by Leslie
by Leslie
Traffic in the city was calm the next morning. People going to work. Students to school. Everyone in a world of their own.
Amanda pulled her car over to the curb. This was the second time this morning! She couldn't stop crying. Her mind kept going back to the sight of Cameron lying in his hospital bed, battered and trying to stay alive. Here she was, on her way to work as if nothing happened.
Her car phone rang. Caller ID told her it was Carson. Amanda decided not to answer. She figured Carson knew by now everything that happened to Cameron the night before and Amanda was not in the mood to speak about it to anyone.
She collected herself and soon found her way back on the road again and into the parking structure of Cory Publishing. She made it into her office barely ahead of her staff. Paige would be in later. The rest of the staff would be arriving within the hour for scheduled meetings. Amanda knew she had to focus her attention here today, to the tasks at hand, and not on that man lying in that hospital room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Trying to read through her notes and organize them was something easier said than done. Amanda slowly put the papers down, spun her chair around and stared out the window. Yesterday's events appeared before her as if she was watching a movie in a theater. The Masquerade Ball. Dancing with Cameron. His offer of a picnic lunch on a sunny day.
The office phone rang.
"Amanda Cory."
"Amanda darling. Has Carson been able to reach you? Did she tell you about Cameron? He's been hospitalized!"
"Yes Mom. I know."
"You know? So you spoke to Carson?"
"No. Gary left me a message on my machine last night. It happened to Cameron on the way home, after the ball. He looks terrible, mom."
"You saw him?"
"I stopped in on my way to the office."
"How is he darling?"
"I really don't know. I didn't stay too long. I couldn't."
"Are you going back later?"
"No!"
"Amanda…." Rachel's voice had that disapproving tone.
"Mom, please. Not today. I have meetings scheduled all day. A sister magazine overseas would like to do their own take on our Valentine's issue, and they'd like my help in arranging things. Then there are these budget meetings…….the next issue…..contract talks…"
"Amanda…" Rachel knew her daughter was upset.
"Yes?"
"You're babbling."
"What?" Amanda was puzzled.
"You're babbling. You do that when you're upset. Obviously Mr. Sinclair's condition concerns you. Honey…..may I give you some advice?"
"I guess."
"Postpone your meetings. These sort of things can be rescheduled. Go to the hospital. Be with Cameron."
"I can't. I don't think it's a good idea."
"And why would that be?"
"Gary knows I won't be back. I told him not to tell Cameron I was there."
"Why did you say such a foolish thing?"
"It's NOT foolish, mom. I can't be with Cameron right now. I just can't!!!" Rachel could hear the confusion in Amanda's voice.
"Amanda, you're afraid. That's all it is. You're afraid. Cameron needs you right now. None of those other frivolous things matter. He is the one who needs your attention, not those contracts!"
Hearing a knock on the door, Amanda knew this conversation would have to wait.
"I have to go mom. We'll talk about this later."
"Yes we will my dear."
Hanging up the phone, Amanda knew her mother wouldn't let this rest. Rachel always had her children's best interest at heart. She often knew what was best for Amanda before Amanda did.
Taking one deep breath, then another……Amanda composed herself and prepared for the day that lie ahead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The nurses changing shifts caused Gary to stir from the chair besides Cameron's bed. Looking and feeling a bit ragged, he walked to the nurses' station to check on Cameron's condition during the night. The head nurse in charge of night duty told Gary that while there had been no significant changes, Cameron's vital signs remained stable. The next 24-48 hours, Dr. Varner said, would tell the story.
Gary knew it would be next to impossible for him to function at work, so he decided to call his office and tell them that he wouldn't be in. He picked up the phone besides Cameron's bed and briefly spoke to his secretary, when he thought he saw Cameron's eyes flutter.
He dropped the phone and immediately pressed the nurses call button. Fearing that something was wrong, Gary ran frantically into the hallway to call for the nurses, but they were already on their way to Cameron's room.
"Mr. Sinclair, what is it?"
"My brother…..his eyes….I think they moved."
"Stacy,………page Dr. Varner…..Mr. Sinclair…I need for you to leave the room so we can examine your brother. Please!"
Gary left 4A and went to the waiting room at the end of the hallway. He saw Dr. Varner coming down the hall and was going to say something to him when he saw the doctor signaling him to stop. Then Dr. Varner went into Cameron's room.
It seemed like hours passed before the nurses began making their way out of his room. Gary couldn't sit still. He needed to know what was going on and if Cameron was going to be all right.
Dr. Varner came out and immediately walked to the waiting room and up to Gary.
"Mr. Sinclair?"
"Yes?"
"Looks like you have one very lucky brother on your hands!"
By the time Gary made his way to Cameron's room, he had heard of the potential severity of Cameron's condition. Had he not responded within the 24-48 hours period as the doctor and nurses had hoped he might have had permanent brain damage. Dr. Varner told Gary the bruises would heal, though Cameron would be sore for quite some time. His broken bones were able to be set and those, too, would heal with time.
Gary was concerned, too, about what Cameron's mental state would be. Dr. Varner assured Gary that all steps would be taken to take care of his brother, both physically and mentally. He asked if it would be all right for him to sit with Cameron for awhile. The doctor nodded, but made Gary promise to leave when he saw Cameron getting tired.
He walked in. Cameron was hooked up to two IV's and was still on the heart monitor, but most everything else was being taken away by the nurses.
"Little brother, I've never seen you look better. The eye shadow and color in your cheeks must be something new you decided to try."
Cameron smirked and Gary could tell he was in a great deal of pain, but he managed to get out one word.
"Jerk!"
"Care to tell me what happened to you?"
Cameron tried to shift his good leg in bed but accidentally bumped the other, leaving him wincing in agony. Gary pressed the button for the nurse. When she came in, Gary explained what happened. She asked him to leave for a while and let Cameron get the rest he was due. Gary went over to the bed and told Cameron he'd be back later. Cameron touched his hand, and drifted off to sleep.
He wandered downstairs to the cafeteria and bought something to eat, but by the time he got to a table, he wasn't sure he could eat even a bite. Cameron had him worried. When he did try to eat something, the coffee was lukewarm and the Hungarian goulash had no taste, but Gary knew that was expected in a hospital since they rarely season their food. He picked at what was on his plate and finally decided he had enough. He just sat there for a minute before getting up and heading back to Cameron's room. Opening the cafeteria door with a shove, he was more than a little surprised at who was on the other side.
"Amanda."
"Gary. I'm glad I found you."
"I thought you weren't coming back. You told me not to tell Cameron you were here."
"Well….I haven't been to see him. I stopped at the nurses' station to check on his condition and they told me you were down here."
"He's doing better. I'm surprised you're so concerned." Gary walked passed her in disgust, and to the elevators.
"Why would you say that?"
Gary looked Amanda squarely in the eye. " I never thought I'd say this, Amanda, but you surprise me. You care more about your so-called 'business affairs' than the people in your life. I feel sorry for you!" He got on the elevator and pushed the button for Cameron's floor, never glancing back at Amanda…to see the hurt that was there, or the tears.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amanda knew she could not go back to work. How could she concentrate on business with Cameron so hurt and after the argument with Gary. That surprised her. They used to be there for each other and now, she would not have the security of his friendship to rely on.
She made her way home, almost missing Matthew. He was busy putting the bags into the back of an awaiting cab. There was some sort of 'Cory crisis' and it couldn't be taken care of long distance. Both he and Rachel had to be there.
She hurried up to her apartment and caught her mother making one last look around to make sure she didn't forget anything.
"Darling. You're home quite early. Are you all right?"
"What happened mom? I thought you were staying for at least a week or more. Matthew said something about a crisis."
"Yes. Anytime one of those stuffy board members of one of our subsidiary companies has a snit, everyone is called into this emergency meeting. And since we own Cory Publishing, it's best we attend, even to pour cold water on those flames that aren't there!"
"But I needed to talk to you."
"I know my dear, but unfortunately, there is no time. Let me tell you something…" Rachel takes Amanda's hand tenderly and pulls her down on the sofa next to her.
"I know that business is important to you. In that manner, you certainly do take after your father. But, matters of the heart…..those are what carries you through those bad times." Rachel puts her own hand in the center of Amanda's chest. "Follow this…follow your heart…. it will never lie to you Amanda."
Amanda tilted her head slightly downward; Rachel cupped her hand under Amanda's chin and brought it even with hers, so she could look her directly in the eyes.
"Go to him, honey. He needs you."
The door opened and Matthew told his mother the cab was there. If they wanted to make the flight, they better get going.
"Matthew, the company jet won't leave without you and mom. You know that!"
"I don't care. I don't want those stuffy old men making decisions that affect me, mom or you….even if we own the company. Now mom, enough with the long good-byes. Amanda, we'll call you when we get home. "
He grabbed what was left of Rachel's bags, gave his sister a quick kiss on the cheek and walked out the door. Rachel grabbed her pocketbook and Amanda followed.
"Amanda, think about what I said……. I love you, darling………. Call you once we get back to Bay City!"
"I love you too mom. Very much!"
Amanda gave her mom a hug and waved goodbye. She closed the door slowly and walked over to her bay window.
"What am I going to do?"
The next few weeks were a blur of activity for both Amanda and the Sinclair brothers. Amanda was in constant contact with The Luna Company, to set up the European shoot modeled after Brava's Valentine issue. There were contracts faxed back and forth, photographers to interview, both in NYC and in Venice, where the shoot would take place. Luna executives were adamant about having Cameron in their issue of 'Carnevale', even though Amanda explained to them about Cameron's unfortunate accident and subsequent recovery time. They were prepared to wait, but not too long, their CEO indicated.
Amanda and Carson discussed the fees involved. Although he was strictly a St. Jeune model, it was previously agreed upon that when and if Brava and Amanda Cory needed his services, that he would be made available to them. Carson wanted to supervise the hiring of models, but Luna execs had their own ideas in mind. They agreed to Carson 'assisting' them, but only up to a point.
Mr. Luna wanted Amanda to bring her expertise to Venice. After much convincing, she agreed. She had never visited Italy before but had heard many beautiful stories about the people and its' countryside. A wistful Amanda had always wanted to take a romantic ride in a gondola. But this was work, and she had to stick to business.
Meanwhile, Gary had made Cameron's recovery and physical therapy his main objective. He was there every day when the doctors came to report on his progress or lack thereof. When the nurses took him to therapy, Gary was there. If Cameron needed to walk down the hall to get his 'sea legs' back, Gary acted as his crutch. In fact, the nurses were set to make up one of the spare rooms as Gary's hotel room, barring any check-in fees of course. But Gary wouldn't hear of it. Cameron needed some quiet time to rest and so did he.
While Cameron's life may have been put temporarily on hold, Gary's business did not stop. There were still deadlines to meet and new toys to create.
"Hey bro…..how's life treating you today?" Gary asked early one Tuesday morning before heading to the office.
Maneuvering himself in bed so he could look at his brother, Cameron answered,"I'm still here. I guess that's a good thing."
"I guess it is. Wanna read the paper or anything? I can pick one up for you downstairs in the gift shop."
"Nah….thanks anyway. I get them free if I want one. At least that's what the nurses tell me. But you can get me one thing."
"Oh yeah…what's that?"
"The latest issue of Brava!"
"Not this again…..Cameron……!!"
"Gar….wait a minute. There has to be a good reason Amanda hasn't stopped by. I mean……I know there is. I finally got her to agree to meet me for lunch the day after the ball, and then this….happened."
"Well.." Gary began…."Maybe THIS is a good thing!"
"What?" Cameron said.
"Listen Cam…..where has Amanda been all this time you've been here? Not once have I seen her show up here to see how you are or to talk to you." Gary turned away. He couldn't look his brother in the eye because he knew what he had just said was a lie. He KNEW Amanda had called, and was still calling every few days to see how he was. She had stopped there a few weeks ago, Gary assumed, to talk to Cameron. But Gary's reaction to her visit sent her away. She hasn't been back since.
"Gary, I know she hasn't been here. I thought she'd come when she heard I was hurt………that's what I mean…there MUST be a good reason!"
"Stop trying to make excuses for her. Brava is what matters to her most. Not you. Not family. Not anything."
"I don't believe that Gary. And I know you don't either…"
"Cameron…let's not talk about this anymore. When did they say I can spring you from this joint?"
"I'm surprised you don't already know that…….you've been policing me since I got her. The doctor said if all the test come out today, I can leave the day after tomorrow."
"Great….that's great. I want you to come and spend a few days with me. And I won't take no for an answer. I've even hired a private nurse to take care of you while I'm at work."
"Please tell me her name isn't Helga or something like that. I can just SEE what, or shall I say who, you hired to take care of me!" Cameron couldn't help but laugh….Gary too.
"Nah….and I didn't get you some pretty young thing either. Her name is Mrs. Murphy and she'll be over most likely on Thursday, if you make it home by then."
"Thanks….I mean it Gar. You've been great through this whole thing."
"Janeen has too, Cameron. She's been here almost every day when she's not working."
"I know, I know!" Cameron said, shaking his head in agreement. I just wish….."
"Push that thought right out of your head, little brother…….Look!! Here they come with your dinner. Oooh…looks good. Mashed potatoes, gravy, turkey…."
Cameron rolled his eyes at his brother's attempts to humor him. He picked up his fork and gently poked the food on his plate.
"No more playing…..Just eat."
"Yes sir!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was business, as usual, at Cory Publishing. Amanda's day had started quite early and the way things were going, it would be running into the evening hours.
"Good morning, Amanda Cory."
"Buon giorno, signorina Cory. Come sta?''
"Mr. Luna, is that you? I am very well, thank you. And yourself?"
"Molto bene, grazie."
"Mr. Luna, if you wouldn't mind..could you please speak English? My Italian is very poor. I plan to work on it before I visit your fair city."
"I am sorry too, Miss Cory. I forget that not everyone knows the Italian language like I do, even a beautiful woman such as yourself."
"Mr.Luna, please. You've never even met me."
"Your gentleness comes through in your voice."
"Well, thank you again, Mr. Luna….I mean 'grazie'… but I'm sure that's not why you called. How may I help you today?"
"I was inquiring as to when you'd be arriving in Venice. I have some meeting set up as early as Monday. Would you be able to make those?"
"To be frank, I wasn't planning on coming until right before the photo shoot. Is there a problem? Have the additional models been hired? You have hired the photographers too, have you not?"
"Indeed. There are no major problems here, Miss Cory. Just plans that need to be finalized. Can I count on you to make our meetings?"
"I may have to juggle my schedule around, but I think that should be fine. How long do you expect these meetings to take? I cannot afford to be away from my magazine for too long. Not before the actual shoot."
"I would suspect a week…no longer."
"Then I shall be there on Sunday."
"May I send my car for you?"
"That would be lovely. Are there any hotels you would recommend?"
"The San Marco Palace. It's in the Piazza San Marco. Please… let me make those arrangements for you. You may telephone me with your arrival times and I shall have my car waiting."
"I appreciate all your help Mr. Luna."
"Please Miss Cory. Since we will be working so closely together, I wish for you to call me Giovanni."
"That would be nice. And you may call me Amanda."
"I look forward to hearing from you soon, Amanda. May I ask how Mr. Sinclair is recovering?"
"I have not been able to visit him lately, but from what I understand he is doing well."
"Then we look forward to working with both of you quite soon. Goodbye."
"Arrivederci, Giovanni."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With Gary finally at work, Cameron had a chance to breathe before he had his last physical therapy session. He would be returning to the hospital for additional sessions 2-3 times a week, depending on what Dr. Varner's opinion was of his progress.
The physical therapists enjoyed working with Cameron. He was a natural flirt and his personality made working with him quite easy. Everyone knew that this Sinclair would not be down long.
Once his 45-minute session was over, and a nurse had ushered Cameron back to his room, he asked if he could sit in the chair for a bit. He was tired of lying in bed. The nurse knew that it didn't do any good to argue too long with Cameron because he usually had his way, with most members of the staff. And this nurse was no exception.
She left the room to get Cameron something to drink and almost ran into Carson.
"Knock knock…….are you decent?"
"That depends…" Cameron answered.
"On what?" Carson wanted to know.
"On if you consider these sorry excuses for pajamas decent!"
"Well, it's good to see you haven't lost your sense of humor. Here…I brought something for you to look at while you're here!"
Carson threw the most recent issue of GQ magazine on Cameron's bed. On the cover was a Maserati. Standing in front of the sports car was Cameron. He was wearing an Armani suit with a white shirt underneath. In his left hand he held a black mask an inch or so away from his eyes. That slight smile on Cameron's face told you he was up to trouble. The picture referred to a feature article on the inside:
"Cameron Sinclair: The Man Behind the Mask!"
"The article inside is outstanding. Wait until you see it. They seemed to have captured a side of you that no one knows."
"Yeah….that's what they all say. Well, I'm glad that it's over!"
"Why? You're a natural at all of this."
"I don't like having someone interrogate me…..what you see is pretty much what you get."
"No matter. If Brava's issue didn't make people take notice of you…this article will…How in the world did they ever get you to talk about the 'woman of your dreams'…. My god…you'd think you were reading some teen magazine."
"You know how reporters get…..before you know it, you're telling all sorts of private matters." Cameron kept shaking his head, thinking the article wasn't a smart move.
Picking up the magazine and flipping forward to page 30, Carson had to comment, "If I didn't know any better, I'd think the 'ideal' woman you're describing here was one Miss Amanda Cory!"
"Did someone mention my name?" Amanda asked, pushing the door to Cameron's room open even wider than it already was.
"Amanda….." Cameron whispered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Carson….it's so good to see you." Amanda exclaimed, hugging Carson as if she hadn't seen her in weeks. "You know whom I talked to today?"
"Don't tell me…..Mr. Luna." Carson answered. Both Amanda and Carson neglected to see the smirk that had crossed Cameron's face.
"Yes. He said they need me in Venice next week and I'm flying out on Sunday. Something about finalizing plans for the shoot."
"I don't know Amanda. You think this whole thing is on the up and up? I mean….we haven't ever met the man and we're going over there within 2 months, more or less, to let them copy your campaign."
"Carson, I had the same reservations as you are having. But Cass checked, and the Luna Company is a money maker in Italy and one of the 10 most reputable firms there!"
"Cass?? Who's that?? Some flunky you hired as a lawyer?"
"Actually, he has been a close family friend and an attorney for Cory Publishing in Bay City for years."
"Sorry Amanda. I didn't know."
"Point taken. Carson, I have a good feeling about this. Not only will their issue of 'Carnevale' get the exposure Mr. Luna wants, but so will Brava, and the St. Jeune models, one of which is lying in bed over here looking very tired." Amanda walked over to the side of Cameron's bed facing the window.
"I'm NOT tired! Carson, would you mind? I'd like to speak to Amanda alone."
"Sure thing. Gary told me you're going home in a few days."
"Looks like it."
"Well….I can't wait to put you back to work. Everyone's missed you."
"I'm sure" he answered, never taking his eyes off Amanda.
"Call me Amanda, please. At least before you leave for Venice."
"I will, Carson."
"Here…. Have this copy of GQ…. Take a peek at the article on page 30…" Carson said while closing the door. Amanda then turned and noticed that Cameron was looking right into her eyes, as if he were memorizing everything about her.
"I've missed you!"