Ruby Red 3 - A Romance for All Time (Complete)

Chapter 12

"Ali," the older woman sitting behind the desk squealed. "It's been ages."

Nora, the receptionist at Stinson Studios left the safety of her chair and rushed Ali, embracing her in the type of hug people usually reserve for long lost family members. The diminutive 5-foot hurricane was an institution at her family's company, greeting guests for as long as Ali could remember.

Ali, returning the squeeze. "It's good to see you too."

"Now let's get a proper look at you." Holding Ali at arm's length, Nora surveyed Ali in her pale blue summer dress with matching heels, twirling her around once. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but that east coast air must be good for you. You look wonderful."

Ali had the sneaking suspicion she could show up after three days of no sleep dressed in a paper bag and Nora would think she looked great, but she appreciated the comment and thanked her for it.

The smile lighting up Nora's face dulled a little. "And how's your father?"

For days there had been no change in Daniel Stinson's condition. Ali watched her mother fuss over him, insisting the nurses could not do anything right. They spent hours together, sitting by his bed struggling to come up with something to talk about. Ali was no longer interested in gossip about her mother's social circle. Lynn never inquired about her daughter's life in New York aside from pondering where Evelyn got the lovely coat she was wearing in a recent tabloid picture.

When her mother suggested Ali take the afternoon off, it wasn't a hard decision. The family business was on her mind, wondering how it was doing without her father's steady hand at the wheel.

The phone started ringing and Nora jumped back behind the reception desk to pick it up. Ali gestured to the door to the heart of the company, the manufacturing floor and Nora buzzed her in.

Her father had two offices. One was the official 'Chairman of the Board' grand affair located in the front portion of the building, close to the executive boardroom and bathrooms. A broad oak desk, maroon leather-bound chair, portraits of Stinson ancestor's covering the walls. This was where clients were impressed, deals were struck and annual bonuses were discussed. Nora kept the desk clear of clutter, his coffee hot and ensured there was always ice on hand for his scotch.

The other office was a picture of opposition. Tucked away on the second floor of the factory area, it was crammed with files, designs and a selection of mismatched chairs that should have been an embarrassment to a company that made furniture for a living. Large windows overlooked the organized mayhem of the constant assembly of things going on below.

It seemed to Ali there were also two versions of her father, depending on which office he was occupying. Like the front office, when in use, Daniel Stinson was formal, tight-lipped, three-piece suits and shiny shoes. This persona leaked into the real world, visible at the country club, restaurants and even at home whenever company was around.

But like only a handful of others, Ali knew a different side of her father. She wondered if her mother ever got to experience the man who worked in the back office, his jacket off, tie slightly loosened, discussing plans for a new design. The way his eyes would light up during a heated debate with one of the engineers. The quick sharp movements as he sketched out his ideas, preferring pictures over words to tell his story.

Scooting into the small room, Ali shut the door behind her, the clamouring racket of the manufacturing floor below giving way to a muffled music. Eyes closed, resting her head against the door she inhaled the earthy scent of wood mixed with varnish.

Opening her eyes, she took in the silent space. Without her father in the room, it felt different. Hollow. A mixture of emotions crept into her heart, each vying for dominance.