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“But he said he was able to pull some strings.” The stunned tone to her voice only increased.
“He?”
“Dexter O’Reilly.”
“I’m sorry, I’ve never heard of him.” Then when the phone went silent, he said, “If you have any further questions or concerns regarding your policy, I’ll only be too happy to help. Please do not hesitate to call.”
She mumbled something in the affirmative, her mind still in a muddle, then hung up the phone. If the insurance company did not pay for the cost of the renovations, who did? And most importantly, why? What was Dexter keeping from her, and why had he lied?
Needing so many questions answered, Laura closed her eyes, now was not the time to dwell. Adell was expecting her and if she did not hurry she would miss her bus.
Adell? It came so suddenly to Laura she nearly tripped over her own feet as she hurried out of the house. The woman was overly generous, with a heart of gold and a wealth of love to distribute; this act of kindness would not seem out of character. Was it possible Adell Cameron had anything to do with this benevolent deed? It certainly would explain a lot, including Dexter’s abhorrence to the shelter and her relationship with his mother.
Thankfully, she reached the bus stop the same moment the bus pulled up along the curb. She quickly climbed on board with her thoughts anywhere but on the act of dropping the required coins into the slot, or taking her seat against a back window. Pulling herself out of her stupor she looked around the nearly empty seats. The bus lines stopped running shortly before midnight, reminding Laura she would have to leave the party in enough time not to miss the last bus. Hiring a cab was a luxury she could not afford. Smiling at her reflection in the window, she felt slightly like Cinderella needing to leave the ball before midnight. Except no prince charming would be at her ball waiting to sweep her off her feet and promise her a happy ever after.
She transferred buses once more before reaching Adell's plush neighborhood and was deposited on the curbside. After the bus whisked away down the street, the night around her became still and silent. The only apparent life came from the many houses lining the streets. Their festive Christmas lights shone brightly in the moonlight. Inside the houses, families gathered together rejoicing in celebration while outside, Laura stood alone in the evening's silence.
Above her head it began to softly snow, and with a sigh she exhaled a breath of air only to watch it evaporate before her face. The winter months arrived in earnest, bringing with them the famous cold Canadian climate. She didn't really mind. The scenery it created was breathtaking. With its winter wonderland the area was often dubbed the North Pole.
At the end of the street, Adell's home was magnificently decorated with bright lights and festive garland adorning the alcove in the entranceway. It caused a nagging void in Laura's heart. Instead of rejoicing in the season she found herself repeatedly in a melancholy spirit. Having lost all of her families Christmas heirlooms in the fire, the season seemed to be bringing more heartache than joy.
With an admonishing word to herself she could almost hear her therapist telling her life was what you made it. She should have taken the time and made some homemade decorations especially with the girls having returned home. The shelter was devoid of any Christmas decorations. Not that it was intentional, she had simply become overwhelmed and could never find the time to go replenish her Christmas boxes. With a determined sigh, she vowed this time next year, she would do just that and the shelter would outshine any house on the block.
Raising her hand, she pressed a gloved finger over the doorbell and waited. From where she stood she could hear the distant but distinct sound of Christmas music coming through the thick oak door before it swung open and the hall light blinded her momentarily.
“Laura!” Adell's cheerful voice reached her ears. “You came, I was so afraid you wouldn’t.”
Well that was certainly good news. Laura wasn't sure how she was going to be greeted. “I wouldn't miss it. Thank you for inviting me.”
“Come in. Let me take your coat.”
She stepped over the threshold and got a good view of the home's interior. The holiday shrieked of joy and celebration in every wreath gracing the walls, and in every garland adorning archways with small bundles of holly berries clinging to their vines. Adell herself looked absolutely stunning in her glittering gown of emerald green enhanced only by the twinkling from the stones in her rather expensive necklace.
The older woman noticed Laura studying it. “It was my Christmas present from Norton. They're beautiful, aren't they?”
“Yes, magnificent. You must have been very happy.”
“I would have been happy with nothing. Just as long as we get to spend Christmas together.” Immediately remorse darkened her eyes as she noticed the shadow fall over Laura's face. “I'm sorry dear, how callous of me.”
Laura shook her head. “Don't be. It will always be hard. But I must not let it sadden the holiday for me. I have new friends to celebrate it with.”
Adell smiled. “And we're happy to celebrate it with you.”
She took her by the shoulders and led her toward the main hall where rejoicing voices could be heard over Christmas hymns being played on a piano. They passed a mahogany hall table where a large cluster of poinsettias gave color to an otherwise drab corner. But it was the tiny English cottage perched beside them which caught Laura's attention. An almost replica of the one back on her mantel. She had all the confirmation she needed now, if she had any doubts before. It had been Adell and Norton's doing in bringing about the reconstruction of the shelter.
Just before Adell opened the door to the hall, she stopped and looked worriedly at Laura. “I almost forgot. Dexter is here.”
Laura felt her stomach lurch as she automatically began to back away. “What? But you said—”
“I know, and I apologize, he usually never makes an appearance at these things, so I had no reason to believe this year would be any different, particularly after I informed him you would be here. But for some reason tonight he showed up.”
“How can that be?” She knew her face was bland from shock, but didn't care. She needed to get out of the home immediately.
“I'm not certain but—” Adell looked earnestly at the younger woman. “You will attempt to make amends, won't you?”
She froze, her eyes darting to the older woman's face. A desperate plea came from those gentle eyes and had Laura stopping dead in her tracks. Hadn't she promised herself that apologizing to Dexter was something she would do for Adell? She had her opportunity whether she liked it or not. She couldn't disappoint the woman any more.
“Of course.” Unwillingly, she allowed herself to be led into the room.
