A Memory Unchained (10 page)

ceeded to introduce her as “His Representative” of his new fall design collection in America.

She blushed as the audience applauded!

88 __________________Gloria Graham

Grant made his way toward her. “Well, may I say again,

how does it feel to be the ‘chosen one’ of Rex Dupar?”

Pamela smiled. She was on top of the world. It seemed

unreal that everything should be going so right!

“I am a very lucky woman,” she answered wistfully.

Grant stayed close beside her the rest of the evening,

making sure everyone had a chance to meet her person-

ally.

Pamela thought how wrong she had been in her first

impression of him. She actually liked him! He was hand-

some, attentive, and much too young for her, she reminded herself. She still couldn’t get over the familiar feeling she had about him.

Grant wanted her to meet him the next day. After

much persistence, she finally agreed to have lunch with

him. When he started to leave the ballroom, he turned

back to blow her a kiss.

Pamela took a second look and for a brief moment

he reminded her of Jeff Desmond. As she waved she had

a glowing feeling. Was it because a younger man acted

interested in her or did he remind her of Jeff? She was

disturbed by the feelings stirring inside her.

The Paris sky was clear in the crisp air felt good as she arrived back at her hotel. There was a knock on the door

and another dozen roses were delivered.

The note read simply, “I miss you, Jeff.”

Lying in bed that night, she wondered why she let

everyone and everything remind her of Jeff. Could she be

in love with Him?

She had a sharp sense of missing him terribly.

“It can’t be, I won’t let it. He’s not the kind of man I

A Memory Unchained___________ 89

should fall in love with,” she reminded herself. But the

memory of their time together at the beach house and his

tender kiss taunted her.

Pamela closed her eyes. She could smell the aroma

of his aftershave; she could hear his tender, gentle voice!

She shivered! Tears streamed down her face. “Stop it!” she demanded of herself. “This is kid’s stuff! I’m too old to be so foolish! Didn’t he kiss and run? You were taken once,

don’t be again!” she scolded.

Her dreams that night were distorted, filled with Jeff

and a slow chase through Paris in her blue chiffon gown,

with Grant Mondane holding her hand and Rex comfort-

ing her at the end of the chase.

The next day at lunch, Grant turned on all his charm.

He insisted on showing her his favorite places in Paris. He planned their last stop to be at a small intimate café on the banks of the River Seine. The soft glow of candlelight and the strolling troubadour’s music made her feel especially warm inside. Grant took advantage of the moment. He

leaned over the tiny table; his eyes sparkled in the flickering candlelight.

“I think I love you!” he said nonchalantly!

Pamela drew back, her smile faded. She pulled her hand

away from his. “Do you realize what you are saying? I’m

old enough to be your mother! I’m forty years old!”

“Who cares!” he blurted. “What are numbers any-

way?”

“You flatter me, Grant. But you are so young,” she

hesitated.

“You hesitate, you don’t sound so positive, my Pa-

mela.”

90 __________________Gloria Graham

“Please, I do like you, you are very attractive, it could be easy, if,” she paused, “I just can’t let this happen.”

“Someone back home?”

“Well, yes, sort of.”

“Sort of leaves a lot of room you know.” He stiffened

up. “This is fair warning. I don’t give up easily.” He kissed her hand lovingly.

They walked in silence to her door. Grant spoke first.

“It was a wonderful day for me.”

“Me too, you’ve been so kind.”

Grant pulled Pamela into his arms, held her just a

breath away and whispered, “Whose kind?” as he pressed

his soft lips on hers.

His kiss was forceful! He left no doubt in her mind

that she had been kissed, passionately, by this young,

handsome man.

Pamela leaned against the closed door and sighed. She

touched her lips. His kiss lingered there. She closed her eyes, “Oh Grant,” she said regretfully; “you are so young, too young for me.” Sadness filled her heart. Tears welled up in her eyes. She desperately wanted to find love again. He reminded her of her youth, a time long past. Her thoughts were of Tom. Tears streamed relentlessly down her face.

Time plays terrible tricks on us, she thought. “Why did

you leave me my Tom,” she cried aloud. “Why? Why? We

were so perfect! Why?” She cried. No man ever seemed to

be able to compete with his memory! He was always there

in every kiss, in every movement.

She buried her head in her hands and sobbed. She

whispered a silent prayer, “Help me, I’m so weak, so lonely, help me, O God!”

carefully, but softly, into his office. She brushed her soft petite hand over her forehead lightly as if it might ease her pain!

“Not feeling well this morning Chéri?”

Pamela nodded, and then decided that nodding was

not the most comfortable gesture to make.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“They warned me not to drink the water.” She placed

her full hand on her brow. “Feels so cool,” she half smiled!

Her usually vibrant smile was gone!

Rex helped her to one of the soft plush chairs in his

office.

“Well, Chéri, this is the day,” he said softly.

92 __________________Gloria Graham

“I knew it had to come, it’s been like Cinderella at the

ball for me – now – back to reality!” She smiled faintly, moving with the utmost caution.

Rex motioned for his secretary to bring Pamela some

cool bottled water, then suggested she take her place at

the huge oak desk. Pamela couldn’t help thinking that fun time was over!

“Don’t look so depressed – not yet – Chéri.” Rex’s lilt-

ing voice made her feel better.

“It’s just that you don’t know my boss. I’m so afraid

..,” she paused.

“Now, now, think positive! Where is your faith, Chéri?”

Rex asked as he gathered his papers in front of him.

“Of course your Mr. Orland realizes the impact this

collection could have on the revenue for his store?” Rex

questioned.

“I’ve tried to lay the foundation for such a venture.

He’s not an easy man to convince!” Pamela looked at Rex,

his smile was comforting. He had done so much for her

already, and now again, with his reminder of keeping a

positive attitude.

She felt ashamed of herself. It wasn’t like her to give up before she began!

Rex’s remark hit home. She straightened up and mo-

tioned to Rex to continue.

“Proceed Ms. Collins,” Rex motioned to his secre-

tary.

She began a quick rundown of the designs that would

be included in the Dupar collection.

Pamela listened intently, taking notes for her report.

She smiled as she remembered the gowns Rex showed her

A Memory Unchained___________ 93

in his salon.

Her heart pounded as Ms. Collins began an entourage

of five digit figures.

The final total didn’t surprise Pamela. She barely moved

when it was read.

“I expected a figure in that category,” she said. “After

all, your collection is number one in Paris! Mr. Orland will surely appreciate that as I do!”

Rex smiled with pride.

Pamela was excited. She was sure that the figure was

within Mr. Orland’s budget!

“Kel Orland just can’t refuse that.” A new rush of con-

fidence overcame her. She felt that they would be able to make the deal.

Pamela went over the specifics with Rex. “I can’t wait

to call!” She rose to her feet, reached across the desk and kissed Rex on the cheek. “Wish me luck,” she said. “Would you like to call Mr. Orland from here Chéri?” Rex offered her his office and privacy.

Pamela thanked him, but expressed the need to consider

the time difference between Paris and the USA. Besides,

she wanted to be able to prepare her presentation for Mr.

Orland in a very professional manner.

When she finally reached Mr. Orland, she swallowed

hard when she heard his gruff voice. He sounded close, as if he was in the next room!

“This is Pamela, Mr. Orland,” she waited for his rec-

ognition.

“About time I heard from you! Have you forgotten why

you’re there?” His voice was curt!

“I’ve been working, Sir, and today I have exciting news

94 __________________Gloria Graham

to share. We have been chosen by Rex Dupar. He has made

me his …”

Kel Orland interrupted sharply. “I’ll bet he did! And

what about the new ideas I sent you for?”

Pamela gasped, paused for a moment, said a quick

prayer, then gained control of herself.

“One, two, three,” she whispered! His implications

didn’t set well at all. It was a low blow but she held her temper.

“He made me his representative in America!” she con-

tinued.

Pamela tried to explain how she and Rex had been

fortunate enough to form a beautiful friendship and how

he wanted her to be his representative in America.

“It’s the chance of a lifetime for me, and such a wonder-

ful opportunity for Orlands. Don’t you see? We will be the first to offer a Rex Dupar original in America.”

Pamela waited anxiously. Orland’s silence penetrated

the long distance.

“Mr. Orland? Are you there?” she asked bewildered.

She added, “You haven’t heard the best yet, the price.”

There was still silence.

Pamela stated the price quickly and added it included

twenty-eight Dupar Originals.

Finally he broke the silence! His loud booming voice

caused her to push the telephone away from her ear.

“Way too much! Who does he think he is anyway? Are

they all diamond studded?” He yelled.

As Pamela held the receiver away from her ear she

prayed for control.

“He’s the most ‘in demand’ designer in Paris. He could

A Memory Unchained___________ 95

sell his designs to anyone. They are standing in line to make him an offer and we have them, you and me!” Kel Orland

was not an easy man to convince. She tried her best to reason with him. Her intense desire to show Rex’s collection gave her more tenacity than she usually possessed.

Pamela was beginning to see the stubborn, insensitive

man Ken Orland really was.

“I sent you to Paris to gather new ideas – not to solicit every kinky designer in Paris!” he shouted.

That did it. She decided she had to lay it on the line.

She didn’t wait, she only hoped he was still on the line.

“Rex Dupar is the greatest designer in Paris. He’s not

in the least bit kinky, and his designs are the nation’s

leader!”

There was a long pause on the phone. Pamela waited.

Had she pressed him too far? She wondered as she waited

for his next remark.

“We’ll talk again tomorrow. You’re not rational now!”

His voice had mellowed.

“Tomorrow may be too late,” she said quickly and

added, “Nothing will change. We haven’t time to wait a

day or two. Mr. Dupar is very much in demand!”

Kel Orland couldn’t help hear her anxiety. He pro-

ceeded to cut the conversation short.

“We’ll talk again tomorrow Mrs. Thornton!” And the

receiver clicked in her ear.

Pamela felt the blood rushing to her face as she stared

at the receiver.

“How can he be so blind? So, so, .” she stammered,

shaking her head in disbelief. Tears welled up in her eyes.

She couldn’t hold back the disappointment she felt in-

96 __________________Gloria Graham

side.

It was happening all over again. Just like all the times

before. Every time she had a chance to really prove herself he had turned her down.

She couldn’t control her tears. She buried her head in

her arms and sobbed. Through her tears she mumbled a

prayer, “I’m only human Lord, what do I do now?” Her

tears flowed. Finally she dried her eyes. She knew she was doing the right thing. Rex was opening doors for her. Orland was attempting to close them. “Oh ye of little faith,”

she heard the still small voice reminding her to be still and listen to His answer.

Pamela knew she had to call Rex. How could she tell

him? What would she say?

She had to tell it like it was. That was her way.

She dialed Rex’s number twice and hung up before she

got the courage to talk to him.

“I need to talk to you,” she said, disappointment still

evident in her voice. Rex picked up on it right away.

“Not on the phone Chéri! I’ll pick you up in half an

hour. We’ll talk over dinner.”

Rex picked one of the most elegant restaurants in Paris

for their evening out. She adored the very old, elegant décor of Paris. Every restaurant Rex had taken her to held a special charm and flavor of its own. This one was no exception.

Pamela was extremely quiet. Rex broke her silence.

“Now Chéri, what is the matter?”

He placed his hand lovingly on hers. Through the soft

candlelight he could see a tear begin trickling from the

corner of her eye.

Rex moved his chair close to her and quietly whispered,

A Memory Unchained___________ 97