford to keep this property anymore. The bank was ready to foreclose. Luckily, this couple came in and bought it.

Oh! I’m sorry for your troubles. Are they my new landlords?

I’m afraid not, ma’am, the older man sneered at her. My wife and I bought this place for our daughter. We’ll need you to relocate before the first of June.

What? That’s only two weeks away. I can’t find a place that quickly. Mr. Green, you’re supposed to give me a thirty day notice.

Well, one, you are behind on your rent and two, since we don’t have a real lease I can do what I want. On the first if you are still here, I’ll have a moving crew come in and remove your things. Now angry, Jess stormed past the trio and into her home. After slamming the door, she threw her bag on the floor and slid down the wall crying. Why did bad things happen to her? First she was forced to leave her home in Wisconsin and now she was being forced out of her home in Dallas. What would she do? She then remembered her friend Holly had a condo for rent. As she dug out her phone she made her way to her sofa.

Hey girl! I was just about to call you. I’ll be there in a little bit, Katelyn answered.

I’m not sure I can go now.

What’s wrong? Have you been crying?

My landlord sold my place out from under me. I have two weeks to move.

He can’t do that! He has to give you a thirty day notice.

That’s what I said but he reminded me that we don’t have a real lease and I’m behind on rent. Does Holly still have that condo for rent?

No, I’m sorry. Cole moved into it a few weeks ago. Once again the tears begun to fall.

I guess I’ll be moving into a hotel again.

No, you'll come stay with us.

I can’t do that.

Why not? You’re not secretly a nudist are you?

That made Jess laugh. No, I’m not secretly a nudist. Are you sure, Katelyn? Maybe you should talk to ...

Jess, this is Kevin. You are coming to stay with us. No questions asked.

Well, okay but I have to be out before the first.

Just tell me when you’re ready and I’ll bring a crew over to help you move.

Let’s just do it next weekend.

Are you sure that will give you time?

I don’t have a choice. I want to be out of here before the first.

Great. Here’s Katelyn back.

Okay, so it’s set? Katelyn asked as her voice came on the line.

Yes.

Good, now go shower and get ready I’ll be there in twenty minutes. We’re meeting the girls at the bar.

Okay. Let yourself in when you get here. Jess hung up laughing at her friend as she headed to the bathroom.

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May 25, 2013

With the last box packed and sitting by the front door, Jess took one last look around. She wanted to make sure she got everything. As she leaned up against the wall her eyes filled with tears. How had her life come to this? Everything she owned was either packed away in a U-Haul, in her little Chevy Beretta or in Doug’s truck.

True to his word Kevin had showed up at nine sharp with a U-Haul and his two sons. His brother-in-law, Doug, and his friend, Jason, arrived a short time later with coffee and breakfast from McDonalds. After everyone was done stuffing their faces they spent the morning packing what she had not. Then they started loading things in the moving van and Doug’s truck to go to the storage shed. The small stuff she was taking with her went in her car. At noon Karen had dropped off lunch and took the boys to soccer practice.

Is this the last box? Jason asked as he stepped in the door.

Yes. It goes in the front seat of my car. Jason picked up the box and headed out. After taking one last look around, she stepped on the porch, placed the keys in an envelope and slipped them in the mailbox. Goodbye, she whispered to her old home. Yes she said goodbye to the house. Why not? It was the first home she had felt safe in since leaving Wisconsin.

You okay, Jess? Kevin asked as he and Doug joined her.

Just a bit melancholy. I hate moving.

I hear ya. Doug stated. We moved around a lot when I was little. It wasn’t until my dad got a job working on the ranch that I felt at home. I was eight then. Kevin and I became friends almost right away.

Kevin let out a snort. Bull! You had a chip on your shoulder and thought you were too good for ‘us hick-town folks’. It took me knocking your lights out to straighten up your ass. They both laughed.

True dat, bro, Doug said as he gave Kevin a fist bump. Then when my dad died I thought for sure I was going to have to move again.

"How old were you?’

I was eleven. Kevin’s parents gave my mom a job and built us a home.

That’s nice. You have a nice family, Kevin.

And you have not met everyone yet.

Jess snorted. So your wife has told me. I think she’s trying to fix me up with Cole. She talks him up every chance she gets.

I can talk to her if you like, Kevin chuckled.

Nah! Let her have her fun. It won’t go anywhere.

You never know, Jess. Love finds us all. Right, Kev? Doug snickered as he slapped Kevin on the back.

Kiss my ass, Waters. You are no better.

Don’t make me kick your ass, Kev.

You wish. The two bantered back and forth as they made their way to the vehicles.

Jess shook her head as she laughed at the two. Are they always like this? she asked Jason.

Always.

Should we separate them?

Nah, we’ll just tell their wives. Once again she laughed as she climbed into her car.

Alright you punk asses get in your vehicles and let’s head out. Jason hollered. That started a three way punching match.

I’m telling your wives! She yelled at the trio before putting her car in drive. Looking in the rearview mirror she saw the three men scrambling to get into the trucks. She was grateful to have her friends in her life but she wondered about Cole. Katelyn had said he and Kevin looked more like brothers. Kevin was a nice looking man and it made her wonder about Cole. What did he really look like? She doubted that he would want her. After all who wanted a chubby girl.

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People often say that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that your are the beholder. This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves. By: Selma Hayek

TWO

May 27, 2013 ~10:23 am

After helping kidnap her best friend’s kids, Jessica spent the morning tutoring her normal group. She then spent an hour in the gym before going to Karen’s to shower and get ready for a special board meeting called by the powers that be.

As she entered the office she was greeted by Dannie, the secretary to the President of the school. The woman gave her a soft smile as she led her into a large conference room.

Ms. Jenkins is here, Dannie called out after opening the door. Jess returned her smile before stepping into the room. There were five people sitting at a long table. One was George Collins, the President of the school. The next was the head of her department, Harry Michaels. The other three she did not know.

Ms. Jenkins, please have a seat. Mr. Michaels instructed. Let me introduce you to everyone. You know President Collins. Next to him is Carson Mayor, who is Dean of students. Then there is Kyle Stephens, who is the attorney for the school. And last is Mary Scolffeld. She is the head of our financial department.

Good afternoon to you all, she greeted.

Ms. Jenkins, President Collins began, after doing extensive research we made the decision to make some cut backs. We don’t have the funds to employ the amount of teachers we once had.

You’re firing me?

We’ll give you an excellent severance pay as well as a great recommendation.

"Why me?

There are a number of people we are letting go. We just don’t have the number of students we used to. A lot of them are going to universities or doing online courses. Tears threatened to spill but she refused to let them see her cry. Your last day is June seventh. Make sure you give Dannie your complete address on your way out. The five stood, which told her the meeting was over. She walked out, gave Dannie her address and stalked toward the parking lot. Once inside her car she let out