The sound of her cell phone ringing woke her up. Chelsea was shocked to see it was daylight. And more shocked to see she was in bed alone. The phone kept ringing. “Hello?” she asked hoarsely. Her mouth was dryer than the desert and she had a slight headache. It must be the heat. She had turned the air condition down last night because she didn’t want it to be too cold in the room. After all, she didn’t want Derek having trouble – down below. “Morning, sunshine. The Dawson jet will be picking us up at noon,” Derek said. “Huh?” she nearly coughed. “You got a hangover or something? I said the family jet will be picking us up at noon. So be ready.” “What time is it?” “Nine o’clock.” “What happened to you last night?” “Oh, yeah. Sorry about that. Mike wanted to make it an all-nighter. We slept it off in my room here at the Pierre.” You jerk! I didn’t pa
Everyone was surprised to see Chelsea home six days early. She had just said the heat and humidity were too much to deal with in New Orleans and she’d go back in the fall or winter. Chelsea had unpacked, but she left her clothes on the bed. She was wondering if she should pick out something for Sunday dinner now or wait until tomorrow morning. The outfit has to be just right. No. What’s pressing now is what I should wear to The Oasis tonight. So, Chelsea started combing through her walk-in closet. There was a knock at the door. “Come in!” The door opened. Chelsea came out of her closet to find Chastity in her room. “Why are you pulling your closet apart?” Chastity asked. “I’m going out tonight and I have to find an outfit.” “Uh huh,” she said as she slowly sat down in a chair. “What did you do?” “What do you mean?” “I mean you did
The Van Dyke Estate Where the hell is he? Chelsea thought with nervousness and impatience. Dinner started twenty minutes ago. We’re only having five courses tonight. “Caitlin,” her mother began. “How was dinner with Hector last night?” “Great, actually. I had no idea we would get along so well. Thanks for encouraging me to go out with him,” Caitlin said and stuck a cooked carrot in her mouth. “Victoria,” her father began almost sternly. “Are you talking about Hector Beaumont?” Hector was the man you set Caitlin up with a date last night?” “Yes,” her mother answered simply. “Are you crazy, Victoria?” her father asked loudly. “He’s only seven years younger than me. Therefore, old enough to be Caitlin’s father.”“It’s okay, Daddy,” Caitlin said quickly. “You know I usually date older men.”“Not that damn old,” her father spat with disgust.Chelsea had to agree with him. Hector Beaumont was older than dirt
The next night . . . Derek had called his mother that morning to inform her he was coming over for dinner and he was bringing a guest. “That’s fine, darling. In that case, we’ll have cocktails before dinner instead of after. Bring your . . . guest over at seven,” her mother had said. When the Dawsons had guests for dinner, they always had before dinner cocktails for socializing. Derek had picked up Chelsea at the estate. Considering what happened last night, he just waited for her in his yellow Ferrari. They rode in silence until they got on the interstate. “So, has the news settled in the Van Dyke household?” Derek asked. “Not really. Daddy wouldn’t come down for breakfast. He just left for the office without saying goodbye to anyone. Chastity . . . Well, she had said she knew I did something stupid in New Orleans and walked away. Caitlin and Mother are trying to be supportive, though.”
The next day . . . Chelsea took Chastity and Caitlin to her new home Derek bought for her before they rode into the city for lunch. “Isn’t it the most romantic gift a man has ever given a woman?” Chelsea fake swooned. In reality it was the most asinine and alienating gift a man has ever given to a woman. What man would by his wife a house for her to live in it alone? Despite the circumstances of the union. “It’s very nice,” Caitlin said as she looked around at the vaulted ceilings in the living room. “Hmm. Yes. It is a lovely house,” Chastity said thoughtfully. She actually sounded like she meant it. “I admit I have an ulterior motive in bringing you here – Caitlin,” Chelsea admitted. “I was wondering if you would help me decorate it?” “Really?” Caitlin said as her eyebrows rose. “This is a gift of love from your husband. Surely you don’t want me tampering with it.” “Well, I don’t want you
Chelsea finally broke. She was sick and tired of Catherine pestering the hell out of her about the damn prenup. So, she got her copy of the prenup out of her safety deposit box and went to Catherine’s law firm. If Catherine is willing to help me out, maybe Daddy will speak to me again and attend the reception. Catherine’s secretary escorted Chelsea into her sister’s office. Catherine’s desk to was clear glass and the legs were gray steel. A large backed white leather chair was behind it. The carpet was a faded pink. The office also had a sitting area with a dark pink sofa and two white arm chairs. “Sister,” Catherine greeted with a nod. “Is that it?” she asked as she gestured to the manila envelope under Chelsea’s arm. “Yes, but . . . we have to settle something first.” “Which is?” Catherine asked with one eyebrow cocked. Chelsea did what she had learned from her big sister. She pulled a dollar out. “I
Mr. and Mrs. Carlton T. Van Dyke invites you to a celebration where a special announcement will be made. Join us for the formal black-tie event at six p.m. on July 31st at the Van Dyke EstateThey had invited a little over a hundred people. And most of them actually showed up to Chelsea’s surprise. The party was at such short notice she thought most of the guests would have prior plans.“Any sign of Daddy?” Chelsea whispered.“I’m afraid not,” Chastity said as she looked around the crowded living room. Her twin’s hair was in a tightly pulled bun. She wore a pink gown with sleeves.Chelsea blew out. Her blonde curls were pulled back in a cascading curls updo. She wore a long form-fitting ivory tube dress. Ruching made up the bodice. A matching shawl hung on her elbows. “Georgie isn’t here either.”“Well, consid
Extra! Extra! Read All About! By: Judy Budd This weekend, this reporter had the pleasure and honor to attend a surprise wedding reception hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Van Dyke. They announced the marriage of their daughter, Chelsea, to New York’s now former playboy, Derek Dawson! It was only two months ago when Derek was discovered playing the eighteenth hole with three Dandridge granddaughters. Now, he’s married! Has the playboy truly hung up his black book once and for all? All we can do is wait and see.