Lonely Soul

Chapter 1


Michael Casey McAlister sat with his elbow on the table in his fathers New York apartment staring at a ladys ring he held. A large round diamond sparkled in brilliance with a small blue sapphire gracing each side of the icy stone. He remembered a time long ago when his mother wore the gems. After her death, his father had her jewelry remade into pieces for his brother, sister and him. His brothers wife wore an identical ring decorated with rubies in place of the sapphires.

He wondered if a woman would ever wear this ring.

Sorry, I had to take that call. I have little project Im working on. Ben McAlister walked into the room.

A little early for phone calls, dont you think?

Lord, no. My associates know I start my day before the birds. His Scottish accent rolled across his tongue. Now tell me, how did things go last night? Did she say yes?

I didnt ask her, Michael put the ring into its box and tossed it to the older man. Will you take this back to the estate and lock it up for me?

Why didnt you leave it when you were there?

Michael shrugged and got up from the table. He walked over to the window and looked out across the New York skyline. He loved the big city and all the activities, but he loved the woods and country air more. With a sigh, he turned and plopped onto a couch.

What happened, Son? Ben sat on the arm of a chair.

I had everything planned. I was going to take her to the estate for a romantic dinner, give her a tour of the house: you know, to brag about what is mine. After I impressed her enough, I was going to sweep her off her feet and propose.

His father stood and walked over to a wet bar and pulled some orange juice from the refrigerator.

Michael gladly accepted the glass his father offered. Silently, he wished it was later in the day and he could have some of the imported Scotch behind the counter. His father always had the best in stock.
Shortly after we arrived she started telling me that the house needed a womans touch and listed all the changes she would make. She was on a roll; I didnt think she was going to stop. Then Ariel came running up to her and she freaked. She called her a mongrel, told me to get rid of her and purchase a purebred.

She didnt like our Ariel? Shes a good dog! A purebred? Bah!
Trust me, if a woman doesnt like my house and my dog, she must not like me very much.

So did you end it with her?

Not really. But I definitely have a few things to think about. Michael took a swallow and stared at his juice. I asked her why she didnt ever go with me to the log cabin I have in the mountains. She just turned her nose up and said I should sell it and get a better penthouse in the city. I asked her how she felt about the other things in my life I enjoy, but have given up for her.

The fishing, skiing, boating, hiking, rock climbing, biking

Yeah, he interrupted his father and frowned at him. She said it was time for me to grow up.

I bet she wants to get you out of jeans, into Armani and take you to dinner parties with the right people after shes been pampered all day in a spa on your dime.

Right on the nose! Im starting to think she just likes dating the co-owner of McAlister Enterprises and not the real me.
Do you love her, Lad?

I dunno, Michael grunted as he took another drink, not sure how to answer his father.

Ack, Lad, get your brain out of your pants and look into your heart. The old man shook his finger at him. I knew I was in love with your mother when I couldnt stand not spending every moment of the day with her. Every fiber of my being lived for her.

Then why did you abandon her and us for your company? Michael glared at his father. If you loved her so much why did she die alone?

She didnt. I was there.

What?

I realized the mistake I made with my life and traveled to England to see her at Hampton House. We had just reconciled and were going to let you children know but then he paused to gather himself. We were in her painting studio talking and laughing like old times when she just fell. The doctor said the aneurysm was so bad; she was probably dead before she hit the ground. I held her and wouldnt let her go.

Michael sat in shock as his father told the story.

After the wake when you and Erick took the girls to London, I stayed in Sussex and went into your mothers studio for three days; I was in my own hell. Your mothers old maid, Millie, tried to console me, but nothing could repair my heart.

Why did you act like such a jerk at the wake? Why didnt you tell us this? Why were you so cruel to Elizabeth?

After I felt guilty for all those lost years I went into denial and then I was angry that she left me. Angrier that she left me with a very independent daughter I didnt know how to raise. I dealt with my fear and my pain in the only way I knew: I became a tyrant.

You could say that again. Michael rolled his eyes. Why are you telling me this now?

I was given the opportunity for a pause in my life. Like you are being given right now. His voice quivered for a moment.

Unfortunately, I ignored it and lost my love and my children. Take this pause, Son. Review your life and the direction you are going because when I look behind me, I see you.

Michael looked deep into his fathers eyes. For most of his life Michael had known his father only as a controlling, domineering businessman who sacrificed his family for the great business he had built. The wealth, social standing and prestige didnt make up for the loss of having a father in their lives. Michael felt the brunt of his fathers abuse and as a teenager he had developed an ability to manipulate the man to protect his siblings. Over the years, Michael interfered with his sisters life often enough and his brothers; believing he knew what was best for them.

Only when his children were grown and began to despise him did Ben actually attempt to make amends and become a real father; Michael was the first he reconciled with.

Michael had tried his whole life to not be like the man; now he was beginning to see his reflection standing in front of him and it scared him.

I ask you again, His fathers voice was firm, do you love her?
After a moment Michael responded. No..

Good. Youre better off without her. His fathers voice took on a softer tone. I know that logically she seemed like a good match for you. Her beauty, wealth, poise, high society standing; but I never could picture her as my daughter-in-law.

Now you tell me, he smirked.

When you took her to Hampton House for Erick and Lynns wedding, she didnt seem to fit into the family. She seemed to enjoy the trip but shes definitely not a Frisbee golf kind of lass. Ben smiled as he referred to his childrens favorite game, then raised an eyebrow. Are you all right?

Funny, Im remembering how I didnt miss her after she left London and I stayed behind for a while. I guess Im fine about breaking up with her, but now Im paranoid about dating again. Almost every woman Ive dated is after my money, Michael flashed the older man a grin, or my body.

Thats my boy! His father slapped his thigh and rolled with laughter. A true McAlister!

Dad? Michael tried to sound serious. How do you know when youve found the right one?

The right one, eh? A shadow passed over the mans face. Well, for one thing, you miss her when youre not with her. You know it when you cant spend a day without touching her, when you cant breathe without her; when she can turn you into a horny sixteen year old with a glance.

It was Michaels turn to start laughing. You sound like youve been reading a cheap paperback romance.

Im serious, Son. Just ask your brother or your brother-in-law. Quit looking at your relationships logically. Dont look for a new lady in the society pages. Redefine your life, let yourself live a little, go with the flow of things. Let your hair down. Ben frowned. Well, I see youve started already. Are you keeping that facial hair?

Its a goatee and moustache, Michael touched the soft hair with his fingers.

Fu-man-chu.

Dad, youre so hip.

Whatever. What Im saying is that you need to loosen up. Quit trying to control everything in your life.

Sometimes I wish I could escape being a McAlister.

But you do with that little cartoon you work on every Tuesday and Wednesday, Mike Casey.

Yeah, Michael grinned. Not many people know about that.

I know you enjoy doing blue collar work a couple of days a week. And I think its good for you and your friends to get out of your offices and roll up your sleeves once in a while. Keeps the mind sharp. The best advertising campaigns and publishing ideas have come from you three.

Thanks. Michael couldnt help the pride he felt when his father praised him.

You will always be a McAlister; be proud of it. Ben smiled as he poked him in the shoulder. Hey, I have an idea; you can help me with my pet project. Ill tell you about it on the way to work.

I thought you were retired.

I am. I just have a few errands to run and Im meeting Joe Westmore. Fix your tie; lets go. The boss cant be late.

Holding job files under her arm, Lauren Avery adjusted her short skirt when the elevator doors closed. She had been a graphic artist for four years at Westmore Publishing in the advertising department and was now using her skills for McAlister Enterprises. Recently, she was thrust into the sea of endless new faces in her new position at the advertising headquarters of the multi-media company. She quickly made friends but at the end of the day, she looked forward to going home to her dog.

Her stomach grumbled, reminding her that it was lunchtime. But because of her workload, she would be catching a food bar instead of a sandwich. Her supervisor consoled her that it was only temporary as the employees from the two companies melded together.

She exhaled a long rejuvenating breath enjoying a moment of peace and quiet. When the elevator stopped to pick up more riders going down, Lauren stepped aside.

Three incredibly handsome men stepped in, walking with utmost confidence. The tall blonde with the goatee simply smiled while the other two purred around her. She rolled her eyes at their typical male behavior.