Four Hundred Sixty Four

Four Hundred Sixty Four
"Do you think you can pull this off"?
"Yeah, I have no choice".
He glance at his watch. "It's time"!
He heads out into the dining room and Gretchen and I follow a few minutes after.
I make my rounds and speak to the guests. Lucinda taps me on my shoulder.
"Jonathan? Theres a little situation", She says as she forces a fake smile.
"What's up"?
"There's a woman here who is looking for you. She didn't know we were closed for a private event. She says she's your cousin? Ummm... Cheryl, I think she said was her name".
"Cheryl is here"?
"Yes. Do you want me to take her to your office"?
Cheryl comes across the room with a teenage girl.
"Jonathan! It is so good to see you"! She throws her arms around my waist and gives me a huge hug.
"Cheryl! What on earth"?
"Surprise"!
"My gosh! It's been 17 years at least. How? Look at you"!
"This is the first stop we made once we landed".
"How long are you in town for? You've got to meet my family... there's lots to catch up"...
"I know she sniffles. I'm only here for a few days. I wanted to bring my daughter to New York for Christmas and New Years. Then I remember aunt Rosa telling me a few years ago you were here and... it just made sense that I visited my favorite cousin. Jonathan... I'd like for you to meet my daughter, Gianna".
"You have a daughter"! I smile.
"Yes. Gianna! This is Jonathan. Your cousin".
"Hi", she says shyly.
"Hello Gianna. It's nice to meet you.
What do you think of New York so far"?
"I haven't seen much, but I'm excited to explore".
This is your restaurant"! Cheryl smiles.
"Yes it is! Here let me show you around".
"I think I crashed a party. I should have called first".
'I'm glad you are here".
"Where are you staying"? I ask.
"Well, I booked us a room at"...
'Nonsense! Alicia and I would love to have you stay with us for a few days. She's currently in the hospital", I frown.
"I heard you were married. You're a father now"!
I usher them into my office and close the door.
"It's good to see you, Jonathan", Cheryl smiles. "It's been awhile".
"I almost didn't recognize you with the blonde hair".
"Yeah... I had to change it up for this situation".
"And you look like a totally different person"! I say as Cecily takes a seat on my couch. Gone is the chin length brown hair. She is also blonde and is wearing green contact lenses. Her hair is longer just past her shoulders.
"Extensions", Cheryl nods. "Which is gonna require a bit of maintenance until her real hair grows longer. How is Mrs. Hutchinson"? she asks quietly.
"She's a lot better. She should be coming home soon".
"So what happens now"? I ask as Anthony takes a seat at my desk.
"Well they will stay with you for a few weeks... then Cheryl is going to go back home".
"And her daughter stays here"?
"She believes her daughter is better off with a family and her daughter really wants to stay with you. She will become attached to the kids and Alicia".
"What about school"? I ask. "She would be basically going to the same school. I didn't think about that. Somebody will recognize her at some point".
"Well. Gianna is very smart and is well advanced. Cheryl has saved up money for her to go to a private school".
"Well Avery knows the real story. Dominic and Estella just thinks she's a cousin. I told them that dad had a cousin who may stay for awhile. I shouldn't have said anything cause that just blows up the story of them surprising me. I just needed something to tell them. They're too young to understand and to keep a secret".
"Thats fine Jonathan. No one will question the kids anyway. Jonathan-- if after these 2 weeks you don't want to go thru with this... she is more than welcome to stay with me. Lets just play this by ear", Cheryl nods.
''Ok".
We are gonna head to Long Island for a few days until Alicia comes home", she nods.

"It feels so good to be home".
"He is gonna be so surprised for sure".
I hurry to the couch and kick off my shoes.
Heather sits beside me and leans her head against the back of the couch. She lets out a deep sigh and kicks off her shoes.
I had no idea they would release me tonight.
"Well lets just hope he isn't pissed off if he goes back there and see you aren't there. Maybe we should call him".
"Nope. I told Lisa that if he calls that I insist he goes home after work".
"So like what are you gonna do? Pop up in bed and surprise him"?
"Yeah".
"Girl. You're lucky the kids are at their grandfathers tonight". She giggles and then her face turns serious.
What's wrong"? I ask.
"Nothing. I'm just glad you are home. I've really missed you. It's been rather lonely without you around".
Heather fiddles with her rings and blushes.
"I want to get into my sleep shorts and my t shirt... take a shower".
"Do you need any help", she asks?
"Maybe just stay close by in case I get too winded"?
"Ok. Lets go". She grabs my hand and helps me up the stairs.
We enter my bedroom and she flips on a lamp.
"Where do you want your clothes"?
"Just set them on the bed"! I hollar from the shower.
"Fuck"!
What's wrong Alicia"?
"I'm sorry Heather, but I'm... I feel light headed".
"Ok, hold on I'm coming".
She enters the bathroom and opens the shower door where I am leaning against the tile.
"Do you feel as if you can't breathe"?
"No. Just really wobbly".
"It's probably best that you hold off on showering alone for awhile. You've been laid up sick. You need to build up strength".
She steps into the shower fully clothed
"Heather you're gonna get all wet".
She shrugs her shoulders. "I will just borrow something of yours to change into. Lets hurry and rinse you off".