Two Of A Kind

Chapter 19 – New Beginnings [Finale]

You cant have blue curtains with a taupe couch. Dana scowled at Alice. The girls were at Alex place waiting for Marina to turn up who had summoned them all there including Alex. Alice and Dana were arguing again. Theyd agreed on the couch and the bed and now had moved on to arguing about curtains.

Dont put up any curtains. They both turned to Shane.

What do you mean no curtains? So everybody can just look into our bedroom? Alice looked at Shane incredulously, as in how stupid can you be. Shane just shrugged.

At least it will save the neighbours from shelling out for the ***** channel. Danas mouth fell open. Alex burst into laughter. Leave it to Shane to make the weirdest remarks. She was about to chime in and tease Alice some more, when she heard the doorbell ring. She exchanged a glance with Shane before running off to open the front door.


****

Outside Marinas hand was hovering over the doorbell. There was no need to be nervous. She, Alex and Shane had been over her story a million times, but a little part of her felt nervous and guilty about lying to her friends. The three of them had finally decided to tell a version of the truth and stick to it for as long as possible.

Sooner or later theyre going to find out anyway, Alex had said. You cant hide forever that you run a multi million dollar criminal corporation. Before you know it youre going to have half a dozen crime fighting agencies on your ***** and they are going to make your life as miserable and difficult as they can.

I know, but I can do this. I have to.

Marina tried to feel as determined as she had sounded. Angels words still haunted her. What if her father had indeed been manipulating her? But finally the pros had outweighed the cons. She knew in her heart that she could turn this business into something her father would have been proud of. Something she could be proud of.

For the past week she had been preparing to take her rightful position. All the paperwork was now in order. Her mother and Franco had been very supportive. Paolo and Angelina were a different story and Marina knew she had her work cut out to try and get them to toe her line. But in the end she was in charge and there wasnt anything they could do about it, as long as she was doing a good job.

Marina, the crime lord, Marina mused. Who would have thought? Her life had changed so much in the last few months. But finally she felt at peace. As if she was finally fulfilling her life purpose.

****

Marina! Tina jumped up and gave Marina a big hug. The other girls chimed in and all gave Marina hugs. They hadnt seen her in ages, or so it seemed. Even after she had gotten back from Europe, she had seemed different. The only person who seemed to know what was going on was Shane, and she wasnt one to kiss and tell, so to speak.

So whats the big news This isnt about you running off to Europe again is it?

Ladies I have some news. Marina looked over at Shane who winked at her encouragingly.

Oh my god Alice exclaimed. You are running off to Europe! Suddenly all the girls started chattering and Marina smiled. Leave it to Alice to jump to conclusions. It sometimes surprised her how a journalist could be so open to gossip and rumour at times without even trying to be objective.

I am not leaving for Europe. Marina looked at her circle of friends. Alex nodded encouragingly. Not for good, anyway.

The silence was overwhelming. Marina only wished Angela were there. But that was merely wishful thinking. She hadnt been able to convince her that taking over a criminal corporation was a good thing. She couldnt really blame Angela. Part of her was just as scared that she was walking into the lions den blindfolded. But what she knew in her heart, what Angela didnt seem to understand, was that this was her legacy. Whether Marina liked it or not, no matter how hard she fought, she would always be a Cabal. To herself and to the outside world. She would never be free of her heritage. And if that is really the case, then why not try to turn into something good. But she couldnt blame Angela for believing that she was making a mistake. If it hadnt been for Shane and Alex she would be thinking the same thing. In the end it had been Shane who had swayed her.

****

Just try it, Shane said. She looked at Marina with her bright eyes. The look in them so open and honest. Marina could understand how women were intoxicated by her friend. When they looked at her they either saw someone they wanted or someone they wanted to be. It had always amazed her how Shane had been able to hide her emotions behind her eyes. For Marina the eyes had always been the give away. No matter how stoic her face was or how devoid of emotion her voice was, the people who really knew her, the people who really looked, could always see the true emotion in the eyes. But with Shane you could only see it if she wanted you to see it. Thats how she pulled you in and once she had you, you never wanted to let go.

Marina shook her head at Shanes simple suggestion. And if it doesnt work?

Give it back. Shane looked at her as if this were obvious. If Marina took charge and then gave it back, what was the worst that could happen?

She would be a marked woman, Shane. Shane looked at Alex not understanding.

Once Marina takes charge, shes stepping back into that world. Shell never be able to leave again. She will always be marked as the former leader of the Ferrer Cabal. No one will ever believe that she again willingly wanted out of that world.

Marina nodded. Alex was right. Once she was in, she would have to make it work. There was no going back. If she got out again, she would be a target for the rest of her life. Not only targeted by her own family, but by all the other Cabal families.

Are you happy? Shane suddenly asked. Her look entirely serious. Marina looked at her friend. She hadnt expected this question. Was she happy? When was the last time she had been happy? Was it with Francesca? No, Francesca had only offered her a way to move on from her family. What about Jenny? Was she happy with Jenny? She wasnt sure. It was as if her whole life had been tainted by her past. No matter how hard she had tried, it had always been there determining her choices. Had she ever been happy? She wasnt sure. Had she ever been free? Not really. Perhaps true freedom would lead to true happiness.

No. Alex could see the turmoil behind Marinas eyes. She didnt envy her position. It seemed like a damned if you do, damned if you dont situation. She was glad the two of them could be there for her. She knew what it was like to make tough life altering decisions, and shed always hated making them on her own.

Maybe its time to stop running from your destiny Alex thought out loud. Our past defines who we are. No matter how hard we try to make our own decisions, they are always tainted by the past. She looked up at the woman sitting opposite them.

Maybe this is your rightful position and its time you take it. Marina seemed to be contemplating Alex words.

What if youre wrong? Shane twirled the beer bottle in her hands. She couldnt really imagine Marina as a major crime lord. But then again she had never even thought Marina would be the daughter of one. She hated to see her friend go through all of this, but a part of her thought it was really cool. Not only did Marina have a family, but now she had the opportunity to make a difference in the world. Granted it wasnt the most ideal of situations.

What if were right? she finally spoke. Marina looked at Shane. She knew it didnt matter if they were right or wrong. She had to try or she would always wonder what could have been. Wonder is she could ever have been happy.

****

Are you going on another vacation? Dana asked innocently. Marina shook her head.

No, Dana. My father passed away recently.

Im so sorry, Marina. Tina put her hand on Marinas arm trying to offer some comfort. The other girls also started to offer their condolences, but Marina waved them away.

My father and I werent exactly on the best of terms. He didnt approve of my uhm lifestyle. She paused getting her story straight in her head. The last thing she wanted was to say the wrong thing and be forced to tell the whole truth.

He wrote me a letter telling me he regretted casting me out. Hes left me his business to try and make up for it. Alice looked at Marina stunned. Shed never heard anything about Marinas family. Not from her or from Francesca. And now not only did they find out Marinas father had died, but also that hed had a business.

What kind of business? Marina smiled. She had expected this question and had decided to stay as vague as possible.

Its an import export business in Florence.

Does this mean youre moving to Italy? Marina shook her head again.

No, Im going to set up an LA office. Of course I will have to go to Italy on a regular basis, but I will manage things from here. Plans for the LA office had already been put into action. The site had been selected and Marina and Alex had been sifting through personnel records to gather the most reliable and trustworthy staff to support Marina through the day to day operations. The decision for an LA office had been easy. If Marina was going to dive in head first, it might as well be in the city she was most comfortable in. Of course trips to Florence were inevitable. Otherwise the operations of her siblings would become obscure to her.

Oh, Dana said. Suddenly she remembered something. What about the Planet? Marina smiled. Theyd spent a lot of time discussing this and had finally come up with an unexpected but perfect solution.

Well, the good news is that now I can buy Francescas half of the Planet. The only problem is that I will not have the time to run it. Marina paused to look at Shane. Which is why Ive decided to hire a manager. Im sure youre all going to love her.

Who is it? Alice asked impatiently. She couldnt believe Marina wasnt going to be a part of the Planet anymore. Let alone was just going to hand it over to a stranger.

Marina laughed mischievously and then pointed to Shane. Meet the new manager of the Planet, Shane McCutcheon. Alice stared at both of them incredulously.

Shanes going to be before letting out a big whoop. All the girls jumped up and started yelling and hugging Shane who seemed to be enjoying every bit of attention. When Marina had suggested it, shed been a bit nervous. She was a hairdresser. What did she know about running a business? But both Alex and Marina had promised to help her as much as they could. And what did she have to lose?

****

After Alex had shown everyone out, she sat back down next to Shane.

You ok? Shane nodded playing with the hem of Alex t-shirt.

Yeah. You think Marinas going to be ok? Alex sank back into the cushions putting her arm around Shanes shoulders and pulling her into a hug. Shane sank into the warmth of Alex body.

I dont know. I hope so. But whatever happens, her friends will always be there for her. Thats the most important thing. How about you? The new manager of the Planet.

Im going to rock that place, dude. Alex laughed.

I had no idea I was dating such a mover and shaker. Shane looked up and sat up so she could look Alex in the eyes.

As long as youre there, I can do anything. Shane kissed her softly on the lips. Alex sighed. Shane swallowed. She wanted to say the words. She had wanted to say them for a while now, but she was afraid. Afraid they would scare Alex off. Afraid she wouldnt hear them back. But she couldnt hold them back any longer.

I love you, Alex. The moment she said them, she knew she meant them. They just felt right. Alex looked at her. Then she smiled.

I love you too. dude. And she kissed Shane passionately.

****

Two days later in Florence

Marina looked at the faces gathered around the conference table. Her mother and Franco looked at her encouragingly. Paolo was deliberately avoiding her gaze. Angelina on the other hand was doing the exact opposite. She was throwing her sister hateful glances every opportunity she got. The other faces were a mixture of emotions. Dismissive faces. Disinterested faces. Grovelling faces. Marina knew that in a few weeks most of these faces would be gone. She had done her homework and she had already made a list of people she never wanted to see as a part of her business again.

Marina took a deep breath. My name is as you all know Marina Ferrer. I am the new CEO of the Ferrer Corporation. Lets start with the first point of business And she sat down at the head of the table. Her fathers position. Her position. She didnt know what the future would bring, but she knew that she had made the right decision, because this felt right.

****

Thanks everyone for all the wonderful comments. Big thank yous to myluvmarina and berks. I hope you had as much fun reading this story as I did writing it. In fact I liked it so much, Im writing another one. So if you want to read more about Alex and Shane, or about a certain exotic crime lord, or the return of the redheaded soup chef, keep looking out for HAUNTED, my new series. And just to get you psyched, heres a small excerpt from HAUNTED

Excerpt from HAUNTED

Hi. Alex looked up to see a tall good-looking brunette standing in front of her. She looked to be in her forties. Alex couldnt help but admire her form. The woman looked incredibly athletic. She had deep brown eyes and full luscious lips. Alex felt a bolt of desire shoot through her. She grinned. Just because she was taken, didnt mean shed gone blind. She leaned back lazily and looked the woman up and down letting her gaze linger a little longer on her full ***** before resting it on her face. Her mouth curved into an appreciating grin.

Hey. The woman looked visibly uncomfortable. Probably never picked up a woman before Alex thought. This could be fun. Alex was a big ***** flirt, taken or not. And she didnt feel guilty about it, because she knew Shane was the same. It actually amused her to watch women drool over her delectable girlfriend and to watch Shane play them. She knew on some level it was a little cruel, but neither she nor Shane let it go any further than playful flirting. And the women never seemed to mind their attention, especially not if they double teamed them.

Can I sit down?. Alex nodded and waved at the chair opposite her. The woman pulled it out and sat down. She was fidgeting with her purse and then decided to put it on the floor. Nervously she folded and unfolded her hands. Alex knew she should put this woman out of her misery and say something, but her discomfort was slightly amusing. Usually Alex reputation, just as Shanes, proceeded her and the women who got up the nerve to hit on her, would come on to her full force. This woman was obviously new to the scene. Suddenly the woman blurted out,

Im your mother!. For a moment Alex was speechless. She had definitely not seen that coming. She didnt know whether to laugh or call the loony bin. The woman bent down and pulled a piece of paper from her purse. She held it in her hands for a moment and then slid it across the table to Alex. Suddenly Alex didnt feel like laughing anymore. It couldnt be She picked up the paper and suddenly it was like the breath was being choked out of her. She dropped it as if it was contagious or something. What the ***** it couldnt be could it?

Alex stared at the woman in front of her. Now that she knew what she was looking for, it was obvious. The dark brown eyes. The set of her jaw. The fullness of her lips. She definitely took after her mother. For a moment she was lost for words. Her mind flashed back to all those times as a child she had prayed her mother would come save her. And now here she was in the flesh. But Alex didnt feel any joy. Nor did she feel any anger. All she felt was indifference, which saddened her more than anything. Her gaze shifted to the piece of paper in front of her. Her birth certificate. Birth mother Lucy Croft. Birth father unknown. She looked back up at the woman.

What do you want?, her voice flat. Lucy looked startled. Shed expected questions. Shed expected curiosity. Perhaps even anger. But she was unprepared for the total lack of interest her daughter was displaying. She nervously reached for a sugar packet and started grinding it between her thumb and forefinger. Struggling for words she reprimanded herself. Keep your eye on the ball, Lucy.

Its not for me. I mean, her voice faltered. She had no right asking this woman, her daughter, for anything but she didnt have a choice. Taking a deep breath she ploughed on.

My daughter, shes twelve, shes sick. I need you to donate your, she started but her voice failed her when she saw the stormy look in Alex eyes. Alex was struggling to hold on to her temper when she callously heard this woman making demands on her. No explanations. No apologies for what she had put her through. She didnt know why she felt so angry. She should have expected this from someone too self involved to not even bother to take care of their own child. Or even to make sure their child was in good hands.

Get out. Alex voice came out strained. She got up and crossed her arms defiantly. Her face was contorted in anger. Lucy stayed glued to her chair unable to get up. The sudden change in mood had thrown her completely. She couldnt understand where this rage was coming from.

GET OUT!!!, Alex practically yelled leaning her hands on the table her face mere inches away from this womans. The other patrons were staring at the two of them now. Marina and Angela had gotten up from their table and were casting each other worried glances. Angel had only seen Alex lose control like this a few times, but only in violent or threatening situations. She started to walk towards her sister.

Alex, Lucy tried again speaking softly as not to aggravate Alex further, but she was having none of it.

GET OUT!!!, Alex yelled once more and she gripped the table from underneath and threw it over with such force it crashed into the table next to theirs sending cups of coffee and cappuccino crashing to the floor.

NOW!!!. Marina and Angel rushed over keeping their distance not knowing whether to step in or not. The woman looked startled. Then she picked up her purse and got up. Halfway to the door she looked back one more time, but when she saw the hatred in Alex face, she felt fear. Quickly she walked to the door and left.

Alex was visibly shaking. She was having trouble containing her anger. Then all the other emotions came flooding through her body. Fear. Hope. Despair. Loneliness. She tried to fight back the tears, but it was too late. Pandoras box had been opened and would not be closed so easily. She sank down on her chair and let it all out. Angel rushed over and wrapped her arms around her sister. Cradling her shaking body as Alex cried all the tears, she had kept inside her for so long.