Of Diamonds and Dreams

Chapter 3

As I followed Juanita up the polished oak staircase, I felt like I was floating on a cloud. She pointed out several interesting pieces of art to me as we moved down the long corridor and I tried to respond appropriately to her sunny chatter, but my mind was preoccupied with thoughts of my new boss. It struck me that once I had gotten past my initial nervousness, the conversation with Michael seemed to flow easily. He had a way about him that was so gentle and comforting, but on the other hand, he liked joke and tease and I found it fun and endearing.

Here in his home, he certainly didn't seem like the powerful and enigmatic superstar that I knew him to be. He seemed just like the fun-loving, down to earth guy that Terry had described. As lost in thought as I was, I almost bumped into the bubbly housekeeper when she stopped in front of a door. "Here we are, Ms. Simmons."

As she opened the door, I said, "Juanita, please call me Cassandra." I smiled warmly as I continued, "After all, we are both employees here."

She smiled in return, "It would be my pleasure, Cassandra. I hope you will be comfortable in here."

Stepping inside the door to the spacious, beautifully decorated bedroom, I could do no more than stand in complete awe and breathlessly declare, "Oh, Juanita, it's so beautiful!"

She beamed proudly, "It is very pretty, isn't it? Ms. Taylor stays in this suite when she visits."

"Yes, it's breathtaking!" I acknowledged as my eyes surveyed the space done in all shades of purple with thick, cream-colored carpeting on the floor then it hit me what she just said. "Wait a minute....did you just say "Ms. Taylor"? As in the actress? THE Elizabeth Taylor?"

She laughed softly. "Yes. She's been here several times since Senor Jackson bought the ranch. They are great friends and she loves it here."

I nodded enthusiastically as I tried to wrap my brain around the fact that I would be occupying the same space that a real live Hollywood legend had graced. "Well, who wouldn't! Gosh, just look at this view!"

I walked over to the large windows to take in the trees, lovely flowers and stone walking paths directly below then I lifted my eyes to the grand visage of the mountain range in the distance. There was just the right balance and harmony between the wild beauty of the undeveloped areas in the distance to the actual landscaped areas of the property close to the main house and other structures. One didn't overshadow the other but seemed to coexist in perfect synchronicity.

I glanced over my shoulder at Juanita who stood smiling as she observed my obvious appreciation of the surroundings. "I'm sorry I don't mean to keep you from your duties."

She shook her head as she replied, "No, Cassandra, not at all. It makes me happy to see you enjoying this place. I love it here as well." As I turned away from the window, she gestured to her right. "Your bags have been placed over here. If you want, I could unpack them for you and put your things away."

"Oh no thank you," I answered. "I wouldn't want you to go to all that trouble. I'll take care of it myself, if you don't mind. It'll give me something to do later."

"Very well. The bathroom is through that door," she said pointing to the left. "And to your right is the sitting room and a small kitchenette. If you need anything or you can't find something, just press the button on the intercom right here next to the bed and I or one of the other staff will be happy to help you."

I smiled, "Thank you, Juanita. I'm sure I'll be fine."

She nodded. "Your welcome, Cassandra. I'll see you later then. Enjoy your stay here." She stepped out of the door, closing it behind her quietly.