47 Destinies (Book One)

Chapter Six

Cora didn’t see much of Brent at the Conference on Wednesday.  It wasn’t until late afternoon on Thursday that they ran into each other.

“I would like to review Friday’s agenda with you tonight.  I will pick you up at your room at 6:30pm,” Brent said in passing.

Cora was starting to accept Brent’s abrupt nature.  She was past trying to fight it and started to go with it instead.  She made sure she was ready in her room at 6:15pm.  Brent was punctual and did not like to be kept waiting and Cora felt the same way about time.  

“Let’s take a walk on the beach and then go to dinner,” Brent said a he headed toward the stairs.

They walked down to the beach and reviewed Friday’s agenda.  It was going to be the final day of the conference.  The luau would occur on Friday night.  It would be Cora’s last official business duty for the week.  Julie had scheduled an extra day at The Del to debrief and relax.  Since Julie wasn’t there, Cora would have the entire day to herself.  She had mixed emotions about it all.  She was relieved that the stress would be over soon, but she had enjoyed the challenge.  Brent seemed content with her responses to his numerous final day agenda logistical questions.  He actually gave Cora a semi-compliment, which was unusual for him.  

While they were walking back along the beach toward The Del, a little blond girl ran over to Brent and threw her arms around his legs.  She squealed with joy as Brent threw her up in the air.  Cora had never seen Brent so happy.  He was a completely different person.  His serious business mode was instantly replaced with a sensitive, loving and joyful side.  An older boy building a sandcastle pulled Brent over to view his masterpiece.  The boy was about four or five, with jet black hair like Brent.  The resemblance to Brent was unmistakable.  A distinguished woman in about her early 60’s rose from a beach chair and walked over to Brent.  

The children ran over to her and cried out, “Grandma, Grandma! Look who we found!”  

There was no doubt that the woman was Brent’s mother.  She had the same penetrating stare as Brent as she looked Cora up and down.  Cora felt the chill right down to her bones.  His mother seemed very displeased to see her; she was not a woman to upset.  

“Mother, this is Cora Jacobs, one of our company interns.  Cora, this is my mother, Leslie,” Brent said as he introduced Cora.

“I’ve heard about you Cora,” she bluntly and harshly responded, “Robert cannot stop talking about Steven’s daughter.”  Brent’s mother literally turned her back on Cora as she obviously only wanted to speak to Brent. 

“Brent, darling,” his mother said in a sweet voice, “You’re coming out to dinner with us, right?  The children have been asking about you all day.”

Cora could see where Brent got his abrupt harsh nature.

“Mother, I already have dinner plans with Cora,” Brent replied.

“Oh, darling, who is more important than the children?  They miss you and have barely seen you all week.  I am sure Cora understands that family is more important than business.  Right, Cora?”

Cora felt trapped. She took the safest ground she could find.  

“It is entirely up to Brent,” Cora said quietly and respectfully.

“Oh good, then it is settled.  Brent, you go and give the children a bath.  They can’t go out with sand in their hair.  Cora, give your father our best. Goodbye.”

Brent’s mother had the children packed up in record time and smoothly shuffled Brent away.  Brent didn’t appear to notice Leslie’s cold attitude toward Cora.  He didn’t even apologize for skipping dinner.  Not that she would have gone, but it wouldn’t have hurt for him to invite her to go with his family.  He glanced over her shoulder and gave Cora a brilliant smile as he walked away with both children in his arms.  It was very clear that Brent’s mother did not want Cora anywhere near Brent.  Was she protecting Brent’s wife or girlfriend?  The children were definitely Brent’s.  It was undeniable.