47 Destinies (Book One)

Chapter Twelve

The following day, Julie picked Cora up at her apartment at 7am to take her to the airport.  They chatted about work and life.  Cora began perking up thinking about her trip.  She couldn’t wait to see her grandmother.

“Cora, enjoy yourself.  You’ve been so serious lately.  It is unlike you.  I’ll pick you up next Saturday at 3pm.  Just wait outside the baggage claim area,” Julie called out to Cora.

“Thank you!”  Cora beamed as she walked into the airport.

The flight to New York was relaxing.  Cora left her phone off.  She wanted a week free of texts, emails and phone calls.  It was her time to spend with one of the most important people in her life.  When she was with her grandmother, she didn’t have to worry about a thing.  Cora was loved and easily returned the love.  It was absolutely wonderful.

After retrieving her luggage, Cora found her grandmother. 

“Corina, I can’t believe you are here!  I have been looking forward to your visit ever since you called.  Now, I want to hear all about your generous boss that brought you to me,” her grandmother said as she warmly hugged Cora.

“Grandma, there is so much to tell you.  I need your advice.  I don’t know what to do,” Cora said as she nuzzled in her grandmother’s hair.

“Pumpkin, we will straighten it all out.  Don’t worry about a thing.  Worry only robs us from the joy of the moment.  We will take a look at these patterns in your life and find some wiggle room.”

“What does that term mean to you?” Cora asked.

“When you look at a something from a different perspective, you find the wiggle room in a situation.  This helps you get unstuck and move toward a solution.”  

“I have missed you so much,” Cora said, already feeling better.

“Me, too.  I am happy that you could visit.  I don’t know anything about your boss, but I am thankful that he sent you to me.”

“I am too,” Cora said wistfully.

They took a cab to her grandmother’s condo in New York.  The weather was overcast and snow was forecast throughout the Christmas week.  All of the stores and avenues were festive.  Store windows displayed Christmas trees and elegant gifts tantalizing the people walking by.  Cora yearned to tell Brent all about the amazing day she was having, but she pushed that idea out of her head.  When they reached the condo, Cora made herself at home in the guest room.  Her grandmother had such class and taste.  Her condo was impeccably decorated, but it also held a warm lived-in feel to it.  Cora loved being there.  After taking a shower and changing into warmer clothes, Cora met her grandmother in the kitchen.

“Are you ready for dinner, or do you want to talk first?” her grandmother asked.

“Let’s talk,” Cora suggested.

Tea and little bread biscuits were out, which was one of her traditions.

“Now tell me about this generous boss of yours.”

“Well, first of all, he is no longer my boss.  I have a new job I will start in a few weeks.  A lot has happened these last few days,” Cora said, taking a long sip of her tea.

“He?  Who is ‘he’,” asked her grandmother.

“Sorry, his name is Brent and he is the CEO of the Locke family business,” Cora said with little interest.

“There is obviously much more to the story.  I know you too well.  When you give me only a few details, there is something brewing underneath.  What is it?” her grandmother prodded.